Guest column: The goal of building strong communities – one industry and one company at a time
Posted 8:45 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022
By Shari Jenson and Valerie Kvale
Those of us lucky enough to live here know that Albert Lea-Freeborn County is a fabulous place to live, work, relax and enjoy life. We have manicured neighborhoods, large and small businesses, countless recreation venues, events and activities to participate in all year round.
Shari Jenson
We are also fortunate to have a strong and active Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce with 10 committees committed to building a strong and balanced community in work and life. All of these committees have a common goal: to make Albert Lea and Freeborn County a better place to work and live. We strive to educate the community about the great companies/industries and career opportunities that lie right here in our backyard.
The House Business Education Collaborative (CBEC) is one such house committee. The CBEC’s mission is “to improve the quality of life in our community between business and education through collaborative partnerships.” Our CBEC goals are: 1) To continue to develop collaboration with educational entities in Freeborn County with school-to-work transition and career exploration events and initiatives. 2) Coordinating educational programs for and with area businesses and 3) Informing, educating and promoting local businesses and communities on developing collaborations.
Valerie Kvale
Over the next few months, the CBEC will share information with readers that will include career areas within our community, future trends within these industries, and information on education, salaries and growth in these areas. .
Our goal is to increase awareness of career fields and amazing careers right here in our county. We hope to educate readers on the types of skills and education needed for these types of careers in hopes of helping local employers fill vacancies and strengthening our local workforce.
Shari Jenson is Executive Director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce. Valerie Kvale, of Workforce Development Inc., is the chair of the Chamber Business Education Committee.