The Workforce Connection Board and Chief Elected Officials met on December 5, 2023 at the Greater Rockford Airport Authority/Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and the meeting included a bus tour of the airport. RFD is now ranked the 13th largest cargo airport in the nation (click here to see RFD's media release) and is an incredibly valuable asset in our region. Thank you to our Board Chair, Shelly Cassaro, Deputy Director of Finance and Administration at Greater Rockford Airport Authority, for the use of their auditorium for the meeting. We would also like to give a shout out to our knowledgeable bus tour guide, Zackary Oakley, Greater Rockford Airport Authority's Deputy Director of Operations and Planning. Zack will become Executive Director on January 1, 2024.

Sonya's Success Story

Sonya enrolled in our employment & training program and was looking for office experience. Her Business Specialist helped set her up with a paid internship position with Northern Illinois Regional Affordable Community (NIReACH) and she did an amazing job! Sonya helped organize and run the onsite coffee shop and the food pantry. Her supervisor stated she kept the best records. Since her successful completion of her internship, Sonya has signed up for IT classes and is achieving her goals - to gain a certification in Web Design. The Workforce Connection helped Sonya to realize what career path she wanted to follow. Sonya stated The Workforce Connection really motivated her to reach her goals! We are so proud of you Sonya! 

Keyana's Success Story

Keyana came to The Workforce Connection unsure about what she wanted to do in her career. She graduated from the Leadership Development Initiative and initially thought she wanted to set up a non-profit or a foundation to help people and small businesses. She enrolled with The Workforce Connection, and said it was life changing as she gained work experience with The Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Keyana realized this is exactly what she wanted to do and they have been doing it for over 100 years! She said, “I was the person who only focused on the guarantees, so I never applied for the promotion, marketed myself or even talked myself up. My Business Service Specialist at The Workforce Connection found me a great position and always encouraged me to shine. To have someone who believes in you and endorses your qualifications, it gave me the confidence to thrive!”

It's wonderful to hear about Keyana's positive experience with The Workforce Connection and her journey in discovering her career path. The Workforce Connection aims to provide valuable resources and support to individuals like Keyana, helping them explore different opportunities and gain work experience. It's great to know that Keyana found her passion in working with The Rockford Chamber of Commerce and that she received encouragement and guidance from her Business Service Specialist. Building confidence and having someone believe in your abilities can indeed be empowering. Congratulations to Keyana on her achievements, and we wish her continued success in her career!

Kelly, Business Services Specialist

We recently received this compliment from one of Kelly’s customers, and if you know Kelly, you know that she goes above and beyond for every single participant.



The customer stated, “I didn’t go into this program expecting anything other than a job…What I received was support. I received coaching and training. We often have work related questions that we may not want to ask the company (she answered those questions). We have circumstances that pop up not work-related and she took time to answer those questions and reassured me. She went above and beyond to assist me."

She went on to say to Kelly - "Words cannot express how much you have helped me on my journey. You have no idea of the kind words you said to me that will forever be in my heart. You have helped me find my WHY. I don’t know what the name of your Superpower is, but you matched me with a job that made sense and I have spent 14 weeks happy, excited even, to wake up for work… As for any success that awaits me in the future, I would like to thank you for it. Thank you for what you do and what you have personally done for me."

Trinkett, Career Center Navigator

We recently received not one but two letters of gratitude from customers about our Freeport Career Center Navigator Trinkett!



One letter notes that the customer came to The Workforce Connection as she lost her position and needed help. She states that, “Trinkett was so positive, helpful, calm and professional as I fell apart in front of her over the last few weeks. She worked with me so patiently and full of concern and care. She encouraged me through the process and helped me… I can't believe this happened to me but I'm so glad there are people like Trinkett out there that still care about people in the world!”

The second letter came from a customer who was displaced from her position and noted that she came to The Workforce Connection to create a resume and met Trinkett, “who went above and beyond my expectations. She helped to create an awesome resume which emphasized the strong skill sets I have. She even helped link my resume to the Illinois Job link website. Trinkett recommended a position that was open…I gave my resume on that day and returned the following day for an interview. I was hired for my position two days later. I really love my new position and the people I work with. It proves there is something for everyone. I have recommended Workforce Connection to fellow co-workers who were going through the same issue I was.”

• Resume Writing Assistance and Workshops
• Completing a FAFSA Workshops
• Job Application Workshops
• Job leads and connection to employers/help applying for jobs
• Resume reviews and refreshes
• Help identifying needs applying for benefits/enrolling in a program
• Faxes and copies
• Career counseling and information
• Unemployment Application Assistance
• Virtual Interview Skills Workshops
• Hiring Events
• Virtual Reality Career Exploration
• Preparing for College Enrollment Workshops
• Critical Thinking Workshops
• Professional Communication Workshops
• Google Programs Workshops
• Technology Skills for Beginners
• Partner Day
• Job Clubs
• New Career Help Drop-In Hours held Mondays and Thursdays from 1-4 pm for help with career cruising, searching and applying for jobs, FAFSA, resume writing, interview tips, technology help, and more.
• Winter Wellness Health & Resource Fair held on December 19, 2023 with an Activity Zone for kids, giveaways, free health screenings and free well-being resources (provided by Aetna Better Health of Illinois).
• Connection to countless community services through our partners.