HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) –The Christian County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Eye Opener Breakfast Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 a.m. at The Silo.

This year’s theme is Engaging the Next Generation of Workforce. The event will bring together students, employers, and community leaders to discuss the future of the workforce and the vital role everyone plays in shaping it.

According to a press release from the chamber, attendees will hear a testimony from a high school student about their workplace learning experience. A moderated panel of community leaders who participated on the committees shaping the Christian County Public Schools’ master strategic plan will share their insights on the importance of employer and community engagement in the schools. The panel moderator is Cody Noffsinger, Controller with Hopkinsville Electric System. He serves as the chair of the workforce development committee of the chamber (PreK2Biz) and also participated in CCPS master planning committee. Panelist participants include:

  • Chris Boyett, Chief Academic Officer at Hopkinsville Community College.
  • Tracey Clark, Executive Director of the Jennie Stuart Health Foundation.
  • Cliff Hines, Kids & Family Pastor at New Work Fellowship Church
  • Jennifer Maddux, Community Reinvestment Act Officer at Planters Bank

“The panel discussion will explore the importance of how students, our schools, employers and the community must work hand in hand in shaping the future of the workforce. Our goal is for attendees to walk away with a better understanding of the CCHS master plan, the process of its development, and why engagement of external community partners will be critical to its success,” said Noffsinger.

Taylor Hayes, President/CEO of the Christian County Chamber stated, “When talking about the development of workforce, the number one resource in all our organizations, education must be part of the workforce equation. These two topics are routinely intertwined in the same conversation. It is hard to talk about one without the other.”

Attendees must register in advance at www.christiancountychamber.com or by calling the Christian County Chamber at 270-885-9096. Registration is $20 for Chamber members, $25 for non chamber members. Tables of 10 are $175 for chamber members. Sponsors of the event are Ascend Elements, Christian County Government, and F&M Bank.