Elgin Development Group

Chamber Conversation -- Exceptional Customer Service

2012-02-24T15:42:00.002-06:00

Providing exceptional customer service is the cornerstone for all companies. There may be challenges when working with a customer who is “difficult” or unreasonable. Come to our Chamber Conversation to learn the most effective customer strategies.

Presented by Steven Rossetti, Director of Training and Development for The Synergy Companies, Inc., please plan on joining us on Thursday, March 1 from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Chamber office in downtown Elgin. Reservations can be made at elginchamber.com. There is a $15 charge for Chamber members and $25 for non-members.

At this interactive Chamber Conversation, you and your staff will come to understand the importance of exceptional customer service, implement strategies to provide exceptional customer service and learn effective communication techniques to deal with the “difficult” customer.

Chamber Conversations are casual monthly events that give our members the opportunity to network and gain a quick grasp of a timely business topic from a featured speaker. These speakers can be Chamber Board members, Business, or Community Leaders speaking on a variety of topics within their area of expertise. Make your reservation online at elginchamber.com to learn to make your collections more successful!

Workforce Committee Seeks Nomination

2012-02-10T15:51:00.000-06:00

The EDG's Workforce Development Committee is accepting nominations for its annual Workforce Development Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize a business, educational institution or organization that is making an exceptional contribution to our area's workforce development.
The award is based upon the following criteria:

Employers who have developed innovative training programs
A corporate culture emphasizing employee learning
Promotion and involvement in skill development and educational attainment resulting in certifications or special honors
School / business partnerships including internships, work / study programs and facility tours

Jeanette Mihalec and ECC's Dr. Sam

The award will be presented at the Chamber's Annual Awards Luncheon in March. Previous award recipients have been Schleifring Medical Systems, Fabric Images, DLA Architects, Hoffer Plastics and Elgin Community College, (Skills USA) and the River Valley Workforce Investment Board.

For more information on the award or to make a nomination, please contact Bob Malm at the Chamber office, 847-741-5660. Nominations will be received until February 29, 2012.

Nelson Retiring as Elgin Area Chamber President; Gieske Appointed to Position

2011-12-16T08:05:00.002-06:00

Leo Nelson, president of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce announced his retirement at this morning’s meeting of the Chamber Board of Directors and Carol Gieske has been appointed to assume the role of President of the Chamber.

“On behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors, we accepted Leo's retirement as President with regret,” said John Hurlbut, Chamber Board chair. “At the same time, we are pleased Carol Gieske has accepted the position of President of the Chamber. The Board agreed we are in the best possible position to continue to be successful both in our traditional business advocacy role as well as our economic development program with Carol in the leadership position.”

Gieske has extensive leadership experience, serving as President of the Provena Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation for seven years before joining the Chamber as Vice President of Communications and Special Events in 2007. Prior to joining the Hospital, she was President of the United Way of Elgin from 1986 to 2001. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to leverage the expertise of our Board of Directors, staff, and community volunteers to reach out to our business community and advocate on their behalf,” said Gieske.

On staff with the Chamber since 2000, Nelson agreed to stay on part time with the organization to work in economic development. He joined the Chamber after retiring from Hoffer Plastics as Human Resources Manager for 16 years. Previous to Hoffer, Nelson came to Elgin as the City Manager from 1972 to 1984. “We are fortunate that he has agreed to stay with us and work, on a more limited schedule, to continue our important economic development efforts,” said John Hurlbut.

“When I took the position, I promised I would give the Chamber at least two years as president. Time has flown by. The work has been challenging but very satisfying. Those two years I promised have somehow turned into 11,” said Nelson. “Now that I'm 77 years old, I plan to take more time for myself, my wife, and our grandchildren.”

Hurlbut said under Nelson’s leadership, the Elgin Area Chamber has been successful in developing the public/private economic development program Elgin. Through the Elgin Development Group, Hurlbut said, “Leo has been instrumental in developing partnerships which leverage the City’s investment with the Chamber’s economic development experience and expertise, giving our city a real competitive advantage in retaining and attracting businesses.”

