Member PortalIn this episode, NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, is joined by Leila Melendez, CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex, in El Paso, Texas. Leila shares her organization’s innovative approach to adapting national workforce mandates to meet local needs in the diverse Borderplex region. She discusses creative initiatives like NextForce, HerForce, and CareForce, which are designed to engage different workforce segments more effectively. Leila also highlights the importance of strong community partnerships in providing accessible and comprehensive services, including their successful program for transitioning military personnel.
The National Association of Workforce Boards Announces Incoming Board of Directors
Consisting of 24 workforce industry leaders who will guide NAWB through the coming year, this announcement was made today during NAWB’s Annual Member Meeting.
NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little said,
“Having leaders from local, state, and national perspectives guiding our work here at NAWB is essential for our success in supporting local and state workforce development boards… I’m excited for this new cohort of directors to join the existing Board as they bring important local perspectives and experience to inform our strategic direction.”
Lisanne McNew, Chair of NAWB’s Board of Directors said,
“Amid challenging times, workforce development boards nationwide have continued their vital mission: helping job seekers gain new skills and find employment while connecting employers with qualified talent… We are inspired by the opportunity to support these boards via NAWB as they identify the skills needed for success in the evolving economy, leverage all available resources to expand access to education and training, and implement strategies that drive measurable outcomes and foster sustainable growth in the workforce system.”
Joining Chair McNew as Board officers are:
- Vice Chair: Kathy Jewett
- Past Chair: Jennifer Harris
- Treasurer: Al Searles
- Secretary: Melanie Flowers
Returning to the Board are:
- Lewis Brown
- Jaime Cruz
- Karolyn Ellingson
- Antwanye Ford
- Jeffrey Frederick
- Debra Giordano
- Mark Guthrie
- Kyla Guyette
- Ryan Hundt
- Lee Lambert
- Randy Miller
- Walter Simmons
- Jennifer Wilson
New Board members include:
- Carol Hylton, President & CEO, CareerSource Broward
- Jesse McCree, CEO, SCPa Works
Additionally, McNew has appointed the following for one-year special purpose directorships:
- Kevin Doyle, Wexford Strategies
- Brian Holland, Sectigo
- John Kutch, Trinity Health
- Todd Nielsen, Colorado Urban Workforce Alliance
The new term will begin on Oct. 1, and the new members will be sworn in at the fall Board of Directors meeting on Oct. 17.
NAWB Board Chair Submits Testimony to House Small Business Committee Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development
Official Testimony
My name is Lisanne McNew, and I am the owner and CEO of SAFE Engineering in Monument, Colorado. Additionally, I serve as the Board Chair of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), Immediate Past Chair of the Colorado Workforce Development Council, and Past Board Chair of the Pikes Peak Workforce Development Board in Colorado Springs.
I appreciate the opportunity to testify today about the vital role of small businesses in workforce development and the support provided by workforce boards.
In Colorado, the Pikes Peak Workforce Development Board and our Workforce Center connect businesses with work-ready job seekers and employer-driven services. We assist residents of El Paso and Teller Counties in navigating career transitions—whether they are unemployed, underemployed, or facing other barriers. Our clients range from entry-level to professional, including youth, adults, returning workers, and those overcoming employment challenges. We offer job search and training opportunities, including 20 free job seeker workshops annually, as well as the largest virtual and in-person job fairs in Southern Colorado.
I’d like to share a few key initiatives that highlight our collaboration in small business development:
- Incumbent Worker Training (IWT): We actively engage with Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to promote our programs, including the popular IWT (Employee Development Fund). Recently, five childcare businesses collaborated with an SBDC to apply for IWT grants, resulting in three businesses receiving $15,157 to upskill 38 employees—crucial for sustaining our local childcare workforce. With more resources, workforce boards could expand these efforts significantly.
- Veterans: We participate in the SBDC’s Veterans Conference to assist veteran-owned businesses in attracting and retaining talent. We provide guidance on skills-based hiring, job descriptions, and other support to help them grow. Our Workforce Development Board is proud of this commitment.
