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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09192006 - U.I ur TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ` - ,� Contra FROM: Joseph P. Valentine Costa Employment and Human Services Director .; v` County DATE: September 19, 2006 COIJlZ SUBJECT: APPLICATON FOR CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDING SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee, on behalf of the Workforce Development Board, to apply for and accept funding from the State of California Employment Development Department in the amount of$225,000 for California Rapid Response Special Project Funding to support the Coordinated Countywide Layoff Aversion Program to identify small businesses that are at risk of having to layoff employees for the period October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007. FISCAL IMPACT: No County match. BACKGROUND: The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County is apply for funding to continue addressing an increase in dislocation events in Contra Costa County and to enhance the implementation of Rapid Response strategies as outlined in the five year Strategic Plan. Funding is being requested to deliver required rapid response activities; update and enhance capacity building efforts; execute to Workforce Development Board's layoff aversion program; and solidify and implement incumbent worker training. Recent information obtained from local small businesses indicates that preventative measures taken through the delivery of streamlined services will prevent business closures and avert significant layoffs. Funding is being requested in order for the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County to effectively assist dislocated workers to transition to new employment as quickly as possible, as well as undertake other allowable rapid response regional activities, such as business visitation to identify job retention, incumbent worker training, and layoff aversion strategies. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: —'--YES S —,-'RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE /APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): ACTION OF BO N APPROVE AS RECOMMENDED OTHER VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE NANIMOUS• (ABS ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD AYES: NOES: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTESTED 77 JOHN CULLEN,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUP VISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Contact Person: ' CC: EHSD Contracts Workforce Development Board CAO BY: ATTACHMENT 1 Employment EDD Development Department Stat��f California Workforce Investment Act Program Year 2006-07. California Rapid Response Special Project Funding Application Transmittal Page Project Name: Early Warning Contra Costa, 2.0 Submitted By: Contra Costa County Submitted On: September 15, 2006 Contact Person: Tracey Brown-Carter Contact Person Phone Number: (925) 646-5023 DRAFT Page 1 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION SIGNATURE PAGE Applicant Name: Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County Special Project Title: Coordinated Countywide Layoff Aversion Program Term: October 1, 2006, through September 30, 2007 Amendment Request: Amendment M This project application/amendment request consists of the following documents marked with an "X": Budget Summary Narrative Assurances: The applicant assures the State that it has documented in writing and is maintaining on file its determination that it: • Possesses adequate financial resources. • Is able to meet program design specifications at a reasonable cost. • Has a satisfactory record of past performance. • Has a satisfactory record of integrity, business ethics and fiscal accountability. • Possesses necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls. • Has the staff capacity and technical skills to perform the work. If the applicant will subcontract some or all rapid response (RR) activities and services, it assures the State that it has written procurement procedures and will use them to select the provider(s) of RR activities and services, taking into account past performance in job training or related activities, fiscal accountability, and ability to meet performance standards. Approval for Applicant: Submit two copies with original signatures of the Chief Elected Official or authorized designee. If the latter, attach a copy of the designee's signatory authorization document to this signature page. Robert L. Lanter I Typed Name and Title Signature Date Approval for Local Board (optional): Typed Name and Title Signature Date FOR STATE USE ONLY Rapid Response Funding Specialist signature and date: Fund Coordinator signature and date: Subgrantee Code (Alpha): Grant Code: YOA: Amount: DRAFT Page 2 of 15 8106 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION BUDGET SUMMARY Applicant Name: Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County Special Project Title: Coordinated Countywide Layoff Aversion Program Term: October 1, 2006, through September 30, 2007 I. Budget Detail Planned Expenditures A. Staff Salaries 68,000 B. Number of full-time 1 equivalents C. Staff Benefits 14,280 D. Staff Benefit Rate (percent) 21% E. Staff Travel 4,200 F. Operating Expenses (communications, facilities, 15,320 utilities, maintenance, consumable supplies, etc.) G. Equipment (not permitted) H. Contractual Services (attach specifications) 112,000 I. Indirect Costs 11,200 J. Indirect Cost Rate (percent)* 10% *Name of Cognizant Agency: Contra Costa County K. Other (describe): L. Total Rapid Response Special Project Budget 225,000 II. Quarterly Expenditure Plan Cumulative Expenditures A. 12/2006 56,250 B. 03/2007 106,250 C. 06/2007 186,250 D. 09/2007 225,000 DRAFT Page 3 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION NARRATIVE Categories of Allowable Rapid Response (RR) Activities The RR Special Projects will only be funded for the following categories of allowable activities. These activities consist of RR allowable activities listed in section 665.320 of title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the employment generating activities listed in section 667.262 of title 20 CFR. The latter activities have been determined by State action to be allowable RR activities. Each proposed special project must be associated with at least one of these categories. In the event of conflict between the below activity description and the description in the cited section of the CFR, the latter will prevail. 