The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce’s Christine Caves says she’s ready to take a “local perspective to the state level” as a member of the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB).
The regional chamber’s vice president of business and economic growth was recently named, by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker – pending Illinois Senate approval, to the statewide panel that helps guide the Illinois workforce development system.
Ms. Caves will join a board made up of leaders from state, business, industry, labor, education, and community-based organizations charged with evaluating and meeting the workforce needs of Illinois employers and workers.
“This is an exciting time to be involved in state workforce,” Ms. Caves told the QCBJ. “I’m honored to serve the citizens and businesses in Illinois as a member of the state Workforce Innovation Board.”
She has been a local workforce practitioner for more than two decades serving jobseekers and businesses directly through state workforce agencies and local community colleges. “My experience working for the Quad Cities Chamber has stretched my capacity to serve not only the jobseeker, but the employers in our region. I conduct direct outreach to over 100 local businesses each year,” she added.
“I’ve had no better classroom than the factories and firms in the Quad Cities region, to inform my perspective on labor availability, labor density, labor markets, talent pipelines, workforce development solutions, workforce partners, and workforce capabilities. I’m ready to take my local perspective to the state level.”
Chamber leaders also are pleased about Ms. Caves’ selection.
“Chris is a huge asset for our industry businesses and workforce partners locally, connecting them with every and all workforce resources that make sense, including identifying workforce training dollars,” said Julie Forsythe, the chamber’s senior vice president of business & economic growth.
“She leaves no stone unturned in her earnest and passionate quest to find workforce solutions for employers in her outreach,” Ms. Forsythe told the QCBJ. “With over 20 years of practical experience in the space, she is also adept at identifying the larger systems-based opportunities that would make an impact statewide – so this is the perfect outlet and platform for her to contribute with her expertise.”
She added, “Our region is lucky to have Chris on our team, as successful workforce development solutions are critical for economic development – it is the number one business growth barrier for businesses.”
The governor’s office also touted Ms. Cave’s long experience in business attraction, business retention, and expansion activities for manufacturing and defense industries in the news release announcing her appointment.
Ms. Caves began her career working for the Central Texas Workforce System working with veterans, dependents, and government contractors Since moving back to the Quad Cities, she has served as a workforce coordinator for IowaWorks’ Title 1, WIOA programs. In that capacity, she also served on the Davenport Schools Career & Technical Education Advisory Board and Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois Advanced Manufacturing Sector Board.
Ms. Caves also is a member of the Business Committee of the Mississippi Valley Workforce Board in Iowa and the Local Illinois Workforce Innovation Board No. 13. She was recently nominated to represent the Mississippi Valley Workforce Board at the National Job Quality Academy Summit in Washington, D.C., this summer.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and Masters in psychology from the University of the Rockies.
The governor-appointed IWIB is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation and modification of the Unified State Plan, convening relevant programs, partners and stakeholders, and providing oversight and strategic leadership for the state workforce development system. IWIB representatives from private/public partner programs offer policy recommendations to strengthen Illinois’ workforce system. All policies include input from partners and the public.
The IWIB Strategic Planning Framework guides the alignment of the workforce, education and economic development throughout Illinois to ensure better outcomes for businesses and individuals. Learn about IWIB’s strategic planning framework, as outlined in the “2020 – 2022 Strategic Plan,” here.
To read the IWIB completed Workforce Consolidation Feasibility Study, required by the Education and Workforce Equity Act, click here.
