RD317 - Virginia Workforce Council 2010-2011 Annual Report


Executive Summary:
It is my distinct honor, as chairman of the Virginia Workforce Council, to convey to you its 2010-2011 Annual Report.

The Virginia Workforce Council is directed by the Code of Virginia to advise the governor on the workforce training needs of the Commonwealth. It serves as the state Workforce Investment Board in compliance with the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The Council is led by a majority of business representatives appointed by the governor, as well as key leaders from all sectors of workforce and economic development, local and state government.

In this report, you will find stories of hope, innovation and achievement that have transpired over the past fiscal year. Unique programs—such as On Ramp, Middle College, Career Coaches, Project GATE, AmeriCorps and On the Job Re-employment—were implemented with the combined resources of community colleges, workforce boards, businesses and regional partners to create opportunities for jobs and prosperity.

We particularly feature the success of the $300,000 in WIA incentive funds that this Council awarded to four regional career pathway partners, fostering local coordination and regional collaboration. A committee of this Council carefully analyzed applications from local workforce areas before making these investments. The Council is pleased with the progress made with projects that are models for the nation.

You will note in this synopsis of workforce activity, the magnitude of business closures or downsizing actions that were responded to in rapid fashion. More than 100 notices were received and more than 9,000 workers affected by dislocations.

We include the detailed performance outcomes accomplished in the 15 local workforce investment areas across the state that serve youth, adults and dislocated workers as well as those facing additional barriers to employment, such as returning veterans, persons with disabilities, ex-offenders and non-English speaking citizens, to name a few.

The Commonwealth continues to face the same challenges we see across the nation in terms of high rates of unemployment, real estate foreclosures and a struggling economy. This annual report, however, reflects the great spirit of cooperation and collaboration that all workforce partners are undertaking and will remain vigilant about, in pursuing an ideal quality of life for all and the promise of a brighter future.

You can be assured the Virginia Workforce Council will be strategic and purposeful in its stewardship of the resources provided by the federal and state government to advise the governor in the most effective and efficient approach to providing an outstanding workforce for the current and future employers of the Commonwealth.

Huey J. Battle
Chairman, Virginia Workforce Council