Action 28. Establish purchasing preferences/scoring that support local, Minority, Disability, and Women-Owned businesses and, working with a local business association, develop a list of locally-produced products and suppliers for common purchases. GSC BPA# 15.3  MN OES, Contracting for Equity: Local Governments

Action 29. County Workforce Development Board brings together, cities, employers, schools, unions, utilities & minority contractors to plan ways to wisely invest IIJA Workforce Development funds to expand equitable access to green workforce development, hiring, business development & contracting opportunities  Example: St. Paul/Ramsey Co./ Unions/Chamber  Resources: MN Workforce Development Board, Local  Workforce Development Boards, MN WIOA Plan , Study: Four proven ways to invest new federal IIJA funds to create good jobs, boost equity, and support good value.

 Ramsey County Green Construction Careers and Trends report.

Ramsey County Green Jobs Green Futures Virtual Summit Fri Nov 19 2021 virtual summit to build a shared understanding of the green jobs ecosystem in our region and spread the word about how to access career pathways and opportunities in St. Paul to build our vibrant, sustainable future.

This event is presented in partnership by Ramsey County, the Ramsey County Workforce Innovation Board, the City of St. Paul and the St. Paul Area Chamber, with the goal to provide workforce and career professionals with insights and information about green career opportunities in St. Paul. Speakers will share their own stories, current trends, workforce needs and opportunities and pathways for job seekers to explore.

9 AM: Welcome – Jim McDonough, Commissioner, Ramsey County District 6
9:10 AM : Update from the City of St. Paul – Russ Stark, Chief Resilience Officer, City of St. Paul
9:20 AM: What are Green Jobs and Why Are They Important? Robert Blake, Ramsey County Workforce Innovation Board Member and Owner of Solar Bear
9:30 AM: Lightning Talk/Case Study – Examples of Green Jobs
9:40 AM: Panel – New Green Projects and the Demand for Green Workers
   Nick Martin, Policy and Outreach Manager, Xcel Energy
   Eric Pasi, Co-owner and Chief Development Officer, IPS Solar
   Sarah Whebbe, Solar Power Consultant, All Energy Solar
10:10: Virtual Coffee Break and Networking
10:20 AM: Panel – Pathways to Green Jobs
   
Rick Martagon (Moderator), State Program Administrator, Apprenticeship MN at the MN Department of Labor & Industry
   Tom Aasheim, Director of Technical Education and Accreditation Liaison Officer, Finishing Trades Institute Upper Midwest
   Dave Dressler, Training Director, Minnesota Statewide Limited Energy JATC
   Brian Farmer, Apprenticeship Coordinator, Local 633 Cement Mason-Plasterers & Shophands
   Nate Runke, Regulatory and Political Affairs Coordinator, International Union of Operating Engineers, (Local 49)
10:50 AM: Closing – Ling Becker, Director of Workforce Solutions for Ramsey County
11:00 AM: Q&A on Career Pathways and Opportunities