Kalamazoo-St

Workforce Investment Act of 1998

Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area

Title I Services Plan for Adults and Dislocated Workers

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 will be implemented in the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area on July 1, 2000. While the Workforce Investment Act provides a framework for a comprehensive and integrated workforce delivery strategy for "one-stop" employment and training services, it is only one component of a multi-faceted statewide workforce structure in Michigan known as the Michigan Works! System.

The Michigan Works! System is based on the fundamental premise that in order for the state’s employers to be able to compete successfully in the international marketplace, they need better workers, better educated by our school system and better trained by our public and private training providers. Through the Michigan Works! System we will be able to better match employer needs with training provided to workers.

Locally, the system will provide workforce development services through all of the major workforce development programs in the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area in a seamless, easily accessible, and customized manner.

The Michigan Department of Career Development (MDCD) is the lead agency in the implementation of the statewide Michigan Works! System. The Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Workforce Development Board is the lead agency for the implementation of the Michigan Works! System in the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area (MWA) that consists of the County of Kalamazoo and the County of St. Joseph.

The County of Kalamazoo (Board of Commissioners) is designated as the "Grant Recipient" for the MWA. The Upjohn Institute for Employment Research (Michigan Works!) is designated as the "administrative entity" (referred to as the "Michigan Works! Agency)". These designations are made in accordance with Public Act 8, " Intergovernmental Transfers of Functions and Responsibilities Act of 1967".

Workforce Development Board (WDB) members include individuals representing the private sector. Private sector representatives comprise, as a minimum, 51 percent of the WDB membership During the process of recruiting members for the WDB, strong emphasis is placed on the appointment of individuals who are community leaders interested in the investment the development or workforce and economic development policy from their respective area of representation.

A stringent conflict of interest policy is established by the Michigan Department of Career Development to ensure that WDB members will be unbiased in decision making. Individuals having an affiliation with an agency or organization receiving funding which under the control of the WDB cannot serve on the Board, except under very limited circumstances.

The Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Workforce Development Board has substantial flexibility in the design of a system which best meet community and customer needs. Michigan Works! Service Centers have been established in each county. Within these Centers, a wide array of core services are accessible by employers and job seekers, free of charge. Most primary state and federally funded workforce development programs are co-located at the Service Centers for easy customer access.

The Michigan Works! System was initiated as the state’s "one-stop" workforce development system several years ago. The Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! System will be further enhanced and refined, as the provisions of the Workforce Development Act are implemented over the next five years.

The following Five-year Workforce Investment Act Plan is the first in a series of plans that will be developed to enhance the Michigan Works! System in the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area. At this time, the WIA "Transition" Plan addresses only a portion of the WIA elements. Full implementation of the Workforce Investment act requires additional collaboration between the Workforce Development Board, Michigan Department of Career Development and the US Department of Labor in order to resolve current voids in a number of key areas. Because of this a number of significant components will be more fully developed and incorporated into these strategic plans as the System evolves.

The WIA Plan that follows focuses on those services which will be provided to Adults and Dislocated Workers. Services to Youth are addressed in a separate WIA Youth Services Transition Plan. These documents are prepared in advance of any announcement of Workforce Investment Act funding levels for the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area. Therefore, the identification of specific resources or customer service level have not been included in these WIA Plans.

I. LABOR MARKET ANALYSIS

A. Workforce Investment Needs (2000 – 2004)

Within the nine-county southwest Michigan region, which includes the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area, tight labor markets have been the recent norm. Moderate employment growth coupled with modest population gains has kept the region’s unemployment rate low during the 1990’s. Regional unemployment rates have dropped dramatically in the late 1990’s…from 7.0% in 1990 to below 3.9% in the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works Area in 1999 (Annual average through October 1999).

Total employment by place of work increased at a rate of 1.3% per year from 1990 to 1997. The regions more rural counties have experienced the strongest growth. The low unemployment has made it more difficult for regional employers to find qualified and motivated workers.
From April to July of 1998, the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research surveyed 358 employers in the three Michigan Works! Areas in southwest Michigan regarding their assessment of the workplace know-how skills possessed by entry-level workers and their expected occupational demand for the next five years. The major findings of this report are:
Surveyed employers identified attendance, positive attitude and customer service attitude as the most important attributes that newly hired workers could have. Countering earlier studies, surveyed employers place less importance on basic academic skills.
A large percentage of the surveyed employers found the ability to regularly report to work with a positive attitude has deteriorated during the past two years among entry-level workers.
Of the 98-manufacturing firms responding to the survey, nearly 70 percent indicated that daily attendance was the most important work attitude that they wanted in their entry-level workers.
Nearly 60 percent of the employers noted an improvement in computer literacy skills among recently hired entry-level workers.

From the job seekers perspective,

High school graduates 20 years old or older with basic skills deficiencies have restricted opportunities for participation in adult education.
Adult education students need balance of employability and workplace know-how skills with adult education academics.
Transportation remains a critical problem, especially in areas not served by public transit and in the evening hours (in all areas).

From the perspective of employers,

Lack of sufficient numbers of workers with abilities to demonstrate a practical application of reading, writing, and basic math that are in-tune with the occupations for which they are making application.
The "most important" workplace know-how skills that workers and labor market entrants should develop:

Basic Academic Skills: Basic reading; Basic verbal/speaking; Writing; Listening; Basic Math

Personal Characteristics: Honesty, integrity; Responsibility; Lifelong learner, willingness to learn; Initiative, self-starter, motivation

Task Achievement Competencies: Attendance; Punctuality; Flexibility; Problem solving; Common sense; Time management; Consistently accurate, quality concept;

Behaviors with Respect to Organization: Understands and embraces mission, understands "big picture", takes ownership, empowered

Interpersonal Skills: Teamwork skills; Works well with co-workers; Customer orientation; Interpersonal, sociability; Respects diversity

B. Economic Trends (2000-2004)

Current data from which long term projections may be made for the next five years (2000 – 2004) are not available until January 2000. However, the following is presented as an indicator of the economic and labor market activity within the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area.