1. Developing strategies for addressing future dislocation events in the local area [Title 20 CFR 665.320(a)(1)]. 2. Identifying strategies for averting layoffs in the local area [Title 20 CFR 665.320(a)(2)]. 3. Developing and maintaining means of exchanging information among local areas and with the State about potential dislocations, available adjustment assistance, and what RR strategies are effective [Title 20 CFR 665.320(a)(3)]. 4. Collecting and analyzing information related to actual economic dislocations in the local area, potential closings and layoffs in the local area, and all the various resources that are available to benefit dislocated workers in the local area in order to provide an adequate basis for effective program management, and to assist the State in reviewing and evaluating RR and layoff aversion efforts in the State [Title 20 CFR 665.320(b)]. (Note: California Cooperative Occupational Information System will only be funded in the baseline category.) 5. Participating in capacity building of other local areas through such means as providing information about innovative' and successful strategies for serving dislocated workers to help the other local areas serve smaller layoffs [Title 20 CFR 665.320(c)]. 6. Assisting in devising and overseeing layoff aversion strategies for the local area [Title 20 CFR 665.320(d)(1)]. 7. Assisting in devising and overseeing strategies for incumbent worker training, including loan programs set up by employers to upgrade their employees' skills, in the local area [Title 20 CFR 665.320(d)(2)]. 8. Developing strategies for linking with economic development and business retention and recruitment activities [Title 20 CFR 665.320(d)(3)]. 9. Contacts with potential employers for the purpose of placement of WIA participants [Title 20 CFR 667.262(b)(1)] DRAFT Page 4 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION NARRATIVE 10. Participation in business associations (such as chambers of commerce); joint labor management committees, labor associations, and resource centers [Title 20 CFR 667.262(b)(2)] 11. WIA staff participation on economic development boards and commissions, and work with economic development agencies, to: (i) Provide information about WIA programs, (ii) Assist in making informed decisions about community job training needs, and (iii) Promote the use of first source hiring agreements and enterprise zone vouchering services [Title 20 CFR 667.262(3)]. 12. Active participation in local business resource centers (incubators) to provide technical assistance to small and new business to reduce the rate of business failure [20 CFR 667.262(4)]. 13. Subscriptions to relevant publications [Title 20 CFR 667.262(5)] 14. General dissemination of information on WIA programs and activities [20 CFR 667.262(6)] 15. The conduct of labor market surveys [20 CFR 667.262(7)] 16. As a matter of State policy, the development of on-the-job training opportunities [though authorized by 20 CFR 667.262(8)] is NOT considered to be an appropriate activity to be funded with rapid response funds. 17. Employment generating activities, economic development activities, investment in revolving loanfunds, capitalization of businesses, investment in contract bidding resource centers, and similar activities, provided that they are directly related to training for eligible dislocated workers [20 CFR 667.262(9)]. To provide effective RR in respect to significant permanent closures, mass layoffs, or natural or other disasters resulting in mass job dislocations, the applicant requests funding for the project described on the following pages. DRAFT Page 5 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION NARRATIVE 1. Applicant Name: Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County 2. Project Name: Coordinated Countywide Layoff Aversion Program 3. Total Project Budget: $225,000 4. Briefly (less than two pages) describe the conditions, in the area to be served, that necessitate this project: As an outcome of the 2005-2006 Layoff Aversion Special Project Grant - "Early Warning Contra Costa", the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDB) formed the Business Enhancement Support Team (BESTeam) in order to develop and implement strategies for supporting business vitality and growth. This design allows us to strategize innovative processes for averting & responding to layoffs. The BESTeam currently includes the Contra Costa Small Business Development Center (SBDC), EASTBAY Works, the Contra Costa County Library system, EDD, several local economic development agencies, chambers of commerce and non-profit business services providers in the county. Expanding the BESTeam in order to enhance the delivery of exemplary services to small businesses is key to our project proposal. The BESTeam has identified the following conditions to be addressed by this project: Condition 1: Need to better anticipate adverse economic trends and potential layoff threats. Condition 2: Need to develop more efficient and more effective layoff aversion and Rapid Response (RR) strategies to address potential layoff threats. Condition 3: Need for more coordination among public and non-profit business services providers in implementing preventive and RR strategies. Condition 4: Need for broader awareness of preventive and RR services available from BESTeam partners. Condition 5: Need to implement best practices in using technology for 1) delivering layoff and/or RR services to businesses, and 2) for coordinating the efforts of BESTeam partners (see Condition 