Alison Paladino from The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus, was selected for a national business leadership program focused on addressing workforce and education challenges. The six-month program provides leaders with resources and a peer network to strengthen their local talent pipelines.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced Alison Paladino, membership engagement director, of The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus, was selected to participate in the twelfth cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.

“I am honored and excited to be selected for the Business Leads Fellowship Program. The opportunity to learn from national leaders and collaborate with peers across the country will be invaluable. I look forward to bringing new ideas and resources back to Cabarrus County to strengthen our local workforce and help our community thrive,” Paladino said.

“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Kyle Butler, Senior Manager, Programs, K-12 Education at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”

Following a competitive application and selection process, Paladino was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to participate in the twelfth class of this program. The six-month program, consisting of both in person and virtual meetings, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce development.

Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of over 400 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.