The Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership announced Friday that it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity.
The CEP will join the U.S. Chamber’s national town hall event on June 25, where business and community leaders will discuss actions that can be taken by government and the private sector to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship and criminal justice reform. As a partner on the important initiative, the CEP will host local and industry dialogues to further the discussion.
“The mission of the CEP is to be the catalyst for a prosperous community. When any member of our great community is unable to access the opportunities here, we are failing in our mission,” said Angie Lewis, chair of the CEP Board of Directors. “We must work to ensure everyone can succeed here.”
“The moral case for greater diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace is indisputable, and there’s overwhelming evidence that greater diversity benefits the American economy, businesses, communities and employees,” said U.S. Chamber President Suzanne Clark. “We are proud to partner with the CEP on this initiative and help develop a robust plan of action.”
The CEP was created to be a one-stop hub for the community’s business attraction, creation and retention efforts. The CEP’s mission is to be the catalyst for a prosperous community. The organization’s Moving Forward plan seeks to impact the creation of 4,500 new jobs with wages 15 percent above the county average and resulting in a capital investment of $400 million by 2022.
For more information, visit www.OcalaCEP.com.