The Callaway Chamber of Commerce has been working diligently on workforce development for Callaway County.
During the past eight months, a team of Chamber staff and local business leaders have been discussing the workforce needs for the community.
During these on-going discussions, the team developed action plans to educate students, teachers, counselors and parents about job opportunities in Callaway County. Some of the activities have included tours for counselors and teachers, and a new teacher's reception.
On Sept. 20, a College and Career Fair was offered by Fulton High School in collaboration with the Callaway Chamber of Commerce. The event drew 25 businesses, 43 colleges, 170 students and parents from four high schools in Callaway County.
The purpose of the event was to give students and parents an opportunity to discuss college options and career opportunities all under one roof. The event gave employers the opportunity to have face to face conversations with the students about future job opportunities in our community.
Team members include: Janea Danuser, Danuser Machine Company; Nancy Berry, Ovid Bell Press; Paul Allen Huggins, Dollar General Distribution; Gary Jungermann, presiding Callaway County commissioner; Jacque Cowherd, Fulton Schools superintendent; Bruce Hackmann, Callaway Chamber economic development director; Tateosian; Michelle Maupin, City of Fulton; Fulton Mayor Leroy Benton; and Shane Moriarity, CWIB.
The next event is National Manufacturing Day which will be observed on Oct. 6 across the nation. The chamber will take 60 high school students from the four high schools in Callaway County to tour three manufacturing facilities.
The Chamber offered thanks to The Callaway Bank, PFS Brands, Mid America Precast and Henderson Truck for their support of this event.
(Tamara Tateosian is executive director of the Callaway Chamber of Commerce.)