Member News

Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce is one of 11 organizations selected by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation to participate in a new national program. As part of the cohort for Economic Mobility for Rural Workers, the Lebanon Valley Chamber will receive training and support to implement a program that helps place low-income, rural learners in good-paying jobs.

“We are just thrilled to be selected to participate and look forward to learning and collaborating with our peers” said Diane Harlow, Director of Workforce and Education. Lebanon County is comprised of both rural and urban municipality designations with over 140,000 residents and sustainable workforce development remains a top priority for the region.  The chamber serves as a catalyst to support local workforce development through collaboration, advocacy and awareness.

The 18-month program is made possible with funding from Ascendium Education Philanthropy. Participants, all of which serve rural communities, will explore and pilot different models that help place low-income, rural learners in well-paid jobs with career mobility—a fundamental component of creating equitable economic growth. They will work with other chambers utilizing similar strategies and receive customized technical assistance. Chambers will also create a strategy to continue their work after the program ends.

“Economic mobility is essential to unlocking broader economic prosperity,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE’s president & CEO. “Chambers of commerce are catalytic leaders ideally suited to address pressing talent challenges and ensure thriving and equitable rural economies.”

Chambers of commerce are uniquely positioned to build and support cross-sector coalitions that create sustained business engagement in education and workforce development. They can support connections between postsecondary education providers, learners and employers to ensure that rural learners have clear pathways to well-paid employment without relocating.