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Dubuque Works 2012 Annual ReportG January 8, 2013 Michael C. Van Milligen City of Dubuque 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Dear Mike: eaterDubuque Less than four short years ago, the Greater Dubuque community was in need of streamlined and effective workforce strategies to meet the demand of existing employers and future prospects. The City of Dubuque, Mystique Casino and Dubuque County generously funded the collaborative effort that is now known as "Dubuque Works ". This regional partnership has brought employers, investors, workforce experts, and educators together to lock arms and share the vision of becoming a model community for innovative workforce solutions. The enclosed Dubuque Works Annual Report highlights bits and pieces of the work that has been accomplished over the past four years. This past September, Iowa Workforce Development released an analysis of the Greater Dubuque Laborshed. Our regions #1 recruiting tool, AccessDubuqueiobs.com, once again outperformed recruiting powerhouse Monster.com by a margin of 2 -to -1 in our laborshed area. This speaks volumes to the 122 employers who invest in this workforce initiative and further validates our community's commitment to workforce recruitment. For a comprehensive look at the 2012 Laborshed Analysis, go to http:// www. greaterdubuque .org /workforce_custom.cfm. As 2013 begins, Dubuque is better prepared to meet the changing workforce needs of our local economy. Our work is far from complete, but we have made significant strides. Today, "Dubuque Works" has not only built trust among partners and the community for which it serves, it has impacted thousands of individuals. We are humbled to be a partner and appreciate your commitment to building a skilled workforce for the future. Sincerely, Sarah Harris Vice President of Workforce Solutions 300 Main Street, Suite 120, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 www.greaterdubuque.org e= savage gddc @greaterdubuque.org phone 563.557.9049 fax 563.557.1059 I 2012 annual repo dubuque rt a workforce initiative dubuque a workforce initiative RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY... Dubuque Works was awarded top honors by the Mid - America Economic Development Council (MAEDC) for the collaborative efforts of its seven local partners in addressing workforce issues and developing innovative solutions to overcome workforce challenges. Their economic development awards competition recognizes and stimulates the creative use of quality marketing by economic development organizations throughout the ten - state, Mid - America region in promoting their respective communities. GreaterDubuque / ■ COMMUNITY FOUNDATION aNORTHEAST IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER Iowa WORKS Northeast Iowa table of contents Our Funding Partners Dear Dubuque Works Supporter Recruiting & Retaining a Talented Workforce Improving the Image of Skilled Trades Connecting Students to Employment 1 ,il� -,��� Training & Career Development Iowa WORKS & Northeast Iowa Community College Building Bridges to Employment Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque ROY D. BUOL [ Mayor ] CITY OF DUBUQUE "The City of Dubuque is proud to support Dubuque Works and the vital services this partnership is providing. Workforce development is a critical component of our community's sustainability and prosperity and requires a collaborative approach and continued support." JESUS AVILES [ President & CEO ] MYSTIQUE CASINO "Effective business leaders understand that human capital is their most important asset; it is also the only true core competency. As we integrate our new hires into our community, the talented and dedicated professionals of Dubuque Works make our jobs so much easier. I applaud their efforts and dedication!" DARYL KLEIN [ Chair] DUBUQUE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS "We are proud to support the Dubuque Works partners in their effort to recruit and retain a talented workforce. Their collaborative approach to workforce development is both unique nationally and effective locally. The ripple effect of Dubuque Works is felt throughout Dubuque County." 4 I DUBUQUE WORKS a workforce initiative 1HE CITY DUB Masterpiece on the Mississippi MYSTIQUE C A S I N O DEAR dubuque works SUPPORTER, Three short years ago, our community was in need of streamlined and effective workforce solutions to meet the demand of existing employers and future prospects. Dubuque Works partners stepped up to the challenge - collaborating under one umbrella and approaching workforce issues from many angles to address local needs. Today, the group has not only built trust among partners and the community in which they serve, they have impacted thousands of individuals through their work. Much has been accomplished in the past three years of collaboration, and this document highlights bits and pieces of the work that has been completed; however; numbers cannot ultimately define the group's success. It became immediately apparent that the work being done by Dubuque Works had many life- changing success stories that go far beyond what is on paper— touching the lives of many high school and college students as they make career decisions, connecting talented job seekers from across the country to local employers, helping newcomers explore the community they will call home for years to come and helping those that are down on their luck receive a fresh start in life. Although quantitative results are important, it is the unexpected and intangible successes that instill the greatest sense of accomplishment. As technology in the workplace grows, the need for talented human capital becomes even more critical. The workforce of our future is not built tomorrow, but today. Dubuque