WORKLOCAL.ORG
Community Jobs Initiative

This free training program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, is designed for unemployed and underemployed individuals with experience in home improvement, a keen desire to begin a career in the carpentry trade, and a genuine interest in the rapidly developing specialties of green carpentry and weatherization. The course introduces participants to residential framing systems (historical, contemporary and “green”); floor and wall construction; ceiling and roof construction; and chimney, chase and soffit enclosures. It then extends this training to include the following: overview of the green construction of new buildings and the energy-efficient “retrofitting” of existing buildings demonstration of the use of a blower door and infra-red gun, the essential equipment for detecting—and developing measures to reduce—energy loss in existing buildings proper installation of exterior doors, windows, and attic access closures insulation materials (fiberglass, cellulose and foam) as well as installation techniques sealing of air leaks to prevent the loss of heated/air conditioned air Trainee Eligibility Criteria: Applicants for this training should ideally live in the Auburn Gresham, Austin, East Garfield Park, Englewood, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, North Lawndale, Roseland, West Englewood, West Garfield Park, or West Town Community Areas, and meet the following qualifications:

1.  Physically capable of—and preferably with experience of—work encountered in the carpentry trade and weatherization operations: capable of working in all kinds of weather (windy, hot, cold, humid) capable of lifting up to 80 lbs. capable of working on ladders and scaffolds up to 3 stories high capable of working in poorly lit spaces capable of crouching, crawling and working in confined spaces
2. Mentally capable of work encountered in the carpentry trade and weatherization operations: able to read and do math at the 10th grade level or higher (if lower than 10th grade, required to bring scores up to 10th grade level before program starts willing to learn to read construction-related documents, such as safety information, equipment instructions, floor plans, diagrams, drawings and work orders able to take measurements and perform calculations involving space, volume and materials willing to comply with safety regulations and follow directions
3. Determined to get a job (or willing to consider temporary or transitional employment opportunities)
4. Willing to commit to all components of the training program: vocational skills (above), computer skills, career exploration, job readiness, job search, and job placement Objective: to help trainees secure entry-level work in carpentry and weatherization

Training Period: April 23, 2012 – May 25, 2012 (5 weeks of training) Training Days/Times: Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 1:00pm (including breaks) Location: on-site workshop and computer lab (address below) Intake: 5-step process:

1. phone interview (20 minutes)
2. information session (1 hour)
3. reading/math test (2 hours)
4. other diagnostic tests (2 hours)
5. documentation + pre-employment interview (4 hours).

Must call; no walk-ins. Contact: Ebony McLaurin, Client Services Coordinator at LEED Council, 773-929-5552 ext. 228

http://goo.gl/QWuco

Our fourth Worklocal.org Networking Event was Thursday night at Green Exchange, and we had our biggest turnout ever. Over 100 people showed up to the event, far exceeding our expectation. The event was hosted at the airy, softly-lit Greenhouse Loft and beverages and a light buffet was catered by Goose Island Brewing. Job seekers networked with employers at Rainforest Learning Center (recipient of its first micro-loan for $100,000 through LEED Council’s federally funded small business micro-loan program), GreenChoice Bank, Coyote Logistics and Greenhouse Loft before the event began, shaking hands and swapping resumes and business cards.

LEED Council’s President and CEO, Ted Wysocki, was the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. He talked about the historical importance of preserving the Cooper Lamp Factory and using it to host “green” businesses that work with Worklocal.org’s Community Jobs Initiative. He also announced that we were live-tweeting the event under #WorklocalEvent, and encouraged the audience to follow Worklocal.org on social media.

Other speakers on the agenda were Logan Square Neighborhood Association’s Director of Community Learning Centers, Lisette Kuri, who spoke about LSNA’s educational initiatives; and Baum Development’s Director of Community Development, Aaron Gadiel. Gadiel talked about social responsibility at Green Exchange, a LEED Platinum-Certified building. “Studies have proven that working in a building with environmentally friendly features can actually make employees more productive, and that includes natural light and better air quality,” Gadiel says. “And we’re finding that to be true with our tenants.”

