TWG: For at least 10 years, we have hosted the monthly Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting. This is a networking and educational session for the region’s economic and community development professionals. David took over for me in leading the meeting which featured three great speakers. Erik Reader shared about the resources available to big and small towns alike from Illinois Main Street. Kevin McClure outlined Employ Central Illinois, a new grant program at Illinois Central College that will provide high school students in urban, suburban, and rural settings equal, centralized access to high-quality dual credit courses and work-based experiences along career pathways in health care, construction, manufacturing, and information technology professions and connect them post-graduation to paid apprenticeships. And Don Shafer of the IT Workforce Accelerator talked about their progress in training individuals in information technology skills and the expanded work they will be able to do under their new grant. Learning about these resources is important, but it’s equally important to create a space where partners in common work can meet with each other, share ideas, and work together.
ASCM & Morton Industries: We continue to enjoy our partnership with the Lincolnland chapter of the Association of Supply Chain Management. This month, their meeting was held at GP Manufacturing Network member Morton Industries. Sally and Dick were able to join, with Sally giving a presentation on GPEDC. The agenda included a discussion of ASCM certification and a tour of the always impressive Morton Industries (north) facility.
Illinois Success Network: Jeffrey, Sara, and Cooper (our high school intern) attended the Illinois Education and Career Success Network annual conference this week in Champaign. They took away a lot of valuable information on how to help our schools and employers with College and Career Pathways Endorsements, partnering in rural areas, and how to help foster partnerships with industry to advance work-based learning.
Business Taxes: GPEDC and the Greater Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are co-hosting a workshop on business taxes and payroll taxes from 9 am to noon on Saturday, March 15. The instruction will be given in Spanish. Registration is free but required here.
We’re Hiring! We’ve had a great response so far to our search for a Business Engagement Associate. This brand new position will support our efforts to drive business outreach and assistance efforts in collaboration with partner organizations and communities. It’s not yet too late to get a resume in if you know someone who is highly organized, highly motivated and great at managing relationships and projects. A full job description can be found here. Have people send resumes and cover letters to Melissa (moliveri@greatepeoriaedc.org).
IT Job Fair: Just a reminder that Illinois Central College Career Services is hosting the IT Workforce Accelerator Job Fair on Tuesday, April 1 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm at ICC’s East Peoria Campus. They are currently seeking employers to staff tables and engage with job seekers. More information and registration here.
Have a great weekend.
Chris