Indianapolis Chamber launches “Education Plus” with Ivy Tech, IUPUI and UINDY

Recognizing that knowledge jobs will make up a third of all jobs in 2006, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber has formed a unique partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and the University of Indianapolis to launch "Education Plus,” a program that offers Chamber members discounts on continuing education and other professional development opportunities.

Knowledge-based jobs are those that require post-secondary, higher education or vocational training. The Progressive Policy Institute, a D.C.-based research and education think tank, expects 33 percent of all jobs to fall into this category beginning in 2006 and states that metro areas with a more educated work force are better positioned to capitalize on this trend.

"A program like this can help us distinguish ourselves in the world market, helping to attract new businesses here or grow the ones we have." Gene Zink, chairman of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber, said. “These education-based opportunities will allow employers to provide their employees with added tools and resources needed to be productive and effective in today's workplace.”

"This kind of partnership, between business and the education community, while unique with regard to the specifics of Education Plus, also represents the kind of collaboration that our community is known for throughout the country,” said Roland M. Dorson, the Chamber’s new president as of Jan. 1, 2006. "Individuals can develop a broader mix of skill sets, businesses have a better trained and developed workforce and we get to add one more detail in our broadcast message to the world that we are competitive and a very attractive place to live, work and learn."

Program Specifics:
IVY TECH — Chamber members receive a 20 percent discount on any open-enrollment professional-development course. These courses generally prepare participants for third-party license or certification or meet Continuing Education requirements for current credentials. Course information and the latest schedule can be found at ivytech.edu/Indianapolis or through Scott Neal at 317.921.4772.

IUPUI — Chamber members receive a 20 percent discount on more than 1,000 courses offered through the IUPUI Community Learning Network. These courses are designed to provide professional development and personal enrichment. Go to cln.iupui.edu for a course list and contact Mary Jane Brown at mjbrown@iupui.edu or 317.274.5079 to register.

UINDY — Chamber members have access to onsite-based instruction, customized curriculum and convenient schedules. Companies interested in receiving a complimentary customized evaluation of their organization’s education portfolio should visit uindy.edu/educationplus.

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Founded in 1890 by Colonel Eli Lilly and a group of Indianapolis business leaders, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the central Indiana business community. Today, with a membership of nearly 4,000 businesses, the Indianapolis Chamber is still a voice of progress and improvement, bringing together businesses for a thriving community. For more information on the Chamber, visit indychamber.com.