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About

The McHenry County Workforce Network Board or MCWN Board, (Local Workforce Innovation Board for McHenry County) is an organization governed by a volunteer board of directors responsible for developing policy and overseeing local workforce development initiatives in partnership with our local elected officials. Members of the MCWN Board are appointed by our Local Chief Elected Official in partnership with the MCWN Board Chairperson, in accordance with criteria established by the Governor.

Who We Are

The Local Workforce Innovation Board is established by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and establishes a required balance of representation form the local area to include a majority membership of leadership of Local Businesses, and representatives from Labor Organizations and Apprenticeships, Adult Education and Literacy, Higher Education, Economic Development, State Employment Services, State Dept of Human Services providing Rehabilitation Services and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

What We Do

Serve as a point of contact for business, industry, and the public sector to communicate their workforce needs.
Provide a forum where private and public sector leaders jointly consider workforce investment needs of the region.
Promote strategies to encourage lifelong learning and improve workplace skills.
Assist in the development of new training programs to benefit the region's workforce.
Offer advice regarding workforce policy and programs to local elected officials, employers, education and employment agencies, and citizens.
Coordinate with economic development efforts and activities to promote the region's availability of qualified workers and promotes cooperation and coordination among public organization, education agencies, and private businesses.
Review local agency plans and grant applications for workforce development programs to ensure coordination of services and achievement of local goals.

Functions and Activities of the MCWN Board

The McHenry County Workforce Network Board is composed of twenty six (26) members representing McHenry County.

The Board publicizes the workforce needs of both the business community and local job seekers. The Board markets the entire system, improves communication between service providers and business, and brokers specific needs of employers.

The Board oversees the performance of the system and ensures that continuous improvement techniques are implemented at the Workforce Center and are used to improve service in the workforce investment system

Mission and Vision of the MCWN Board

The Mission of the Board is to publicize the workforce needs of both the business community and local job seekers. The Board markets the entire system, improves communication between service providers and business, and brokers specific needs of employers.

The Vision of the Board is to lead an active, committed, involved, and respected board and a Workforce System that meets and exceeds employment and workforce needs, thus improving the quality of life in the county.

Acronyms

Acronyms of the Workforce System
McHenry County Workforce Network Board

NOTE: The following acronyms and definitions go beyond those used in the bylaws to encompass the most common acronyms used in the workforce development arena.
CBO	Community-based organization – generally, non-profit organizations that provide social and other services to local communities. WIA requires CBO membership on Local Boards
CEO/CLEO	The “Chief Elected Official” or “Chief Local Elected Official” is the Local Elected Official (see LEO).
DCEO	Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; the department that has the responsibility at the state level for overseeing WIOA programs.
DCFS	Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
DHS	Department of Human Services
DOL, USDOL	U.S. Department of Labor, the federal department which regulates WIA activities
DRS	Division of Rehabilitative Services. An arm of the Illinois Department of Human Services, DRS administers vocational rehabilitation programs in Illinois; as such, it is a mandatory One-Stop partner
EDR	Economic Development Region
ESL	English as a Second Language
ETA	The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, the wing of DOL with direct responsibility for WIA
GAO	General Accounting Office
GED	General Equivalency Diploma (equivalent to high school diploma)
IDES	Illinois Department of Employment Security, administers several mandatory One-Stop programs, including Unemployment Insurance, in the state
IMC	Illinois Migrant Council
ITA	Individual Training Account (voucher) for tuition
IWDS	Illinois Workforce Development System; statewide data tracking system
IWIB	Illinois Workforce Investment Board
IWP	Illinois Workforce Partnership, an association of LWA directors and WIB directors
IWT or workNet	Illinois workNet is an internet portal that provides career, education, and work support information for Illinois residents and businesses.
LEO	Local Elected Official. The top elected official in the McHenry County Workforce Investment Area has specific duties under WIOA. For the purposes of WIOA, the LEO is the County Board Chairman of McHenry County.
LMA	Labor Market Area
LMI	Labor Market Information, labor-related information about unemployment, industries, occupations, etc.
LWA or LWIA	The statutory term for service areas under WIA; the emerging term and acronym for common usage is Local Workforce Area (LWA)
MCWC	McHenry County Workforce Center
MCWN	McHenry County Workforce Network
MOU	Memorandum of Understanding
MSFW	Migrant/Seasonal Farm Worker. The federally funded MSFW program is a mandatory One-Stop partner
NAB	National Alliance of Business, an important advocacy organization in the workforce development arena
NACO	National Association of Counties, an important advocacy organization in the workforce development arena
NAWB, NAPIC	National Association of Workforce Boards, formerly the National Association of Private Industry Councils. Another important advocacy organization for the workforce development arena
NWA	National Workforce Association
NEG	National Emergency Grants
NGA	National Governors Association, an important advocacy organization in the workforce development arena
OJT	On-the-job training
OMB	Office Management and Budget—Federal regulatory agency
RFA	Request for Application
RFP	Request for Proposal
TA	Technical Assistance
TANF	Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, commonly thought of as “welfare,” this program replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
USCM	U.S. Conference of Mayors is an important advocacy organization in the workforce development arena.
WIB or LWIB	Workforce Investment Board, the local governance board for WIA programs.
WIOA	Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, WIOA is landmark legislation that is designed to strengthen and improve our nation's public workforce system and help get Americans into high-quality jobs and careers and help employers hire and retain skilled workers. WIOA replaces Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) as the primary federal workforce development legislation.

