February 23, 2023 - Tanya Andricks and Charmine Robertson-Stoner of Crossing Healthcare, Debbie Bogle of the United Way of Decatur and Mid Illinois and Natalie Beck of the Community Foundation joined Byers & Co this morning to talk about the social and emotional impact of the mass layoff event at Akorn. They discussed the mental health and medical resources available to those individuals who find themself suddenly unemployed and without healthcare. They also discussed removing the stigma of asking for financial help as a gap during this difficult time.  Listen to the podcast now!

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February 23, 2023 -  Greg Webb, Vice President, State Government Relations at ADM,  Zach Shields, Executive Director, Decatur Public Schools Foundation, Becca Merrill, Lead Ag Instructor (MacArthur High School) and Owen Raleigh, FFA Student at MacArthur High School, joined Byers & Co to discuss National FFA Week ( Feb. 18-25) and ADM's Career Day for DPS61 High School Students (Feb. 24). Listen to the podcast now!

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February 23, 2023 - Nick Harper, RCC CTE Program Recruitment Specialist and Brad Curry, RCC Engineering Technology Instructor joined Byers & Co to talk about RCC's variety of options for people making a career change.

You can see all of the options available now by going NowDecatur’s Employment & Retraining Opportunities and Assistance page.

One option for furthering education is through Richland’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs. CTE programs are two-year programs that don’t require additional schooling before employment in high-wage and high-demand careers. Programs under this umbrella include automotive technology, agriculture, welding, business, healthcare, collision repair, HVAC, and engineering technology.

Engineering technology has plenty of opportunities within itself. Including project-based learning with CAD class using 3D printers to design and make parts and CNC and machining classes making Scotch Yoke mechanism.

Richland also has classes in electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, machining, robotics, and welding.

To learn more about CTE, go to richland.edu/cteworks

Summer/Fall Registration opens on March 27th for current students and veterans, and it opens on April 3rd for new and returning students. 

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February 23, 2023- Former Mayor Paul Osborne joined Byers & Co for the City Hall Insider. Paul and Brian discuss the Akorn closure and it's impact on the community. Listen to the podcast now! 

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February 23, 2023 - Rocki Wilkerson of Workforce Investment Solutions joined Byers & Co to discuss the help available to workers affected by the Akorn closure. Listen to the podcast now!

Workforce Investment Solutions 

Illinois WorkNet Centers are offering a Layoff outreach workshop today (2/23) and tomorrow (2/24) for those affected by the Akorn closing.

The IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has created a resource directly for former Akorn employees. A link can be found HERE.

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February 23, 2023 - Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe joined Byers & Co to discuss the situation with Akorn Pharmaceuticals and the resources available from the city to the employees affected. Listen to the podcast now.

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February 22, 2023 - Tanya Andricks, Michelle Senger, and Eternity Jeffro of Crossing Healthcare joined Byers & Co to talk about the intentionally supportive culture of their campus and partnerships that are helping students and current staff with skills and training that are leading to new jobs and additional compensation. Listen to the podcast now! 

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February 22, 2023 - Lori Kerans and Dr. Dan Miller of Millikin University joined Byers & Co to detail several upcoming events connecting with high school students throughout the state including the VEX Illinois State Robotic Competition, Illinois History Day, Storyteller's Studio, and Campus Visit Days. Listen to the podcast now! 

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February 22, 2023 -Peggy Myers of Hickory Point Bank and Ed Smith of Habitat for Humanity joined Byers & Co for the "Hickory Point Bank Community Invested" segment. Peggy talked about her passion for serving on the Habitat for Humanity board and Ed discussed how they are helping families with affordable housing and how that can positively impact families in other ways. Listen to the podcast now! 

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February 22, 2023 - Clay Gerhard of the Decatur Park District joined Byers & Co to talk about the Devon, the start of the golf season, Mommy and Son Play Night at the DISC, and Supper with a Side of Soul. Listen to the podcast now! 

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