RPC Formally Introduces ICRT as Newest Division During November Open House

The RPC formally welcomed Indoor Climate Research & Training (ICRT) as the agency’s newest division during an open house at ICRT’s state-of-the-art training center in Champaign on November 1. ICRT, which administers the training program for the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program, became the RPC’s sixth division on July 1. The open house also served as a way to celebrate the important work ICRT does on behalf of low-income residents and households throughout the state of Illinois.

The event featured comments from RPC CEO Dalitso Sulamoyo (which you can view here), ICRT Director Paul Francisco (which you can view here), and Mick Prince, the Weatherization Program Manager with the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. ICRT staff also provided demonstrations of some of the training they do and equipment they use, while attendees got to look in on a Basic Heating training class that was being conducted at the facility. ICRT trains and certifies employees from all local community action agencies throughout Illinois.

“We are very excited to have this training center as part of the Regional Planning Commission. I’d like to extend my appreciation to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for their continued partnership with not just ICRT, but with the RPC. And I’d like to extend a special appreciation to the University of Illinois for working with us collaboratively to have a smooth transition of ICRT from the university to the Regional Planning Commission.” – Dalitso Sulamoyo

“In line with the RPC, our number-one mission is helping people. Helping people have better lives. Helping people have better homes. Have their home be a place that supports their well-being and not be one of the stressors that is added to their lives as they are trying to make things work. What can we do to make their lives better, especially those who need the most help? I’m very excited about being part of the RPC at this time.” – Paul Francisco