Shelly Batton

The meeting agenda for the Board of Directors included standard opening remarks, roll call, and declarations of conflicts of interest, followed by the installation of officers. The primary focus was the Consent Agenda, which included approvals for multiple previous meeting minutes (April 24, May 17, May 21, May 29, and June 14 meetings) and financial reports (March 2024). Other key voting items involved approving the Board/Committee Schedule, Paid Holidays/Compressed Work Schedule for PY 2024-2025, Board Member Contract/COI Exemption Requests, the Draft Budget for PY 2024-2025, requests related to WIOA programs, approval of the Comprehensive One-Stop Career Center MOU and IFA, and several Risk Evaluation Forms for subrecipient services. Discussions included reports on the Workforce Readiness Taskforce, Primary Indicators of Performance for Q3 PY 2023-2024, updates from the Chair and President regarding membership, strategic planning sessions, and regional planning area updates.

The Executive Committee meeting agenda included several voting items requiring approval: Financial Statements for April 2024, the Draft Budget for Program Year 2024-2025, a Prior Approval Transfer Request Form concerning WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker (DW) Programs funds transfer for the period July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025, the Comprehensive One-Stop Career Center Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Infrastructure Agreement (IFA) renewal, various Risk Evaluation Forms for subrecipient services, and selection of the Slate of Officers for PY 24-25. Discussion topics involved Board of Directors Membership Recertification, a Regional Planning Area (RPA) Update, WIOA Four-Year Plan Development Planning Sessions, and Legislative/CareerSource Florida Updates.

The meeting featured a summary analysis of the local labor market for Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties, highlighting that regional job growth (10.6% between 2018 and 2023) outpaced the national rate. Projections indicate continued job growth through 2025, but the labor force is expected to decrease starting in 2024, partly due to high projected retirements. Key growing industries identified were healthcare, construction, administrative and support, and transportation and warehousing. A significant discussion focused on the Master Credentials List, specifically concerning the potential deletion of important certifications like nursing assistant and safe serve in 2025-2026, prompting a proposal to involve industry partners in assessing the impact on hiring requirements. Furthermore, the task force discussed improving engagement with employers, including providing resources for high school graduates and increasing targeted, in-person outreach.

The primary discussion centered on the Florida 2030 Blueprint, presented by the Florida Chamber Foundation, which outlines strategic goals for Florida's economic future across six pillars, focusing heavily on improving the talent pipeline, workforce readiness, and economic diversification. Key talent pipeline targets include ensuring high percentages of workers have essential skills and postsecondary credentials. A follow-up discussion occurred regarding the Master Credentials List, emphasizing the importance of aligning high school certifications with employer needs and the current process for credential submission and potential removal, noting that the state's Local Targeted Occupations List now influences reinstatement decisions. Details on the status of talent pipelines reiterated the need for targeted skill development, expanded access to quality training, and enhanced career awareness for students.

The meeting agenda includes voting items for the review and approval of the WIOA Local and Regional Workforce Plan Draft for PY 2025-2028, and the review and approval of the acceptance of the FLORIDACOMMERCE Grantee/Subgrantee Agreement for PY 2024-2027. Discussion items cover the CareerSource Research Coast Reorganization for PY 2024-2025, which includes the consolidation of centers and a reduction in workforce due to funding decreases.