Big Bolt is an ISO-certified, and premier manufacturer and supplier of high-quality and specialty fasteners in the Midwest. Family-owned and headquartered in Bloomingdale, IL for almost 50 years, Big Bolt has the built its reputation on its capability to do 24/7 emergency manufacturing. Their state-of-the-art 110,000 sq. ft. facility houses more than 12 CNC machines with supporting tools and equipment to manufacture and distribute their in-house products effectively and safely.
Freedman Seating Company (FSC) has been a long-time partner of JARC and has gone above and beyond to support the mission of JARC, as well as the manufacturing sector, and the Westside community. In September 2020, JARC launched its facility on the Westside, on the second floor of Freedman Seating Company’s building. FSC knew JARC was struggling to find a Westside space and offered up unused space, free of charge. JARC worked closely with FSC staff to build the space to be able to launch an impactful program. FSC has worked closely with JARC to create training in Mechanical Assembly that included industry knowledge, and allowing JARC to use its blueprints as an example to be incorporated into the curriculum. This ultimately sets up graduates of the program for jobs not only at Freedman Seating Company, but at other manufacturing companies because they now have relevant industry knowledge.
In Fall of 2021, Michaels Distribution Center in New Lenox, IL contacted the Will County field office of the Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) to discuss their companywide initiative to hire individuals with disabilities within their stores and distribution centers. DRS Business Services Consultant, Biswa Phuyal, jumped on this opportunity and met with Connie Tippett, Human Resources Manager, to discuss Michaels corporate “Makers Like Me Program”, a pilot program to increase disability hires within their organization and building a culture of inclusion. This program is also a direct reflection of Michaels values: “Together, we do the right thing by being inclusive, putting people first, and celebrating our differences.”
Mike Massie, through his private sector company, has demonstrated leadership in the areas of workforce services and economic development. He has made significant contributions to this local workforce area, LWIA 13.
MASSIE & QUICK, LLC, provided a professional platform for Attorney Massie to serve as a leader in the local workforce system through the establishment and continuous improvement of workforce services for justice-impacted individuals in custody and returning citizens. His work was business-lead and business driven, resulting in economic development activities, employment, business expansion, and improved public safety.
Phibro Animal Health Corporation (PAHC) is a diversified global developer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of animal health and nutrition products for use in the production of poultry, swine, cattle, dairy and aquaculture. They are on a mission to provide safe and effective solutions for producers’ unique challenges, in an effort to optimize animal health and nutrition for better lives and a more sustainable world. Through partnership with producers, Phibro continues to evolve a global portfolio to help animals – and businesses – thrive. They have manufacturing facilities in Quincy and Chillicothe, Illinois, as well as Omaha, Nebraska.