2012

Katie Geise Executive Director

Kate Piazza- ENET Coordinator

Chautauqua Works

Workforce Investment Board

9/11/2012

Chautauqua Advancement Project- Final Report

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Final Report:

Chautauqua Advancement Project 2012

The Chautauqua Advancement Project (CAP) began in 2009 when the Gebbie Foundation

awarded the Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (WIB) a grant to implement an innovative

internship program with the purpose of permeating Jamestown businesses with young talent. The

WIB’s E-Net Program originally partnered with the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation to help

place recent graduates or those who may have moved back to the area but are struggling to

establish a career. The program also includes elements of peer networking, leadership

development and implementation of community projects that will continue to develop the area’s

talent pipeline.

Since 2009, just over half of the interns are currently working and living in the Jamestown area

(14 out of 24). Although there was a major transition in the WIB’s leadership in the late spring,

this CAP class proved to be quite successful. Two of the CAP members found employment with

their placement sites (Audubon, Boys and Girls Club). There were two other CAP members

that found jobs outside of the Chautauqua County area, but both stated that if it was not for the

Gebbie Foundation and its investment in the CAP program, they would not have been so

successful in securing employment in their field of choice. The fifth member is hopeful to fill an

employment vacancy at his CAP placement site (DJDC). Our plan for the next year is to

increase the number of interns placed at private, for-profit businesses.

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2012 Press Release

Contact Person:

Kerri Brown

E-Net Director, Workforce Investment Board, INC.

23 E. Third. St. Jamestown, NY 14701

kbrown@chautauquaworks.com

716.487.5175

Successful Internship Program Continues to Attract Young Professionals

Jamestown, NY – February 17, 2012

The Gebbie Foundation has awarded the Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (WIB) a grant to

continue the innovative internship program, the Chautauqua Advancement Project for a fourth

straight year. For the last three years, The Chautauqua Advancement Project has been a bridge

between businesses, young professionals, and our community. The program supports businesses

to find the right talent for their organization while also supporting young professionals to find

and start careers here while becoming involved in our community.

“Over the last 3 years, we have worked with over 20 young professionals and have

successfully retained the talents of at least half of those interns at local businesses.” said Dr. Sue

McNamara, WIB Executive Director. “We hope to continue this trend with a new group of

young professionals who want to remain in our area.”

Just as important as the young professionals who apply to the program, are the businesses

that have hosted and hired interns as a result of the experience. Past businesses include El Greco,

BWB, Suburban Blend, Dahlstrom Roll Form, Allied Fire Protection Systems, and WRFA.

“Wages are covered by the Gebbie Foundation grant funds for the duration of the

internship, and this really allows the employers to try out talent before making a long-term hiring

decision. We welcome any local business considering hiring in the near future, to contact us and

discuss the possibility of tapping into the internship program,” said Kerri Brown, E-Net director

and co-facilitator of the program.

The program will place interns at host organizations Monday-Thursday, while on Fridays

the interns will work with McNamara and Brown to develop leadership and networking skills

while also coordinating a community project. “We have done several career fair and networking

events to really highlight local opportunities. Around 200 high school students have participated

over the last 3 years.” said Brown.

If you are a recent graduate back in the area and are interested in applying for the CAP

Internship Program, visit www.chautauquaworks.com and click on the ENET tab or contact

Kerri Brown at kbrown@chautauquaworks.com or 716-487-5175. If you are a business

interested in working with a CAP intern, please contact Kerri Brown or Sue McNamara at 716-

661-9324.

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Meet the 2012 CAP interns:

Hannah Penman

Hannah was placed at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena in pursuant of

her career interest in sports management. Hannah would have been hired by

the Ice Arena had it not been for an internship offer with a professional

soccer team in Washington D.C. (D.C. United). She applied for the

internship with D.C. United once prior to her CAP internship, but was

denied a position. Thanks to CAP, after a second application with the

addition of her CAP experience, Hannah was able to pursue her passion and

move one step closer to her ultimate career goal of managing a professional

soccer team.

