Calumet Area Industrial Commission

06/05/2026

CAIC and the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce hosted their second annual cross-border networking event on June 4th at ByWay Brewing Company. This crowd-favorite gathering united Illinois and Indiana business leaders to drive bi-state growth, exchange insights, and expand professional networks.

Lakeshore Chairperson Monica Rubio (SVP, Old National Bank) and CAIC President & CEO Ted Stalnos opened the evening by emphasizing the power of regional collaboration. The energetic room brought together a diverse cross-section of industries—including manufacturing, education, banking, and construction—sparking vital new multi-industry partnerships across state lines.

05/28/2026

Through its Bridge Program, CAIC is driving workforce development in the green economy by equipping graduates with the resources needed for long-term career success. CAIC recently delivered essential professional toolkits to program participants hired by SELOC, a company specializing in converting gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). Led by CAIC’s Chief Operating Officer, Grace Garcia and Project Coordinator, Daniel Meraz, this initiative was supported by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Barrier Reduction Services, funded through the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. By eliminating the financial burden of purchasing specialized equipment, this collaborative effort removes critical employment barriers, empowering new hires with the tools necessary to excel.

05/13/2026

The six-week Workforce Recycling Training Program starts June 1 at the South Suburban College Warehouse. You can earn foundational career skills, an OSHA 10 card, and a forklift certification.

Open enrollment is happening on May 20 and 21 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Participants receive several benefits to help them succeed:
• A free laptop computer is provided upon completion of the class.
• Students receive work boots for their training.
• Transportation support is available through gas cards or bus cards.
• The program leads directly to employment opportunities in high-demand fields.

You must be 18 years old by July 14, 2026, to join. Walk-ins are welcome at 350 W. Armory Drive, South Holland, or you can find more details at www.calumetareaindustrial.com/job-training.

FREE JOB TRAINING Program OverviewFree Workforce Recycling Training Program designed to prepare entry-level workers for careers in recycling, electronic recycling and warehousingSixweek training curriculum delivered in a cohort-based formatTraining Focus AreasCore workplace competencies:SafetyQualit...

05/06/2026

Alderman Peter Chico is hosting a 10th Ward City Services Fair to celebrate three years of service. Residents can meet with city departments, learn about available services, and connect with their local ward office.

The event takes place Wednesday, May 13th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rowan Park, located at 11546 S. Avenue L. It is a great opportunity to engage directly with city resources and staff.

05/06/2026

04/30/2026

Jackie and Delia were back in action representing CAIC at the 4th District Multi-Industry Job Fair. It was a productive session at Chicago State University, and we are proud to support this community initiative. We're always happy to participate in these events to help connect local talent with new opportunities.

04/29/2026

Business and community leaders gathered at the Lyric Theater in Blue Island, IL for CAIC’s Economic Outlook presentation by Ian Wyatt, Chief Economist for Huntington Bank. Wyatt delivered a comprehensive update on the national and regional economy, providing insight into the forces shaping today’s economic environment. The event offered attendees an informative perspective of the economic landscape. CAIC thanks everyone who attended and contributed to a successful and impactful discussion.

04/29/2026

The 4th District Multi-Industry Job Fair is happening today at Chicago State University. Head over to the Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center from 11 AM to 3 PM to connect with top employers and explore new career opportunities.

CAIC will have a table on-site to discuss how we can support your professional goals. Bring several copies of your resume, as they are required for entry. We look forward to seeing you there!

04/24/2026

That wraps up a busy week for CAIC. Staff members Danny Meraz and Jackie Terrazas participated in the International Maritime event hosted by We Work the Waterways and the Illinois International Port District.

The event focused on promoting the maritime industry to local youth. Many people don't know that this sector offers high-paying, sustainable careers. CAIC was proud to help highlight these paths and show the next generation what is possible.

We're always looking for new opportunities to promote industry and economic growth throughout the Calumet region. Staying active in these community events ensures our local workforce remains strong and informed about the diverse careers available right in our backyard

04/23/2026

CAIC had a great time participating in the Spring Citywide Career Fair at Olive-Harvey College! Our Case Manager, Jackie Terrazas, and Career Planner, Delia Payne, enjoyed interacting with so many motivated job seekers throughout the day. We love participating in these events and connecting local talent with new opportunities.