World Business Chicago
World Business Chicago is a nonprofit organization. Learn more at www.worldbusinesschicago.com.
Introductory Conversations and Assessment
How organizations conduct initial needs assessment with employers, introduce workforce development in general as well as their own organization’s programs, and gauge whether an employer could benefit from workforce development programs.
Learning About Employers' Needs
- The workforce team meets with employers to understand their hiring needs, onboarding processes, and talent pipeline.There is no formalized intake process across WBC. Different departments may use their own approaches.
- Initial employer meetings focus on gathering information about company mission, hiring practices, career pathways, credential requirements, and youth engagement programs. If relevant, follow-up site visits are scheduled.
- Employer data is primarily tracked using Google Docs. There is no centralized system for capturing engagement details across WBC. Efforts are underway to improve tracking and standardization.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Introducing Workforce Development Opportunities
- WBC introduces the workforce ecosystem by framing it as a network of interconnected resources, including city agencies, educational institutions, workforce boards, and community organizations.
- Employers are introduced to workforce development resources based on their specific needs, such as access to talent pipelines, training partnerships, or hiring initiatives. WBC provides guidance on which programs align best with an employer’s industry and workforce strategy.
- WBC facilitates connections between employers and workforce partners by making direct introductions, explaining available funding sources, and highlighting best-fit opportunities within the ecosystem. When appropriate, they arrange meetings between employers and workforce providers to explore potential collaborations.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Introducing Your Organization
- WBC introduces itself to employers as an economic development organization that connects businesses to workforce resources, talent pipelines, and strategic partnerships.
- Employer engagement occurs through business development meetings, networking events, and direct outreach. WBC provides information about available workforce services and how they align with business needs.
- WBC presents its services by outlining its relationships with city government, education systems, and workforce agencies. WBS explains how these connections support employer hiring and workforce development efforts.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Evaluating Employer Suitability
- Employers that demonstrate a willingness to engage in workforce initiatives, such as internships or job shadowing, are prioritized for deeper engagement. If an employer is hesitant or unresponsive, they may be placed on a lower-priority follow-up list.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Establishing Employer Relationships
Ways that organizations follow up or otherwise build relationships with potential employer partners. How do organizations keep employers’ interest and stay top of mind, despite how busy they may be?
Following Up via Phone and/or Email
- WBC does not use a formalized follow-up system. The organization relies on personal relationship management. Regular check-ins occur every 6-8 weeks with key employer partners to maintain engagement.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Service Provider Visits to Employer Workplace
- Site visits are commonly conducted after an initial employer meeting to assess workplace culture, hiring needs, and career pathways.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Metrics and Financial Factors
How organizations collect and share information about expected outcomes and potential financial rewards and incentives.
Sharing Metrics and Return on Investment with Employers
- WBC is developing a system to track employer engagement, including metrics on participation in workforce programs, sector representation, and talent pipeline success. These metrics will inform future business outreach strategies.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Gathering Data to Track Employer Metrics
- WBC primarily tracks employer engagement through informal Google Docs and individual notes. Efforts are underway to implement a more structured tracking system.
- A new initiative in 2025 will focus on tracking employer engagement by sector, hiring needs, and workforce program participation. The goal is to develop a more data-driven approach to employer outreach.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Organizational Level Considerations
How organizations are set up to build partnerships with employers, and how they leverage relationships with other organizations for better outcomes.
Organizational Structure, Resourcing, and Staffing
- Employer relationships at World Business Chicago (WBC) are managed by multiple teams, including:
- Business Development (6 staff)
- Innovation (4-5 staff focused on technology)
- Corporate Engagement (2 staff)
- Workforce development is also involved in business relationships but does not have a dedicated department for employer outreach
- New businesses typically engage with WBC through the Business Development team, while existing businesses looking to expand may connect through various departments depending on their needs
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Collaborating with Other Organizations
- WBC makes employer referrals by directly introducing contacts via email, including a company overview and relevant workforce details. If possible, they facilitate a three-way introduction.
- There is no formal tracking system for employer referrals or shared placements across WBC. Informal coordination happens between workforce partners.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Challenges
Common challenges and how organizations typically respond to them.
Workforce Development Jargon
- WBC communicates with employers in business-friendly terms rather than using workforce development jargon. The organization frames workforce initiatives as part of broader business growth strategies rather than standalone workforce programs.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Handling Objections from Employers
- If employers are hesitant about workforce initiatives due to political or operational concerns, WBC respects their position and does not push participation. Instead, they maintain contact for future engagement when circumstances may change.
- Employers who have had negative past experiences with workforce agencies are encouraged to share feedback. WBC works to address concerns by facilitating smoother engagement and resource access.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Handling Challenges
- The biggest challenge is connecting with the right decision-maker within a company. While WBC engages with C-suite leaders, workforce initiatives often require buy-in from HR and operational staff.
- Employer turnover presents a challenge for maintaining long-term relationships. WBC mitigates this by maintaining connections with multiple points of contact within an organization.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tana Francellno in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
