On Monday, the Georgia Chamber Foundation and JPMorganChase announced a new partnership to increase access to career opportunities in the clean tech sector. The partnership includes a $350,000 grant awarded to the Georgia Chamber Foundation to address a critical skills need for Georgia’s growing advanced manufacturing sector, which is projected to create 27,000 jobs in the state. Georgia has become a hub for electric vehicles, battery technology, and advanced manufacturing in the climate and energy sectors but needs to ensure the workforce keeps up with the fast-changing economy. The funds will help Clean Tech employers develop and support career pathways for people in underserved communities, helping more people obtain high-quality jobs while strengthening the domestic manufacturing supply chain. This effort aims to build upon and make use of more than $15 billion in existing investments, cementing Georgia as a leader in this space.

Stuart Countess, 2024 Chair of the Georgia Chamber Foundation and CEO of Kia Georgia said:
“Georgia is a hub for advanced manufacturing and clean tech, with the Kia Georgia Plant in West Point leading the way. To continue driving innovation and opportunity in Georgia, we must meet the state’s short-term and long-term workforce needs. The Georgia Chamber Foundation is proud to partner with JPMorganChase to increase career pathways in advanced manufacturing for underrepresented Georgians, which will help us remain the number one state in the country to do business.”

Suganthi Simon, Vice President, Global Philanthropy for JPMorganChase said:
“Georgia’s status as a hub for advanced and climate technology manufacturing is already well established, and the potential for further growth is still substantial. As JPMorganChase continues to grow and expand throughout the state, we want to support greater access to the state’s continued economic and job growth success. It is with that spirit in mind that we have made this commitment to the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to ensure advanced manufacturing employers can help more communities be exposed to and increase access to high-growth jobs and great careers that provide for family sustaining jobs in advanced manufacturing and the clean technologies sector. We are grateful to the Georgia Chamber for building this bridge with employers and communities and look forward to seeing its impact.”

Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber said:
“Business leaders tell us the number one issue for the long-term economic prosperity in Georgia is workforce talent and preparedness. We have so many Georgians who want to work but are disconnected from the workforce. This grant will help provide the connections to Georgians so they can get the jobs they want. We are honored for this opportunity and thank JPMorgan Chase for being a strong corporate citizen and engaging in their community.”

The Georgia Chamber Foundation is the leading research organization for Georgia’s business community. By utilizing data-driven analysis, the Georgia Chamber Foundation creates solutions for Georgia’s most pressing business and economic development needs. One of the Georgia Chamber Foundation’s main areas of work is how to increase talent pipelines in high-demand industries so employers can have the workforce they need.

Daniela Perry, Executive Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation said:
“Clean tech careers offer high-growth opportunities for Georgians. Creating more on-ramps and streamlined career paths for the Georgians who want to work in clean tech will benefit the entire state. The Georgia Chamber Foundation is proud to partner with JPMorganChase to invest in long-term, strategic workforce solutions that meet employer demand and increase economic mobility for citizens. We thank JPMorganChase for their commitment to Georgia’s sustained, record-breaking economic success.”