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 initiative brings together business, education, and community leaders to discuss regional workforce challenges and identify solutions using localized data.
Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation, emphasized the importance of these efforts for the Tallahassee region and the state’s economy. “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.”
A key feature of the event is a re-entry simulation led by Amy Frizzell, Director of the Office of Programs and Re-Entry for the Florida Department of Corrections. The simulation is designed to help participants understand the barriers faced by Floridians returning to the workforce after incarceration.
Erica Averion, Executive Director of the Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence, commented on the broader impact of re-entry programs. “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 practical steps at the community level. “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 Tallahassee roundtable is being held in partnership with Florida State University and is part of a series that will visit other cities across Florida. Upcoming events are scheduled in Jacksonville with Miller Electric (October 14), Orlando with Valencia College (October 15), Miami with United Way (November 18), Fort Lauderdale with Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance (November 19), Fort Myers with Florida Gulf Coast University (November 20), and Pensacola with Pensacola State College (December 10).
Rob Liddell, AVP of FSU’s Career Services and Advisory Board member for the Future of Work Initiative, highlighted the collaborative nature of this effort. “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,” Liddell said.
More information about workforce data in Florida can be found at www.FLTalentData.org.
The Florida Chamber Foundation describes itself as a statewide business-led research organization focused on long-term strategies to improve competitiveness, prosperity, job quality, infrastructure, business climate, government efficiency, and quality of life across Florida.
