Aspire Staff Network to Gain Ideas and Stay Ahead of Industry Trends
Aspire Johnson County staff have been actively engaging in professional development opportunities, attending conferences, and participating in workshops outside of Aspire events series to enhance their skills, stay ahead of industry trends, and bring new ideas back to their various roles.
“Having our staff participate in professional development opportunities and attend conferences and workshops allows us to make connections with and learn from others in our industries,” said Angela Vandersteen, Vice President of Investor Development & Relations at Aspire.
“These opportunities help us keep our skills sharp, stay up to date on industry trends, and learn about new tools and methods. Professional development ensures we are providing the best services and resources for our stakeholders.”
In the past year, several events have been particularly useful for Aspire staff to learn and grow in their roles and enhance the services they provide stakeholders:
- The Indiana Chamber Executives Association Annual Conference: The conference enhanced staff understanding and capabilities in collaborating with educational institutions, advocating for business interests, effectively using social media, and improving workplace culture, which directly supports businesses and community engagement.
- The Chamber Pros Community Virtual Conference: The five-day conference provided staff with modern tools and methods for managing memberships. The conference included sessions on using AI to manage work and communications, recruitment strategies, improving onboarding for members, and how to better educate members on benefits.
- The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals Conference: This conference in May provided insights into future workforce trends and effective workforce development strategies, which supports Aspire’s efforts in preparing the local workforce and that addresses employment barriers like housing, transportation, and childcare. Aspire’s Jennifer Hollingshead attended and felt she could better support students, workers and educators with what was shared.
- National Economic Development Trainings and Events: Economic Development events such as the June 26th IndustryWeek Leadership Summit keeps staff informed about broader economic trends and best practices, enhancing their ability to support economic development initiatives and build valuable connections.
Each of these professional development opportunities helps Aspire’s staff stay current with the latest industry developments, learn new tools and methods, and build valuable networks. This, in turn, enhances their ability to support businesses, educators, communities, and all other stakeholders effectively.