On Tuesday, July 16, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber) will host Eggs ‘N Issues: Career Pathways to Success.
Panelists will discuss changing mindsets about careers in manufacturing and skilled trades including what schools and industry associations are doing to change the perception that a traditional four-year college degree is the only pathway to a high-paying job and successful career.
Panelists include:
*Josh Benton (Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet) – Benton is the Deputy Secretary of Workforce Development with more than 15 years of experience. He started his career as a program assistant at the Kentucky Department of Education before going to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development where he was an Economic Development Representative. He worked his way up to Senior Project Manager and Executive Director of Workforce Development. He received his bachelor of science in political science and government from Cumberland College and his master of public administration, development economics and international development from Kentucky State University.
*Dr. Vicki Berling (Building Industry Association) – Dr. Berling is the Director of Professional Development at the Building Industry Association. She is responsible for career days and school visits, continuing education courses, instructors, the evening trades program and scholarships. She is also on the Carpentry, Electricity, HVAC, and Education Advisory Committees.
*Dr. Julie Whitis (Ignite Institute) – Dr. Whitis is the principal of the Kenton County Academies of Innovation and Technology with more than 16 years of experience as an educator in the Kenton County School District. She earned her bachelor of science degree in biology, a master of secondary science education degree, and her Ed.D. in educational leadership from Northern Kentucky University. In addition, she earned her second master’s degree in instructional leadership from the University of the Cumberlands.
The panel moderator will be Jason Ashbrook from the Northern Kentucky Area Development District.
“There is currently a shortage of skilled workers in STEM fields including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics,” said Leisa Mulcahy, Manager of GROW NKY and Vice President of Workforce at the NKY Chamber “Businesses in our region will walk away knowing more about what efforts are in place to address the shortage of workers, and ways they can get involved.”
Eggs ‘N Issues: Career Pathways to Success will take place at Receptions Banquet and Conference Center (1379 Donaldson Rd., Erlanger, Ky 41018). The event will begin with check-in, breakfast, and networking from 7:30-7:55 a.m., with the discussion and audience Q&A running from 7:55-9:00 a.m.
Registration for Eggs ‘N Issues is $25 for NKY Chamber members, $50 for future NKY Chamber members, and $20 for NKYP Passport holders. Pre-registration is required online at www.NKYChamber.com/events.
The Eggs ‘N Issues Title Sponsor is DBL Law. The Media Partner is Cincinnati Business Courier.
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is a Five-Star Accredited Chamber with nearly 1,500 member companies representing approximately 175,000 employees. Additional information on the Chamber is available here.
NKY Chamber
