Inventory of Sector Partnerships in Iowa
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY
Project Objective
In support of Iowa Central Community College, Iowa Workforce Development, and the Iowa Department of Education Community College Division (IDOE), the University of Northern Iowa’s researchiQ (a collaboration between Strategic Marketing Services and Institute for Decision Making) conducted quantitative and qualitative primary research, along with supplementary secondary market research, to develop an inventory of sector partnerships across the state of Iowa. A sector partnership is defined as “a workforce collaborative that organizes key stakeholders and targeted industry partners into a sustainable working group focused on the long-term workforce needs of a targeted industry cluster” (Sector Partnership & Career Pathway Advisory Council Overview and Survey Findings, December 2015).
Project Methodology
In order to achieve the stated objective, researchiQ first conducted secondary research to identify sector partnerships in Iowa (above and beyond those identified by IDOE), including collaborative entities driven by Iowa’s 15 community colleges, as well as nonprofits, educators, and other community partners. researchiQ worked in conjunction with IDOE team members to develop a set of in-depth interview questions designed to collect information that supports the overall project objective.
In-depth interviews were conducted with approximately 60 sector partnerships by employing an approach of in-person (60.0 percent), telephone (10.0 percent), and e-mail interviews (23.3 percent), with a preference of in-person interviews conducted whenever possible. A few interviews (6.7 percent) were a combination of in-person with email follow-up. The primary lines of questioning assessed the following data sets for each sector partnership (where available):
• Industry/sector of focus
• Geographic area of focus
• Length of existence/History/Structure
• Membership list
• Partnership engagement
• Current work, projects, task groups, subcommittees
• Accomplishments/success stories and set-backs/areas for improvement
• List of needs, hopes, desires, or requests
SECTOR PARTNERSHIP BACKGROUND
Definitions
Sector Partnership – a workforce collaborative that organizes key stakeholders and targeted industry partners into a sustainable working group that focuses on the long-term workforce needs of a targeted industry cluster.
Convener – a credible entity in a position to identify regional economic and labor needs and convene industry and support partners to develop strategies which address the identified regional needs. The research found that community colleges were conveners for 67.8 percent of the sector partnerships, economic development organizations were conveners for 20.3 percent, workforce development organizations were conveners for 10.2 percent, and an industry partner(s) was the convener for 1.7 percent of the sector partnerships.
Facilitator – a neutral, credible, and trained entity tasked with ensuring the ongoing operation and sustainability of a sector partnership. The research results indicated that 61.0 percent of sector partnerships in Iowa have a designated and trained facilitator. Another 20.3 percent of sector partnerships have an interim facilitator, whereas 18.6 percent of sector partnerships do not have a designated and trained facilitator.
Just over half (52.5 percent) of sector partnerships in Iowa do not have a chair or lead partner. However, 42.4 percent do have a chair or lead partner, and 5.1 percent have engaged an industry partner to chair or lead the sector partnership.
Of the 60 sector partnerships that were identified in Iowa, 78.3 percent are currently running, 18.3 percent are in the process of being formed, and 3.3 percent are on hiatus or on a break in service.
GEOGRAPHY, INDUSTRY & OCCUPATIONS
Industry Area of Focus
The top industry of focus for sector partnerships in Iowa is Manufacturing (40.0 percent), followed by Information Technology (30.0 percent), and Health Science (28.3 percent). Other industries of focus for sector partnerships in Iowa include: STEM (21.7 percent), Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (20.0 percent), Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (20.0 percent), Architecture and Construction (16.7 percent), Business Management and Administration (11.7 percent), and Finance (13.3 percent). The Other industry mentioned was Education (1.7 percent).
Industry Career Clusters
The majority of sector partnerships in Iowa (78.0 percent) focus on a specific career cluster. Another 6.8 percent plan to add a career cluster, but 15.3 percent of sector partnerships in Iowa do not see the need to focus on a career cluster. The top five career cluster categories that sector partnerships focus on are: Manufacturing (15), Healthcare (9), Technology (9), Transportation and Logistics (7), and Construction (4).
Geography
The geographic areas of focus for sector partnerships in Iowa include: regional (73.7 percent), county (14.0 percent), city (10.5 percent), and statewide (1.8 percent). Benton County has the highest number of sector partnerships (16), as both Hawkeye Community College and Kirkwood Community College cover this county. Cedar, Iowa, Linn, Jones, Johnson, and Washington Counties each have 13 sector partnerships. Every county in Iowa has at least one sector partnership as the Iowa Energy Workforce Consortium covers all 99 counties in Iowa.
Affiliations
The vast majority of sector partnerships in Iowa (95.0 percent) are affiliated with secondary or postsecondary organizations. Over half (54.2 percent) are affiliated with local school districts. Further, 77.2 percent are affiliated with or plan to affiliate with industry associations, trade organizations, or unions.
