Fostering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Palm Coast’s Junior Chamber of Commerce Charts a Bold Path

Born amid the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCC) has rapidly evolved from a virtual meetup platform into a robust nonprofit organization with one mission: to equip youth with the tools, connections, and resources to achieve their aspirations.
Initially structured around weekly Zoom sessions featuring guest speakers, the JCC has expanded into a powerhouse of youth empowerment, offering programs that emphasize professional development, leadership, and innovation. The organization’s mantra, “for the youth, by the youth,” underscores a commitment to student-driven initiatives that foster real-world skills and lasting impact.
Building Big Ideas with Local Expertise
The JCC’s flagship program, the Business Workshop Series, culminates in the popular Shark Tank-style competition. Divided into professional development and business innovation tracks, the event invites students to pitch their ideas to a panel of local business leaders, known as “sharks,” for constructive feedback and potential funding.
Steering the organization is a dedicated board of directors, including Walker Douglas, a developer with Douglas Property Development, and William Verhagen, senior advisor at Innovative Financial Solutions. Other members hail from diverse fields, including healthcare, publishing, and creative industries. This leadership team has played a pivotal role in expanding the JCC’s initiatives.
Career Fairs and Community Impact
Recent career fairs organized by the JCC drew over 400 students and parents to meet with 50 organizations spanning industries such as healthcare, finance, and real estate. These events, hosted at middle schools in October and November, serve as a springboard for the JCC’s next major initiative: a community-wide career fair on Feb. 28, 2024, at the Palm Coast Community Center.
In collaboration with AdventHealth, the JCC will also host its third annual Health Fair on Feb. 16, focusing on wellness, safety, and support for young families. Financial literacy workshops, sustainability projects led by the Green Team, and hands-on experiences like Law Enforcement Day further demonstrate the JCC’s commitment to holistic youth development.
Global Vision Meets Local Action
Beyond its local initiatives, the JCC has embraced global perspectives. Its podcast, For the Youths, By the Youths, features voices from around the world, thanks to partnerships with organizations like the European Chamber of Commerce. The newly launched Internship Portal connects students with local employers, blending practical opportunities with visionary outreach.
As it continues to grow, the JCC remains steadfast in its mission to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders. From career fairs to international collaboration, its programs reflect a deep commitment to bridging opportunity gaps and cultivating tomorrow’s innovators.
For more details, visit jccflorida.com.
