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Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC Jobs Committee

Meeting Minutes

LEWIS, ALLAN, Bates, Daugherty, Penesis, Strathmann, Young, ex-officios Roth (County

Vice Chair) and Pierog (County Chair)

Friday, November 14, 2025

10:30 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

Chairman Lewis called today's meeting to order at 10:36 AM.

Roll Call

Board Member Anita Lewis

PRESENT

Board Member Deborah Allan

Board Member Mavis Bates

Board Member Ted Penesis

Board Member David Young

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Bill Roth

Board Member Cherryl Strathmann

REMOTE

ABSENT

Board Member Gary Daugherty

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Also present: Co. Bd. members Juby*, Molina*; Dev. Planner Toth; JEG 360 LLC.

Grueling; VAC Supt. Zimmerman; Spec. ASA & Local Historian Shepro; ITD staff

Peters; and members of the press and public including U.S. Air Force Technical

Sergeant Adam Mayer, and U.S. Marines Sergeant Alejandro Mendoza.

Remote Attendance Requests

Chairman Lewis announced the remote attendance for today's meeting. She asked if

there were any objections to Committee Member Strathmann attending remotely.

There were no objections.

Approval of Minutes: October 17, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Mavis Bates

Public Comment

None.

Jobs Committee Priorities

No report was made.

Workforce Ready: High School Initiatives Powering Kane County’s Economy

Dev. Planner Toth stated that the guest speaker for the Workforce Ready High

School Initiatives Powering Kane County's Economy could not attend today's

meeting. The presentation was rescheduled to next month's meeting.

U.S. Air Force Recruitment Presentation (Technical Sergeant Adam Mayer,

Aurora Recruiting Office)

U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Adam Mayer introduced himself to the

Committee. He stated that he has been with the Security Forces for fifteen

years. The mission of the U.S. Air Force is to fly, fight, and win airpower

anytime, anywhere. He stated that the U.S. Air Force is the world's preeminent

force in air, space, and cyberspace. They maintain the distinction by maintaining

the objective of global vigilance, reach and power, and remaining true to its

vision. Mayer noted that the mission statement for cyberspace is to deny the

adversary the freedom of action in the domain. The cyberspace operations

include cyber security, cyber support, and cyber force application. He stated that

the new space force was developed in 2016. The U.S. Air Force offers 120

different career fields including aerospace propulsion, air traffic control, cyber

transport systems, radio technician, security forces, aircraft armament, and

airborne linguist. Mayer reviewed a pay chart indicating each pay grade level

within the years of service. Tuition assistance pays up to one-hundred percent of

financial aid for any classes taken in off-duty time. The amount paid is capped at

$250 per credit hour and $4K per year. Tuition assistance is also available to

use towards online and technical programs, including any degree program at

any school. Mayer stated that the post 9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of

benefits, and provides a $1K stipend for books and supplies. The GI Bill also

pays for housing and food allowances while pursuing a degree, and individuals

can receive up to $21,970.46 per year for tuition. The U.S Air Force is a four to

six year commitment. Basic training is 7 1/2 weeks and is located in San

Antonio, Texas. Mayer addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Discussion ensued.

U.S. Marines Recruitment Presentation (Sergeant Alejandro Mendoza, St.

Charles Recruiting Office)

U.S. Marines Sergeant Alejandro Mendoza stated that he has been with the

Marine Corp. for eight years. He stated that the Marines is one of the smallest

branches in the U.S. Military. When enlisting in the military, individuals receive a

steady pay, regular pay raises, reenlistment bonuses, free financial counseling,

and a savings plan. The benefits for active duty while in college include

one-hundred percent of college tuition, the post 9/11 GI Bill will cover thirty-six

months, and you can receive up to $45K for an Illinois State Veteran's Grant.

Mendoza added that the benefits for active duty life are thirty days paid vacation,

free medical and dental, life insurance at a lower cost, and discounted activities

and travel, such as free air mobility command flights. There are over 300 jobs

Marines can choose from, and several cross training programs are available, if

the person decides to change their career path. Marines undergo thirteen weeks

of intense Boot Camp training to become elite warriors, mastering skills in

combat from the sea, ground, and air.

Jobs Committee 2026 Goals Discussion

Chairman Lewis stated that the 2026 Jobs Committee Goals have been

established. The Committee agreed to further review and approve at next

month's meeting. (Committee Member Allan arrived at 11:08 a.m.)

Kane County Economic Development Initiatives Staff Updates

Dev. Planner Toth stated that due to the government shutdown, there have been

no updated regional economic data produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There will be more information provided at the next meeting. (Committee

Member Young left at 11:24 a.m.)

Toth shared a brief video of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)

on the Champions of the Workforce Manufacturing Excellence in Kane County,

Illinois. Further discussion ensued.

Workforce Development Department

No report was made.

New Business

None.

Reports Placed On File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Deborah Allan

10.

Executive Session (if needed)

None.