Illinois economic development official visits Vienna High School for regional summit
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
ILLINOIS (KBSI) – An Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity official visited Vienna High School in Southern Illinois to tour student career programs and participate in the annual One Shawnee Summit.
Andrea Carl Runge, assistant deputy director of the department, joined student-led tours highlighting Vienna High School’s Career Connected, Life Ready program, which focuses on preparing students for careers and opportunities after graduation.
According to school officials, Runge met with students to learn about their career goals, educational experiences and plans for the future.
The visit coincided with the One Shawnee Summit, an annual gathering of community leaders focused on economic development, workforce opportunities and regional collaboration.
State Rep. Patrick Windhorst, who chairs the One Shawnee board, helped organize the summit, which brings together local, state and federal leaders to discuss resources and initiatives aimed at strengthening Southern Illinois communities.
Vienna High School Chief Strategy Officer Phillip Hosfeldt said partnerships with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have helped expand workforce training, connect students with employers and support regional development initiatives.
The summit also featured presentations from representatives of Southern Illinois Now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Illinois Realtors and the city of Marion.
State Sen. Paul Jacobs, state Rep. Scott Doody and other elected officials also attended.
Vienna Superintendent Joshua Stafford said the event provided an opportunity to highlight the school’s career readiness programs while strengthening relationships between regional leaders and state agencies.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity oversees economic development, workforce initiatives and business growth programs throughout the state.
