Larry Anglin
Mike Atkinson
Dr. Glenda Barron
Cameron Bell
Barbara Bozon
Judy Bowen Clark
Cheryl Eliano / Chris Flor
Horace Grace
Sonja Havens
Chris Healy
Cynthia Hernandez
EyalKaczur
Dr. Susan Kincannon / Dr. Marc Nigliazzo
Tama Shaw
Bill Stanford
Martha Tyroch
Ginger Watkins
Kim Wesson
Jim Yeonopolus
Directors Absent
Mary Kliewer
Bill Luther / Dr. Austin Ruiz / Carlyle Walton
Elected Officials and Ex-Officios
Lorenzo Westbrook, Fort Hood Garrison / Jose Segara, Mayor, City of Killeen
Workforce Board and Center Staff Present
Linda Angel
WendyAnn Damon
Horace Dicks / David Gibson
Jerry Haisler
Susan Kamas / Frank Minosky
Eric Putt
Sandra Russell
Guests Present
Ken Alessi, Materials Transportation Company
Ana Borchardt, Belton Economic Development Corporation
Walt Greely, American Federation of Government Employees
Jonathan Mize, Texas Workforce Commission
Tony Ramirez, Texas Veterans Commission
Victoria Thompson, Texas Veterans Commission
Anthony Triola, Office of Congressman John Carter
Stefanie Watson, Hiring Our Heroes
Call to Order, Pledge, and Chairs Report / Larry Anglin, Chair
The Board of Directors for Workforce Solutions of Central Texas held its regularly scheduled meeting at the Central Texas Workforce Center, 300 Cheyenne, Killeen, TX. Larry Anglin,Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m., noting that a quorum was present. Directors and others present pledged allegiance to the flags of the United States and Texas. Directors were asked to review the attendance record and inform staff of any corrections. No corrections were noted.
Action Items
Consent Agenda...... Anglin
Anglin called for any discussion or objection to the consent agenda which included the Workforce Board’s business meeting minutes for November 17, 2016. There being no discussion, the item was approved as presented.
Limitations on Salaries and Bonuses Paid for Executive Leadership...... Anglin
Anglin asked Susan Kamas to brief the Board on the proposed action. Kamas explained that the policy was written at the request of the Board. She noted that the language included in the policy reflects guidance provided by the Texas Workforce Commission during President George W. Bush’s administration. Providing a brief summary of the Workforce Commission rules and related Board Policy, she reported that Central Texas has been and remains in compliance. Motion to approve by Sonja Havens. Second by EyalKaczur. All in favor.
Special Presentations
Economic Development Updates...... Cynthia Hernandez, Executive Director
Belton Economic Development Corporation, and
Ginger Watkins, Executive Director, Cameron Industrial Foundation
Cynthia Hernandez, Executive Director, Belton Economic Development Corporation (EDC), began by explaining that Belton’s central location provides opportunities for promoting business in the city. She noted that the population of the MSA when combined with the annual job growth, location on Interstate 35, and lower cost of living makes it attractive to relocating and expanding businesses. Hernandez explained that the entire MSA population is important because the population equates to the potential labor force.
After reviewing the Belton EDC mission statement, Hernandez provided background information noting that the organization is a Type A Corporation which means that a ½ cent sales tax goes to the EDC in Belton. She also explained that the EDC is governed by a 5 member Board of Directors and the Board and City Council approve the budget. Hernandez explained the overall structure which included a staff of two with a half-time position about to be added. She also presented a brief review of her current Board members. Explaining a Type A Corporation, Hernandez explained the types of projects that could be done and the ways funding could be used stressing the importance of creating jobs or opening an avenue for development.
Providing a brief history of the Belton Economic Development Corporation, Hernandez explained that early projects focused on the Belton Industrial Park which was later expanded into the Belton Business Park with “shovel ready” property. She reported that the Belton Business Park currently has 25 industrial businesses with a related employee base. Hernandez noted that the area has infrastructure improvements, wastewater improvements, and road extensions.
Regarding business recruitment, Hernandez explained that they receive referrals from the Governor’s office. She explained that the Central Texas Area is marketed jointly through the Grand Central Texas Economic Development Partnership which helps through coordination of trade shows and shared costs.
