DuPage County Economic Development Committee met October 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
1. Call to Order
8:45 am meeting was called to order by Chair Tonia Khouri at 8:45 am.
2. Roll Call
Present: Dicianni, Eckhoff, Khouri, Krajewski
Absent: Fichtner, Wiley (Excused)
Member Wiley was excused due to military leave.
3. Approval of Minutes
A. Economic Development Committee - Regular Meeting - Sep 19, 2017 8:45 am
4. Chairman's Remarks
None
5. Public Comment
None
6. Information Only
A. Incumbent Worker Training - Antunes
B. Incumbent Worker Training - Art Technologies
7. Action Items
1. 2017-294 Recommendation for the approval of a contract purchase order to AT&T, for telecommunication services, as needed for the Human Resources/Workforce Development Division, for the period August 1, 2017 through July 31, 2019, for a contract total not to exceed $17,000.00; Per most qualified offer per Proposal #17-002- LG
Result: Approved [Unanimous]
Ayes: Dicianni, Eckhoff, Khouri, Krajewski
Absent: Fichtner
Absent: Wiley
8. Resolutions
Result: Approved [Unanimous]
Mover: Peter Dicianni, Vice Chair
Seconder: Brian J Krajewski, District 3
Ayes: Dicianni, Eckhoff, Khouri, Krajewski
Absent: Fichtner
Absent: Wiley
A. FI-R-0432-17 Resolution -- Acceptance & Appropriation of additional funding for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA ) Grant PY2016 Agreement No. 16-681006 Company 5000 - Accounting Unit 2840 $12,000 (Under the Administrative direction of the Human Resources Department)
B. FI-R-0433-17 Resolution -- Acceptance & Appropriation of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity WIOA Rapid Response Layoffs and Closings Grant PY17 Inter-Governmental Agreement No. 17-651006 Company 5000 - Accounting Unit 2840 $472,475
9. Authorization To Travel
Result: Approved [Unanimous]
Mover: Peter Dicianni, Vice Chair
Seconder: Grant Eckhoff, District 4
Ayes: Dicianni, Eckhoff, Khouri, Krajewski
Absent: Fichtner
Absent: Wiley
A. Authorization to Travel -- Business Services Manager, DuPage Workforce Development to travel to Springfield, IL from October 24, 2017 through October 25, 2017, to attend Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity monthly meetings to discuss Federal and State policies, allocations, & other issues pertaining to the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act. Expenses to include transportation, lodging and meals for an approximate total of $385.00.
B. Authorization to Travel -- Job Seeker Services Manager, DuPage Workforce Development to travel to Springfield, IL from October 24, 2017 through October 25, 2017, to attend Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity monthly meetings to discuss Federal and State policies, allocations, & other issues pertaining to the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act. Expenses to include transportation, lodging and meals for an approximate total of $385.00.
10. Choose Dupage – Update
Thomas Cuculich, DuPage County Chief of Staff, gave a brief introduction for the Chicago Regional Growth Corporation (CRGC). Mr. Cuculich cited that the information being presented was a collaboration between Cook County and seven collar counties along with Chairman Dan Cronin and Economic Development Chairwoman Tonia Khouri who have been a part of the regional economic discussions.
The presentation, given by Laura Williams, CRGC, explained that their goal is to foster collaboration and cultivate a regional approach to economic development to generate inclusive growth and prosperity across Northeastern Illinois. CRGC has been partnering with Chicago Metro Metals Consortium, Metro Chicago Exports, Chicagoland Food, and Foreign Direct Investment. Ms. Williams also communicated the establishment of a board for CRGC with members who will reflect regional business engagement. The region has strength in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and bio/health, food processing, and business services. CRGC is also heavily focused on Export Programs and Global Trade & Investment programs. Ms. Williams concluded her presentation by thanking the Committee and asking for help with referring local business to CRGC and opening conversation for funding and grant opportunities through DuPage County.
A. Chicago Regional Growth Initiatives, Presentation by Laura Williams
11. Worknet – Update
Lisa Schvach, Director of Workforce Development, presented multiple updates to the Committee. A very successful event was held for Breaking Boundaries, an initiative to place women in non-traditional occupations, with over 50 registered participants. Due to the success of this event and the outreach from numerous employers to participate, the next event has already been scheduled for November 17th at Universal Technical Institute in Lisle.
A hiring event for youth with disabilities was held at the career center with over 70 youth participants in attendance and various employers. We received positive feedback from the employers and parents in attendance. Member DiCianni also attended and commented on what an outstanding and successful event it was and he was proud to be a part of it.
Ms. Schvach is also working closely with Jamie Brown, Workforce Board Coordinator, on a new strategy to create work groups for the four major Industry Sectors, starting with manufacturing. The intent is to assess skills gaps for the purpose of hiring, and increase the choices of training providers through the center. This strategy emphasizes the WIOA legislation and will better serve the employers.
The Illinois Workforce Board approved a new policy significantly changing how our funding needs to be expended. Ms. Schvach has been preparing for this change by re-organizing the staff from four units to three units and condensing job responsibilities. In addition, she will be reviewing overhead costs and researching other ways to help reduce costs at the center.
12. Old Business
Member Krajewski announced the groundbreaking for Rexnord aerospace development in Downers Grove. Milwaukee-based Rexnord is planning to build a 248,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and aerospace headquarters, which is expected to be completed by 2019.
Member DiCianni also announced the opening of the Mariano's in Lombard that produced 500 new jobs and also employs many individuals with disabilities.
Mr. John Carpenter, President & CEO of Choose DuPage, announced the Village of Lisle approved the variance to the parking lots at the Navistar building in Lisle to accomodate the Amita Healthcare relocation which is now confirmed. This will produce 1100 new jobs.
13. New Business
Member Krajewski opened discussion to the Committee regarding the income tax increase for DuPage and how that will hurt the working-class families of the County. He suggested reaching out to the voters and having a discussion within the Committee to address these issues and potentially create a referendum to send to Springfield to try and roll back the tax hike.
14. Adjournment
Without objection this meeting was adjourned at 9:20 am.
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