3). Condition 6: Need to bridge the business/education gap through more cooperation between BESTeam partners and local educational institutions in developing and implementing preventive and RR strategies. Comments: Through our discussions with local business services providers, we have noted that many would benefit from having a stronger connection with the DRAFT Page 6 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION NARRATIVE WDB and other services providers in order to better serve our mutual target clientele. Such coordination would help address issues (including layoff aversion) affecting the local business community sooner and more effectively. To date, however, partnering has typically been limited to conducting studies and participating on local boards. As a group, these agencies have narrowly defined their relationships and minimally solidified successful coordinated action plans. The WDB is an ideal organization to take on a leadership role. Additional resources are needed to extend the BESTeam and to expand BESTeam initiatives. In June 2006, the WDB held a "Focused Conversation" with over 40 representatives of business services organizations in Contra Costa County to look at how to better meet critical business needs and address current and projected adverse economic conditions. We learned that 1) many service providers lack an in-depth understanding of the trends that threaten key business sub-sectors, 2) business owners (and business services providers) are often unable to identify, locate and/or access information, resources, expertise and/or services, and 3) many business services providers are not using technology as effectively as they could (or should be) in serving their clientele. The BESTeam is currently addressing the issues and suggestions that came out of this event. One immediate outcome of the WDB's Focused Conversation was the development and launch of a new Web portal for businesses in Contra Costa County: www.ContraCostaMeansBusiness.com. This project is a collaborative project of the SBDC and the Contra Costa Library. Our new web portal is now a primary channel for providing information, resources, expertise and services to local business owners. We are actively promoting www.ContraCostaMeansBusiness.com as the single URL that business owners need to remember to connect with our BESTeam network of service providers. It is also a visible and effective cornerstone in our effort to coordinate business services providers. This project represents the most ambitious and most structured effort to date to approach layoff aversion through a comprehensive and coordinated strategy developed and implemented by all of the county's business services providers. 5. A. Briefly (less than two pages) describe the project objectives, focusing on how it will address the conditions described above: The WDB's BESTeam has developed the "P5 Strategy," a comprehensive five- part plan for addressing layoff aversion and Rapid Response activities that address the Conditions outlined in Question 4 above. The BESTeam intends to use the P5 Strategy as a framework for this project (% indicates project emphasis). 1. Predicting (Proactive/20%) - Identify business conditions and economic trends that may adversely affect targeted business sectors and the top small DRAFT Page 7 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION NARRATIVE business sub-sectors of our county's economy that are at-risk of future dislocation events. Implementation: Trends will be identified through the analysis of primary and secondary data. Identified trends will then be validated by our expanded BESTeam. We are particularly interested in anticipating trends that will impact small businesses and the local workforce as our region shifts from a labor-based economy to knowledge-based economy. The BESTeam will host quarterly countywide economic forums to keep its members apprised of changing business and economic conditions that could affect employment levels. The BESTeam will document and disseminate findings and associated solutions and recommendations (see below) to potentially affected business owners and business, civic and economic leaders. 2. Preventing (Proactive/30%) - Develop solutions to address and mitigate negative trends. Implementation: Our BESTeam model provides an ideal mechanism for developing preventive and mitigating strategies and/or recommendations for addressing future dislocation events. An expanded BESTeam will implement those strategies within the purview of the BESTeam partners and encourage efforts to implement recommendations that are outside of the BESTeam's purview. The Contra Costa SBDC will be a primary and effective agent in implementing our preventive strategies. For example, we plan to create a 1-800 call-in line and on-line audio and chat capabilities (e.g. SkypeTM) with the SBDC as a single-source point of contact for business owners to complement our new web portal. We will also expand lay-off aversion-related content available on ContraCostaMeansBusiness.com., e.g., Economic Triggers/Warning Signs & Solutions. 3. Providing (Reactive/30%) - Improve the depth and breadth of services for businesses and workers affected by lay-offs by developing coordinated programs delivered through BESTeam partners. Implementation: We will enhance the ability of an expanded BESTeam to rapidly deliver coordinated services to businesses and workers affected by lay- offs by enhancing inter-communication and collaboration among BESTeam partners. We will deliver better information, resources, expertise and services through cooperative public, private and non-profit initiatives and programs using the most effective channels and methods for reaching target businesses. For example, we plan to implement on-line audio and video consulting services using free and inexpensive technologies (such as SkypeTM). We also plan to develop and launch a business-to-business on-line job matching service to facilitate the re-placement of laid-off workers into new positions with other DRAFT Page 8 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION NARRATIVE economically strong and viable companies that are actively recruiting for positions requiring similar skill sets. 4. Promoting (Foundational/10%) - Co-market all available services for business owners through the most effective and cost-effective channels. Implementation: We will organize and launch the early warning program as well as targeted marketing campaigns to promote broad awareness of the information, resources, expertise and services available from BESTeam partners particularly through our new web portal and the proposed 1-800 call-in line. By coordinating our marketing efforts (such as promoting a single web portal URL for local business services) with other business services providers, the BESTeam will substantially increase its marketing effectiveness while also decreasing resource expenditures. 