Workshop Focuses on Workforce, DEI and Talent Acquisition For Will County Manufacturing Excellence

Workshop Focuses on Workforce, DEI and Talent Acquisition For Will County Manufacturing Excellence

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Workshop Focuses on Workforce, DEI and Talent Acquisition For Will County Manufacturing Excellence

Workshop Group

Breakfast brought industry partners together sharing best practices.

The Will County CED has aligned with IMEC (Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center) and Joliet Junior College to present the first in a series of workshops aimed at supporting Will County manufacturers looking to grow, plan, improve, and lead.

Our first workshop featured networking, roundtable conversations and engaging panel discussions among diverse manufacturers from throughout Will County expertly moderated by Paola Velasquez, Director of DEI in Manufacturing with IMEC. Participating panelists represented G&W Electric Company, Gallagher Asphalt Corporation, ExxonMobil, Integrity Manufacturing Inc., National Tube Supply Company, and The Lion Electric Company. We thank them for their valuable insight and candidness.

“Will County’s strong growth in manufacturing and attractiveness as a place for new industry is due to our location, infrastructure, strong pro-business communities and quality workforce.” said Will County Executive, Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.

IMEC Illinois President Dave Boulay expressed how the strong partnerships that exist among organizations in attendance including Joliet Junior College, The Workforce Board of Will County, The Will County Center for Economic Development, elected officials, and many others, create a phenomenal ecosystem that make events such as today happen.

“We are all here today to bring focus to the dialogue around how we continually improve and compete. I am excited about the conversations today as we all look to powering the workforce, thinking about expanding talent pipelines and thinking about a more inclusive culture.”

Joliet Junior College President Dr. Clyne Namuo, shared Joliet Junior College’s pride in its many strategic partnerships within the manufacturing community, many partners in attendance. He cited the College’s numerous non-credit continuing education opportunities delivered through its Corporate and Community Services programming.

Joliet Junior College serves thousands of students in manufacturing-related programs each year and last year completed 364 credentials offered in manufacturing–related programs. These completions happen due to a concerted effort to support the work done in the industries represented at this workshop.

Senator Meg Cappel offered brief remarks underscoring her commitment to bettering Will County’s manufacturing industry and building on its strong foundation in a collaborative way.

The Will County Center for Economic Development looks forward to our next workshop in the series scheduled for October. Any Will County manufacturer is welcome to join us as we work together to empower this industry in Will County and drive it to new heights of excellence. Event and program information can be found on our website under “Programs & Events” or email us us contactus@willcountyced.com to make sure you get an invitation.

“Participating in the workshop was a great experience. Everyone did a fantastic job putting the event together and moderating the discussion. It was very helpful and insightful to hear all of the different ways companies are working to overcome the same challenges and also share the great work we are doing at G&W Electric as well. Thank you for the opportunity and look forward to the next event!”

Anthony Matteucci

Global Talent Acquisition Manager, G&W Electric Company, Bolingbrook

“I loved being able to share insights and our efforts in recruiting, retention, and development and I also received so many great recommendations, best practices and innovative ideas that I will certainly bring to our organization.”

Ashley Trost

Director of People and Culture, Gallagher Asphalt Corporation

“It was wonderful to see so many workforce development, educational, political and industrial professionals come together to hear about the challenges and success of manufacturers regarding workforce recruitment, onboarding and retention.” 

Kraig Kistinger

Director of Human Resources, National Tube Supply

The WKRDA is Seeking Proposals for Executive Director

The WKRDA is Seeking Proposals for Executive Director

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The WKRDA is Seeking Proposals for Executive Director

The Request For Proposals with details regarding the position is below. Note the deadline to apply is Friday, June 23rd.

Seeking proposals for executive director wkrda

The duties of the Executive Director shall include, but not be limited to, the following: The Executive Director will work with the Development Authority Board of Directors, existing clients, potential clients and all interested parties regarding requests for financial assistance through the Development Authority and the processing of such requests.

The Executive Director will provide information regarding the alternatives available, servicing accounts, the decision-making process, board and committee structures, deal structuring, alternative strategies, loan and investment instruments, benefits and returns, risks, marketing, and other issues.

For more information on WKRDA, visit the website: www.wkrda.com

RFP Responses

Responses to this Request for Proposal for Executive Director of Will Kankakee Regional Development Authority must be submitted via email to Will Kankakee Regional Development Authority Board Chair Michael O’Brien at WillKankakeeRDA@gmail.com NOT LATER THAN 5:00 PM ON FRIDAY JUNE 23, 2023.

Responses to this RFP shall be construed as acceptance of the terms and conditions included within this solicitation.

Responses to this RFP will be reviewed by the Board of Directors of the Will Kankakee Regional Development Authority, which reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses received as a result of this solicitation.

This RFP will be available in electronic format at WKRDA.COM.

Please contact Will Kankakee Regional Development Authority Board Chair Michael O’Brien at WillKankakeeRDA@gmail.com with any questions regarding this RFP.

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Greater Chicagoland Region Named Top Metropolitan Area for Corporate Site Selection and Relocation

Greater Chicagoland Region Named Top Metropolitan Area for Corporate Site Selection and Relocation

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Greater Chicagoland Region Named Top Metropolitan Area for Corporate Site Selection and Relocation

County Executive Bertino-Tarrant highlights regional economic assets at awards ceremony

County Executive Bertino-Tarrant highlights regional economic assets at awards ceremony

The Greater Chicagoland Region was named top metropolitan area for corporate site selection and relocation for the 10th consecutive year. County Executive Bertino-Tarrant celebrated the announcement with World Business Chicago at an awards ceremony recognizing companies who have grown or relocated in the Chicagoland Region.

