Summit group says matching jobs with training is priority

Participants at an economic development summit Thursday at Waubonsee Community College identified two priorities for improving economic conditions in 2009 for the Fox Valley region: To educate, build and retain a work force that fits current and emerging needs, and to address the need for more public transportation and affordable housing. The group also listed better communication about job openings as crucial.

About 60 people attended the summit - which was co-sponsored by Northern Illinois University - including elected officials, municipal planners, chamber of commerce representatives and school administrators.

"The purpose is to get a variety of community leaders from the Fox Valley region to learn about resources and help shape a unified vision on how to develop the economy and the work force," said Bill Marzano, assistant vice president of community development for Waubonsee.

Participants learned about Illinois regional labor statistics and trends and how to use them, and about the analysis and planning strategies being developed by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

During group discussion, participants raised concerns about not developing a work force suitable for jobs that do not require a degree from a four-year college.

"There are jobs available in certain skill sets that aren't being filled," said Amy Furfori, executive director of the Montgomery Economic Development Corp. "They need welders, for example. We need to let those who are interested in training know what jobs are available."

"We'd like Waubonsee (Community College) to take the lead in connecting people with jobs," said Valerie Burd, mayor of Yorkville. "We need to get the word out about what jobs are available, including information that goes beyond the want ads. We need to take public relations to a higher level."