5. Partnering (Foundational/10%) - Expand, extend and/or formalize the BESTeam's collaborative network throughout the county. Implementation: We will expand and extend the BESTeam network by developing strong working relationships with public, private and non-profit business services providers and related organizations. We will do so through individual meetings, group work sessions, forums, special events, etc. These relationships will be formalized as initiatives and programs that address the objectives of our P5 Strategy. In doing so, the WDB will be enhancing every organization's effectiveness in serving our business community. We plan to implement Internet-based audio and video conferencing to improve collaboration and rapid response among BESTeam partners and to decrease associated costs and travel time. We will do so using inexpensive solutions such as SkypeTM for audio/video communication and the SBDC's existing FirstClassTM on-line collaborative system. B. Briefly (less than one page) discuss how this project will improve the connection of the Workforce Investment system with economic development and education to contribute to the economic vitality of individuals, businesses, and the community. In 2006, the WDB adopted an initiative to outreach to small businesses. Expected outcomes of this initiative include partnering with economic development, redevelopment, chambers of commerce, community-based organizations, private and public education and training, and other small business services providers. We recently held a "Focused Conversation" with these groups in an attempt to brainstorm, strategize and coordinate workforce and economic partnerships development. During this meeting, we tackled 3 business and economic DRAFT Page 9 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION NARRATIVE development strategic initiatives in order to help improve the connection between various activities. Resulting from the focused conversation, are the following solutions to assist businesses: 1) the BESTeam leadership through business and economic development forums help solve "real-time" business challenges, e.g., identifying tax credits, human resources assistance, management planning and oversight, training, job placement and retention services. 2) a new web portal "one-stop" for businesses, 3) the formation of a new mentor program hosted by local business executives,4) a coordinated countywide internship program hosted by the local community college, and 5) the formation of a microloan referral program through the SBDC. C. In the space provided in the table on the next page, list andug antify the specific activities to be conducted to implement the project. For example: "Meet with 100 employers to identify strategies for layoff aversion." The listed activities should be those that are necessary and sufficient to achieve the objectives described above. (Limit the description of each activity to no more than two lines of text.) For each activity, specify the number of the relevant allowable activity category from page four of this document and the planned budget for that activity. Display the portion of the total budget that will be consumed by each activity. DRAFT Page 10 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION NARRATIVE Activity Category Budget 1. Predicting $49,000 a) Purchase/acquire/analyze data; identify top at-risk 4 $ small business sub-sectors; publish findings and solutions b) Hold quarterly business/economic forums to analyze 4,5,6,7,11 $ trends and develop solutions 2. Preventing $50,000 a) Develop preventive and mitigating strategies and/or 1,2,12 $ recommendations through BESTeam work sessions b) Implement solutions within the purview of BESTeam 5,12 $ partners, support efforts to implement recommendations c) Implement a 1-800 call-in business services line and 5,12 $ on-line VOIP network d) Expand lay-off aversion-related content available on 5,12 $ ContraCostaMeansBusiness.com 3. Providing $62,000 a) Improve the depth and breadth of services for 17 $ businesses and workers affected by lay-offs b) Enhance the ability of BESTeam to deliver coordinated 17 $ services to businesses and workers affected by lay-offs c) Develop and launch a 13213 on-line job matching service 9 $ to facilitate the re-placement of laid-off workers 4. Promoting $50,000 a) Develop and conduct coordinated countywide and 10,14 $ targeted marketing campaigns b) Educate business owners and community leaders 5,9,10,14 $ about what's available through BESTeam partners. 