To lead in implementing strategies that will engage employers, employees, government, education, organized labor and community-based organizations in a partnership to strengthen and expand the workforce resources of the region for the benefit of all the participants and the communities where we live, work and raise our families.

1. Work serves fundamental human needs beyond food and shelter. The opportunities to contribute value, to help create, to learn and to grow are important to the human condition.

2. Individual workers have the right and the responsibility to own their futures. This responsibility should be supported by access to quality education and training, information, and employment opportunities.

3. Preparation for the workforce should be a priority of training and education. Employers and workers should be a part of every level of education. Every educator must/should be an advocate for the value of work. Preparation for the workforce should be a priority of training and education. Employers and workers should be a part of every level of education. Employers and educators must work together to promote the value of work throughout the curriculum.

4. Successful learning is a required part of all work. Every employee should have the opportunity to develop portable, marketable skills as part of his or her work experience.