News Relevant to DeKalb County
Taking the Next Step: Strategic Planning for DCEDC
For DCEDC the next step includes strategic planning to identify what the future DeKalb County economy should look like and focusing on the most productive activities to secure that future. Ultimately the DCEDC Strategic Plan will update the organization's goals and objectives, define priorities and schedule activities going forward.
The process involves gathering information from public and private stakeholders in focus groups that are being held throughout the County. This input will help DCEDC craft a plan of action that will be most effective and productive.
We would like you to be part of the process; please Click Here to complete an online survey and give us your feedback.
Illinois workNet Center July Calendar
Illinois workNet Center has released their July calendar of activities. Two special workshops, Behavioral Interviewing and Unemployment to Re-employment, are scheduled this month. For detailed information, view the flyers below.
Unemployment to Re-employment Workshop
NIU Launch
NIU launched an exciting new era with the June 19 groundbreaking celebration for the Northern Illinois Proton Treatment & Research Center. The center will be a place of healing and hope for children and adults with cancer as well as a center of learning as it educates health professionals in proton therapy and pursues cancer research. The center is anticipated to open in about two years and is located in the DuPage National Technology Park.
John Lewis, Associate Vice President of NIU Outreach, was named Executive Director of the center and was proud to announce that when the center is complete it will be one of eight in the country.
Solid Job Market Projected
According to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, DeKalb/Sycamore area employers are expected to hire at a strong pace during the third quarter of 2008. During the July-September period, 30% of the companies interviewed plan to hire more employees, while 7% plan to reduce their payrolls. Another 63% expect to maintain their current staffing levels. Job prospects appear best in Non-Durable Good Manufacturing, Transportation/Public Utilities and Services.
Minimum Wage Adjustment Takes Effect
Don't forget effective July 1, 2008 the minimum hourly wage in Illinois adjusts to $7.75 per hour up from the current minimum wage of $7.50 per hour. Tipped employee minimum wage will be $4.65 per hour. Minimum wage for employees under 18 years of age will be $7.25 per hour.
Get the Straight Scoop on Rising Food Prices
To help understand the complicated issue of rising food prices, the Illinois Farm Bureau has created a new website, www.farmingforyou.org, to provide consumers with the proper answers.
The website discusses and explains the five major reasons food prices are on the rise: higher energy prices; inflation and the weak U.S. Dollar; weather; global demand; and labor costs.
The website also highlights information on how consumers can save at the grocery store and provides links to other food-related stories. (Source: DeKalb County Farm Bureau Point Of View).
What's Up at the Airport?
Save The Date for the next DCEDC Business Roundtable scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2008 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport. The topic is What's Up at the Airport . This will give attendees a chance to see a DeKalb County resource with significant impact on business, recreation and education. For additional information and registration Click Here.
