Meeting Notes

Summary:

The Wallops Contractors Association (WCA) focused on community engagement and new initiatives for the upcoming year, as outlined by Heather McAllen. She expressed concern over the lack of scholarship funding and emphasized the need to raise awareness about the scholarship program. Plans for job fairs were discussed, with a particular emphasis on addressing employment needs beyond Wallops.

 

McAllen highlighted the importance of listing partners on the WCA website to foster collaboration. Hayleigh Bradbury from Eastern Shore Community College presented various initiatives aimed at connecting students with professionals, including mentorship and internship opportunities, and encouraged participation in the upcoming job fair on April 22nd.

 

Kristyn Damadeo provided updates on Virginia's aerospace sector, mentioning an upcoming RFP and plans for workforce development initiatives. She highlighted Aerospace Day on February 5th, where they will promote a budget amendment and engage with legislators. Nancy Schwendeman from Worcester County Economic Development announced a job and resource fair on April 1st and mentioned available grant funding for internships for local students.

 

McAllen encouraged open discussion and collaboration among members, inviting them to share ideas for future activities. The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhancing community relationships and engagement within the WCA.

 

WCA Updates and Initiatives:

Heather McAllen led a discussion on the future direction of the Wallops Contractors Association (WCA), focusing on new initiatives and community involvement. She addressed the disappointment regarding the lack of scholarship funding this year and emphasized the need to raise awareness about the importance of scholarships. Additionally, she mentioned plans for job fairs and the importance of collaborating with local partners to meet community needs.

* Discussion on the direction and new initiatives for the Wallops Contractors Association (WCA).

* Updates on the WCA scholarship fundraiser and the need for community awareness.

* Planning for upcoming job fairs and community engagement strategies.

 

 

Community Engagement and Partnership Opportunities:

Heather McAllen emphasized the importance of the partnership with Eastern Shore Community College, referencing a recent presentation by Hayleigh and Patty that provided insights into the college's community services. Hayleigh Bradbury shared details about upcoming lunch and learn sessions, job shadowing opportunities, and a job fair scheduled for April 22nd, inviting participation from attendees.

* Collaboration opportunities with Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) and other educational institutions.

 

Updates on Aerospace Sector Initiatives in Virginia:

Kristyn Damadeo discussed the progress of the aerospace sector plan in Virginia, noting that an RFP is expected to be released soon. She emphasized the importance of engaging partners and mentioned a budget amendment aimed at workforce development in the aerospace and aviation sectors. Additionally, Kristyn invited participation in Aerospace Day activities scheduled for February 5th in Richmond.

* Status updates on the Virginia aerospace sector consortium and related proposals.

 

Updates and Open Discussion on WCA Activities:

Heather McAllen discussed the successful presentations that have been shared, noting their role in bridging the gap between different organizations and their activities. She mentioned the various initiatives WCA has undertaken, such as job fairs and scholarships, and expressed a desire for more ideas and improvements. McAllen invited feedback from attendees on what they would like to see moving forward.

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Job Fair Planning and Internship Opportunities:

Nancy Schwendeman shared details about an upcoming job and resource fair on April 1st in Snow Hill, inviting employers to participate. She highlighted the availability of grant funding for internships for Worcester County students, which can be flexible in terms of hours and scheduling. The goal is to connect students with local companies to foster interest in various career paths.

 

Community Engagement and Collaboration Initiatives:

Heather McAllen highlighted the goal of expanding community relationships, particularly in Virginia, and invited suggestions for collaboration. Chris Hall from Firefly shared that his team is eager to engage with the community and is currently in the information-gathering phase. McAllen welcomed Hall and encouraged all members to contribute ideas for the new year.