“Hello, my name is Hannah. I studied Sports and Recreation Management at the University of Pittsburgh

Bradford. This summer I spent my time at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena and I thoroughly enjoyed

myself. While working with the Arena I earned invaluable experience working on my projects. Since the

internship has finished in Jamestown I will be headed to Washington DC, to work with the Professional

Soccer team there called DC United. It is my belief that if I hadn’t have had that experience from the

Arena, I would not have had that extra edge that got me the internship. I am sincerely grateful for the

opportunity that CAP and Chautauqua Works have provided for me and I am thankful I was chosen to be

a part of such a great program”.

Patrick Dougher Patrick was placed at the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation

(DJDC) as the Business Development Assistant to Lee Harkins, Executive

Director. His main projects included a Jamestown directory package as well as

a building inventory project. Patrick plans to remain in the Jamestown area and

is hopeful that his application to DJDC to fill a vacancy will lead to full-time

employment.

“The Chautauqua Works CAP program has been an exceptional way for me to

gain experience in a professional workplace. Experience is a vital key to the growth of a young

professional's career; the CAP program provided an opportunity that enhanced my potential to

grow as a professional. I was placed at the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation

(DJDC), which was very beneficial to my career aspirations; providing excellent opportunities

further down my career path. My placement and CAP helped me to recognize the revitalization

of the Jamestown area and how it is an excellent place to live and work. CAP provided an

opportunity to get involved with the community and enabled me to market myself and network

within the community. It allowed me to enhance my skills and utilize my abilities in the

workplace. Overall, it was a fun experience; I would like to thank the individuals who helped

make CAP a success: Kate P., Katie G., Jody C., my esteemed colleagues Andrea, Brenna,

Hannah, and Marc, members from Chautauqua Works, and the Gebbie Foundation.”

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Brenna Reed On paper, at first glance you might wonder why someone with a Bachelor’s

Degree in Communications/Rhetoric would be placed at the Jamestown

Audubon. Brenna has a passion for nature with an interest in event planning.

Brenna created her position as Audubon’s Event Coordinator. The highlight of

her internship was when Channel 2 featured a story she pitched for Western

NY’s “Great Kids.” Brenna is still working with the Audubon part-time in

conjunction with pursuing her Master’s Degree at St. Bonaventure this fall.

“My experience as a member of the 2012 CAP Program has been very

beneficial for me as a young professional. Not only have I learned about area businesses and

their offerings but I have grown professionally in a way I had not been able to before. Through

my internship at the Jamestown Audubon I have practiced the things I learned in school; writing

press releases and news stories, reaching out and communicating with their members and the

community and helping to plan events, but have also been fortunate to work with and for such a

great community organization. Through my placement in this program I have realized my

potential as an emerging professional; I know I can make a difference in the area with hard

work and determination. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity and think it’s a great

program to have available for area college graduates”.

Andrea Mckinley

Andrea was placed at the Jamestown Boys and Girls Club, helping with

summer recreation activities. Apprehensive about her placement in the

beginning because she has a teaching degree, Andrea learned that a

classroom isn’t the only place she can utilize her talents. The Boys and Girls

Club hired her at the conclusion of her summer internship.

“While being a CAP intern, I learned an incredible amount about myself as a

young professional. Working with children has always been my dream and

as a CAP intern at the Boys and Girls Club, I was able to work with children

and learn how a not for profit organization works. I believe that the experience and skills that I

gained being an intern at the Boys and Girls Club will travel with me for the rest of my life. I

was offered a job from the Boys and Girls Club and I will be using my Bachelor’s Degree as well

as my New York State Teaching Certification in ways that I never thought were possible. This

program has taught me how to think outside of the box as well as patience; I am so grateful that

I was chosen to be part of the Chautauqua Advancement Project!”

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Marc Oste Marc took a central role as an intern in both photography and videography for

Suburban Blend this summer. Although all CAP members contributed to the

community give back project, it was Marc’s visions that led the way. Marc

landed his dream job in Vail, Colorado, working with the top front-runners in

the industry for which he has a deep passion.