Customer Testimonials

"It was a small class of 5 including the instructor. The whole concept of critical thinking was definitely interesting and a fun class. She had videos and an article that was based on a true story. I liked the fact that she put us into breakout rooms to discuss our thoughts with a partner which was a lot of fun. I will use her links to follow up on finding out my communication skills and how I use critical thinking on a daily basis. This will also help with my future career as a medical assistant as well.

Thank you for recommending this class! Well organized and worth attending !" -Workshop Participant

"Thank you so much for recommending an eye-opening free webinar. It was very informative, timely and beneficial for my career development. I also notice that critical thinking, analysis and problem solving are some of my strong skills that I need to develop further. During this session I was motivated, excited and energized until the end because this is what I love to do. Please inform me whenever there is a class of this nature. The instructor said there is one coming sometime in January." - Workshop Participant

"I appreciate all of your assistance, and must commend you on your office and staff. I have had occasion recently to interact with numerous organizations on the local, state and federal level and must say that your office stands above the rest- the prompt, friendly and professional interactions as well as the on point information and service has been notably exceptional. Please extend my appreciation and thanks to all involved." - Customer

Click Here to Read Customer Success Stories

Partners in the Local Workforce Development System

	Located across from the Government Center at 500 Russel Court in Woodstock, IL. McHenry County Workforce Network has a variety of programs and services for employers and job seekers needing assistance in meeting the challenges of today's job market. www.mchenrycountyworkforce.com
	Illinois workNet is a consolidated effort to provide a one-stop system for employment related services in McHenry County and part of a nation-wide, grant-funded system. www.illinoisworknet.com
	The Illinois Department of Employment Security administers state unemployment benefits, runs the employment service and Illinois Job Bank, and publishes labor market information. www.ides.illinois.gov
	MCC serves the seventh most rapidly growing county in Illinois, providing credit and noncredit educational and training opportunities as well as special events for close to 60,000 participants annually. www.mchenry.edu
	A consortium of workforce partners, the Workforce Partners of Metropolitan Chicago is a leader in driving workforce development and economic growth in the metropolitan Chicago region. https://www.workforcepartnersmetrochicago.org
	The McHenry County Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit Public/Private business advocacy group comprised of business and industry investors from throughout the county. https://mchenrycountyedc.com
	IDHS to provides our Illinois residents with streamlined access to integrated services, especially those who are striving to move from welfare to work and economic independence, and others who face multiple challenges to self-sufficiency. IDHS administers Rehabilitation Services, SNAP & TANF Programs. https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx
	Job Corps’ mission is to educate and train highly-motivated young people for successful careers in the nation’s fastest-growing industries. https://paulsimonchicago.jobcorps.gov/
	NAPCA is committed to preserving and promoting the dignity, well-being, and quality of life of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) seniors. https://napca.org/
	McHenry County Housing Authority helps individuals and families find and maintain a quality, healthy, affordable living environment. www.mchenrycountyhousing.org
	The Manufacturing Pathways Consortium is composed of manufacturers, educators, and community partners in and near McHenry County, IL. All of whom are working together collaboratively to address the need to secure a talent pipeline of highly-skilled manufacturing employees. www.mfgpathways.com

The McHenry County Workforce Network Board, is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact our Equal Opportunity Officer Jake Rohn at jmrohn@mchenrycountyil.gov or (815) 334-2785. All voice telephone numbers may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment by calling TTY (800) 526-0844 or 711.

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Acronyms of the Workforce System
McHenry County Workforce Network Board