Latino Civic Association-Project: Jobs and Economic Recovery Committee Findings

Monday, May 21st, 2012

Members of the Jobs and Economic Recovery Committee

Leads: Co-Lead: Volunteer Mrs. Maria Diaz, LCA Member and Volunteer Mr. Renato Mendoza, LCA Activist and Volunteer Mr. Alvaro Lopez Cortez, LCA Activist and Volunteer Youth Leaders: Ms. Melisa Ceballos, #JSA Member and Volunteer Ms. Lilian Hoang, #JSA Member and Volunteer Mr. Jose Gonzalez, LCA Member and Volunteer Ms. Alina Cabrejas Beall (Housing,) LCA Member and Volunteer Mr. Wilber Mondragon (Housing,) LCA Member and

MD State Facts Setting the Preamble

Source: Pew Hispanic Center

MD State Facts Setting the Preamble

Source: Pew Hispanic Center

MD State Facts Setting the Preamble

Currents Fact Findings: First generation migrants are highly entrepreneurial at starting small businesses Despite many initiatives launched by DED much more could be done to equalize help to LOIBs DC has a much most aggressive programs to strengthen migrant community

Source: Montgomery County Government

10 Questions and Answers

Finding:

10 Questions and Answers

#JSA Question: We have one concern that stands out above all others; once graduated, are we going to be able to find our first job in this economy? The type of economy we are in today, there are more and more people out in the job market with a good education than there are jobs and opportunities available. Our question is what kind of economic policies should we be actively fighting/advocating for to ensure that all of us will be able to find a job once we graduate two years from now? Finding: This questions was more geared towards second and third generation Latinos/as. More can be done to develop an effective workforce in the County. One of the findings that stood out above all others is that in order to keep the numbers of jobs available for future generations, we economic growth is key. So, if you are seeing economic growth stall or anaemic economic growth, more likely future jobs are not going to be available for second and third generation Latino people in MoCo.

10 Questions and Answers

The Latino migrant workforce in MoCo is abundant and quite frankly ,not as well trained and educated. Companies look to outsource manufacturing and production to cheap labor markets overseas when there is an overabundance of workers here in our county. What policies and programs can be implemented to train and qualify Latino migrant labor in MoCo? How can we make this county, the best county for Latinos to work in and leverage this human resource already here? Finding: Recommendation was given to leverage current set of workforce training and development programs, such as ones available through Montgomery College (www.worforcedevelopment.edu.) The main question here is that we have two types of workforce: one Latino native and the other one is Latino foreign born. If we are really to support MoCo workforce, we must decide where we are doing with respect to these individuals immigrant status and then begin leveraging developmental opportunities for them.

10 Questions and Answers

What do you think of the idea of proposing the creation of a nonprofit bank for the small and micro loans sector in Maryland ? Given the level of diversity and level of income in MoCo, is this an idea that would produce positive results and create more incentives for these already functioning businesses and entrepreneurs? Finding: This is an initiative that one of Issue Experts started at LEDC. The LEDC Non-profit Loan Program currently makes loans between 500-$50,000 for start-ups.

Source: Latino Economic Development

10 Questions and Answers

To the best of your knowledge as government leaders in this county and community, What has work in terms of workforce development in MoCo? What has not worked? What can be done differently? To the best of your knowledge as government leaders in this county and community, What has worked in terms of outreach to Latino owned-minority businesses in MoCo? What has not worked? What can be done differently? Findings We must continue to engage all sectors in the County to leverage their involvement on behalf of Latinos not mattering where all Latinos are in terms of their education, immigration status, and we must educate their desire to exercise their influence on policy makers and private sector in terms of our future.

Conclusions
Montgomery County: a Master Plan since 1993 that regulates housing growth and development
Mr. Stanley views

Workforce relationship: a well-educated workforce and economic productivity is not a keen a focus as it should be. More must be done and advocate for specially for the Laborers. Latino and Immigrant-owned businesses: Capital and technical assistance are available but this help is either nimble when compared to the need or hampered by dysfunctional translation of languages, information availability and cultures. Tools and incentives that county and local government provide to business owners to adapt, expand, and create jobs need to be more innovative and inclusive of minorities. Be willing to work hard to change the Status Quo with regards to the Latino community

Next Steps in Our Engagement Process

Breath deep and acknowledge the immensity challenge First Step: Become a Civicly Angaged Citizen of MoCo and the U.S. 2nd step: Following a civic discourse DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER, but rather engage your critical thinking skills and ask power questions 3rd Step: Encourage other to take similar steps 4th Step: Participate in the fabric of government (i.e. FY14 MoCo Budget.) 5th Step: Create an Action Plan for 2012 (with Smart Goals)

Source: Pew Hispanic Center

Thank You!!!!
Council Vice-President Nancy Navarro Facilitators
Mayra Cruz-Solis Wilmer Gutierrez

Issue Experts
Omar Lazo, Owner of Los Chorros Susanna Nemes, President of the Chamber of Commerce Mr. Jerry Godwing, Business Especialist, DED Mr. David DeBose, Chief of Technology and Research for MoCo

Source: Pew Hispanic Center