- Cybersecurity: As cybersecurity becomes increasingly critical for business success, we connect small businesses with high-quality training and resources. We are developing specific training on cybersecurity best practices for small businesses and regularly participate in cybersecurity initiatives to link workers with employers in this vital sector.
The potential for greater integration between workforce boards and small businesses is significant. Earlier this year, NAWB and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) to enhance collaboration and resource access.
The SBA is an ideal partner for NAWB, representing nearly 600 Workforce Development Boards that collaborate with education and economic development stakeholders to deliver regional workforce programs tailored to job seekers, businesses, and communities. Workforce boards manage over 2,300 American Job Centers and partner with various organizations to serve both businesses and job seekers effectively.
By providing SBA-sponsored assistance through its resource partners, we can better address the challenges of training and support services for small businesses, increasing awareness of available resources.
I hope my testimony illustrates the opportunities for workforce boards to bolster small businesses. Thank you for allowing me to share these insights with the Subcommittee.
Bi-Partisan House Resolution Supporting September 2024 as “National Workforce Development Month” Introduced
A bipartisan group of House members introduced House Resolution 1453
Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Glenn (GT) Thompson (R-PA), and Lucy McBath (D-GA), introduced the resolution which recognizes the vital role of workforce development in supporting jobseekers, businesses, and local economies. The resolution designates September 2024 as National Workforce Development Month.
Brad Turner-Little, President and CEO of NAWB stated,
“We are thrilled to see a bipartisan group of members of Congress taking action to recognize the vital economic role of workforce development… It is heartening to see the collaboration, often led by workforce development boards, receive this kind of recognition from Congress.”
The resolution specifically highlights that collaboration among multiple stakeholders—including state and local governments, workforce development boards, governors, state and local education and human services agencies, community colleges, local businesses, employment service providers, and community-based organizations—is essential for long-term, sustainable, and successful workforce development across traditional sectors and emerging industries.
The resolution also stresses the critical need for increased investment in workforce development, noting the following statistics:
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in July 2024 that there are approximately 8.2 million unfilled jobs in the U.S., which negatively impacts corporate productivity, reduces the local tax base, and hinders global competitiveness.
- 76% of business leaders say that greater support for skills development would help their businesses.
- As of August 2024, in the U.S., there are:
- 7.1 million unemployed individuals.
- Unemployment rates for Black and Hispanic adults are significantly higher than for White adults.
- Workers without postsecondary education and skills development are more likely to be unemployed.
- The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) supports employment, skills development, and support services for approximately 2.9 million individuals with barriers to employment, including:
- Low-income individuals.
- Long-term unemployed individuals.
- Individuals displaced by outsourcing.
- Individuals living in rural or persistently high unemployment areas.
- Individuals looking to acquire new skills.
- Individuals with disabilities.
The more than 550 workforce development boards and 2,400 American Job Centers are a driving force behind regional economic growth by providing resources and assistance to workers striving to compete in the 21st-century economy.
Read the full resolution here.
ACT NOW:
Contact your member of the House of Representatives (find them online or dial the House switchboard at 202-225-3121 and ask to be connected to your representative). Ask them to cosponsor House Resolution 1453 to recognize September 2024 as National Workforce Development Month.
Workforce Development Month 2024: EmployIndy’s Site Visit Success
Celebrating Workforce Development Month and EmployIndy’s Advocacy Efforts
Every September, we celebrate Workforce Development Month to recognize, honor, and publicize the contributions of our nation’s workforce development professionals. Throughout the year, we’ve received countless messages, writeups, and articles about your work and the success of your organizations. We are proud to share these as a testament to the innovative and life-changing work being done by our nation’s workforce development boards.
EmployIndy has done exceptional advocacy work over the past year, from local to state to federal levels. They have been a forerunner in advocacy, using all available tools and leaning on NAWB whenever we can offer assistance. We are thrilled to have such passionate and consistent members advocating on behalf of the workforce system and are proud to have been a supportive partner in these efforts.