HISTORY AND STRUCTURE
The majority (62.1 percent) of sector partnerships in Iowa were established in 2015 or later. Two sector partnerships were established in 2009, two in 2010, three in 2011, one in 2012, two in 2013, 11 in 2014, 17 in 2015, eight in 2016, and 11 in 2017.
Partners
Most sector partnerships reported some level of active and engaged industry partners. Over one third (34.7 percent) of sector partnerships reported 16 or more active and engaged industry partners, 24.5 percent reported 11 to 15 active and engaged industry partners, 30.6 percent reported six to 10 active and engaged industry partners, and 10.2 percent reported one to five active and engaged industry partners.
Fewer sector partnerships reported having active and engaged support partners, with 22.4 percent reporting 10 or more active and engaged support partners, 34.7 percent reporting five to nine active and engaged support partners, 36.7 percent reporting one to four active and engaged support partners, and 6.1 percent reporting no support partners.
The majority (60.0 percent) of sector partnerships have subcommittees or task groups, and an additional 30.0 percent plan to form subcommittees or task groups. The remaining 10.0 percent of sector partnerships do not see the need for subcommittees or task groups at this time.
The top areas of focus for the subcommittees or task groups include being based on: goals or objectives, training, education, marketing, programming, awareness of careers, recruitment or networking, apprenticeships and internships, or building the career pipeline.
Marketing
Less than half of sector partnerships in Iowa (23.6 percent) have a website, but 60.0 percent plan to develop a website in the future. Similarly, only 8.8 percent of sector partnerhips in Iowa have branded materials, but 49.1 percent plan to add branded materials in the future.
Maturity Level of Sector Partnership
The survey results found that 38.3 percent of sector partnerships in Iowa were at the Planning phase. During this phase, a convener is determining whether the partnership really makes sense for their community, considering or preparing for actions needed to launch a partnership, and working to identify partners who would be involved.
Another 48.3 percent of sector partnerships in Iowa were at the Emerging phase. In this phase, the sector partnership has at least an interim facilitator, has engaged at least one private sector champion to help drive the launch and implementation, includes support partners from workforce development, education, economic development, etc., and is engaged in networking with mature sector partnerships.
The remaining 13.3 percent of sector partnerships in Iowa were at the Mature phase. In this phase, the sector partnership has a clear neutral facilitator, is led by industry, has broad industry engagement, includes critical and engaged support partners, operates in a true labor market region, operates under a shared, long-term strategic plan, has developed at least one effective, employer-validated career pathway, has clear, identified priorities, and has common agreed-upon dashboard of success indicators.
Thirty-two sector partnerships in Iowa reported that they have grown since forming. These sector partnerships mentioned that participation has increased, as well as outreach efforts, partner support, collaboration, and training programs.
Ten sector partnerships reported that they have stayed about the same (no real growth) since forming. They report that participation is static, and outreach efforts remain the same.
The remaining six sector partnerships have declined since forming, noting decreased participation, outreach efforts and partner support.
Formalized Contract or Structure
Just over half (50.8 percent) of sector partnerships in Iowa do not have a formalized contract or structure, but are planning to adopt one. Another 15.3 percent currently have a formalized contract or structure. The remaining 33.9 percent see no need for a formalized contract or structure. The contracts that exist include charter (4), memorandum of understanding (3), or by-laws (2).
Over half (50.9 percent) of sector partnerships in Iowa reported having additional written or unwritten guidelines, and another 28.1 percent plan to adopt additional written or unwritten guidelines. The remaining 21.1 percent do not see a need for additional guidelines. Some of the areas covered in the additional guidelines include: meeting length and time (11), large business to support partner ratio (10), mission statement (4), participation and attendance (4), serve on committee (3), leadership terms (3), and member expectations (3).
PARTNERSHIP ENGAGEMENT
Meeting Locations and Agenda Items
The majority (60.0 percent) of sector partnerships in Iowa prefer to meet quarterly or every other month. The survey results indicated that 35.0 percent meet quarterly, 23.3 percent meet monthly, and 18.3 percent meet quarterly or every other month. Some sector partnerships (11.7 percent) meet twice per year, and the remaining 5.0 percent have yet to determine their meeting frequency.
Typical topics or items included on the agenda at meetings include: current developments and program updates (54.2 percent), workforce issues (27.1 percent), goal progress (23.7 percent), training needs (22.0 percent), employer needs (20.3 percent), subcommittee work time (20.3 percent), marketing (15.3 percent), guest speaker (13.6 percent), career exposure in area schools (10.2 percent), upcoming events (8.5 percent), curriculum development (6.8 percent), and best practices and success stories (6.8 percent). Some groups report that they are still developing an agenda (18.6 percent).
