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manufactures throughout the County. He provided details on the workforce model and the work <br />the cohort has done to help prepare students at Anoka High School through programming and <br />educational opportunities. He reviewed statistics on Anoka County employment noting that <br />there is a continued demand. He stated that the cohort continues to build on the workforce model <br />and is looking for new opportunities moving forward. <br />Member Hardin left the meeting. <br />Chairperson Steffen commented that it is exciting to see how the program has expanded over the <br />years. He noted that the Chamber includes seven cities but only Anoka and Ramsey are included <br />as partners. <br />Mr. LeTourneau stated that as the program continues to expand it will continue to look for <br />additional partners. He stated that currently the group is able to focus more on Anoka and <br />Ramsey with Anoka County also participating. He noted that other cities have been invited to <br />participate. He noted that the cohort activities are funded through the trusted partners and that <br />manufacturers are not charged or required to be a member of the Chamber to interact with the <br />cohort. He explained that the cohort felt that if membership were required there would not be the <br />same level of participation initially. <br />Member Burandt stated that he cannot say enough positive things about the work the cohort is <br />doing. He noted that this is fulfilling a need in the community as manufacturing is the backbone <br />of the community and this cohort has been a great leader. He stated that the $5,000 is a minor <br />contribution in comparison to the taxes generated by the businesses in the community and the <br />jobs that can be created through this program. <br />Mr. LeTourneau noted that he has heard similar comments from businesses throughout the <br />community. <br />Chairperson Steffen asked who is teaching the trades curriculum at the high school. <br />Mr. LeTourneau stated that the Anoka Hennepin School District has its own teachers at the high <br />school and utilizes the STEP program at the Anoka Technical College. He noted that part of the <br />process with the ISD 11 was also to update some of the classrooms with updated technology and <br />equipment. <br />Member Kanaventi stated that he is very impressed with the program. He asked what the source <br />that was used to estimate the average salary for employment. <br />Mr. LeTourneau stated that he reviewed information in Anoka County over 11 employment <br />sectors. The data was mined from the Minnesota Department of Labor. <br />Member Kuzma stated that this program allows young people in the community to stay in the <br />community as they age. <br />Economic Development Authority/ July 11, 2019 <br />Page 4 of 5 <br />