WEDnetPA Partners Busy!

April of each year starts the second quarter for businesses that follow the calendar year as their fiscal year, but for the WEDnetPA partners it represents the beginning of the fourth quarter of grant activity and perhaps the busiest time of the year.  Typically the partners are submerged in activities related to closing the current fiscal year and at the same time pursuing applications from businesses for the next year.  April also typically means participation in the annual professional development conference, providing a chance for the partners to meet, review program processes, and to establish protocol for the coming year.

Immediately following the conference, May marks the beginning of the application period.  A new on-line portfolio management system known as ISAAC will be introduced at the conference.  Not only will partners benefit tremendously from the new features and capabilities, but for the first time businesses interested in applying for funds will be able to apply on-line.  It is expected that ISAAC will be available to accept on-line applications for the upcoming fiscal year (2011-2012) around mid-May 2011.

And WEDnetPA activity continues to heat up in June.  In the final month of the fiscal year, partners are busy processing invoices, closing out contracts and ensuring that all of the WEDnetPA funds are accounted for and wisely spent.

April, May, and June of each year – the WEDnetPA Partners are busy!

Budget Process

On March 8, 2011, Governor Tom Corbett released his proposed budget for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  There are many challenges facing the Commonwealth and as a result many proposed budgetary reductions. WEDnetPA, a program that obtains its operating budget through DCED (Department of Community and Economic Development), represents just one area that may receive a reduction in budgetary funds for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

The Governor has proposed to create a new program called the PA First Fund. This program will replace the former Opportunity Grants, Customized Job Training (which funds WEDnetPA), and Infrastructure Development programs.  Last year the 3 programs combined were funded at $41 million and the new PA First Fund is currently positioned to receive $25 million, that’s a 40% reduction in overall funding. For WEDnetPA, this comes on the heels of a cumulative 65% reduction in funding over the previous three years.  At this point no specific details have been released on how the funds will be utilized within the new PA First program.

WEDnetPA, comprised of more than 30 partners statewide, is working diligently to help ensure that the Governor and legislators are aware and understand the value that the WEDnetPA program brings to Pennsylvania businesses and the economy.  While the WEDnetPA administrative team and the statewide partners are very actively discussing the positive impacts, everyone who recognizes the benefits of this program is encouraged to get involved because more budgetary impacts could be imminent.  The program needs your help and advocacy.  You can get involved in several ways:

1. Like or follow WEDnetPA on Facebook and Twitter
2. Contact your state senator and representative and ask for their support
3. Contact your WEDnetPA partner organization
4. Contact the Statewide Administrative office

The WEDnetPA team remains optimistic about the future and about the opportunity to continue helping Pennsylvania businesses improve and the economy recover!  Thank you for your help and support.

Efficient, Effective and Friendly

Nearly two years ago WEDnetPA started on a journey to create a more efficient and effective process for managing their GFT (Guaranteed Free Training) portfolio. Over thirty WEDnetPA partners are spread throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, processing thousands of client applications each year.

Launching in April 2011, a new system fondly known as “ISAAC” will be introduced at the annual professional development conference.  ISAAC, WEDnetPA’s Information Sharing, Administration & Analysis Center, will include significant processing enhancements which support the activities of WEDnetPA administrators, partners, and participating businesses. Beginning in May, the system will be open for businesses to apply online for GFT funds for the fiscal year 2011-2012. Those already familiar with the current paper application process will recognize ease of use and exciting new features which will include:

• On-line application submission 
• Electronic signing and submission of MOA (Memorandum Of Agreement) 
• Ability to create and modify an online training plan 
• Paperless invoicing

Statewide partners will enjoy the ability to track all of their activity, making managing a portfolio easier while also reducing paperwork, time and cost. Similar to most states, Pennsylvania is very interested in streamlining processes and improving efficiencies. WEDnetPA, which is funded by the Department of Community and Economic Development, has strategically aligned their efforts to improve efficiencies and make information more available in real-time and on-demand.

Watch for more information about ISAAC, coming to a computer screen near you – May 2011. 

WEDnetPA Annual Report

WEDnetPA has been helping improve Pennsylvania's workforce by providing grant funding to qualifying businesses. The fiscal year 2010-2011 is in full motion and the application process for the 2011-2012 fiscal year is scheduled to begin in May 2010.

WEDnetPA also plans to unveil a new on-line processing system (ISAAC) that has been 2 years in the making. The new system will allow both WEDnetPA partners, and contracting businesses to be more efficient and timely. Currently the system is scheduled to be "open for business" on or about Monday, May 2, 2011. WEDnetPA Annual Report

WEDnetPA Makes a Difference!

The Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA) was created to make companies across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania more competitive by updating and improving the skills of their employees to meet specific company needs.

WEDnetPA is an alliance of a variety of educational providers across Pennsylvania — including Pennsylvania's 14 State System universities, Pennsylvania's 14 community colleges and other educational providers — that acts as the delivery mechanism for the Commonwealth's Guaranteed Free Training (GFT) program. Each provider/WEDnetPA partner serves as the point of contact for businesses accessing GFT funds.

Through the GFT Program, qualified in-state businesses and out-of-state companies relocating to the economic-friendly business climate of Pennsylvania can access funding for a wide range of training (categorized as either Basic Skills Training or Information Technology Training).