Regional Workforce Development Alliance

• WORKING GOAL: Create the regional workforce required to stabilize and grow our economy by systemically connecting employers, educators, community based organizations with high school graduates, the under-credentialed and multiple barriered adults to ensure 60% of our population has the required credentials to obtain gainful employment.This committee is taking a stakeholder approach and is made up of three subcommittees:
• Emerging Workforce:  Support regional K – 12 schools in implementation of multiple college and career readiness strategies with an intentional focus on connecting local employers into pathways, promoting financial literacy, and the award of valuable industry credentials. Co-chairs: Brent Baker bbaker@greaterpeoriaedc.org , Beth Crider bcrider@peoriaroe.org.
• Upskilling Committee – Targets underemployed and under credentialed adults with work experience to obtain credentials that address workforce gaps in full-time jobs offering at least 30% above a living wage. Co-chairs: Jamel Wright jwright@eureka.edu, Don Shafer donald.shafer@pnc.com
• Multiple Barriers – The employer driven project will address the holistic need of individuals with multiple barriers for their entry to high quality educational pathways leading to family sustaining careers. Co-chairs: Laraine Bryson lebryson@tcpul.com, Dr. Rita Ali Rali@icc.edu

Each of these committees are meeting regularly and have established strategies and goals.
Please contact co-chairs to get involved.

   Illinois Migrant Council

• IMC provides a wide range of employment and training services for Illinois’ farmworkers through the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP). Learn more at www.illinoismigrant.org or email Mary Phelan at mphelan@illinoismigrant.org.

   April Member Seminar: Diversity in the Workplace

•  Presented by the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Join Sunny Olsen with Best Buddies International for an informal discussion about cost effective staffing solutions that involve an untapped employee market of individuals. Learn how to diversify and create more inclusion at your workplace hiring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This is another great topic related to the original The Big Table Discussions. This event is a free, public event, but registration is required. Get more info.
• Tuesday April 14, 2020   |   8:30AM-10:00PM
  Peoria Symphony Orchestra   |   101 State Street, Peoria

Questions? Contact Chelsea Bouppha at cbouppha@peoriachamber.org or 309-495-5923

   Greater Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

• More info coming soon! Visit the Hispanic Chamber’s Facebook page for updates.

   Peoria Innovation Hub Working Groups

• The Peoria Innovation Hub needs  a collaborative community effort to help shape its future. Join a working group to stay in the loop and help shape the space’s future. Connect atwww.peoriahub.com/workinggroups.

   1 Million Cups Peoria

• A monthly event (every 1st Wednesday at the Nest Coworking) that brings together entrepreneurs and the Greater Peoria community over coffee and conversation. Learn more at www.1millioncups.com/pia.

   Startup Greater Peoria Facebook

• The Startup Greater Peoria Facebook events page serves as an aggregator and connection point for innovators and entrepreneurs throughout the region. Connect at www.facebook.com/pg/StartupGreaterPeoria/events.

   Start Here Greater Peoria

• This is a catch-all group if you’re new in town and looking to connect with a diverse group of people across industries in the Greater Peoria region. Connect at www.meetup.com/starthere.

More coming soon!