Alderman Proco Joe Moreno (1st Ward) spoke about the importance of bringing jobs to his community since Green Exchange is located in his ward. “We want local folks working here,” he said. According to Gadiel, over 1000 people currently work at Green Exchange.
Each of the employers took the stage to introduce themselves and their companies. One of the biggest hirers at Green Exchange is Coyote Logistics, which takes up 90,000 of the 275,000 square feet of the building. Coyote Logistics works with clients to move inventory in the most effective way possible by identifying and providing logistical solutions. The company specializes in the sustainable practice of fleet backhauling, which uses client’s trucks to transport loads on return trips, reducing the number of trucks transporting half or empty loads. The company is hiring for positions in sales, information technology and operations.

After the introductions, there was time for more networking and an informal tour of the building.

To see more photos of the event, visit LEED Council's Picasa account. Photos by Ben Price.

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/fourth_worklocal.org_event_results_in_large_turnout

Qixin Wang, a Medill Reports Chicago reporter, came out to our Networking Event and interviewed a job seeker who could benefit from "green" business at Green Exchange. 

Link to article

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/networking_event_benefits_job_seekers

Eco-minded businesses begin moving into Green Exchange. Blogger Judith Nemes interviews David Baum, co-developer of Green Exchange, for Crain's Business Chicago.

Link to article

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/tenants_finally_stream_in_green_exchange

Local Economic and Employment Development Council is launching its second free Home Energy Audtior Training program, designed to prepare individuals to become home energy auditors, on February 27. In partnership with eZing, one of Chicagoland's leading energy auditing firms, we are offering a program to get trainees ready to obtain the Building Analyst certification, developed by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and widely considered to be one of the "must-have" credentials for those wanting to break into the field. We have a number of slots left, but we're looking for high-caliber individuals who, ideally, are articulate, well-educated, committed to "green" endeavors, and experienced in the arena of residential construction. In order to register, prospective trainees must complete our intake process. To get your clients started, have them call Ebony McLaurin, Client Services Coordinator, at 773-929-5552 ext. 228. After completing a screening interview over the phone, prospective trainees will be asked to come in to complete the intake process. Please note that we ordinarily do not accept walk-in applicants. Again, applicants must complete a screening interview on the phone before attending an on-site information session.

The power-packed eight week curriculum covers green building principles, the basics of weatherization, and the full range of competencies needed by an energy auditor, including knowledge of diagnostic equipment such as the blower door, infrared camera, and duct blaster.
It involves hands-on workshop-based instruction as well as fieldwork. The program also includes modules, customized to the needs of individual trainees computer skills, and job search. Participants who take full advantage of our job-placement services usually get jobs.

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/sign_up_for_free_home_energy_auditor_training

We have a few slots left for Local Economic and Employment Development Council's Computer Skills Class. In order to register, prospective trainees must complete our intake process. To get your clients started, have them call Ebony McLaurin, Client Services Coordinator, at 773-929-5552 ext. 228. After completing a screening interview over the phone, prospective trainees will be asked to come in to complete the intake process. Please also note that we ordinarily do not accept walk-in applicants. Again, applicants must complete a screening interview on the phone before attending an on-site information session.

This seven week program teaches keyboarding, computer fundamentals, the Internet and World Wide Web, e-mail, Word, Excel and, time permitting, PowerPoint. The power-packed curriculum also includes modules on job readiness and financial education. Participants who take full advantage of our job-placement services usually get jobs.

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/leed_council_begins_computer_skills_class_february_13

Back by popular demand: Local Economic and Employment Development's training for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification for Word 2010. This powerful resume-building credential confers instant credibility with employers, colleagues and clients. 88% of managers surveyed said they would hire someone with the certification over someone without it. In order to become certified, an individual must score 80% or higher on a rigorous exam. We've hand-picked several trainees to participate, so we only have a few slots left. Don't delay: the training starts on Feb 14, 2012. The program is open to anyone 18 or older who is drug-free and sober and legally able to work in the U.S. But a solid grasp of computer fundamentals is required, and we require prospective trainees to pass a diagnostic test.

For more information, call or have your clients call Ebony McLaurin, Client Services Associate, at 773-929-5552 ext. 228.

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/leed_council_offers_mos_certification_for_powerpoint

Those looking for employment will be interested in our upcoming open house. Worklocal.org will be promoting new jobs at Green Exchange (2545 W. Diversey Ave.) during an on-campus recruiting event on Wednesday, January 25 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Northwestern College, 4829 N. Lipps Ave. Employees and volunteers from Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA) will be distributing information about job openings, as well as the benefits of registering for Worklocal.org. Benefits include access to job-readiness, resources, workshops hosted by affiliates and future alerts about openings in the North River Industrial Corridor. LSNA will prepare job seekers with tips on creating resumes and interviewing. The gathering is focused to seniors, recent graduates and job seekers living in Avondale, Lathrop Homes, Logan Square, West Town, Humboldt Park and Hermosa, but residents from other areas are also welcome to attend.

