300 S Providence Rd
PO Box 1016
Columbia, Mo 65205
The Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Division had its inception in late 2019 after the 2019 Leadership Visit to Tuscaloosa, AL. During the trip, the visiting delegation was exposed to an impactful workforce development program which has served as an inspiration for the Chamber’s Workforce Development division.
The division conducted its first committee meeting in January 2021. In May 2021, a full-time staff person joined the Chamber team to assist the division’s mission.
Reseach and grow current and future workforce needs from the business community.
Research workforce data and numbers by industry and individuals.
Connect the dots between education, training and what employers need.
Determine the scope of current programs and organizations in the area that prepare the individual to meet local workforce needs.
Convene and collaborate with workforce organizations, education, government agencies and others to build a workforce coalition.
Develop a holistic approach that will include strategic initiatives and tactics under each initiative.
Work on state initiatives around the structure of our workforce development region.
Develop responsive workforce development programs.
Assess opportunities for application of funding or grants for workforce-based initiatives benefiting the mid-Missouri area.
Advocate for policy solutions which impact effective workforce development.
Chair – Beth Alpers, Chief Human Resources Officer, MU Health Care
Beth Alpers, Chief Human Resources Officer, MU Health Care
Brian Murphy, President & CEO, American Outdoor Brands
C. Scott Yost, SVP, Private Wealth Director, Simmons Bank
David Nichols, Senior Project Manager, Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc.
David Nivens, CEO, COMO Companies
Lester Woods Jr., Pastor/CEO, Urban Empowerment
Eric Morrison, Deputy Athletic Director, Chief of External Relations, Mizzou Athletics
Eric Margheim, CEO, BeThere Immersive
Scott Taylor, Director of Workforce Development, Stephens College
Curtis Tolson, Co-Principal, M & T Government Solutions LLC
Mitchell Fuemmeler, General Manager, Nabholz
Lisa Driskel Hawxby, Business Development Specialist, REDI
Amanda Wooden, Director, Grossnickle Career Services Center, Columbia College
Jonathon Moberly, Dean of the Robert W. Plaster School of Business, Columbia College
Stacy Elsbury, Business and Industry Engagement Coordinator, Columbia Area Career Center
Rob Russell, Director of Labor and Workforce Development, University of Missouri Extension
Dan Pieper, Business Development Specialist, JobFinders Employment Services
Morgan Dennehy, District Manager, Junior Achievement in Central Missouri
Randy Gooch, Director, Ranken Technical College
Verna Laboy, Program Manager- Community Services-Upward Mobility, Boone County Community Services Department
Dr. Jeff Lashley, Former President, Moberly Area Community College
Chamber Staff Liaison –
Contact Chamber at reception@comochamber.com or (573) 817-9113.
300 S Providence Rd
PO Box 1016
Columbia, Mo 65205