Workshop on 50+ workforce a huge success… The one-day workshop hosted 70 attendees representing 53 businesses and organizations. It focused on finding solutions for workforce shortages. Tucson was one of four cities that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce chose to conduct the 50+ workshop in. The other cities participating include Louisville, Kentucky; Bridgeport, Connecticut; and Charleston, South Carolina. The event was co-sponsored by the U.S. Chamber and the Tucson Chamber. If you are interested in more information from the workshop, call Gary Thomson in Economic Development at 792-2250 ext. 133.

TREO talks to Chamber’s BEP Committee… Nancy Smith, Vice President for Research and Emerging Technologies with Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, talked to the Business Education Partnership Committee about expansion and retention, workforce development and the importance of a highly educated workforce. For additional information, contact Gary Thomson at 792-2250 ext. 133.

Membership & retention improving… During the first quarter of 2006, the Membership Department sold $36,716 in both memberships and advertising, while retention collected $32,185. A total of 66 new memberships were sold. A big “thanks” to the entire membership team, which includes Don Read, Bob Chernetz, Jeff Durbin, David Sanders and Tammy Jensen.

Chamber honors TCCE scholarship recipients… On May 4, the six scholarship winners were formally awarded their $2,006 scholarships in front of family members, educators from various schools and guests. This year’s scholarships were sponsored by Raytheon Missile Systems and Wells Fargo Bank. For additional information, contact Gary Thomson at 792-2250 ext. 133.

New TMCC website unveiled… We are excited to announce that our new website is up and running! www.tucsonchamber.org provides more information regarding the services and programs we manage. We have designed the site with an emphasis on ease of use and we encourage your feedback. More importantly, our members will experience the added value in their membership by way of the many functions highlighted throughout the new site.

Kathleen Skinner, Manager of Governmental Affairs, graduates… Kathleen Skinner was appointed Manager of Governmental Affairs in January and received a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in Communications from the University of Arizona last week. She completed her Honors thesis titled “Illegal Immigration: An Analysis of Public Opinion as it is Reflected in Legislation of the 109th United States Congress” and has future plans to pursue a law degree.

Apprentice Program planning continues moving forward… Talks between the University of Arizona’s Career Services Center and the Chamber continue. The Chamber is formalizing the responsibilities that the educational institutions, the businesses, the student and the Chamber will each encounter when the program begins. The Apprentice Program is being designed to offer businesses that experience labor shortages a way to hire apprentices who major in relevant fields of study. The program could lead to long-term career opportunities for the apprentice. The Economic Development Department will continue to provide updates on the program’s progress.