“NAWB’s advocacy resources have been especially useful as we’ve engaged with our representation. They’ve been invaluable in quickly finding up-to-date information on federal policies and legislation, identifying areas of impact for our local area, and prioritizing which talking points and narratives to share with our congressional delegation. It has definitely helped hone our messaging!”
— Kevin Duffy, Senior Director, External Affairs, EmployIndy
Here are some of the actions that EmployIndy has taken to advocate for their needs and the broader workforce system:
Local Level
EmployIndy conducted their first Lunch and Learn for Indianapolis City-County Council members in July, offering crucial localized labor market information, sharing updates on city-funded programs, and providing a tour of their comprehensive American Job Center (AJC). They plan to conduct more Lunch and Learns with city council members in the future.
State-Wide
EmployIndy began bipartisan outreach to their local state legislature delegation, hosting two site visits with State Representatives Julie McGuire (R) and Carey Hamilton (D). Both visits were scheduled during Wednesdays at WorkOne, a weekly hiring event that brings over 20 employers and hundreds of jobseekers to the AJC.
In partnership with the Indiana Workforce Board Alliance (INWBA), EmployIndy also participated in INWBA Day at the Statehouse during the legislative session this past spring. This event sparked conversations leading to state legislature site visits. Future endeavors include outreach to the State Senate and House Education Committees for a Lunch and Learn at their AJC.
Federal Level
EmployIndy continues to engage with their congressional delegation to advocate for workforce development priorities, including Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) reauthorization, Department of Labor (DOL) Apprenticeship rulemaking, and agency appropriations.
They also hosted two separate site visits for congressional staff:
- Jason Johnson from Senator Mike Braun’s office visited the AJC for a discussion and presentation on the workforce system. Other representatives from INWBA joined the meeting to share perspectives from across the state. This visit not only advocated for the workforce system at the federal level but also set the stage for potential future collaborations at the state level.
- Andrew Murray from Senator Todd Young’s office toured the AJC to learn about EmployIndy’s services, including highlights from federal investments like the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act and the American Rescue Plan. They also connected Andrew with one of their adult education partners, Warren Township Adult Education, for a concurrent visit and discussion on the role of adult education in workforce development.
Interested in hosting your own site visit? Download Hosting a Congressional Site Visit for tips.
A Status Update on Federal WIOA Legislation
A Status Report on Federal Workforce Funding and Reauthorization
As Congress enters its District/State Work Period, where members typically meet with constituents and visit key sites in their communities, the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) is pleased to provide a summary of the current status of various legislative proposals related to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Read it now here:
E05: Entrepreneurial Approaches for Workforce Boards: Strategies from South Central PA Works
In this episode, CEO of South Central PA Works, Jesse McCree, joins us for an illuminating discussion on workforce development innovation. Leading an influential board that spans eight counties in central PA, Jesse offers insights from his nearly eight-year tenure.
The conversation delves into South Central PA Works’ pioneering strategies, including fair chance hiring initiatives and community access points. Jesse also recounts his path into the workforce development field and outlines how his organization is harnessing data, fostering agility, and embracing technology to address future labor market challenges.
Local WIOA Constituency Group Reauthorization Letter
NAWB partnered with US Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, and US Workforce Associations on this letter to Senate HELP Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders and Ranking Member Cassidy on current WIOA reauthorization proposals.
August 12, 2024
TO:
The Honorable Bernie Sanders
Chairman, U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Washington, D.C., 20510
The Honorable Bill Cassidy
Ranking Member, U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Washington, D.C., 20510
Dear Chairman Sanders and Ranking Member Cassidy,
On behalf of the National Association of Counties (NACo), National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), National League of Cities (NLC), U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), and U.S. Workforce Associations (USWA), we are writing to provide recommendations for the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA is a critical tool that empowers local governments, workforce boards, and other local stakeholders to connect individuals with in-demand skills training and education needed by employers.
A thoughtful reauthorization of WIOA—one that balances the needs of workers, learners, employers, and their communities—is crucial to our members, who play an integral role in the legislation’s implementation.
