Atlanta CareerRise received the first ever “Partner of the Year” award from Aerotropolis Atlanta at the inaugural State of the Aerotropolis event on December 13, 2016. The award recognizes Atlanta CareerRise’s leadership and commitment to advancing workforce capacity of the Aerotropolis Atlanta region. CareerRise advocated for the formation of a Workforce Collective affiliated with Aerotropolis Atlanta in 2016 and has led its launch and early development. The award was presented by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, South Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and Airport Area Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Alliance.
The Aerotropolis Workforce Collective mission is to facilitate development and implementation of solutions to bridge Aerotropolis area employers and the workforce, increasing economic growth and prosperity in the region from within. It is developing collaborative approaches to deliver coordinated services to employers for current and future workforce needs, develop competitive talent pipelines to support continued business growth, and develop infrastructure to ensure programs are sustainable and provide equitable access across the Aerotropolis footprint.
Atlanta CareerRise, an affiliate of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, managed by the United Way of Greater Atlanta on behalf of local investors, builds partnerships that identify competencies employers in various industries need to grow, and provide a path for underemployed individuals to become proficient and advance through training, development and placement.
“The Aerotropolis initiative can bring expanded employment opportunities to an area where many residents are struggling financially, and we are confident this new workforce collective will ensure that the labor base is prepared for current jobs and for the new jobs, in a way that meets employer needs,” said Cinda Herndon-King, CareerRise Director. “The Collective will help the multiple agencies that provide services to this area target and connect their programs to supply local talent for local jobs.”
At the State of the Aerotropolis event, business and community leaders cited the recent transformational development including the Porsche Cars North America headquarters, Tyler Perry Studios, Screen Gems and Kroger distribution center at Fort Gillem. They noted numerous projects currently underway including the $6 billion, 20 year airport expansion, new four-star hotels, the Georgia International Convention Center arena expansion, and the “Airport City’ office-hotel and travel plaza adjacent to the airport.
About Atlanta CareerRise
Atlanta CareerRise is a regional funder collaborative, bringing together local funders around a shared strategic vision for workforce development in a 13-county region. By pooling and aligning resources from philanthropic, corporate, public and other funders in an investment strategy to achieve its vision, the collaborative is a catalyst to create sectoral workforce partnerships, train workers, and improve workforce practices. Sustaining investors include Annie E. Casey Foundation, Bank of America, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, JPMorgan Chase, MUFG Union Bank, National Fund for Workforce Solutions, SunTrust Foundation, and United Way of Greater Atlanta.
About Aerotropolis Atlanta
Aerotropolis Atlanta is a non-profit membership organization and a coalition of leading business and community leaders – united in its commitment to making Aerotropolis Atlanta a world-class destination for business, connectivity, and living. Governed by a 26-member board of the district’s top private sector leaders, local Mayors, County Commissioners, and Chambers of Commerce, its mission is to improve and sustain the quality of life for those who live, work and play here. The Alliance aims to accomplish this goal through a comprehensive approach to planning and development that includes initiatives to enhance public safety, improve the physical environment, and strengthen the urban amenities that give the area its unique character—the most important of which is the world’s most-travelled airport.
Full Press Release: Atlanta CareerRIse Named Aero Partner of the Year