Laser Precision Awarded 2019 Business Leadership Award by IWP

September 12, 2019

Laser Precision was presented the 2019 Business Leadership Award from the Illinois Workforce Partnership (IWP).The organization is comprised of 46 workforce development professionals representing 10 Economic Development Regions and 22 Workforce Innovation Boards in the state of Illinois. Laser Precision was nominated by the Lake County Workforce Economic Development Region.

The Business Leadership Award is given to recognize a private sector company that has demonstrated leadership in the areas of workforce and economic development as well as making significant contributions to local workforce innovations in their area during the past program year (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019).

The citation for the award stated, “Laser Precision recognized in 2017 that they needed to access a more diverse population of potential employees and expand training and development of their current workers. There is no doubt, that each and every employer nominated for this award has had, or is having, conversations around those same issues. But innovators like Laser Precision take action.” The citation listed the following examples:

Arranged to speak to over 200 high school students at the Lake County High Schools Technology Campus pertaining to manufacturing careers
Created a job shadow opportunity to expose students to the industry and possible career path
Participated in 2 Career Crossroads events at local high schools to discuss manufacturing career pathways
Volunteered to sit on the Workforce Board’s Employer Connection Committee, to give them valuable insight into the manufacturing Industry’s needs and provide a voice to recruitment and retention issues in Lake County
Attended and hosted specialized job fairs, targeting ESL and adult learners with the College of Lake County, employees affected by area layoffs and partnering with Illinois Department of Economic Security
Provided financial advising assistance and tuition support for continuing education for their employees
Started utilizing wage data provided by Workforce Development, to ensure that their current employees and future employees would be paid a competitive, market wage, thereby increasing their ability to attract and retain employees
Implemented an internship with the Welding Program at the Lake County Tech Campus
Participates in the Advisory Committee for Machine Tool Trades and Welding programs at the College of Lake County
Participates in the Curriculum Committee for the Machine Tool Trades program at the College of Lake County
Hosted local area Superintendents, Principals, Guidance Counselors and Teachers to visit Laser Precision and learn more about advanced manufacturing

In addition to these 11 specific examples of how Laser Precision took decisive measures around their workforce needs, the citation noted their efforts in becoming involved in the advisory committees that oversee the manufacturing programs at the College of Lake County and Lake County Technology Campus; campaigning for the opening of Machine Tool Trades program at the Lake County Technology Campus; opening their doors for shop tours to help shape a modern view of manufacturing; and revamping their onboarding process to fully engage employees and provide career growth opportunities.

Jeff Adams, President of Laser Precision, accepted the Business Leadership Award on behalf of the company at IWP’s Annual Awards Banquet in Springfield, Illinois.
“We have undertaken the task of redefining manufacturing to reflect the new technologies and career opportunities we have in the 21^st century. Every day is a challenge, but we have enjoyed the support and guidance of our local and state workforce development allies during this process. We feel the manufacturing industry has an excellent story to tell, and our community partners are the ones helping us tell it. When community organizations, educational institutions, and private business can work together, everyone wins.”