Chamber of Commerce

Contact the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for information, resources and networking opportunities on workforce and education issues:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of workforce development strategies for chambers of commerce interested in helping members and communities hire, retain, train and advance workers.
    URL: http://www.uschamber.com

The Online Navigator of the United States Chamber of Commerce provides access to resources for hiring new employees or training and educating existing staff. It helps employers connect to available resources at low or no cost. 
     URL: http://www.uschamber.com/cwp/navigator/default.htm

The Center for Workforce Preparation (CWP) provides tools, models and  best practices in workforce development.  An affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of  Commerce, the CWP helps state and local chambers better engage in workforce  development.
    URL: http://www.uschamber.com/CWP

Watch the ChamberCasts and with the help of an expert panel and featured  chambers, learn how to: identify effective and appropriate training initiatives; explore innovative strategies that work across regional and local labor markets  and for small businesses; and benefit from training models that have been  developed by chambers of commerce and other employer intermediaries.
  URL: http:// www.uschamber.com/CWP/Projects/Workforce+Innovation+Networks

 /Cybercast+Series.htm 

Contact your local State Chamber of Commerce, economic development agency or employment office for advice and assistance:

The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) is a resource for news and information that matters to your business bottom-line.  The BCA has a special interest in Workforce Preparedness and Education, and is a statewide nonprofit business trade association.
     URL: http://www.bcatoday.org/workforceprepare.cfm

The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce promotes a stable, reliable economic environment in which business can prosper and work.  The Chamber advocates a strong in-state education system to ensure a fully qualified Alaskan workforce.
    URL: http://www.alaskachamber.com

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce promotes a business climate that enhances economic vitality and improves the quality of life for all Arizonans.  It works to create a unified job training system for new and incumbent workers that meets the needs of the business community.
    URL: http://azchamber.rhinonet.com/

The Arkansas HR Solutions Center is provided by the State Chamber / AIA, the American Chamber of Commerce Publishers and HR Comply.   The HR Solutions Center offers a wealth of resources for employers to manage employees from hiring to retirement -- compliance, hiring, training, insurance, seminars, surveys, and more.
    URL: http://www.hrcomply.com/chambers/arkansas/

The state Employment Training Panel (ETP) and the California Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to help inform employers about the training funding ETP makes available to qualified employers. The California Chamber helps guide businesses through the ETP application and funding process.
    URL: www.calchamber.com

The Colorado Association of Commerce & Industry (CACI) and the Community Colleges of Colorado have launched a joint workplace-skills project to better align manufacturing technology programs with the actual workforce development needs of Colorado manufacturers.   
    URL: http://www.businesscolorado.com

The Connecticut Business & Industry Association provides new ideas, articles, and links to training and development providers, networks, and funding resources for Connecticut employers.
    URL: http://www.cbia.com/edtraining/2Workforce/workforce3.htm

The Education Partnership, of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, fosters partnerships between the business and education communities. It shares information and best practices, forms alliances with higher education institutions to deliver training and identifies state and federal funds available to companies for worker training.
    URL: http://www.dscc.com

The Florida Chamber of Commerce advances efforts to ensure that member businesses have an available supply of well-educated and trained employees.  The Chamber seeks to educate member businesses about opportunities regarding workforce education and welfare-to-work programs.  
    URL: http://www.flchamber.com

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce advocates the business viewpoint in shaping public policy to ensure Georgia’s future as economically prosperous, educationally competitive and environmentally responsible.  
    URL: http://www.gachamber.com

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is the state's premier business advocate and the only U.S. chamber to represent both a major metropolis and a state.  The Chamber has been instrumental in the development of many institutions dedicated to community well being.
    URL: http://www.cochawaii.com

The Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry represents businesses, chambers and associations statewide on public policy issues in the Idaho Legislature.  Standing committees include Human Resources and Education.
    URL: http://www.iaci.org

The Illinois Industrial Training Program of the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce can assist Illinois employers with the training, retraining and/or skills upgrading of existing or new employees.  
   URL: http://www.ilchamber.org/ic/work/woside1.html

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce provides links to Indiana population, demographics, and business and industry statistics.  Data by county on the size of the labor force, major occupation groups, and employment by industry is also available.
    URL: http://www.indianachamber.com

The HR Solutions Center of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry has a wealth of resources and information for employers on compliance, payroll, hiring, training, insurance, seminars, surveys and more.  
    URL: http://www.iowaabi.org

The Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is a statewide organization dedicated to the promotion of economic growth and job creation within Kansas, and to the protection and support of the private competitive enterprise system.
    URL: http://www.kansaschamber.org

Tap into a world of resources by searching the Education and Workforce Development area of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.  Here, businesses can find information on hot topics, up-to-date legislative developments, key links and helpful articles. 
    URL: http://www.kychamber.com/issue_central/edu_workforce/index.htm

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is a business lobby group in Louisiana, by business leaders from across the state.  It seeks to unify the state's business community, to speak for business and industry and to be a force in Louisiana government.
    URL: http://www.labi.org

Maine State Chamber of Commerce members now have access to the HR Comply Survival Guide, an encyclopedic volume of Maine and federal employment law; electronic Turnkey Training for employment compliance training; and other essential small business services.
    URL: http://www.mainechamber.org

The Maryland Workforce Academy, a partnership between the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, the University of Maryland and other educational institutions, offers a one-stop shop for identifying credit and non-credit training programs for employees.
    URL: http://www.mdchamber.org

The Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, c/o The Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. encourages the growth of existing businesses and industries and gives assistance to new or relocating firms.  Also, the Fall River Office of Economic Development offers free services to employers including employee recruitment and training. 
    URL: http://www.fallriverchamber.com