2011-12-02T09:55:00.001-06:00

Dear Chamber Members:

On November 16^th, Terry R. Royer, CEO/President of Winergy Drive Systems Corp., had the opportunity to spend the day in Washington DC along with ten of his peers from the Industry to discuss challenges that our industry leaders are facing. This was a joint effort coordinated by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). The purpose for the trip was to educate and drive support with legislators for the extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC), which is currently set to expire at the end of 2012.

The federal production tax credit (PTC), wind energy’s primary policy tool to promote

U.S.

wind development, is set to expire at the end of 2012. The PTC has been allowed to expire on multiple occasions in the past, and at those times, wind energy installations have dropped by as much as 93% from the previous year, leading to a boom-bust cycle for the wind industry. As you can imagine we cannot allow this to happen again. On November 2, 2011, Representative Reichert (R-WA-08) and Representative Blumenauer (D-OR-03) introduced H.R. 3307 to extend the renewable energy production tax credit. Without such an extension the Industry is at risk of once again experiencing a downturn. While in Washington the team met with a number of Congressional leaders to push for support of this bill.

In addition to meeting with Members of Congress from both sides we also had the opportunity to meet at the White House. There the team met with Peter Rouse, senior advisor to the President and a member of the White House staff. Once again the team of industry leaders had the opportunity to tell about our success story of the Wind Industry and the need to continue and support the extension of the PTC.

In all cases the meetings were a success. The team had the opportunity to tell our story and ask for support.

In addition Mr. Royer is working with those members of congress from the state of Illinois to gain their support as well. Mr. Royer expects to get some of them into the facility in the near future.

While it is not clear as to the outcome at this point, it is clear that we must all speak to be heard. The attached link below is where you can learn more about the PTC and why it is necessary to support growth the industry. In addition you also can show support by contacting your local members of Congress and urging them to sign the bill. http://action.awea.org/page/content/windPTC/

Mr. Royer along with his industry colleagues will continue to make a difference within the industry.

Sincerely,

Terry R. Royer, PE
CEO/President

Winergy Drive Systems Corporation

Elgin Showcased

2011-11-16T09:19:00.005-06:00

Sharon Stead, Mayor David Kaptain, Leo Nelson

Sharon Stead, Director of the Illinois West European Trade and Investment Office in Brussels, was in Elgin earlier this month. As part of her visit to Illinois communities, she included Elgin in her itinerary because of our relationship with her office and the EDG's reputation for attracting foreign companies to our city. While in Elgin, Sharon was shown several of our business parks and the downtown. During the whirlwind visit, she had the opportunity of greeting Mayor David Kaptain and Sean Stegall, City Manager. Sharon came away very impressed with our community and the quality and diversity of our business parks.

It was extremely enjoyable and interesting to visit Elgin, commented Sharon after returning to Brussels.

"I would like to thank you all for hosting me, driving me and showcasing Elgin. It was very educational, and I now have a very good understanding of what Elgin is about, and why you have been successful in attracting so many foreign companies.

Mike O'Kelley, Sharon Stead, Leo Nelson

My colleagues and I look forward to a continued working relationship and to helping you bring more companies to Elgin, and to putting Elgin clearly on the radar screen of foreign companies looking to invest unto the U.S."

Elgin's Unemployment Rate - A Five Year Perspective

2011-11-10T10:11:00.000-06:00

The accompanying table presents Elgin's monthly unemployment rate NOT seasonally adjusted, for the five years 2007 - 2011. The last column indicates the average rate for the respective year.

City Of Elgin

Unemployment Rates

NOT Seasonally Adjusted

Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)

There are approximately 57,800 people in the Elgin labor
force, according to the most recent figures from IDES.

Suzlon Opens State-of-the-Art Training Center in Elgin

2011-10-28T09:27:00.000-05:00

Suzlon Wind Energy Corp., the North American subsidiary of Suzlon Energy Limited (SEL) - the world's fifth largest wind turbine manufacturer - opened a state-of-the-art training center in Elgin on October 19th. The center will provide training for wind technicians across its North American operations.

The training center is a new edition to Suzlon's 64,000-square-foot central distribution center in Elgin, IL., which opened in October 2010.

Suzlons eco-friendly training facility will feature a 4,000-square-foot lab, an 8,000-square-foot wind turbine training center, and North America's only fully operational wind turbine dedicated exclusively for training purposes.

