Kane County Jobs Committee met February 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
1. Call to Order
Co-Chair Gillam called the meeting to order at 10:00 am.
Attendee Name; Title; Status; Arrived:
Mark Davoust Board Member Present;
Barbara Hernandez Board Member Present;
Philip Lewis Board Member Present;
Myrna Molina Board Member Present;
Angela C Thomas Board Member Present;
Brian Dahl; Co-Chair Absent;
Rebecca Gillam; Co-Chair Present;
Also present: Co. Bd. staff Nagel; Development Dir. VanKerkhoff & staff Toth; ITD staff Peters; OCR staff Gonzalez; VAC Supt. Zimmerman.
2. Approval of Minutes: January 12, 2018
Result: Approved With Voice Vote [Unanimous]
Mover: Philip Lewis, Board Member
Seconder: Barbara Hernandez, Board Member
Ayes: Mark Davoust, Barbara Hernandez, Philip Lewis, Myrna Molina, Angela C Thomas, Rebecca Gillam
Absent: Brian Dahl
3. Office of Community Reinvestment - Workforce Development Division
Referencing the monthly reports included in the agenda packet, staff Gonzalez reviewed each grant noting the benchmarks and percentage spent.
4. Comments by Co-Chair
Co-Chair Gillam initiated a discussion on the Kane Energy Efficiency Program (KEEP). The program helps commercial property owners finance energy efficient projects. In Illinois, the program is offered for existing buildings only. Gillam thought it would be helpful for committee members to talk to their representatives about the benefits of offering the program for new construction as well. Development Dir. VanKerkhoff stated he would be sharing the KEEP presentation at various committee meetings for those who want to hear the full presentation. He will present a resolution at County Board declaring the intent to create KEEP. They will also be issuing an RFP for a third-party administrator for the program.
Gillam discussed upcoming changes to the WhyKane website.
5. Jobs Committee Priorities
A. Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission - Jacob Zimmerman, Superintendent (Priorities 3, 4, and 6)
Referencing a handout, VAC Supt. Zimmerman compared veteran statistics for Kane County with data from Illinois and the United States as a whole. The national unemployment rate for veterans is at
4%, which is lower than the civilian unemployment rate. Zimmerman reviewed various laws that help veterans with employment, education, and transition out of the military. The 2009 GI Bill pays for education tuition, fees, materials, and a housing stipend. Zimmerman shared information on the services offered through his office. He discussed companies that actively pursue hiring veterans. He promoted the VetTech Internship program through Fermilab, which run from June 4 to August 10. Brief discussion followed.
B. Regional Veterans Programs (Priorities 3, 4, and 6)
Development Dir. VanKerkhoff stated the next presentation is on a couple of organizations that focus on entrepreneurship or retraining veterans with new job skills. Referencing a presentation not included in the agenda packet, staff Toth provided an overview of Bunker Labs noting they are a national nonprofit organization that provides tools and resources for veteran entrepreneurs. Toth reviewed the courses and resources they offer. Bunker Labs has monthly networking events called Bunker Brews. The next event will be on February 20 in Chicago.
Toth provided background on another nonprofit organization called Workshops for Warriors. They are based out of San Diego, CA but looking to expand to other areas. They train, certify, and help place veterans into advanced manufacturing careers. WFW helps veterans find scholarships in order to provide them with an education at little or no cost. In 2018, they have enough funding to help 120 veterans graduate from the program. Toth discussed WFW's accreditation, funding, and future expansion. He shared the various ways the committee could support their program. Considerable conversation followed. (Hernandez leaves @ 10:47 a.m.)
C. Metro Chicago Exports and Kane County Matching Grant Program Update (Priorities 2, 4 and 6)
Development staff Toth reported seven winners for the Metro Chicago Export (MCE) Grant program and three that were also approved for ExportTech. Miner Elastomer Products from Geneva was one of the initial grant winners from 2015. They have fully expended their grant funds. He shared an overview of the company noting the products they produce. Toth asked for the committee's consent to approve Miner Elastomer Products for the 2017 MCE Grant program. There was a consensus to award the grant to Miner Elastomer Products.
Referencing a handout on the 2017 MCE Grant program winners, Toth shared highlights on the narratives from InFlight Entertainment Products, Doran Scales, and Microtrace LLC. The county has awarded grants to 14 companies totaling over $100,000 since the program started three years ago.
D. Chicago Regional Growth Corporation Launch Update (Priorities 2, 4, and 6)
Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff reported the launch of the Chicago Regional Growth Corporation (CRGC) was celebrated on January 18 at the mHub Chicago. They had a great turnout; it was well attended by Kane County Board members. Referencing the CRGC website, VanKerkhoff highlighted the corporation's priorities. CRGC's Board consists of the seven County Board Chairs, the Mayor of Chicago and various ex-officio members. He discussed a press release that KCC published on the event.
6. Public Comment
None
7. Reports Placed on File
Result: Place Written Reports On File [Unanimous]
Mover: Angela C Thomas, Board Member
Seconder: Mark Davoust, Board Member
Ayes: Mark Davoust, Philip Lewis, Myrna Molina, Angela C Thomas, Rebecca Gillam
Absent: Barbara Hernandez, Brian Dahl
8. Executive Session (If Needed)
None
9. Adjournment
Result: Adjourned By Voice Vote [Unanimous]
Mover: Myrna Molina, Board Member
Seconder: Philip Lewis, Board Member
Ayes: Mark Davoust, Philip Lewis, Myrna Molina, Angela C Thomas, Rebecca Gillam
Absent: Barbara Hernandez, Brian Dahl
This meeting was adjourned at 11:08 am.
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