Barbra Solberg, public policy strategist of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, has been selected to participate in the eleventh cohort of The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s premiere 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.
“Workforce and education issues have shaped our public policy work in recent years, and I’m honored to join the U.S. Chamber cohort to learn from peers nationwide and bring more innovative initiatives to our region,” Ms. Solberg said in a release. “A strong education system aligned with the needs of business is key to addressing workforce challenges, and this opportunity will help enhance ongoing Economic Alliance strategies to grow our metro area’s workforce.”
“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” said 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.”
Following a competitive application and selection process, Ms. Solberg was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to participate in the eleventh class of this program.
The eight-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 350 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.
