The creation of our new strategic plan for the Frisco Chamber of Commerce is currently underway, thanks to the efforts of our Board of Directors and chamber staff. Our overarching goal for the future is to remain relevant and essential to our businesses and be a more purposeful and productive resource to the community. Our new strategic plan connects this vision to strategic initiatives, priorities, and goals, and once completed, it will focus on three main areas. Today, we will explore one of our main focuses – workforce development/workforce advocacy.
A Whole New World
While workforce development has long been a critical focus area for the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, we realize that the pandemic has forever changed our workforce as we know it. We recognize that now is the perfect time to refocus and be more intentional and innovative in this area. The pandemic accelerated already emerging employment trends such as remote working, employee health and well-being, talent attraction and retention, training strategies, and re-skilling, to name just a few. This “new” world now challenges employers to think innovatively and strategically about the hiring process, consider new talent pools, and seek solutions to never imagined struggles!
Ongoing Efforts
A few of the Frisco Chamber’s ongoing efforts in workforce development include our Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). This program allows students to create real businesses and organizations and develops entrepreneurs as young as middle-school age. Most of these students continue to run and grow these businesses after graduating from YEA! Many become successful adult entrepreneurs and employers in our region.
Another program, Leadership Frisco, a nine-month leadership training program for adults, is designed to develop a pool of qualified, highly motivated individuals interested in expanding their leadership skills, deepening their sense of civic responsibility, and becoming more involved personally and professionally in the community. This program is proudly celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
A Job Board open to all local and regional businesses exists on our website, allowing employers to post local jobs. Our mentorship/internship database helps connect interns and mentees with industry professionals.
Partnering with Education
We could, but we certainly don’t stop with all of those efforts mentioned above! Working closely with our local colleges and universities allows us the opportunity to promote professional growth and upskilling of existing employees. We also work closely with Frisco ISD and our four other local school districts in various ways to stay plugged in and connect the business community with students in each of these districts, local private schools, and charter schools.
Responding to Current Needs
In response to a critical need, our most recent effort includes assisting our restaurant, retail, hotel, and other service industries in hiring employees. For this reason, the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas and the Frisco Economic Development Corporation, will host a job fair on November 17, 2021, at Preston Trail Community Church. Employers can register for an employer booth and potentially hire applicants on the spot. Please note, registration is required for both job-seekers and employers, and both can find more information at friscochamber.com/jobfair. Please help us spread the word!
Lastly, on December 8, 2021, we’ll be hosting a workshop designed to educate our businesses. The Hiring 101 workshop will help our area businesses learn creative ways to attract and hire new talent. Be sure to register as space is limited!
All of these resources are just the beginning! If you are a business owner or leader, we would love to hear from you on the resources we can provide to make Frisco the best place to do business. Our doors are always open, or you can reach us at info@friscochamber.com.
