New Chapter

My chapter as the Executive Director here in Southeastern Illinois is about to end with a political reason surpassing rationality and performance.
I have enjoyed my stay here for the most part. I have met good people who are making every effort to improve the economic outlook in the region and who understand that the current status quo translates into a continued decline in population and job opportunities.

I want to first thank Jeanne Dau from Eastern Illinois University who embraced my entrance into the region and became a collaborator and friend.

Art Borum from South Central Illinois Growth Alliance also embraced my arrival and has supported the work of the CWIB by always offering periodic opportunities for me to present to the group the exciting work on GIS.

Speaking of GIS, Dr. Mike Rudibaugh has been a wonderful partner as we both realized the potential to develop a core competency of marketable skills for those graduating in GIS to serve the rural region.

Trisha Mason has also stepped up to the plate as ECIDC Executive Director and become a valued partner to the workforce system. She also has latched on to the GIS prioduct and has trained herself to become proficient in this tool. How the CWIB handles this investment will speak volumes to how the future of the region might unfold.

Tiffany Macke has also riosen in leadership with her SIBER initiative partnered with Bob Stephenson and the CWIB. Many in the region realize that inexpensive connectivity to the world wide web is a must in the economic world of global business.

The future of the region is at stake and the CWIB has has a tumultuous six months that will end with IECC becoming the fiscal agent and grant recipient. The CWIB last night passed reasonable items to move forward and designated some of the board members to negotiate with the CEOs in attempting to find common ground. My statement last night was in support of mending whatever has caused this rift in the relationship.

Perception is everything and I know there are some who perceive that somehow control was lost. However, one needs only to go to the CWIB web site, www.cwib.net to see that all financial reports, service delivery reports, board and committee meetings are posted there for the world to read.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this region and the experience has allowed me to better understand the rural issues related to workforce and governance issues. This will help me have a more rounded background in workforce development.