MEDIA RELEASE: 14 May 2019 – R00081

Brock University is partnering with the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) and South Niagara Chambers of Commerce (SNCC) on a survey to better understand how the talent and skills capacity of the region lines up with the needs of employers.

The Chamber of Commerce Survey is now open on the Brock University website and includes questionnaires for both business owners and employees. The goal is to identify the types of programs and supports needed to serve employers, as well as employees looking to upgrade their skills and advance their careers in Niagara.

“Good business depends on good data. Without solid information, any organization is working in the dark,” says Mishka Balsom, President and CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce. “In Niagara, we need to identify the professional development needs of our labour force so that educational programs can be aligned to support the required talent and skills pool.”

Dolores Fabiano, Executive Director of the South Niagara Chambers of Commerce, said business owners who make up the various chambers of commerce across the region are looking forward to what the survey might reveal.

“With labour shortage being one of the biggest issues facing our businesses in Niagara, we believe the data gathered through this unique partnership will provide us with valuable information that will guide us to action,” she said.

The survey takes five to 10 minutes to complete and is confidential. Only aggregate data will be used in reports on the survey’s findings.

“Brock University is pleased to partner with the GNCC and SNCC in launching this important study to better understand the skills and talent capacity and needs of Niagara,” Brock President Gervan Fearon said. “With the data collected from this survey, together we can help build a more prosperous future and support careers and businesses here in Niagara for generations to come.”

In addition to being available online at brocku.ca/community-engagement/chamber-survey business owners and employees will have the opportunity to complete the survey at various events across the region throughout the spring.

For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

* Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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