News Room
Champaign County Launches First-of-its-Kind “Community Job Application”
Media Contacts:
Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director
Champaign County Economic Development Corporation
carly@champaigncountyedc.org
217-649-2586
Terri Reifsteck, Vice President of Marketing & Community Engagement
Visit Champaign County
terrir@visitchampaigncounty.org
217-351-4133
Champaign County Launches First-of-its-Kind “Community Job Application”
Digital platform makes it easy for potential residents to connect with Champaign County’s employers and community members
CHAMPAIGN, IL, April 12, 2023 – Connecting prospective new residents with Champaign County area employers just got easier with a new addition: the Community Job Application. Created by Champaign County Economic Development Corporation and Visit Champaign County, the platform allows newcomers to streamline their job search and community exploration process with personalized assistance, job matching, and relocation information in three short steps. The team worked with RoleCall, a national talent attraction consulting agency, to build this program.
Candidates, both internal and external to the community, who are interested in connecting with Champaign County employers, can visit YoureWelcomeCU.com, click on “Make It CU”, answer a few questions, and upload a resume. Candidate information will then be distributed to local employers to help facilitate job matches. Prospective new residents can also request to be connected to a member of the Chambana Welcome Crew. These plugged-in locals can answer questions about living and working in the area and help newcomers find their place in the community.
“In the age of talent wars, it’s critical that Champaign County stays on the cutting edge of talent attraction tactics,” stated Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “The Community Job Application is an innovative approach that gives future residents an accessible path to “yes” by providing a virtual front door to employment in Champaign County and important information about what matters to them most: personal interests and hobbies, quality of life, and more. We are excited to work with Champaign County employers on this new program.”
This program’s launch is partly funded by Champaign County through its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. “The intent of the ARPA funds is to get people and communities back on their feet. Connecting individuals with quality employment, good benefits, secure pensions, and a healthy work-life balance as County employees is a fundamental part of that recovery,” says Steve Summers, Champaign County Executive. “Champaign County government is very excited to participate in this project. We are an excellent living and employment destination, and we appreciate the work put in by the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation and Visit Champaign County to showcase that.”
“While most communities tout their welcoming attitude, Champaign-Urbana lives it,” says Tim Carty, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of RoleCall. “The Community Job Application is a great example of that — it’s inviting, it’s accessible, and it’s truly a great representation of the community’s values.”
Candidates who opt into the program will also receive curated information relevant to their industry, life stage, and interests. “This platform will feed directly into the Chambana Welcome Crew, where our ambassadors are ready to answer questions and get new residents settled into the community,” explains Terri Reifsteck, Vice President of Marketing & Community Engagement for Visit Champaign County. “Whether it’s learning about recreation, education, volunteer opportunities, LGBTQ+ resources, or our vibrant arts and culture, our ambassadors are armed with the knowledge to create an authentic connection that will further encourage individuals to Make It in the greater Champaign-Urbana area.”
Candidates in all career fields are encouraged to utilize the Community Job Application. Still, a particular emphasis will be placed on fifteen key job functions, including accounting & finance, customer service, marketing & communications, engineering, and more.
This service is free for individuals looking to connect with employers and area recruiters looking to fill jobs. “Our primary goal is to fill jobs with qualified candidates while introducing our community to newcomers looking for an amazing location to live,” says McCrory-McKay.
The Community Job Application is integrated into other programs led by Champaign County Economic Development Corporation and Visit Champaign County, including the Champaign-Urbana Area Job Board, New to CU mixers, Chambana Welcome Crew, Chambana Proud podcast, and more.
Champaign County employers wanting to tap into the Community Job Application talent pipeline can contact cwc@champaigncountyedc.org for more information.
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