From the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce
October 1, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, September 20, Patty VanderWal, President of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce graduated from the ninth 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 the most pressing education and workforce challenges.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the US Chamber Business Leads Education and Workforce Fellowship and graduate from this program with the knowledge and connections that will enable me to implement strategies and programs for education and workforce in my community. This fellowship has provided me an invaluable opportunity to learn and develop relationships with other Chamber and Associations from across the United States, representing the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce,” says Patty VanderWal, Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce President.
“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Caitlin Codella Low, Vice President, Policy and Programs 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, Patty was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to participate in the ninth 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.
Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues
