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Remember Rebuild Rejoice

Remember Rebuild Rejoice. Workforce & Economic Development in Joplin’s Tornado Recovery. Today’s Agenda. Workforce & Economic Development in Joplin’s Tornado Recovery. Integrated Workforce & Eco Devo partnerships Projects implemented Lessons learned Crisis communications

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Remember Rebuild Rejoice

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  1. RememberRebuildRejoice Workforce & Economic Development in Joplin’s Tornado Recovery

  2. Today’s Agenda Workforce & Economic Development in Joplin’s Tornado Recovery • Integrated Workforce & Eco Devo partnerships • Projects implemented • Lessons learned • Crisis communications • Aligning disaster recovery with longer-term workforce priorities

  3. Joplin Recovery The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic. Peter Drucker

  4. May 22, 2011 in Joplin • This generation’s deadliest tornado • ¼ to 1-mile wide, 14 miles long • 161 killed • 7,000 residential structures • 600 businesses • 1,500 jobs lost; 5,000 jobs affected

  5. E.D. Background • WIB managed as an economic development organization • Eco devo integrated into business services, WIB funding, leadership capacity, etc. • Partnerships already in place help speed up workforce system’s disaster response • WIB’s eco devointegration recognized nationally by IEDC, DOL, etc.

  6. Responsiveness • Affected employers tracked by Business Retention Coordinator at Joplin Chamber of Commerce • Utility outages, traffic, and safety challenges at one-stop center • Rapid Response approach – get tothe victims directly • Crisis communications

  7. Responsiveness • Use of mobile units and relief centers • Help from neighboring WIBs • Outreach for disaster-specific UI • Initial intake in anticipation of NEG

  8. The N.E.G. National Emergency Grant • Recovery for Joplin tornado and flooding in other Missouri counties • Started at $5.8 and grew to $30+ million • Branded statewide as Missouri Disaster Recovery Jobs Program

  9. DRJP Overview • Peaked over 1,400 jobs at 22 worksites in Joplin and Duquesne • Debris removal positions • Humanitarian positions in several local non-profits, municipal agencies, and faith-based groups • Private property NEG provisions new to Missouri; Right of Entry process

  10. DRJP Volume • 22 worksites in Joplin and Duquesne • 780 debris removal positions • 200 humanitarian positions in several local non-profits, municipal agencies, and faith-based groups • Total orientations: 2,257 • Total enrolled in NEG: 1,090 • Customers exited: 763

  11. DRJP Overview • Private property NEG provisions new to Missouri; Right of Entry process • Extensive screening process different than typical workforce programs • Physical safety profiles • Extra safety training • Drug screening • Background screening • Employer of Record

  12. Challenges • MO well-versed in flood NEGs, but tornado of this magnitude more like hurricane NEG • Applying standard fiscal and program rules in a disaster scenario, subjective views • Shifts, re-shifts, and interpretations of policies hindered implementation and monitoring • Balancing intense political pressures at all levels vs. realities in startup and continuity • Work comp in tornado environment • Emotional trauma and long-term effects on staff

  13. Lessons Learned • National Guard logistical and safety support • WIBs should have a Disaster Preparedness Plan: • Updated contact info for local, county, and state officials; refresh it annually • Partnerships should already be in place • Backups for local operations; contingencies for capacities like facilities, communications, etc. • Scenarios for immediate responsiveness, customer outreach and NEG intake • Applying stand-in costs for gray areas • Explore digital imaging system for WIA files

  14. Going Deeper • 80% of DRJP workers tested for National Career Readiness Credential • Specialized job fairs and training programs for second phase of NEG • Debris removal/clean up jobs through December 2012 • Consistent demand for humanitarian jobs through March 2013 • On-boarding new NEGworkers due to six-month work limit with DRJP

  15. Social Media • WIB’s social media strategy launched two months prior to tornado • Social media responsiveness and volume in disaster response and recovery • WIB’s disaster recovery messaging in vast landscape of disaster communications • Joplin tornado best practices and lessons learned published in University Extension disaster guide for social media

  16. Social Media Tips • Clearinghouse for information • Connects the dots between needs & resources • Always reference the “official source” of news and/or resources • Speed of “timeline” may require frequent re-posts of critical information • It’s a crisis, not a content, don’t be afraid to borrow and give credit elsewhere • Set up the social web presence ahead of the disaster so it deploys quickly

  17. Priority Content • Official word of disaster occurrence • Safeandwell.org as official resource in searching for loved ones • First word of triage centers and shelters • Evacuation details • Ask for reports and photos (videos) • Emergent needs • Volunteer status – whether volunteers are allowed, where needed, etc. • Promote link-sharing to spread the word • Post disclaimers on a regular basis • Frequently-updated list of needs

  18. Opportunities • Alignment of disaster recovery projects with long-term workforce priorities • Hard re-boot of eco devo strategies • Recovery vs. long-term strategies • Industry sector shifts; gains in construction • Master-planned, mixed-use communities within Joplin • Replacing destroyed school buildings with nation’s most innovative HS, tech center, and other facilities • Joplin’s performance compared to other disaster zones across the nation • Leveraging goodwill for Joplin’s growth

  19. Opportunities • Re-engineering the WIB’s Work-Based Learning programs and On-the-Job training • More volume for National Career Readiness Credential • New channels to prove success to stakeholders and elected officials

  20. Joplin C.A.R.T. • Citizen led planning group for Joplin recovery plan • Covers economic development, schools, community facilities, housing, infrastructure, and environmental issues • Aligns workforce tools and strategies with recovery resources • Certified Work ReadyCommunities • Soft skill training

  21. Rebuild Joplin • Grew out of Bright Futures program at Joplin School District • Mission: remove physical, mental, and emotional barriers for vulnerable families and community members struggling to recovery • Resource and volunteer match-making • Emerging efforts in housing reconstruction • Grant administration for Community ReinvestmentAct resources from banks,federal grants, loans, etc.

  22. Successes • Highest one-year recovery rate nationally for unemployment • Positive roles in disaster recovery • Experience to pay it forward in other disasterareas • Refined WIB strategies andtechniques • Jasper County1st nationally-certified WorkReady Community

  23. Summary Takeaways • Build the partnerships with economic development and emergency management agencies • Plan ahead for your worst-case scenarios • Disaster Preparedness Official Agency Plan • Contacts verified and updated annually • Operations backups • Various NEG scenarios • Connect (or build) the social networks

  24. Jasen Jones Executive Director Southwest Missouri WIB jjones@jomowib.com 417-206-1717 Ext. 106

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