Changes

<span style="font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif;">The University also operates an initiative called UChicago Local, which fosters partnerships with businesses and job seekers in mid-South Side neighborhoods to opportunities at the University, the University of Chicago Medicine, and their vendor networks.</span>

<span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">Local Hiring - the University of Chicago is the largest employer on the South Side of Chicago, with nearly 6,000 staff employees of the University and medical center living within seven zip codes near its campus. In fiscal 2014, those area residents accounted for about one-third of UChicago’s total staff. UChicago Local works to advance local hiring by supporting workforce development agencies in their efforts to match mid-South Side residents with jobs and prepare them for employment.</span>

<span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">Opportunity Link - the University of Chicago has formed a referral partnership with 741 Collaborative Partnership, a nonprofit collaborative of 10 workforce development agencies, that will help link local residents working with any of 741’s partner agencies to job opportunities at the University, the Medical Center, and surrounding businesses.</span>

<span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">Training for Local Workforce Development Agencies - UChicago Local provides workforce development practitioners with training and informational resources that prepare them to better serve mid-South Side job seekers.</span>

<span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">UChicago Procurement - through UChicago Local, the University and Medical Center are realigning normal purchasing activity to potentially transfer business to competitive local vendors and, as a result, have a greater impact in local communities. The initiative targets prospective businesses in eight categories:- Consulting and professional services- Plant and maintenance services- Food supplies, dining and social activities- Non-shop supplies and equipment- Transportation and livery services- Shop supplies and equipment- Equipment lease and rental- Space lease and rental</span>

<span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">Capacity Building - in partnership with Chicago Anchors for a Strong Economy (CASE), UChicago Local provides training to help local companies grow their business to the next level by building capacity in core business skills.</span>

<span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">Business Showcase Events - through the UChicago Local initiative, the Office of Civic Engagement hosts or sponsors regular forums for mid-South Side businesses to showcase their products and services to UChicago and UChicago Medicine staff, faculty and students</span>

<span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">UChicago Local Newsletter - university faculty, staff and students receive direct information about discounts and promotions at local businesses through the monthly UChicago Local newsletter.</span>