New York State Department of Labor
Profiles of Promising Practices
DUTCHESS COUNTY BUSINESS SERVICES BROKER INITIATIVE
Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board
November 2001 - Present

Purpose

• To identify workforce needs, broker partner services, and train incumbent workers for advancement, which creates new, entry-level positions in the workforce.

How It Works

• The WIB Director developed a Business Services Broker job description, which was reviewed and approved by the WIB, Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation, and the two local Chambers of Commerce. The Broker’s job responsibilities and activities include:
  • Providing high quality training for small businesses in skills such as leadership, team-building, presentation, marketing, and customer service.
  • Responding to the high number of dislocated workers entering the One-Stop System, by developing a five-day job search class.
  • Improving local businesses in the workforce development system and finding out trends and training needs to pass on to partners.
  • Working with training vendors to ensure that curricula adapt to changing business needs.
  • Building consortia of stakeholders from target industries such as travel/tourism and health care to provide training in skill shortage areas.

Results

• Eight months into the initiative, the Business Service Broker produced the following results:
  • 439 incumbent workers in 89 of those companies have received training.
  • Almost $758,000 was obligated to train employed workers.
  • 314 dislocated workers served through pre-vocational training.

How They Did It

• Nine existing requests from businesses for training funds were designated as pilot projects to help determine what new policies and procedures would be necessary to provide high-quality business services.
• WIB members, staff, and partners recognized need for a business services staff position to "sell" WIB training funds to businesses.
• The WIB Director developed a Business Services Broker job description.
• The pilot sites and other businesses provided informal input. The greatest business need was a timely process with minimal paperwork.
• Business input assisted with the development and design of the Broker position, training policies, and customer flow.
• A Search Team representing businesses, the Chambers of Commerce, and One-Stop staff screened résumés, interviewed candidates and, with the WIB Chair and Vice-Chair, selected the candidate to fill the Broker position.

Operating Costs

• $51,000 covers the salary of the Business Services Broker.
• $5,000 covers additional expenses such as administrative support, workspace and supplies.

Funding

• 1st year: WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker funds.
• 2nd year: 30% was paid by partners through MOUs.
• 3rd year: Considering additional partner funding through MOUs

Lessons Learned

• In order for the broker to effectively deal with businesses, a streamlined documentation system needs to be in place that minimizes paperwork and red tape, but still captures the necessary information.
• The Dutchess County WIB defined "self-sufficiency" as high ($25/hour). This tactic helped to mobilize funding sources for potential training.