The March announcement of the first Chamber strategic plan in decades was met with overwhelming support. We’re grateful for the support of our members, partners, and community as we work the details of the plan.

One of the priorities deals with workforce development, which is a hot topic for all Chambers these days – in the wake of the Great Resignation and its impact on businesses large and small.

We believe the last thing Ross County needs is another workforce development project or program. There are plenty of those. We believe our best opportunity is to create and manage a network to help businesses find solutions to their workforce opportunities.

Here’s how we’re planning to do that:

• Fostering communication and collaboration. So many times, businesses just overlook the opportunities available to them to help with workforce. Our job is to bring people together to help minimize the opportunities missed. We’re developing a business roundtable that will meet a minimum of three times a year to help businesses communicate with each other and hear from people who can help them overcome their challenges.
• Chambers of commerce serve as a neutral forum where different workforce development partners can come together to share information, discuss challenges, and develop solutions. This can help to break down silos and build relationships that can lead to more effective collaboration. We’re working with Ohio Means Jobs, Greater Chillicothe & Ross County Development, and other partners assess the current landscape, fill gaps, and combine redundant programs to fill jobs.
• Providing leadership and advocacy. Our Chamber has influence to advocate for policies and programs that support workforce development at the local, state, and federal levels. The development of the Leader in Me program in the Chillicothe City Schools was a game-changer many years ago. The work to transform our downtown began with a study championed by Our Chamber. Continued contacts in state and federal government promote historic preservation tax credits, common sense rules for small business, and more.
• Raising awareness of workforce development issues. Our Chamber can help to raise awareness of workforce development issues among businesses, policymakers, and the public. This can help to build support for workforce development initiatives and ensure that they are a priority.
• Connecting partners with resources. Chambers of commerce can connect workforce development partners with the resources they need to be successful. This could include funding, training, technical assistance, or access to data. We often hear “I wish there was something that would help with …” before they state the problem they have. Many times there already is a program that could help. This is where we can shine. We’ve help point businesses to the resources available through The Ohio State University Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which has helped Hometown Apparel, Fifty West Brewing Co, and others get equipment and training to expand their business. There are many more examples.

Our Chamber is at its best when it brings workforce development partners together. By fostering communication and collaboration, providing leadership and advocacy, raising awareness of workforce development issues, connecting partners with resources, and evaluating workforce development programs, chambers of commerce can help to ensure that the workforce has the skills and knowledge it needs to succeed in the 21st century economy.

Michael Throne is the president and CEO of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce and the co-host of the Feels Like Home local podcast, available wherever you find your podcasts. Reach him at mthrone@chillicotheohio.com.