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| Executive Walsh Supports Inclusion of Conservation Design - Wednesday, December 17, 2008After 38 years, 28 amendments, nearly $64,000 in consultant fees and an estimated 1,500 hours of staff time, the Will County Subdivision Ordinance is getting a facelift – but not without controversy. When the Will County Board moves to vote on the ordinance at its Dec. 18th board meeting, the document will be missing two proposed provisions: a conservation design development option and the inclusion of special service areas language. read more ... |
| Will County to Continue Partnership with Naperville Waste Facility - Wednesday, December 17, 2008 Executive Larry Walsh looks forward to signing an intergovernmental agreement that continues a partnership with the City of Naperville’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection (HHW) Facility at the Naperville Fire Station Number Four. The agreement includes the payment of $25,000 to the City of Naperville from a Will County government grant that will be used for costs and expenses at the site. Earlier in the year, the County executed an Intergovernmental Agreement with Naperville for the HHW Facility for 2008 after additional reporting requirements were incorporated into the agreement. Will County has provided funding for the site since 1999, with the exception of one year when site reporting mechanisms and financial distribution needed further review. read more ... |
| Workforce Services Offering Recruiting Events Every Thursday - Wednesday, December 17, 2008With staggering unemployment numbers on the rise, the Will County Workforce Services Division (WSD) has initiated a series of recruiting events for residents pursuing job opportunities. The events will highlight businesses offering high demand occupations every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the WSD office located at JJC’s City Center Campus, 214 Ottawa Street on the fourth floor.
The next featured business, Spherion Corporation is scheduled for Thursday, December 18th at the WSD Office where they’ll be recruiting for over 200 job openings at their new distribution centers in Bolingbrook and Romeoville. The positions include picker/packers and clamp truck operators. Appointments aren’t necessary, but applicants must bring a resume and two forms of identification. read more ... |
| Roundtable Discussion on Healthcare Issues Generates Excitement - Monday, December 08, 2008Access to health care continues to be a top priority not only with national leadership, but closer to home as well. Recently, Will County Executive Larry Walsh attended an introductory meeting at the County’s Health Department with Illinois State Senator Debbie Halvorson, who will be seated as U. S. Congresswoman representing the 11th District in Jan. 2009. read more ... |
| Walsh, Other County Officials Installed at Reorganization Meeting - Monday, December 01, 2008Led by County Executive Lawrence M. Walsh, 22 elected officials were installed during the Will County Board’s reorganization meeting on Monday morning, Dec. 1.
Walsh, an Elwood Democrat, was given the oath of office by County Clerk Nancy Schultz Voots to begin his second four-year term. In all, six countywide officials and 16 County Board members were installed. read more ... |
| Cooperation Is Key to County’s Budget Success - Monday, November 24, 2008Will County residents will see up to $57 million in road improvements, thanks to the adoption of the county’s 2009 budget. The budget, submitted by the Will County Executive’s Office and approved by the County Board, includes revenue and expenses for the entire county government system.
Totaling $376,250,056, Will County’s 2009 budget will see an increase of 1.2% over last year and the county’s corporate fund will increase by only 0.8%.
"My office submitted a well-thought out budget that works to sustain and improve county services, as well as address vital issues such as county road improvements and infrastructure," said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. "I feel it’s important to note that this could not have been accomplished without constructive discussions and cooperation between the Executive’s Office and the County Board." read more ... |
| Fabulous’ Celebration Marks Sunny Hill’s 40th Anniversary - Thursday, November 06, 2008Forty is fabulous when it comes to age or anniversaries. But 40 times five is better when it comes to a gala. About 200 people gathered at the Holiday Inn South for the Fabulous at 40 anniversary gala for Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County on Oct. 25.
Residents rubbed elbows with elected officials, and nursing home supporters mingled with volunteers at the dinner-dance.
"What a great night," said Administrator Karen Sorbero. "It was wonderful to have so many Sunny Hill supporters there to celebrate the first 40 years, while at the same time raising money for the facility’s future." read more ... |
| Will County Recycling Initiative Continues to Expand - Wednesday, November 05, 2008Will County has hit another environmental home run – this time in Bolingbrook. Last week, Will County Executive Larry Walsh and Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar met at the Bolingbrook Compounding Pharmacy to help kick-off the county’s Medicine Take-Back program, a recent Will County recycling initiative that helps deter the “flushing” of unwanted medications down the drain.