General Economy

Employment, output, and personal income have grown faster in Kalamazoo County than statewide during the past twenty years.
The Kalamazoo County economy is highly dependent upon its "export" based industries--industries that sell their goods or services to customers outside of the county.

Labor Force Trends

The labor force in the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area increased 7.5 percent between 1990 and 1998. Kalamazoo County recorded the highest numeric growth. St. Joseph County recorded the highest growth rate.
The 1999 unemployment rate of 3.9 percent (annual average at 0ctober1999) is a significant decline in unemployment since 1991, when the unemployment rate was 7.3 percent.
Over the next two years, the area's labor force is expected to expand, with unemployment projected to increase slightly. The MWA labor force is anticipated to grow between PY1997 and PY1999, with an increase of 1.9 percent. Total employment for the same period is expected to increase by 0.9 percent. Since job growth is expected to fall behind labor force expansion over the two-year period, the unemployment rate should rise to 3.9 percent in 1999. The annualized unemployment rate for the MWA through October 1999 was 3.9 percent.

Industry Employment Projections (1997-1999)

Overall wage and salary employment in Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) increased by approximately 0.8 percent with the most significant increase of 2.8 percent seen in St. Joseph County.
Increases of 2 percent or more are projected to be in construction, retail trade, services, wholesale trade, finance, insurance and real estate, and government.
Gains in the manufacturing, finance, insurance and real estate industry in St. Joseph County will be offset by losses in the same industries in Kalamazoo County.
One of the top growth industries, rubber and plastic products, reflects employment expansion among firms that manufacture products from plastic resin and from natural or synthetic rubber. Many of these firms in this group support Michigan’s auto industry.

Employment Opportunities by Industry and Occupation

Based on the area’s top ten industries, the short-term occupational trend reflects a need for semi-skilled manufacturing, skilled trades, cashiers, managers, salespersons, and food service workers.
Occupational Distribution in MWAs top ten industries:

Industry	Major Occupations
Business Services		General Managers, General Office Clerks, Guards, Janitors, Secretaries, except Legal/Medical Secretaries.
Rubber & Plastic Products		Assemblers, Plastic Molding Machine Operators, Plastic Molding Machine Setters, Production Supervisors
Social Services, Management Services		Child Care Workers, Home Health Aides, Social Workers, General Managers, Secretaries
Eating & Drinking Places		Cashiers, Cooks, Food Preparation & Service Workers, Waitpersons
Transportation Equipment		Assemblers, Electricians, Machine Tool Operators, Production Inspectors
Construction		Carpenters, Electricians, General Managers, Plumbers
Health Services		Nursing Aides, Orderlies, Physicians, Receptionists, Registered Nurses
Local Education		Janitors, Secondary Elementary Teachers, Secretaries, Teacher Aides
Department Stores		Cashiers, First Line Supervisors, General Office Clerks, Retail Salespersons
Auto Dealers & Gas Stations		Auto Mechanics, Cashiers, First Line Supervisors, Retail Salespersons
SOURCE: Annual Planning Information Report for PY99, Employment Services Agency

Industry Dislocation

As reported in the local news, WARN Notices, or identified through site visits by the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Rapid Response Team, over 9,400 workers were identified as dislocated between 1990 and 1997. The trend of dislocation dipped significantly from 1992-1994, but rose again in 1995 with 12 businesses announcing closures and/or significant layoffs affecting over 1,000 workers. An additional 22 businesses made announcements that they were reducing their workforce in 1996 and 1997, affecting over 2,900 workers.

Distribution of worker dislocation during 1996 and 1997 shows a concentration of workers in health care, manufacturing (paper, transportation, and pharmaceuticals), and food processing.

Occupational Projections (1994-2005)

Kalamazoo-St. Joseph MWA projections call for total occupational employment, which includes wage and salary jobs as well as agriculture and self-employment, to reach about 165,300 by year 2000. The 23,000 jobs expected to be added to the area's economy between 1988 and 2000 represent a growth rate of 16 percent. With future job growth expected to be concentrated in the private service producing industries, the occupational forecasts call for rapid expansion in the white collar and service worker groups.

Sales occupations are expected to grow by 21.8 percent, adding approximately 3,180 jobs by 2005.
Administrative support occupations, such as secretaries, office clerks and typists are forecast to grow by only 5.7 percent. Technological changes the office support industry will have an increasingly greater impact on the restructuring of specific job in this occupational group.
Occupations relating to health care and computer technology remain some of the fastest growing in the area.

MICHIGAN WORKS! SYSTEM

A. Michigan Works! Service Centers/Employment Service Sites

Employment Services are based at two Michigan Works! Service Centers, one in each county. Additional employment services may be provided at locations other than the Michigan Works! Service Centers to facilitate greater customer access to Employment Services.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY

MWSC Site Address

Site Contact

1601 South Burdick Street

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

Voice: 1-800-285-WORKS (9675)

616 383-2536

FAX: 616 385-3785

E-mail: TBA

Contact: David Parkhill

222 Enterprise Drive

Three Rivers, Michigan 49093

Voice: 616 273-2717

FAX: 616 273-3002

E-Mail: TBA

Contact: Nancy Percival

Hours of Operation

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Daily except for State recognized holidays.

Service Capacity (Daily)

90

25

Service Center Enhancements (Plans for Expansion and/or Improvement)

The Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area supports two certified Michigan Works! Service Centers, one in each county. The center in the Kalamazoo County is located in the City of Kalamazoo. The MWSC in St. Joseph County is located in the City of Three Rivers. Representatives from the Three Rivers MWSC provide regularly scheduled services at the Sturgis (St. Joseph County) Unemployment Agency office.

Both MWSC sites underwent extensive remodeling during 1999. The Three Rivers MWSC was expanded. Improvements will be completed in early 2000. Improvements at both sites include the addition of new computer equipment and the relocation of existing computer workstations to enable greater accessibility for customers.

Because of the extensive upgrading of the Service Centers in 1999, it is not anticipated that additional renovation or enhancements of that magnitude will be required during the next five years. However, the Workforce Development Board is currently reviewing plans to relocate the Kalamazoo MWSC to a more centralized location. The time frame for substantive planning for this event is currently contingent upon the State’s schedule for the Kalamazoo Unemployment Agency office implementation of the statewide remote UI Registration System.

