· WRIEN’s Investment Work group met last week to discuss year 4 and beyond funding challenges and opportunities. Work will continue to identify both public and private funding sources to allow WRIEN to continue its work

· On Thursday WRIEN hosted the Employer Tools and supports Forum at Bingemans – some 75 people attended to hear Paul Copcutt talk about corporate branding and its connection to personal branding and the notion of becoming an employer of choice for ITIs. The Honourable Michael Chan, Minister for Citizenship and Immigration in Ontario shared his thoughts on immigrant employment and launched WRIEN’s new Employer Resource Guide. To get a copy visit www.wrien.com/documents/WRIEN_Resource_Guide.pdf. or you can call/email Kumanan at 519 749-6045 or Kumanan@greaterkwchamber.com for a printed copy.

· The Qualifications Recognition and Enhancement Work Group award sub committee met last week to discuss criteria for a immigrant employment based service provider / educator that provided innovative best practice support services to employers. It could be part of the September 22 Competitive Advantage Forum program.

· Upcoming WRIEN meetings and events:

o May 12 – Steering Committee meeting – 3:00pm, Chamber office

o May 13 – Competitive Advantage Forum Task Force meeting 12:00pm – Chamber office

o May 14 – LIPC Meeting – Cambridge

o May 20 – ISWG / LIPC meeting – 1:30 -3:30pm at Conestoga College (Waterloo Campus)

o May 21 - Employment Initiatives Work Group – 9:00am – Chamber office

o June 17 – Networking / Recruiting event – 8:00am (Kitchener City Hall)