Global Economic &Workforce Development Coalition
Executive Summary
Background: The formation of Global Economic &
Workforce Development Coalition (GEWDC) facilitates the creation of a
synergistic system of business education, training and resource program
development to deal with the current disjointed and non-integrated trade and
business support systems existing in
Agriculture,
Food Production & Natural Resources Hospitality
& Tourism
Architecture
& Construction Human
Services
Arts,
A/V Technology & Communication Information
Technology
Business,
Management & Administration Law,
Public Safety & Security
Education
& Training Manufacturing
Finance Marketing,
Sales & Service
Government
& Public Administration Science, Technology, Engineering
& Math
Health
Sciences Transportation,
Distribution & Logistics
These sixteen clusters provide the solid framework
of a national system of economic development, workforce skills certification and
the ability to deal more effectively with the growing challenges and
competition from international business organizations and their growing impact
on the global economy.
The
Vision: A growing
majority of small to medium sized firms do not affiliate with the existing
trade organizations, chambers of commerce, etc. because of the lack of
perceived value and ROI on money and time invested. The vision of GEWDC is to create a strong
value-added resource and support system to encourage greater participation by
these firms to more effectively deal with the current barriers to profitability
and productivity. The coalition approach
permits the inclusion and active promotion of local organizations that can
develop active local communications within each industry cluster. This allows for the creation of a network of
industry specific Global Industry Alliances with Local Advisory Councils to
service as support organizations working in collaboration with or independently
of the existing support organizations.
The first of these active Alliances and collaborations being developed are:
Global
Manufacturing Industry
Global Health Science Industry
National
Global
Hospitality Industry
Global Education & Training
Industry
Global Finance Industry
Global Construction Industry
Industry
Overview: The initial
two industry alliances will expand during 2006-2007 to respond to the need to
strengthen and expand the manufacturing and health science industries in the
Manufacturing
(GMIA) - the manufacturing sector in the
Health
Science (GHSIA) - the
Associates will have access to hundreds of
potential business projects each year through the growing CTIN where
opportunity notices are published daily.
Market
Opportunities: The
development of the GEWDC system will evolve through several channels. These include the inclusion of highly
proactive organizational stakeholders who share the vision and want to improve
the efficiency and effectiveness of their members firms. These organizations can be trade,
professional or community based organizations who function independently and
cooperate on projects or as general coalition partners.
Another channel is the growth of the GEWDC industry
alliances in those areas where it is not possible to involve the local
stakeholders. The areas will develop
their own Local Advisory Councils (LAC) to bring together the individuals and firms
who seek expanded opportunities and resources to improve their operations.
Market
Scope: The
initial focus of GMIA is in
The initial focus of GHSIA is focused around the
active plan in cooperation with the National Alliance of Consumers and
Healthcare Professionals and CashDoctor.com.
The current projects involve the creation of community based Healthcare
Education Resource Centers which are centered at local community hospitals.
The introduction of resource programs like employee
skill development, Lean-Six Sigma operational improvement systems, workers compensation, liability insurance,
healthcare insurance, human resource development, compliance, benefit plan
administration and payroll services brings growing value-added benefits to
coalition and alliance members and stakeholders. The support contribution levels by individual
member organizations are kept to a minimum to facilitate a maximum growth
opportunities and the ability to clearly demonstrate high ROI and value-based
results for the time and resources contributed to the coalition and alliances. To provide the personal counseling and
support necessary to implement these programs on a local basis, a growing
network of insurance and healthcare benefit specialist is being developed
across the
GEWDC and the Alliances will co-sponsor with other
stakeholder organizations local, regional, national and international
conferences to bring people together in a positive educational environment
which will greatly expand the opportunities for networking and joint venture
development. One of the initials
conferences is the 2006
Market
Penetration: As
coalition and alliance relationships expand, the opportunity to serve
organizations and employers throughout the nation and around the world will
continue to grow. There are over 10,000,000
small to medium sized firms in the
The creation of GEWDC municipal economic and
workforce development resource centers will expand from initial operations in
Revenue
Opportunities: A
multi-channel support revenue plan is designed to provide the necessary
financial resources and cashflow necessary to conduct the projects of the
coalitions and alliances. This revenue
will come for support contributions, sponsorships and program development
allowances from the various resource programs developed to help organizations
improve effectiveness, efficiency while reducing operational overhead burdens.
The
People: A team of
dedicated business, education and economic development professionals guide the
development of the coalitions and alliances.
A wide range of leadership opportunities exist for individuals at the
international, national, regional and local level. The objective is to reduce bureaucratic waste,
to maximum degree possible, and focus the efforts and energies of stakeholders
at the accomplishment of the projects undertaken.
The
Future: The
power of collaboration and mission-based operations are awesome. It is amazing what can be accomplished when
everyone shares the credit for the accomplishments and failures and leadership
becomes a "team sport".
Because of the increasing incursion of government, politicians and
bureaucrats into the economic and business environment, the general business
community has become increasingly disconnected from their industries and
communities. It is the vision and
mission of GEWDC and the industry cluster Alliances to bring back a strong team
and community focused approach as we develop and coordinate access to the
finest business and economic development resources.
Global
Economic & Workforce
Development Coalition
Supporting Associate & Sponsor Benefits
Tearing down the current barriers
to profitability is one of the key strategies of GEWDC. These barriers include:
GEWDC is coordinating the organization
and development of a wide range of money-saving programs and services for
associate firms and their employees.
Support Networks: GEWDC is a
working closely with a growing network of public and private resource and
support organizations. The following
organizations provide an interdependent network of resource and support groups:
Advocacy: GEWDC is an active participant in several growing business coalitions
working with elected officials and staff at local, regional, state and national
levels. Supporting associates of the
various coalitions work diligently to educate politicians and bureaucrats to
the special needs of the industry clusters like the manufacturing and
healthcare sectors due to the powerful economic impact that these sectors have
on the economy. Manufacturing has one of
the highest employment multipliers thus creating many additional jobs in the
community. Other issues communicated
include the impact of increasing and burdensome regulations on the cost of
operating all businesses.
GEWDC members
also have full membership privileges in the California Employer Advisory
Council (CEAC) which includes the Management Hotline and Legislative Council
resources. The CEAC has over 50 chapters
throughout the state. A monthly
Legislative Action Report provides members with information on pending
legislation. The Management Hotline
provides access to human resource legal counsel on how pending and existing
laws and regulations affect the employer.
Special email notices are sent to members to alert them of significant
legislative and regulatory issues and how to best prepare for their potential
impact.
Insurance and Benefits:
Workers Compensation - The excessive costs of mandated workers compensation insurance
through legislative intervention has produced substantial cost increases for
Liability & Property Insurance - Utilizing a national risk retention group (RRG) and
Purchasing Group system, the alliance associates will have the opportunity to
participant in a proactive risk management system designed to reduce the costs
for this vital coverage. Aggressive
claims and case management activities are designed to reduce the cost and
economic impact of claims. A
comprehensive education program for associate firm employees and management
will increase awareness and the procedures for claim prevention and
abatement. Programs are coordinated by
industry leader Advanced Insurance Services.
Full commercial insurance services are available through Tarian
Insurance Resources and The Risk Advisory Council which currently serves
hundreds of
Consumer Directed Health Plans - The cost of employer-sponsored health care programs
is rising at double digit levels. Cost
increases are putting employers into a position of reducing benefits,
increasing employee cost participation or even terminating healthcare benefits
all together. The defeat of Proposition
72 gives employers a much need break to be able to implement the significant
benefits of Consumer Directed Health Plans (CDHP) which creates lower costs and
increased proactive participation by employee and dependents in acquiring
needed healthcare services. Special
programs have been developed by California Choice, Pacific Health Advantage,
Blue Cross/Blue Shield,
Individual Benefit Plans - A full range of individual medical, dental, vision,
life, disability, long term care plans are available to associate organizations
and staff.
