On Wednesday, January 10, the Georgia Chamber Foundation, the state’s leading economic research organization, announced the creation of its new Center for Workforce and Talent Preparedness at the Chamber’s annual Eggs and Issues breakfast.  

The Center for Workforce and Talent Preparedness is dedicated to leading Georgia businesses and partners in attracting, developing, connecting, and retaining the talent needed to drive a highly skilled workforce with a strong work ethic. The Center is designed to better leverage the Chamber’s statewide network, partnerships, and capacity to directly help employers, educators, and community partners across Georgia build effective talent pipelines, and provide real-world experience and entrepreneurship training for the next generation. 

“This new strategic initiative was created to lead the state through an unprecedented talent transformation,” said Daniela Perry, Vice President of the Georgia Chamber Foundation. “Talent continues to be the number one issue facing our members. The Center for Workforce and Talent Preparedness aims to bridge the gap between employers across Georgia, community partners, and careers available in the Peach State.”  

Along with its affiliates and existing partners - FLEX (Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneur X-Perience), Be Pro Be Proud Georgia, The National Civics Bee, and the Georgia College and State University Georgia Education Mentorship Program - the Center for Workforce and Talent Preparedness will help businesses connect with their local K-12 school systems to provide early exposure to high-demand career opportunities and engage with college students through a highly competitive mentorship program.  

Already, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education, the Center for Workforce and Talent Preparedness has awarded $3 million in grants to rural school districts for programs designed to strengthen alignment between business and industry needs and expand entrepreneurial and work-based learning opportunities for rural students.  

“As the Chamber continues to focus on building the workforce of the future, we look forward to partnering with our newest affiliates and existing state partners to provide hands-on learning experiences to Georgia’s students,” said Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber. “Early exposure to career opportunities will play a vital role in ensuring the next generation of talent is successful as they enter the workforce.”  

To learn more about the Center for Workforce and Talent Preparedness, visit gachamber.com/foundation.