FROM THE Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce: Celebrates Launch of the Chamber Talent Connect Program With SMC & Follows with Successful Webinar on Future-Proofing Santa Monica Businesses

SANTA MONICA, CA – January 9th, 2023 – The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Santa Monica College, proudly announces the successful launch of the Chamber Talent Connect program with a successful webinar held on December 18th, 2023. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, creating valuable connections for students and businesses in Santa Monica.

Chamber Talent Connect focuses on fostering collaborations between faculty and local businesses, establishing a robust pipeline for Santa Monica College students to secure internships and career opportunities within the community. The impactful webinar, hosted by the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, delved into the transformative impact of Cloud Computing and related fields on Santa Monica businesses. Judy Kruger, CEO of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s potential impact, stating, “Chamber Talent Connect represents a pivotal collaboration between Santa Monica College and the Chamber, aligning education with the evolving needs of our local businesses. By focusing on emerging fields like Cloud Computing, Bio-Tech, Aquaculture/Blue Economy, and addressing societal challenges such as Homelessness, we are ensuring that these students are well-equipped to thrive in the rapidly changing economy.” Program Co-Creator Alex Brown states, “Chamber Talent Connect is going to be a great program for our community. Keeping education aligned with the rapidly changing economy and labor market is a necessary foresight that will ensure students and businesses are ready for the future of academia and the professional world. This program will give our current business leaders a pipeline to mentor the leaders of tomorrow and actively craft the future of work in Santa Monica and beyond.”

The upcoming events under the program will continue to unite thought-leaders, faculty, and industry experts to explore future labor market trends and industry developments. These events will provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that academic curricula remain cutting-edge and relevant to the needs of Santa Monica’s dynamic business landscape.

Chamber Talent Connects commitment to preparing students for the future extends beyond traditional academic boundaries. By focusing on practical, real-world applications in partnership with local businesses, the program seeks to empower students and graduates to become valuable contributors to the local economy.  For more information about Chamber Talent Connect and upcoming events, please visit smchamber.com.