The center also is equipped with a fully powered independent hub and pitch system to allow for simultaneous training in the nacelle and in the hub. Suzlon has also installed a unique "working-at-heights" training area to simulate on-the-job experiences working atop wind turbines. Suzlon has also designed the facility to allow room for a second turbine to accommodate growth.

Environmentally friendly features of the center include energy-efficient LED lighting, LED televisions and sound-proofing technology that converts sound to heat. The HVAC system operates at better than 98 percent efficiency, and the building materials were made with recycled or eco-friendly products.

Andris Cukurs, CEO of Suzlon

"People want to see more green jobs, and I'm proud to say that Suzlon plans to train 300 wind technicians this year who work at our wind farms across North America," said Andris Cukurs, CEO of Suzlon Wind Energy Corp. "This is valuable training and knowledge that our employees will bring to maintaining more than 1,200 turbines in 16 U.S. states and Canada. Investing in our workforce is a key reason that our fleet in North America frequently exceeds 98 percent availability."

Sears Elgin Studio Opens

2011-10-12T11:25:00.001-05:00

Sears Holding Corporation celebrated the opening of its Studio Services facility in Elgin on August 23. Elgin Mayor David Kaptain presided over the ribbon cutting ceremony and toured the studio along with Councilman Richard Dunn.

The new photo studio, located on Bath Road, will support online and print advertising for Sears Holding.

The facility will conduct photo shoots with creative layouts to produce visual marketing materials for Sears and K-Mart merchandise. The Studio plans to hire about 60 talented, high-energy professionals.

Team You: Elgin Small Business Summit Set for Oct. 21

2011-10-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

Budding and established small business owners are invited to attend Team You: Elgin Small Business Summit set for Friday, Oct. 21 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Elgin Community College’s University and Business Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

“Elgin has been known to be an incubator for small business and this is a great opportunity for people thinking about starting a business to gather information and insight into the process,” said Elgin Mayor David Kaptain. “This event also provides an opportunity for established small business owners to get some advice on how best to achieve their own respective business goals in a difficult economy.”

Two workshop tracks have been planned; the “Find Your Focus” track is for aspiring business owners and business owners in business for one year or less and the “Refine Your Focus” track is for owners who have been in business for more than a year.

The featured speaker will be local entrepreneur Nick Sarillo, owner of Nick’s Pizza and Pub. A former construction worker, he has built his pizza business with the secret of the company’s success – a unique corporate culture.

“Nick is a highly successful small business owner in Elgin,” said Kaptain. “He has a lot to offer small business owners in terms of best practice.”

The summit is part of a city-wide initiative to provide resources to small businesses. The initiative involves a host of city organizations including Elgin Community College, the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, the Elgin Development Group, the city of Elgin, the Downtown Neighborhood Association, the Gail Borden Library and S.C.O.R.E. of Fox Valley.

During this “Small Business Must Attend Event of the Year” there will be exhibitors displaying pertinent information important to small business. A raffle drawing at the event will provide an hour of consulting services from each of the exhibitors and the chance to win an iPad2. Free document shredding in the parking lot will be available through AT&T and Rep. Keith Farnham.

This is the first step in an ongoing process to give small business owners the information to start and grow their business. Following this initial summit, plans are underway to continue with another session in January 2012. A new small business resource webpage devoted to small business is also being developed to coordinate the myriad of resources available locally to small business owners.

Registration for the event can be made at elginchamber.com/teamyou.html and is $15 before October 14. For more information, contact the Elgin Area Chamber at (847) 741-5660.

2011-09-29T08:15:00.000-05:00

INSIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

by Michael O'Kelley, VP Economic Development

Economic development is ultimately about creating wealth in a community, and wealth comes from the creation of ‘primary’ or contributory jobs that bring new dollars into the community. There are three classical concerns in getting this done.

First, the economic developer is concerned with retaining and growing the existing businesses in a community. The bulk of community growth comes from expansion of the current business base. On this count Elgin has been successful, not having experienced major plant closings in recent difficult years and profiting from some expansion.

Because we keep close contact with our industry, we have been able to be proactive in facilitating expansion of existing businesses.

