Right Column
Economic Strategy Panel: Regional Economies Project
Process for Planning Regional Forums
Local Workforce Investment Boards (Local WIBs) were the lead sponsoring organizations for the regional forums. The planning process involved other local partners, such as economic development corporations and other community partners. The California Center for Regional Leadership (CCRL) and staff in the California Workforce Investment Board (State Board) provided direction and assistance in the planning process.
The regional forums featured:
- Presentations on the region's changing economic base, both cyclical and structural (using the new North American Industry Classification System - NAICS - back to 1990).
- Overview of updated regional industry clusters.
- Methodology to identify industry clusters of opportunity.
- Discussion among a panel of employer representatives on how their industries are changing and the implications for workforce investment.
- Audience discussion, with participants asked for their perspectives on the information presented, including additional industry clusters that should be further examined.
The following provides steps in the planning process and key roles and responsibilities.
- The Local WIB(s) and/or the California Center for Regional Leadership and staff from the State Board organized a planning committee to identify and work with key regional workforce and economic development partners on the forum planning.
- The Local WIB(s) designated a lead contact person to coordinate the planning with the California Center for Regional Leadership and staff from the State Board. These entities constituted a planning committee.
- The planning committee scheduled the date and reserved a location for the regional forum for approximately 50 to 125 participants, depending on the region. The forum was approximately four hours, usually scheduled from 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M., although the time could be flexible. The forum required tables that seated six to eight participants each, a head table for employer panel participants, screen(s) and multimedia projector for power point presentations and audio system.
- Each Local WIB worked with local partners to develop a list of invitees, including title, affiliation and contact information, which was provided to the California Center for Regional Leadership and the California Workforce Association (CWA).
- The planning committee worked with the California Center for Regional Leadership and staff from the State Board to select presenters for welcoming and introductory remarks and to develop an agenda.
- For name recognition, each Local WIB e-mailed an invitation and information sheet to their respective invitees.
- The planning committee worked with the California Workforce Investment Board to notify Legislators at their District Offices regarding the regional forum.
- The State Board notified California Workforce Investment Board Members and Legislators regarding the regional forum.
- The planning committee worked with the California Center for Regional Leadership and staff from the State Board to identify and invite employers representing “industry clusters of opportunity” to participate on a facilitated panel discussion.
- The planning committee arranged a lunch break that was covered by charging a $15-$20 registration fee per person, collected at the door on the day of the forum. Checks were made out to the “anchor” host Local WIB.