Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Julie Lunning, President of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, was selected to participate in the twelfth cohort of its premier business leadership program. 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.
“As our community continues to grow, it is critical that we invest in both the talent of today and the workforce of tomorrow,” said Lunning. “Being part of this national fellowship will help us align local strategies with proven approaches from across the country, ensuring we stay competitive and future ready. I am honored to be selected for the Business Leads Fellowship Program and look forward to continuing our work with area partners to strengthen the pipeline between education and workforce in our region.”
Following a competitive application and selection process, Lunning 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, comprising both in-person and virtual meetings, will encompass the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12 education, postsecondary education, and workforce development.
“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local partners,” says Kyle Butler, Senior Manager, Programs, K-12 Education at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “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.”
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.
For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website.