One such business came to Elgin in 2001 with 31 employees and in 2010 had grown to 100 jobs and needed new space. We started working with the company and local developers to design and build a new state-of-the-art headquarters facility. Meanwhile the company was also grappling with how much should it build in the US versus adding to their facilities in Europe and Mexico. Also, nearby cities were trying to attract them to build the new facility.

Ultimately our close association with the company paid off because a major customer needed the company to expand in rapid order into a facility, forcing the company to lease existing space. We worked with the City of Elgin staff to develop a plan to fast-track approval of a major portion of the new facility thus solving the company’s problems meeting its customer schedule.

The economic developer’s second concern is to get the good news about Elgin out to the world. We want to build the economic base of Elgin by adding more companies. We do this through developing and continual networking with a wide reaching set of relationships. Some of this is through a multitude of real estate brokers/developers and their organizations, trade shows such as those of the International Council of Shopping Centers, State of Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity project search notices and its foreign offices activities, German American Chamber of Commerce and its trade delegations from Germany and Korean Chamber as well as contact and development of events with the Chicago International Trade Commissioners Association (39 countries represented).

All of the connections are important, but they are only the beginning. Most important is to perform for each contact. Companies, brokers, developers will call but it takes an enormous amount of work to find and in some cases to develop answers to the queries.

Third, and very important is workforce. With today’s high and structural unemployment there is a real need to help companies develop more robust means to attain a profitable workforce. Through our experiences in developing a WorkKeys based network and now in testing the need for apprenticeship programs we are showing our industry our good faith response to their concerns.

This has been a quick snapshot of some of the areas we work in to build Elgin’s wealth.

Looking for the Right Person with the Right Skills?

2011-09-16T15:34:00.001-05:00

A new service is being offered by Elgin Community College (ECC) to organizations that have signed a Letter Of Commitment, recognizing the National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) in their hiring process.
Job seekers who have earned their NCRC through ECC are entered into a data base. ECC would like to match these certificate holders with potential employers. Companies with open positions need only to let ECC know they would like to reach those individuals who have earned an NCRC. ECC will then notify the appropriate certificate holders of the job openings and give them the employer’s contact information so they can pursue the employment opportunity if interested. Because of privacy concerns, ECC is not able to provide the names of the certificate holders directly to employers.
Over Eighty Elgin area companies now recognize the NCRC when making hiring decisions. Learn more about WorkKeys®, the National Career Readiness Certificate and our community’s nationally recognized 1,000 Worker Skills Initiative by using these links.
Employers wanting to use this service should contact Peggy Gundrum, Director of Career Services, at pgundrum@elgin.edu.

Elgin Promoted to Trade Groups

2011-09-14T09:23:00.001-05:00

Members of the Chamber's EDG met with Franz Roessler earlier this month. Mr Roessler is the head of the Austrian Trade Commission in Chicago. He is also Chairman of the Chicago International Trade Commissioners Association (CITCA). The Association is an organization of senior trade respresntatives from foreign governments based in Chicago with jurisdiction over the Midwest region of the United States. CITCA members play an influential role in promoting and facilitating the expansion of international trade and investment between their respective countries and communities in the Midwest. CITCA currently has 47 members representing 38 countries around the globe.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the advantages and opportunities of on Elgin location for Austrian firms looking for a U.S. presence. Elgin is already home to a number of international companies, including 16 from Germany.

The possibility of a special event in 2012 for CITCA members was also discussed. Mr. Roessler provided valuable input as to the type of event that would appeal to the commissioners. In October 2007, the Chamber partnered with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development on one of the state's most successful reverse trade missions.

The EDG continues to search out global investors for Elgin. Foreign direct investment is the leading contributor to the economic growth of the Elgin area and Chicago region.

Work - Ready Skills Lab Opens

2011-09-14T09:18:00.100-05:00

Elgin Community College has announced its reopening of the KeyTrain® Lab at a new location. The lab is housed in Room 118 of the MPC Building at 410 Renner Dr. in Elgin. The lab is open Friday's from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

KeyTrain Lab at ECC

The free workshops at the Lab provide a starting point for the unemployed and underemployed to gain a National Career Readiness Certificate, a credential that provides employers with concrete proof of a job applicant's skill levels. Attendees will receive individualized support in using the computer and the KeyTrain® system, in addition to information about the skill levels recommended for thousands of jobs and personalized career guidance. No registration is required. For more information, please call 847-214-6976.

