Flagler County Businesses Step Up to Support Local Students

The Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber and our non-profit Junior Chamber of Commerce hosted a Career Exploration Fair at Buddy Taylor Middle School (BTMS) on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. During this half-day event, approximately 400 BTMS 8th graders and their parents visited with more than 30 local companies and organizations to help students gain insight on their careers of interest. The Career Exploration Fair was presented by UF Health St. Johns and the Palm Coast Observer.

“The Chamber has worked hard to help support workforce development efforts in Flagler County. The Career Exploration Fair is the latest example of how the Chamber and our business/community partners are supporting local schools and students,” said Greg Blose, President & CEO of the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber.

“This event was the culmination of months of planning and effort with BTMS Principal Cara Cronk and her team. For weeks, teachers have been preparing students for the Career Exploration Fair and the Chamber presented to two BTMS assemblies leading up to today’s event. The preparation proved fruitful, as the students were prepared with questions and engaged job creators in conversation about their career fields.”

Below is a list of student-focused initiatives the Chamber and its members have engaged in during 2023:

• Buddy Taylor Middle School Career Exploration Fair.
• Hosted six financial literacy workshops featuring local banking experts.
• Hosted Child Health Fair focused on improving the health local students and families.
• Hosted three “Green Team” community cleanups with WastePro USA.
• Toured AdventHealth Simulation Center for students interested in a career in healthcare.
• Coordinated a meeting with local students and Flagler County business leaders to help students gain insight on future careers of interest.
• Chamber President & CEO Greg Blosé is a Board Member of Flagler Technical College and CareerSource Flagler Volusia, both of which focus on workforce development initiatives.
• Hosted two tours for business leaders at Flagler County schools.
• Issued thousands of dollars in scholarships for local students.

The Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber will continue to partner with Superintendent LaShakia Moore, who was in attendance, Flagler Schools and our local educators to support and strengthen our local education system. Learn more about the Palm Coast Flagler Regional Chamber and ways we support local students and families by visiting www.PCFchamber.com.