Continuous Improvement of Eligible Providers

The Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area is a charter member of the Enterprise Council, a project of the US Department of Labor. "The Enterprise goal is to foster knowledge and understanding of quality practices as a means to promote excellence in service and results to customers – employers and job seekers – of the workforce development system."

Within the context of continuous improvement the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Workforce Development Board and Michigan Works! Agency has established measures that attempt to promote, track progress and report results of service provided by the Michigan Works! System as a whole and providers of service specifically. Some of these measures include:

Assessment: Identification of specific workforce needs of the customers – employers and job seekers.

Treatments: Translate these needs into strategies that will address the needs – systemic or programmatic - in such a manner that the identified needs are minimized or eradicated.

Implementation: Based on the strategies identified for addressing the needs, under go the processes of identifying the manner in which the strategies may be implemented. This occurred through the identification of a range of eligible providers in both the private and public sectors with the demonstrated ability to successfully comprehend the needs and strategies and devise specific methodology for implementing the strategies.

Evaluation: Timely and continuous review of eligible provider results is the key to assessing that the needs are being addressed as planned. In consideration of ascertaining positive progress towards the goal, specific performance indicators are established. Measuring progress on an ongoing basis is essential to achieving the end goals.

Strategic Planning: Strategic planning encompasses the fundamental factors of quality performance. Under the leadership of the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Workforce Development Board, all of the workforce development system’s partners will participate in activities designed to ensure that the foregoing elements are fully incorporated.

In consideration of the recent reorganization of the Michigan Department of Career Development to incorporate responsibility for state level vocational and adult education, and of the implementation of the Workforce Investment Act, the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Workforce Development Board has not decided at this time of the specific format for their strategic planning initiative. Regardless of format the process will incorporate the active participation of critical elements of the community:

Municipalities, especially those who have responsibility for workforce development initiatives supported by the US Department of Health and Human Services, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other human service oriented programs.
Elected officials
Economic Development initiatives
Community based organizations and neighborhood associations, especially those representing populations that may be the most in need of services throughout the Michigan Works! System
Secondary, post-secondary and higher education
Organizations currently involved in the local workforce development system, such as: Education Advisory Group, Kalamazoo Valley Partners for Quality, Regional EDGE, M-Tech Center (at Kalamazoo Valley Community College), etc.

Quality Management Of Service Delivery: Meeting Needs Of Customers

The Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Workforce Development Board and Michigan Works! Agency is responsible for the assessment of workforce development needs in the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area. Workforce needs are identified through data review, participation in partnership organizations, and through the ongoing evaluation of the local economic and labor market structure.

To ensure that the needs are properly addressed through resources, for which the Workforce Development Board has management responsibility, the Michigan Works! System incorporates procedures to assure that eligible providers meet the needs of employers. Some of the key components of this process include:

Development of Request for Proposal (RFPs) that clearly define workforce development needs and the expected performance outcomes.
Identification of eligible providers who have the demonstrated capability of providing quality training and/or workforce development services such as those required in the Board’s Strategic Plan.
Ongoing monitoring of performance by the Workforce Development Board including on-site reviews.
Ongoing dialogue between all partners of the Michigan Works! System to ensure clear communications of goals and desired results and identification of any situations which may occur which may impact on the achievement of these goals.

Coordination of Michigan Works! System Services

The Michigan Works! System is a structure of many partners. All of the partners support a common vision. Each partner contributes differently. Some provide specialized services. Some focus on specific population groups. Many partners may provide the same or substantially equivalent services, not as a duplication of one another, but in coordination with one another to ensure maximum impact is achieved.

Partners within the Michigan Works! System may be supported by resources under the direct control of the Workforce Development Board. Others may be supported by resources only under the auspices of the WDB. Yet others may be supported by resources totally external to the Workforce Development Board. Coordination of workforce development services between partner agencies is accomplished by:

Incorporating specific language in sub-contractual agreements requiring coordination between agencies under contract with the Workforce Development Board.
Development of a Memorandum of Understanding between agencies participating in the Michigan Works! Service Center(s)
Participation of WDB members and MWA staff on partner agency boards, committees, councils, task force/work groups, etc. (to ensure good communications of activities of workforce development community).
Regularly scheduled (Quarterly, monthly, weekly as needs required) dialogue between all partners of the Michigan Works! System and MWA staff to ensure clear communications of goals and desired results and identification of any situations which may occur which may impact on the achievement of these goals.

B. Memorandum of Understanding Between MWS Partners

The Michigan Works! System encourages the active participation of a number of agencies charged with the responsibility for the management of critical workforce development programs. This is especially true for the programs that are co-located at each Service Center.

To ensure that a common understanding is achieved among partners, the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Service Center partners have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that addresses key issues:

Purpose of the Michigan Works! System Partnership
Mission of the Partnership
Partnership Principles and Goals
Service Center Coordination

A facsimile of the agreement that is effective for the period July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2001 is found at attachment A to this Plan.

LOCAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Performance measures under the Workforce Investment Act are to be negotiated between the Workforce Development Board and the Michigan Department of Career Development. The MDCD has submitted statewide performance measures and performance goals to the US Department of Labor. Following the MDCDs successful negotiation with the US Department of Labor, local measures will be established.

While specific goals are not available at this time, the following performance measures are likely to be incorporated into the local Strategic Plan for Adults, Dislocated Workers and Youth (additional performance measures are established in the "WIA Youth Services Plan" for youth 14 – 18 years old):

Entered Employment Rate.
Six-Month Retention Rate.
Average Earnings Change in 6 Months for Adults and Youth, or

Earnings Replacement Rate for Dislocated Workers.

Credential Attainment Rate for adults who enter unsubsidized employment
Participant Customer Satisfaction Index
Employer Customer Satisfaction Index

MICHIGAN WORKS! AREA SERVICE ACTIVITIES

Adult And Dislocated Worker Activities

All customers receive employment services through the Michigan Works! System. Customers filing for unemployment insurance services through the Michigan Unemployment Agency (co-located in the Service Centers) will access the employment services at the same site.