Works continues to proactively recruit, relocate, retain and train the workforce that will shape our community for decades to come. Presi�- Greater Dubuque Development Corporation 5 DUBUQUE WORKS annual report 2012 Sarah Harris Vice President of Workforce Solutions, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Shannon Gaherty Newcomer Relations Coordinator, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Joan Schuster Recruitment Specialist Telegraph Herald RECRUITING & RETAINING a talented workforce ACCESSDUBUQUEJOBS.COM • AccessDubuqueJobs.com, the region's cutting -edge recruitment website, received top honors from the Mid - America Economic Development Council for its role in assisting millions of job seekers in their search for Dubuque area jobs, while also enhancing local employers' ability to attract qualified talent. • AccessDubuqueJobs.com launched a Facebook page to increase site traffic through social media. By following AccessDubuqueJobs.com on Facebook, individuals have access to job- seeker tips, community information and the ability to receive mobile job postings in the Greater Dubuque area. In 2012, AccessDubuqueJobs.com averaged over 100,000 visitors per month and hosted 2,500+ resumes for individuals who wish to live and work in the Greater Dubuque area. The Telegraph Herald implemented several key site enhancements to AccessDubuqueJobs.com, creating a more user - friendly interface for job seekers and employers. • A new workforce video was released for distribution in both print and online relocation guides utilized by local employers for recruitment. The video highlights AccessDubuqueJobs.com as the gateway to employment opportunities in the Tri -State area. Greater Dubuque Development Corporation attended 10 career fairs throughout Iowa and Wisconsin promoting AccessDubuqueJobs.com and the job opportunities of local employers. Like AccessDubuqueJobs on facebook® 6 I DUBUQUE WORKS a workforce initiative investor GROWTH u „i 116 EMPLOYERS ARE TALKING... "We get a ton of hits from posting jobs on AccessDubuqueJobs.com and it's extremely easy to use and navigate. From an HR standpoint, I love being able to see how may people have viewed the ads we have posted. Our most recent job was viewed by over 1,000 people! Great exposure!” "When we post on AccessDubuqueJobs.com we have qualified applicants within the hour, with both local and national job - seekers. The site is our primary recruiting tool in the Greater Dubuque area." AccessDubuquefobs.corn has been critical to our company's recruiting plan. What a benefit to know thatyou can upload your position to just one place, and then watch the resume and candidates come in." RELOCATION GUIDE • The Relocation Guide, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation's community recruiting package, is sent nationally and internationally to individuals considering relocation to the Greater Dubuque area. A total of 642 Relocation Guides were sent around the world in 2011. NEWCOMER SERVICES • Since the inception of the Newcomer Relations program in the spring of 2009, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation has worked with local businesses to help recruit, relocate and retain potential and existing employees. Assisted 420 candidates in 2011 with relocation needs and more than 1,045 candidates since 2009. Partnered with 81 businesses representing many sectors of the business community including: A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing Company, Cottingham & Butler Insurance Inc., Peninsula Gaming, Flexsteel Industries Inc., IBM, John Deere Dubuque Works, The McGraw -Hill Companies, Medical Associates Clinic & Health Plans, Prudential, Rentech Energy Midwest Corporation, The Finley Hospital, University of Dubuque and more. Provided 161 personal tours of the community. Tracked and maintained a rental database of available housing which is updated monthly and distributed to those looking to relocate to the area. In the hope of removing any barriers to a welcoming experience in Dubuque, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation offered its signature Welcoming Program, Distinctively Dubuque, at no charge to participants in 2012. Facilitated four, sold -out, sessions of Distinctively Dubuque, the area's premier welcoming and retention program in 2011. COMMENTS FROM DISTINCTIVELY DUBUQUE PARTICIPANTS... "I enjoyed Distinctively Dubuque tremendously. It is amazing all the life that goes on in this city. I don't think I would have been able to find a better place to come, enjoy life and raise my daughter." "Knowing what goes on at the higher education institutes tells a lot about the community itself. I can see the city is very vibrant: a word I rarefy use but identifies very well with Dubuque." "I enjoyed being able to relax and chat with new friends, learning about places and seeing them in person. This program helped me create a network I would not have had otherwise." "It really doesn't matter ifyou just moved here, lived hereyour entire life or are a "'boomeranger, "Distinctivey Dubuque can benefit all; I am one person that it has definitely helped ." GreaterDubuque Contact Sarah Harris at: 563.557.9049 / sarah @greaterdubuque.org www.greaterdubuque.org Contact Shannon Gaherty at: 563.557.9049 / shannong@greaterdubuque.org www.greaterdubuque.org Contact Joan Sc!lustar at: 563.588.5765 / jschuster @wcinet.com www.thonline.com 7 DUBUQUE WORKS annual report 2012 Kelly Cooper Executive Director, Dubuque Area Labor - Management Council IMPROVING THE IMAGE of skill ed trades HIGH SCHOOL CAREER EXPLORATION A new Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Exploring Post was created in the Fall. Nine students, from sophomores to seniors, attended the six evening after school programs. The programs were held