The Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program helps local employers develop and implement training programs for current employees who need intensive services in order to retain employment. IWT provides employers with a means of working with their current employees who need to improve their skills in order to avoid being laid off or to qualify for promotion in their Career Pathway.

Contact Tony Logue at alogue@lakelandcollege.edu for more information on Incumbent Worker Training projects.

We are ready for Program Year 2023 to be HOPPING with IWT Projects!

Curious about our region's labor supply? Interested in monthly Unemployment Insurance claims trends? Fascinated by industry employment levels pre-pandemic compared to post-pandemic? Data nerd? Just plain nosey? Well, you won't want to miss the most recent Economic Development Region 7 Profile! Check it out NOW!

Includes...

• Labor Force Indicators
• Unemployment Insurance Claims
• Payrolls by Industry
• Wages by Occupational Groups

The LWIA 23 Business Services Team is currently working on plans for hosting Sector Roundtable discussions and implementing the Talent Pipeline Management framework to help sector partnerships develop solutions for their talent pipeline challenges.

Upcoming sector roundtables include information technology, child care, and healthcare.

The BST will host an employer event in recognition of Workforce Development Month on September 26, 2023. Save the date! Stay tuned for more exciting details to come!



Next BST meeting will be held at the Kluthe Center in Effingham on Wednesday, July 19th at 1 pm. Virtual attendance options availbale upon request. Join us!

Teen Opens COOL New Business in Vandalia

As reported by Leader Union - The start of the summer season also marked the beginning of a new chapter for one young entrepreneur.

Ace Armstrong, 17, slings an assortment of shaved ice treats at Sno Biz of Vandalia. “I used to work at a Tropical Sno in Pana and I have always wanted to start a business,” Armstrong said. “I thought it would be a great idea to stick with what I knew.”

Armstrong said he started his search last July for a similar franchise and found Sno Biz online. Sno Biz has been in the cool treat business for more than 30 years with more than 2,000 dealers in 20-plus countries.

Sno Biz of Vandalia first opened for business last week next to Beauty Mark at 107 S 6th St. Armstrong has already secured a loyal clientele. The pop up business offers an assortment of sno cones, milkshakes, slushies, iced coffees and soda. While Armstrong said his favorite is Margarita, the local favorite seems to be Blue Raspberry.



Armstrong said he would like the opportunity to expand his business. The first week is going well,” he said. “If it keeps growing, I would love to keep going in other places where there aren’t any.”

What is growing in your communities?

Please share all the good news!



Please contact Jamie Corda Hadjaoui to have your events, business news, or other workforce highlights added to the newsletter.

WIOA Wednesday Webinars

Learn more and register at ilworkforceacademy.com/workforce-webinars/

Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB)

IWIB is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation and modification of the Unified State Plan, convening all relevant programs, required partners and stakeholders, and providing oversight and strategic leadership for the state workforce development system.



Through a committee and task force structure, IWIB representatives from private/public partner programs offer policy recommendations to strengthen Illinois' workforce system. All policies developed or commented upon include input from partners and the general public.

Learn more at illinoisworknet.com/WIOA

Workforce GPS

WorkforceGPS is your online technical assistance website created to help build the capacity of America's public workforce investment system. WorkforceGPS was developed specifically for workforce professionals, educators, and business leaders. Here you will find curated communities of interest, useful webinars and other training resources, promising workforce development practices, and relevant evidence-based research – giving you the tools you need to help you create innovative approaches to improve the employment prospects of job seekers.

Learn more at WorkforceGPS.org

ION - Innovation and Opportunity Network

The Innovation and Opportunity Network (ION) is designed to support state and local workforce development boards, system professionals, and employers, helping you find the resources you need to successfully implement the vision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). With links to guidance documents, the latest technical assistance and training tools, and numerous ways to engage with your peers across the country, ION helps you stay informed and connected as you navigate towards WIOA implementation success. 

Learn more at ION.workforcegps.org

WIOA Works Illinois

​WIOA Works Illinois is an online resource to assist business and industry leaders, policy makers, community organizations and workforce professionals in achieving success under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This site will keep you up-to-date on our state's policies and programs, highlight local innovation by sharing best practices and success stories, and outline specific policies to ensure a skilled workforce for our state's employers.

Learn more at Illinois WorkNet