While Skills for Chicagoland’s Future was initially conceptualized by Chicago Career Tech and Skills for America’s Future, its full planning and launch was created by a group of dedicated partners who recognized the need for a paradigm-shifting, demand-driven intermediary. These partner organizations brought to the table expertise in workforce development, finance, consulting, strategic planning, fundraising, public policy and the business environment in Chicago. Identifying dedicated organizations and industry experts in your intermediary’s region are keys for partnership development and the overall successful launch of a demand-driven organization.