at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), Bodine Electric, Decker Precision Machining and A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing Company. • High School Career Days were held at Hempstead and Senior High Schools in which 70 classes learned about a variety of careers throughout the region. • Additional careers were added to AccessMyFuture.com. The website continues to be marketed through Facebook advertising, print advertising and career exploration events. The website is a collaborative effort shared with East Central Intergovernmental Association. CAREER AND TECHNICAL FAIR • Over 500 students from eight area schools attended the Career & Technical Fair held at the Grand River Center on November 15th and 16th. • Eight manufacturing and construction careers were highlighted including: Virtual Technology, CNC Operators, Carpentry, Plumbers and Fitters, Welding, Construction Management, Electricians, and Engineering. • Eight health care careers were highlighted including: Radiologist; Home Health Aide; Clinical Nurse; Hospital Nurse; Pharmacist; Laboratory Technician; and Respiratory, Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapists. Information Technology was converted to a hands -on event. Students participated in a software and hardware challenge. Woodward Communications Inc., Dubuque Data Services Company, John Deere Dubuque Works and McKesson Corporation assisted students with the activities. 8 I DUBUQUE WORKS a workforce initiative MANUFACTURERS AND DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP • A new committee, consisting of local manufacturers, representatives from Dubuque Community Schools, and NICC, was formed to discuss workforce needs. • The committee assisted in creating a new Machine Operations class at Hempstead and Senior High Schools. High school teacher training is also being provided to educate faculty on the equipment used at NICC and in the industry. Alumni from Hempstead and Senior High Schools have been highlighted on posters promoting careers in advanced manufacturing. The alumni are now working for employees such as Decker Precision Machining, John Deere Dubuque Works and Giese Companies. Science and industrial technology teachers toured local advanced manufacturing facilities to learn more about the industry. INDUSTRY TOURS • Freshmen and Sophomore Project Lead the Way (PLTW) students from Western Dubuque High School toured Bodine Electric and Premier Tooling & Manufacturing to learn more about the manufacturing process. • Junior and Senior PLTW students from Western Dubuque High School toured the John Deere Dubuque Works factory and virtual reality lab. • EIMCo and Bodine Electric hosted the Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates students from Hempstead High School for a company tour. • Students from the Jo Carroll Vocational Center traveled to John Deere Dubuque Works to learn more about the manufacturing process. Cc 563.582.8804 / kellycooper @dalmc.net www.dalmc.com CONNECTING STUDENTS to employment INTERNSHIP CONNECT • Internship Connect recruited over 75 businesses to create and post internships on AccessDubuqueJobs.com. Complimentary internship postings are offered for all employers. • The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism hosted a Total Internship Management Workshop featuring Alexandria Levitt, author, presidential advisor and generational expert. The event sold out to 50 individuals representing 32 businesses. ENHANCING COLLEGE TO EMPLOYMENT CONNECTIONS • Classroom presentations on "Standing Out" were conducted on a semester basis to give students insight on resume and interview readiness. Standing Out encompasses tips and observations from local hiring professionals on how to impress and intrigue a potential employer on paper and in person. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism distributed over 1,500 DBQ 101 guides to incoming and transfer students. These community resource guides highlight services for students new to the area as well as useful web resources including DubuqueChamber.com, FYPDubuque.org, AccessDubuqueJobs.com, GreaterDubuque.org, CityofDubuque.org, AccessDubuque.com, and AccessMyFuture.com. DUBUOIJE AREA CHAMBER antelnsl ipconnect leatn.intern. employ. Contact the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism at: 563.557.9200 / office@dubuquechambercom www.dubuquechambercom 9 DUBUQUE WORKS annual report 2012 Melissa Rakow Community Development Director, Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce & Touism Peggy Murray Business Marketing Specialist, Iowa WORKS Wendy Knight Executive Director of Business & Community Solutions, Northeast Iowa Community College TRAINING & CAREER development YOU'RE HIRED! The third annual "You're Hired!" event was held on October 6, 2011 with over 75 job seekers in attendance. Twelve Human Resource (HR) professionals from the community participated as panel members or facilitators providing tips and insights to job seekers on today's job market (skills, resumes and interview process). NATIONAL CAREER READINESS CERTIFICATE (NCRC) The NCRC is a validated credentialing tool for businesses to use as a part of their recruitment and hiring screening process or for incumbent employee promotion. The NCRC gives job seekers the opportunity to validate their core employability workplace skills in the areas of: Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information and Locating Information. • Over 60 businesses in the region have signed a letter of agreement to support the NCRC workforce initiative. • NCRC is being integrated into training for high - growth middle - skills jobs in the community including: machine operators, CNC operators and other career and technical skills education. 