HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 03 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce WorkReady Sponsorship AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 10/9/2017
Meeting Type: Work Session
Staff Contact/Dept.: Gino Grimaldi, CMO
Staff Phone No: 541-726-3700
Estimated Time: 20 Minutes
S P R I N G F I E L D C I T Y C O U N C I L Council Goals: Community and Economic Development
and Revitalization ITEM TITLE: SPRINGFIELD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKREADY
SPONSORSHIP
ACTION REQUESTED:
Provide staff direction regarding the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
request to provide a $10,000.00 sponsorship of the WorkReady initiative.
ISSUE STATEMENT:
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has asked the City of Springfield to
consider a $10,000.00 sponsorship of the WorkReady Initiative.
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1. Letter from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce requesting support for the WorkReady Initiative
Attachment 2. WorkReady Brochure
DISCUSSION/ FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
A key component of local and regional economic development efforts is workforce
development. The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has been an active
partner in this effort and is planning to increase its efforts regarding workforce development as well as increasing its involvement in economic development activities such as the Springfield Look and sector strategies.
The major components of the WorkReady initiative are the following career ready
programs developed in conjunction with Springfield Public Schools:Middle School
Career Day (Grade 8); Career Exploration at Lane Community College (Grades 9 and 10); and Career Connect (Grades 11 and 12). The WorkReady initiative also
includes the establishment of Career and Technical Education (CTE) to advance,
enhance and grow WorkReady programs, college and career readiness, and local CTE curricula in our schools. The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s
fundraising goal for this program is $50,000. Attachments I and II provide additional information regarding the WorkReady
initiative. Should the City Council decide to proceed with the proposed $10,000 sponsorship,
fund would be made available through a budget transfer from General Fund Reserves. It is recommended that this be a one-time sponsorship.
Attachment 1, 1 of 3
Attachment 1, 2 of 3
Attachment 1, 3 of 3
Cultivating a Local Pool of Qualified Talent
City, school, and business leaders within Springfield have an intersecting vision for invigorating the local
economy, improving graduation rates, and creating a well-trained workforce. If you are committed to
engaging, cultivating and developing a local pool of skilled, qualified and career-ready talent, you are
in good company, and #WorkReady programs have your goals in mind.
A skilled, educated, and qualified workforce
is fundamental to a strong economy.
Our three core #WorkReady programs, presented in partnership with the Springfield Public Schools, include
Middle School Career Day, Career Exploration, and Career Connect. Each is an experience designed to
impart purpose and motivation on students as they explore educational and career pathways ahead of them.
AS AN EMPLOYER seeking qualified employees to grow your business, #WorkReady programs offer an
opportunity to speak with students about those opportunities, and about the skills, education and training you
are seeking to fill those jobs.
AS A COLLEGE, university, or training school recruiter, #WorkReady programs offer an opportunity to inform
students about the multitude of programs, career placement services, and financial resources available to them.
AS A STUDENT, #WorkReady programs are an opportunity to meet with respected and experienced members
of your community. These business and community leaders have extensive experience, knowledge, and expertise.
They are willing to invest their time in your success simply because they know the choices you make today will
lead to educational opportunities, good paying jobs, exciting careers, and your ability to positively impact
your community.
Economic Development
Paige Sharpe
paige@springfield-chamber.org
541-746-1651
www.springfield-chamber.org
PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS
CAREER
CONNECT
2-YEAR COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY
APPRENTICESHIPS
CERTIFICATION
DIRECT TO WORK
TECHNICAL TRAINING
INTERNSHIPS
Attachment 2, 1 of 2
Cultivating a Local Pool of Qualified Talent
MIDDLE SCHOOL CAREER DAY
Where can your organization have the most influence in shaping
a student’s future career? Middle School may be the first time a
student will encounter your company or even your industry. The
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with
Springfield Public Schools, presents the Middle School Career
Day #WorkReady program to introduce students to the multiple
career opportunities available to them moving forward.
“This target of Middle School students is perfect. They really were
engaged and ready to learn. Thank you for putting this on.
Can’t wait for next year!” - Middle School Career Day participant
CAREER EXPLORATION
Through Career Exploration, employers can impart enthusiasm and
understanding of their industry, identify skills and training required to
fill jobs in their business, and improve upon and cultivate a local pool
of highly qualified talent. Select 9th and 10th grade high school
students interested in pursuing CTE (Career Technical Education) will
have the opportunity to tour a Lane Community College department
of their choice. Students will then participate in candid round table
discussions with knowledgeable business leaders to gain insight into the
industry of their choosing.
CAREER CONNECT
Join the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the
Springfield Public Schools for Career Connect to test the
work-readiness of your future employees. During Career
Connect, students in 11th and 12th grade will interact with
local businesses to strengthen their post-graduation pathway.
Students come to Career Connect #WorkReady for your
company. During the program, you will have the opportunity to
interview students for internships, apprenticeships, and job
shadow positions.
Economic Development
Paige Sharpe
paige@springfield-chamber.org
541-746-1651
www.springfield-chamber.org
Attachment 2, 2 of 2