In today’s rapidly evolving economy, no single organization can solve workforce challenges or industry disruptions alone. True progress requires collaboration. In Chandler, that collaboration is being driven by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce through its Executive & Industry Roundtables.
These sector-specific forums, which cover industries such as aerospace, healthcare, technology and manufacturing, serve as more than just meeting spaces. They are incubators for solutions. By convening business leaders, HR professionals, educators, workforce experts and public sector partners, the Chamber creates a neutral setting where candid conversations can take place and shared challenges are addressed collectively.
“Our role as a Chamber is to bring the right people together — business leaders, educators and policymakers — and create a space where real conversations can happen,” says Terri Kimble, president and CEO of the Chandler Chamber. “The Roundtables allow us to break down silos and work toward solutions that benefit the entire community.”
That convening power is critical. Businesses often operate within competitive silos, yet the Roundtables encourage companies to step away from day-to-day operations and engage in honest dialogue with peers, educators and policymakers. Industry-specific issues, whether tied to workforce shortages, talent retention, supply chain vulnerabilities or regulatory hurdles, are no longer viewed as isolated struggles but as shared opportunities for innovation.
The Chamber’s cross-sector approach has proven especially impactful. By ensuring that educational institutions and workforce development organizations have a seat at the table, the Roundtables bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. Already, they have sparked collaborations that are shaping customized training pipelines, internship programs and certification pathways aligned with employer needs. Students and job seekers benefit from clearer career pathways, while businesses gain access to a stronger, more prepared talent pool.
“The feedback we receive through the Roundtables doesn’t just stay in the room. It informs our advocacy, shapes workforce programs and drives innovation,” Kimble adds. “It’s how we make sure Chandler businesses remain competitive and future ready.”
The Chamber’s role as catalyst extends well beyond workforce development. Roundtables have forged partnerships that strengthen regional supply chains by connecting companies with local vendors. They have empowered businesses to present a united front on policy issues, amplifying their collective voice at both the city and state levels. Most importantly, they have fostered a spirit of collaboration among industries that might otherwise remain isolated or even in competition.
The results are tangible. Companies are openly sharing hiring challenges and HR strategies, giving workforce partners the insights they need to respond effectively. Educators are aligning curricula with industry demand. Policymakers are gaining clearer perspectives on employer priorities. None of this would be possible without the Chamber’s ability to bring the right people together, ask the right questions and keep the focus on actionable outcomes.
As Chandler continues to grow as a hub for innovation and business, the Executive & Industry Roundtables stand as a model for how collaboration can shape the future of an entire region. At the heart of it all is the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, serving as the catalyst, the connector and the champion of a more resilient, future-ready economy.
