We were so proud to have Mayor Thomas McNamara declare September 2024 “Workforce Development Month” in the City of Rockford, Illinois!

Read the proclamation below:

-Whereas, investment in the education, training, and career advancement of Rockford’s workforce is crucial to the ability of the city and the state to compete in the global economy, and to achieve echo and economic equity; and
-Whereas, The Workforce Connection, Goodwill Industries, Rock Valley College, and the workforce partners of the city of Rockford and it’s workforce system help job seekers identify their interests and skills, and assist them in developing a strong job search and training strategy, leading to fulfilling employment; and
-Whereas, aligning the workforce development system with employer needs and preparing job seekers to enter family sustaining employment are among the strategies to address employment and economic disparities based on race, disability, age, gender, veteran status, national origin, or justice system involvement; and
-Whereas The Workforce Connection and its partners prioritize collaboration among all members of the local workforce development system including industry partners, workforce development entities, educational institutions, labor unions, and community based organizations, which is crucial in preparing a workforce to meet the labor needs; and
-Whereas The Workforce Connection’s workforce development system proactively engages customers, works to achieve equity, and focuses on flexibility to provide tailored resources to help meet the needs of all Rockford employers and residents seeking employment;
-Now, therefore, I, Thomas P McNamara, as mayor of the City of Rockford do hereby proclaim the month of September 2024 to be
“Workforce Development Month” in Rockford, Illinois and encourage all citizens to recognize the role our local workforce development agencies play in supporting workforce and growing our economy.