5. Partnering $14,000 a) Expand, extend and/or formalize the BESTeam's 3,8 $ collaborative network b) Establish Internet-based audio and video consulting 3;5 $ and conferencing services; hold training sessions Total Budget (should equal the funding request) $225,000 DRAFT Page 11 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION NARRATIVE (NOTE: Responses to the following questions 6 through 14 should be provided in no more than four pages) 6. Describe and quantify the expected measurable effects, benefits and outcomes of the project (what will the project accomplish): Primary measurable effects, benefits and outcomes include: A. Publishing four quarterly reports documenting adverse economic trends and at- risk business sectors and outlining current and proposed solutions. B. Formalizing BESTeam relationships with all 19 economic development agencies and chambers of commerce as well as other business services providers in the county. Creating working MOU's with and between 4 regional Economic Development and Chambers Collaboratives to formally provide support as their "go- to" organization for workforce and business information and resources. In-turn, the WDB will request membership participation on the Board. We will host one countywide and four quarterly regional (East, West, South and Central) work sessions with BESTeam partners. We will host at least 12 (bimonthly) BESTeam project/planning meetings via video conferencing. Providing at least 6 (monthly) training sessions for BESTeam members in the use of on-line communication and collaboration systems. Using an on-line collaborative system to coordinate projects. Staging at least two Rapid Response "training drills." C. Providing preventive educational services to at least 48 at-risk businesses as well as to the overall business community. Providing preventive consulting to at least 48 at-risk businesses of which 12 will be via video consulting. Providing business information to at least 1,000 callers (4 per working day) to our 1-800 line and at least 12,000 visitors (1,000/month) to our web portal. Upgrading ContraCostaMeansBusiness.com with detailed lay-off aversion and lay-off response services information. Creating a web portal for job matching to support Dislocated Worker and Rapid Response activities. D. Conducting at least four quarterly countywide marketing campaigns promoting BESTeam services and at least four targeted campaigns promoting our new Web portal, the 1-800 call-in line, and other on-line services. 7. If this project continues an activity started previously, provide evidence of its effectiveness to date: This project expands the BESTeam formed during the 2005-2006 program year under the layoff aversion grant (Early Warning Contra Costa). The team has conducted several research projects and has developed criteria for defining "at-risk" businesses. The BESTeam also held two successful events to develop better service delivery strategies. In June 2006, the core BESTeam serving the East County area (SBDC, EASTBay Works, EDD, the local Chamber and the local community college) successfully coordinated a joint response to a request by a DRAFT Page 12 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION NARRATIVE local economic development director to provide services to. a new business that subsequently brought over 100 new jobs to region. This successful example of a coordinated services delivery model received high praise. Our 1-800 HR Services call-in line has assisted nearly 200 small businesses - the most frequent request is that we extend the spectrum of information available (as proposed with this project). Since mid-July, our new web portal has received over 800 hits and 2,800 page views (with virtually no marketing). Again, we have been praised by business, economic and civil leaders for taking the initiative to launch this site. 8. Describe the project's geographic coverage (explain if multiple LWIAs are involved): This project covers the entire Contra Costa County region, including the City of Richmond. Each of the 26 cities and unincorporated areas in the region are included in the service area mentioned in this project. 9. Describe the collaboration among organizations involved in the project: Resulting from the 2006 Focused Conversations held as part of our 2005-2006 Early Warning Contra Costa project, interested parties told us that effective collaboration does the following: 1) minimizes duplication of effort, 2) gives us a broader range of resources to work with, 3) encourages and supports coordinated marketing efforts, and 4) facilitates comprehensive and systemmatic methods for providing information and delivering services, e.g. via a Web portal Among our coordinated partners are: EASTBAY Works One-Stop Career Center, City Economic Development, Employment Development Department, Private & Public Education and Training, Contra Costa Small. Business Development Center (SBDC), Contra Costa Redevelopment, Chambers of Commerce and Contra Costa Library. Services to small businesses include, but are not limited to: Business management information, training, consulting and resources, employer tax credit information, human resources information and assistance, business analysis and management, business planning, market research, marketing, finance, selling to the government, technology, job placement and recruitment assistance, online business-to-buesiness referrals for recruiting qualified workers, access to Contra Costa Means Business website, assistance identifying resources for specific business operations, customized training to meet current and future workforce needds, access to education resources, State and Private Universities, Communtiy Collegb, Adult Education, ROP, Apprenticeship, K-12, labor market information and access to a qualified workforce. 10. Describe efforts to coordinate this project with other organizations receiving RR funding in the geographic region covered by this project: DRAFT Page 13 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION NARRATIVE As this project is a countywide initiative, we will work closely with the Richmond Workforce Development Board, the Employment Development Department, and other business services providers throughout the region. Given that our website and proposed 1-800 call-in line will be accessible regardless of locale, other business services providers will be able to quite easily incorporate these solutions into their programs. Representatives from other organizations receiving RR funding will be invited to participate in our regional and countywide forums, work sessions, etc. These organizations vital for delivering coordinated services to local businesses. 