A range of WIA supported workforce development services are available for adults and dislocated workers. The ranges of services available to any eligible applicant are based on an assessment of the individual’s needs and individual service strategies. Specific activities incorporated into the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works System Include:

Core Services

Provided to all job seekers and employers. These are largely basic informational in nature and include a wide array of self-service activity (See Attachment B)

Intensive Services

Provided to individuals eligible for specific programs and services. These require some form of direct staff assistance and guidance

Mediated Services

Provided through MDCD/ESA staff, these may include some intensive services available to all individuals and employers.

Training Services

Provided to individuals eligible for specific programs and services and for whom participation in intensive services is not adequate to meet their assessed needs. Skill training is focused in occupations where a demand for trained workers is documented and/or specific growth industry had been defined in the Kalamazoo-Michigan Works! Area.

Individual Training Account (ITA) System

The Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area has supported occupational skills training for individuals through a "voucher" system for the past five years. This concept will be broadened to incorporate both occupational skill and job specific skill training under the Workforce Investment Act. The format for facilitating a "customer choice" process will be the "Individual Training Account (ITA) System."

The significant features of the ITA System include the identification of occupational areas for which trained workers are needed (based on occupational demand and/or specific growth industry in the Kalamazoo-Michigan Works! Area), identification of eligible providers through whom training may be provided, and identification of cost and performance of each eligible provider in the area of chosen training. The ITA System will incorporate several features that will assure quality training is received.

Agencies and organizations will submit applications to the Michigan Works Agency for inclusion on the State Eligible Provider List. The WIA Eligible Provider Application will include:

Description of the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! System including the Individual Training Account (ITA) System.

Initial Eligibility Application. Required information:

- Description of area of training

- Performance information

- Cost information

Subsequent Eligibility Renewal. Required information for all students (general public and WIA participants) in each program of training:

Program completion rate of all students, and

Percent who obtained unsubsidized employment, and

Percentage who obtained unsubsidized employment in occupational field related to program of training, and
Wage at placement in employment of all individuals participating in the applicable program.

And for WIA participants only, in each program of training:

Percent who completed training and who are placed in unsubsidized employment, and
Retention rates in employment 6 months after placement in employment, and
Wages 6 months after placement in employment, and
(As appropriate) Rate of licensure or certification, attainment of degree or equivalent or other measure(s) of skill attainment

Additional Required Information: Description of Administrative Procedures

- Description and use of ITAs

- Processing of ITAs

- Limitations on ITAs

- Invoicing and adjustments to expenses

- Contact personnel

- Limits of liability

The Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Workforce Development Board has established operational guidelines pertaining to the use and application of ITAs in the Michigan Works! System System.

Individual Training Agreements will be made available to eligible participants as determined by MWSC operator(s) or designated partner(s).
ITAs will be limited in duration. (Specific time frame to be established).
The value (range) of ITAs will be established by the MWA. (The value to be established by the Workforce Development Board.)
The scope of the ITA will include tuition, fees, and reasonable materials and supplies required for the class selection.

The allotment of funds available for the ITA will be established annually by the MWA. The Individual Training Account (ITA) System will be managed by the MWSC operator(s) and/or partner(s) who will be determined through a competitive procurement.

Exceptions to the ITA System

While most skill training needs will be supported through the ITA System, there may be occasion where an alternative training option is developed. In the event that this occurs the MWA will document the situation as "not conducive with the ITA System" and attempt to secure the required training through competitive procurement procedures.

On-the-job training is not anticipated to be an option of substantial use in the local Michigan Works! System System. If chosen, OJT agreements may be developed outside of the ITA System.

Customized training for groups of eligible participants may also be conducted outside of the ITA system. However, specific commitments from and employer or group of employers to hire individuals who successfully complete training is required.

Veterans Priority

While all individuals have access to core and basic labor exchange services, individuals who are veterans receive priority in the Michigan Works! System for labor exchange services. Specific procedures are followed to ensure that each veteran is made aware of this priority.

Veterans are assisted with initial registration services, advised orally and in written form of additional services available to them, including preference in referral to training and employment opportunities.
All veterans are referred to a DOCD/ES Veteran’s Representative for mediated services, including preference in referral to job opportunities. Procedures for referral of veterans to the DOCD/ESA qualified staff varies from site to site based on the preferences of the LVER/DVOP at the respective site. Three (3) DOCD/ESA Veteran Representatives are assigned in the MWA, two are located at the Kalamazoo Michigan Works! Service Center and one in St. Joseph County.
Veteran Representatives will be accessible to veterans for guidance, direction, training and technical assistance to the Michigan Works! System with respect to compliance with the Veterans Right to Employment Services Act (P.A. 39 of 1994).

B. Wagner-Peyser (ESA), TAA and NAFTA Services

Public labor exchange employment services, referred to in this plan as "employment services", are supported through the Federal Wagner-Peyser Act (portions of which were amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998) and provisions of the Trade Readjustment Act (TAA) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Customer Service

The public labor exchange system, an integral component of the local Michigan Works System, is designed to be customer driven. The Employment Service function, being the most accessible point of contact for the general population of job seekers and employers, holds the responsibility as the "operator" of the local Michigan Works! Services Centers. Customer service begins at initial contact with job seekers and/or employers…by phone or in person.

Customer Service Representatives are positioned at each Michigan Works! Service Center in a highly conspicuous location to respond as the initial point of contact. The representatives also serve as the initial reception of telephone contact, including calls initiated through the Michigan Works! Toll-free number (1-800-285-WORKS) which is housed at the Kalamazoo Service Center. Centrex services enable customers to be immediately connected to the St. Joseph County Service Center or any other Michigan Works! Partner.

1. Basic Labor Exchange Services

Basic labor exchange services are designed to assist job seekers in finding employment by providing access and direction on how to use Michigan's Internet-based Talent Bank/Job Bank labor exchange system. Job seeker resumes remain active for a period of 30 days and are maintained on file for a period of up to one year. It is the responsibility of the job seeker to ensure that their registration in Michigan's Talent Bank/Michigan's Job Bank system is active.

