County Executives George Latimer of Westchester and MaryEllen Odell of Putnam invite businesses, partner agencies, community organizations, and educational leaders to participate in the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board’s 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2020 from 9 - 10 a.m. 

The Annual Meeting will feature a panel discussion around "Reimagining Workforce Strategies During a Pandemic: A Statewide, Urban, & Suburban-Rural Perspective.” The panel will be led by Melinda Mack, Executive Director of the New York Association of Training & Employment Professionals, who will provide a statewide perspective and facilitate a discussion with:

• Chris Neale, Director, New York City Workforce Development Board 
• Laura Quigley, Director, Sullivan County Workforce Development Board 
• Thom Kleiner, Director, Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board

Program Schedule:
9:00 a.m. — Remarks: County Executives George Latimer of Westchester and MaryEllen Odell of Putnam
9:10 a.m. — Status Report: Thom Kleiner, WPWDB Executive Director
9:15 a.m. — Panel Discussion: "Reimagining Workforce Strategies During a Pandemic: A Statewide, Urban, & Suburban-Rural Perspective.”
9:50 a.m. — Q&A

“Our workforce development team has stepped up during this crisis to provide hope and connections for those who really need it, particularly those with barriers to employment like lack of childcare and transportation. This exciting panel will allow us to hear from those on the front lines of workforce development across the state and will help us do our jobs better here in Westchester and the Hudson Valley,” said Westchester County Executive, George Latimer.

“Our Career Centers have been a free resource to those who need employment counseling, workshops, and training. The pandemic accelerated the move to provide virtual services which greatly extends our capabilities, but simultaneously presents new challenges. I’m confident that we will come out stronger and we look forward to reimagining our workforce strategies,” said Putnam Count Executive, MaryEllen Odell.

“With an unemployment rate approaching 15%, the next few months in workforce development will be a critical time. While we prepare to reopen with a variety of unknowns, the experience our panelists bring to this discussion will help guide us as we strive to provide the best service possible to the job seekers and businesses who need our help now more than ever before,” said WPWDB Executive Director, Thom Kleiner.

Register to participate in the virtual program.

The ten-minute Q&A portion of the meeting will include answering questions from attendees.

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