Hernandez then reviewed the industries being targeted by the Belton EDC. She noted that factors such as earnings, property income, taxes, and gross regional product help to drive the decision making process. The top six industries identified were:
- Food Manufacturing,
- Primary Metal Manufacturing,
- Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing,
- Transportation Equipment Manufacturing,
- Warehousing and Storage, and
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.
Hernandez explained that Type A organizations cannot offer incentives to retail companies. However, they can provide infrastructure support. She described several cost sharing initiatives including work on Sparta Road, FM93/Taylors Valley Road, and the Belton Business Park. Describing the overall success of ongoing activities she noted that the City of Belton has recently created a position for a Retail Coordinator.
In closing, Hernandez described plans to move the Belton EDC to a new location. She also explained that the EDC inherited the Rockwool Property which has been remodeled. Hernandez explained that the next step is to find interested businesses. She then reviewed a residential growth map explaining its relationship to business retention and expansion. Hernandez ended her presentation with an internet based video highlighting key feature and amenities that are important to current and incoming businesses and residents.
Ginger Watkins, Executive Director, Cameron Industrial Foundation, began with an internet-based video highlighting the City of Cameron’s and Milam County’s assets. The video described the City of Cameron as having a population of 5,500 in a County of 24,000.
Watkins explained that she moved to Cameron in 2002 after living in Austin. Acknowledging the difference pace between the two areas, she noted that Cameron/Milam County has attained a positive momentum over the last three years that they are building upon economically.
Specific to the Cameron Industrial Foundation, Watkins explained that the organization is a Type B Corporation. She noted that under this model incentives can be paid for retail with funding provided through a half-cent sales tax. Watkins reported that the sales tax revenue has increased by 20% over the last five years which increased the EDC budget from approximately $220,000 to over $300,000 in 2016.
Watkins described building permits as an indicator of economic growth. Using specific examples, she explained how the area grew the number of businesses and residential areas. She noted that the area garnered $4.7 million in building permits in 2016 with a total of over $25.5 million between 2011 and 2016. Watkins reported that jobs grew by 4.7% during the same timeframe in spite of the Alcoa closure. She identified, as one example, Charlotte Pipe as a business that contributed more economically but also to job growth; Charlotte Pipe had a $11 million expansion that added 12 jobs.
Moving to target industries, Watkins reported that Cameron/Milam County’s target industries were advanced manufacturing, back office/administration, specialty agriculture, and magnet development. She discussed the local poultry-hatchery which ships live poultry through the U.S. Mail system noting that the business is one of the top three poultry producers in the nation. Watkins also discussed 44 Farms at 44steaks.com which is one of the largest producers of Angus in the state of Texas and “the best steaks anywhere.” Regarding magnet development, she explained that the area primarily focused on tourist development.
Regarding strategies being used by the Cameron Industrial Foundation, Watkins provided specific examples such as Charlotte Pipe which involved no cash incentives, but tax abatement and tax abatement for items shipped out of the state. She explained the overall process which follows three steps:
- Grow ‘em – retention and expansion,
- Show ‘em – magnet development highlighting the “spirit of Cameron,” and
- Build ‘em – new and unique business development.
- Business recruitment,
- Continued development of “The Yards of Cameron,”
- Improved first impressions,
- Improved/maintained infrastructure and assets, and
- Build on/embrace the “spirit” of Cameron.
Strategic Plan 2017-2020...... Linda Angel, Director, Transformation and Effectiveness
Linda Angel, Director, Transformation and Effectiveness, provided an overview of the information that would be included in the Strategic Plan for 2017-2020. She reviewed the timeline for specific activities noting that the Plan would be available for public review for 30 days beginning on January 23rd and ending on February 23rd. An
gel drew attention to a newly developed Career Progression Framework and encouraged review and comment. Regarding next steps, Angel explained that the February 23rd Workforce Board Business meeting would include an action item for Board approval and opportunity for Public Comment regarding the Strategic Plan.
