To build a stronger American workforce, ICW partners with cities, school systems, corporations, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and others, assisting them in designing effective business-education partnerships, employee recruitment and mentoring programs, workplace flexibility policies, and more. Learn more about our current initiatives, latest news, and policy priorities below:
Initiatives
Workplace Flexibility
December 08, 2009
ICW in partnership with the Families and Work Institute and the Twiga Foundation are conducting a nationwide campaign to demonstrate the value of workplace flexibility as a sound business decision.
Making Smart Decisions: HR Assistance for Hiring Individuals with Disabilities
October 08, 2009
The gap between available jobs and available workers with the skills needed in those jobs could grow to 35 million or more in 5 years. Yet, individuals with disabilities remain an untapped resource of potential workers. Learn how to access: information and referrals, technical assistance, public awareness, and training on all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
News »
Headline | K-12, Postsecondary, Workforce Development, Policy | NBC News
State Farm CEO says education is key to future of America
Posted February 11, 2013
A business heavyweight tells local leaders that education is the key to the nation's future. State Farm CEO Ed Rust was the featured speaker at the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs series.
Headline | K-12, Postsecondary, Workforce Development, Policy | The Bloomington Pantagraph
State Farm CEO speaks to Peoria Chamber, says workforce must adapt
Posted February 11, 2013
Business leaders need to get more involved in politics to help ensure they can recruit workers with the necessary skills, said Ed Rust Jr., State Farm’s chairman and CEO.
Headline | K-12, Postsecondary, Workforce Development, Policy | The Peoria (IL) Journal Star
State Farm CEO calls for nation to strengthen math, science skills
Posted February 11, 2013
The CEO of Bloomington-based State Farm Mutual Insurance sounded a call for education reform before an audience of 330 people Friday at a Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce-sponsored breakfast meeting at Four Points by Sheraton.
Policy
Developing a Business-Driven Employment and Training System
December 10, 2009
Read the U.S. Chamber's policy position on Employment and Training.
Events »
U.S. News STEM Solutions National Conference
June 17, 2013 to June 19, 2013
U.S. News STEM Solutions 2013 will bring together business, education and government leaders who have long recognized the need to connect the dots between STEM education and careers. Adding to last year’s successful conference format, the second edition will give more dedicated time for these leaders to interact and collaborate.
Annual Summit - Connecting the Dots
September 17, 2013 to September 18, 2013
The Institute for a Competitive Workforce will hold its annual education and workforce summit on September 17 & 18 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC. Details to come.
Promising Practices »
Business | NC
Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship Program - A Partnership worth Repeating
January 30, 2013