Grainger, CLC partner to grow new program

Pamela P. Janson is working with students and the business community to grow a new supply chain management program at the College of Lake County.

Janson, a supply chain management instructor, said the school is responding to the needs of area residents and employers in launching an associate degree and two certificate programs in supply chain management. The field involves the movement and storage of raw materials, inventory and finished goods from supplier to customer, which may be other businesses or consumers. "Now we are reaching out to businesses as the next step," to spread informaiton about the program, Janson said.

Funded by a grant from Grainger, a business-to-business distributor of products used to maintain, repair and operate facilities, the program consists of a 60-hour A.A.S. degree in supply chain management and two certificates: Introduction to Supply Chain Management and Advanced Supply Chain Management.

"As a longtime partner of CLC and the founding partner of the supply chain management program, we're excited to continue our support of the Lake County community where our team members live and work," said Dan Goudey, senior director of Grainger's North America operating model.

"With the Grainger headquarters located in Lake Forest and one of our largest U.S. distribution centers in Minooka, we recognize the need for a skilled workforce in areas like product management, material handling, warehousing and distribution, and transportation management. We look forward to this program serving this important need for local employers and students well in to the future."

The new offerings are designed to give students a choice of programs that best fit their goals and background, whether they have no college experience or have earned a bachelor's degree. Jobs include positions in procurement, inventory management, warehousing, distribution, logistics and transportation.

"It's an exciting opportunity," said Janson, who is new to CLC. Prior to joining the Grayslake college, she taught at Stark State College in Ohio and spent many years in various operations and supply chain positions. "We're reaching out to people in the entry level job market. "It (new program) can take you places. It will give you a leg up."

Students will participate in experiential learning involving case studies and job shadowing as well as learn about the most up-to-date technologies such as enterprise resource planning systems. Additional focus will be on problem solving through use of critical thinking and cross-functional awareness.

"In launching the new program, CLC's two major goals are to help area companies reduce turnover and give employees a pathway to move up and a reason to stay at their current employer," said Lori Oriatti, a business instructor who helped develop the program. For more, go to clcillinois.edu/scm.

New president

The Illinois Press Association board of directors selected Shaw Media Publisher Sam Fisher as the new president and chief executive officer for the IPA, Illinois Press Foundation and National Newspaper Association.

Fisher is the immediate past chair of the IPA board of directors. He succeeds Dennis DeRossett, who resigned his position mid-May.

In addition, Josh Sharp, vice president of government relations, has been promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer of the IPA. He will continue to oversee the government relations department.

"I'm excited about this opportunity, as the IPA is such a great organization with such a talented staff," Fisher said.

IPA Legal Counsel Don Craven will continue to serve as the interim president and CEO until Fisher's official start Oct. 25.

Fisher, who has been with Shaw Media for 34 years, is the publisher of the Bureau County Republican (Princeton), Putnam County Record and Tonica News.

Caterer grows

La Cuisine Catering Company recently opened a new catering facility in Downers Grove.

The facility is equipped with all new equipment and culinary technology, said owner Linda Inzano who started the company 35 years ago.

"We host life's most important events, creating memories you'll treasure for years to come," she said.

Executive Chef Rickey Leos and his crew of professionals have been with La Cuisine for over 20 years.

The company started small, mainly handling social events. As La Cuisine Catering Company has grown, it now tackles corporate meetings, company picnics, galas, wedding receptions and more.

Barrington to Colorado

Barrington-based Stoneleigh Companies, in partnership with Dallas-based Realty Capital Management, announced the acquisition 3.85 acres for the construction of The Lofts at Red Mountain Apartments located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Phase I has broken ground and will consist of 85 apartments and 5,300 square feet of retail shop space on 2.01 acres south of Wulfsohn Road, adjacent to the Glenwood Meadows Market Street and Shopping Center.

The Lofts at Red Mountain Apartments will feature 85 Class A luxury apartments consisting of studio, one, and two-bedroom units. The property is located just west of downtown Glenwood Springs, on Wulfsohn Road in the Glenwood Meadows retail development, the area's largest shopping center.