The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce announced on May 14 that leaders from Mesa, Queen Creek, Chandler, and Gilbert gathered for a Regional Business and Education Summit focused on workforce challenges and opportunities across sectors.
The summit aimed to address pressing questions about building sustainable talent pipelines, aligning education with industry needs, and ensuring opportunity in rapidly growing communities. By bringing together four interconnected municipalities, the event encouraged regional alignment and collective problem-solving.
Sheri Marlin, Executive Director of the Waters Center for Systems Thinking, introduced attendees to systems thinking principles. Marlin said workforce issues are not isolated but are part of interconnected systems. She led exercises to help participants see interdependencies between education, business needs, and public policy; identify patterns; and collaborate toward long-term solutions.
Tara Jackson, President of Arizona Town Hall, spoke about the importance of inclusive dialogue in addressing workforce concerns. Jackson said progress comes when diverse perspectives are integrated into action plans. She highlighted cross-sector listening, shared accountability, and intentional pathways as essential components for moving forward.
At the end of the program Marlin and Jackson asked participants to make a “Do One Thing” commitment—an immediate action step based on insights gained at the summit. Attendees pledged actions such as starting new partnerships between schools and businesses or rethinking hiring practices within their organizations.
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce serves the business community in Gilbert by fostering growth through networking programs while also advocating for pro-business policies with stakeholders for meaningful change according to the official website. The chamber enhances quality of life through leadership development programs established in 1992 as well as civic engagement initiatives via its foundation according to the official website. Sarah Watts has served as president and chief executive officer according to information from the official website.
Organizers say ongoing collaboration among committed leaders is key to building stronger talent pipelines that align education with real-world needs.
