The Workforce
Investment Board (WIB) of Northwest Missouri is an appointed group of
community leaders responsible for developing and directing employment -
related opportunities. Our goal is an economically self-sufficient,
productive and skilled workforce through partnerships with community,
business, and the workforce.
The board is an appointed body, certified by the
Governor to set policy, guide implementation, and provide oversight to the
local workforce development system, as authorized by Public Law 105-220, the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998.The
goal of the Workforce Investment Act is to:
-
Increase the occupational
skill attainment, employment, retention, and earnings of individuals,
and as a result
- Increase the quality of the workforce
- Reduce welfare dependency, and
- Enhance the productivity and competitiveness
of the nation
- The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 requires
that each workforce investment area (18 counties of Northwest Missouri)
establish a single WIB to set policy, guide implementation, and provide
oversight to the local workforce development system.
The WIB is also a forum for planning workforce
development strategies. The Board attempts to anticipate economic and business
trends, develop community linkages and partnerships, and provide a focus on
system outcomes.
- The broad representation of various public and
private sectors on the WIB facilitates community planning
- The analysis of labor market information,
economic trends, and industry patterns provides the basis for planning.
- Planning focuses on outcomes.
The guiding principles of the WIB are as follows:
- Work enhances the quality of life.
- Collaboration is essential to success.
- Communities working together are strengthened.
- Best service possible.
- A workforce system that supports business
needs.
- Trust, Integrity, Leadership.
Members
of the WIB include representatives from:
- Business and Industry
- Community-based Organizations
- Economic Development
- Labor
- Education
- One Stop Partners
The majority of membership on the Board is
reserved for individuals with "optimum decision-making authority" in their
business or industry. The Northwest Missouri Workforce Investment Board has 40
members ~ 21 are Business and Industry leaders.
Though not voting members of the Northwest
Missouri Workforce Investment Board, the eighteen Presiding Commissioners are
ex-officio members ~ since they are ultimately responsible for all funds
appropriated under the Workforce Investment Act. They appoint members to the
WIB, and work with the WIB to develop a local plan and oversee the One-Stop
delivery system. They also have a separate body - the Chief-Elected Officials
Coordinating Committee, which meets bi-annually to handle relevant workforce
development issues.
The functions of the WIB include:
- Develop a local plan
- Select Operators and Providers of Services
- Budget Administration
- Program Oversight
- Negotiate Performance Measures
- Employment Statistics System
- Employer Linkages
- Connecting, Brokering, Coaching
The WIB meets at least quarterly (March, June,
September and December) in a central location. They attempt to connect with
other institutions, industries, or groups who are struggling with like issues in
workforce development. They focus on a workforce development system, rather than
singular program operations. They also try to avoid duplication of effort.
What Difference Does It Make To
Me?
- Improved stewardship of tax dollars
- Local input in system design and oversight
- Available resource for business and industry
- Lift up community workforce issues
The Northwest Missouri Workforce Investment
Board can help ensure that in workforce development, we are doing the right
things, and that we are doing things right! Effectiveness and Efficiency.
Our Vision
- Population is increasing in the region,
creating a larger labor pool for the available workforce. This compensates
for the retiring baby-boomers.
- Educational institutions are providing
classroom training necessary to prepare individuals for locally-available
skilled jobs, thus the workforce has become higher skilled.
- Individuals recognize the benefit of perpetual
learning, and realize that career development is a life-long process.
- No one is left behind...there are options at
all levels for individuals to find employment which maximizes their
particular interests and skills.
- There is effective communication between all
partners in the workforce development system, resulting in a good match
between employers' needs and educational / employment preparation.
- Creative problem-solving in an open arena is
the accepted standard for both proactive (economic development) and reactive
(rapid response) positions.
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