Employers are provided access and direction in how to use Michigan's Talent Bank/Michigan's Job Bank system. This may be conducted at the Service Centers or at the employers work site. There are no preconditions for job seekers or employers seeking employment services.

Employment Service staff are assigned the responsibility for providing orientation on the use of the MTB/MJB to both job seekers and employers. This includes providing assistance for initial registrations and for updating and/or revising resume and job order information as well as using the technology for search and match appropriate job orders and resumes. Most staff are cross-trained to accommodate increased volume of customer demand and periodic absence of staff assigned these functions as a primary task.

Job Seeker Services

A full range of basic services are available to job seekers. Additional mediated services are also available for individuals having a need for more intensive assistance. The range of "basic" labor exchange employment services available to job seekers include:

Computer access to Internet
Instruction on use of Michigan’s Talent Bank
Assistance with use of computer,
Assistance in development of resume` for the MTB,
Assistance with data entry and update,
Accommodations for persons with disabilities, including deaf and deafening persons,
Referral of veterans, individuals with disabilities, and migrant/seasonal farm workers in need of mediated services to a designated MDCD/ES worker,
Information on all workforce development services available through the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Workforce Development System.

Job Search Assistance

General guidance is provided on the utilization of the MTB/MJB system, including the preparation of registration information which accurately describes the customers work history, skills and interests, and how to most effectively use the MTB/MJB to locate the most appropriate opportunity for them.

Resource Centers have been upgraded to ensure that information and technology is current. While there are variations between sites, the typical Resource Center will have a number of resources available: Television/VCR with headsets; job search videos; access to copy machine and fax; resume writing software; typing or keyboard software; Internet access; resume books; job search strategy books; Dictionary of Occupational Titles; O*NET 98 CD ROM (Occupational Information Network); Occupational Outlook Handbook; Michigan Manufacturers Directory, financial aid information, etc.

Job Search Workshops are available for customers desiring to "dig deeper" into the job search process. While actual schedules for job search workshops may vary depending on customer interest (this service is optional for customers) they are designed to be offered weekly and encompass at least six hours of classroom training addressing a number of critical areas:

Job Search Strategies

Resume` and Employment Letter Writing

Applications and Interviewing

Job seekers requiring assessment/testing, employment counseling, federal bonding assistance, referral to training, etc., are assisted with general information on the availability of services and, as necessary, referred to MDCD/ESA Counselor for mediated services which are restricted to be provided by qualified MDCD/ESA staff. The MWA Employment Service sites provide job seekers with pretest information made available by the Michigan Jobs Commission. One MDCD/ESA Counselor is assigned to Kalamazoo County and is available for supplemental services for St. Joseph County.

2. Unemployment Insurance Claimant Work Test

The Unemployment Agency refers UI Claimants to Employment Services for assistance in meeting their UI work-test requirements through registration of their resumes` in the MTB and through periodic updates. The UA referral card is stamped and the initial MTB registration is printed, stamped and certified by designated ES staff.

UI Work-test Verification. The certified registration and referral card(s) are delivered to the designated UA office contact in accordance with a schedule established by the state UA, currently at the end of each work day. (This process has occasionally been modified by the state and is currently under review for additional refinement.) As well, UI claimants who visit Employment Service sites to update their resumes` may have this activity confirmed with the Unemployment Agency (UA) to ensure continued eligibility for unemployment insurance.

Work-test Compliance Monitoring. A component of the UI work-test activity is the monitoring of job seeker activity to ensure compliance with the available and seeking work requirement. While the MTB/MJB system is currently limited in the manner in which job seeker job search activity may be monitored, a number of ancillary procedures are available to conduct a minimum level of oversight, including letters from employers indicating a job seekers refusal of employment. Upon identification of a situation of noncompliance ES staff completes the required MDCD/ESA report form and transmits the same to the local UA contact.

UI Claimant Training. Unemployment insurance claimants may be referred to training, which may have an impact on their work-test requirements. In situations where a customer may be impacted, ES staff institute procedures which assess the customers training plan and prepare a Training Approval Request to be submitted to the Unemployment Agency.

Target Group Services. During the customer registration process ES staff, in conjunction with the individual customer, assess the customer’s qualifications for one or more "target group" classifications. Customers are advised, through interview, signage, and written materials, of additional services which are available to them through specially qualified MDCD/ESA staff or other workforce development programs, if they meet selection criteria.

All Veterans are assisted with initial registration services, advised orally and in written form of additional services available to them, including preference in referral to training and employment opportunities. All veterans are referred to an MDCD/ES Veteran’s Representative for mediated services, including preference in referral to job opportunities. Procedures for referral of veterans to the MDCD/ESA qualified staff varies from site to site based on the preferences of the LVER/DVOP at the respective site. Three (3) MDCD/ESA Veterans Representatives are assigned in the MWA, two are located at the Kalamazoo site and one in St. Joseph County.

Migrant/Seasonal Farm Workers have access to mediated services beyond the basic employment services through the MDCD/ES worker. Because there is no specific MDCD/ES worker assigned to the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area referrals of migrant/seasonal farm workers are made to the MDCD/ES Counselor, on an as needed basis, to receive mediated services.

Individuals with Disabilities are assisted with initial registration services, advised orally and in written form of additional services available to them, including the availability of additional services to accommodate their registration process. Individuals within this classification are referred to the MDCD/ESA Rehabilitation Services Representative for additional mediated services. Procedures for referral of individuals with disabilities to the qualified MDCD/ESA staff varies from site to site based on the preferences of the Rehabilitation staff at the respective site. Three (3) MDCD/ESA Rehabilitation Representatives are assigned to Kalamazoo County. These staff also service St. Joseph County.

3. Interstate and Intrastate Clearance Orders

Interstate and Intrastate Clearance Orders are processed by MW ES staff in accordance with the procedures identified in the ES Manual. Designated MWA ES staff is assigned responsibility for this function to ensure prompt and accurate processing.

Monitoring of Employer Job Orders is a maintenance function of designated MWA ES staff to ensure that job order activity of employers who are federal contractors or are involved in labor disputes and other employer compliance issues are controlled and, where appropriate, action is taken to ensure referrals are not made which would be in violation of ES protocol.

4. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and North American Free Trade/TAA (NAFTA)

Designated Employment Service staff are trained to assist workers adversely affected by foreign competition. A range of re-employment services is available for workers who have been determined as qualified for TAA and/or NAFTA/TAA services. Re-employment services available include:

TAA and NAFTA/TAA employer certification
Employment Registration
Employment Counseling
Vocational Testing
Job Development
Supportive Services
On-the-Job Training
Classroom Training
Self-Directed Job Search
Job Search Allowances, and
Relocation Allowances.

Employer Services

There are no preconditions for employers requesting Wagner-Peyser Employment Services. A range of basic labor exchange employment services are available to all employers:

Provided access and direction in how to use Michigan's Talent Bank/Michigan's Job Bank system. This may be conducted at the Service Centers or at the employers work site.
Assistance with use of computer, if necessary
Assistance in development, update and removal of job orders for the MTB, including direct entry of employer data for employers, if necessary
Assistance with data entry and update including entering searches for employers and download, print, and fax unqualified searches of qualified applicants
Distribution and collection of employer job applications,
Posting of casual/day labor openings and state, county, local civil service job openings at the MWSC
Employer eligibility to tax credit resources (Trade Readjustment Act, Worker Opportunity Tax Credit Program, etc.)
Information on all workforce development services available through the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Workforce Development System.

5. Employment Service Complaint System

Job seekers and employers have access to a process to address disputes. The Michigan Employment Service Agency establishes the protocol through the Employment Service Manual. The Employment Service Complaint System has remedies at both the local and state level. To ensure proper application of the local ES Complaint Process designated MWA ES staff has been assigned this responsibility.

The process incorporates multiple levels of review, by line and management level staff, prior to forwarding cases to the state. All attempts are made to resolve any dispute at its earliest point. However, whenever a complaint is put into a written format, the ES Complaint Process is set into motion.

All issues, which may fall under the purview of the local ES Complaint Process, are directed to the designated ES staff. Situations in need of review are processed in accordance with the protocol and time frame provided in the Employment Service Manual. These procedures are different from those provided by the Workforce Development Board and take precedent over the Workforce Development Board Grievance and Complaint procedures.

6. Federal Bonding

Federal bonding assistance is provided where employers have identified this as a requisite for employment. Designated MWA ES staff is assigned this process to ensure prompt service and full compliance with ES procedures.

VI. RAPID RESPONSE ACTIVITY

Workers in Transition (i.e., dislocated workers) have access to additional services through two primary sources: Employment Services and the MWA Dislocated Worker Project administered by one of the MWA partner agencies. An essential component for assisting workers in transition is the participation of the MWA Employment Service, Unemployment Agency, Michigan Works Agency, and Dislocated Worker Project staff in Rapid Response efforts.

The four agencies noted above, along with a representative of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Account Team, respond immediately to situations where notification is received of business closures or substantial layoffs. Following an initial meeting between the employer and the MWA, UA and, MEDC, subsequent informational exchanges are considered with participation of the four primary agencies and with business management, union and employee representatives, and group meetings with employees. As appropriate, staff responsible for TAA and NAFTA/TAA are available to assist.

ALLOCATION AND PRIORITIZATION OF WIA FUNDS

A. Allocation of funds by WIA activity

Three classifications of activity will be supported by the Workforce Investment Act. A wide-range of basic services are available, free of charge, to all customers – job seekers and employers. Other, more intensive services are available to individuals who meet guidelines specified in the Act, by the Michigan Department of Career Development, or by the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Workforce Development Board.

The Workforce Investment Act is intended as a mechanism to initiate systemic change in the overall workforce development system. A key component of the legislation is the coordination of workforce development resources. Inasmuch as resources provided under the Workforce Investment Act are limited it is unlikely that all customers will have access to all levels of service.

Current and historical experience with current workforce development programs targeted at serving customers experiencing multiple barriers to employment has validated the fact that the need is far greater than the available resources. Therefore, local priorities for the use of Workforce Investment Act funds have been be established to address several categories:

The allocation of WIA resources among the range of services to be provided. That is distribution of funding to "Core Services", "Intensive Services", and "Training"
A prioritization of customers eligible for "Intensive Services" and "Training".

In consideration of the aforementioned issues, and an absence, at this time, of a specific Workforce Investment Act funding allocation for the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! System, the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Workforce Development Board has established the following guidelines:

"Core Services", including basic labor exchange employment services, will be supported by 100% of the amount allocated to the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area as program funds under the Wagner-Peyser Act (section 7(a)) and 10% of the allocation received under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act for Adults and Dislocated Workers.

The allocation of resources for of the "Intensive Services" and "Training" will be derived from the amount of funds remaining for program activities after an amount is allocated for "Core Services". A determination of the allocation between the two activities cannot be made at this time. However, it is anticipated that Workforce Investment Act funds available for "Training" will NOT be significant. Priority for customers accessing these services include:

Adults eligible to receive "Intensive Services" shall meet specified criteria including:

Meet any federal or state criteria for access to this level of service,
Have an objective of obtaining employment,
Unable to achieve that objective through Core Services, and
Have multiple barriers to achieving employment (such as economically disadvantaged, less than a high school education, limited English speaking, or a disability that serves as a barrier to employment.

Adults eligible to receive "Training" shall meet the criteria specified for access to "Intensive Services" as well as other criteria:

Meet any federal or state criteria for access to this level of service,
Unable to achieve the objective of obtaining employment through "Intensive Services", and
Have more than one of the barriers to employment identified by the Workforce Development Board.

B. Awarding of Grants and Contracts

The Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area Procurement System encompasses the procurement of goods and services required for the operation of the Michigan Works! System. All procurements conducted with funds provided to the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! System are required to be conducted in such a manner as to ensure free and open competition.

All service providers receiving grants or contracts from the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Agency must comply with the procurement policies, rules and regulations promulgated by the state and/or federal government for the state and/or federal funds assigned to the Michigan Works! System. This includes, but is not limited to:

The establishment of written procurement standards that comply with state and/or federal requirement applicable for the programs covered under the respective grants and contracts.
Establishment of property control and record management procedures that comply with state and/or federal requirement applicable for the programs covered under the respective grants and contracts.
Establishment of procedures that address "Standards of Conduct", "Conflict of Interest" and discrimination that apply to all procurement decisions.

