We envision a region where everyone has access to the skills and opportunities needed for a meaningful career—and where businesses can count on a steady pipeline of skilled workers. Through collaboration with employers, educators and community partners, the Chamber is working to strengthen workforce development, support upskilling and ensure long-term economic growth for our region.
For our region’s continued economic growth, we need both a robust workforce pipeline to meet current employer demands and a future workforce equipped for tomorrow’s jobs.
Key Strategies:
- Align Education with Workforce Needs: Strengthen partnerships between education sector and employers to ensure training programs meet industry demands.
- Develop Targeted Workforce Pipelines: Focus on building robust talent pipelines for the region’s high-demand sectors.
- Champion Continuous Skill Development: Advance professional growth through upskilling and reskilling.
- Advocate for Policies Supporting Workforce Readiness: Support legislation that funds education, addresses workforce barriers and enhances career readiness.
See how we're addressing Workforce
The Chamber has received a $180,000 investment from the ATI Foundation to launch a Regional Education Blueprint—advancing its People First strategy to build a stronger, more connected workforce system. This initiative will align education, industry and community efforts to ensure the region is preparing future talent for high-demand careers.
Meet J.R. Wilson
JR, a determined local high school senior, possesses exceptional qualities that set him apart. With a love for soccer and basketball, he remains focused on his education and building a promising future for himself. Having received multiple college acceptances, he aspires to a rewarding career in business and marketing.
Raised by a single mother, JR deeply appreciates the sacrifices she has made to ensure he received a good education. Grateful for the unwavering support from his family, as well as numerous teachers and school administrators, he understands this is not affordable to every kid.
With an awareness beyond his years, JR recognizes the educational disparities within our community. Benefiting from additional course offerings from the advanced study programs, he supports equal access to resources and opportunities and values the importance of education in fostering individual growth and community development.
Help Shape the Legacy of Our Region
Invest TodayTo measure where we are today—and where we need to go—we’ve developed the People First Scorecard, in partnership with Truist Charitable Fund. This tool provides key metrics across each pillar, offering clear, data-driven insights to track progress, guide action and inform future decision-making. An overview of additional regional data points is also included to offer a broader view of our region’s current landscape.