For more information about this event, contact LSNA staff Benjamin Negrete or Suheily DeOleo at 773-549-2525.

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/worklocal.org_hosts_open_house_at_northwestern_college_for_jobs

The event space at the Green Exchange is being prepared for its first wedding the first weekend of November.

The outdoor deck will offer extended seasonal space.

Rainforest Learning Center, currently in the South Loop, is opening its second location at the Green Exchange in this first floor space on Diversey.

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/build_out_progressing_at_green_exchange

Work Local Event at Logan Square Kitchen.  (Photo: Deborah McCoy)

On October 12th, the Local Economic and Employment (LEED) Council partnered with the Logan Square Neighborhood Association to host a WorkLocal.org Community Jobs Initiative event. The event was held at the beautiful Logan Square Kitchen (a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design [LEED] Gold-certified building) to connect job seekers with employers locating in the Green Exchange, a new green business center in Logan Square. Some tenants of the Green Exchange are anticipating hiring hundreds of new employees within the next year. 

Roughly 70 job seekers attended the event to hear short presentations focused on job openings, skills and qualifications sought by Green Exchange employers including Coyote Logistics, Rainforest Learning Center, and Green Choice Bank. Coyote Logistics works with clients to move inventory in the most effective way possible by identifying and providing logistical solutions. The company specializes in the sustainable practice of fleet backhauling, which utilizes client’s trucks to transport loads on return trips, reducing the number of trucks transporting half or empty loads.  Coyote Logistics has multiple job openings available, some requiring a bachelor’s degree, and others requiring a high school degree. 

The event also featured opening remarks by Alderman Rey Colon (35th Ward) congratulating Baum Development, the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and the LEED Council on the event and the success of the project.  Aaron Gadiel, Director of Community Development for the Green Exchange, discussed the project and gave a progress report on the building. This included mention of tenants signed to date and space currently under construction or being readied for additional tenants soon to move into the 275,000 square foot center.  The Green Exchange is being developed as a LEED Platinum-Certified building and, when fully occupied, will be the largest center in the country focused on tenants providing a sustainable business service or product.

We wish to thank our host Zina Murray and the Logan Square Kitchen for providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for the event and Josh Deth at Revolution Brewing for donating craft-beer and Christian Behr and Gaztro-Wagon for the fun and delicious food.

35th Ward Alderman Rey Colon congratulates attendees for pursuing jobs in the community.  (Photo: Deborah McCoy)

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/3rd_worklocal_event_a_success_in_linking_local_job_seekers_to_employers

Job openings are now posted on Worklocal.org.  To apply for the jobs posted on Worklocal.org, you must complete both the online application and resume forms. Resumes cannot be uploaded. Watch for more job postings as more companies move into the Green Exchange and as the Community Jobs Initiative expands to companies in the area surrounding the Green Exchange.

Spread the word to your friends and families to join Worklocal. It is the only job board that targets job seekers living in the communities surrounding the Green Exchange located at 2545 W. Diversey.  These communities include Logan Square, Avondale, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, West Town and Lathrop Homes. Initially targeting job seekers living in these communities, any Chicago resident can apply for a job. 

Any questions should be emailed to lily@worklocal.org. Include “Green Exchange” in the subject line of the email.

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/job_listings_arrive

On July 20th, the LEED Council and the Logan Square Neighborhood Association held a Community Jobs Initiative meeting at Ames Middle school. The goal of the meeting was to educate residents from 6 targeted communities (Logan Square, Avondale, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, West Town and Lathrop Homes) about the Green Exchange, employment opportunities that are or will be soon available at the Green Exchange and also to introduce the "green economy" and green jobs to attendees.  Attendees also had the chance to attend one of two workshops: One to help job-seekers with their interviewing skills and another for completing their application on the worklocal.org website.