Administrative Responsibility

Maintenance and implementation of these guidelines and the procurement system shall be the responsibility of the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Agency. These responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Identification and maintenance of a local list of WIA Eligible Providers as defined in Section 122 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
The identification and maintenance of a list of pre-approve service providers not otherwise identified as Eligible Providers for WIA training.
Conduct procurements for services through the use of competitive procurement process such as Request for Proposals (RFPs).

These policies apply to training that may be procured under the "procedures for exceptions" as previously identified under "Individual Training Account (ITA) System".

Standards of Conduct

A strict standard of conduct policy is incorporated in the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! "Procurement and Property Management System". The policy reflects State guidelines for "Standards of Conduct" and "Conflict of Interest". The policy is applicable to members of the Workforce Development Board, Michigan Works! Agency and Michigan Works! providers receiving funds through the Michigan Works! System.

VII. WAGNER-PEYSER SERVICES SUPPORT

Employment Services for job seekers are supported, in large measure, through federal Wagner-Peyser funds. These funds are allocated to each Michigan Works! System for the purpose of providing employment services to employers and job seekers through the Michigan Works! Service Centers. Employment Services funding is designated for two types of service:

Wagner-Peyser Employment Services (7(a)) for the general public – employers and job seekers- and

TAA and NAFTA for individuals qualifying for training services under the provisions of the Trade Adjustment Act and/or the North American Free Trade Act.

Michigan Department of Career Development/Employment Service Agency staff (MDCD/ESA) are assigned to Employment Service sites for the purpose of providing mediated services to job seekers and employers. Mediated services are those that may be required beyond the basic public labor exchange employment services provided by MWA Employment Service staff.

Each Employment Service site provides space, logistical support, and functional supervision for MDCD/ESA workers assigned to their locations. Assignment of MDCD/ESA worker activity as on-site or Itinerate staff is established by the Employment Services provider(s), based on the volume of job seeker and employer activity.

Because current MDCD/ESA staff are not assigned within the Michigan Works Area in an equitable "time-sharing" of MDCD/ESA workers between Employment Service sites facilitates greater accessibility to mediated services by the customers.

Allocations of MWA staff FTE (full time equivalencies) are based on proposals submitted prior to negotiations of agreements and are provided for illustrative purposes only. The distributions noted in the above table are based on activities defined in the Request for Proposal and anticipated service activity.

REVIEW, COMMENT AND PUBLICATION ON THIS WIA PLAN

The Kalamazoo-St, Joseph Workforce Development Board presents this Workforce Investment Act Services Plan for Adult and Dislocated Worker Services for the Kalamazoo-St, Joseph Michigan Works! Area for review and comment.

In accordance with Section 118(c) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, the plan will be available for review and comment for a period of thirty (30) calendar days prior to the date it will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Career Development for approval.

The plan is distributed for review in the following manner:

A summary of the Workforce Investment Act Services Plan For Adult and Dislocated Worker Services will be published for one day in three (3) local newspapers of general circulation (Kalamazoo Gazette, Three Rivers Commercial, and Sturgis Journal). The summary will indicate the scope of the plan and indicate where copies of the plan may be obtained and/or otherwise reviewed (e.g., Michigan Works! web site).

Copies of the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area will be distributed to:

Each member of the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Workforce Development Board,
Each member of the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Educational Advisory Group,
Each of the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! System Partners,
Superintendent of each secondary school district in the Kalamazoo-St, Joseph Michigan Works! Area,
President of each community college in the Kalamazoo-St, Joseph Michigan Works! Area,
Assistant Superintendent of each Intermediate school District or Regional Educational Service Agency in the Kalamazoo-St, Joseph Michigan Works! Area, and
Other representatives of business and labor organizations if not adequately represented on the Workforce Board or Education Advisory Council.

The Workforce Investment Act Services Plan for Adult and Dislocated Worker Services will also be published on the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works Area web page www.upjohninst.org/miworks.

Comments on the Workforce Investment Act Services Plan for Adult and Dislocated Worker Services may be submitted in writing to:

Craig Schreuder, Deputy Director

Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area

536 West South Street

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007

Or comments may be sent by e-mail to: miworks@we.upjohninst.org

In accordance with the American With Disabilities Act, this Workforce Investment Act Services Plan For Adult and Dislocated Worker Services will be made available in alternative format (large type, audiotape, etc.) upon special request received by the above named individual.
Responses Received During the Review and Comment Period

The WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker Services Plan was made available for public review and comment in accordance with the procedure identified in the preceding section. The period of the review was December 21, 1999 through January 21, 2000.

As of January 24, 2000 this office has received only two comments. One Workforce Development Board member provided editorial corrections. The second respondent, from an adult education representative provided noted that they were glad to see that adult education is still playing a role in the overall plan, but was concerned about the future. The respondent expressed a desire to initiate additional dialogue between adult education and the Michigan Works! Agency, especially in the context of the "No Wrong Door" system.

The Michigan Works! Agency has followed-up with both respondents.

Revisions to the WIA Plan

The following revisions have been made to this WIA Plan subsequent to its release to the general public for review and comment:

Editorial corrections (grammatical) as noted in reviewer comments.

Subsequent to the release of this WIA Plan updated labor market information for the Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! Area was received in the form of the "Annual Planning Information Report for PY1999". Data and information provided in this report is currently being analyzed and prepared for incorporation into the appropriate sections of this document. Based on a preliminary review of the APIR, there doesn’t appear to be substantive difference which would impact any conclusions or other parts of the WIA plan.

Attachment A

(Facsimile of current signed agreement)

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

OF THE

KALAMAZOO/ST. JOSEPH

MICHIGAN WORKS! SERVICE CENTER PARTNERS

KALAMAZOO COUNTY

JULY 1, 1999 - JUNE 30, 2000

Memorandum of Understanding

of the Kalamazoo/St. Joseph

Michigan Works! Service Center Partners

Kalamazoo County
PURPOSE

We, the undersigned, agree to establish and maintain the Kalamazoo/ St. Joseph Michigan Works! Service Center Partnership. The partnership consists of community agencies and organizations representing education, employment and training, employers and others who are co-locating services and resources in the Service Center.

