ECIDC Manufacturing Roundtable Set for February 11

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Published on January 18 2016 4:06 pm
Last Updated on January 18 2016 4:06 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The East Central Illinois Development Corporation (ECIDC) will host the 3rd Annual Manufacturing Roundtable on Thursday, February 11 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Thelma Keller Convention Center in Effingham.

The event will bring together manufacturers and community, business, education and economic development leaders to address workforce skill needs and opportunities related to industrial trades’ careers and continue working to build effective partnerships and increase related community awareness.

Keynote speakers, Jason Tysko, senior director of policy and programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Center for Education and Workforce and Robert Sheets, research professor at The George Washington University Institute of Public Policy, will be the keynote speakers sharing the stages to implementing a talent management pipeline to meet local manufacturing needs. The initiative seeks to transform the relationship between America’s businesses, educators and workforce providers by pilot-testing strategies and practices that have been successful in improving products and services to address challenges in the talent pipeline related to recruiting, hiring and retaining employees. This initiative focuses on new approaches ensuring employers have the skilled workforce needed to compete in the 21st Century and employees have the education and credentials required to do the work.

Additional speakers will present information on Sector Strategies for Regional Planning, how to Sustain and Grow Local Career & Technical Education Programs, and Youth Apprenticeship Development. Small discussion groups will focus on ways to advance education-to-employment opportunities in the region and develop specific actionable items for implementation in local communities.

The Manufacturing Roundtable is open to the public. Pre-registration is required with an admission fee of $20 and lunch will be provided. Please register online by visiting  http://ecidcmanufacturingroundtable.eventbrite.com.

ECIDC is dedicated to developing a trained industrial workforce and better preparing both young people and those already in the workforce with the skills needed for today’s manufacturing jobs. This starts by identifying the skill sets needed in today’s manufacturing, bridging the gap between education and employment, listening to the needs of industry, and identifying ways to collaborate. Manufacturing and industry are changing rapidly. Having a common goal among institutions that can assemble quickly and assist in meeting industrial sector employment needs is vital to advancing manufacturing throughout the region.

ECIDC is a non-profit organization focused on positive economic growth and an enhanced quality of life for all residents in its 11-county region of Christian, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Jasper, Moultrie and Shelby Counties.

For additional information about the Manufacturing Roundtable or to inquire about Sponsorship and Vendor opportunities, please contact ECIDC Executive Director Randi Bohannon at  rbohannon@lakelandcollege.edu or (217) 540-3517.