The 2017 Industry Showcase and Appreciation Luncheon for representatives of Chamber-member industries and suppliers took place on Oct. 24.
“Industry plays a vital role in economic development in our community,” said Lisa Pickel, director of existing industry programs for Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. “Our community is blessed to have a strong existing industry base.”
The annual event was presented in part by Chattanooga Gas Co., Cleveland Utilities and MurMaid Mattress.
The luncheon keynote speaker was Denise Rice, president of Peak Performance, Inc. and director of the Tennessee Manufacturing Association. Ms. Rice shared insights on programs and initiatives for existing industries, while emphasizing the need for workforce development. “In Bradley County, we have 102 high-quality job commitments for 2016-17,” said Ms. Rice. She also noted the important role the high schools play in preparing the future manufacturing workforce and applauded the collaborative work being led by the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council such as the week-long coordination of student tours and hands-on activities at 10 area manufacturing centers.
Ms. Rice additionally noted students can now graduate from high school with a CNA in nursing “that can put you right to work. We've got to be able to do the same thing in manufacturing.”
The manufacturing and distribution company Showcase participants were BC Champions, Bayer Healthcare LLC, Cleveland State Community College Workforce Development, Cleveland Utilities, MurMaid Mattress, Peak Performance, Peyton’s Southeastern, and Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland.
For more information about the Chamber’s Workforce and Economic Development programs visit www.clevelandchamber.com.