The most common meeting location for sector parterships is at a community college facility (32.2 percent), whereas 30.5 percent of sector parterships rotate locations for the meetings, 8.5 percent meet at an economic development facility, 6.8 percent meet at a city facility, and 5.1 percent said “other.” The newer sector partnerships have yet to determine a meeting location (16.9 percent). All sector partnerships (100 percent) said that they prefer to meet in-person, whereas 5.0 percent also prefer conference calls and Skype for meetings.
The majority of sector partnerships in Iowa operate according to a shared, long-term strategic plan (41.7 percent) or are in the process of developing a strategic plan (40.0 percent).
CURRENT WORK AND PROJECTS
Goals
Survey respondents were asked to describe some of the short-, mid-, or long-term plans, goals, targets, and training for their sector partnerships. The majority (61.7 percent) of sector partnerships have short-term goals. The most often listed goals included: career awareness in schools (32.4 percent), workforce training and skill development (29.7 percent), develop career pathway (16.2 percent), marketing campaign / website / video promotion (16.2 percent), work-based learning opportunities (10.8 percent), industry taking leadership role (8.1 percent), formalizing sector partnership (5.4 percent), collaboration with other sector partnerships (5.4 percent), curriculum development (5.4 percent), and recruitment/networking (5.4 percent). Some sector partnerships (29.7 percent) are continuing to develop goals.
Twenty percent of sector partnerships in Iowa have mid-term goals. Mid-term goals listed include: career awareness in schools (33.3%), marketing (25.0%), work-based learning opportunities (25.0%), new programming (25.0%), social media / website (16.7%), and workforce training (16.7%)
Seventy percent of sector partnerships in Iowa have long-term goals. Long-term goals listed by survey respondents include: develop strong pipeline (59.5%), career awareness in schools (38.1%), developing curriculum (26.2%),develop strategic plan and goals (19.0%), work-based learning opportunities (16.7%), and change industry perception (11.9%).
Career Pathways
A career pathway consists of structured course sequences which organize rigorous and high-quality education, training, and other services related to a targeted industry cluster to meet the education and skill needs of the region and state, and the particular needs of an individual, all in the context of workforce preparation.
Over one-third (38.3 percent) of the sector partnerships in Iowa have developed at least one career pathway, and another 11.7 percent are in the process of developing career pathways. Whereas 16.7 percent of sector partnerships would like to develop career pathways, 33.3 percent of sector partnerships report having no career pathways and no current plans to develop them.
The most common career pathways developed by sector partnerships in Iowa include: Manufacturing (27.3 percent), Healthcare (24.2 percent), Transportation and Logistics (9.1 percent), Information Technology (6.1 percent), Agriculture and Energy (6.1 percent), Construction (6.1 percent), and Financial Services (3.0 percent). Some career pathways (18.1 percent) are to be determined at a later date.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Survey respondents were asked to identify what tasks or projects are working well for them, and which areas could use improvement.
Areas Working Well
Areas working well included: programming (37.2 percent), collaboration (32.6 percent), actionable goals (30.2 percent), high school engagement (18.6 percent), strong industry leadership (16.3 percent), participation and engagement (14.0 percent), subcommittees (9.3 percent), sharing information and success stories (9.3 percent), and “other” (7.0 percent) including career pathways, trained facilitator, and membership increasing.
The following are some quotes from sector partnerships regarding areas that are working well:
“Getting the group together and talking about programs has worked well so far. A CDL program was established as a result of the sector partnership, with 150 people successfully completing the program.”
“All educational institutions are participating in this sector board, which has been valuable to develop curriculum and improve relationships with area employers.”
“The group is nimble and flexible and is controlled by local businesses. Goals are not forced upon the businesses. We have to be flexible and be responsive to business needs so there is focus on specific outcomes.”
“Engagement is high and the business partners own the work. There is excitement and many leaders are willing to step up and are open to new ideas.”
Areas Needing Improvement
Survey respondents also reported areas they felt needed improvement, including: participation and engagement (69.0%), understanding the value of sector partnerships (11.9%), industry taking leadership (9.5%), diversity in careers (7.1%), focus on goals (7.1%), finding the right people to be involved (7.1%), and scheduling (7.1%).
The following are some quotes from sector partnerships regarding areas needing improvement:
“Consistent involvement from employers – I don’t feel most employers are engaged to participate and lead.”
“Actual goal setting and formal strategic planning could use improvement.”
“There is so much diversity in health care, and the group is looking to find commonalities and be accommodating to differing needs of the industry partners.”
“The chair leadership is not as strong and could use training on the workforce system and value of sector boards.”
Understanding business needs and being flexible are the top factors that attribute to the areas working well. Multiple respondents also cited participation and engagement or strong leadership as factors.
The top factors driving the areas that need improvement include businesses having limited time, a large number of groups that have similar goals, struggles in rural communities to bring businesses together, and weak industry leadership.
