As of July 1st, the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Ventura County will become the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Ventura County. The change is to align with national re-branding requirements under the new federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Under WIOA, the WIB/WDB will continue to provide high-quality workforce development programs and services to employers, job seekers, and youth. WIB/WDB members and committees are from business, education, labor, economic development, government, and community-based organizations. All are committed to regional collaboration and the development of a skilled local workforce that supports business needs and the economic vitality of Ventura County.

Thank you for the nominations! At this month's annual meeting, we will recognize nine Ventura County leaders who are helping to grow a strong local workforce. Whether providing youth internships and work opportunities, collaborating on programs to meet workforce needs, or supporting business expansion, job creation or job retention, these 2015 WIB Award winners are making a real difference. Please join us for the presentation of awards at the WIB meeting on June 18th at 8AM, at the Ventura County Office of Education, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo.

Sponsored in part by the Workforce Development Board, the Ventura County Civic Alliance 2015 State of the Region Report is a comprehensive coffee-table book---- and a real conversation-starter. A multi-dimensional perspective on Ventura County's quality of life, the report includes graphs, pictures, statistics, and a brief analysis of sub-segments under 12 broad topics. Each measure has an explanation as to why it is important, and how the region is doing. For example, employment information shows which industries are adding workers, identifies growth sectors like healthcare and education, and notes that the highest salaries are in manufacturing. Click here for the full report.

Employers value workers who demonstrate loyalty, a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard. In Ventura County, we are fortunate to have a remarkable, often-overlooked group of people with those attributes ---- people with disabilities. One of the local organizations that matches disabled workers with part-time or project opportunities is The Arc of Ventura County. The Arc has an employment system that includes job and skill matching to meet employer requirements and a job coach to provide support as needed. For more information, listen to the May Workforce Wednesday and/or contact The Arc at 805.650.8611.