“The Chautauqua Advancement Project (CAP) has been an excellent

opportunity in my career path. CAP has been an exciting and thrilling

experience for me working with some fantastic people. My job placement was

a great opportunity for me to utilize my skills to help a local business and its assets become more

marketable. It was a joy to work with the individuals from Suburban Blend; they made the entire

experience unforgettable. From being able to film and shoot photography on 3 different trips

along the East coast- CAP provided the opportunity for further success down the road. My job

placement allowed me to network with many different types of people and helped to land an

extraordinary position out in Colorado. I’m super stoked about my career launch and the CAP

program has been an instrumental tool in gaining experience for the opportunities ahead….for

sure! I hope that another person like me gets to have the same opportunities that CAP and

Chautauqua Works have given me, I can't thank them enough.”

The following pages provide an overview of the 2012 program including the community project

the interns worked on during the course of the CAP program which culminated with

presentations at the TANF Summer Youth Wrap Up sessions held on August 13th

in Dunkirk and

August 14th

in Jamestown of 2012.

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Facilitated Fridays: Throughout the duration of the internships, each Friday CAP members met

at the WIB offices for workshops. We focused on soft skills like

teambuilding, presentation skills, and conflict resolution. Each week we

opened up with an Ice Breaker activity; our favorite being 2 truths and

1 lie about the past work week. It was an easy and fun way to learn

about what everyone was doing at their CAP sites. CAP members also

participated in a Jamestown photo hunt; taking pictures for evidence

that the task was accomplished while learning about the area.

Our main focus for Friday workshops was the “Community Give

Back” Project. This year’s CAP class chose to do a video project that

focuses on businesses in Jamestown and South County that are special

and unique to the area. The video is posted on Chautauqua Works Facebook page with plans to

distribute the video to the Gebbie Foundation, businesses featured in the video, as well as Chautauqua

County’s Visitor’s Bureau website. Enclosed is a copy of the video for your convenience.

“On a Shoe String!”

Photo Hunt: Something large

and pink Photo Hunt: Pumping Gas

for a Stranger

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The CAP class of 2012 hosted an alumni mixer for past CAP employers and members. It was held at the

Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena, at Sully’s Irish Pub. We had a great turnout that consisted of over

25 attendees! (pictures from the event below, #1, #4, #5)

2. Jamestown Wrap Up Session/CAP Presentation

Las t few days of CAPO

4. Networking Mixer- Sully’s Irish Pub

3. Workshop Fridays- last day

5. CAP “kids” at Sully’s Irish Pub for

a successful networking mixer!

1. Dr. Sue McNamara; Garret Brooks (CAP 2010); Kase

Kinney (CAP 2010); Nick Conklin (CAP 2010)- Alumni Mixer at Sully’s Irish Pub

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As stated earlier in the report, this year’s CAP class chose to feature businesses in the area by producing

a short video, highlighting their unique contributions to the city of Jamestown. Below is the video

distribution list and letter that will be mailed out individually at the end of September.

Video Distribution list (not exclusive):

BWB Ecklof Bakery

Suburban Blend DJDC

Jamestown Savings Bank Ice

Arena

Chautauqua County Visitors

Bureau

The Gebbie Foundation JCC

JBC SUNY Fredonia

JAMA JRC

South County Central Schools Eastside YMCA

North County Central Schools

Letter to distribute with video:

To Whom It May Concern:

The 2012 Chautauqua Works CAP (Chautauqua Advancement Project) Class has recently

concluded for the summer. CAP is an internship program meant to attract and retain talent in

Chautauqua County; it encompasses a group of talented individuals with Bachelor’s Degrees in

various fields. The mission is to bring young people back to the Jamestown area and open their

eyes to the opportunities we have here.

Each year, every CAP group is involved in a community give back project focusing on the city

of Jamestown and Southern Chautauqua County. This year we have decided to feature businesses

that are special and unique to this area. For this year’s medium we chose a video, we featured

businesses and agencies where we were placed in internship positions during the summer as well

as other well-known places throughout the community.