The Bolingbrook pharmacy, owned by Bernie Bonkalski, R.Ph. and John Singletary, R.Ph, is tenth in a line of Will County pharmacies who have signed to the Medication Take-Back program. There, as well as the other participating pharmacies, residents can safely dispose of a long list of medication items so they may be destroyed in an environmentally sound manner. read more ... |
| Executive Walsh Leads St. Joseph Students on Annual Halloween Hike - Friday, October 31, 2008
The faint strains of excited children chanting, “candy, candy” could be heard as students from St. Joseph School began their annual Halloween parade down Chicago Street with Will County Executive Larry Walsh. The chanting was short-lived, but the walk was longer, extending from the school at 404 N. Hickory, to Van Buren Plaza, then back again with a couple of stops along the way.
“We go past the State of Illinois unemployment office where the workers stand in front – in costume – and give the kids treats. Then we end at the County Office Building,” said Walsh.
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| County Workers to Brighten Holidays for Dozens of Soldiers - Thursday, October 30, 2008
While many holiday shoppers are sharpening their pencils and crafting their lists, the workers under Will County Executive Larry Walsh’s office have already met a holiday gift-giving deadline.
In just 20 days, the employees, with help from some local businesses, filled 100 stockings for Operation Support Our Troops Illinois, Inc. – and then some. An estimated 1,500 to 2,000 pounds of DVDs, hard candy, decks of cards, batteries, beef jerky, puzzle books and more were donated for overseas service men and women.
Marie Tidwell, a legal assistant with the County Executive’s office, spearheaded the first-time effort. The goal was to fill 100 handmade stockings provided by the organization. The response was overwhelming.
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| Flag presentation to be part of Sunny Hill Veterans Day program - Wednesday, October 29, 2008
A flag that has flown over a U.S. Army base in Iraq will be presented to Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County during its Veterans Day program. The flag was acquired by Sgt. Steven Hester Jr., son of Shelly Hester, a payroll accountant at the county-owned residential facility. It flew over the Forward Operating Base in Hammer, Iraq, on Aug. 20.
Shelly Hester will present the flag to Will County Executive Larry Walsh during the facility’s annual Veterans Day program at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10. Walsh will then present the flag to Administrator Karen Sorbero.
"I’m honored to receive this flag and present it to Karen Sorbero," said Walsh. "Our brave men and women in the armed services put their lives on the line every day. The flag will be a visual reminder of that to Sunny Hill residents and visitors when they see it fly in front of the nursing home."
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| 2008 Will County Federal Agenda is Paying Dividends - Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Thanks to proactive planning by the Will County Executive’s Office, in cooperation with Will County Sheriff Paul Kaupus and the Will County Board, over 100 new Illinois Wireless Information Network (IWIN) laptops will soon be a critical component in squad cars driven by the Sheriff’s patrol division.
A result of Will County’s 2008 Federal Agenda, which laid out federal funding requests for critical County needs, Sheriff’s deputies will receive nearly $1 million in technology upgrades for the laptops by the Department of Justice’s Community-Orientated Policing Law Enforcement Technology and Interoperability Grants.
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| Will County Completes Topographical Data Project for its 24 Townships - Wednesday, October 29, 2008
As part of an ongoing effort to improve technical resources available to the greater Will County community, Will County Executive Larry Walsh recently announced the release of topographic data for all of Will County’s 24 townships. This data allows governmental partners, businesses, and residents to view the earth’s surface of Will County through mapping software and the use of contour lines drawn on the map to quantify elevation. Thanks to a partnership with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the second phase of the project has been completed for less money than was originally budgeted for the project.
"The successful completion of this project by our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) department advances our ability to provide valuable information to local government, partners and residents that assists in overall planning and decision-making," said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. "This technology also gives Will County a competitive edge and is often used by highway and land use departments, as well as private developers and engineering firms, to help make critical decisions and plan projects more effectively."
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| Caterpillar Foundation Gift Adds a Little More Sunshine to Sunny Hill - Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The most popular spot at Will County’s Sunny Hill Nursing Home recently received a $50,000 boost for ongoing renovation and enhancements, thanks to a grant from the Caterpillar Foundation. Appropriately named the "Sunshine Room", the familiar setting at the residential facility will be even brighter as project planners use the funds toward creating a more "hometown-like" atmosphere for residents and visitors. This is the second year in the row that the foundation has awarded $50,000 to Sunny Hill.
"We are honored that the Caterpillar Foundation has agreed to award Sunny Hill an additional $50,000 for renovations," said Will County Executive Larry Walsh, who oversees the county-owned nursing home. "Their generosity is a prime example of good corporate citizenship and exemplifies their philosophy to help build and positively shape the communities where Caterpillar employees live and work."
