On Thursday, September 8th, the Illinois Workforce Partnership held its annual award ceremony and luncheon at the Crown Plaza in Springfield. Among those recognized with for Business Leadership was the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce for its ongoing support of providing meaningful work experience to Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. (BEST, Inc.) participants. Also recognized Thursday was Shayna Miranda with an Individual Achievement Award. Shayna received her Associates in Nursing in May 2022 with the assistance of BEST, Inc. and began working as an RN at St. Margaret’s Peru in July.
Locally, NCI Works will also recognize the Rock Falls Chamber and Shayna Miranda (Princeton) along with 3 other Individual Achievement nominees: Ashleigh Chapman (Sterling), Cheyenne Cantu (Galt), and Hannah Kaltenbrun (Mt Morris). Ashleigh received her RN from Highland Community College in May 2022. Through BEST, Inc., Cheyenne worked at the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce while also attending Sterling High School and obtaining her CNA. Hannah, one of BEST’s many youth participants, completed a subsidized work experience at BEST Beginnings in Oregon and was so successful there that they hired her on at the completion of her subsidized experience.
In addition to recognizing Individual Achievers and Business Leaders, NCI Works also recognizes those that have given of their time and service on the local workforce board, BEST Corporate Board, and BEST staff that have reach milestones. This year NCI Works recognizes the following workforce board members for their service: Amy Soltis-Strawn (Princeton) – 5 years of service, Marcie Mulholland (Savanna) – 5 years of service, Justin Wiggins (Dixon) – 5 years of service, Tom Pigati (LaSalle) – 5 years of service. BEST Corporate Board Member Kathy Enbom (Princeton) for her 25 years of service. BEST staff being recognized include: Bonnie Hayes (Ottawa) – 15 years of service and Joy Jaraczewski (Mark) – 20 years of service
NCI Works Congratulations all award winners and nominees along with those that have committed their time and energy to the workforce system.
Pictured
Rock Falls Chamber, left to right: Sylvia Garcia, Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; Sam Smith, Program Coordinator, Rock Falls Chamber; Bethany Bland, President and CEO Rock Falls Chamber, Julio Rodriguez, Deputy Director, Office of Employment and Training (DCEO), and John Rico, Co-Chair, Illinois Workforce Innovation Board.
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