Retirement Savings Plans - with the virtual elimination of pension plans and
the primary focus on defined contribution, 401k type, plans, it is imperative
that employees take a proactive role in the development a retirement saving
resources that will help them provide for their economic needs after their
working years are over. A comprehensive
system of plans is available to associates with high levels of personal
financial literacy education. Low
administrative costs have been arranged through E-Solutions, Inc. of
BTI-ServPointe - Online Human
Resources, Compliance, Employee Benefits and Payroll Business Resources Center - a unique specially priced internet-based system of
support services including human resource information system, risk management,
employee benefits enrollment & management and payroll services are
available to associates. Connect your
informational resources, end to end, with one dynamic system making it easy for
you to track and easy for employees and their dependents to get the information
they want. BTI-ServPointe has an end-to-end
solution for all of your firm's business processes:
Employee applicant
management
Background checks
Hiring and firing practices
Performance review
Employee handbooks and policies
EEOC Reporting
Fair Credit Act Reporting Compliance
Job Posting
Online Application
Benefits
Enrollment & Administration
Consolidated billing
Online Benefit Display for Employees
Online Benefit Enrollment
Dependent Care Accounts
Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Transportation & Qualified Parking
(Section 132 Plans)
Risk Management
Support Services
Workers Compensation
Liability
Property
Health
Compliance Management (State and Federal)
COBRA
ERISA
HIPAA
FMLA
Human Resources
Online
Online Personnel Files & Records
Vacation & PTO tracking
Payroll Services
Full tax records and filing
New hire reporting and records integration
Online Time Clock
Education & Training: One of the most significant methods of reducing costs
and improving worker and system productivity is through skill development and
technology integration. Comprehensive
training and education system resources are coordinated to assist associate
organization to maximize their efficiency and cost effectiveness. Programs include instructor-based workshops
and seminars, online educational system and integration of special government
programs for workforce development including the Employment Training Panel.
Specialty training programs include Lean-Six Sigma Green, Black and Master
Black Belt; ISO; Total Quality Management, OSHA and Baldrige Performance Excellence. Current inventory of available courses
includes over 6,000 online and self-directed programs with over 20,000 hours of
content. A team of over 50 training
specialists with over 300 instructor-led course curriculums are available for onsite
training and staff development. Training
programs are provided through a network of public and private educational
resource organizations including: colleges & universities, Breakthrough
Educational Systems & Technologies, Global Education Systems, Orbit Technology
Corporation and more. Special pricing
arrangements have been negotiated for GEWDC coalition and alliance associates.
This agency is called the California
State Employment Training Panel.
This panel exists to fund training
proposals submitted by companies in
o
They have a strong comprehensive training need
o
They employ a 25 or more people in the state
o
They have a critical, comprehensive and strategic
training need that is substantial and necessary to grow or improve company
performance.
o
They need assistance to fund the plan because of its
cost impact on the organization
This agency currently has approximately $80
Million available for the 2005-2006 fiscal year to grant to companies and is looking for proposals to fund. One of the active members of GEWDC Executive Council has completed over 45
projects in the last seven years bringing over $25 million in training support funding to these firms.
Financial
The GEWDC Financial Resource Center
is designed to aggregate the programs and services of leading financial
organizations that can assist associates and alliance organizations to maximize
their available capital and acquire the needed additional resources and
services necessary to achieve maximum profitability and ROI on all capital
elements of the enterprise. These
services include:
Banking -
Several banks and credit unions are offering comprehensive business support
services for business organization, the management and employees and families
Organizational development - Assistance with the preparation of comprehensive
business plans is available for organizations seeking to expand while improving
efficiency and effectiveness
Public and private financial development - whether it is a simple line of credit or a
sophisticated financing development plan, resources are available to
assist. Investment capital funding is
available up to $5,000,000.
A/R financing
- factoring can expedite cashflow and improve financial position.
Equipment leasing - complete assessment services are available to determine whether
purchase or equipment leasing is the most cost effective.
International trade financing - letters of credit and other trade financing systems
are available to help facilitate expansion of business operations through
international business project expansion.
SBA financing & SCORE Counseling - Several SBA Preferred lenders are available.
Tax and legal planning - Cost effective access for business or personal needs
are available through network of over 22,000 attorneys and tax consultants.
International Trade & Business Development: It is becoming
a necessity for manufacturing sector firms to be knowledgeable and proactive in
the rapidly changing world of international trade and commerce. Business is growing on a global basis. Profitability and even survival can depend on
a firm's ability to be an active participant in global commerce. Special education programs and trade missions
will assist associates to find their niche in this dynamic arena.
