Give Work A Chance: Lexington Chamber President Joe Wallace
Joel Leonard recently sat down with Lexington Chamber of Commerce President Joe Wallace for a question and answer session for Davidson Local. Wallace became president in 2019 and the two discussed how the Chamber helps local businesses and the outlook for workers.
"Joe, why do more businesses need to join and support the Lexington Chamber of Commerce?
Joining the local Chamber of Commerce is a way for local businesses to support each other. The Chamber of Commerce affords businesses of all sizes the opportunity to network, collaborate, form partnerships, and be a part of the fabric that makes up the local business community. The old adage that “a rising tide floats all boats” is very applicable to the concept of Chambers of Commerce. All Chambers have a Program of Work that establishes their goals and mission for the community they serve. The more businesses that are a part of the Chamber community, the better the overall strength of the local business economy.
What more can employers do to give workers a chance?
Local employers are still continuing to struggle with staffing needs, although it appears for some that tide has started to turn. One of the ways that has been effective in other communities is for employers to loosen some of their requirements for a particular position, and be willing to work with the individual by offering training to enable the employee to perform the job at the level expected, rather than only hiring someone who is fully qualified the moment they walk through the door.
What more can the education system do to help build a stronger workforce?
Our local educators, from primary through secondary and on to community college, are continuing to adapt their courses and fields of study to encourage those who do not want, can’t afford, or are not suited to a four-year college degree, the opportunity to learn a trade or certification in a technical field, enabling those students to earn a living wage. As more and more companies choose Lexington and Davidson County as their place to do business, it will be important for our local educators to continue to work with those employers in an effort to offer curriculums that provide our local students with the skill set those companies are seeking.
What more can Lexington do to support area workers?
Both our Lexington and Davidson County elected officials need to continue to be forward thinking and work toward bringing quality employment opportunities for our citizens. With the county’s newly reorganized Economic Development Commission and the city of Lexington’s Business and Community Development department, the components are in place to build off of the recent economic momentum that the city and county have experienced over the last two years. With more and better job opportunities, our local workforce will have options available to them that previous generations did not.
Are there upcoming events in which workers and businesses should consider participating?
The Lexington Chamber will be holding its 31st annual Christmas Gala, including food and beverages, a $5,000 reverse raffle, and a live and silent auction, on Thursday, December 7 at the newly renovated Anchor Ballroom. Tickets are available through Eventbrite and at the Chamber office. The annual Christmas Gala is an important part of the Chamber’s fundraising and is an integral component of helping the Chamber to fulfill its Program of Work."