11. Describe the past performance regarding the implementation of past RR "allowable activity" grants: The 2005-2006 grant we received allowed us to devise layoff aversion strategies. Under the auspices of this grant we successfully performed the following tasks: A. Secured and analyzed small business industry and employment data. B. Identified and outreached to business that were "at-risk". C. Identified appropriate service providers and resources and created the BESTeam model to continue this effort. D. Devised a plan to connect businesses to services that would enhance and strengthen the 5 key areas of business management, i.e., Human Resources, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Production. Additionally, we received a significant amout of publicity around our effort to develop this program. 12. Describe how this project might result in benefits for other parts of the State: Our comprehensive strategy educates the business and economic development community and informs them of resources and services designed to strengthen businesses. This model can be easily adopted and its strategies can be implemented by WIBs nationwide. It is an excellent and easily replicated framework for structuring similar coordinated strategies designed to strengthen businesses. Based upon the unique qualities of each city, strategies developed by the BESTeam can be utilized as a model for collaborative problem-solving and cooperative solution delivery. It has been identified that our development of a regionally-focused web portal for businesses and our strategy for promoting one URL by all business services providers offers an inexpensive and easily replicated way for other WIBs to increase visibility in their business communities. Our highly collaborative initiatives with other business services providers breaks down walls between agencies and demonstrates best practices for Workforce Development. 13. Describe the cost effectiveness and sustainability of the project: This project builds upon a foundation of proven strategies and success. The funds allocated for this project will be used to extend and expand our already existing foundation in ways that will require much less effort and/or funding to support after the project period ends (partnerships require more time and effort initially than needed over time to maintain - surveys, marketing, new technologies require one- time investments that pay dividends without additional funding). Our partnership DRAFT Page 14 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION NARRATIVE model significantly leverages WDB resources by organizing, mobilizing and coordinating unused, under-used and/or misdirected resources of other public, private and non-profit organizations. 14. Describe how the project will address one or more of the State Priorities listed in Attachment 2: This project focuses on small business services that are designed to help avert layoffs. Technology will be used to deliver regional solutions to local challenges. A. Layoff Aversion - Our regional approach will allow us to enhance and implement the existing layoff aversion model we developed under "Early Warning Contra Costa". This model calls for the continued collection of small business data, based on a "financial trigger". This years' focus will be on small businesses across industries. With a goal of Identifying "at risk" companies, we will outreach to them to conduct a S.W.O.T analysis - and determine their weaknesses. Upon request, we will connect the small business to a service providers that specializes in delivering training and information specific to the need of the business. B. Innovation - Our plan to address the issues and challenges of layoff aversion and Rapid Response in a coordinated way will allow us to use our business web portal to offer business-to-business labor exchange services. "At-risk" businesses will, via the web portal, be able to connect to strong businesses that have a need to hire workers with similar skill sets to fill job openings. This project will also allow many BESTeam partners to use technology more effectively to communicate, market and deliver their services. C. Small Business Services - To date, considerable emphasis has been directed at serving large corporations, yet according to the 2006 Performance Index produced by the Contra Costa Economic Partnership, small and medium-sized businesses generate most of the job growth in Contra Costa with small firms of less than 100 employees accounting for approximately 98% of the total businesses in the County and 57% of the county's jobs. Recent initiatives for improving services for small business owners (e.g. our new website and our 1-800 HR line) have proven to be effective and popular. Expanding these channels to include information and services covering the 5 areas of small business management will significantly enhance our ability to meet the needs of small businesses. D. Regional Impact - This project will allow businesses to communicate their need for supportive services. The business services community will be able to rapidly respond to the call for business management support and assistance in a coordinated manner. An August 2006 BESTeam event allowed nearly 30 small businesses services, that crossed 5 industries to receive information and access services designed to strengthen and support them. DRAFT Page 15 of 15 8/06 CALIFORNIA RAPID RESPONSE FUNDING SPECIAL PROJECT APPLICATION SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONTRACTUAL SERVICES SPECIFICATIONS Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County Project: Early Warning Contra Costa, 2.0 Contractor 1: Contra Costa Small Business Development Center Contract Amount: $105,500 Comments: Serves as a member of the BESTeam. Will deliver small business management information. Is on the front line working with small business owners on a daily basis. Has an excellent team of business, marketing and technical consultants. Project Tasks: -Assist the WDB in the analysis of business, employment and economic data -Assist the WDB in identifying adverse regional and sub-sector business and economic