A Final Update from Christina Gagnier, 2021- 2022 CVCC Chair of the Board
Dear Members,
Last night, the Chamber had its Grand Re-Opening. As a Chamber community, we celebrated our renovated office space, our new members, and the growth in programming the Chamber has accomplished over the past year.
Hours before this celebration, the Chamber learned that it will receive $2.1 million in funding to advance its Upskill Chino Valley initiative, helping to propel workforce development in the Chino Valley.
Senator Connie Leyva announced yesterday that she had worked to secure $1 million in funding in the budget approved by the California State Legislature. Simultaneously, Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez announced that he had worked to secure an additional $1 million in funding to propel this vital programming for the Chino Valley. Additionally, County Supervisor Curt Hagman secured an additional $100,000 for Chamber initiatives. We are extremely grateful for their advocacy and leadership to support workforce development.
When Zeb and I first envisioned Upskill Chino Valley, we could never have imagined the growth of this program, and now, its sustainability. Remembering how difficult it was to gain access to workforce and leadership opportunities when we were growing up in the Chino Valley, we wanted to make sure we made this programming a reality.
Starting with the CVCC Student Pitch Competition in May 2020, Upskill Chino Valley has now expanded to offer a robust slate programming for individuals and businesses throughout the Chino Valley.
Thanks to the early efforts and investment of the San Bernardino County Office of Workforce Development, San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, and the Chino Valley Unified School District, we are able to serve the workforce needs of the Chino Valley.
Please keep an eye out for ways to become involved in Upskill Chino Valley programs, including our Business Roundtables, the soon-to-be-launched Innovation Council, our leadership programs, our student-focused mentoring and experiential learning opportunities, as well as expanded pathways for building workforce capacity.
I have been humbled to serve as your Chair for the past year and will continue to serve the Chamber as a member of its Board of Directors and the head of the Innovation Council.
When people ask why I live in the Chino Valley, one of the things that I am always enthused to share is the generosity and community spirit of the Chamber and its members. This is a dynamic place to call home, and I know we all will continue to make the Chino Valley a place to live, work, and thrive.
Have a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend!
Christina