Business Services & Support: Through the
increased purchasing power of the network of associate supporting
organizations, discounts and special benefits are available. Some of these programs also provide
administrative allowances to GEWDC to help expand services and support to the
industry.
Computer networks/hardware/software system
discounts are available.
Website design and maintenance
Lean-Six Sigma, ISO 9000 training and
registration, facility upgrades, plant relocation and plant
construction.
Communications: a special program for long distance and internet services has been
negotiated with GTC Telecom of Costa Mesa.
Business and personal long distance costs of $.029/ minute are
provided. In addition, special IT
training systems and support services are available to associates through ABLE
Technologies and Training.
....AND MORE TO COME!
Global Economic &
Workforce Development Coalition
As a non-profit education
resource program, we rely on support of individuals and organizations that
support the GEWDC vision of creating an integrated resource and support system
to assist organizations reduce their operating costs, improve productivity
& profitability and facilitate the creation of a competent, skilled,
certified workforce. With your support,
the sixteen Career Cluster Alliances will become increasing active in the
creation and implementation of multi-channel learning systems and
collaborations. It will aid in the
implementation of the strategies of the School-To-Career, Smaller
Learning Communities, Workforce Skill Certification and No Child
Left Behind initiatives. These
approaches help incumbent workers and students of all ages see the relevancy
and importance of mastering the skills identified for their chosen career path.
Special educational programs
including Lean Thinking, Total Quality Management, Six Sigma and Skill
Certification are available. Special
arrangements are available for sponsoring firms to gain maximum benefit of the
California Employment Training Panel training reimbursement system. The collaboration with the California Trade
Information Network and California International Business Association provides
sponsors with access to a wide range of information and resources that are
valuable in the development of global trade and business development
strategies.
Volunteers do much of the
work of the GEWDC projects but it is critical that core staff and research
programs be maintained at a high level of efficiency and effectiveness. We ask that you and your organization actively
support financially and with volunteer assistance, our vision to provide the
needed research, educational programs, community and workforce development
resources. An extensive range of benefit
programs exist to assist sponsors in operating their organizations more
efficiently and cost effectively. For
most sponsors, the savings generated by these resources and benefits will
provide an excellent return of your support and sponsorship investment.
o
501+ employees and larger $ 500.00
o
250-500 employees $ 350.00
o
100-249 employees $ 250.00
o
1-99 employees $ 150.00
o
Educational/Government/Non-Profit $ 150.00
o
Individual $ 75.00
o
Student
$ 25.00
o
o
Special
Sponsorship Levels:
o
Diamond $ 5,000.00
o
Platinum $ 4,000.00
o
Gold $ 3,000.00
o
Silver
$ 2,000.00
o
Bronze $ 1,000.00
Special Benefits:
Diamond:
Banner credit on websites GEWDC and Cal Trade
Special recognition in all promotion and development literature
Five complementary tickets for meetings and seminars
Special recognition plaque
Special recognition on website and at meetings
Special meeting and education program discounts
Industry database resource center access
CIBA, CTIN and CalTrade Network subscriptions with trade opportunity resource center subscription
Banner credit on websites GEWDC and Cal Trade
Special recognition on all promotional and development literature
Four complimentary tickets for meetings and seminars
Special recognition plaque
Special recognition on website and at meetings
Special meeting and education program discounts
Industry database resource center access
CIBA, CTIN and CalTrade Network subscription with trade opportunity resource center subscription
Gold:
Three complimentary tickets for meetings and seminars
Special recognition certificate
Special recognition on website and at meetings
Special meeting and education program discounts
Industry database resource center access
CIBA, CTIN and CalTrade Network subscription with trade opportunity resource center subscription
Silver:
Two complimentary tickets for meetings and seminars
Special recognition certificate
Special recognition on website and at meetings
Special meeting and education program discounts
CIBA, CTIN and CalTrade Network subscription with trade opportunity resource center subscription
Bronze:
One complimentary ticket for meetings and seminars
Special recognition certificate
Special recognition on website and at meetings
Special meeting and education program discounts
CIBA, CTIN and CalTrade Network subscription with trade opportunity resource center subscription
2005-2006
Support & Sponsorship Application
o
Diamond $ 5,000.00
o
Platinum $ 4,000.00
o
Gold $ 3,000.00
o
Silver
$ 2,000.00