For Immediate Release

Champaign, IL  – Medical Cannabis is one of the newest industries in Illinois and many are wondering what type of jobs will formulate in our state. For those interested in a job in one of the nation’s newest fields, medical cannabis, you will get a first look at what to expect in this emerging market. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 881 in conjunction with prospective cultivator, Monticello Pharmaceuticals, is hosting the Central IL Medical Cannabis Job Summit to be held on Saturday, December 13 from 9am – 11am at Parkland Community College, Tony Noel Agricultural Technology Applications Center, 2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL, in room W115.

With the potential to add many jobs in Illinois, there is an immediate need to start developing and recruiting a strong workforce. “UFCW is a national voice for medical cannabis workers. We are instrumental as a key leader in coalitions and advocacy groups to provide quality jobs in the medical cannabis field. Since this industry is so new, we understand the importance of providing educational sessions, like the Job Summit. We are working diligently across the state to provide clear, comprehensive information so this industry can thrive and good jobs can be created.” says Ron Powell President, Local 881 and UFCW International Vice President.

The Job Summit is the first step toward educating and developing this workforce. Attendees will hear from speakers, including Julie Prom, Director of Operations for Cannabis Advisors Institute. Speakers will provide valuable information on Illinois regulations, job opportunities, and workforce skills necessary for success in this new industry. The summit will also deliver awareness on cannabis cultivation safety and symptom-based benefits for patients.

“Working with the UFCW Local 881 to communicate and develop our local workforce is key. It’s our philosophy to build a strong workforce with the knowledge, skills, and tools to further our mission to be a best-in-class producer of medical cannabis. This Summit is just one part of our collective work with UFCW Local 881 to build good jobs, develop a strong Apprentice Training Program, and standardized curriculum for the State of Illinois.” said Kara Demirjian-Huss, Human Resources and Community Affairs Director for Monticello Pharmaceuticals.

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Local 881 UFCW represents 34,000 members employed in retail food and drug stores throughout Illinois and Northwest Indiana, as well as a professional division comprised of health and nursing home workers, barbers and cosmetologists, and workers in other retail and service industries.  Among the companies under contract with Local 881 are Jewel Food Stores, Osco Drug, Mariano’s Fresh Market, CVS Pharmacy, Kroger, Schnucks, Pinnacle Foods, and many smaller chains and independent stores, as well as nursing homes and other business establishments.  Local 881 is among the largest affiliates of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 1.3 million members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.