Community Engagement Committee Meeting Minutes
February 4, 2012
In attendance: Father Stan Aksamit, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Jane Banks, CHD, Dave Gadaire, CareerPoint, Andrew Morehouse, Food Bank of Western Mass., Pamela Schwartz, network coordinator.
Web site check-in (post- website migration, e.g,creation of CoC corner). Need to check in with Andrea and Michael (Michael couldn’t be here due to flu). Will do so for next time.
Lynne shared that she met with the marketing firm, Six Point Creative, which is willing to discuss how to guide us re: strategic plan/branding. She will follow-up with them about meeting with Steering/Community Engagement committee.
Follow-up on Leadership Council decision to endorse Governor’s proposed investment/tax proposals
Agreed Pamela will pursue county-based legislator meetings (as opposed to regionwide)
Agreed on not doing media release (sensitive to partner agencies’ varying positions on this).
Agreed on finalizing one-pager on Network position for distribution to Network partners and to post on blog. Will collect committee members’ feedback over next few days.
Preparation for 3/5 launch/press conference on Fireman Foundation workforce development grant:
Agreed Pamela will reach out to all Western Mass. legislators. Dave Gadaire will follow-up with Rep. Vega and Senator Knapik.
Pamela will send invites to DHCD and ICHH; will send special notice to Family Services Committee members
Pamela will invite all Western region mayors (Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse has already agreed to attend and say a few words).
Will map out agenda when closer, but will include words from Bill Messner as host president of HCC, an employer or two, a client, Mayor, Fireman Foundation, at minimum.
Will make special outreach to Berkshire media since greatest distance; Pamela will follow-up with Berkshire Eagle editors she met with as part of transit meeting.
Next meeting Monday, March 4, 9-10:15 am (note: meeting time has been changed to 8:30-9:30 am) Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street
Include on agenda: intern recruitment follow-up; work plan/strategic plan discussion and of course last minute prep for 3/5 event
