Workforce Development and Taskforces

Workforce development is an important aspect of every community. A talented, educated workforce leads to greater economic opportunities and growth. The Chamber works closely with the Jefferson County Center for Workforce Development to provide job seekers and employers with the resources they need to remain competitive.

Please visit the Jefferson County Center for Workforce Development for more information about workforce development in the Birmingham region.

In September 2005, the Chamber teamed up with the Jefferson County Center for Workforce Development and TechBirmingham to create www.birminghamopenarms.com. This online job database was created just days after Hurricane Katrina struck the gulf coast. New Orleans and several coastal cities in Mississippi were hardest hit and hundreds of thousands of people were forced to evacuate. Birmingham responded by providing basic shelter and necessities for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. The business community went one step further and posted over 1,700 jobs at www.birminghamopenarms.com. Evacuees from Hurricane Katrina are encouraged to look on this website, which includes both short and long term employment opportunities. If you have jobs available, please post them at www.birminghamopenarms.com. Posting is free.

Find out how you can get involved in business development committees and task forces:

Cool Community Task Force

Did you know that in 2006, two workers will exit the workforce for every one entering and by 2008, there will be a shortage of 10 million workers across all employment categories nationwide? (U.S. Census Bureau). The Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce assembled a task force of young professionals in January 2005 to deal with the issue of bringing young, college-educated people to the Magic City. Visit the Cool Community Task Force web page to learn more about this task force.

Community Advisory Committee for Birmingham City Schools

At the request of Birmingham school leaders, the Chamber formed in 2003 the Community Advisory Committee for Birmingham City Schools. The committee is comprised of corporate leaders, educators and citizens-at-large from the Birmingham region and serves to increase the dialogue between the school system, the business community and the broader public. The committee also serves as a sounding board for school officials and the superintendent to report on the progress of the system, funding and educational performance.

Urban school systems nationwide provide unique opportunities to educate children from all social and economic backgrounds. At its best, advocates say public education can inspire its graduates to become productive, contributing citizens in a thriving community rich in diverse thought, skills and talent. Unfortunately, urban school systems nationwide are dealing with crisis ranging from adequate funding, low test scores and dwindling school populations.

The challenge to overcome these adversities is not foreign to the business community because an educated workforce leads to a healthy, competitive and stable local economy. The Community Advisory Committee for Birmingham City Schools represents a committed consortium of business professionals, educators and citizens who are working together to come up with solutions.

The contact for YP initiatives is Meredith Davidson at (205) 241-8115.