Enclosed is a copy of this video project. Our hope is that you can show this video to your class

and student groups and that it will help these young adults form personal and career goals for

themselves. And maybe even someday these students who view this video will be future CAP

members.

Sincerely,

2012 CAP Class

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Program Highlights:

CAP shout-out in The Post-Journal (Andrea McKinley pgs.)

Channel 2 WGRZ- “Great Kids” feature (Brenna Reed, pg.)

Program Provides Area Kids With Healthy Lunch Augus t 4 , 2012

By Nicholena Moon (nmoon@post-journal.com) , The Post-Journal

A good lunch is something that many take for granted, however, not everyone is so lucky.

For children who may not gain proper nutrition at home, educational institutions fill that gap during the

school year. However, during the summer months, Chautauqua Opportunities Inc.'s Youth Services

Program steps in to help through the Summer Food Service Program.

The United States Department of Agriculture program is administered through the New York state

Department of Education, which is an extension of the state's Free and Reduced School Lunch

Program. The program is designed to ensure that as many Chautauqua County youth as possible

receive at least one healthy, balanced meal during the day. Based on eligibility, meals are provided to

all children 18 years and under with no charge.

The program is widespread throughout the county, with each site holding at least one meal per day.

"This year, COI has 19 sites throughout the north and south counties," said Matt Hamilton-Kraft, COI

Youth Services director.

One site, the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys & Girls Club of Jamestown, serves around 50 kids lunch

every day, and as many as 100 assemble for an afternoon snack. According to Dianne Woleen,

program director at the Boys & Girls Club, the program is made possible by Chautauqua

Opportunities.

"We're all working together to try to meet state guidelines," she said. "They've been great this year.

This has been one of the best years of working with them. It's really been a positive experience and I

think the kids have benefited from that."

Woleen went on to applaud the program for helping kids in need.

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"We see the great benefit it is to our community, she said. "Some of those kids coming through here

probably really aren't going to get dinner, so for them to have a nutritious lunch and a good snack is a

good thing."

Andrea McKinley, a Chautauqua Advancement Project intern, also helps out with the lunch

program. The CAP program places young graduates in local businesses in Jamestown within

their degree, which, in McKinley's case, is childhood education. The program typically lasts six

weeks, but McKinley was recently hired by the Boys & Girls Club until she finds a full-time job

teaching. Her love for kids brought her back to the area.

"I love coming to Jamestown," she said. "I love the kids because they always look forward to having

something fun to do outside of the house, and the Boys & Girls club is an excellent place for them to

come. Everyone is welcome here; it's an awesome opportunity."

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Written by Kevin O'Neill

A 5-year old Frewsburg girl named Avery raised money for her favorite animal at Audubon Center &

Sanctuary, near Jamestown.

Liberty is the star attraction at Audubon, this female bald eagle has a bad wing and cannot hunt for

herself. She has a large enclosure here and is fed the same items she would feed herself in the wild.

Avery donated $75 to Liberty, money which will be used for food and vitamins for the rehabilitated

bird.

The link to the Great Kid story featuring Avery, The Audubon Center & Sanctuary, Liberty, and CAP

Intern Brenna Reed is: http://www.wgrz.com/news/daybreak/GreatKid/article/176330/290/Young-Girl-

Raises-Money-for-Bald-Eagle

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Wrap Up Session Event Results 74 Summer Youth workers and 8 area employers attended the end of summer work experience

program, wrap up sessions. The wrap up sessions were held in both the North and South County;

the results include information gathered at both presentations. Dunkirk’s wrap up session

commenced August 13th

and Jamestown’s wrap up session was August 14th

. Below is a

breakdown of feedback, given by youth and employers.

Youth Results

There should be TWO checks per row.

How did the Discover Jamestown event impact your perspective on

the following factors?

How important is the factor for young professionals to

come home?

