Registration has opened for the Central Oregon Workforce Investment Board's third annual Workforce Forecast Breakfast, scheduled for Thursday, September 25, from 7:30 to 9:30 AM at St. Charles Hospital in Bend.

This year's event is focused on improving the region's economy through developing partnerships between industry and the private sector. Keynote presenter Barbara Hins-Turner will discuss the "Value of Partnerships in Workforce Development: Education, Labor, Economic Development, and the Private Sector," with a specific focus on renewable energy trends and their impact on workforce development.

Barbara Hins-Turner has 20 years of experience providing collaborative leadership for energy industry workforce training and development initiatives. She currently serves as Executive Director for the Centralia College Center of Excellence for Energy Technology, Project Manager for the Pacific Northwest Power Generation Skill Panel and is a member of the national Center for Energy Workforce Development Educational Council. Prior service includes Director of Portland General Electric's (PGE) Corporate University, Chair of the Utility Education and Training Alliance Pacific Northwest Chapter, and Chair of the Western Energy Institute Innovative Strategies for Workforce Development.

Event sponsors include the Partnership to End Poverty and Economic
Development for Central Oregon.

Breakfast is provided - Corporate Table of (8) $150; Individual Reservation(s) $25. To register, contact Dayna at EDCO, 541-388-3236 or email, dayna@edcoinfo.com by September 23, 2008.