Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. (GGHI) is thrilled to announce that they are one of 11 organizations selected by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation to participate in a new national program. As part of the cohort for Economic Mobility for Rural Workers, GGHI will receive training and support to implement a program that helps place low-income, rural learners in good-paying jobs.
“GGHI is very excited about this opportunity with the ACCE Foundation and to be part of the Economic Mobility for Rural Workers Cohort to support Grays Harbor County,” stated Loretta Thomas, Program Manager for Business Development with GGHI. “I look forward to building better relationships and creating new ones while we work to increase sustainability in the lives of low-income rural workers.”
The 18-month program is made possible with funding from Ascendium Education Philanthropy. Participants, all of which serve rural communities, will explore and pilot different models that help place low-income, rural learners in well-paid jobs with career mobility—a fundamental component of creating equitable economic growth. They will work with other chambers and economic development partners in utilizing similar strategies and receive customized technical assistance. Participating organizations will also create a strategy to continue their work after the program ends.
“GGHI is proud to participate in this national cohort,” said Lynnette Buffington, GGHI CEO. “We know Loretta Thomas’ lengthy career in workforce development with rural economies made her an outstanding choice as a participant and likely made GGHI a top selection in the competitive process. GGHI looks forward to this experience and building our partnerships with employers to help address one of the largest obstacles they face.”
Organizations like GGHI are uniquely positioned to build and support cross-sector coalitions that create sustained business engagement in education and workforce development. They can support connections between postsecondary education providers, learners and employers to ensure that rural learners have clear pathways to well-paid employment without relocating.
“Economic mobility is essential to unlocking broader economic prosperity,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE’s president & CEO. “Chambers of commerce are catalytic leaders ideally suited to address pressing talent challenges and ensure thriving and equitable rural economies.”
Stay tuned to GGHI’s website and Facebook page for further details in this exciting opportunity!