Time Period

The time period covered by this agreement is July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2001.

Location of the Service Center

This agreement covers activities located at the Kalamazoo County Michigan Works! Service Center, 1601 S. Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

MISSION

Our mission is to create a AOne-Stop@ workforce development service center, through collocation and integration of services to the fullest extent possible. Our ultimate aim is to help job seekers and employers achieve economic security and to successfully compete in today=s economy.

PARTNERSHIP PRINCIPLES AND GOALS

Principles

As partners, we understand that partnerships are made possible only through the mutual commitment and efforts of all entities. As partners, we commit ourselves to work together under basic principles of mutual cooperation. We agree to:

O Support a common vision.

O Establish and support common goals.

O Be held accountable for upholding our role.

O Engage in continued mutual dialogue to enhance the partnership.

O Maintain free and open communication among members.

O Reach an understanding of each member's perspective and interface each agency's assets for the strengthening of the whole.

O Seek and establish mutual trust among all partners.

O Commit staff time and other resource, to the extent possible, to facilitate and manage the agency's participation in the partnership.

O To the extent possible, accommodate itinerant staff from other agencies.

Goals

The goals of our partnership are to:

O Enhance an employer's access to a qualified workforce.

O Enhance the job seeker's access to employment information and resources.

O Enhance the delivery of education and training for present and future jobs.

O Enhance the system's application for local economic development.

O Focus on customer service evaluated by customer-satisfaction measures, directed toward continuous improvement.

SERVICE CENTER COORDINATION

Service Center Operator

Kalamazoo Regional Educational Services Agency/Youth Opportunities Unlimited, through it Employment Services contract, is designated as the ACenter Operator@ and is responsible for overall coordination of services at the facility.

Conference/Training Room Scheduling

Scheduling of common space, such as conference and training rooms, will be coordinated by the Employment Services staff of KRESA/YOU. A schedule of room availability will be posted in appropriate areas.

Monthly Partner Meetings

A monthly partner meeting will be held at the Center to enhance coordination and communication, and to develop specific strategies for reaching the goals contained in this agreement. The date and time of the meeting will be determined by mutual consent of the partners. The meeting will be convened by the Kalamazoo/St. Joseph Michigan Works! Agency Director. An agenda will be prepared and distributed one week in advance. Agenda items can be forward to the MWA Director.

A bi-weekly meeting will also be held for direct service staff in the Center. The date and time of the meeting will be determined by the partners. The purpose of the meeting will be for direct service staff to coordinate day-to-day communications and operations of the Center, and to operationalize the integrated service delivery goals spelled out in this agreement. The meeting will be chaired on a rotating basis among the partners.

Common Reception Area, Phone and Data Systems

A common reception area will be provided. Reception will be staffed by Employment Services personnel of YOU. A common phone and data system with access to Michigan=s Talent Bank will be available to all partners.

Information Sharing/Customer-Focused Management Information System

Common information systems, open access and connectivity among systems are required for an effective and efficient workforce development system. These linkages support integrated service delivery as well as conserve resources. Consistent with state and federal regulatory requirements, partners agree to work toward the use of:

O A single, common customer release form.

O An interagency agreement for information sharing.

O Common intake data elements and processes.

O A common (state-developed) central data base (case management and MIS performance data across programs for defined population groups).

O A common automated labor exchange (Michigan=s Talent Bank/Job Bank) system.

O A system of measuring customer satisfaction for continuous improvement.

Staffing and Professional Development

Partners agree to a shared responsibility for professional development to ensure Center staff view themselves as "system" employees rather than "agency/program" employees. This includes professional development in a variety of critical areas:

O Consensus building, meeting management, conflict resolution, and problem solving.

O Design and implementation of shared service management systems.

O Use of new software and hardware.

O Principles of a customer-driven system.

O Principles of an integrated service delivery system.

O Cross-training (program-to-program, agency-to-agency, etc.).

LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION

Varying levels of participation are required by each of the partners at the Center. The following matrix represents the minimum range of services that must be provided at the Center:

PROGRAM	SERVICES REQUIRED AT SERVICE CENTERS
PROGRAM	Information and Referral to Program	Intake/ Registration	Eligibility Determination	Enrollment in Program and Referral to Program Activity
JTPA IIA	X	X	X	X
JTPA IIB	X
JTPA IIC	X
JTPA III	X	X	X	X
JTPA 8%	X
JTPA Older Worker	X	X	X	X
Employment Service	X	X
Work First	X
Veterans Employment Service	X	X	X	X
Migrant Seasonal Farm Workers	X	X	X	X
Welfare to Work	X
Food Stamps Employment and Training	X
Unemployment Insurance	X
Vocational Rehabilitation	X	X	X
Adult Education	X
Senior Community Service Program	X
Career Preparation/ School-to-Work	X
Secondary and/or Post- Secondary Vocational Training	X
North American Free Trade Agreement	X	X		X
Trade Adjustment Assistance	X	X		X

RESOURCE POOLING AND COST SHARING

To the extent that discretionary resources are available, partners agree to the:

O Contribution of staff resources (local and/or itinerant).

O Contribution of facilities, space, equipment, or other assets.

O Re-direction of program operations to support integrated service system.

O Sharing of space costs on a prorated basis.

The method for identification of each partners share of financial and in-kind resources will be established by the partners.

MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

Nothing in this agreement shall violate existing grants, contracts or regulations. Signatories reserve the right to modify this agreement based on legislative changes, governing body directives and funding availability. The agreement may be modified at any time by mutual consent of all the signatory parties. Each signatory party withholds the right to discontinue its participation in this agreement upon 60 days written notice to all the other parties.

We, the undersigned, agree to the above stated provisions:

_________________________ _________________________

Dennis Hart, District Manager Nancy Woods, VP for Enrollment Management

Michigan Dep. of Career Development Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Rehabilitation Services