There were six speakers speaking about two distinct areas: "Working Locally at the Green Exchange" which included Margie Gonwa from the LEED Council, Aaron Gadiel from Baum Development and Chris Pickett from Coyote Logistics, one of the first tenants at the Green Exchange. The second section, "Prospects for a Green Economy", focused on upcoming trends in "green" jobs. The three speakers for that section were: Krista Elam of the LEED Council, Kindy Kruller from the Delta Institute, and Greg Ehrendreich with Midwest Energy Efficiency.

The speakers offered attendees valuable information about how to seek jobs in the green economy and also what kind of jobs would be available at the Green Exchange. Another thread running through the meeting was that of community engagement and involvement, with the expectation that the Green Exchange will offer more than just jobs, but also a boost to the local economy and surrounding neighborhood from the influx of employees, their purchasing power and it's impact on local shops, stores and other businesses in the nearby areas.

There will be future meetings of the "Work Local Jobs Initiative" and LEED Council will be sure to promote them to our readers, businesses, and the community.

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/worklocal_event_held_at_ames_middle_school

Looking for a good job? Want to pursue a career in the new green economy?
If so, please attend this upcoming event:

Working Locally at the Green Exchange
Wednesday, July 20th, 2011
12pm-2pm

Ames Middle School
1920 N. Hamlin, Chicago
Armitage (2000 N) & Hamlin (3800 W)

Join us to learn more about this innovative economic hub and the wide variety of companies planning to move in. This event is one of a series designed to connect local residents with a wide variety of job opportunities at the Green Exchange, 2545 W. Diversey, and the surrounding area.

Agenda will include update on tenants moving into the Green Exchange + workshops on:

• Job Prospects in a Green Economy;
• Tips for Improving Your Interviewing Skills; and
• Strategies for using Social Media in your Job Search.
• Computer access & assistance will also be available to register as a WorkLocal user and to complete your on-line job application.

Yes, there will be a free lunch.
Please confirm your attendance by email to: rsvp@worklocal.org

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/working_locally_at_the_green_exchange

Progress on the Green Exchange is moving along!  The general contractor, LedCor, several subcontractors, and other construction companies are hard at work on the build-out of tenant space and renovation of the building.  The anchor tenant, Coyote Logistics, moved most of their employees in June from their Lake Forest location to the Green Exchange. They occupy the entire third floor and eventually will occupy part of the fourth floor.  The second, fourth, and fifth floors should be ready for occupancy in late August or early September.  Besides Coyote Logistics, other tenants such as GreenChoice Bank and GreenHouse Loft, have begun or are starting work on their space in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more updates!

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/moving_right_along

On May 19th, Mayor Rahm Emanuel held one of his first press conferences as Mayor at the Green Exchange to announce formation of a new task force on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Reform. The Task Force was formed to bring transparency, accountability, and efficiency to the TIF system.   The Mayor also announced that TIF data will be easily accessible to Chicagoans online at www.cityofchicago.org/TIF. Data on TIF budgets that has formerly been in .pdfs has been put into a new format and new data has been added so that citizens can more readily process TIF information.  The Task Force’s work should be complete within three months, and recommendations will be incorporated into the city’s 2010 budget.

We were excited that the Mayor chose the Green Exchange as a location to make this exciting announcement! The Mayor chose to highlight the Green Exchange as an exemplary public/private partnership in which municipal financial resources are being effectively utilized to attract 1,000 new jobs, spur economic development in the community, and advance environmentally-sustainable practices. The Community Jobs Initiative and this Worklocal.org website are supported by TIF funds through a contract from the Chicago Department of Housing & Economic Development with the Local Economic & Employment Development [LEED] Council.

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/mayor_emanuel_visits_green_exchange

In partnership with the LSNA, the LEED Council is promoting available job opportunities at businesses locating in the Green Exchange and the nearby North River and Rockwell Industrial Corridors. Job seekers are encouraged to register on our new interactive website, worklocal.org, designed to recruit and refer qualified candidates to local employers for job openings.

We are targeting job seekers in the Logan Square, Avondale, Hermosa, Humboldt Park and West Town community areas, and the Lathrop Homes initially.

Outreach will then expand to other communities in the city of Chicago to recruit additional job candidates with matching qualifications and work experience.

The Community Jobs Initiative is a two-year program. The timeline below highlights key milestones and events along the process:

This Community Jobs Initiative is supported through a contract with the Chicago Department of Housing & Economic Development.

http://worklocal.org/index.php/site/item/the_community_jobs_initiative