U.S. Chamber Awards Four Chambers Workforce Development Grant

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce today awarded four $40,000 grants to five chambers of commerce to be used for a local workforce forum. The grant is funded by the Department of Labor and administered through the Chamber's Center for Workforce Preparation (CWP).

"The leadership and commitment by these chambers sets the national trend in solving local workforce development issues," said Beth Buehlmann, executive director of CWP — a nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber. "We are excited about the value a local workforce forum will bring to these communities."

The award recipients are: Metro Jackson Chamber, Jackson, Miss.; Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce, Clarksville, Tenn.; North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce, Milwaukie, Ore.; Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, Helena, Mont.; and Bozeman Chamber of Commerce, Bozeman, Mont.

These workforce forums give businesses, workforce investment boards, service providers, and community leaders an opportunity to address a range of workforce development challenges, including recruitment, hiring, training, retention, and advancement strategies.

The local chambers will work with their respective state chambers to develop and advocate supportive state workforce policies and systems as a result of the input gained from local businesses through these Workforce Academies.

CWP helps chambers of commerce across the country develop workforce strategies so employees of their members are fully equipped to compete in the 21st century economy. Since 1990, CWP has helped state and local chambers better engage in workforce development and promoted quality education by providing tools, models, and best practices.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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