SUCCESS
Definition of Success
Sector partnerships were asked how they would define “success” for their groups. Accomplishing goals was the top definition of success, mentioned by 44.1 percent of sector partnerships in Iowa. Meeting workforce needs was mentioned by 23.7 percent of sector partnerships. Building career awareness in high schools was considered a sign of success by 15.3 percent of sector partnerships, and 13.6 percent believe success comes with building a strong pipeline of skilled employees.
Another 13.6 percent of sector partnerships in Iowa define success as training the workforce with an increase in employment within the industry. Participation and engagement of industry partners was listed as a measure of success by 8.5 percent of respondents, and having a positive impact on the industry was listed by 6.8 percent of respondents. Building a larger network and collaborating with industry partners was mentioned by 6.8 percent of sector partnerships, and developing a career pathway was listed by 5.1 percent as a measure of success. Newer groups (18.6 percent) are still developing their definitions of success.
The following are some quotes received from survey respondents:
“One step at a time – Defining barriers and figuring out as a group how to get past them.”
“Meeting their skilled workforce needs, increasing job placement for high demand positions, and decreasing worker turnover and keeping more young people in the region.”
“We define success as making a positive impact on our industry in our region.”
Twenty percent of sector partnerships have established common, measurable indicators of success. Some examples include benchmarks, enrollment in programs, number of projects launched, number of tours, and number of goals accomplished.
Success indicators are most often updated yearly, or sometimes twice a year or more frequently depending on the project. Several sector partnerships do not update their success indicators or plan to in the future.
A total of 21 sector partnerships would be interested in receiving assistance to develop success indicators, and 15 others would be interested in knowing what other groups are doing, but believe the success indicators still need to be developed based on member needs.
RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES NEEDED
Funding
Maintaining funding for areas of support would help sector partnerships to continue accomplishing goals, including funds for marketing, equipment, initiatives, technology, staff, trained facilitator and meals at meetings.
Participation
Increased participation and engagement by industry partners is needed. Ideas would be welcomed on topics to discuss or guest speakers to bring in to make meetings more engaging. Many sector partnerships are lacking representation from business/industry or support partners. The majority of these are new groups that are still recruiting participants. Others would like to see more school districts, rural companies, and smaller industry partners represented.
Marketing
Assistance with marketing campaigns and brochure development, as well as marketing funds for job opportunities and promotion of sector board successes statewide would be beneficial.
Value
Training provided to industry partners on the value of sector partnerships would help them understand the purpose. Assistance at the state level in promoting the value of sector partnerships would also be appreciated.
Collaboration
Many sector partnerships would see value in collaboration with similar industry sector boards, comparable to the monthly calls that already occur to connect manufacturing sector partnerships throughout the state.
Rules & Regulations
Several sector partnerships emphasized the need for increased work-based learning regulations. Sector partnerships are also concerned state-level rules will be mandated upon them in the future that will negatively impact their local efforts.
State Level Resources
State-level resources such as a one-page summary about sector partnerships would be helpful. Federal grant proposals would also help to leverage funds to move ahead. Creating structure and funding available at the state level would help sector partnerships keep moving forward.
Facilitator Training
Sector partnerships would like to have assistance with finding a neutral, outside facilitator and have facilitator training headed by the state.
State Technical Assistance
Assistance from the state would be appreciated in facilitation or convening of meetings, development of success indicators, and conducting strategic planning.
CTE Advisory Boards
It would be helpful for CTE advisory boards to be a part of the sector boards to allow further collaboration between school districts and industry partners.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Sector Partnership Background
- The majority of sector partnerships were convened by community colleges (67.8%) or economic development organizations (20.3%). Most groups have a designated or trained facilitator (61.0%), while less than half have a designated chair or lead partner (42.0%). Over three-fourths of sector partnerships are currently running, and another nearly 18.3% are in the process of being formed.
Geography and Industry
- The top industries of focus for sector partnerships in Iowa are Manufacturing (40.0%), followed by Information Technology (30.0%) and Health Sciences (28.3%). The majority of sector partnerships (78.0%) focus on career clusters, with the top career cluster categories being Manufacturing, Healthcare, Technology, Transportation & Logistics, and Construction.
- Nearly all (95.0%) sector partnerships are affiliated with secondary/postsecondary organizations, and 77.2% are affiliated or plan to affiliate with industry associations, trade organizations, or unions.
History and Structure
- Most sector partnerships in Iowa (62.1%) were established in 2015 or later. Over half (59.2%) have 11 or more active and engaged industry partners, and just under three-fourths have 1 to 9 active and engaged support partners.
- Only 20.3% of sector partnerships have websites, and some of these are through the general community college website. Some asked if they were going to be required to create one, and asked who would maintain it. Some suggested a statewide website for all sector partnerships.
- Several sector partnerships plan to implement a formal contract or MOU, but only 15.3% currently have done this. Just over half have written or unwritten rules.