Workforce Activities Briefings / Susan Kamas, Executive Director
Susan Kamas, Executive Director, asked Killeen Mayor Jose Segarra to discuss his experience at the Conference of Mayors in Washington DC. Mayor Segarra acknowledged the event as a vital resource for learning about the best ideas around the United States. He noted that there was a strong interest around infrastructure explaining that the new administration wants cities to be in control of revitalization. The Mayor also described “smart cities” which use innovative, efficient ways to provide services for citizens. He explained, as one example, that smart meters eliminate the need for meter readers and improve overall reading accuracy. Stressing the value of the Conference of Mayors, Mayor Segarra reported that he pays his own way to attend. He noted that the Conference of Mayors is an important resource for finding grants for cities and hearing about future-oriented opportunities. As specific examples he described presentations including:
- Autonomous vehicles with no driver presented by Bill Ford, the grandson of Henry Ford; and
- Walkable Cities, a book and concept, written and presented by Jeff Speck.
Kamas discussed the Workforce Development Council of the Conference of Mayors. Describing the important work being done, she highlighted, as one example, the Council’s summer jobs for youth focus including a search for private funding options. Kamas also reported that Secretary Perez attend the Workforce Development Council meeting to thank the Workforce professionals for their contributions.
On the national level, Kamas drew attention to the President’s proposed budget. She reported that it eliminated all Department of Labor funded training programs. Regarding the potential impact, Kamas explained that the budget would reduce the local budget by approximately $5.5 million adding that the 27% reduction would mean a reduction in force by 27 of the 75 Workforce Center staff and 1 or 2 of the 11 Board staff. Kamas pointed out that the proposed budget also eliminated Head Start. Explaining the call to action issued by the Conference of Mayors, Kamas reported that the budget, which still has to go through Congress, was based on recommendations from a 2009 Heritage study that did not reflect the current workforce environment. Board members stressed that the budget is likely to be changed and questioned whether the study was based on results from states other than Texas. Kamas explained that new legislation is in place that closely aligns with the Texas model.
Drawing attention to reports from the Texas Workforce Commission, Kamas referenced Washington Updates and the Texas Legislative Updates provided in Board materials. She acknowledged the Tarrant County Workforce Area noting that it would be acknowledged by the National Association of Workforce Boards with the “Trail Blazer” Award at the national conference in March. Kamas also drew attention to a monitoring results letter from the Texas Workforce Commission. She thanked Horace Dicks for working to ensure a clean report and Cameron Bell for reducing the overall review cycle time.
Local updates included formal congratulations from the Texas Association of Business and Best Companies Group for being selected as one of the Best Companies to Work For In Texas. Kamas noted that the letters included information about the awards ceremony on March 23rd at the Sheraton in Austin. She asked Board members interested in attending the ceremony to let her know. Kamas then reviewed letters describing:
- Central Texas College’s application for a new workforce education program, Accounting Technician; and
- Confirmation that Texas Government Code §2308.253(c) and (g) designates Workforce Boards as the one-stop operators and gives them responsibility for procuring workforce service providers.
- #1 statewide for the Youth Inspiration and Career Awareness Award with a check for $100,000;
- #1 statewide for the Workforce Investment Act/Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; Kamas explained that Central Texas has ranked at the top three levels of this award since the beginning of the Workforce Investment Act;
- #1 in Workforce Investment Act/Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act training related placements for our budget quartile; Kamas explained that this award included a check for $30,000.
Shoemaker which raised scholarship funds for Texas A&M University Central Texas. Kamas explained that the goal was to raise $25,000; however, the goal was far exceeded at least tripling the original target.
Other local updates included recognition of:
- Temple College’s Anniversary event,
- Selection of Cynthia Hernandez as Chair for the Grand Central Texas Economic Development Partnership,
- A Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce sponsored fundraiser honoring Representative and Mrs. Jimmie Don Aycock, and
- A graduation ceremony for veterans completing all of the requirements from the Bell County Veterans Court.
Workforce Centers Updates / Jerry Haisler, Workforce Centers Director
Jerry Haisler, Workforce Centers Director, provided an update regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation transition. He explained that eight staff would be collocated in the Workforce Center in Killeen noting that, unlike other Workforce programs, they would not be integrated with other staff and services. Stressing the degree to which the staff and programs would be separated, Haisler reported that they would have separate T-1 and computer systems with the Texas Workforce Commission software rather than use software packaging/imaging that is consistent across the local Workforce system.
Related to the Vocational Rehabilitation move, Haisler explained that the Veterans Service section in the Workforce Center in Killeen is being reconfigured. Noting that bids are being developed for the renovation, he introduced Tony Ramirez, Regional Director for Veterans Services with the Texas Veterans Commission.