KeyTrain® is the training program that prepares attendees to take the WorkKeys® assessments, the nation's leading job-skills assessment system, which can lead to National Career Readiness Certification. Those who satisfactorily complete the WorkKeys® assessments will receive a National Career Readiness Certificate that can provide an advantage over other job applicants. ECC, along with the United Way of Elgin, are covering the expense of the exam for District 509 residents as part of the 1,000 Worker Skills Initiative - an effort to prepare the workforce with the right skills to meet the demands of today's challenging economy. Other workforce partners supporting the WorkKeys® initiative include; Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, Gail Borden Public Library, Illinois Department of Employment Security, River Valley Workforce Investment Board, the City of Elgin and School District U-46.

Elgin Housing Leader

2011-08-26T10:40:00.000-05:00

Elgin remains on top of the "leader board" for housing starts and closings in the Chicagoland housing market.

The accompanying chart shows Elgin with 164 and 202 annual starts and closings, respectively, through the second quarter of 2011. The data was complied by Metrostudy, a leading provider of information and analysis of the housing market nationwide, with offices in Elgin.

Although Elgin ranks at the top of the list for new home starts, it's a small consolation when compared to earlier years. During the housing industry's boom years (2005-2007), Elgin issued an annual average of over 1,100 single family housing permits.

SMS Celebrates 10 Years in Elgin

2011-08-01T12:08:00.002-05:00

Schleifring Medical Systems commemorated its 10 years of manufacturing in Elgin with a grand celebration in July. Dignitaries at the event included members of the Schleifring Board of Directors from Germany and representatives of GE Health Care, their U.S. partner. Elgin City councilman John Prigge congratulated the company on its success and extensive community involvement. Hosting the celebration was Joann Reynolds, Managing Director, of the the Elgin facility. In addition to the wonderful food and hospitality, guests were offered tours of the operation.

Schleifring is the leading manufacturer of electrical slip ring systems and contactless rotary joints. Theses products are used worldwide by several industrial sectors, including health care for CT and MRI scanning machines. SMS's Elgin facility, located in the Fox Bluff Corporate Center, has sales of $25m and exports about half of its products. Its workforce has grown to 40 employees from 10 in 2001, with 90 percent from Elgin.

Mueller Receives Honors

2011-07-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

Mueller has been voted Best Place to work in Illinois, 2011 and received the Kane Chronicles Reader’s Choice Award for the Best Accounting Firm in 2011.

Last year, Crain’s Chicago Business listed Mueller & Co., LLP as the 20^th largest accounting firm in the Chicago area.

What started out as a small CPA firm, in Elgin, has blossomed into an organization that employs approximately 90 individuals including 15 partners, professional staff accountants, and auditors, which are supported by paraprofessionals and administrative personnel.

Mueller & Co., LLP is a certified public accounting and management consulting firm with offices located in Elgin, St. Charles, Oakbrook Terrace and Chicago, Illinois. For over 43 years the firm has provided accounting, tax, assurance, and management consulting services to privately held and publicly traded companies, local governments and not-for-profit organizations within a wide variety of industries.

Local expert to head ECC small business development center

2011-06-17T12:58:00.000-05:00

By Elgin Community College Wednesday at 10:33 a.m.

Sybil Ege has been selected as the new business analyst for Elgin Community College's Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC). Ege, who provided business counseling at the center since 2008, replaces ISBDC Director Kriss Knowles, who retired in January.

As business analyst, Ege manages the center's day-to-day operations. The center provides free one-on-one confidential client counseling to existing and prospective business owners. It also conducts low-cost seminars and sponsors events and workshops on a variety of subjects of interest to entrepreneurs.

Ege has more than 30 years corporate and small business experience, specializes in business plan development, marketing, and franchising. She previously worked as a franchise broker and franchisee with The Entrepreneur's Source, specializing in franchising opportunities for small business owners. Ege also is the founder and owner of Reach Out Marketing, which offers marketing communications and business development services to small and midsized companies.