Partnership Engagement
- The majority (60.0%) of sector partnerships prefer to meet quarterly or every other month. The top categories placed on the agenda include current developments and program updates, workforce issues, goal progress, training or employer needs, and subcommittee work time. All groups prefer to meet in person, and just under a third of the groups rotate meeting locations.
Current Work and Projects
- Half of the sector partnerships have developed and validated career pathways or are in the process of doing so. The top categories are Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Transportation & Logistics.
- Developing a strong pipeline, building career awareness in schools, and workforce training and skill development are top priority goals identified by Iowa sector partnerships.
Accomplishments and Areas for Improvement
- Sector partnerships report that some of the areas that work well for them include implemented programming, collaboration between industry and support partners, creating actionable goals, and engaging with area secondary and postsecondary organizations. Understanding business needs and being flexible are the top factors that attribute to these areas working well.
- The most often cited area in need of improvement was the challenge of keeping the board engaged. Related to this was the issue of participation and attendance at meetings. Also mentioned was the need for assistance with goal setting, strategic planning, and helping industry partners to understand the value of sector partnerships. The top factors driving needed improvements include businesses having limited time, a large number of groups that have similar goals, struggles in rural communities to bring businesses together, and weak industry leadership.
Success
- Sector partnerships define success as accomplishing goals, meeting skilled workforce needs, building career awareness in high schools, building a strong pipeline of skilled employees, training the workforce with an increase in employment within the industry, participation and engagement of industry partners, having a positive impact on the industry, building a larger network and collaboration, and developing career pathways.
- 12 of the sector partnerships have established common, measurable indicators of success, 21 would be interested in receiving assistance to develop indicators, and 15 others would be interested in knowing what other groups are doing, but believe the success indicators still need to be developed based on member needs.
Resources and Opportunities Needed
- Many suggestions were mentioned when sector partnerships were asked what resources or opportunities are needed:
- Funding: Funding for externships, meals at meetings, marketing, equipment and initiatives, and more permanent staff would be great. Maintaining funding for areas of support would help the groups to continue accomplishing goals. In addition, groups would appreciate funding to invest in trained facilitators, without the attachments (paperwork, etc.) that usually go with funding.
- Participation: Increased participation and engagement by industry partners, as well as ideas on who to bring to meetings to make them more engaging would be welcomed.
- Marketing: Sector boards request marketing for job shadows and internships and help promoting sector board successes statewide.
- Value: Training provided to industry partners on the value of sector partnerships would help them understand the purpose and importance of the work.
- Collaboration: Statewide perspectives are helpful to hear experiences of other partnerships, similar to the monthly calls that already occur to connect manufacturing sector partnerships throughout the state.
- Rules & Regulations: Several groups emphasized the need for increased work-based learning regulations. Sector partnerships are also concerned state-level rules will be mandated upon them in the future that will negatively impact their local efforts.
- State Level Resources: Resources from the state such as marketing materials or one-pagers about sector partnerships would be helpful. Groups would also appreciate federal grant proposals initiated at the state level to leverage funds for Iowa sector partnerships.
- Facilitator Training: Groups would like assistance in obtaining neutral, outside facilitators and having training made available to them from the state.
- State Technical Assistance: Sector partnerships would appreciate assistance from the state with facilitation or convening meetings, as well as development of success indicators and strategic planning.
- CTE Advisory Boards: It would be helpful for IDOE to look at allowing CTE advisory boards to be a part of the sector board.
