Critical Skills Shortage Initiative targets RN training and retention
by Alan J. Ortbals -- July 2005, Southern Illinois First Annual Rising Star Edition
In 2001, the Madison-Bond County Workforce Board and the Mid-America Workforce Board united to hire Workforce
Associates Inc. to do an analysis of the Southwestern Illinois workforce.
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Business and education team up to encourage kids to Finish First
by Alan J. Ortbals -- December 2004, Southern Illinois Workforce Development Issue
Three out of four state prison inmates did not earn a high school diploma. Adults in Illinois without a high
school diploma are nearly four times more likely to be poor.
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Illinois' minimum wage increases, surpasses federal minimum by $1.35
by Kerry L. Smith -- December 2004, Southern Illinois Workforce Development Issue
As Illinois employers watch the state's minimum wage rise to $6.50 per hour on Jan. 1, labor analysts say
hirers who will most likely feel the impact are those in the retail and food service sectors.
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Pro-labor, anti-employer 'replacement worker' law effective Jan. 1
by Kerry L. Smith -- December 2003, Southern Illinois Human Resources Issue
Several pro-labor, anti-employer laws that eased their way through passage during the Illinois Assembly's
93rd session are already hampering Illinois employers.
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One-Stop Centers match job seekers with employers seeking workers
by Vicki Bennington -- December 2003, Southern Illinois Human Resources Issue
Bringing employers and job seekers together, One-Stop Centers are combining a number of job placement,
training and career counseling services, making convenience the name of the game.
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Career expo sparks youths' interest in construction trades
by Vicki Bennington -- November 2003, Southern Illinois Construction and Labor Issue
With the "graying" of America's workforce, organizations and administrators are scrambling to replace
retiring baby boomers with young workers, particularly in the construction and trade industry.
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Construction workforce still in great demand across Southwestern Illinois
by Kerry L. Smith -- November 2003, Southern Illinois Construction and Labor Issue
Thanks to the continuation of "mega-projects" including the extension of Illinois Route 255, Southwestern
Illinois' construction-related workforce has its hands full for the near future.
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Illinois Senate does two step in approving minimum wage increase
by Kerry L. Smith -- May 2003, Illinois Law Issue
While Illinois Democrats are touting the socioeconomic advantages of increasing the state's minimum wage by
$1.35, Republicans and small business owners are concerned it will negatively impact an already weak labor economy.
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