What We Do.
At the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC), our work spans the vibrant communities of metropolitan Chicago and Northwestern Indiana, where industrial vigor meets community vitality. We are the architects of growth and the advocates for sustainable development in one of the nation's most dynamic industrial regions.
Our core mission is to spearhead industrial expansion and retention. This involves advocating for the needs and interests of over 1,500 companies across nearly 50 industrial sectors in the Greater Calumet Industrial Region. From food processing and chemical production to steel fabrication and automotive manufacturing, we are committed to fostering an environment where industries thrive.
Recognizing that the strength of industry lies in its workforce, we implement comprehensive workforce development programs. These range from on-the-job training reimbursement programs to apprenticeship development, all tailored to meet the evolving demands of the labor market. Funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Development along with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, we connect job seekers with career opportunities, equipping them with skills for today's jobs and tomorrow's challenges.
Under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Labor's H-1B One Workforce Grant, we facilitate advanced manufacturing training. This program bridges the gap between employers' needs and workers' skills, ensuring that the manufacturing workforce is competent, innovative, and forward-thinking.
Our Community Health Resource Team, operating under the guidance of the Chicago Department of Public Health, exemplifies our dedication to holistic community well-being. Initially focused on COVID-19 response, our team now engages in broader health initiatives, emphasizing health equity and access on Chicago's far south and southeast sides.
Through the Chicago Business Center (CBC) and Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) programs, in partnership with the City of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), we provide essential support to entrepreneurs. This includes business licensing assistance, financial resources, and sector-specific guidance, particularly for historically underserved populations.
Our management of the Invest South/West Corridors and Special Service Area 71 (SSA) in Roseland is a testament to our commitment to neighborhood revitalization. We oversee various services, from streetscape maintenance to community programming, all aimed at making Roseland a vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and visit.
In every aspect of our work, the Calumet Area Industrial Commission is dedicated to catalyzing growth, fostering skills, and enriching communities. We are not just about industrial development but about building a future where businesses and people can flourish together.
Why We Do It.
At the heart of the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC) lies a deep-rooted commitment to economic growth and the prosperity and well-being of every individual and community we serve. Our mission goes beyond the metrics of industrial success; it's about creating a sustainable, inclusive future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
We believe in the power of industry to transform lives and communities. By supporting industrial growth, we are not just boosting economic metrics but fueling the engine that drives opportunity, innovation, and resilience. Our advocacy and development efforts ensure that the Greater Calumet Industrial Region remains a robust and competitive force in the global economy.
Education and training are the cornerstones of empowerment. By providing workforce development programs, we are opening doors for individuals to step into fulfilling careers, break cycles of poverty, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. It's about equipping people with the tools they need to build their own success stories.
Our commitment to health and wellness through our Community Health Resource Team stems from the understanding that a healthy community is a strong community. Health equity is more than a goal; it's necessary to ensure that every person, regardless of background, has the chance to live a full, vibrant life.
Entrepreneurship is a powerful vehicle for change and self-realization. We aim to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit through the CBC program, especially in underserved communities. By providing resources and support, we're not just helping businesses launch and grow; we're fostering innovation, self-reliance, and community upliftment.
A vision of vibrant, thriving communities drives our work in Roseland and other neighborhoods. By enhancing public spaces, supporting local businesses, and organizing community events, we nurture a sense of belonging, pride, and collective identity. Our efforts in neighborhood development are about creating places where people don't just live but flourish.
At CAIC, our 'why' is deeply intertwined with the aspirations and dreams of the people and communities we serve. It's about more than just economic indicators: human stories, community ties, and a shared vision for a brighter, more inclusive future. We do it because we believe in the potential of every individual and community to rise, transform, and succeed.