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce furthers the training and education of its members through a wide variety of conferences, seminars, on-line education and workshops on issues of importance to job providers.
    URL: http://www.michamber.com

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's Business Services, through its alliance with the Employers Association (EA), offers members a wide range of high-quality employee and management training at discounted rates.  Supervisory, communications skills and labor relations are some of the training topics covered.
    URL: http://www.mnchamber.com

The Mississippi Economic Council (State Chamber of Commerce) deals with broad issues with a bottom line return that relate to Mississippi businesses, with a focus on the future.  To build a future, it offers a prestigious leadership training program.
    URL: http://www.msmec.com

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce sponsors numerous meetings and seminars on education programs. Links to local state chambers, as well as information on the Missouri Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, which focuses on individual economic education and leadership development are included.
    URL: http://www.mochamber.org

The Montana Chamber of Commerce is a growing and dynamic group of businesses interested in enhancing the economic viability of Montana.  It supports proposals for retraining and educational opportunities that will ultimately help workers obtain new and improved skills and increased wages.
    URL: http://www.montanachamber.com

Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry
1320 Lincoln Mall
P.O. Box 95128
Lincoln, NE  68509-5128
Tel: (402) 474-4422
Fax: (402) 474-5681

Nevada Chamber of Commerce Association
c/o Greater Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 3499
Reno, NV  89505-3499
Tel: (775) 337-3030
Fax: (775) 337-3038
    URL: http://www.reno-sparkschamber.org/index.html

The Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire is New Hampshire's leading trade association.  The Association advocates for business interests with state and federal legislators and regulators.
     URL: http://www.nhbia.org/

The New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce's Education Foundation obtains training grants for incumbent workers who need to keep their skills current.  Grants from the DoL Customized Training Program support worker training in ESL, basic skills, technology and computer training, and for ISO9000 Quality Management Systems.
    URL: http://www.njchamber.com

The New Mexico Association of Commerce & Industry's (ACI) committees and roundtables examine workforce development issues and help develop ACI's annual legislative priorities.  The Education Committee focuses on workforce development initiatives and education reform.
    URL: http://www.aci.nm.org

The Business Council of New York State, Inc. provides links to regional Chambers of Commerce in New York State.  The Council's Education and Job Training Committee conducts research and has a monthly newsletter.
    URL: http://www.bcnys.org

North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry promotes the retraining of adults in the critical skills needed to compete in the global marketplace, and encourages incentives for employers to initiate programs in workforce development.
     URL: http://www.nccbi.org

The Greater North Dakota Association works with the state government, the North Dakota University System and the Workforce Development Council to provide business input to the development of a world-class workforce training system in North Dakota.
    URL: http://www.gnda.com

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, through its HR Solutions Center, provides support for employee training, with answers to common questions, sample job descriptions and appraisal forms.
    URL: http://www.ohiochamber.com

The HR Solutions Center of the State Chamber / Oklahoma's Association of Business and Industry offers employers a wealth of resources to manage employees from hiring to retirement - compliance, payroll, hiring, training, and more.
    URL: http://www.okstatechamber.com

Associated Oregon Industries provides leadership for the business agenda in the Legislature, with state agencies and the public. It strengthens and promotes the economic health of the state by providing research, education, services and resources to Oregon businesses.
    URL: http://www.aoi.org

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry gives employers access and expertise on virtually any business-related topic or regulatory issue. The PA Chamber Educational Foundation offers a wide range of business training opportunities. 
    URL: http://www.pachamber.org

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce does research in areas such as standards for workplace experience, education finance, skills and competencies, as well as conducting pilot projects such as cost allocation and productivity studies.  
    URL: http://www.sccc.org

South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry
108 N. Euclid Avenue
P.O. Box 190
Pierre, SD  57501-0190
Tel: (605) 224-6161
Fax: (605) 224-7198

The Tennessee Association of Business helps employers manage issues relating to Human Resources that are critical to their success.  Employers can submit questions and get answers, or see articles or previous questions with plain-English answers.
     URL: http://www.tennbiz.org

The Texas Association of Business & Chambers of Commerce works to improve the state's public education system by helping develop a workforce capable of competing in an increasingly complex and technologically advanced workplace.  The chamber holds informative workshops and seminars for small and large employers.
    URL: http://www.tabcc.org/

Utah State Chamber of Commerce
c/o Tooele County Chamber of Commerce
86 South Main Street
Tooele, UT  84074
Tel: (800) 378-0690
Fax: (435) 833-0946

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce seeks to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life.  The HR Solutions Center offers resources to help manage hiring and training employees.
    URL: http://www.hrcomply.com/chambers/vermont/

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognizes that the availability of a technically skilled, trainable labor force is the most persuasive location factor sought by business today and seeks to establish programs and policies to achieve such a workforce across the state.
    URL: http://www.vachamber.com

The Association of Washington Business serves as Washington’s chamber of commerce and advocates policies that are responsive to the workforce needs of Washington state's employer community.  It also works to increase the accountability of workforce training programs.
    URL: http://www.awb.org

The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce provides business leadership to meet state and regional issues.  The Education Committee provides a forum for promoting education and good schools and is particularly interested in workforce development issues.
     URL: http://www.wvchamber.com/

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce is a merger of the Wisconsin Manufacturers Association, the State Chamber of Commerce and the Wisconsin Council of Safety.  It encourages the expansion of employer-sponsored education and training opportunities for prospective and current employees.
    URL: http://www.wmc.org

Wyoming Heritage Foundation & Society
139 West 2nd Street, Suite 3E
Casper, WY  82601-2465
Tel: (307) 577-8000
Fax: (307) 577-8003

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Last updated: March 14, 2008.