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| Outstanding Achievement Takes the Stage at Workforce System’s Annual Awards - Monday, October 13, 2008
Three Will County residents and a business were recognized for their perseverance in meeting education and career goals at the Will County Workforce System’s annual awards reception last evening. Held at Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge in Bolingbrook, the event provided an exciting forum to applaud the achievements of Pamela Johnson of Manhattan, Stephen Lucatorto and Letisha Miller of Joliet, and Advanced Physicians of Crest Hill.
"Its times such as this that remind us how important our services are to those who wish to improve their lives or business," said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. "I congratulate Advanced Physicians for utilizing the workforce system so successfully and commend Ms. Johnson, Mr. Lucatorto and Ms. Miller for overcoming significant obstacles to seize the opportunity of education. They certainly deserve this honor."
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| FEMA Announces Assistance for Will County Flooding - Monday, October 06, 2008As a result of the severe rains and flooding that hit the area last month, Will County, along with six Illinois counties, are now eligible for federal disaster aid. Triggered by Will County Executive Larry Walsh’s disaster declaration of Sept. 13, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on Friday that a Major Disaster Declaration was issued for Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will Counties.
"We had a very serious situation in the County due to excessive rainfall that resulted in the flooding of residential and business locations, utility interruptions and road closures," said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. "While working with our EMA director Harold Damron and his staff, it was evident as the rain fell that we had to move ahead with a disaster declaration for Will County." Two days later, the State also issued a disaster declaration. read more ... |
| Man’s Efforts Bloom in Sunny Hill Flower Beds - Monday, October 06, 2008
Bill Rogan’s love of flowers took root when he was just a boy. In his adult years, it bloomed into a public mission, spreading into yards across the area. Now the 91-year-old is using what he has learned over the decades to help beautify the grounds for his fellow residents at Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County.
The seeds for his avocation were planted when he was just a boy about "so high," said the seated Rogan, holding his arm out straight in front of him. "I always loved flowers."
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| Preserve America Awards Grant to Will County - Wednesday, October 01, 2008After being named a prestigious Preserve America Community last spring, Will County was recently notified that it is one of only two Illinois communities identified as a recipient of a Preserve America grant for 2008.
As grant initiator, the Will County’s Executive Office received the heads-up for $25,000 to use toward the Historic Preservation Commission’s (HPC) rural historic structural intensive survey project. Overseen by the County’s Land Use Department, the HPC has been involved in this survey project since its inception. read more ... |
| Education is the Weapon of Choice - Monday, September 29, 2008Revie Sorey, former right guard for the Chicago Bears and Will County Executive Larry Walsh shared a moment of laughter at the 6th Annual Youth Provider Summit last week. The Summit, hosted by the Will County Workforce Investment Board was held at the Joliet Job Corps and offered a full day of education and insight for individuals and groups who work with youth in the community. read more ... |
| Glasgow, Walsh receive additional $750,000 to battle domestic violence - Thursday, September 25, 2008Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow and Will County Executive Larry Walsh announce that the federal government has awarded Will County an additional $750,000 to enable prosecutors, police and advocates to battle domestic violence.
The federal grant, which was written by State’s Attorney Glasgow’s office and applied for through County Executive Walsh’s office, brings the total amount of federal funding to prosecute domestic abusers and support victims in Will County to $1.5 million. read more ... |
| Job Fair Offers Opportunities for Residents & Businesses - Monday, September 22, 2008Whether you are a job-seeker interested in marketing your skills to local businesses – or you are an employer interested in promoting job opportunities, the Will County Regional Job Fair 2008 will offer a bit of something for everyone. Sponsored by the Will County Workforce System, this annual event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the grand ballroom of the Renaissance Center in Joliet.
"This annual event offers both residents and businesses exciting opportunities, especially now during these difficult economic times," said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. "I encourage anyone who is looking for a job – or employers who are hoping to fill positions, to participate." read more ... |
| Will County Land Use Employees Testify Before Senate Committee on Public Health - Thursday, September 18, 2008A pair of Will County employees are urging state action to get pharmaceuticals out of Illinois’ waterways.
During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Health in the Thompson Center in Chicago on Sept. 9, the duo urged the group, led by Sen. Susan Garrett, to take action to halt the flow of medicine into the state’s lakes and rivers.
Trace amounts have been found in 80 percent of the waterways tested. So far, the amounts have not been enough to harm humans, but have been linked to health problems in fish. read more ... |
| County Executive Walsh to Deliver State of the County Sept. 18 - Wednesday, September 17, 2008"Fundamentally, the state of Will County is very good," said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. This message and other updates regarding the achievements and challenges of the County will be included in Executive Walsh’s fourth State of the County address at the September 18th County Board meeting. He will also deliver a balanced budget for 2009 to the Board later in the day.