SECTOR PARTNERSHIP CONTACTS
Agriculture & Energy
Agriculture Sector Partnership
Convener: Iowa Lakes Community College
Jolene Rogers
19 S 7th St.
Estherville, IA 51334
jrogers@iowalakes.edu
712-362-0431
Facilitator: Jolene Rogers
Iowa Lakes Community College
jrogers@iowalakes.edu
712-362-0431
Agriculture Sector Partnership
Convener: Iowa Valley Community College
Jacque Goodman and Sandy Supianoski
3702 S Center Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Jacque.goodman@iavalley.edu
641-844-5640
Organic and Natural Food
Convener: Iowa City Area Development Group
Tom Banta
136 S. Dubuque St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
tbanta@icadgroup.com
319-354-3939
Facilitator: Iowa City Area Development Group team member TBD
Iowa Energy Workforce Consortium
Convener: Center for Energy Workforce Development
Beth Britt
beth@cewd.org
Energy Sector Board
Convener: Iowa Lakes Community College
Jolene Rogers
19 S. 7th St.
Estherville, Iowa 51334
jrogers@iowalakes.edu
712-362-0431
Facilitator: Jolene Rogers
Iowa Lakes Community College
jrogers@iowalakes.edu
712-362-0431
Business Services
Central Iowa Careers in Financial Services
Convener: Central Iowa Works
Pat Steele
1111 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50314
pat@centraliowaworks.org
515-243-2130
Facilitator: Pat Steele
Central Iowa Works
pat@centraliowaworks.org
515-243-2130
Financial Service Industry Sector Board
Convener: Kirkwood Community College
Kim Becicka
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
Kim.becicka@kirkwood.edu
319-398-5525
Facilitator: Judy Stoffel
Kirkwood Community College
Judy.stoffel@kirkwood.edu
319-398-5503
Community Board
Cresco Community Board
Convener: Northeast Iowa Community College
Wendy Mihm-Herold
1625 Hwy 150 South
Calmar, IA 52132
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263 x221
Facilitator: Wendy Mihm-Herold
Northeast Iowa Community College
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263
Manchester Community Board
Convener: Northeast Iowa Community College
Wendy Mihm-Herold
1625 Hwy 150 South
Calmar, IA 52132
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263 x221
Facilitator: Wendy Mihm-Herold or Connie Behnken
Northeast Iowa Community College
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263
Clayton County Community Board
Convener: Northeast Iowa Community College
Wendy Mihm-Herold
1625 Hwy 150 South
Calmar, IA 52132
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263 x221
Facilitator: Wendy Mihm-Herold
Northeast Iowa Community College
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263
Waukon Community Board
Convener: Northeast Iowa Community College
Wendy Mihm-Herold
1625 Hwy 150 South
Calmar, IA 52132
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263 x221
Facilitator: Wendy Mihm-Herold or Mary Jo Goodman
Northeast Iowa Community College
Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263
New Hampton Community Board
Convener: Northeast Iowa Community College
Wendy Mihm-Herold
1625 Hwy 150 South
Calmar, IA 52132
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263 x221
Facilitator: Wendy Mihm-Herold or Teresa Weber
Northeast Iowa Community College
ATEK
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263
Oelwein Community Board
Convener: Northeast Iowa Community College
Wendy Mihm-Herold
1625 Hwy 150 South
Calmar, IA 52132
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263 x221
Facilitator: Wendy Mihm-Herold
Northeast Iowa Community College
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263
Construction
Construction Sector Partnership
Convener: Iowa Valley Community College District
Jacque Goodman & Sandy Supianoski
3702 S Center Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Jacque.goodman@iavalley.edu
641-844-5640
Central Iowa Careers in Construction
Convener: Central Iowa Works
Pat Steele
1111 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50314
pat@centraliowaworks.org
515-243-2130
Facilitator: Pat Steele
Central Iowa Works
pat@centraliowaworks.org
515-243-2130
Architecture, Construction & Engineering Sector Board
Convener: Kirkwood Community College
Amy Lasack
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Amy.lasack@kirkwood.edu
319-398-5435
Facilitator: Erica Bergfeld-Reed
Kirkwood Community College
erica.bergfeld-reed@kirkwood.edu
319-398-5888
Construction Sector Board
Convener: Northeast Iowa Community College
Wendy Mihm-Herold
1625 Hwy 150 South
Calmar, IA 52132
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263 x221
Facilitator: Wendy Mihm-Herold
Northeast Iowa Community College
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263
Healthcare
Dubuque Long-Term Care Sector Board
Convener: Northeast Iowa Community College
Wendy Mihm-Herold
1625 Hwy 150 South
Calmar, IA 52132
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263 x221
Facilitator: Wendy Mihm-Herold or Sandy Collins
Northeast Iowa Community College
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263
Central Iowa Careers in Healthcare
Convener: Central Iowa Works
1111 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50314
Facilitator: Pat Steele
Central Iowa Works
515-243-2130
Healthcare Technology
Convener: Iowa City Area Development Group
Tom Banta
136 S. Dubuque St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
tbanta@icadgroup.com
319-354-3939
Facilitator: Member TBD
Iowa City Area Development Group
Healthcare Sector Partnership
Convener: Iowa Valley Community College District
Jacque Goodman & Sandy Supianoski
3702 S Center St.
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Sandy.Supianoski@iavalley.edu
