The CareerSource Florida Board of Directors met yesterday to discuss ways in which the workforce system and its partners are working to support businesses and Floridians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and consider opportunities to harness new platforms and tactics to reach targeted populations.
The board discussed recommendations to support an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery during a leadership dialogue with Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Chad Poppell, Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director and board member Dane Eagle and The Able Trust President and CEO Tony Carvajal.
“Floridians are resilient. They want to get back to work and that is what we are committed to doing with our partners at CareerSource Florida,” said Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Dane Eagle. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is on the road to recovery. We still have great challenges, but our opportunities ahead are even greater.”
Additionally, the board heard from Steve Edwards, a military veteran and CEO of Premier Virtual, and CareerSource Palm Beach County Vice President of Business Development Michael Corbit about strong outcomes of the first statewide virtual Paychecks for Patriots hiring events for veterans and military families.
Earlier this year, the board approved an investment in the virtual career fair platform made available to the entire CareerSource Florida network to support greater access to hiring events in this COVID-19 era and beyond. The first statewide test of the new platform was the annual Paychecks for Patriots hiring fairs, in partnership with the state Department of Economic Opportunity. Events took place online, and in person in some areas, throughout the month of November. More than 2,000 candidates registered and 33,903 visits to virtual employer booths were recorded.
“As our state moves toward full economic recovery under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, reimagining a future of inclusive opportunities for businesses and Floridians, we, as a state workforce policy and investment board, must continue to adapt and innovate to meet these evolving needs,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “I am honored to be part of a network that strives to develop more effective approaches to prepare Florida’s diverse workforce for current and future demands, ensuring resiliency and global competitiveness.”
The board also approved several administrative policies and accepted CareerSource Florida’s annual independent audit, noting a 20th consecutive year with no findings.
Attendees included eight board members appointed by Governor DeSantis last month.
Additional updates on best practices and recent events were provided to the board by Florida Workforce Development Association Vice President and CareerSource Polk CEO and President Stacy Campbell-Domineck.
More information and meeting materials are available at careersourceflorida.com/boardroom.
###
About CareerSource Florida
CareerSource Florida, with its business-led board of directors, provides policy direction for talent development programs administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards and their 100 career centers. The CareerSource Florida State Board serves as the Governor’s principal workforce policy and investment board, working in partnership with DEO, which is responsible for the state workforce system’s fiscal and administrative affairs, and local workforce development boards that serve Florida’s businesses and career seekers. Together, the CareerSource Florida network connects employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity. Learn more at careersourceflorida.com.