95% of students in the Advanced Manufacturing CNC pilot achieved their NCRC. 417 high school students completed their NCRC testing with 79% achieving their NCRC credential. BUSINESS WORKFORCE ALLIANCE The Iowa WORKS Business Workforce Alliance continues to meet bi- annually in the spring and fall. The Alliance members receive updates on workforce trends and business services; provide feedback on recruitment challenges, education and training needs; and share ideas to assist in meeting the workforce needs of our business community. As a result of this year's event, Iowa WORKS partnered with Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) to offer an advanced manufacturing sector job fair. Business and job seeker attendance and feedback was extremely positive. 10 DUBUQUE WORKS a workforce initiative CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS A new non - credit certificate training program offered by NICC aims to increase the skill levels of available employees by training over 200 individuals in the next 18 -24 months in the manufacturing and IT sectors. Partners include Dubuque Works, Dubuque Community Schools, East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA), Iowa Works, NICC and Project H.O.P.E. Scholarships to cover the cost of tuition for the training are supported by Dubuque Works, ECIA and Iowa Works. 20 individuals were accepted into the first pilot training program. Of the 19 participants who successfully completed training, nearly all will be employed with employee partners while the remaining have chosen to continue on to earn a degree at NICC. The pilot class graduated on May 22, 2012. An orientation for the second round of the certificate program was held May 30th at the NICC Peosta Campus Conference Center with 64 individuals in attendance. Attendees learned about the welding, modern manufacturing and CNC professions; met representatives from employer partners; toured facilities and learned about the application process for acceptance into Welding, Intro to Modern Manufacturing or CNC training programs. Iowa WORKS NORTHEAST IOWA Uortheast Iowa NATIONAL. CAREER REARINE s CERTnGTE' Contact Peggy Murray at 563.556.5895 x130 j peggy.murray @iwd.iowa.gov www.iowaworks.org Contact Wendy Knight at: 563.557.8271 J knightw @nicc.edu www.nicc.edu BUILDING BRIDGES to employment PROJECT H.O.P.E. Project H.O.P.E. works to improve inter - agency collaboration systems and reduce policy /program barriers to service, or simply, make the system easier to access and navigate, in order to connect disengaged youth and adults to education and employment opportunities. SUPPORTING WORKING FAMILIES • To improve access to childcare within the community, Project H.O.P.E. partnered with Resources Unite to develop a child care service mapping project and website that helps working families and employers connect to child care. In May of 2012, a site launched that features a searchable directory of child care providers and information to support working parents. The Circles Initiative, an innovative model now in its third year, encompasses Bridges out of Poverty, Getting Ahead in a Just - Gettin' -By World and Circles. The initiative helps low- income families create more stable, secure lives by connecting to the middle class. • 2 completed circles, 4 active circles and 8 more beginning in summer of 2012. Bridges Out of Poverty builds a more welcoming community by teaching middle -class individuals about the hidden rules of each socio- economic class and how these differences can be barriers to communication. More than 100 people were trained in 2011. Getting Ahead in a Just - Gettin' -By World is a curriculum that helps low income families learn the hidden rules of the middle -class in order to create more stable secure lives. • 52 individuals participated in Getting Ahead in a Just - Gettin'-By World; 40 graduated from the program. • Four now participate in the Circles Program that provides continued support and connections to resources for Getting Ahead in a Just- Gettin' -By World graduates. FINANCIAL LITERACY Project H.O.P.E. supported the Earned Income Tax Credit program facilitated by Operation New View. The project helped low- income individuals in Dubuque receive $223,961 in federal income tax refunds. Bank On offers low and moderate income residents free or low -cost checking accounts and access to financial education. Access to a bank or credit union account can help residents avoid costly alternative financial services (check cashers, payday lenders, pawn shops and rent - to -own stores) and enable families to build and protect their assets. Bank On established new accounts for 55 families in 2011. OPPORTUNITY DUBUQUE In support of our objective to improve collaboration and connect disengaged youth and adults to employment opportunities, Project H.O.P.E. facilitates a dedicated set of partners who work together to address the skills gap facing employers and the unemployed. The partners include, Dubuque Works, Dubuque Community Schools, East Central Intergovernmental Association, Iowa Works, and Northeast Iowa Community College. Together, these partners have successfully launched Opportunity Dubuque, an initiative that takes a dual customer approach, that meets the needs of employers and unemployed workers by providing scholarships, training and connections to manufacturing employers. Today, Project H.O.P.E. continues to facilitate the effort and identifies ongoing funding for scholarships and other costs through its partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. COMMUNr t FouNDAnoN PROTECT HOPE Contact Eric Dregne at: 563.588.2700 / eric@dbqfoundation.org www.dbqfoundation.org 11 I DUBUQUE WORKS annual report 2012 Eric Dregne Vice President of Programs, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque funding partners THE CITY OF DUB co Masterpiece on the Mississippi MYSTIQUE C A S I N O i