641-844-5780
Calmer Long-Term Care Sector Board
Convener: Northeast Iowa Community College
Wendy Mihm-Herold
1625 Hwy 150 South
Calmar, IA 52132
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263 x221
Facilitator: Wendy Mihm-Herold
Northeast Iowa Community College
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263
Healthcare Industry Sector Board
Convener: Kirkwood Community College
Kim Becicka
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Kim.becicka@kirkwood.edu
319-398-5525
Facilitator: Judy Stoffel
Kirkwood Community College
Judy.stoffel@kirkwood.edu
319-398-5503
Healthcare Collaborative Sector Board
Convener: Hawkeye Community College/IowaWORKS
Darcia Krouse
3420 University Ave.
Waterloo, IA 50701
Darcia.krouse@hawkeyecollege.edu
319-291-2705
Facilitator: Darcia Krouse
Hawkeye Community College
Darcia.krouse@hawkeyecollege.edu
319-291-2705
Healthcare Sector Partnership
Convener: NIACC
Kristy Molencamp/Heather Wright
500 College Drive
Mason City, IA 50401
Kristy.molencamp@niacc.edu
641-422-4078
Facilitator: Sue Gibbons
DMACC
sagibbons@dmacc.edu
515-491-4495
Healthcare Sector Board
Convener: Iowa Western Community College
Mary Warren
2700 College Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
maryw@cox.net
Facilitator: Shalimar Mazetis
Iowa Western Community College
smazetis@iwcc.edu
712-325-3352
Allied Health Sector Board
Convener: Eastern Iowa Community College
Ellen Kabat Lensch
306 West River Dr.
Davenport, Iowa 52801
ekabatlensch@eicc.edu
563-336-3304
Facilitator: Bob Allbee
EICC (Retired)
Robertallbee1160@gmail.com
Healthcare Sector Board
Convener: Northwest Iowa Community College
Dr. John Hartog
603 W Park St.
Sheldon, IA 51201
Jhartog.@nwicc.edu
712-324-5061 x309
Facilitator: Bob Henningsen
Smart Solutions
bhenningsen@smartsolutionsgroup.net
515-238-2697
Information Technology
Information Technology Sector Board
Convener: Eastern Iowa Community College
Ellen Kabat Lensch
306 West River Dr.
Davenport, IA 50801
ekabatlensch@eicc.edu
563-336-3304
Facilitator: Bob Allbee
EICC (retired)
Robertallbee1160@gmail.com
Information Technology Sector Board
Convener: Northeast Iowa Community College
Wendy Mihm-Herold
1625 Hwy 150 South
Calmar, IA 52132
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263 x221
Facilitator: Kristin Dietzel
Greater Dubuque Development
Corporation
kristind@greaterdubuque.org
563-557-9049
Information Technology Industry Sector Board
Convener: Kirkwood Community College – Continuing Education
Kim Becicka
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Kim.becicka@kirkwood.edu
319-398-5525
Facilitator: Gary Vogt
Kirkwood Community College
Gary.vogt@kirkwood.edu
319-398-4485
Information Technology Sector Partnership
Convener: Transitioning to Hawkeye Community College
Keri Kono
3420 University Ave.
Waterloo, IA 50701
Keri.kono@iwd.iowa.gov
319-291-2705 x350
Wearable Technology
Convener: Iowa City Area Development Group
Tom Banta
136 S. Dubuque St
Iowa City, IA 52245
tbanta@icadgroup.com
319-354-3939
Facilitator: Member TDC
Iowa City Area Development Group
Information Technology Sector Board
Convener: Iowa Western Community College
Mark Stanley and Marry Warren
2700 College Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
mstanley@iwcc.edu
712-353-3408
Facilitator: Terry Bailey or Shalimar Mazetis
Iowa Western Community College
tbailey@iwcc.edu
712-256-7941
IT Industry Partnership
Convener: Des Moines Area Community College
Karen Stiles & Bill Workman
2006 South Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50023
kastiles@dmacc.edu
515-964-6484
Facilitator: Karen Stiles and Bill Workman
DMACC
kastiles@dmacc.edu
515-964-6484
Augmented/Virtual Reality
Convener: Iowa City Area Development Group
Tom Banta
136 S. Dubuque St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
tbanta@icadgroup.com
319-354-3939
Facilitator: Member TBD
Iowa City Area Development Group
Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing Sector Partnership
Convener: Hawkeye Community College
Darcia Krouse & Pam Wright
3420 University Ave.
Waterloo, IA 50613
Darcia.krouse@hawkeyecommunity
college.edu
319-296-2329 x3009
Advanced Manufacturing Sector Board
Convener: Kirkwood Community College
Kim Becicka
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Kim.becicka@kirkwood.edu
319-398-5525
Facilitator: Greg Mulherin
Newell Machinery
gmulherin@newellmachinery.com
319-393-1610
Manufacturing Sector Board
Convener: Northeast Iowa Community College
Wendy Mihm-Herold
1625 Hwy 150 South
Calmar, IA 52132
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263 x221
Facilitator: Wendy Mihm-Herold
Northeast Iowa Community College
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263
Advanced Manufacturing Sector Partnership
Convener: Indian Hills Community College & IowaWORKS
Jennifer Erdmann
15260 Truman St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Jennifer.erdmann@iwd.iowa.gov
641-684-5401
Facilitator: Rich Kennedy
IowaWORKS/Indian Hills Community College
Richard.kennedy@iwd.iowa.gov
641-684-5401
Manufacturing Education Partnership
Convener: Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corp., Spencer High School, Iowa Lakes Community College
