Why Your Business Needs a Seat at the Table: The Power of Local Advocacy

When it comes to shaping a strong business climate, success doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it takes collaboration, strategy, and a voice at the table. That’s where your Chamber comes in.

At Crossroads Chamber, we actively monitor legislative updates from Indianapolis and beyond, keeping our members informed and engaged in decisions that affect their bottom line. Whether it’s education reform, workforce development, or economic policy, we believe a strong business community begins with strong advocacy.

As the bridge between business and policy, we’re excited to highlight two upcoming events that illustrate this connection in action:

September 4, 2025 — 7th & 8th Grade Career Discovery
“Your Future, Your Choice: Careers with Skills & Degrees”
With new Indiana high school diploma requirements going into effect, we’re helping prepare the next generation of talent by introducing 7th and 8th graders to careers that require associate degrees, certifications, and technical training.

This event is hands-on and forward-thinking—connecting students with local professionals and career paths that align with both regional needs and evolving educational frameworks.

September 9, 2025 — Crossroads Chamber & CWI Breakfast
“Bridging Education and Workforce”
Join us for an exclusive breakfast with Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana’s first Secretary of Education, as she breaks down what the new diploma requirements mean for local employers and future workforce readiness.

With limited seating, this is a rare opportunity for business leaders to stay informed on state-level education policy—and get ahead of the curve on what’s coming next.

Advocacy in Action: Chamber Committees at Work

Voice of Business Committee
Acting as a liaison between the Chamber and legislative updates from Indianapolis, this committee plays a critical role in helping our members stay informed. It also sets the speaker schedule and sponsorships for our Coffee, Community & Connections series—keeping discussions relevant, timely, and impactful.

This year, the committee also launched the “Ask the Experts” virtual webinar series, held on the second Wednesday of each month, offering valuable insight from professionals across a range of industries.

Work Ready Committee
Our Work Ready Committee is dedicated to strengthening Northwest Indiana’s workforce and education ecosystem. Through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships, the committee helps:

• Build a resilient talent pipeline
• Align education with workforce needs
• Promote business growth through talent attraction and retention

Together, these committees exemplify how the Chamber turns advocacy into action—and information into opportunity.

• Build a resilient talent pipeline
• Align education with workforce needs
• Attract and retain top talent in our region
• When you engage with the Chamber, you’re not just attending events—you’re shaping the future of our local economy.

Get Involved, Stay Informed

Now is the time to lean in. From shaping education policy to building tomorrow’s workforce, your voice matters. Be part of the conversation—and the solution. Register today for our upcoming events and make your voice heard.