Older Workers Committee Meeting

January 24, 2017: 10:00 AM
Marion Martin Room, 45 Commerce Drive Augusta


Older Worker Committee meeting that was held on 1/24/17.

Attended: Jill Chouinard(phone), Melinda Wildes (phone), Josh Howe and Peaches Bass.

Peaches will be attending our meetings as often as she can as an interested party. We welcome her.

Universal Access: ? Peaches mentioned about having a conversation in reference to universal access. Universal access does not necessarily pertain specifically to people with disabilities but anyone in remote areas etc. that may not have accessibility to services. For example, transportation. Since Maine is a very rural state, transportation is a major barrier. ? Peaches and Josh are on the Universal Access (UA) project group. The Universal Access (UA) project group is about ensuring that services provided through the Workforce Development System (WDS) are done in a manner which is broadly inclusive and allows the greatest access for all Mainers. She suggested that we hear from the Universal Access (UA) project group first but still think about it and others to invite.

2017 Silver Collar Employer Awards: ? Attached is a copy of the flyer and application from last year. Please review and will be discussed at our next meeting on March 14th. Also, the timeline/launch of the Silver Collar applications/flyers will be part of the discussion. ? The Silver Collar Handbook ? please review and make changes. For example: the scoring sheets. Last year we thought the scoring sheets did not jive with the application. ? Josh ? stated that we should notify the State Legislature of the winners from each Region to attend the award presentation. Reason being, last year a State Legislature awarded a proclamation to R H Foster for being recognized as a model senior friendly employer. It was a nice surprise and the employees were thrilled.

Membership: ? Still looking to appoint a Chair ? suggested an Older Worker or retiree that perhaps still likes to work. For example, our former Chair, Phil Dionne fell into that category. ? Josh ? stated, what is our message? We may need an elevator pitch to reach out. This is where we need Garret to be part of this conversation and Julie Rabinowitz at some point. ? Peaches ? we need to find out if the Committees are an advisory body or action body? Committees stand as what? ? Cheryl ? still working on ZOOM teleconferencing which will be a great recruitment tool for people that want to be on a committee but cannot because of the travel distance. Next meeting will be held on March 28th from 10am - Noon in the Frances Perkins room, CMCC Augusta. Respectfully submitted by Cheryl Moran


Attachments