Identifying Common Initiatives and Roles of Chambers in Workforce Development

A strong workforce equals a growing community.  That's been true for many years. 

That's nothing new!

What's new is what does your community have that is attracting that strong workforce?

I think we can all agree on what attracts businesses to your community:

  • Infrastructure;
  • An educated workforce; and
  • A sense of community.

There are all kinds of jobs that need to be filled, not just lawyers and doctors but welders, plumbers, electricians and carpenters.

Does your community have a strong relationship between the high school, vocational school, junior college and the business community?

It’s essential that the three are tied together for success.

We need to get to a place where we do not stigmatize high school graduates, vocational school, or junior college graduates.

At the end of the day, it's the electricians, plumbers, and construction workers who work with the architects, engineers, and the financial industry to build the infrastructure of the 21st Century within our growing communities.

We need all levels of education to fill these key jobs to move our communities forward.

And let's not forget that many electritions and plumbers are making more money than the college graduate, without any college debt! 

3 Keys to Recruiting Sponsors for Your Event

WIIFT (what's in it for them)?

What is their ROI (return on investment)?

What kind of exposure are you giving your sponsors?

What kind of exposure are they getting from the media that is worth so much more than attending that one event they may attend?

Position your sponsors as partners that are supporting the Chamber, which in turn, supports the community as a whole and that's something everyone can get behind?

Not just at that one event but as a partner for the whole year.


Build relationships, show that you're working together to build a stronger community that benefits everyone (i.e., small business members, customers and the community at large).

For more information on sponsors from the American Society of Associations Executives (ASAE) go HERE.