The Upskill Mid-South initiative will present a unique opportunity for industry leaders in the tri-state region to engage at a partner summit aimed at strengthening the “handshake” between employers, partners and the system.
The summit will be from noon – 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the FedEx Institute of Technology on the University of Memphis campus.
“This summit is not just a gathering but a platform for learning and collaboration,” said Diane Pabich, director at the Center for Community Research and Evaluation (CCRE). “Together, we can enhance and improve middle-income job creation, retention, skills training and placements through the Sectoral Partnership process.”
Upskill Mid-South launched in 2023 with $21.5M in funding from the Economic Development Administration to provide in-demand training to unemployed and underemployed workers based on industry-identified needs and serves 42 counties in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.
The lunchtime program will be a dynamic and interactive experience designed to foster high-impact impressions, idea sharing and networking. It will feature panel discussions from industry leaders as well as presentations, providing a platform for active engagement.
Panelists, who consist of industry experts with valuable insights to share, include:
- Opening remarks from the EDA economic development administration
- Joel Tracy, Chief Information Officer, IMC, and Upskill Mid-South Board Chair
- Antwoine Clark, Employee Development Manager, Binghampton Development Corporation
- Dr. Patrick Davis, Vice President of Stanton Campus at TCAT Jackson
- Anthony Norris, Founder and Chairman of Worldwide Label and Packaging
- Bernadette Fuller, Senior-Level HR and Business professional
- Marla Rye, President at Workforce Essentials
Pabich encourages businesses to attend the luncheon to learn how sector partnerships can significantly enhance business and create new avenues for growth and success.
