While we recognize that Ron's talents have garnered national attention (and ultimately this opportunity), we are, nonetheless , sad to see him move on. Ron's dedication to the TRWIB over its 10-year existence has been exemplary. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to be a $4 million non-profit corporation with a staff of 10, reporting to a 50+ member board jointly appointed by the Allegheny County Executive and Mayor of Pittsburgh. Together with local leaders, staff and Board members, Ron has directed the TRWIB to national acclaim. We applaud him for his leadership, knowledge, guidance, and genuine friendship.

For more information on the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), please visit http://www.nawb.org.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is intended to preserve and create jobs, promote the nation's economic recovery and to assist those most impacted by the recession. The Recovery Act will bring more than $6.5 million to the city of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County for job training and employment related services. The Recovery Act funds aimed at workforce development will reach these areas in two ways--first through an allocation process using federal Workforce Investment Act formula criteria, and second through competitive grants.

For more information please contact either Shad Henderson at 412-552-7099, shenderson@trwib.org or Michelle Massie at 412-201-3008, mmassie@rwc-swpa.org

On June 3, 2009, TRWIB hosted members of the Allegheny County Pennsylvania General Assembly in Harrisburg. TRWIB and Representative Dan Frankel, hosted a breakfast meeting with Allegheny County members of the House of Representatives to discuss workforce development and the impact of the state budget process. TRWIB also met with PA Senators Jay Costa, Jane Orie, and John Pippy.

One-pagers on TRWIB priorities, Job Ready PA, Youth Policy, and Job Access were shared with legislators and are available on the TRWIB website at http://www.trwib.org

TRWIB is an expert on the local labor market and is closely monitoring regional job openings. In May, there were more than 5,000 job postings, of which more than half were directly posted by the hiring companies.

The most job opportunities were presented by the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, and PNC. Information technology specialists, health care practitioners, teachers, and sales clerks were the most advertised occupations, but large numbers of openings were also available in banking, administrative support, customer service, and accounting.

Monthly reports listing the top 20 hiring companies and occupations in demand, as well as other labor market information is available at http://www.trwib.org/documents/May09_Spc_Exec_Report.pdf

Each year, TRWIB organizes Imagine Career Week (ICW), a coordinated series of events that focuses on preparing our region's youth for 21st century careers. This year ICW took place from April 20-24, 2009. The week began with a breakfast centered around the importance of career education. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl charged Pittsburgh employers and educators to help ready our youth for the 21st century workforce.

Imagine Career Week hosted over 2,000 youth, partnered with over 200 employers and over 300 educators, and included 20 youth-serving organizations across the region.

More information on ICW can be found at: http://www.imaginecareerweek.org/

On behalf of Pittsburgh Green Innovators, TRWIB worked with Growth Through Energy and Community Health (G-TECH) and Student Conservation Association (SCA) to convene employers, education and training providers, and policy makers to talk about green jobs in the Pittsburgh region back in November 2008.

From those original discussions, TRWIB followed up with the leading constituents in the Green Movement. The group, called the Green Jobs Advisory Board (GJAB), has been meeting monthly to determine how it can define green jobs, align itself with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and make the greatest impact on the region by implementing sustainable employment practices. Recently GJAB divided itself into 4 sub-committees that are aligned with recent research: Green Products, Renewable Energy, Green Services, and Environmental Conservation.

For more information, please contact Micah Frankenfield at mfrankenfield@trwib.org