Manpower Reports Strong Jobs Outlook for Chicago MSA

2011-06-16T12:31:00.000-05:00

Embargoed Until Tuesday, June 14, 12:01 a.m. ET

Contacts: Anne Edmunds – (312) 781-9053 or Rob Mahanes – (630) 286-8986

June 14, 2011 – Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL-IN-WI MSA employers expect to hire at a healthy pace during Quarter 3 2011, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

From July to September, 19% of the companies interviewed plan to hire more employees, while 4% expect to cut staff. Another 76% expect to maintain their current staff levels and 1% are not certain of their hiring plans. This yields a Net Employment Outlook* of 15%.

“Employers report stronger hiring plans for the third quarter of 2011 compared to Quarter 2 when the Net Employment Outlook was 8,” said Manpower spokesperson Anne Edmunds. “Employers expect improved employment prospects compared with one year ago when the Net Employment Outlook was 11%.”

Summary of Results for Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL-IN-WI MSA

	Increase Staff Levels	Decrease Staff Levels	Maintain Staff Levels	Don’t Know	Net Employment Outlook
Q3 2011 (current)	19%	4%	76%	1%	15%
Q2 2011 (previous quarter)	14%	6%	76%	4%	8%
Q3 2010 (one year ago)	15%	4%	70%	11%	11%

*The Net Employment Outlook is derived by taking the percentage of employers anticipating an increase in hiring activity and subtracting from this the percentage of employers expecting a decrease in hiring activity.

For the coming quarter, job prospects appear best in Durable Goods Manufacturing, Transportation & Utilities, Wholesale & Retail Trade, Information, Financial Activities, Professional & Business Services, Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality and Other Services. Employers in Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing and Government plan to reduce staffing levels, while Construction employers report no change in hiring sentiment.

Manpower Employment Outlook Survey Results for the United States

Of the more than 18,000 employers surveyed in the United States, 20% anticipate an increase in staff levels in their Quarter 3 2011 hiring plans, while 8% expect a decrease in payrolls, resulting in a Net Employment Outlook of +12%. When seasonally adjusted, the Net Employment Outlook becomes +8%. Sixty-nine percent of employers expect no change in their hiring plans. The remaining 3% of employers indicate they are undecided about their hiring intentions.

To view results for Metropolitan Statistical areas surveyed within Illinois, visit http://press.manpower.com.

The next Manpower Employment Outlook Survey will be released on September 13, 2011 to report hiring expectations for Quarter 4 2011.

About the Survey

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted quarterly to measure employers’ intentions to increase or decrease the number of employees in their workforces during the next quarter. The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey’s United States results are based on interviews with 18,000 employers located in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, which includes the largest 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas based on number of business establishments. The mix of industries within the survey follows the North American Industry Classification System Supersectors and is structured to be representative of the U.S. economy.

The complete results of the national Manpower Employment Outlook Survey can be found in the Press Room of our website at http://press.manpower.com. There you will also find the results for the 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas surveyed, the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Questions can be directed to press@na.manpower.com.

Article printed from Manpower U.S. Pressroom: http://press.manpower.com
URL to article: http://press.manpower.com/reports/2011/strong-job-market-expected-for-chicago-naperville-joliet-il-in-wi-msa/

Statewide Economic Development Award to American NTN Bearing Manufacturing Corp

2011-06-01T13:18:00.001-05:00

The Illinois Chamber and Illinois Development Council Give “Edies” to Honor Those Who Imagine, Design, Invest, Build and Bring Jobs, Growth and Prosperity to Illinois Communities

American NTN Bearing Manufacturing Corp. in Elgin has been awarded an Edie (Economic Development in Illinois) Award by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Development Council (IDC) recognizing their significant economic development project finished in 2010. “We are honored to get this prestigious award and thank the Elgin Area Chamber for nominating us. When the need arises for future expansion Elgin will always be our # 1 choice,” says NTN’s Sham Rawal, V.P. Finance and Administration.

“NTN’s expansion during a difficult economy is extremely positive for Elgin,” said Elgin Mayor David Kaptain. “This company has been a major employer since they came to town in 1975. This project translates into an additional 80 jobs available at a time when unemployment remains high. ”

American NTN Bearing Manufacturing Corp. finished its sixth expansion in Elgin in 2010 – a $26 million, 130,000 sq.ft. manufacturing facility located at the corner of McLean Blvd. and Homes Road. Elgin Area Chamber president Leo Nelson said, “NTN is an outstanding long-term employer in Elgin and we are delighted they again expanded in our community.”

