Today, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce announced it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity. The Lakeland Chamber will join the U.S. Chamber’s national town hall event on June 25 where business and community leaders will discuss concrete actions that can be taken by the government and the private sector to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform. As a partner on this important initiative, the Lakeland Chamber will facilitate and participate in local and industry dialogues to further the discussion.
“The Lakeland Chamber is committed to ensuring the success of all residents. Whether it is the creation of the Business Resource Center or convening the Reopen Lakeland Taskforce, all recent Chamber initiatives have included a focus dedicated to fostering collaboration with diversity and inclusion at its core. By partnering with the U.S. Chamber on this initiative, we continue to align with national, state and local partners in an effort to address inequality issues and opportunity gaps that persist in our community,” said Lakeland Chamber President & CEO Cory Skeates. “The moral case for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is indisputable, and there’s overwhelming evidence that greater diversity benefits the American economy, businesses, communities and employees,” said U.S. Chamber President Suzanne Clark. “We are proud to partner with the Lakeland Chamber on this initiative and help develop a robust plan of action,” she said.
The work of this national initiative will build upon the efforts already undertaken by the Lakeland Chamber to serve as the catalyst for business success, convener of leaders and influencers, and champion for our thriving community.