The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation releases its 2023 Impact Report, which promotes workforce development across the commonwealth, prepares students for future careers in Kentucky, and promotes business, among other key initiatives. It highlights the organization's commitment to promoting community inclusion.
The 2023 Impact Report provides an overview of Foundation programs that are important in addressing some of Kentucky's most pressing issues.
“We recognize the persistent population and workforce challenges facing our state and recognize the growing need for collaborative and innovative solutions. Our commitment to the jobs, growth and potential of Kentuckians is unwavering, and we are eager to embrace the opportunities of the future,” said Beth Davison, Kentucky Chamber Foundation Senior Vice President.
(Click to see full report)
“The work of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation is critical to the advancement of our commonwealth. We work with businesses and educators to address workforce challenges, ensure inclusion for all Kentuckians, and advance quality education. There has never been a more important time for our partners to work together. Kentucky's future depends on our efforts to solve these pressing issues, and we will continue to make Kentucky a national leader. We look forward to continuing our efforts to make the state the best place to live, work and do business,” said Kondrad Daniels, HJI Supply Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board Chair. chain solution.
Connecting education and business
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation, in collaboration with the Truist Leadership Institute, provides in-depth professional development to help principals across Kentucky lead high-performing schools and prepare students for future success. In 2023, her 42 principals representing 20,800 Kentucky students from 33 counties participated in the program. Kentucky's business community has committed more than $217,000 in 2023 to make this program free to participating principals.
In 2023, the Foundation participated in the second year of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's National Civics Bee, a competition that engages middle school students in civic education and civic activities. This year's competition began with students submitting essays to participate in regional competitions sponsored by local chambers of commerce across Kentucky. The statewide contest, sponsored by the foundation, included multiple rounds of civics questions, and top-performing students gave speeches about their essays in front of judges.
Kentucky's growing workforce
The Foundation's Talent Pipeline Management (TPM®) initiative is a collaborative and systematic approach to solving the needs of a diverse workforce across Kentucky. In 2023, TPM®️ worked with employers and state partners to establish pathways and engage 1,600 Kentuckians in training and career-related opportunities.
In 2023, the Foundation's Bus to Business® program will connect 40 employers and more than 2,500 Kentucky students to career-related discussions and activities. As a direct result of these efforts, nearly 150 students have successfully secured connections to internships, practicums, or job opportunities.
The Foundation's Workforce Recovery Program includes several initiatives that provide pathways for employers to help more Kentuckians reach long-term recovery while supporting fair opportunity employment. In 2023, Fair Chance Academy provided training and resources to her 80 employers in a variety of industries in Kentucky. As a result, these employers hired more than 415 Kentuckians from incarcerated or recovery communities in the past year.
Promoting inclusion
The Foundation has continued to connect Kentucky businesses looking to diversify their supply chains through the Kentucky Minority Business Database. To supplement the database, the Foundation will host multiple Minority-Owned Business Certification events across the state in 2023, educating more than 100 businesses about the benefits of certification. Additionally, the Foundation hosted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Academy and partnered with nearly 50 employers to strengthen their diverse talent recruitment and retention practices.
View the full 2023 Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation Impact Report at www.kychamber.com.
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