The Indiana Chamber is one of 35 state and local chambers chosen to take part in a new national program aimed at addressing critical education and workforce issues. Sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Leads Fellowship Program will train and equip participants with resources, national expertise and a network of peers to build their capacity to address these challenges.

“Businesses across the country are grappling with the same overriding challenge as many of our Chamber members: the need for more highly-skilled workers now and a stronger talent pipeline for the future,” says Jason Bearce, vice president of education and workforce development, who is participating in the program on behalf of the Indiana Chamber. “As a leading voice on these issues, Indiana has an opportunity to actively contribute to the national conversation while leveraging the lessons learned from our counterparts in other states.”

The 35 chamber executives included in the inaugural class of Business Leads were chosen through a competitive selection process that drew more than 140 applicants. The four-month fellowship will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, higher education and workforce development.

The goals of the new U.S. Chamber program are well aligned with the Indiana Chamber’s Indiana Vision 2025 focus on Outstanding Talent as well as the Indiana Chamber’s newly-created Institute for Workforce Excellence.

“The timing of this program is opportune as we at the Indiana Chamber are moving aggressively to increase our visibility and impact on the workforce issues that matter most to our members,” Bearce said.

Resource: Jason Bearce at (317) 264-6880 or email: jbearce@indianachamber.com