Governor Quinn Opens Job Fair for Soon-to-Open Pullman Park Retail Development

CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by local officials to open the Workforce Development Resource and Job Fair at George H. Corliss High School for the soon-to-open Pullman Park Retail Development. The new retail area will create close to 600 jobs and serve as an economic catalyst for the Pullman and Roseland neighborhoods. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

“I am pleased that the State of Illinois was able to assist with infrastructure funding and other investments which are now paying off in job opportunities for local residents,” Governor Quinn said. “New jobs are on the way to the Pullman and Roseland area, and this job fair will provide opportunities for residents who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work."

At Governor Quinn's direction, the State of Illinois provided funding for key infrastructure and road improvements at the large development in Pullman, which is bringing many retailers to the area. Walmart, Planet Fitness and several other stores were represented at today's job fair, which offered participants career development information, job-search resources, training programs, resume writing techniques, interviewing skills, entrepreneur/business development, dress for success and other job-readiness information through sessions facilitated by business professionals. The fair was co-sponsored by the Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, and Calumet Area Industrial Commission.

“Today marks a beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Pullman/Roseland community,” 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale said. “Major retailers have recognized that our community has not only strong buying power to support national retail stores, but also has the skills to fill jobs close to home. We embrace the opening of Pullman Park, a catalyst for change in a community that needs it the most.”

Several stores in the Pullman Park Retail Development are scheduled to open in September.

The Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce promotes business and expands economic opportunity in the Roseland community through direct outreach, event sponsorship and advocacy. Their services support 430 businesses in the Roseland community.

Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives is a leading community and economic development organization that works collaboratively to serve low- to moderate-income communities throughout Chicago. Their mission-driven activities include large-scale commercial real estate development, historic affordable homes preservation and lending to small businesses.

The Calumet Area Industrial Commission works with industrial companies in the Greater Calumet Area to promote industrial expansion and retention efforts in the region. Their membership includes more than 130 companies and service providers representing over 8,000 employees in manufacturing, transportation and logistics, human resources, health care, finance and higher education.