Press Release by the Charleston Metro Chamber – LClark

The Award for Education Attainment is a $40,000 “stimulus” provided by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), an Alexandria, Va.-based professional association for chambers of commerce.

“Talent development is a top priority for our Chamber members and a key part of our organization’s strategic plan,” said Bryan Derreberry, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “This funding will allow us to build upon the work we are doing to increase the educational attainment rate in our community to fill the skills gaps both now and in the future.”

At the core of the Chamber’s work to advance our region is a commitment to ensure that current and future generations have varied career opportunities in our region by enhancing the quantity and quality of talent in the Charleston metro. The Chamber works alongside our region’s largest public school districts, connecting the business community with our educational system. Additionally, the Chamber serves as the High School Convener for Tri-County Cradle to Career, working to align efforts in the Charleston metro to reduce high school dropout rates and ensure students are career- and college-ready. The Award for Education Attainment will propel the Chamber’s work in Career Academies and Youth Apprenticeships, preparing more students for post-secondary education.

Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is one of six organizations to receive the award this year and was selected from a competitive pool of 27 applicants because of its demonstrated momentum in setting an education attainment agenda and establishing innovative postsecondary attainment goals and strategies.

“Winners of our Education Attainment Award have identified innovative solutions for the toughest education and workforce development challenges,” says ACCE President Mick Fleming. “We are proud to support their work and share their successes to enable communities across North America to adopt proven practices.”

ACCE launched its Award for Education Attainment in 2014 to engage the business community in efforts to transform education attainment and workforce outcomes. Since launch, 18 chambers of commerce nationwide – including the six recipients this year – have received the coveted award. Awardees represent 13 states: Alabama, Florida (2), Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri (2), Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio (2), South Carolina, Texas (3), and Washington.

About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives:

The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, founded in 1914, uniquely serves approximately 7,000 individuals who manage chambers of commerce. The mission of the Alexandria, Va.-based organization is to support and develop chamber professionals to lead businesses and their communities. Learn more about ACCE by visitingwww.ACCE.org.

About ACCE’s Education Attainment Division:

The Education Attainment Division (EAD) convenes and connects an extensive peer network of chamber professionals to share resources and expertise on improving cradle to career education outcomes within their communities. For more information about ACCE’s Education Attainment Division, visit www.acce.org/ead.

About the Charleston Metro Chamber:

With more than 1,600 member organizations representing 125,000 professionals, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce serves as the collective voice of the business community and a catalyst for advancing the region’s economy and enhancing members’ success through Advocacy, Innovation, Talent and Business Advancement. Visit charlestonchamber.net.