The United Regional Chamber of Commerce Joins Forces with the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education to Focus on Education and the Workforce
The Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education (MBAE) and the United Regional Chamber of Commerce (URCC) announced today that the URCC has signed on as an MBAE Affiliate, signaling its commitment to ensuring all students get the education they need to be successful in college and in their careers.
The URCC joins the growing MBAE network that includes 32 chambers and industry associations including the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Mass Technology Leadership Council, which collectively represent over 28,000 employers.
“By partnering with MBAE, the Chamber is joining a network of business groups that have made education and the workforce a top priority,” said URCC President and CEO, Jack Lank. “Together, we will ensure students are graduating ready for success.”
“We are pleased that the United Regional Chamber of Commerce is joining our Network of employers that share a commitment to high quality public education,” said MBAE Executive Director Ed Lambert. “Together, we can promote preeminent state education policy and work with our partners to provide students with critical information about and exposure to the world of work in the 21st century.”
MBAE Affiliates are joining the Network in response to their members’ concerns about the preparedness of students for the workforce. An MBAE survey of Massachusetts employers found 75% are having trouble finding qualified candidates to fill open positions. Candidates and new hires are lacking in skills needed in the workplace including “applied skills” like teamwork, critical thinking and communications.
About the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education
The Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education was founded in 1988 by employers concerned about the educational attainment and skills of graduates entering the workforce. Driven by the business community’s commitment that all students graduate high school prepared for success in college, career and citizenship, our core work is influencing state education policy to improve the quality of all public schools in Massachusetts.
About the United Regional Chamber of Commerce
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a private, not-for-profit business association that represents and connects hundreds of businesses of all sizes from virtually all industries in the 16 communities we serve.
Chartered in 1917, the URCC is the region’s oldest and largest economic development and business advocacy organization.
The URCC supports and promotes the local business community by working with government officials on issues that directly impact our member businesses.
Through leadership in public advocacy, education, networking, information, and community development, the URCC is always working to keep our local economy growing.