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MODOC COUNTY QUARTERLY REPORT Submitted by Kelley Poindexter, Community Coordinator Modoc Employment Center |
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The bi-monthly Community Coordinator's Meeting was held in Red Bluff on January 10. The gathering entails several issues regarding community coordination efforts as well as a look at other centers and how they function. Coming from such a small population, it is always interesting to see the challenges of larger centers and how the community coordination role flexes to encompass local needs. These meetings are terrific for gathering information and great new ideas for possible implementation. I always enjoy the topics and find talking with other coordinators very helpful. The job we do is vast, challenging, fast moving and demanding. As always, when the NCEN leaders attend these meetings, the "wisdom" of the workforce development world un-folds before us. Lassen College began offering Computer courses at MEC! The classes are being offered in three sections, the first is keyboarding , then ACCESS and finishing with EXCEL. This accredited computer course is providing students with essential computer knowledge as well as college credits. MEC still offers a variety of classes as well as open access to our newly updated computer lab. FLORIDA!! Community Coordinator Kelley Poindexter and marketing specialist Laurie Wann attended a terrific conference in Orlando.
The "Journey to Excellence" conference was sponsored by the Workforce Excellence Network. It was really enlightening to meet with agency people from other states. We all have such different approaches to the same workforce development goals. My favorite session featured Kim Worlow who enlightened the attendees to how "perception" affects the services people receive. Kim has a very unique and effective method of getting her point across as she changes from her professional attire to her actual work clothing right before your eyes. Her message of perception really gets your attention. The whole conference was very informative and provided some great sessions.
The famous "Peabody" Ducks.
The Modoc Economic Vitality Workgroup submits an application for a USFS grant. With the assistance of Merle Anderson the group has attempted to secure funding for future economic infusion efforts. This funding will be used to expand current Modoc Economic Development Corporation's capacity from small business loans to a more versatile entity to better serve the current needs of Modoc county. Several potential projects and general ideas have surfaced during the meetings, including education and training, funding sources, marketing, tourism, business needs, project updates, etc.
The positive "working together" attitude is -producing a very productive environment. The group has been meeting monthly identifying local economic problems and workforce barriers. Next month the group will celebrate it's one year anniversary.
In February, C.C. Kelley Poindexter visited Trinity County C.C. Linda Morecraft. Linda and the one stop staff were wonderfully friendly people and gave a very informative tour of their facility. Along with meeting the one stop partners, ideas were shared regarding the up-coming job fairs in both counties. With Modoc's first Employer Job Expo taking place in April, questions, how-to's, and don't do's were discussed in detail. The Trinity County Economic Summit was described as an event where the whole county came together and addressed current economic and workforce issues. The idea was taken back to the Modoc Economic Vitality group, and Modoc has decided to have our own county wide Economic and Workforce Summit on May 15, 2002. Thank you Linda and staff for your expertise and hospitality.
Modoc Middle School teacher requests MEC presentation. Eighth grade teacher Mrs. Reid contacted our Community Coordinator and asked for information regarding services offered at Modoc Employment Center. Students were given job search information regarding first impressions, mistake free job apps, resumes and why you shouldn't chew gum on a job interview. The students asked several questions ranging from how to address limited work experience issues, and what type of services could we offer their family members. They were very intrigued with our multiple computer assessment tools. I was impressed with how well-behaved and receptive the students were to the whole job search/readiness concept. Modoc Economic and Workforce Summit slated for May 15, 2002. New Community Coordinator Carol Sharp joins the Modoc one-stop team. Carol has been hired to implement the summit, a big job. She is retired from the USFS, and worked in public relations. Carol graciously accepted the challenge and will be working part-time until June. She has hit the ground running and is doing a great job, making contacts, securing speakers, developing agendas, and doing it all with great style. Thanks, Carol. Modoc County Supervisor and WIB member Patricia Cantrall receives "Woman of the Year" recognition! Senator Rico Oller presented Supervisor Cantrall with a plaque at the formal ceremony at the state capitol in Sacramento on March 18, 2002. {See Lassen County Times 4/11/02 for story}
Senator Rico Oller presenting Modoc Supervisor Patricia Cantrall with "Woman of the Year" honors.
UPDATE! Klamath Basin Farmers receive irrigation water! "Let the water flow" chanted the crowd as water from Upper Klamath Lake began to flow into famous Canal A. Two of President Bush's Cabinet members, Interior Secretary Gail Norton and Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, and Senator Gordon Smith were on hand at the ceremony on March 29. Just how much water will be released and for how long is still being investigated by Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Also in the question is the proposal for a possible 10-year plan. The Fish and Wildlife concluded a final biological opinion that stated operations proposed for April 1 through May 31, weren't likely to jeopardize suckers or bald eagles. However, it did ask that the bureau install a net in front of the head gates. This would aid in the prevention of suckers or salmon being drawn into the canal. A large gathering of regional Native American tribal members protested the release of the irrigation water. The current proposed Senate Farm Bill includes a $175 million dollar aid package to assist affected farmers in economic recovery. For more information check the Herald and News website. (www.hearldandnews.com) Click on Water Journal.
Hand painted signs and lifeless fields show the distress of the Klamath Basin.
UPDATE!! BIG VALLEY SUSTAINED YIELD UNIT ASH TIMBER SALE- a little too late for the recently closed Big Valley Mill in Bieber. On March 14, the Modoc National Forest requested comments regarding the proposed timber sale. At the closing of the mill, a community meeting with Congressman Wally Herger was held. Angry local residents criticized the Forest Service for not honoring the Sustained Yield Act of 1944. This Act mandates the USFS to provide Big Valley area timber sales to support the local mills, stimulating the economy. The first objective of the Ash Timber Sale, is to provide saw log volume to the timber industry under the guidelines of the Act of 1944. Hopefully this sale will provide the necessary timber to existing mills in Lassen and Plumas counties, unfortunately, too late for the small town of Bieber and the Big Valley mill.
STUFF TO WATCH FOR IN MODOC April 13- Job Expo at Modoc Employment Center April 16 - Modoc Economic Vitality Meeting at MEC April 26 - Fourth Annual Tri-State Regional Job Fair at Modoc High School May 15 - Modoc Economic Summit - Elks Hall May 21 - Sierra College Small Business Development Center's Hospitality Training
For more information, please feel free to call Kelley at 530-233-4161 Modoc Employment Center
A note of appreciation- This Community Coordinator would like to take a moment to say "THANK YOU" to all the AFWD staff that make my job a lot easier. To Janis Trueblood who always gives me inspiration and the "want to". Marketing Coordinator Laurie Wann for all the great publicity. Lassen Community Coordinator Traci Holt who is always there to listen. Program Manager Nancy Gregg for her advise and expertise in many things. The Modoc Employment Center staff, Julie, Donna, Tracey, Amber, Sherrie and Carol, you guys are the best!! Special thanks goes to Laura Yeier of the Employment and Development Department for her professionalism and support. And of course our fearless leader who shall remain nameless due to shyness. It takes all of us to make any of us successful. Thank You!!
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