Workforce: Finding and Training Talent to Keep Worcester Moving Forward
Our annual business conference.
Our annual business conference.
*You will be redirected to the Chamber of Commerce website where you will be able to register and pay for your ticket. If you are not a Chamber member, click “Not a Member” on the following screen to continue registration.
Presenting Sponsor
Game Changers Business Conference
Workforce: Finding and Training Talent to Keep Worcester Moving Forward
In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, the need for a skilled workforce has never been more critical. Access to workforce is essential to maintain competitive advantage and ensure sustainable growth in an increasingly complex market.
Join us on Friday, October 11th for our Gamechangers Business Conference and Expo- Workforce: Finding and Training Talent to Keep Worcester Moving Forward. This event will bring together industry leaders, employers, HR professionals, and training experts to explore innovative strategies for workforce development and talent management. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in engaging workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to address the evolving needs of today’s dynamic job market. Join us to gain valuable insights, share best practices, and collaborate on building a skilled and resilient workforce for the future. We look forward to your participation in this pivotal event!
8:00 am
Registration
Breakfast & Workforce Resource Fair | The Great Hall
9:00am
Welcome
Morning Keynote:
Secretary Lauren Jones
9:55am
Awards Ceremony
10:15am
Coffee Break/ Networking & Resource Fair
10:35 am
Workshops
11:15am
Coffee Break/ Networking & Resource Fair
11:20 am
Workshops
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch & Keynote
Tonja Mettlach
1:00pm-2:00pm
Workplace Resource Fair
Keynote Speaker
Morning Keynote
Secretary Lauren Jones
Secretary Lauren Jones brings nearly two decades of experience working in local and state government, non-profits, and the private sector, with a particular focus on workforce development. Prior to joining the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Jones served as Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable and led the organization’s workforce development policy and strategy. She previously led the Massachusetts market for the non-profit Apprenti, where she worked with companies to cultivate and diversify tech talent through registered apprenticeships. She also created and led the Business Strategy Unit for Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s Office of Economic Development, supporting business attraction and employer engagement in the city of Boston. Prior to that, she held several roles in the Patrick-Murray Administration, including Communications Director for the Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development, Policy & Communications Director for former Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, and Senior Program Manager of the Economic Development Incentive Program in the Office of Business Development.
As Executive Vice President of the Roundtable, Jones was the Co-Chair of the Workforce Solutions Group and served on the Board for the Massachusetts Workforce Association, the Executive Committee for the Alliance for Vocational Technical Education, the Board of Advisors for the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, the Boston Private Industry Council, and previously served on the Future of Work Commission. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Northeastern University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Providence College. She lives in Boston.
(bio courtesy of mass.gov)
Opening Keynote Sponsor
Sponsorship Available
Game Changer Awards Presentation
Sponsorship available
Sponsored by
HONOREES
Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development
Worcester Job Corps
Worcester Public Schools
More Announcements Coming Soon!
Session 1: “Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Partnering with Training Providers for Future Talent”
“Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Partnering with Training Providers for Future Talent”–This panel will discuss the critical role of collaboration between employers and workforce training providers, such as public schools and vocational training centers, in building a skilled future workforce. Industry leaders and education professionals will share insights on successful partnerships and programs that align training with industry needs. Attendees will learn how to effectively engage with training providers to cultivate a pipeline of talented and job-ready individuals.
Location: Washburn
Moderator: Jeffrey T. Turgeon, Executive Director, MassHire
Panelists:
Joscelyn Young, Vice President, Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development
Elizabeth Wambui, Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Impact,Fontaine Bros., Inc.,
Emily Lehman, Director of Innovation Pathways, Worcester Public Schools
Session Sponsor
Session 1: “Embracing Newcomers”
“Embracing Newcomers”– This presentation will focus on employing recent immigrants into the fast-paced human services sector, with examples applicable to a variety of industries. Last year, Thrive Support & Advocacy began the exciting work of welcoming New-Americans from Haiti into consumer-facing positions, to address chronic workforce shortages. Thrive will discuss both barriers and solutions, and give concrete examples of how to make this important work a success.
