Hawaii Chamber launches Hawaii2Work
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii recently launched “Hawaii2Work: Securing Tomorrow’s Workforce Today” to address Hawaii’s workforce shortage, help dislocated workers find jobs, and encourage the local business community to invest in their future workforce by participating in work-based learning with local public schools. The program includes Hawaiiishiring.com, tuition assistance for new skill and re-skill education, and career coaching for dislocated workers. A webinar series is also being provided through the chamber.
Get full details on all the programs at https://www.cochawaii.org/hawaii2work/.
Central Valley Help Wanted California Coalition Created
In August the Fresno (CA) Chamber and local businesses, organizations and individuals joined together to bring attention to the impact the labor shortage is having on small business and advocate for reasonable policy solutions that encourage employees to return to work. A press conference was held in Fresno to kick off the campaign.
The coalition is asking for new financial incentives to both employees and small businesses to encourage people to return to work; programs to offset the cost of child care for returning workers; and rental assistance programs to returning workers; as well as continued funding of no-cost vaccination programs to keep workers safe as they return to work.
To learn more about the coalition and their efforts, visit www.helpwantedcalifornia.com.
Kansas Chambers Join Together to offer Community Health Plan
Ten local chambers in Kansas, including the Gardner-Edgerton (KS) Chamber, have joined together to offer a new health insurance option for businesses, both small and large. This provides businesses with the opportunity to potentially lower costs to their company and employees. The program was created with guidance from local business owners. View the health plan brochure here.
Oceanside Chamber Debuts New Workforce Development Program and Receives Grant
The Oceanside (CA) Chamber launched its new workforce development program, part of its Advancing Oceanside Workforce Development Initiative. The chamber is conducting a needs analysis to develop a thorough understanding of the short-term and long-term workforce needs of Oceanside’s business community and explore opportunities for training of youth, transitioning service members into the civilian workforce, and re-skilling of workers displaced by COVID-19 in order to prepare them for employment in emerging industries.
An expanded chamber website and job bank will connect members with resources to support that recovery and help keep Oceanside prosperous. For more information contact victoria@oceansidechamber.com.
The Oceanside (CA) Chamber joined with the Carlsbad (CA) Chamber and Vista (CA) Chamber, along with the San Diego North Economic Development Council (EDC) and Tri-City Medical Center in the Student Opportunities for Career Awareness & Learning (SOCAL) workforce development initiative. The initiative will feature the development of a video library comprised of virtual tours and interviews with more than 30 businesses in high-growth industries in the Tri- City region.
The EDC and chambers have been awarded a grant from San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond for developing the website and video library, and producing the first run of videos. The organizations will partner with the Career Technical Education (CTE) programs at the Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista school districts for distributing and promoting the videos to local students.
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Information featured each month in Around the West is taken from websites and chamber newsletters that W.A.C.E. receives from its members. We try to share best practices, innovative ideas and programs from chambers working hard to be Catalysts, Conveners and Champions and make a difference in their community.
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