The Central Workforce Development Region and the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development welcomed key state and federal representatives to the Columbia, Rolla, and Lebanon Job Centers in a series of open house events on Thursday, December 19, 2024. These gatherings aimed to enhance understanding and foster collaboration between lawmakers and local job support initiatives.
Columbia Hosts Congressional Representatives
Ms. Payton DeBroeck, a field representative for U.S. Congressman Mark Alford, visited the Columbia Job Center and was given an extensive tour by Job Center Supervisor Nichelle Pool and Central Workforce Development Board (CWDB) Executive Director Amy Sublett. During her visit, DeBroeck engaged with various program leaders and gained insights into the center’s wide range of services.
This included an overview of Business Services, the COTY project, and educational programs such as MACC’s AEL and ELL classes. Additionally, she explored the AFL CIO Missouri Work’s pre-apprenticeship classes and the opportunities provided by free CDL training.
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Rolla Job Center Surprises Local Legislators
In Rolla, the visit included District 122 Representative Tara Peters and Jenni Riegel from Congressman Jason Smith’s office, hosted by Jennifer Taylor, Regional Manager/JVSG Coordinator for DHEWD, and Korin Thurman, EO Officer and Compliance Specialist from the CWDB.
The representatives were introduced to the comprehensive services available at the Job Center and discussed significant issues impacting the workforce. During their discussions, Korin highlighted two critical factors: the decline in population growth and the increase in incarceration rates, which Representative Peters noted had not been addressed in her Workforce Development Committee meetings. The visit prompted numerous questions about the Job Center’s funding, walk-in traffic, and track record of successful outcomes, providing valuable insights into the local labor market challenges and the resources available to address them.
Lebanon Job Center Engages Local Leadership
Representative Don Mayhew attended Lebanon Job Center’s open house. The Center’s supervisor, Lisa Mizer, and Trish Rogers, Executive Director of COPIC (Central Ozarks Private Industry Council), facilitated discussions on the Job Center’s role in supporting local job seekers and employers. The event served as a bridge between management and legislative authorities, emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration.
These open houses served as informational sessions and a platform for representatives to directly see the impact and reach of the job centers in their respective districts.
During the visits, discussions also centered around the critical role of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, which supports many of the services offered at these centers. This federal funding is instrumental in providing job seekers with the necessary training and resources, enhancing Missouri’s workforce’s capabilities. The visits underscored the potential for legislative support to leverage further WIOA contributions to amplify workforce development efforts across the state.
The Central Workforce Development Region remains committed to expanding awareness and support through these vital community resources, ensuring they continue to meet the evolving needs of Missouri’s labor market.
The work done to assist mid-Missouri communities is a collective effort of COPIC, the Office of Workforce Development, and the CWDB, along with numerous community partners. Services are provided through three comprehensive Job Centers, multiple satellite and affiliate locations, and an administrative office.
You can find your nearest Job Center or affiliate site here.