Some Peoria area residents are out of work and don’t know about the local resources that are available to help get them back to work.  www.PeoriaAreaWorks.com helps job seekers find information about programs and services that are being offered throughout the region. 

It is a central location where people can gather information to help them get back to work.  Employers will find this site helpful as well.  They can post their company’s job openings and seminars, find market analysis information, and learn about support services offered in the region.  

The Economic Development Council for Central Illinois, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Central College, Heartland Partnership, Workforce Network and Employers Association have teamed up on the project to provide the necessary services to businesses and individuals facing troubles in these challenging economic times. 

It is clear that there is a new and somewhat different group of people who find themselves out of work – many for the first time ever.  It appears that a significant portion of them will have little or no experience with the “system” for the unemployed.  Many of the services available through this new website are programs and services that are already being offered.  What is different is the amount of services, the connectivity between provider organizations and the structured communication about the services to the targeted markets.  There is now one central location where people can go to gather the information they need.  Below are some examples of what this collaboration offers:
▪Calendar of events, seminars and workshops to assist job seekers and individuals access the appropriate services and understand their options
▪Virtual toolkit of information for employers who are considering workforce reductions
▪Listing of skill development and training services available
▪Enhancement of professional development and networking opportunities
▪Job board for posting job openings                                                                 
▪Access to volunteer services in local non-profits for early retirees coming soon

Businesses that are members or investors of Workforce Network, Illinois Central College, Employers’ Association, The Heartland Partnership, Peoria Area Chamber or EDC for Central Illinois may have their job postings web page listed here at no charge. Please forward the link for your website to Cindy Patterson at cpatterson@edc.h-p.org.