Work Somewhere Awesome

Written By: Stephanie Edwards - Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce | Issue: 2018/10 - October

By promoting businesses and leading economic development initiatives throughout the year, the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce works to ensure commercial prosperity and high quality of life in our mountain communities.

The Chamber is committed to “moving the needle” toward progress on workforce development — recruitment, housing, training, and retention – which is key to successful economic development.

“Workforce development is a complex challenge not only for us on the Plateau but across the state and the nation,” said Board President Debby Hattler of Hattler Properties.  “In our local economy, we rely on many workers from elsewhere to fill both seasonal and year-round needs and we are still lacking a sufficient and

qualified workforce.”

Through communications with area accommodations, clubs, retailers, restaurants, trades and services, educational institutions, and other industries, the Chamber promotes Cashiers and surrounding communities as a prime workforce destination in marketing and advertising.  With a tagline of “Work Somewhere Awesome!,” it hopes to create a better understanding by job seekers of the unique and rewarding experiences available in the Cashiers area.

Last year, the Chamber launched CashiersAreaJobs.com, an online resource for both job-seekers and employers as an exclusive member benefit.  It also hosts an annual Cashiers Area Job Fair each spring, advertising to potential employees from Western Carolina University and other communities “down mountain” near the Plateau. 

The Chamber recently partnered with the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority to sponsor a Workforce Development Summit with stakeholders including government officials, regional organizations, major employers, educators and other subject matter experts.  As a follow up to that meeting, chamber and TDA officials met with the Jackson County School Superintendent to support implementation of the National Restaurant & Lodging Association’s “ProStart” high school hospitality training curriculum in Blue Ridge School and Early College and other public schools. 

Continued research is under way to leverage collective resources to expand housing diversity in the area and provide workers with affordable local housing options.  Public-private ventures may be valuable possibilities for investment in multi-unit or other suitable short- and long-term accommodations.  With improved public transportation, workers could enjoy a shorter, safer, and more enjoyable local commute.

Ongoing outreach via social media, community banner displays, press publications, and email announcements keep Chamber members and the public updated on related workforce development opportunities.

The Cashiers Area Chamber supports its members across the Plateau with a mission to provide extraordinary Leadership in the Cashiers Area as an Advocate for business, Information Source for the community, and Conduit for building destination awareness and responsible growth.  For more information, visit CashiersAreaChamber.com, email [email protected], or call (828) 743-5191.