Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

We had a full house for Coffee and Conversations this morning! ?? Thank you to everyone who joined us to hear what other member organizations and businesses are cooking up for the holidays. It’s always a great time when we can connect with our members and provide these vital networking opportunities. #gsochamber #greensborobusiness #greensboronc #cityofgreensboro

Our own Melissa Slade Smith joined Fox 8 and Brad Jones to talk about WOW (World of Work), a career awareness event that covers various post-secondary pathways that prepares students for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand careers. Joining Melissa in the studio were Kanika Lawson, Work Based Learning Coordinator with Guilford County Schools and Brandi Kennedy, VP of Secondary Programs shift_ed. Participating employers can set up interactive booths showcasing mobile units, machinery, tools, etc. while giving students hands-on experience in various industries. This is a wonderful opportunity to spark interest and connect with the young minds who will become our future workforce! The event is from 10 am to noon on Friday, November 22 at First Horizon Coliseum. This event is full. https://lnkd.in/evYChWar

Advancing Opportunity and Equity: Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week in Greensboro by Melissa Smith, Director of Workforce Development Solutions for the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce This year, we proudly celebrate the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW)—a decade of empowering workers, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. Apprenticeships are more than workforce solutions; they’re gateways to opportunity, equity, and success for individuals and businesses alike. As President Biden’s proclamation highlights, apprenticeships provide “a proven pathway to good-paying jobs and long-term careers while helping businesses meet workforce demands.” In Greensboro, this vision is realized through lives transformed by apprenticeships and industries thriving with a skilled, adaptable workforce. With strong partnerships with Guilford County Schools’ SOAR Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC), NC FAME (NC Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education - First in Flight Chapter), Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP), and GuilfordWorks’ GEAR UP program, we’re bridging gaps for diverse populations and creating equitable pathways to high-demand careers while boosting our local economy. And this is just the start—Greensboro is home to a dynamic network of registered apprenticeship programs driving progress forward. Connecting with ApprenticeshipNC is key to scaling these opportunities. Their expertise aligns apprenticeship programs with state standards, delivering value to employers and participants. Whether you’re developing a standalone apprenticeship, joining a consortium, or exploring new partnerships, ApprenticeshipNC is your trusted ally. Inclusivity is at the heart of our efforts. By collaborating with the NC Department of Adult Correction’s work-release programs, we’re creating life-changing opportunities for judicially impacted populations, offering meaningful second chances. At the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, we are laying the foundation to meet industry demands—not just for today but for the future. This work requires bold collaboration among businesses, educators, and community partners. Together, we can bridge gaps and build a workforce reflecting the full diversity and potential of our city. The call to action is clear: Join us in advancing apprenticeship programs, fostering equity, and investing in the talent pipelines that will power Greensboro’s future. Let’s honor NAW’s milestone anniversary by doubling down on efforts to build a resilient and inclusive workforce. Contact the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce to be part of this transformative journey. Together, we’ll secure a future where everyone thrives. #NAW2024 #ApprenticeshipUSA

Next Monday, join us as we highlight the skills, resilience, and leadership that veterans bring to the workplace! As Greensboro’s industries continue to expand and diversify, veterans are a critical asset with transferable skillsets that align with our region’s growing workforce needs. Business leaders, industry professionals, and workforce partners will gain actionable insights on how to connect with and leverage veteran talent to build a robust and diverse workforce. Register now at https://lnkd.in/e3Gdh33v #gsochamber #greensborobusiness #cityofgreensboro #militaryfamiles

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brent Christensen will join the Triad Business Journal’s Spotlight on Guilford panel discussion at Elm and Bain on December 5 to explore what’s driving the growth, examine the companies creating jobs, and analyze the impacts on the housing and retail sectors. Joining Brent on the panel are: ? Lisa Amburn – CEO, High Point Regional Realtors Association ? Geoff Foster – President and CEO, Core Technology Molding Corp. ? Chris Wilson – Deputy City Manager, City of Greensboro Lloyd Whittington, Editor in Chief of the Triad Business Journal, will be the moderator. Registration is available through the Triad Business Journal at?https://bit.ly/40O1l2Z?#TriadBizEvent

Kickstart your day with us tomorrow at Greensboro Power Studio during our next On the Go event! ?? Enjoy a fun workout while networking with other Greensboro business owners and entrepreneurs. Register at https://lnkd.in/e2wgKM8T #gsochamber #greensborobusiness #cityofgreensboro

Hey employers! Join us for the chance to engage Guilford County students at World of Work, a career awareness event that covers various post-secondary pathways that prepares students for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand careers. Participating employers can set up interactive booths showcasing mobile units, machinery, tools, etc. while giving students hands-on experience in various industries. This is a wonderful opportunity to spark interest and connect with the young minds who will become our future workforce! We’re excited to collaborate with our friends at Guilford County Schools and Shift_Ed on this awesome event! If you’re an employer and would like to participate, go to https://bit.ly/4eqT882 to sign up before Nov 15. November 22, 10 am to noon First Horizon Coliseum (formerly Greensboro Coliseum) #gsochamber #gsobusiness #cityofgreensboro

?An incredible day here in the City of Greensboro! Over the past four years, if you've crossed paths with me, you've likely heard my conviction that Guilford County is primed and ready for life sciences opportunities—and today is proof of that! I'm thrilled to welcome Gilero to our community! Not only are they a national leader in the medical device and life sciences space, but they're also deeply community-focused. Their presence here marks another big step forward for Guilford County as a hub for life sciences innovation. Thank you to everyone who played a part in bringing Gilero to Greensboro and getting this one across the finish line. Here’s to a brighter, healthier future for our community! #LifeSciences #EconomicDevelopment #GuilfordCounty #Greensboro #CommunityImpact Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) North Carolina Department of Commerce NC Carolina Core North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech)Tracy Dellinger Wade Stauffer Nicole Mikschofsky Brent Christensen Marshall Yandle Erris Dunston, MPA, ICMA-CM Taylor J. Hutchins Jake Keys Meridith Berger Melissa Slade Smith Laura Rowley Christian Brown Nancy Johnston Peter Bishop Brantley Craft Cyndi Dancy

Congratulations to?Action Greensboro?for winning the **Best Communications Strategy in Economic Development** award at the 2024 City Nation Place Awards! ???? The?Boomerang Greensboro campaign was recognized on an international stage at the?#CityNationPlace?Global conference in London, celebrating Greensboro’s unique approach to bringing talent *back home*. Since launching, Boomerang Greensboro has welcomed 85 families, connected top talent with companies like?Honda Jet?,?First Bank?, and the?Center for Creative Leadership?, and reached thousands online. ???? A huge thanks to creative partner Beth Boulton?for helping make this campaign a success! ??

Last night at the 58th Annual NCCJ Citation Award Dinner, our very own Kate Phillips, MBA, Director of Accelerate, was honored as one of 2024’s Inclusive Leaders! This award celebrates those who go above and beyond to foster inclusivity and create more welcoming workplaces. Congratulations, Kate!