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State of the Community Series: Building Our Skilled Trades Workforce

February 16, 2027 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (EST)

Description

State of the Community: Building Our Skilled Trades Workforce

Tuesday, February 16, 2027 | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Carlisle Inn | 3727 Bahia Vista Road, Sarasota

A strong workforce is essential to a thriving community. As local businesses look to the future, understanding the demand for skilled trades and how we prepare people for those careers has never been more valuable.

Join the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce for a State of the Community luncheon featuring Dr. Christopher Laney, Vice President of Public Sector Impact and Labor Economist at Lightcast.

Drawing on labor market research and themes from the Rising Storm publication, Dr. Laney will explore workforce needs with a focused look at skilled trades occupations. The discussion will help employers, educators, and community leaders better understand the challenges and opportunities shaping our workforce, along with the role partnerships can play in building pathways into these careers.

The conversation will explore:

  • Workforce trends and local demand for skilled trades professionals.
  • Opportunities to connect education and training with employer needs.
  • Ways skilled trades employers can engage in workforce partnerships.
  • The importance of career pathways that support economic mobility and long-term community prosperity.

Connect with fellow business and community leaders over lunch and gain insight into an issue that affects our region’s future.

About the Speaker

Dr. Christopher Laney is the Vice President of Public Sector Impact and a Labor Economist at Lightcast, specializing in education, workforce development, and economic mobility. He works with national nonprofits, foundations, state governments, and community partners to use labor market data to inform workforce strategies and prepare communities for the future of work.

His experience includes projects focused on credentials of value, emerging industries, sector analysis, and the economic impact of workforce and career and technical education programs across several states.

Before joining Lightcast, Dr. Laney worked in workforce development in Florida, where he led the nation’s largest high school student exploration conference, developed legislative priorities for a local workforce board, and brought stakeholders together to address education and workforce challenges. His research has examined the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and its impact on economic mobility for disenfranchised young adults.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We are grateful to Keiser University, Observer Media Group, and the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee for their generous sponsorship and continued support of meaningful community conversations.

Please register to join us for lunch, connection, and a timely discussion about the future of our workforce.

For questions, please contact Celeste Lloyd-Jones at cljones@sarasotachamber.com.

Pricing

Member Registration - $55

Non-Member Registration - $70

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Contact Information

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Name: Celeste Lloyd-Jones
Phone: (941) 556-4035
Email: cljones@sarasotachamber.com
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