Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues
Fairhope, Alabama - February 11, 2025 – On Friday, January 31, Christopher Lugo, Director of Workforce Development and Governmental Affairs of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce
graduated from the tenth cohort of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s premier business leadership program, the Business Leads Fellowship Program.
The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address education and workforce challenges.
"Participating in the Business Leads Fellowship Program has been an incredible opportunity to collaborate with leaders nationwide who are dedicated to strengthening the workforce pipeline,” Lugo said. “The insights and strategies gained through this program will directly support our efforts at the Eastern Shore Chamber to develop innovative workforce solutions that benefit both businesses and job seekers in our region."
“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Kyle Butler, Senior Manager, Programs, K-12 Education at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical
leadership role in their community.”
Following a competitive application and selection process, Lugo was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to
participate in the tenth cohort of this program. The six-month program, consisting of both in person and virtual meetings, covered the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12,
postsecondary education, and workforce development.
Upon graduation, Business Leads Fellows join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of over 360 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.
For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website.
