Our Approach
What is BEST, Inc...
Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. (BEST, Inc.) is a non-profit agency that administers federally-funded programs such as Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) in Bureau, Carroll, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Putnam and Whiteside Counties. With offices in Oglesby, Ottawa, Dixon, Princeton, Sterling, Oregon, Galena and Mt. Carroll its focus is assisting adults and youth gain meaningful employment through training, job search assistance and work experience.
Accessing its vast range of business services, BEST, Inc. assists local companies to thrive in today’s complex, competitive and ever-changing economy. Our professional staff will meet with employers on site to assess their needs and determine an appropriate implementation plan to meet those needs.
Our Story
Established in 1984, BEST, Inc. serves as the grant sub-recipient of all WIOA funds for the Chief Elected Officials (CEOs) of the eight-county workforce area. Under the general guidance of NCI Works, the local workforce board for the area, BEST, Inc. offers a broad menu of services to adults, dislocated workers and youth, including subcontracting with local schools for a variety of educational projects.
BEST, Inc. is proud to be an affiliate of both NCI Works and Illinois workNet, as well as a partner along with other federal, state and local agencies and institutions in the local workforce system. Its Mission Statement, “The Business Employment Skills Team fuels the prosperity and productivity of business by delivering a well-trained and adaptable workforce”, reflects its chief priorities to enable workers to work and businesses to compete in a global economy.
Meet our Management Team
Joel Torbeck
Program Manager
Carrie Folken
Executive Director
Dianna Schuler
Business Relations Manager