trends -Assist the BESTeam in conducting surveys of targeted small business sub-sectors - Provide preventative educational and consulting services to small businesses, including human resources consulting via telephone, on-line and in one-to-one consulting - Provide technical services in the set-up and use of communication and collaboration systems - Provide web support and web hosting services - Provide technical training and support to BESTeam partners in support of this project - Develop and post layoff aversion content on ContraCostaMeansBusiness.com -Support the WDB in developing and implementing coordinated Rapid Response strategies -Support the WDB in developing and implementing marketing campaigns Contractor 2: Desmond McLeish (WDB PR Firm) Contract Amount: $6,500 Comments: - Desmond McLeish has worked closely with the WDB for over 2 years. Has successfully conducted marketing campaigns for the WDB and its various initiatives and projects. Project Tasks: -Assist in the development of countywide and targeted marketing campaigns -Assist in the implementation of countywide and targeted marketing campaigns -Assist in the development of coordinated success stories E�l1 B�f USINEssTimm LATEST NEWS Fast Bay Business Times - 1:20 PM PST Monday Manufacturers assistance program starts in Contra Costa The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County announced Monday the launch of an assistance program,for small maniifaclurers. The program,funded by a $197,000 federal layoff aversion grant, allows the Concord- based Workforce Development Board to offer free services to 100 manufacturing companies in Contra Costa County. Each will be provided with consulting services and techniques to address business issues including cost reduction methods, management inventory and hiring, recruitment and training. The Corporation for Manu4icturiaz Excellence has been contracted to consult on each company's production methods. The California Association of Employers will deliver free human resources.services seminars. The Contra Costa Small Business Development Center will offer free individual management consulting. In a statement, Business and Economic Development Coordinator Tracey Brown-Carter, said that the board has identified 175 manufacturers that it plans to contact to offer assistance. 1. .p iVELop `o:2.N.0 X 4f'r i ZI Y q u C F D Conan Cn.M CCIU.41 r D BUSINESS ENHANCEMENT SUPPORT TEAM OVERVIEW The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County has formed the Business Enhancement Support Team (BESTeam) to develop and implement strategies for supporting business vitality and growth. The BESTeam consists of a group of handpicked service providers that are prepared to deliver quality services to meet the needs of the small business community. Through coordinated efforts,the team delivers regional solutions to local challenges. The process involves the BESTeam Manager conducting an initial assessment of the businesses needs. The BESTeam Manager will perform a S.W.O.T. Analysis of the businesses in order to determine which partners to bring to the resource sharing team meeting. Included in most meetings are, at a minimum, representatives from City Economic Development, EASTBAY Works One-Stop Career Center, the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County. OUTCOMES The BESTeam expands and enhances the relationship between the Workforce Development Board, Economic Development, and the Business Community throughout Contra Costa County. Benefits include: ➢ Business management information ➢ Small Business Development Center (SBDC) training, consulting and resources ➢ Employer Tax Credit information ➢ Human Resources information and assistance ➢ Business analysis and management, business planning, market research, marketing ,finance, selling to the government, and technology ➢ Job placement and recruitment assistance ➢ Online business-to-business referrals for recruiting qualified workers ➢ Access to www.ContraCostaMeansBusiness.com website ➢ Assistance identifying resources for specific business operations ➢ Customized training to meet current and future workforce needs . ➢ Access to educational resources (State and Private Universities, Community College,Adult Education, ROP, Apprenticeship and K-12) ➢ Access to a qualified workforce PARTNERS The BESTeam is designed to identify and share information about available resources. Partnering organizations include: • EASTBAY Works One-Stop Career Center • Contra Costa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) • City Economic Development • Contra Costa County Redevelopment • Employment Development Department (EDD) • Chambers of Commerce • Private & Public Education and Training • Contra Costa Library A customized business service of the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County SontraCostaM ca nsD us inc ss.com Contra Costa.County...A Great Place.to Start and Grow Your Busidessl Gu tn1 �C�JC�Jo�OIJ TM 0 o 0 0 0 o Get Connected! Contra Costa County's Business Portal ame ou urvey on a Alk an Expert Ulsdimer �. Information c Resources Services Expertise i Upcoming Events 1 I Connect to I Contra Costa County for Entrepreneurs, Business Owners and Managers Click on event listing for details � ,.,.:...;.�.• - �. is County Profile County Overview i County Profile ' {'{ Demographic Profile r _._..._ _.___._.. ....._ ..._._._.._.._-_.... .___.... _._ ! Population&Housing Cities in Contra Costa City Home Pages City Business Pages C Economic Dev. Depts F. �J,� 1 I .6 a ; .j 1�A:1l.UUWUC�S Government/Compliance ,; e Fictitious Name Search i Fictitious Name Filing Perspectives Permits&Licensing ' ' ' r ` on the Codes&Charters - :. �s"� a `�~ Y" "- ;y •. �••:• .� Economy Tax Information , - .,. a 4ir'�.r..X� '7::+i•r�:' _ .: :dt::fi .`tet••-.. .. .:`.,. ':Y.; -�'. Government Agencies v:.: .,..._ : :..;... Elected Officials � SBDC QuickFatcis and Tools @9M CME Maps Quick links to information and tools on over 50 business topicsTawmm p..; Interactive Map Land Use&Zoning Supervisorial Districts 1 Zip codes THE BUSINESS NETWORK N�, 3 . 