"Compared to other counties in our region, as well as the state, we have much to be proud of," said Executive Walsh. "Our budget is sound, we have stable and hard-working employees, productive partnerships – and we are clearly committed to fiscal discipline." read more ... |
| Executive Walsh tours flooded Will County areas - Monday, September 15, 2008Will County Executive Larry Walsh toured water-ravaged areas on Monday, getting a first hand look at the destruction left behind by weekend rains and flooding.
Earlier in the morning, Walsh’s office had sent an Executive Proclamation of a Disaster Emergency for the county, the first step in the process to make affected residents eligible for financial help if a federal declaration is made.
The document was signed on Sunday and covers Sept. 13-20. read more ... |
| Executive Walsh Signs Disaster Emergency Proclamation for Will County - Monday, September 15, 2008Due to devastating weekend rains and flooding, Will County Executive Larry Walsh signed an Executive Proclamation of a Disaster Emergency for the county this weekend, effective from Sept. 13 to Sept. 20.
The proclamation states that, "a disaster emergency exists in the County of Will due to excessive rainfall resulting in the flooding of residential and business locations." It also deems the County a disaster emergency area because of utility interruptions and road closings, as well as other situations that can affect the health and safety of residents. read more ... |
| Former Chicago Bear to Help Score a Touchdown at Youth Provider Summit - Friday, September 05, 2008Former Chicago Bear, Revie Sorey and author Sam Glenn will chime in with their thoughts and words of inspiration at the 6th Annual Youth Provider Summit on Thursday, September 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Joliet Job Corps, 1101 Mills Road in Joliet. Hosted by the Workforce Investment Board of Will County, the Summit will offer education and insight for all individuals and groups who work with youth in the community, including those in education, law enforcement, support services and health fields.
“Working with youth in this ever-changing environment often brings out the thrill of making a difference, as well as the challenges of keeping up with current issues and hot-buttons,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh who oversees the county’s Workforce Investment Board. “Our annual Youth Provider Summit promises to be a wealth of information for all those who attend.” read more ... |
| County Engineer to add ‘retiree’ to resume - Wednesday, August 27, 2008Husband. Father. Grandfather. Great-Grandfather. Adjunct Professor. National Urban County Engineer of the Year. Over the past five decades, Will County Engineer Sheldon Latz has had many titles. On Friday, Aug. 29, he’ll trade County Engineer for a new designation – retiree.
Latz, who lives in Crest Hill with his wife, Janice, joined the Highway Department in July 1961 as a field engineer and has been the County Engineer since January 1996. During that time, he has overseen a department that has had its workload increase to accommodate the County’s growth. When he started working for the Highway Department, it had six maintenance workers and five engineers. He’s leaving a staff of 81. read more ... |
| Estate Planning Seminar for Special Needs Promises Informative Presentations - Friday, August 15, 2008Proper estate planning techniques for persons with special needs and their families will be presented at a free Special Needs Trust Seminar on Thursday, September 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the lower level of the Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM).
With guest presentations by Richard J. Tarulis, attorney at Brooks, Adams & Tarulis of Naperville and Gary Cardinal, financial advisor for Edward Jones Investments, guests will receive information on a variety of topics including,
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How to create a special needs trust
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Proper techniques for medical and personal care for those with special needs without placing unrealistic burdens on family
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How to fund a special needs trust with limited resources
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How to properly design a Trust to insure a child’s eligibility for state and federal aid
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| Will County’s Employment Growth in Good Position Nationwide - Tuesday, August 12, 2008Although a difficult economy is on the minds of most Americans, Will County continues to experience employment growth in comparison to other counties in the nation. According to the U. S. Department of Labor, out of the 329 largest counties in the United States, Will County ranked 12th in employment growth from December 2006 to December 2007. And the County is holding its ground in 2008, even with a 3% rise in population in the past year.
“This is encouraging news, especially when the state of the economy nationwide is not at all optimistic,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “Although the U. S. is going through some hard economic times, these numbers serve to remind us that Will County is in a better position than many areas of the country when it comes to economic growth and job opportunities.” read more ... |
| Illinois Workforce Board Appoints County Executive Walsh - Wednesday, August 06, 2008Will County Executive Walsh was recently appointed to the Illinois Workforce Investment Board (IWIB), a state advisory board that focuses on workforce preparation policy. Co-chaired by Jack Lavin, director of the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Ron Whitley of Cushman and Wakefield, Global Real Estate Solutions; the distinguished group works together to insure that workforce preparation services and programs are coordinated and integrated in the State of Illinois. The Board is also charged with measuring and evaluating results and overall performance of the programs.
