About the Workforce Investment Board of Western Illinois

The Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was enacted in 1998 to create a revitalized, customer-focused workforce development system. In Illinois, this initiative is carried out through the Illinois Workforce Investment Board (IWIB) and 26 Local Workforce Investment Boards (LWIBs). This website is a part of the activities of LWIB 14, which serves a nine county area of Western Illinois.

Guidance for workforce development issues in Western Illinois comes from the Workforce Investment Board of Western Illinois. At least half of the local board membership must be from private industry. Other members include government agencies and partner agencies who are stakeholders in building a better workforce. The chair of the board must be from the private sector.

Services for local workforce development are primarily delivered through a system of One Stop service centers, known as Illinois Employment and Training Centers. The location of these centers and other local workforce offices are available on this website.

Workforce Investment Board Strategic Priorities

1. Promote the WIB and its role as the "Workforce Solution."
2. Strengthen communication with the employer community.
3. Continue the linkage with Economic Development.
4. Expand the One-Stop System beyond two centers, to offer services throughout the nine counties.
5. Support projects that enhance youth services or address service gaps.
6. Issue an annual state of the workforce report.
7. Implement the Critical Skills Shortage Initiative for manufacturing and health care.

Workforce Investment Board Committees

1. There are hereby established the following standing committees of the WIB:

1. Executive Committee

2. Youth Council

3. Private Sector Committee

4. One-Stop Committee

2. The purpose and functions of each of the standing committees shall be that as detailed in the addendum to the bylaws.

3. Committee Meetings: The committees of the WIB shall meet as often as required to fulfill the responsibilities and duties assigned.

4. All meetings of committees of the WIB shall be conducted in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act: An Act in Relation to Meetings. Approved July 11, 1975. as amended. III. Rev.Stat.:par.41 et.Seq.

5. Committee Membership

1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the WIB Chairperson, the WIB Vice Chairperson, the immediate past Chairperson of the WIB, and four members-at-large appointed by the Chairperson from the private sector membership of the WIB.  The WIB Chairperson shall chair the Executive Committee.

2. The Youth Council members shall be appointed by the Chairperson and Chief Elected Officials in accordance with federal membership criteria.

3. The Private Sector Committee members shall be appointed by the Chairperson.  Membership shall consist of WIB members who represent business, labor and economic development sectors.

4. The One-Stop Committee members shall be appointed by the Chairperson.  Membership shall consist of WIB members who represent mandatory partners and public sector members.

6. Committee Responsibilities

The WIB Committee responsibilities shall include the following and other duties as assigned:

1. Executive Committee

1. Overall structure of the WIB and committees.

2. Action or urgent new business, such action to be reported at the next regular meeting of the WIB.

2. Youth Council

1. Fulfill the requirements of the Act regarding the implementation of youth programs.

2. Develop youth programs that address gaps in the workforce investment needs of youth, as identified in LWA 14, for consideration by the WIB and CEOs.

3. Private Sector Committee

1. Focus on the workforce investment needs of the employer customer and advise the WIB thereof.

2. Establish linkages with the employer community for the purpose of implementing workforce investment activities in LWA 14.

4. One-Stop Committee

1. Focus on the workforce investment needs of the job seeker customer and advise the WIB thereof.

2. Focus on the One-Stop delivery system and advise the WIB thereof.

Workforce Investment Board of Western Illinois Members