Business & Industry Forum
One Forum. Stronger Conversation. Bigger Impact.
Join the Oct. 16 conversation
RSVP for the forumEICC has consolidated its four Business & Industry Forums into one regional event on Oct. 16 at Scott Community College—bringing everyone together for more synergy, collaboration, and stronger discussions about where we go next.
Following the results of our Workforce Development and Training Survey, this forum is your opportunity to review findings, share your perspective, and help shape the strategies that will strengthen our workforce and grow our regional economy.
Consolidated Forum Details
Join us:
- Thursday, October 16 | 7:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Scott Community College - Community Center, 500 Belmont Rd., Bettendorf
The consolidated forum will include
Survey Results Review
Explore the key findings and themes from the workforce survey.
Keynote Presentation
A leadership message from featured speaker Dean Heffta.
Roundtable Discussions
Engage directly with peers and educators to influence next steps in workforce training.
Special Welcome
Meet the new EICC Chancellor.
Featured Keynote: Dean Heffta
Leadership Speaker | Author | Founder of Clarus Results
Dean Heffta is a leadership speaker, author, and trainer. Through his tailored training programs, he helps leadership teams become more connected, committed, and courageous. He is the co-author of “How We Connect: Using Process Communication Model to build healthy relationships”. Dean is the past president of the Illinois chapter of the National Speakers Association and Co-Dean of the chapter's Speakers Academy which launched this March.
Keynote Presentation: “Building a Learning Culture”
8:45 – 9:15 a.m.
In today’s rapidly changing environment—where businesses face fierce competition for top talent—your organization’s ability to learn faster than others is a powerful competitive advantage.
In his keynote message, Dean Heffta will explore how leaders can foster a culture that drives continuous learning and adaptability. He’ll share:
- The single biggest mistake organizations make when trying to grow people
- Three actionable levers leaders can use immediately to boost team learning
- Strategies to create a learning culture that fuels business success and workforce development
Heffta’s engaging and insightful talk will energize you for the roundtable discussions that follow, helping you think critically and creatively about the skills and training your industry needs.
Agenda
| 7:30 - 8 a.m. | Welcome Breakfast & Networking Light breakfast Informal networking among business leaders, educators, and college staff |
|---|---|
| 8 - 8:15 a.m. | Welcome & Opening Remarks Ann Lawler, Scott Community College President Overview of the event goals and agenda |
| 8:15 - 8:30 a.m. | Introduction of the New Chancellor Dr. Bryan Renfro, Chancellor Vision for the college, commitment to workforce and economic development, and appreciation for employer partnerships |
| 8:30 - 8:45 a.m. | Workforce Development Update Ashlee Spannagel, Vice Chancellor of Workforce Snapshot of current workforce initiatives, training programs, and industry partnerships |
| 8:45 - 9:15 a.m. | Keynote Speaker Dean Hefta Building a Learning Culture |
| 9:15 - 10 a.m. | Facilitated Table Discussions Guided prompts at each table, led by a college facilitator or volunteer: What are your top workforce challenges today? How can the college better align with your training needs? What opportunities exist for deeper collaboration? What emerging skills should we be integrating into our programs? |
| 10 - 10:45 a.m. | Report-Outs & Closing Remarks Highlights shared by a few tables Summary of next steps and contact points for follow-up Thank you and adjournment |
Why Attend?
- Review and reflect on survey findings from across the region
- Add your voice to shape the next phase of workforce training
- Connect with peers and community leaders in one powerful conversation
- Contribute to building a talent pipeline that supports long-term economic growth
Whether your business is in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, education, agriculture, or any industry in between, your input is vital. Together, we can align programs, invest resources, and respond to the needs of today’s employers while preparing for what comes next.
Be Part of the Conversation. Be part of what's next.
We’re building more than training programs—we’re building the future of our regional workforce.