This episode of the Will Works podcast features a conversation with Mayor John Noak of Romeoville, Illinois, and Josh Potter, the village's Director of Community Development. Mayor Noak, serving his fourth term, shares insights into Romeoville's growth and development. The discussion covers topics including the village's history, economic drivers, workforce challenges, and future plans. Mayor Noak highlights Romeoville's job creation, financial management, and community development while addressing challenges in adapting to economic changes. Tune in for an overview of Romeoville's evolution from a transit hub to a community with housing options, educational institutions, and recreational amenities. 

This episode features a conversation with Craig Schmidt, the Executive Director of the School of Extended Learning at Governors State University (GSU). Craig shares his extensive background in workforce development and discusses GSU's role in supporting local businesses and communities. He also highlights the university's efforts in areas like manufacturing, supply chain management, and emerging fields such as drone technology and clean energy. Discover the importance of youth engagement in career exploration, the adaptation of educational programs to meet evolving industry needs, and partnerships with organizations like the Calumet Area Industrial Commission.

In this episode of the Will Works podcast, host Patrick Hall welcomes Beth Ziesenis, a speaker, author, and self-proclaimed nerd who helps demystify technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Beth breaks down the basics of AI, focusing on the popular tool ChatGPT, and discusses its capabilities, limitations, and potential impact on the workforce. She shares insights on how businesses and job seekers can effectively utilize ChatGPT, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between AI-generated content and the human touch. She also explores the future of AI in the workplace and offers advice on how companies can adapt and upskill their employees to make the most of this rapidly evolving technology.

Lifelong friends Erica Williams and Natasha Dillard are the dynamic duo behind Ceramic Creations, a Joliet-based art studio where creativity and community connect. In this episode, Erica and Natasha share their journey from sorority sisters to small business owners, discussing how their shared passion for the arts and desire to provide a therapeutic, communal experience led them to establish Ceramic Creations. Tune in to learn about their unique backgrounds, the inspiration behind the studio, and how they're engaging with the local community to spread the joy of ceramics.

In this episode Patrick welcomes Joliet Junior College's new Director of Career Services, Deon Robin. Deon shares her background and the comprehensive services offered by the Career Services department to help students explore career pathways, gain experience through internships, and prepare for the job market with resume reviews and mock interviews. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Joliet Regional College and Career Fair on April 25th, which will feature nearly 100 employers from diverse industries and locations, as well as representatives from various colleges and universities. For more information, visit: Joliet Regional College & Career Fair | Joliet Junior College (jjc.edu)

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Peter March, the current mayor and village president of Peotone, Illinois. Dr. March shares his unique perspective on the town's rich history, close-knit community, and promising future. From his early days growing up in Peotone to his current role balancing his successful family dentistry practice with his mayoral duties, Dr. March provides insights into the challenges and opportunities facing this charming rural village. The discussion delves into Peotone's efforts to revitalize its downtown area, attract new businesses, and manage growth while preserving its small-town character. You'll also hear about the town's notable landmarks, such as the historic windmill, and the exciting developments surrounding the I-57 interchange, including the recently opened Peotone Travel Center.

In this episode of the Will Works podcast, 1340 Wjol morning radio host Scott Slocum and Robert Navarro, President & CEO of Heritage Corridor Destinations, discuss their epic 12-day road trip along the iconic Route 66. Scott embarked on this journey in partnership with the Heritage Corridor Destinations, broadcasting live from various stops along the way. The trip covered eight states, over 2,400 miles, and featured 10 live remote broadcasts. Robert and Scott share their favorite moments, the challenges they faced, and the diverse landscapes and attractions encountered during this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. They also highlight the unique stops and hidden gems found right in Will County, Illinois, encouraging listeners to explore the rich history and charm of the Route 66 experience in their own backyard.

This episode focuses on an upcoming career expo event called Pathways to Professions taking place in Will County in March 2024. Tune in to discover how the event will connect local high school students as well as community members and job seekers with over 100 regional employers in order to showcase various career pathways and opportunities available across multiple industries. Attendees can expect hands-on demonstrations, chances to engage directly with company recruiters, and resources to help guide their career planning after high school or into a new career direction.

Get ready to test your knowledge of Will County in this fun and informative "Did You Know" episode with Caroline Portlock, Director of the Will County Workforce Investment Board. She and host Patrick walk through fascinating statistics and little-known facts about Will County's rich history, booming industries, infrastructure, major companies, and more. It's an entertaining ride filled with surprising insights into what makes Will County a transportation powerhouse and great place for business. Whether you're looking for amusing trivia or insightful data about this county's economy and workforce, you'll come away impressed and intrigued. 

In this episode Patrick interviews Ricky Esterquest, founder of Towards Better, a social enterprise consultancy in Townsville, Australia.  Ricky discusses the current workforce landscape in Australia, best practices for disability inclusion and success stories from partnerships between government, businesses, and people with disabilities. As former roommates turned international colleagues, Patrick and Ricky compare their experiences to identify both the progress made and work still needed in supporting inclusive employment.