Corning Chamber of Commerce hosts forum on business engagement in education

CORNING, N.Y., June 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Corning Chamber of Commerce will host a session today with The Public Policy Institute of New York State and the Committee for Economic Development that will provide employers with information on business engagement in education. 

The session, will feature Mike Ginalski, superintendent of schools, Corning Painted Post Area School District, Heather C. Briccetti, Esq. president and CEO, The Business Council of New York State and Allison Armour-Garb, education consultant, The Public Policy Institute of New York State discussing the importance of public-private partnerships between businesses and schools.  Additionally, the session will cover how New York's new, more rigorous education standards will help ensure that students leave high school prepared for college and the workforce.

"As a society there could be no more important goal than the education and preparation of our children. It is, therefore, an imperative priority that the education and business communities work together to develop the talent and skills necessary for tomorrow's increasingly competitive workforce," said Denise K. Ackley, president of the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce. "Experience has shown us that business has the potential for transformational impact in education and can be a most effective resource and partner in improving our education systems."

"Businesses across the state rely on the education system to prepare students for careers in the 21st century economy.  Unfortunately, as evident by the growing skills gap, there is a disconnect between what students are learning in school and what they need to know to succeed in the work world. " said Heather C. Briccetti, Esq., president of The Business Council and The Public Policy Institute.  "Innovative partnerships like the New York State Pathways in Technology Early High School (NYS P-TECH) program and preservation of the Common Core standards are crucial in helping students develop skills with real-world applicability." 

"The percentage of jobs requiring postsecondary education has more than doubled in the past four decades, and is expected to keep growing," said Michael Petro, executive vice president of the Committee for Economic Development (CED).  "By adopting high-quality educational standards in K-12, states commit to providing their students with a stronger foundation for higher education and ultimately, their careers."

Participants will have the opportunity to hear about the skills gap, on the state and local level; learn about the creation of, and history behind, the Common Core standards; and hear about a variety of ways in which the private sector can support college and career readiness.

The Corning Area Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst to serve and advance business and community interests of the region. They are the leading resource that connects member businesses, through providing resources, education, and access.

The Public Policy Institute (PPI) is the 501 (c) 3 research arm of The Business Council of New York State.  PPI's goal is to formulate and promote public policies that restore New York's economic competitiveness. 

The Committee for Economic Development is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, business-led, public policy organization that delivers well-researched analysis and reasoned solutions to our nation's most critical issues.

Please visit the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce website for more information.

Media Contact:
Charlette J. Smith, Corning Area Chamber of Commerce, 607-936-4686, [email protected]
Elise Perkins, Committee for Economic Development, 202-469-7831, [email protected]
Gary Hughes, The Business Council, 518-465-7511, [email protected]

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SOURCE Committee for Economic Development