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.
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