April 23, 2025 Grundy County Regional Roundtable: Growth Strategies & Labor Impacts

Description

Come dig a bit deeper into the opportunities at this meeting of the IMA, the City of Morris and other Grundy County Leaders regional efforts to address workforce challenges, including energy, infrastructure, housing initiatives, vocational efforts and grants. 

You'll learn more about new and available resources - and what is on the horizon! We will be looking at area growth strategies that impact labor, including access, retaining, recruiting and hiring talent. Join us! 

Agenda at a Glance:

8:30 AM - 9:00 Networking Breakfast, Program begins at 9:00

Opening Session: View of Illinois Landscape

• Chris Brown, Mayor, The City of Morris
• Christy George, President & CEO, Intersect Illinois

Grundy County Unique Opportunities:

• Tim Butler, President, Illinois Railroad Association
• Nancy Norton, President & CEO, Grundy County EDC
• Christina Van Yperen, President & CEO, Grundy County Chamber of Commerce

Bridging the Gaps: Regional Resources to Address Workforce Challenges

• Dan Valdez, Manager, Maintenance & Reliability at LyondellBasell’s Morris
• Paola Velasquez, Director of Organizational Culture, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center

Moderated Discussion 

Beyond “what is keeping you up at night”, this is an opportunity for attendees to share unique approaches about what’s working in their facilities, such as:

• Using technology for recruiting
• Creative retention ideas
• Community outreach ideas
• What is top of mind?

Time to meet and learn from each other. Let's have a conversation!