Resources
Goal 1: Attract, Retain, and Align Talent
Real World Learning
Work-based learning for K-12 students provides opportunities for business-to-education engagement that helps build our future talent pipeline and retain top tier talent.
Local high school students are participating in Real World Learning for hands-on experiences to understand careers and occupation pathways better. Our goal is for every graduate by 2030 to have work-based learning experience.
To help your business engage in this important talent initiative, the Chamber has developed resources such as this Real World Learning information dashboard.
For more information, contact Courtney at ccavlovic@opchamber.org.
Veteran Hiring
The Overland Park Chamber is hosting graduation programs for Hiring Our Heroes (HOH), a nationwide hiring effort that connects the military community — service members, military spouses and veterans — with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce.
This initiative developed by the U.S. Chamber provides transitioning servicemembers with an opportunity to intern at a participating company for 12-weeks. This helps provide them with on-the-job experience in the civilian space.
The Overland Park graduation ceremonies are one of the few in-person HOH graduations across the country.
For resumes of our July 2024 graduates, click below:
- Joshua Braswell, Operations & Logistics
- Emmet Gariepy, Strategic Planning
- Rufus Shumate, Operations Management, budget development & execution, business administration
- Freddie Thomas, Supply Chain Management
- Jason Ward, Management, communications, and strategic planning
- James Watts, Project Management
For more information, contact Andrew at aweisberg@opchamber.org.
Goal 2: Boost Job Growth & Business Investment
Small Business Resources
Overland Park, nestled in the heart of the Kansas City metropolitan area, stands out as a thriving hub for small businesses, offering a unique blend of opportunities and resources that make it an exceptional choice for entrepreneurs. In Johnson County alone, there are around 17,400 businesses with less than 50 employees.
At the center of this vibrant small business ecosystem lies the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, which plays a pivotal role in connecting businesses of all stages with a wealth of invaluable resources. Whether you're just starting out, looking to expand, or seeking ways to enhance your existing operations, Overland Park and the Overland Park Chamber are primed to support your entrepreneurial journey, fostering an environment where small businesses can flourish.
For more information, check out this Small Business Resource Dashboard.