SW ABE-Marshall Region Building Strength Plan

December 7, 2007 Meeting

Top Results

I. Develop a Marketing Plan

Staff willing to work in this area: Karen Neece, Barb Glaeser, Pat Thomas; Pat has requested Barb Berkenpas to help develop this plan.

Leadership to write plan

Staff ownership through input

Ideas from staff on a weekly basis (starting NOW!); Ideas could be posted on weekly updates; outcomes of ideas also could be posted; this would allow for feedback

Feedback

Priorities

Measurements

Review & Revise plan

Time frames

Identify free media sources

Success stories – ABE website

Measure results; celebrate accomplishments

EVERYONE HAS SOME MARKETING RESPONSIBILITY – EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING TO OFFER!!

II. Computer Classes – target specific groups

Staff willing to work in this area: Char Graff, Emma Volz, Bonnie Nielsen

Example Target Groups

  • Farmers
  • Seniors Citizens
  • Parents,
  • Service Organizations (Lions, Rotary, Women of Today etc.)
  • Young Adults who did not have training in high school

Ways to outreach to these groups

  • RSVP
  • Green Thumb
  • AdultCommunity Center
  • HyVee Trader
  • Western Community Action – volunteer program
  • Farmers’ Elevators
  • Cenex
  • Machine Business
  • Peach section of paper
  • Time to Trade – KMHL/KLGR radio stations
  • Farm & Tractor Trader
  • Township meetings
  • FSA
  • FCS

III. Classes that target a specific job skill (e.g. at BH Electronics)

Staff willing to work in this area: Paula Gimmestad, Lacey Carlson, Vickie Radloff

Example Skills

  • Measuring
  • Fractions
  • Recipes
  • Reading for content

Meet with business HR department(s) to determine common skills that are lacking in applicants

Hold “After Hours” during the day – with refreshments – introduce business to what we can offer

IV. Financial Literacy Partnership with Banks

Staff willing to work in this area: Lois Schmidt

  • Agency leaders need to connect & plan
  • Start with basic concepts
  • Find a “good” name for class
  • Recruit from targeted groups vs open enrollment
  • Determine topics/ plan topics – survey banks to determine – counting money/making change
  • Be aware of cultural differences in the world of finances
  • Develop a good curriculum that will take into account student backgrounds
  • Find a credible instructor with expertise in this area
  • Space
  • Materials
  • Incentives
  • As new accounts are opened, refer to class
  1. Develop plan for specialized classes

Staff willing to work in this area: Paulette Hanson, Deb Sodemann

  • Survey to find interests – e.g. car maintenance, CNA, possibly get job descriptions from employers
  • Determine class – length etc
  • Find competent instructor with expertise
  • Determine student level for success in the class
  • Location
  • SWMN careers website to determine careers
  • Mobile computer labs – take to small town coffee shops

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