This project included design and construction of a new manufacturing facility, approximately 130,000 square feet initially with the option to nearly double in size to 240,000 square feet. Installed in the plant is machinery to manufacture taper roller bearings and hub bearings for the automotive market to support the increased demand for NTN’s products.

Founded in 1918, American NTN is one of the world’s largest bearing producers – with 50 plants worldwide and more than 12,000 employees. American NTN originally come to Elgin in 1975 and has grown ever since. Previously the tapered roller bearing manufacturing facility was built in 1984 and the bearing hub unit manufacturing facility was built in 1988 with expansions at each. NTN has long contributed to the development of our community as a major employer, with more than 500 employees in the various Elgin locations.

“Sustainable economic development is critical to Elgin’s growth,” said Elgin City Manager Sean Stegall. “We are so pleased NTN continues to invest in our community.”

The Edie Awards have up to fifteen categories based on geography (City of Chicago, Metropolitan Chicago or statewide projects) and development type: manufacturing, commercial, energy, technology and transportation/distribution. NTN Bearings is one of only three projects statewide receiving an Edie, which will be formally presented at the Illinois Chamber’s annual meeting in Chicago on June 17.

U-46 Students Work Ready

2011-05-27T08:33:00.000-05:00

This year, 909 U-46 students received their National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), a dramatic increase from prior years. To earn the certification students are tested on: Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, and Locating Information. Students are awarded certification of bronze, silver, gold or platinum level based on their skills and achievement on the three WorkKeys® tests. The NCRC measures and verifies essential skill sets necessary for post-secondary education and future career success. Seventy local businesses recognize NCRC in the screening and hiring procedures. Gold level certification, a Destination 2015 benchmark in District U-46, provides nationally recognized evidence of the qualifications needed for 90% of entry level positions.

The over 900 students who received the NCRC's were honored, along with their parents, at a special reception on May 17, 2011. The celebration was held at Elgin Community College's University Business Center. Congratulatory remarks were offered by Dr. David Sam, President of ECC and Dr. Jose Torres, Superintendent of School District U-46. Pay Hayes, Chairman and Founder of Fabric Images, stressed the importance he and other employers place upon the NCRC when screening job candidates.

Recently, Provena Saint Joseph Hospital and Sherman Hospital joined the growing list of area organizations that recognizes the NCRC as part of their hiring process.

The NCRC is a national work-ready credential used by leading companies throughout the United States. The credential is based on ACT's WorkKeys® assessments. For incumbent workers and the unemployed, ECC and its partner organizations are offering the training and the assessments that can lead to the NCRC for free. For more information contact ECC at 847-214-7399.

Interest in Elgin's Workforce Initiative Grows

2011-05-27T08:32:00.000-05:00

Veterans Summit Job & Resource Fair

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) invited the Chamber to participate in a Veteran's Summit Job and Resource Fair. The event was held on May 4th at Elgin Community College's (ECC) Spartan Events Center. ECC's Career Services partnered with IDES to host the Summit.

The EDG's Workforce Committee believes the WorkKeys® assessments, leading to a National Career Readiness Certificate, is a great way for vets to prove they have the core skills for civilian employment. At the Summit, EDG and ECC's Career Services joined together to offer vets important information on WorkKeys®, the NCRC, and Key Train - the skills building program that prepares individuals for the WorkKeys® assessments.

Later in the month, on May 19, EDG Workforce Committee members Pat Hayes and Bob Malm were invited to the Chicago Chapter of CORENET Global's Economic Development Committee to participate in a round table discussion of workforce issues. CORENET Global is the leading association for corporate real estate professionals.

Much of the discussion focused on Elgin's 1,000 Workers Skills Initiative and improving workforce quality through educational, business and civic partnerships.

City of Elgin Scores 'AAA' Rating

2011-05-27T08:31:00.000-05:00

Fitch has rated City of Elgin's pending sale of $9.695 million general obligation bonds as 'AAA', with a rating outlook of stable.