Kiley Miller
520 2nd Ave. East, Ste. 2
Spencer, IA 51301
Kmiller@lakescorridor.com
712-264-3474
Facilitator: Scott Rettey
Spencer High School
srettey@spencerschools.org
712-363-0454
Advanced Manufacturing Sector Board
Convener: Eastern Iowa Community College
Ellen Kabat Lensch
306 West River Dr.
Davenport, IA 52801
ekabatlensch@eicc.edu
563-336-3304
Facilitator: Bob Allbee
EICC (Retired)
Robertallbee1160@gmail.com
Advanced Manufacturing Sector Partnership
Convener: Union County Economic Development
Wayne Pantini
208 West Taylor St.
Creston, IA 50801
641-782-2003
Facilitator: Wayne Pantini
Union County Economic
Development
641-782-2003
Fairfield Manufacturing Association
Convener: Fairfield Economic Development
Joshua Laraby
605 S 23rd St. Ste 102
Fairfield, IA 52556
reachjoshualaraby@gmail.com
920-309-0126
Central Iowa Careers in Advanced Manufacturing
Convener: Central Iowa Works
1111 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50314
Facilitator: Pat Steele
Central Iowa Works
pat@centraliowaworks.org
515-243-2130
Manufacturing Sector Board
Convener: Iowa Lakes Corridor – Transitioning to Iowa Lakes Community College
Jolene Rogers
19 S 7th St.
Estherville, IA 51334
jrogers@iowalakes.edu
712-362-0431
Facilitator: Jolene Rogers
Iowa Lakes Community College
jrogers@iowalakes.edu
712-362-0431
Northwest Iowa Metals Manufacturing Sector Board
Convener: Rosenboom
Lary Rosenboom
PO Box 280
Sheldon, IA 51201
712-324-4854
Facilitator: Bob Henningsen
Smart Solutions
bhenningsen@smartsolutionsgroup.
net
515-238-2697
Manufacturing Sector Partnership
Convener: Southeast Regional Planning Commission
Mike Norris
211 N. Gear Ave. Ste 100
West Burlington, IA 52655
mnorris@seirpc.com
319-753-4310
Southwest Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Sector Board
Convener: Iowa Western Community College
Mark Stanley
2700 College Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
mstanley@iwcc.edu
712-325-3408
Facilitator: Starlyn Issacson
Iowa Western Community College
sissaacon@iwcc.edu
712-325-3705
Advanced Manufacturing Sector Partnership
Convener: Iowa Valley Community College District
Jacque Goodman & Sandy Supianoski
3702 S Center St.
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Jacque.goodman@iavalley.edu
641-844-5640
Advanced Manufacturing Sector Partnership
Convener: Ames Economic Development Commission
Brenda Dryer
304 Main St.
Ames, IA 50010
Brenda@ameschamber.com
515-232-2310
Facilitator: Brenda Dryer
Ames Economic Development Comm.
Brenda@ameschamber.com
515-232-2310
Advanced Manufacturing
Convener: North Iowa Area Community College
Heather Wright and others
500 College Drive
Mason City, IA 50401
Heather.wright@niacc.edu
641-422-4312
Facilitator: Sue Gibbons
SS Gibbons Services
Sagibbons@dmacc.edu
515-491-4495
Industry Technology Advisory Board
Convener: Clarke County Development Corp.
William Trickey
PO Box 265
Osceola, IA 50213
wmtrickey@clarkecountyiowa.com 641-414-1884
Transportation & Logistics
Transportation/Logistics Sector Board
Convener: Eastern Iowa Community College
Ellen Kabat Lensch
306 West River Drive
Davenport, IA 52801
ekabatlensch@eicc.edu
563-336-3304
Facilitator: Bob Allbee
EICC (Retired) Robertallbee1160@gmail.com
Automated Vehicles
Convener: Iowa City Area Development Group
Ellen Kabat Lensch
136 S. Dubuque St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
tbanka@icadgroup.com
319-354-3939
Facilitator: Member TBD
Iowa City Area Development Group
Transportation CDL Sector Board
Convener: Northeast Iowa Community College
Wendy Mihm-Herold
1625 Hwy 150 South
Calmar, IA 52132
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263 x221
Facilitator: Wendy Mihm-Herold
Northeast Iowa Community College
Mihm-heroldw@nicc.edu
563-562-3263
Transportation & Logistics Sector Board
Convener: Kirkwood Community College
Amy Lasack
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Amy.lasack@kirkwood.edu
319-398-5435
Facilitator: Chris Kula
Kirkwood Community College
Chirs.kula@kirkwood.edu
319-398-7130
Central Iowa Careers in Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Convener: Central Iowa Works
1111 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50314
Other
Education Assessment & Technology
Convener: Iowa City Area Development Group
Tom Banta
136 S. Dubuque St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
Tbanta@icadgroup.com
319-354-3939
Facilitator: Member TBD
Iowa City Area Development Group