Location: Boyden
Speakers: Stacey Forrest, M.Ed., Chief Operating Officer & Sean Rose, CEO: for Thrive Support & Advocacy
Session Sponsor
Session 1: “Redefining Organizational Culture and Workforce Development”
“Redefining Organizational Culture and Workforce Development”
Join us for an insightful workshop focused on transforming your organization’s culture and workforce development strategies. Learn to assess learning and development gaps, understand workforce demographics, and sustain an inclusive culture that boosts retention. Design effective and creative paths of development, up-skilling, and re-skilling with a keen understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Location: Boardroom
Speaker: Adriana Vaccaro, Culture Redesigned
Session Sponsors
Session 2: “Breaking Barriers: Inclusive Workforce Strategies for Overcoming Employment Challenges”
“Breaking Barriers: Inclusive Workforce Strategies for Overcoming Employment Challenges”– This panel will explore innovative strategies and best practices for engaging individuals who have historically faced barriers to employment, including those with disabilities, non-English speakers, and the re-entry population. Local employers and community partners from various sectors will share successful programs and initiatives that have fostered inclusive workplaces and provided equitable opportunities for all. Attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable steps to tap into new labor pools and create a more diverse and resilient workforce.
Location: Washburn
Moderator: Kathy Rentsch, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Quinsigamond Community College
Panelists:
Derrick Kiser, Freshstart508
Lisa Brennan, Executive Director, Genesis Club
Lorie Martiska, Executive Vice President, Chief Advancement Officer, Open Sky Community Services
Session Sponsors
Session 2: “From Hire to Inspire: Cultivating a Workforce that Stays”
The presentation will be a panel of four panelists and one moderator. The group will discuss the strategies, resources, and tools LCU uses to recruit top talent. We will discuss topics such as: -What to look for in ideal candidates. -How to create a great recruitment experience that makes the best candidates say “yes” to the job offer. -The shared and individual traits that LCU employees have that make them successful. -How these traits help strengthen and grow the company. -And more!
Location: Boyden
Moderator: Ken Burton, Assistant Branch Manager, Leominster Credit Union
Panelists:
Jordan Logan, Branch Manager, Shrewsbury, Leominster Credit Union
Katie Najjar, SVP of Retail, Leominster Credit Union
Tina Cicero, Branch Manager, West Boylston Street, Leominster Credit Union
Kathy Hurley, VP of Human Resources, Leominster Credit Union
Session Sponsors
Session 2: Human Resources Roundtable: Collaborative Solutions for Workforce Challenges
Moderator: Amy Fabiano, of Counsel at Bowditch & Dewey, LLP.
Panelists: Kelly Wishart, CEO, Coastline EAP/RI Student Assistance Services
Janice Ryan Weekes, Executive Director, MassHire
Session Sponsors
Lunch Keynote Speaker
Lunch Keynote
Tonja Mettlach
As Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Tonja Mettlach is responsible for developing and advancing all Roundtable public policy strategies and initiatives with a focus on implementation of the Roundtable’s “Talent Agenda to Drive Massachusetts’ Competitiveness,” a framework to drive the state’s economic competitiveness by attracting, retaining, developing, and diversifying talent that reflects the top priority expressed by Roundtable members. She also manages all internal and external communications, undertakes organizational management responsibilities including serving as a liaison to external stakeholders, managing day-to-day operations, and advancing member recruitment and engagement.
Tonja has over ten years of experience working in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining the Roundtable, she was the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Workforce Association (MWA), a statewide membership organization that leads, advocates, and convenes on behalf of the Commonwealth’s regionally-led and employer-driven workforce system. In this role, she worked closely with employers to help meet their workforce needs and connect job seekers to employment and career pathways. Prior to that, she was the Director of Government Affairs for the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network and worked at the Massachusetts State House, first as Chief of Staff to Representative Tom Conroy on the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development and then as Research Director and Committee Counsel for Representative Jennifer Benson, House Chair of the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee.
Tonja serves on the MassHire State Workforce Board and on the Board of the Massachusetts Workforce Association.
Tonja holds a B.A. and M.S. from Clark University and a J.D. from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.
Session Sponsor
More information coming soon
Breakfast Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
