CWDC VISION: Every Colorado business has access to a skilled workforce and every Coloradan has access to meaningful employment, resulting in statewide economic vitality.

CWDC Mission: To create and sustain a business-led Colorado talent system that integrates the work of economic development, education, training and workforce development to meet the needs of businesses, students and job-seekers.

Role of the Colorado Workforce Development Council Responsible for the continuous improvement

of the workforce system, implementation and oversight of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act in Colorado, and ensuring a statewide strategic vision created from the bottom up by CWDC members and local partners.

Act as a neutral forum for determining the cost of potential regulation and policy to businesses and impact on the ability of businesses to create jobs.

Focus on business needs to create a talent-based, skilled workforce through the alignment of initiatives in education, workforce development, and economic development.

Leverage partnerships to identify needs and gaps and create sustainable solutions and funding.

Council Members The Governor, two state Senators, two state

Representatives, two local elected officials Three labor union representatives, including

one representative of a joint labor-management registered apprenticeship program

Representatives of community-based organizations that serve individuals with barriers to employment and/or youth

The Executive Directors of the following Colorado state agencies:

o Departments of Labor & Employment, Economic Development & International Trade, Higher Education, Education, and Human Services

Majority are business representatives:o Small to large businesses

o Owner/operators, human resource professionals, CEO’s, etc.

o Geographically diverse and representative of all primary industries of Colorado

o Nominated by business organizations or trade associations

o Wide range of experience with the workforce system, local economic development, and education

Ex-officio members include:o Department of Local Affairs,

Department of Corrections, President of the Colorado Community College System

o Representative of regional workforce directors and the area technical colleges

Time Commitment of Council Members Terms: Council members serve three-year

terms, and are currently limited to two terms. Meetings: Participate in three in-person

council meetings a year. These meetings last 1.5 days and are held in a different geographic region of Colorado each time, as voted upon by the Council. Please see the CWDC meeting calendar.

Pre-Work: Preceding each in-person meeting, there will be an online pre-work session that is mandatory for CWDC members to complete, and is counted toward attendance. The pre-work session typically takes one hour, and is required in order to adequately prepare for the board meeting and occasionally vote on items that cannot be discussed at length during the meeting. Instructions for each pre-work session will be sent via email to the Council.

Communication: The Council Managing Director and Chair will contact members regarding time sensitive issues as needed between meetings. Members’ time will be respected and members are asked to respond in a timely manner as well.

Sub-Committees: Members are asked to participate in at least one standing sub-committee or task group (formed as needed); Council staff supports the committees and task groups to minimize the time required of members.

Council Member Qualities/Responsibilities Council members possess leadership skills

and capabilities for utilization in CWDC work based on demonstrated ability to establish thought leadership, influence others,

collaborate with others, build partnerships, and courageously confront tough issues that need to be resolved to move Colorado forward.

The CWDC Managing Director, Lee Wheeler-Berliner, and his staff will work in an efficient and professional manner to support the Council and ensure it operates strategically and effectively. The Managing Director and staff will provide timely information, effective communication, and factual support for all Council member roles.

Council Members Roles/”Job Description” Inform and educate policy writers and elected

government officials about negative impacts on business, as well as supporting policy and legislation that will sustain a Colorado business-friendly environment.

Influence more flexibility in use of government monies to allow stakeholders more use of innovative solutions.

Act as the voice of local communities and business to state and federal officials to ensure long-term commitment to business-focused goals and initiatives.

Review, adapt, and utilize a transparent decision-making process for distribution of funding that will result in the best “Return on Investment” and leveraging of resources.

Target statewide sector-based strategies that have the greatest opportunity for economic impact and job creation.

Leverage opportunity for business support at all stages, including stage one entrepreneurship, second stage expansion, and third stage maturity.

Work with CWDC Managing Director and staff as well as local and regional leaders to increase communication and encourage

collaboration for the benefit of Colorado and all of its communities.

Represent their local region, but also see beyond regional issues to make decisions that are best for all partners in a “bigger picture.”

Act as an Ambassador for CWDC and its partners at local, state, and federal levels.

Review policies and plans of all one-stop partners of WIOA to ensure a streamlined and aligned workforce development system.

Support continuous improvement of the Talent Development Network (TalentFOUND) through:

o Developing strategies to support career pathways.

o Developing strategies for outreach and access to customers.

o Developing and expanding strategies for sector partnerships.

o Identifying planning and local regions.o Improving the one-stop delivery

system.o Supporting and training staff on all

partner programs. Identify and disseminate best practices

relating to one-stop centers, local workforce boards, and training programs.

Develop and review policies coordinating the one-stop delivery system, including: effectiveness criteria, allocation of infrastructure funds, and policies on partner roles and cost-allocation.

Develop strategies for technology to improve the quality of services and to align technology and data systems across one-stop partner programs.

Support alignment and integration of the education system from pre-K through adult education and training, including all partners in the talent development network.

For more information: www.coworkforcecouncil.org