The purpose of workforce development is twofold. One is to provide resources and information to assist area residents to move towards financial independence through employment.  Programs and services for residents include education, job training, job search assistance and employment-related youth programs.  The second purpose is to assist local businesses. Employment Connection does this by providing employers with qualified candidates for open positions, holding career fairs on and off site, and assisting with job retention, on the job training, and tax credit information.

These services are funded through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). WIA offers a comprehensive range of workforce development activities through statewide and local organizations. This funding is to be used to promote an increase in the employment, job retention, earnings, and occupational skills improvement by participants. This, in turn, improves the quality of the workforce, reduces welfare dependency, and improves the productivity and competitiveness of the nation.

2004 Workforce Investment Board Members

Francisco Alfonzo, Owner, Lelolai Bakery & Café
Peter Appler, CEO, Doan Pyramid Solutions
Michael Benz, Executive Director, United Way Agency
Daniel Berry, Vice President, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Peter Buca, Branch Technology Director, Parker-Hannafin Corporation
Dana Capers, Vice President, Huntington Bank
John Carter, Vice President & CEO, Carter Exterminating Company
Ray C.S. Chan, President, Central Engineering, Inc.
Jane Fumich, Director, City of Cleveland Department of Aging
Joe Gauntner, Director, Employment & Family Services
Jacki Gaylor, Human Resources Director, Intercontinental Hotels, Cleveland
Brian Gleisser, Deputy Executive Director,
Council For Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland
Ronald Hayes, Director, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center
Leon Hogg, President, Hallmark Management
Anthony Houston, Director, City of Cleveland Empowerment Zone
Greg Huth, Director, City of Cleveland Economic Development
Ernest Johnson, Economic Development Administrator,
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
Pat Keating, Director, Recovery Resources
Daniel Koncos, Manager, Ohio Department of Job & Family Services
Yolanda Lamar-Wilder, President & CEO, Women Entrepreneurs of America
Sue Layne, Chief Assistant Area Manager, Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission
Dr. Rebecca Lowry, School to Career Executive Director, Cleveland Municipal School District
Franklin Martin, Owner, F. Martin Company
Quentin McCorvey Sr., Vice President Civic Affairs & Senior Program Manager, Key Foundation
Randell McShepard , Director of Community Affairs, RPM International, Inc.
David Megenhardt, Executive Director, United Labor Agency
Vivian Morrow, Center Director, Cleveland Job Corps
Robert E. Paponetti, Vice President, Workforce and Economic Development, Cuyahoga Community College
Jo-Ann Neal, State Program Coordinator, National Caucus and Center on Black Aged
Patty Quinonez, President, Quinonez & Associates
Pandora Ramsey, President, Urban Technologies
Myron Robinson, President and CEO, Urban League of Greater Cleveland
Mark Schweitzer, Assistant Vice President & Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Don Scipione, President, Acme Express, Inc.
Charles See, Director, Community Re-Entry
Loree Soggs, Executive Secretary, Cleveland Building & Trades Union
Raymond C. Somich II, Director, Discover HELP, Inc.
Eddie Taylor, CEO, Integrated Consulting Services, Ltd.
Ed Weston, General Manager, Thermagon, Inc.
Danny R. Williams, Senior Vice President, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Linda D. Woodard, Executive Director, WEDD Division, Cuyahoga Community College