Education Task Force MINUTES

September 1, 2000

Present: Kevin Roby, Arlene Bates, Rod Bubke, Lorene Posegate, Cheryl Freauff, Tom Friedman, Dave Kissinger, Sara Nadermann, Ben Norman, Kristin Day, Nina Dunker, Kathy Sibbel, Mark Steffen and Maureen Sharp.

Kevin Roby, this year's chairperson, welcomed the group. This was the first meeting of the 2001-2002 year. Subcommittee assignments were reviewed and are listed at the end of the minutes. Please check this list for your assignment and contact Maureen at the Chamber Office if there are changes, corrections or additions to be made.

Sub committee Reports - Chairperson, goals, and objectives for the coming year

Promotion/Business Directory

How to proceed with this has been in ongoing discussion. The goal would be for this committee, the Chamber and the school system to have an inclusive list of all the businesses in Ankeny. There is a starting point with the Chamber list, but how to access all of the other businesses is the problem. All committee members agree that this would be always changing and would need ongoing maintenance to keep it accurate. The committee has considered using lists from the sales tax roles, the post office or going door to door to compile.

This list would give all groups sources to find new participants in their programs, i.e. speakers, members, etc.

Promotion is still being considered. The coupon books of the past are an option, but an updated event maybe better. Tom, Dave and Nina will meet to work on this.

Neveln Center

In developing career choices, more emphasis needs to be put on volunteerism as well as non-profit agencies as a career choice. This committee's goal is to help in developing internship opportunities and volunteer positions. What happens at Neveln is a great benefit to Ankeny, but many do not realize this unless they have used the services. Publicizing these services to the membership and community would be good promotion for the agencies.

DMACC

The new president of DMACC is soon to begin. The good news to this committee is Dr. England's commitment to partnering with high schools and building on the opportunities already available. Already this year a new information technology program will be added along with the auto mechanics, building trades programs and culinary program. The information technology program is anticipating a partnership with CISCO to offer this certification.

Many students take advantage of this jump start on their college education, although it can still be promoted to those who are unaware of the opportunities in their back yard. This is also true with current college graduates and nontraditional students.

Ankeny High School

Working on Job Interviews, Work Experience and Job Shadowing programs. Career Days are held six times a year at Northview. Would like to extend programs of this sort to younger students at Parkview and elementary schools, targeted to at their development.

School/Business Partnerships

Due to a reduction in staff, Tone's will not be able to begin this program with NE Elementary this fall. Kevin is hopeful that its may be able to start something at the first of the year.

More businesses will be encouraged to begin this program. The model will include a company - classroom relationship with the classroom having only one company representative to work with. This will make the relationship simpler to coordinate and seems to be a good way to start. Proposals will be accepted and encourged from interested businesses.

Next Meeting: October 5th - 7:00 AM in the Neveln Center Dining Room.

Submitted by:

Maureen Sharp