The Florida Chamber Foundation’s Future of Work Initiative has launched a series of workforce roundtables aimed at strengthening the state’s talent pipeline. The first event, held in Tallahassee and hosted in partnership with Florida State University, brought together local leaders to discuss regional workforce challenges and share solutions.
Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “Businesses in the Tallahassee Region need to create approximately 25,000 new jobs by 2030 and Florida’s workforce is the backbone of our economy, and the future depends on the partnerships and best practices we create today,” Wilson said. “These roundtables provide local leaders an opportunity to discuss regional challenges, share what’s working, and identify solutions to strengthen Florida’s talent pipeline by leveraging localized workforce data.”
Amy Frizzell from the Florida Department of Corrections led a re-entry simulation during the event. This activity was designed to give participants insight into challenges faced by Floridians returning to work after incarceration.
Erica Averion, Executive Director of the Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence, addressed how employment can help reduce recidivism. “Re-entry is about more than a second chance. It is about building stronger families and communities by helping people find meaningful employment,” Averion said. “When we connect data with action, we create opportunities that reduce recidivism and strengthen Florida’s workforce.”
Rachel Ludwig, Vice President of Talent Development for the Future of Work at the Florida Chamber Foundation, explained that these roundtables are intended to translate data into actionable steps. “The real work happens at the local level. By equipping regional leaders with both state and local insights into Florida’s talent supply and demand gaps and opportunities, we can move the needle on strengthening our workforce pipeline from cradle to career,” Ludwig said.
The statewide series will continue with events scheduled in Jacksonville (in partnership with Miller Electric), Orlando (with Valencia College), Miami (with United Way), Fort Lauderdale (with Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance), Fort Myers (with Florida Gulf Coast University), and Pensacola (with Pensacola State College).
Rob Liddell, AVP of FSU’s Career Services and Advisory Board member for the Future of Work Initiative at the Foundation, highlighted cooperation among stakeholders: “Employers, educators and community leaders all play a vital role in preparing Floridians for the jobs of today and tomorrow. These conversations help us better understand the opportunities ahead and ensure we are building a talent pipeline that supports both our people and our economy.”
Information about upcoming events or resources can be found at www.FLTalentData.org.
The Florida Chamber Foundation describes itself as a business-led research organization focused on long-term strategies for securing global competitiveness, prosperity through high-paying jobs, improved infrastructure, innovation-driven economic diversification, government efficiency reforms, quality-of-life improvements for residents across Florida, guided by its 2030 Blueprint.
