Building a Workforce for Tomorrow! By Theresa Harvey, President and CEO
R
2017-18 Board of Directors Executive Committee
ecruiting a prepared workforce is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today. As the workplace evolves, employees are learning new skills, developing old skills, and learning to be
proficient across many areas of a company.
Marty Burbank J.D., LL.M., Chair OC Elder Law
Businesses have identified a skills gap in those entering the workplace.
Javier Solis, CHA, Chair Elect
The gap identifies itself as a lack of fundamental reading, writing,
Holiday Inn Buena Park
mathematical, and/or communication skills. It may also present itself
Michael Williams, Vice Chair
as the lack of specific training required to achieve basic competency for
Williams Insurance Company
Stan Kwak, Vice Chair, Finance Voit Commercial Real Estate
Emily France, Past Chair Southern California Gas Company
Board Members
available jobs. When there is a significant gap between an organization’s portrait by Paul McKelvey
skill needs and the current capability of its workforce, employers and
educators must work together and identify solutions. North Orange County Chamber recognizes that the business community needs a workforce prepared
Alex Burrola
for a 21st century global economy. Fortunately, our educational partners, including California State
FSB Core Strategies
University, Fullerton, North Orange County Community College District, and other award-winning school
Sueling Chen, Ed.D., M.B.A Arborland Montessori Education Center
districts, have acknowledged these challenges and are mounting strategic solutions for developing the
DruAnn Copping
next generation of global leaders. Whether students are training for opportunities in manufacturing,
St. Jude Medical Center
business, technology, healthcare, or hospitality, they can be assured that business leaders and educators
Rosalina Davis Tlaquepaque Restaurant
Christopher DeCaro Kneadle
Helen Eligio Farmers and Merchants Bank
Cherry Li-Bugg, Ph.D. North OC Community College District
Rick McAuley
are collaborating and working together to identify and meet employer needs. Internships can be viewed as valuable opportunities for students and employers alike. As companies invest in training and development, students are provided with real world experiences designed to prepare them for the workforce. The Chamber has identified internships as a chance to help students achieve, but the programs can also create opportunities for businesses to learn new avenues of marketing, test programs, and introduce innovative ideas.
McAuley LCX Corporation
Kevin Pendergraft Credit Union of Southern California
Chairman’s Circle Sponsors
Carlos Salazar Salazar Associates
Katie Wanamaker, CPM M&D Properties - The Source
Staff Theresa Harvey President & CEO
Sarah McKelvey Dir. of Marketing & Community Relations
Jacquelyn Campana Graphic Designer
Sharon Lee Administrative Assistant
Anthony Avery Policy Intern
Deja McCullough Events Intern
Darcy Sattler Marketing Intern
444 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite 200 Fullerton, CA 92832 NOCChamber.com (714) 871-3100 To view the online version of this magazine, visit issuu.com/NOCChamber.
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