As the committee continues to discuss the best way to modernize our nation’s workforce system, we urge you to consider the following:
1. Sufficiently Resource the Public Workforce System
Currently, there are about 6.5 million Americans seeking employment, with an estimated 8.7 million job openings that businesses are struggling to fill. Through Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) and more than 2,000 American Job Centers across the nation, our members are helping nearly 3 million jobseekers access quality training and services. Unfortunately, funding for core Title I WIOA programs has steadily eroded over time, and inflation has compounded these challenges. Increasing the investment in WIOA is essential to ensure that employers have the skilled talent they need while also supporting vulnerable populations’ participation in the economy. This is especially critical as the labor force participation rate has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Adequate funding will also help achieve other goals of reauthorization, including increasing access to high-quality training and ensuring state and local systems can respond to both immediate and long-term challenges.
As discussed in the Senate’s hearing on WIOA reauthorization, we must substantially strengthen the investment in our public workforce system. Unfortunately, the House’s WIOA reauthorization proposal (H.R. 6655) proposes only a 3% increase in WIOA funding. We urge the Senate to authorize at least $15 billion annually for core WIOA Title I programs to meet current and future demand for skilled talent. These proposed funding levels are supported by several analyses and would help the U.S. keep pace with other developed nations investing more in workforce development.
2. Training Requirement for Adult and Dislocated Worker Formula Funds
We commend the committee for excluding a federal training mandate in its recent discussion draft. A federal mandate would be counterproductive, especially for underserved populations, and it contradicts the core principle of WIOA, which allows local entities to tailor services to the unique needs of their communities. Mandating training services without considering the importance of supportive services could harm vulnerable populations. We also caution that funds from H-1B visa fees are insufficient to meet the demands of such a mandate, especially given the uncertainty of this funding source.
3. Local Workforce Development Area (LWDA) Redesignation and Single-State Designations
We strongly oppose the current structure for LWDA redesignation and single-state designations, which bypass the voice of local stakeholders. If redesignation provisions must remain, a “fallback” option should be included that allows local stakeholders to negotiate alternative LWDAs. Any redesignation efforts should prioritize local community needs and require states to demonstrate that their actions will improve outcomes for participants and employers.
4. State-Level Set-Asides
We are concerned about the proposal to increase the state-level set-aside allowance to 25%, which could leave fewer resources for local entities to implement WIOA programs. We recommend maintaining the existing 15% Governor’s Reserve Fund to ensure that local systems have adequate resources to serve jobseekers and employers.
5. Digital Literacy
We support expanding the definition of foundational skills to explicitly include digital literacy, ensuring that individuals can adapt to the evolving technological landscape.
6. Eligible Training Provider Lists (ETPL)
We recommend clearer and more consistent criteria for Eligible Training Providers (ETPs) to ensure that training programs prepare participants for quality jobs. These criteria should be attainable, applicable to all ETPs, and reflective of the diverse populations served by WIOA.
7. Additional Flexibility for Local Governments and Workforce Boards
Flexibility is essential for local governments and workforce boards to respond to changing economic conditions. We support greater flexibility in LWDBs’ budgetary authority and in the use of training funds for incumbent workers. We also encourage flexibility in implementing youth work experiences and public outreach to raise awareness of federally funded workforce initiatives.
8. One-Stop Delivery System
We support the inclusion of provisions allowing LWDBs to serve as one-stop operators and greater flexibility to expand access through affiliated locations, such as libraries and community colleges. Additionally, dedicated funding for the physical infrastructure costs of one-stop centers is essential to free up more resources for training and support services.
We appreciate the Senate’s work to reauthorize WIOA and look forward to continuing to collaborate with you to update the nation’s workforce system. If you have any questions or would like to discuss these recommendations further, please feel free to reach out to our staff:
Mike Matthews (NACo) at mmatthews@naco.org
Gail Ravnitzky Silberglied (NAWB) at silbergliedg@nawb.org
Stephanie Martinez-Ruckman (NLC) at martinez-ruckman@nlc.org
Kathy Amoroso (USCM) at kamoroso@usmayors.org
Chris Andresen at Chris.Andresen@dutkogr.com
Sincerely,
