TALENT & WORKFORCE
The Opelika Chamber is committed to building a strong, future-ready workforce that fuels our community’s growth. Through innovative programs, hands-on experiences, and strategic partnerships with Opelika City Schools, the City of Opelika Economic Development, Southern Union State Community College, and local industries, we connect talent with opportunity. From sparking curiosity in students to equipping jobseekers with essential skills, our efforts are designed to meet the needs of employers today while preparing the next generation of leaders for tomorrow. Together, we’re shaping a workforce that ensures Opelika remains a thriving place to live, work, and grow.
MEET THE OPELIKA WORKFORCE COUNCIL
Behind every workforce initiative is a team of dedicated leaders committed to shaping Opelika’s future. Our Opelika Workforce Council brings together educators, business leaders, and community partners who guide and drive these efforts - ensuring our strategies reflect the needs of both employers and jobseekers.
Joel Alvarado
Brian Benson
Chuck Beams
Rod Cater
Grace Dark
Dr. Kevin Davis
Laura Grill (Lori Conners)
Bryce Harris
Mike Howard
Susan Johnston
Jim Keller
Jered Lorton
Adam Martin
Malcolm Marshall
Al McCambry
Hamilton Moore
Nathan Murphy
Shea Phillips
Mackenzie Poole
Ali Rauch
Mary Roberson
Dr. Chris Roberts
Lisa Sandt
Todd Shackett
Tucker Simmons
John Sweatman
Jessica Ventiere
Bernie Warren
Jason Wright
Julie Wood
PARTNERSHIPS
At the heart of the Opelika Chamber’s workforce efforts are the powerful partnerships we share with our community. By working hand-in-hand with Opelika City Schools, the City of Opelika’s Economic Development team, Southern Union State Community College, Auburn University, and many local businesses and organizations, we are able to create opportunities that directly address the needs of our employers and future workforce. These collaborations allow us to connect students with career pathways, provide training and resources for jobseekers, and strengthen Opelika’s position as a hub for innovation and growth. Together, we are building a pipeline of talent that ensures our community continues to thrive for generations to come.
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Opelika City Schools: The Opelika Chamber works closely with Opelika City Schools to connect students with career pathways and provide opportunities that prepare the next generation of our workforce.
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City of Opelika Economic Development: The Opelika Chamber partners with the City of Opelika Economic Development team to collaborate on workforce initiatives that support business growth and strengthen our community.
CAREER QUEST
The Opelika Chamber helps spark curiosity and guide the next generation of leaders through Career Quest. Each year, Opelika Middle School 8th graders spend a day exploring local businesses and industries to discover the wide range of career opportunities in their own backyard. As a partner in this initiative, the Chamber facilitates tours throughout Downtown Opelika, connecting students with professionals in entertainment, arts, media, and more. By giving students hands-on exposure to real career paths, Career Quest broadens their horizons, encourages early goal-setting, and inspires a future workforce ready to grow and succeed in Opelika.
INDUSTRY TOURS
The Opelika Chamber connects talent with opportunity by showcasing the industries that power our community. In partnership with the City of Opelika and leading employers, we host Industry Tours that take students, jobseekers, and community members behind the scenes of Opelika’s top companies. These immersive experiences highlight career pathways in manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and more - bridging the gap between workforce needs and local talent. By fostering understanding of the skills and training required, our tours inspire future careers, strengthen partnerships between education and industry, and equip Opelika’s workforce to thrive in a competitive economy.
DEVELOPING LEADERS FOR TOMORROW
Each of these leadership programs is unique, serving a different segment of our community - from high school juniors discovering their potential to established professionals shaping Opelika’s future. Together, they reflect our belief that the strength of a community depends on the leaders it cultivates today. These programs are put on by the Opelika Chamber through the mission of the Opelika Chamber Foundation, which is dedicated to developing leadership among current and future generations.
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Lee County Young Leaders (LCYL): A countywide program designed for high school juniors, LCYL develops positive leadership qualities and prepares students to meet future challenges. By exploring local government, business, and civic life, students gain valuable insights and connections that inspire them to lead in Lee County and beyond.
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Opelika Young Professionals (OYP): Uniting individuals ages 21–45, OYP offers opportunities to connect, grow, and engage in the Auburn–Opelika area. From social gatherings to professional development, OYP fosters friendships, collaboration, and community involvement while helping members balance personal and career growth.
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20 Under 40: Each year, this program recognizes 20 outstanding young leaders who are actively shaping Opelika’s future. Participants gain insight into how business, education, and public service intersect to create a thriving community, while also collaborating on an annual service project that gives back to Opelika.
SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
The Opelika Chamber supports programs that prepare our community for high-demand careers, including the Skills for Success Hotel Operations Course through the ACCS Innovation Center. This free, self-paced, online, and interactive program equips participants with the essential skills to thrive in the growing hospitality industry. From mastering customer service and event coordination to understanding hotel management, accommodations, and regulations, students gain a strong foundation to launch or advance their careers.
Upon completing both the online modules and hands-on training, participants earn an ACCS credential and a certificate of completion from their local community college - credentials that demonstrate job readiness and can be applied toward further education. With Auburn-Opelika’s hospitality sector expanding rapidly, this program not only provides critical skills but also connects graduates directly with local employers eager to hire qualified talent. Skills for Success ensures that Opelika’s workforce is equipped to meet today’s needs while building a pathway for future growth in hospitality and beyond.
INNER-CITY TRIPS
The Opelika Chamber’s Inner-City Trips are designed to bring leaders together to learn, collaborate, and spark new ideas for workforce growth. Our first-ever Workforce Development Trip took 23 leaders from the City of Opelika, Opelika City Schools, Southern Union State Community College, and local businesses to Tuscaloosa for an inside look at best practices in workforce development. By connecting with experts at West AlabamaWorks and the West Alabama Chamber, participants gained valuable insights on how to tackle today’s workforce challenges through collaboration, innovation, and long-term planning. These trips strengthen relationships among community partners while equipping Opelika’s leaders with the tools and inspiration to build a stronger workforce for the future. After the success of our inaugural trip, we’re already gearing up for the next destination - another vibrant city where we’ll gather fresh ideas, strategies, and inspiration to bring back to Opelika.
