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Workforce Development & Professional Development Resources Tompkins Connect Young Professionals The Chamber and the United Way of Tompkins County continue to partner as sponsors of this fantastic group of young professionals. The mission is to connect, educate, engage, and inspire a diverse group of young professionals and emerging leaders in a culture of social consciousness and leadership development that will benefit the not-for-profit community. Tompkins Connect holds monthly networking sessions, effectively recruits new members, sponsors the annual Jump on Board event, and continues to grow as a resource to support workforce recruitment, development, and retention efforts throughout Tompkins county. Fab 5 Young Professionals Awards The Annual Fab5 Professional Awards celebrate the achievement of Tompkins County young professionals, ages 21-40, who are growing and excelling in their respective fields and in the community. Each February, the Chamber, recognizes five noteworthy young professionals in the categories of Business Leader, Non-Profit Leader, Volunteer, Entrepreneur and Rookie of the Year. The event is sponsored by Tompkins Trust Company, with support from the United Way of Tompkins County. Hospitality Star Program: CVB Trains Front Line Staff for Partners The CVB has been assisting in curating content and co-facilitating the Hospitality Star program with Tompkins Workforce NY and TC3.biz since it was created. Cumulatively, the program has trained over 225 front-line employees through the years. "The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce has had a lasting, positive impact on our organization through the On The Job Training (OJT) grant opportunity. We have been able to access the funds three times to expand and train new staff members. The OJT grant helped us enhance our onboarding and training process and gave us TIME to train new staff without the pressure to have them be billable before they were fully ready. We also have had a 100% retention of staff brought on through OJT, so they are having a lasting impact on our community." Angela Sullivan, Executive Director Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County OJT Grant Program In 2017, the Chamber disseminated approximately $120,000 in On-the-Job Training Grant Program funds to the Tompkins County community. The 34 grants, ranging from $3-4,000, were awarded to 24 businesses and organizations to support them with their workforce development training needs for 19 new employees and 15 retained employees. Professional Development Designed to give Chamber Members access to tools and resources that will help grow and strengthen their business and learn new skills. Small Biz Think Big offerings from 2017 included: Choosing a Retirement Plan Higher Education and Community Business Partnerships Paid Family Leave Professions Week Panel at Ithaca College Quickbooks & Quickbooks Online Recognizing Substance Abuse in the Workplace 11