Topping the list of the reasons for the superlative 'AAA' bond rating are:

Elgin's financial profile is excellent with conservative fiscal management, extensive financial planning and healthy reserve levels providing ample financial flexibility;
The city's debt profile is favorable with low direct debt supported by the use of internal financing sources for capital expenditures and nearly 100% of tax-supported debt retired in 10 years. Overall debt is moderate;
Continued careful budget management to maintain current levels of financial flexibility in the face of economic constraints consistent with a more stable, mature tax base.

Fitch Ratings is a global rating agency providing independent and prospective credit opinions, research and data. Fitch is dual-headquartered in New York and London with 50 offices worldwide.

Wisdom Adhesives Expands Elgin, IL, Corporate Campus to Include New Center to House Research and Development Department

2011-05-24T09:27:00.000-05:00

Wisdom Adhesives, North America’s top mid-size manufacturer of high performance, environmentally safe industrial adhesives, continues to grow in size and scope as the company has recently acquired a building with plans to create a new center to house the Wisdom Adhesives Research and Development department. The new Wisdom Adhesives Research and Development Center is an extension of Wisdom’s main campus, with its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility located in Elgin, IL. and is where Wisdom’s team of adhesives scientists will continue to work on new and improved ways to strengthen Wisdom Adhesives adhesive product lines.

Wisdom Adhesives manufactures water-based, dextrin and protein adhesives and includes hot-melt capabilities that produce hot-chip and other specialty products. The company offers a wide range of tolling, packaging and private labeling capabilities.

“We are excited about this latest expansion involving our growing Research and Development department, which is one more way Wisdom Adhesives looks forward to better serving our customers and meeting their ever-changing needs for highly efficient and environmentally sustainable adhesives,“ states Jeff Wisdom, the Chief Executive Officer and fifth-generation owner of Wisdom Adhesives.

Founded in 1875, Wisdom Adhesives, North America’s longest running adhesives manufacturing company, is fifth-generation owned and managed. Wisdom Adhesives is a supplier of environmentally safe and compliant water-based and hot melt adhesives to industrial users throughout the world. Wisdom Adhesives is recognized as a top mid-sized adhesive manufacturer of Water-based Resins, Dextrins, PSA’s and Acrylics; Hot Melt Eva’s, PE’s and PSA’s; Protein Adhesives and Reactive Products. Wisdom supplies adhesives to a wide range of industries including Book Binding, Converting, Tissue and Towel, Graphic Arts, Packaging, Product Assembly, Textiles and General Purpose.

To obtain more information, call 847.841.7002 or visit www.wisdomadhesives.com. Wisdom Adhesives’ corporate headquarters is located at 1575 Executive Drive, Elgin, IL 60123.

Elgin's March Rate Down From 2010

2011-04-29T11:54:00.001-05:00

The accompanying chart shows unemployment rates for March 2011 and 2010, not seasonally adjusted, for Elgin and selected communities compared to the State of Illinois and the U.S. (Source: IDES). Elgin's March rate of 12.8 percent represents a decline of 2.6 percent from the same month a year ago.

In the first three months of this year, Elgin's unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, has not budged much, with the rate hovering around 12.8 percent.

Elgin Takes Center Stage

2011-04-27T14:58:00.001-05:00

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Representatives from Elgin played a major leadership role at the ACT’s National 2011 Workforce Conference this month.

Elgin continues to receive national recognition for its workforce development efforts. Elgin has become known for enhancing workforce quality through community collaboration and the National Career Readiness Certificate (NRRC). No wonder three key persons who have engaged in Elgin’s workforce initiative were asked to present at the preconference sessions before a delegation of over 80 Illinois educational, government and business leaders.

Offering their insights on the NCRC and its use in building a more skilled workforce were:

Dr. Jose Torres, Superintendent, U-46 School District
Eric Smith, Director of Human Relations, Hoffer Plastics
Pat Hayes, Chairman, Fabric Images

Each speaker described the benefits of the WorkKeys®/NCRC job skills assessment and advocated for its use throughout Illinois.

For more information how WorkKeys® can help reduce your turnover and training costs, please visit nationalcareerreadiness.org or watch Pat Hayes on our YouTube Workforce Channel.