More favorable

Less Favorable

No Impact Important Not

Important

1. Job and career opportunities in the region 78.3% % 13.5% 14.9% 92% 3%

2. Wages that are competitive in the region 51.3% % 22% 28.4% 89% 6.75%

3. Cultural Events available in the region 39%% 34% 35% 86.5% 8%

4. Opportunities to give back to community 73% % 12% 12% 81% 13.5%

5. Lifelong learning opportunities 68% % 13.5% 17.6% 84% 9%

6. Entertainment and dining opportunities 71.6% % 21.6% 19% 68% 27%

7. Corporate support for young professionals 76% % 11% 11% 86.5% 8%

8. Community support for young professionals 86.5% % 4% 8% 95% 3%

9. Network of young professionals 80 % 8% 11% 62% 19%

Other-n/a: some questions were left blank in columns where 100% was not reached

% % % % %

Highlights- Survey Results:

92% of the summer youth answered that it is important for young professionals to come

home for jobs and career opportunities in the region (Survey question 1).

95% of the summer youth surveyed believes that a community of young professionals is

an important factor for getting young professionals back into Jamestown and the

surrounding areas (Survey question 8).

Employers that attended:

JCC

JBC

Job Corps

Home Depot

CCHN

BOCES

Chautauqua Works- Year Round Program

Chautauqua Works- Disability Resource Coordinator

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Other comments…

“I never knew about the skate park they showed in the video. It was nice to see something

I never knew was here” –Ashley, age 19.

“The isolation of Chautauqua County and its need for improvement only seems relevant

in the regard of small changes that can trigger a larger revolution. I am glad that people

(CAP) are taking the initiative” –Daniel, age 17.

“Good information, lots I was unaware of” –Brenda Backus, YWCA of Westfield.

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Where Are They Now?- Alumni statuses of past CAP members, from the onset of CAP

in 2009, extending through the most current CAP class of 2012.

First Last CAP class Living in

Jamestown/Chautauqua

County

Employer Same as

placement?

1. Dan Gorman 2009 No (WNY) Paychex-

Marketing

no

2. Frank Besse 2009 Yes Entrepreneur no

3. Jenn Champ 2009 Yes Robert H. Jackson

center

yes

4. Jim Middleton 2009 No North Carolina no

5. Katie Rice 2009 No Grad school-Ohio no

6. Kevin Caylor 2009 Yes Southern Tier

Legal Services

no

7. Matt Hanson 2009 Yes Ice Arena yes

8. Ashley Overend 2010 No Florida no

9. Colin Moyer 2010 No Florida n/a

10. Garret Brooks 2010 Yes/moving for grad

school

CHRIC Yes-likely to return

post grad school

11. Jared Lindell 2010 Yes Business owner-J

&J Brothers

Outdoors

no

12. Kase Kinney 2010 Yes Chautauqua

Region

no

13. Nichol

as

Conklin 2010 Yes El Greco yes

14. Todd Welka 2010 Yes Phoenix Metal No- worked at

CAP placement for

3 years

15. Amand

a

Merengo 2011 No studying to be a

PA- Florida

no

16. Ginger Smith 2011 Yes Salvation Army no

17. Jason Reynolds 2011 Yes Village of Cherry

Creek

no

18. Mike Magnusen 2011 Yes Substitute teacher no

19. Noah Goodling 2011 No Grad School-

Indianapolis

no

20. Rob Loll 2011 Yes Dahlstrom Roll

Form

yes

21. Patrick Dougher 2012 Yes DJDC pending pending

22. Brenna Reed 2012 Yes Audubon/grad

school

yes

23. Hannah Penman 2012 No D.C. United no

24. Marc Oste 2012 No Vail Resorts no

25. Andrea Mckinley 2012 Yes BGC-Jamestown yes

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Figure 1.

Figure 2.

Special Notes:

From Figures 1 & 2; those living in this area but not employed at their original CAP

placement site are currently pursing high degreed education or employed within

Chautauqua County.

64%

36%

Living in Jamestown Since CAP?

Yes

No

37%

63%

Employer same as CAP placement?

Yes

No

Data and Results based on those

who were Yes’s, from Figure 1.

Yes- 6 of 16; 37%

No- 10 of 16; 63%

Yes- 16 of 25; 64%

No- 9 of 25; 36%