Strengthening a Talented Region
Recognizing the importance of connecting talent with our region’s employers, there is no greater economic driver for our region’s future than the need to develop, attract and retain top talent. The importance of turning the Lansing region into the home for the best talent in the nation is why the Chamber has placed a strong emphasis on several talent initiatives. Now is the time to take our region’s talent to the next level.
Bridging the Gap Between Business and Education
To help solve the talent gap in Lansing, businesses are collaborating with local school districts including Lansing School District, Ingham Intermediate School District, Eaton Regional Education Service Agency and Clinton County Regional Education Service Agency. The Chamber prides itself as being a conduit for collaborative partnerships through our support of education and talent initiatives such as Teach. Talent. Thrive. (T3), Lansing Promise, Launch Michigan and others. Together, businesses and educators are creating a talent pipeline for decades to come.
Leadership Lansing
Leadership Lansing is a talent initiative developed by the Chamber to help develop and equip the next generation of community leaders. More than 130 outstanding leaders have graduated from the program since 2016. Participants engage in seven workshops over an eight-month period in which they are exposed to key institutions and leaders that are critical to our region.
ATHENA
The ATHENA Leadership Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment, excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community, and pave paths for women to follow. The ATHENA Leadership Award was created by former Lansing Regional Chamber president Martha Mayhood Mertz in 1982 and has since spread around the world. MSU women’s basketball coach Suzy Merchant was honored as the 2018 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient. More than 6,000 awards have been presented in over 500 communities. The Chamber is a proud supporter of ATHENA International and ATHENA WIN.
ATHENAPowerLink
Since 2006, ATHENAPowerLink has helped women business owners and entrepreneurs grow their business and reach new goals through a national mentoring program, valued at $25,000, that connects selected women business owners with a skilled advisory panel. The local advisory panel, comprised of mentors best suited to the recipient’s needs, helps business owners achieve networking, capital, operational and strategic goals. The program also helps enhance leadership and management skills.
10 Over the Next Ten
The 10 Over the Next Ten awards celebrate innovative and entrepreneurial leadership from Greater Lansing’s best and brightest young professionals. Presented in partnership with Grand River Connection for more than a decade, the annual event recognizes the Lansing region’s top young professionals who are expected to contribute significantly to our community over the next ten years.
Lansing 5:01
The Chamber is proud to support Lansing 5:01, an initiative designed to showcase the best of Lansing. Lansing 5:01 strives to retain and attract young professionals in the Lansing region by connecting both college talent and young professionals to the community’s emerging quality of life opportunities.