What are the greatest opportunities for ensuring SW Washington’s workforce system meets the needs of businesses in this dynamic economy? What is the Big Hairy Audacious Goal or BHAG (as coined by James Collins and Jerry Pores in their 1996 article entitled "Building Your Company's Vision" and their book "Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies") that the SWWDC board should include in the new strategic plan?

Through a series of think tanks, data reviews and input from business leaders, community members, service providers, the SWWDC board and staff, the next five year strategic plan will look at how we can make the the region's workforce and development efforts even more effective in training and placing workers for our regional employers. The plan will be drafted over the summer, reviewed by the board and presented for public comment this fall.

"This is the third time we have asked our communities to take a hard look, and find innovative ways to move our process forward. Previous plans led the SWWDC to closely link workforce development and economic development as well as the implementation of target industry groups in health care, pulp and paper, and freight transportation. They also led to revamp of WorkSource and youth programs. We are looking for creative thinkers who can point the way to best practices and other ideas that are relevant for our region,” said SWWDC board chair Keith McPhun.

To find out more about the strategic planning process, contact SWWDC’s Brandi Stewart-Wood at 360/567-3170 or bstewart-wood@swwdc.org.

Join SWWDC and IBEW/PAC 48 as they host the Columbia River Economic Development Council's Quarterly Investors’ Luncheon by bringing Pulitzer Prize- and Emmy Award-winning journalist Hedrick Smith to speak about “Washington, the World, and Our Workforce.”

On Thursday, May 17, Smith will present a fascinating perspective on the challenges America faces today as it rising competition from highly skilled countries around the world begin to erode America’s position as a leader in the world economy. He will share inspiring strategies, gleaned from his world travels as a reporter and producer for the New York Times and Public Broadcasting System's (PBS) Frontline series, focusing on business and education partnerships and hands on, rigorous learning opportunities.

Smith's insights on the United States education system contrast with what he has observed in other countries including Europe and Asia. He points out how schools can replicate cutting-edge curriculum designed to help students improve performance in math and science and raise U.S. test scores from 19th place out of 38 nations on international tests. This is critical, not just to prove scholastic superiority, but to ensure U.S. businesses (staffed in the future by today's students), improve their competitiveness in the world market in the years to come.

Smith will also offer insight at a more local level as well including the fact that this state is bucking the national trade-deficit trend: Washington state leads the nation with a strong trade surplus with China, its largest trading partner. Exports helped create almost half of Washington's new jobs during the past 30 years. However, Washington State ranks 35th in the nation for the percentage of young adults attending college and about 30 percent of ninth graders fail to graduate on time or don't graduate at all.

"Hedrick Smith delivers a decisive message for both the education system in this country and to the business and corporate entities – change is needed on all fronts if the United States is to remain competitive in the future world marketplace. This is a presentation that will provide everyone food for thought and action," said SWWDC Executive Director Lisa Nisenfeld.

To RSVP for the May 17 lunch (cost is $30) at the Vancouver Hilton, which is sponsored by IBEW/PAC 48, call the CREDC at 694-5006 or register online at www.credc.org/event_registration.

New Cowlitz WorkSource center construction underway

It’s underway! After several years of planning, work has begun on the new Cowlitz County WorkSource Center. The new center will be located in a beautifully redesigned building (a former Safeway store) located in downtown Kelso adjacent to City Hall. The facility will feature all services needed by job seekers under one roof. There will be room for all the staff, as well as needed training space, and easy access and parking.

The state of Washington is managing the project, which is expected to open for services by the end of the year.

Educational Service District 112 was recently selected by the SWWDC Board to continue providing youth services in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties for the next three-year period.

With offices in both Longview and Vancouver, ESD 112 offers youth a variety of support and training options including drop-out prevention, alternative school, summer employment, paid and unpaid work experience, occupational skills training, leadership development opportunities, supportive services, mentoring, follow-up services, and guidance and counseling.

In 2005, the ESD 112 Youth Workforce Program received a Governor’s Award for Best Practices in Workforce Development for its career academies. The career academies combine work experience with job readiness skill development and are offered in specific career fields such as construction, health care, technology, early learning and hospitality. During the last four years, the academies have served over 400 youth in southwest Washington – with many of the participants receiving employment directly due to the skills learned in the academies.

"About a quarter of the students coming into the program are high school drop outs," stated Jeanne Bennett, the program director. "Another 70% need help with reading, writing and math to reach the appropriate grade level. And many of them also cope with serious challenges such as homelessness, court involvement, foster care, disabilities or parenting their own children."

Last year, 113 participating youth earned diplomas while 94 percent completed the program successfully, going on to work or additional education or training. The ESD 112 Youth Program has track record of meeting or exceeding federal and state performance standards.

"ESD 112 has built a strong program that teaches youth about the world of work and what it takes to succeed after high school. Through personal relationships with students and connections to a variety of community resources, the Youth Workforce Program staff has helped thousands of youth over the years complete school, develop occupational skills, and find meaning in work and education. We look forward to continued innovation and service to the youth in our three county area," said SWWDC Board Chair Keith McPhun.