If you’ve ever wondered how teenagers gain real work experience before entering the workforce, the Mercer County Youth Summer Work Program offers an inspiring answer. Created through the American Job Center, this unique youth employment program gives local students the opportunity to earn a paycheck while building the skills employers value most. At the same […]
WORKFORCE WIRE – Skilling Up: How to Build the Workforce You Wish You Had
Skilling Up: How to Build the Workforce You Wish You Had If you have ever stared at a key role and thought, “I wish I could clone my best person,” upskilling is the closest legal method. Building the team you want from the team you have is faster than hiring strangers into your workflow, and […]
American Job Center Newsletter
Introducing the American Job Center Monthly Newsletter Want to stay up to date on what’s happening at the American Job Center? Our new monthly newsletter will keep you informed about upcoming workshops, hiring events, training opportunities, program updates, success stories, and other news from across our offices. Each month, we’ll bring you a quick snapshot […]
Plan B: Rethinking Your Career Path
You may have had a plan for your work life. Maybe you thought you would stay in one field for years. Maybe you took the first job you could get and told yourself it was only for a short time. Then life happened. The job changed. The industry changed. You changed. Now you might be […]
WORKFORCE WIRE – Hiring with Purpose: Tap Into an Inclusive Workforce
Hiring with Purpose: Tap Into an Inclusive Workforce If your business wants to widen the talent funnel without lowering the bar, inclusive hiring is the move that protects your standards while expanding your options. The American Job Center makes that practical, not theoretical. We source and prep motivated candidates, coach them for success, and keep […]
Working With DCEO
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is partnering with regional organizations and local leaders to provide valuable insight into the many ways Illinois supports business growth and expansion. This informational event is designed to help attendees better understand the programs, incentives, and resources available through DCEO, along with the advantages of doing […]
Workforce Development Board – Meeting Minutes – February 2026
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF ROCK ISLAND, HENRY AND MERCER COUNTIES, NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION Board Minutes 8:30 a. m. – 9:30 a. m., Wednesday, February 24, 2026 In-Person Present: Cory Bergfeld, Teresa Cherry, Christine Gosney, Lori Warren, Mark Evans, Christine Caves, Meg Pfoutz, Steve Walzer, Abbey Cox, Dr. Daniel Marvin, Jenny Miller, Russell Hensley, Kathy Marshall and […]
CAREER COMPASS – Leveling Up: Career Advancement Strategies
You may have a job that pays the bills, but still feel like something is missing. You go to work, you come home, and each week looks the same. You might think, “Is this it for me?” The truth is that many people start with “just a job,” then slowly build a real career path […]
WORKFORCE WIRE – Rebuild Stronger: Help for Businesses Affected by Layoffs
When a layoff hits, it feels like trying to steer during a tire blowout. You are balancing customers, cash flow, and a rattled team, while worrying about compliance and community impact. The good news is that you are not alone. Illinois has practical programs to stabilize operations, protect remaining jobs, and help you rebuild with […]
Your Quad Cities Workforce Office
Your Local Workforce Office Many business owners hear terms like “workforce development” and “American Job Center” and assume they are broad public programs that matter more to job seekers than to businesses. In reality, they matter a great deal to businesses. A local workforce office can be a practical partner for hiring, training, and workforce […]