Business Leadership Award: 2022

Manufacturing is one of the top three industries in Lake County.  Many manufacturers continued operations throughout the pandemic. One of those was SAI Infusion Technologies, a manufacturer in Lake Villa, IL. SAI was founded in 1995 with the goal of helping researchers develop and implement reliable infusion techniques.

The past several years have been incredibly difficult for the healthcare industry. With the Covid pandemic and the ensuing healthcare, economic, and staffing challenges, hospital systems have struggled with a myriad of issues. Freeport Health Network (FHN) has done a tremendous job not only surviving, but thriving and innovating during times of challenge.

It is our pleasure to nominate the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce for the IWP Business  Leadership Award. We have worked with the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce since 2018. They have demonstrated outstanding leadership in workforce development and made significant  contributions to our area workforce.

Founded in 1994 and active with our Kane County Workforce Development Division since 2016, Eagle Flexible Packaging is an innovative printer and converter of flexible packaging specializing in Preformed Pouches, Roll-Fed Film, Rollstock with pre-applied zippers, and Laminate Structures. An in-house Prepress Department enables us to provide the utmost in quality printing, control, and flexibility. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies such as Direct Laser Engraving (in-the-round-imaging, seamless plates, etc.) and a defect detection system ensures the highest quality and consistency.

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.

Bo/Gar Enterprises is being nominated for the Business Leadership Award for 2022 due to their ongoing collaboration and investment in workforce. Bo/Gar Enterprises has been growing and have expanded their capabilities by purchasing new equipment. Career Link has partnered with Bo/Gar Enterprises to upskill their workforce to cross train on the new machines. This has allowed Bo/Gar Enterprises to expand into new markets that were not previously available.

Gateway Bronco is a handcrafted assembly line, specializing in restoration and custom build Broncos, producing over 50 custom builds a year, with a goal over 70 per year.  All production is completed in house, providing multiple opportunities for training and employment throughout the manufacturing process. The company culture is to strive to empower and invest in all employees as well as foster a collaborative, team focused environment, adding to the employee’s quality of life and overall satisfaction. Gateway Bronco is the picture of leadership in our local workforce area. They are located in the small rural village of Hamel, Illinois with less than 1,000 residents. Gateway Bronco is a relatively young company less than 10 years old and growing. The company was an unknowing WIOA supporter, before partnering with Madison County Employment and Training by hiring WIOA trained CDL drivers.

Midwest Career Source Vocational School, under the leadership of Administrator Dr. Sulbrena Day, is this year’s nomination for LWIA 24’s Business Leadership Award. Under Dr. Day’s leadership, MCS has serviced countless students in obtaining certifications and endorsements for medical positions (CNA, CMA, and a dual CNA/Psychiatric Technician) for the surrounding region’s hospital network (HSHS Healthcare, BJC Healthcare, BRIA Health Services, Carlyle Healthcare, and Gateway Regional Medical Center).