DWI/OSS/BOS-L2009-567837-TT

WORKFORCE SYSTEMS LETTER NO.:  09-05

DATE:             August 19, 2009

EFFECT:        ACTION                                                          INFO               ATTACHMENTS

[X]       SWAs                                                  [X]                               [X]

                        [X]       UI Directors                                       [X]                               [X]      

                        [X]       ES Directors                                      [X]                               [X]

                        [X]       Trade (TAA) Coordinators               [X]                               [X]

                        [X]       Trade (TRA) Coordinators               [X]                               [X]

                        [X]       Rapid Response Coordinators       [X]                               [X]

                        [X]       Reporting & Performance Leads   [X]                               [X]

SUBJECT:     Region 1 2009 Trade Act Training

1.      Purpose and Background:  On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Included within this historic piece of legislation was the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009 (Trade Act of 2009) which reauthorized and greatly expanded the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. 

The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA) Region 1 Office, in coordination with the Department's National Trade Office and other Federal Agency Regional Offices in Region 1, will provide training on the Trade Act of 2009.  This training will take place at the Taj Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts from Tuesday, September 8, 2009 through Thursday, September 10, 2009.  The session will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8 and conclude at lunchtime on Thursday, September 10.  The working agenda is included as an attachment to this issuance.

2.      Target Audience:  This training event is designed for state-level staff with responsibility for the management and daily operations of the following programs or areas:

·         Trade Adjustment Assistance

·         Trade Readjustment Allowances

·         Alternative/Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance

·         Rapid Response

·         Wagner-Peyser

·         WIA Dislocated Worker

·         Program Reporting

The Regional Office requests states send program staff members to this training who work with the programs shown above, to maximize the successful implementation of the significant changes to the Trade Program.  Given the expected significant increase in adversely affected workers from the service sector, the considerable increases in funding levels, and the substantial programmatic changes, ETA expects appropriate participation from each state.  ETA views attendance at this training as critical to ensuring states comply with the requirements under the terms and conditions of the Governor/Secretary Agreement.  

Given the major programmatic and reporting changes to the Trade program, the Region also encourages states to ensure that individuals responsible for programmatic reporting attend.

3.      Registration: 

Hotel: The training will take place at the Taj Hotel Boston, 15 Arlington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.  The room rate is $175.00 per night.  Reservations should be made directly with the hotel by August 26, 2009, by calling (617) 536-5700.  Please indicate that you are with the U.S. Department of Labor Trade Act Meeting event.  

Training: There is no cost for the training.  Please complete the form attached to this letter and transmit to Timothy Theberge via  fax at (617) 788-0104.

4.      Transportation:  The three letter call sign for Logan International Airport is BOS.  Boston can be reached by train and bus service as well.  Locally, the hotel can be reached via subway by taking the Green Line to Arlington Station. 

5.      Inquiries:  If you have questions concerning the training, please contact Mr. Timothy Theberge at (617) 788-0139 .

Holly C. O'Brien

Acting Regional Administrator

Attachments:

1.      Registration Form

2.      Working Agenda