In this episode, I sit down with Kami Welch, president of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and the new board chair for the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce Executives.  Over the past three years, Kami has led an innovative talent pipeline initiative called ArvadaWorks, a call for employers to play an expanded leadership role as “end-customers” of education and workforce partnerships.

In our conversation, Kami discusses how the businesses who have expressed concerns about the quantity and quality of talented workers in their industries has led to the creation of ArvadaWorks.  She talks about how the program is convening the players of the system to build a wider network of support and working as a champion in supporting the community’s businesses in playing bigger roles in preparing new workers for their industries.  She discusses the past and current challenges in engagement of partners and how perseverance and advocacy for change is leading to increased commitments from business owners as well as strong involvement from local and state policy makers.

Kami and ArvadaWorks are paving the way in learning what really needs to happen to bridge the gaps in talent needed by businesses in our ever-changing world.  It was an honor to discuss this cutting edge program and much more with humble badass Kami Welch.