Oak Park businesses can sign up their cashiers, baristas, servers, and front-desk staff for a four-week communication course at no cost to the employer.

The Village's Office of Economic Vitality and Triton College announced the Oak Park Workforce Academy on Monday, June 22, launching with a Communication Masterclass that runs four consecutive Tuesdays from July 14 through Aug. 4. Sessions meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 1010 Lake St., Suite 100.

"When frontline employees feel confident and capable, customers take note and that translates into stronger businesses and a vibrant local economy," said John Melaniphy, the village's Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality.

The four sessions build week by week: building customer relationships (July 14), service and sales techniques including body language and tone (July 21), managing conflicts with upset or aggressive customers (July 28), and leadership skills for busy rushes (Aug. 4). Triton College's registration page describes the training as focused on "practical, real-world skills your staff can use on the job the same day."

Hemingway District businesses get priority registration on a first-come, first-served basis. That corridor is navigating the ongoing Renew the Avenue streetscape construction, which began in January and runs through Thanksgiving 2026. Participating businesses will also receive recognition from the Office of Economic Vitality.

Registration is open until spots fill. Businesses can sign up at www.oak-park.us/workforce or through Triton College's website. The Office of Economic Vitality can be reached at 708-358-5695 or [email protected].