The announcement follows the recent formation of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, a collaboration among the seven counties of northeastern Illinois (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Will) and the City of Chicago. The partnership is aimed at driving economic growth across the entire region.

“This partnership is a game-changer for our region,” said Bertino-Tarrant. “In a highly competitive market, we will be able to attract a wide range of industries to Will County. By working together with our neighboring communities, we can offer a unique mix of urban and rural sites, diverse talent, affordability, quality of life, and connectivity that will set us apart nationally.”

Photo of group award recipients Greater Chicagoland Region Named Top Metropolitan Area for Corporate Site Selection and Relocation

Will County has long been an anchor for economic development in the region. According to the Will County Center for Economic Development (CED), the county has led the state in growth with 7.8 million square feet of new building deliveries in 2022. Additionally, industrial, office, and retail vacancies are at historic lows across the county. Will County was also the top single family home market in Illinois for the fourth year in a row last year.

“Our combination of a tremendous workforce, multi-modal transportation infrastructure, educational institutions, and business-friendly leadership creates a strong, competitive environment that is attractive to business and investment,” said CED President & CEO Doug Pryor. “The Chicagoland area is a globally competitive region that is a force in site selection and business attraction. I am proud of the work we are doing both locally and as a region to grow and advance our economy and quality of life.”

Photo of County Executive Bertino-Tarrant and Doug Pryor with award at the Pro-Chicaglond Decisions 2022

The awards ceremony recognized several companies for their local investments. Joliet-based Lion Electric received the inaugural Pro-Chicagoland Decision Award for choosing to base their business in the region.

“We are proud to honor these outstanding companies for their contributions to Chicago’s thriving economy and job creation,” said Michael Fassnacht, President and CEO of World Business Chicago and Chief Marketing Officer for the City of Chicago. “Their commitment to driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth throughout the greater Chicagoland region is a testament to their leadership and dedication to the city and its people. We look forward to continuing to work together to build a more prosperous and equitable future for all Chicagoans.”

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Excited to see more than 240 guests last month at this annual midyear event. CED Chair Ruth Colby welcomed guests representing investors, non-investors, elected officials, municipal staff, community organizations, and more to this midyear opportunity to gather and hear about successes and growth of Will County over the past year.

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CED Announces Recognition of 2023 Economic Development Week

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Back To Business Grant Program Announced

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Back To Business Grant Program Announced​

B2B Back to Business Logo

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announce $175 million available for Back to Business (B2B)

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced on March 21, 2023, that $175 million is available in grant funding through the Back to Business (B2B) program. Following state recovery for businesses totaling nearly $1.5 billion, the latest American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) -funded opportunity is designed to provide additional support for the hardest-hit sectors, including restaurants (B2B Restaurants), hotels (B2B Hotels), and businesses or organizations in the creative arts sector (B2B Arts).

Applications will be open April 5-May 10, 2023. DCEO encourages applicants to familiarize themselves with program eligibility requirements and reach out to local community navigators with any questions. All eligibility and program information is available here.

Additionally, DCEO will host statewide information kick-off webinar sessions in the next few weeks in both English and Spanish. Dates and registration links are also available on the same site here.

The application portal will open on Wednesday, April 5 with a link provided at the same site here.

State Grants Available for Restaurants Through Back to Business (B2B) Program - Two guys and girl having lunch in restaurant
B2B Grants for hotels, couple checking in at hotel desk.
B2B grants for Creative Arts Businesses - People at art fundraiser

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Excited to see more than 240 guests last month at this annual midyear event. CED Chair Ruth Colby welcomed guests representing investors, non-investors, elected officials, municipal staff, community organizations, and more to this midyear opportunity to gather and hear about successes and growth of Will County over the past year.

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CED Announces Recognition of 2023 Economic Development Week

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The Will County Center for Economic Development marks the week of May 8 to May 12, 2023, as Economic Development Week 2023. During this week, communities across North America will celebrate and recognize the contributions made by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities.

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PART Project Launches to Address Regional Transit

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Planning for a stronger and more financially secure transit system for Chicagoland is underway with the first meeting of a diverse group of stakeholders from the business, community, environmental, labor, and civic sectors along with the public.

The outcome will be a set of state legislative recommendations that ensure the long-term financial viability of a comprehensive and coordinated regional public transportation system, as required by state law enacted last year.

The Will County CED’s Doug Pryor is honored to be part of the newly formed PART (Plan of Action for Regional Transit) steering committee, and he looks forward to participating in this critical transportation planning for the region’s continued economic growth.

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New Hospital Partnership Launches – Includes Bolingbrook Location

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U Chicago Advent Hospital Bolingbrook, IL

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The two organizations announced a definitive agreement to affiliate in September 2022, with plans for UChicago Medicine to acquire a controlling interest in AdventHealth’s Great Lakes Region, which includes its four Illinois hospitals in Bolingbrook, Glendale Heights, Hinsdale and La Grange along with a network of nearly 50 physicians’ offices and outpatient locations.

The AdventHealth Great Lakes Region’s facilities will be co-branded as UChicago Medicine AdventHealth to build upon the complementary strengths of the two organizations, with UChicago Medicine’s national reputation as an academic health system and AdventHealth’s focus on delivering outstanding medical care in community settings.

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