1 . \ Growing Urban Limit Lines ( y 'i:_±c Portals to a World of Information r� � Your Business I Select a portal,then click'Go'===> Go The Economy j a@ Economic Profile, o o a - o Performance&Trends , got money? Qo�CNJP o.r I CQ f Market Profile i MicroLoan Program-Small business loans of$5,000 to$25,000. Click here to post your question Business Patterns i Sometimes a little money can help a lot. Call 925-646-5089 by Zip Code Free Financial Check-up-Are you looking for a loan or seeking The Workforces investment money?Be prepared to make "The Ask"-don't waste your ........ — ------- -- Workforce Profile �__�. time and effort or risk the embarrassment of getting turned down. Get a free financial check-up from an SBDC Financial Specialist Workforce Development BEFORE Staffing Assistance you approach a bank or investor. Here's how... Training&Support(soon) http://www.contracostameansbusiness.com/(1 of 3)9/14/2006 12:36:10 PAI ContraCosta M can s H u s i nc ss.Com %DEVFf,p�,. OCG r G�') SBDC o ° S B D.0 E s a 1 eu,ie.,s 1 , _ t>...uoom.nc.nem - 1� ��SA7dLl3U$I,YLSS; ks ---f-- �4 S 'OEv ELOPa1E.4 CENIEAIL a ` NORMERR MIr04111A 4� 6k.61h(;OS7A(.OUN7Y CALI FORMA STATE SCORE. Contra Costa �►��� f+�:iia:4lr.1 na ATcr4vk5aiL Hudnb+ County Library Contra Costa Small Business Development Center 2425 Bisso Lane, Ste. 200,Concord, CA 94520 - Phone: 925-646-5377 Web Design and Hosting by Westwind Associates hitp://www.contracostamcanshusiness.co.1(3 of 3)9/14/2006 12:36:10 PM -- l Contra Costa Small Business Development ® Center Professional Consulting (Free to Small Business Owners!) Looking For a Way To Increase Your Profits? Our team of professional consultants*can help you increase your sales,your profits and your efficiencyl As the owner of an existing business, the first step in "retaining"SBDC consulting is to submit a request for services. Next, after we receive your request for services, our lead consultant Gerald Sullivan will call to review your business needs. He will continue to work with you or refer you to another member of our consulting team. Business Analysis and Management- Gerald Sullivan, Sr. Consultant, will analyze an existing business providing an objective review of business structure, cash flow management, profit margins and growth opportunities. As needed, Gerald can also provide strategies for business-turnaround. Gerald has been consulting with small businesses for over 25 years, assisting hundreds of firms. After reviewing your business needs you could be referred to another member of our consulting team: Business Planning - Cindy Turner can assist the existing business owner develop a strategic business plan. The plan helps the business owner identify and focus on the market opportunity, and serves as a map for implementing solid business strategy. Cindy guides the business owner in developing their marketing, operations, management and financial plan for the business. Marketing - Randall Shores, Sr. Consultant, leads the existing business owner through implementing marketing strategies, which helps in reaching and keeping customers. Randy has over 20 years of consulting experience; assisting countless small business owners increase their profits and sales. Finance - Ken Asian Ilan-Williams assists business owners in understanding and applying prudent financial management, by focusing on the development and use of standard financial statements and ratios. For those business owners seeking loans or equity financing, he guides them through the financing process and helps resource the options that best fits the need. Financial Strategist—Tom Camerato can assist the business owner in determining the financial impact of decisions, using "what if' scenarios from a financial modeling program. Some of the scenarios include forecasting sales, adding employees, expanding to new locations and other crucial decisions. Government Procurement - Bob Lane can assist you in identifying government contracting opportunities and guide the business owner though the certification process. Technology — Mark Westwind can assist the business owner in assessing technology needs to increase business efficiency. He can review websites and marketing materials plus provide insight and guidance on various business management topics. *Our consultants are employed by the SBDC and maintain a private consulting practice. Call for Information 925.646.5377 j Northern Contra Costa Small Business Development Center California aoc 2425 Bisso Lane • Suite 200• Concord,CA 94520 info@ContraCostaSBDC.com • www.ContraCostaSBDC.com Professional Consulting • Practical Training • Timely Business Information A partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration tcw LV�1 ILS - - _--—------ l \ Centra Costa , Small Business "Helping you start and expand your business' �Development ®Center FREE Labor Solutions HOTLINE (800) 399-5331 ✓ What forms are required by law when I hire a new employee? ✓ My employee is chronically late for his shift. How can I manage the situation? ✓ Can my employees work through their lunch as long as I provide the pizza? ✓ Do I have to pay for the tools used by my employees? We ALL have questions — Now YOU can get some answers! Contra Costa Small Business Development Center(SBDC) has partnered with the California Association of Employers (CAE)to provide your company with access to a FREE Human Resource Hotline. The free hotline is supported — for a limited time — by the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa. Protect your business from costly fines and penalties. Pick up the phone and call... it's FREE! (800) 399-5331 G., CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF EMPLOYERS (925)646 5377 These services are sponsored by Fax(925)646-5299 2425 Sisso Lane,Suite 200 Concord, CA 94520 info©ContraCostaSBDC.com vvmv.ContraCostaSBDC.Corn `� l f i ?rufessiunal Cu:aulliny•PracLlCal 1rainin9•Timely Miuess IIIExnraliuu Puzzled about how .to grow .your business in Contra .Costa County? Son ii Richmond \ The Workforce Development Board is putting. the pieces together.