Gov. Quinn working toward new jobs

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, in his short time in office, has come to the state's aid. He has high hopes for helping Illinois citizens, like creating Chicago jobs.

On February 21st, Quinn launched Recovery.Illinois.gov to assist citizens looking for benefits of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. The goal is to help the unemployed through:

• Tracking projects, spending and new jobs;
• Listing state programs receiving funding including unemployment benefits, food stamps, vocational rehabilitation, and others;
• Connecting to agency sites posting available project lists; and
• Allowing citizens to suggest uses for federal stimulus funds.

“We are moving as quickly as possible to get projects going so that we can get the people of Illinois back to work,” said Governor Quinn. “This website will help them learn about important programs and track our progress.”

In addition to the recovery website, on March 9th, Quinn announced his desire for a $25 billion construction program. His hopes are that, if approved, the program will improve school, roads, and bridges. Thus, creating more jobs throughout the state.

The state could be seeing changes as soon as spring time.

Recession Proof Jobs in Chicago

Those without work had an easier time finding jobs in Chicago in November than they did in the previous month, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the month unemployment fell slightly, dropping 0.1 percent from 6.4 percent to 6.3 percent. In November the national average was 6.7 percent, which goes to show that the area is still fairing better than most of the country. Despite this, many in the city are still worried about losing their Chicago jobs. Because of this, jobs that are recession proof are becoming a point of interest.

One industry that seems to be immune to the problems plaguing most sectors is healthcare. Due to the necessity of the services this area of employment provides it continues to thrive. While many employers are laying off workers, many healthcare facilities can’t seem to hire enough workers. With the population growing and aging baby-boomers retiring, many positions are becoming available at a rapid speed. At this time, many community colleges and universities are unable to train enough new workers for a variety of positions in this field.

Another area that seems to be providing recession proof jobs in Chicago is the education sector. Primary schools are always necessary and provide more jobs than just those of teachers. With many worried about work there has also been a surge in attendance at colleges and universities across the nation. These academic environments have an even wider variety of jobs available than afore mentioned. Anything from clerical to janitorial positions can be found in this field.

Despite the struggling economy, these two areas of employment have seen a 1.3 percent increase since November of 2007. Those who do not feel that they are currently suited for this sort of work always have the option of returning to school to prepare themselves for such, which is what many are currently doing.

Chicago-Based Brunswick Corporation to Cut 1,400 Chicago Jobs

Struggling boat maker Brunswick Corporation will cut 1,400 more Chicago jobs as the company shuts four plants and furloughs workers at three more - the latest round of layoffs as boat sales slump to near-record levels.

Brunswick's global headquarters is in the Northern Chicago suburb of Lake Forest, Illinois. A company spokesman said retail boat sales through July were down 40 percent from a year earlier and that 2007 had the lowest sales ever in the U.S. industry.

In 2007, Brunswick had sales of $5.671 billion with net earnings of $111.6 million.

The announcement, which sent the manufacturer's stock to an 18-year low came four months after the suburban Chicago company said it would eliminate 1,000 jobs because of the falling demand for recreational boats amid a poor economic environment.

Layoffs and the planned closing are part of Brunswick's effort to cut costs by $300 million. Brunswick Corp. said it will close its U.S. Marine boat yard in southeastern North Carolina and eliminate about 270 jobs by the end of the year because of a national slump in boat sales. The company said three other fiberglass plants, in Pipestone, Minn., Oregon and Washington, will be permanently closed in a move that will result in the eventual elimination of approximately 1,450 hourly and salaried positions.

"Preliminary industry data indicates that retail sales are down by as much as 13 percent in our key category of sterndrive and inboard powered fiberglass boats in the second quarter, which historically represents the strongest period of the selling season," Chief Executive Dustan McCoy said in a statement, explaining company production and shipment cuts.

Recreational boat makers and dealers are having a hard time getting U.S. consumers to buy their pricey toys due to rising interest rates, higher fuel prices and a cooling U.S. housing market.

Prompted by worsening financial conditions, including rising oil prices and frozen credit markets, the company has slashed more than a third of its marine work force since the beginning of the year.

Chicago Jobs for Workers Over 50

Ageism, the prejudice against older members of the population, exists in many workplaces. From time to time, older employees find themselves pushed out or forced into early retirement for one reason or another, despite the fact that they are completely capable of fulfilling their responsibilities to the company. According to AARP, Chicago jobs exist that are extremely friendly to workers over 50 years old.

AARP recently announced the top 50 best employers for workers over 50 to work for in the nation and found that two are in Chicago. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), which is headquartered in the city, and New Horizons were found to have a great environment for older employees. Also making the list in Illinois was Centegra Health System, which is in Crystal Lake, and Hanson Professional Services of Springfield.

"Employers across the country are increasingly recognizing the importance of innovative practices as they seek to recruit and retain experienced workers," said AARP"s Illinois State Director Bob Gallo. "AARP is honored to award these four Illinois companies for being ahead of the curve."

The corporation chose to award these honors based on a number of criteria that showed concern for the needs of mature workers. According to a recent press release, these included; workplace accommodations, alternative work options (for example: flexible scheduling, job sharing and phased retirement), employee health and pension benefits and retiree work opportunities.
BCBSA was chosen in part to its Mature Worker Program which has a variety of benefits for employees who are over the age of 55.

"AARP's recognition underscores Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association's commitment to enhancing the lives of our members and employees -- of all ages," said BCBSA president and CEO Scott P. Serota. "We are proud to have a strong professional workforce of employees and are pleased to reward their dedication with competitive benefits, pay and human resources initiatives."

New Horizons was recognized for the training and wellness programs they provide for its employees who are over 50.

AARP will honor the winners at a dinner in Chicago that is scheduled to take place on October 7th.

Not Raising Taxes Means Fewer Chicago Jobs

A recent budget cut in the Chicago public school district will alleviate property taxes on residents, but will result in the loss of several hundred jobs. According to the Chicago Tribune, the city's Board of Education hopes to ease the stress put on area taxpayers that were effected by last fall's tax hike under Mayor Richard Daley.

In order to lower taxes after one of the greatest increases in the city's history, more than 400 Chicago jobs will be lost and over 70 schools will be expected to consolidate their bus routes. This $5.1 billion spending plan will be made possible by dipping into $100 million in reserve funds.

The Board of Education budget will be increasing by 4.3 percent this year in order to help pay for an agreed upon raise in teachers' salaries. As part of a five-year contract with educators, the Board is expected to boost teachers' pay by 4 percent each year.

The additional .3 percent increase in spending will result in an extra $40 million going towards improving high school instruction. The Board plans on creating programs to assist underperforming schools and help new freshmen get used to high school.

At a recent meeting, the president of the Civic Federation Laurence Msall stated that he approved the district's efforts to fix budget problems without adding pressure to tax payers. Despite the applause, the nonpartisan government watchdog group issued a report urging officials to come up with a detailed long-term capital improvement plan in order to analyze future proposals with consideration to declining enrollment in the district. Msall did not mention how the group he represents feels the job cuts will effect the area.