The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has selected Kari Puleo, executive director of the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, to participate in the 12th cohort of its Business Leadership Program, according to a statement from the Utica chamber.
The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.
“It’s an exciting time for the Mohawk Valley, with transformational growth across industries like advanced manufacturing, AI, cybersecurity, and UAS research. I’m honored to join the Business Leads Fellowship Program and help strengthen the pipeline between education and workforce in our region. This opportunity will provide valuable insights and connections to support the Greater Utica Chamber’s efforts in preparing a strong, skilled workforce to meet the needs of today — and tomorrow,” said Puleo.
She continued, “I’m honored to be selected for the Business Leads Fellowship Program and excited to represent the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce in this national network of changemakers. Addressing workforce and education challenges is critical to our region’s future, and this opportunity will provide valuable tools, insights, and connections to help us support both our businesses and our community more effectively.”
Following a competitive application and selection process, Puleo was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to participate in the twelfth class of this program. The six-month program, consisting of both in person and virtual meetings, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce development.
Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of over 400 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.
“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Kyle Butler, Senior Manager, Programs, K-12 Education at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in a statement. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”
For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website at www.uschamberfoundation.org/solutions/early-childhood-and-k-12-education/business-leads
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Utica Chamber of Commerce director chosen for U.S. business leadership program
Reporting by Casey Pritchard, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
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