“To be appointed to the IWIB is quite an honor - and I look forward to collaborating with other board members in Illinois’ statewide effort to insure a well-trained workforce is ready and working,” said County Executive Walsh. ”We know that a skilled workforce also helps to promote economic development - and that is very important to all of us in Illinois.” read more ... |
| Three days of fun and games held at Sunny Hill - Wednesday, July 30, 2008Fun-seekers from age 3 to 94 recently shared time together at day camp at Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County.
Sunny Hill residents were joined by 91 children from Joliet Park District day camps and Hill Memorial Learning Center for three days of activities called Ageless Olympics. The event was held July 22-24. It was the second year the nursing home held day camp.
“The Olympics was a perfect theme for this year’s camp,” said Activity Director Larry Lindholm. “Many of our residents are looking forward to watching the Olympics when they are held in China in August.”
The theme played an integral part of the activities. As each camper competed for a gold, silver, or bronze medal, he or she had the help of a resident. read more ... |
| County volunteers respond to Mississippi River flooding - Thursday, July 03, 2008Working in pairs and 24 hours at a time, four Will County men helped facilitate communication between emergency agencies during the recent flooding along the Mississippi River. They joined workers from DuPage and Grundy counties to staff an Illinois Transportable Emergency Communications System (ITECS) trailer for six days last month.
"I am proud of their hard work and assistance during a critical time," said County Executive Larry Walsh, who oversees the Emergency Management Agency. "These men not only worked very long hours during the emergency effort, but did so in very small quarters just to help other Illinois residents."
It is the type of mutual aid that the Will County EMA is always prepared to offer. read more ... |
| County to Complete Topographical Data Project for its 24 Townships - Monday, June 23, 2008
Will County is taking another big step in advancing its services with the development of topographic contour data for its 24 townships. The data will allow residents and business to view the earth’s surface of townships through mapping software and the use of contour lines drawn on the map to quantify elevation. Phase I of the project completed last year, and now, thanks to a partnership with U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the second phase of the project will be completed for less money than originally budgeted.
"This allows Will County valuable information to assist in the overall planning and decision-making for land development and geological survey" said Will County Executive, Larry Walsh. "Contours are frequently used by highway and land use departments, along with many other uses related to earth surface. It allows Will County a competitive edge when planning and making critical decisions."
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| Will County’s Geographic Information System in Tune with Transition and Growth - Wednesday, June 11, 2008The Will County’ GIS department is also on the cutting edge of technology by providing county residents and businesses information through a computer application that captures, stores, updates, analyzes and displays data that can be referenced to a geographic location. And they have taken it one step further by revamping their website.
“Our new geographic information systems website offers the public, as well as county staff, an enhanced service that provides easy access and interactive tools to obtain pertinent data,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “It offers a wealth of information including maps, data and online applications.” read more ... |
| Executive Larry Walsh: New Courthouse Satellite for Eastern Will County Nearing Reality - Friday, June 06, 2008An annexation agreement between the County of Will and the Village of Crete for county-owned property located near Exchange Street and Kings Road has been sent to the Will County Board for consideration by County Executive Larry Walsh. The property offers a place to house a new courthouse satellite location for Will County and would be next to the recently constructed Sherriff’s Substation.
“I’ve been working on this proposal for a number of months with Will County Board Chair James Moustis and Board leadership,” said Executive Walsh, who adds that the proposed plan includes a courthouse satellite and offices for the County Clerk, Circuit Clerk and County Recorder. “By offering these county government services on the eastern side of Will County, we will be able to better serve our citizens living in that area.” read more ... |
| Executive Walsh: Going Green in Will County Top Priority - Wednesday, May 28, 2008With the recent Earth Day Celebration bringing a greater awareness to environmental issues, Will County is committed to continuing the dialogue and efforts for a healthier environment throughout the year. In the last month alone, the Will County Waste Services Division of the Land Use Department made a big difference in the environment by hosting various recycling and waste collection events, along with educating hundreds of school children and members of the community on how to Go Green.
“I am so proud of what we have done in Will County to not only educate others on the importance of a healthy environment, but to actually walk the walk as well,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh, who personally handed out the awards to the schools. “We have come a long way in the last few years when it comes to going green as a County. It is a top priority.” read more ... |
| New Workforce Development System Offers Innovative, Exciting Way to Stay Connected - Wednesday, May 28, 2008During a special presentation by Will County’s Workforce Services Division, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), individuals can learn first-hand about Illinois workNet, a new system that integrates physical locations with online resources for high quality career planning, training, job placement and support services.
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