WHAT IS THE ULSTER COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD?

By Kirk Lawson, River Radiology

As a member of the JSEC Steering Committee, it is my honor to have been appointed by the Chair of the Ulster County Legislature to the Ulster County Workforce Development Board (UCWDB).

The UCWDB is composed of more than 30 business leaders and representatives from education, organized labor, rehabilitation agencies, economic development agencies, community based organizations and public employment agencies.  The Board's mission is to oversee the expenditure of Ulster County's share of Workforce Investment Act dollars that are used for workforce development and job training and employment services at the OneStop Job Center on Ulster Avenue in Kingston.  The Board sets policy that will reinforce economic development in the County by establishing a strong workforce development system.  The majority of the members of the Board are from the private sector.
 
The UCWDB sets direction for the Office of Employment & Training expenditures on training and develops policy to establish  programs that will assist both local businesses in sustaining a qualified workforce and residents to achieve self-sufficiency.  The Board is also charged with helping design a seamless access to all agencies that offer workforce services to both the business community and to job seekers at the Ulster County Workforce Development OneStop Job Center.  The Chair of the Board is Barbara Gill, President of Valley Courier and Delivery Services, a business housed in Ulster County for over 25 years.   The Staff Director of the Board is Nancy E.K. Schaef who also serves as Director of Ulster County's Office of Employment and Training.  
 
With JSEC effectively having representation now on the UCWDB through my board seat, it is our hope and intention to bring the voice of JSEC’s membership - a broad representation of Ulster County employers – to meetings.