iBi - March 2013

Under the leadership of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, we launched the region’s first asset-based, goal-driven Community Economic Development (CED) strategy last summer.

Since the FFCI effort began less than a year ago, it’s been encouraging to see how many people have stepped up to contribute. 

Across the country, the need for highly-skilled manufacturing workers is greater than ever, yet fewer individuals are getting the training required to fill these open positions through a “traditional” education.

The strategic plan is your road map to the future success of the organization. So, assuming your strategic plan isn’t sitting on a shelf collecting dust, what have you done about your “people plan” to support reaching your business goals?

“Y” for Focus Forward CI? Its mission: to engage all populations in a regional effort to transform mindset, economic performance, environment and leadership in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford and Mason Counties.

An organization’s workforce is arguably the greatest asset of any organization. As our economy becomes more dependent on human capital, understanding how to create and maintain a solid workforce is increasingly vital.

Skills gap. Worker shortage. Shrinking labor force. Whatever you call it, it’s no surprise to anyone leading a business today that finding properly educated and trained employees can be a struggle.

Every working professional should have the right to take time off, free from the pressures of work. But doing so requires some savvy planning with your supervisors and colleagues when you are gone.

As we move forward in the world of technology (smartphones, tablets, social media), it appears that we humans are losing touch with the art of face-to-face communication. 

Frequently, workers in this age group are characterized as inflexible, slower and reluctant to evolve with technology. But most employers find that today’s older workers challenge these stereotypes and can be real assets.

Build trust and improve results by striking a balance between high-tech and high-touch communication.

With billions of dollars at stake, Greater Peoria needs to embrace this growing population.

Collaboration and creativity are key to attracting and retaining the workforce of the future.