Outstanding Chamber Program Feature: Lessons from Vail Valley Partnership’s Vail Valley Works Initiative

Chambers of Commerce across the country are increasingly playing a role in workforce development, adapting to address the needs of businesses and job seekers alike. At Vail Valley Partnership (VVP), we have long been engaged in workforce development and more recently recognized the pressing need for a structured workforce development initiative tailored to our local community.

​That’s how Vail Valley Works was born. Vail Valley Works is a program designed to equip professionals at all stages of their careers with the skills, connections, and leadership capabilities necessary to thrive in Eagle County (CO). Eagle County, home to Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts, presents a unique set of workforce challenges. Like many rural resort-based economies, we contend with high living costs, a seasonal labor force, and an ongoing demand for skilled professionals across various industries. Employers across sectors—hospitality, healthcare, construction, and more—struggle to attract and retain qualified workers.​

Recognizing these challenges, VVP saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between workforce needs and professional development resources. We launched Vail Valley Works with the mission of being the premier local source for career and leadership development. The program aims to enhance skills, provide meaningful networking opportunities, and prepare professionals for leadership roles within the community.
Vail Valley Works offers a comprehensive suite of programs catering to different levels of professional growth. Courses and programs include:

• Community Leadership Academy – A flagship leadership development program designed for mid-career professionals looking to deepen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and contribute to the community.
• NEXT Emerging Leaders – Created for early-career professionals and rising stars, this program provides mentorship, leadership training, and opportunities to build relationships with peers and seasoned professionals.
• Work-Based Learning Initiatives – Connecting students and young professionals with experiential learning opportunities, internships, and mentorships to foster career development in Eagle County.
• Industry-Specific Trainings – Designed in collaboration with local businesses to address sector-specific workforce needs, these trainings focus on areas like healthcare, construction management, and hospitality.
• Nonprofit Learning Series – Providing educational and networking opportunities for professionals working in the nonprofit sector to strengthen leadership, fundraising, and operational skills.

By offering a range of programs, Vail Valley Works ensures that there are opportunities for individuals at every stage of their careers to grow professionally while also addressing the specific workforce needs of local employers.
Through the development and execution of Vail Valley Works, we’ve gained valuable insights that other Chambers of Commerce of any size can consider when building their own workforce programs. These include: 
1. Assess and Address Local Needs
Before launching any workforce development initiative, it’s crucial to conduct a needs assessment. Engage with local businesses, education providers, and economic development organizations to understand the most pressing workforce challenges. In our case, we identified leadership development and career training as key gaps in our community, which guided the design of Vail Valley Works.
2. Offer a Range of Programs to Meet Diverse Needs
Workforce development is not one-size-fits-all. Some professionals need early-career mentorship, while others require advanced leadership training. By providing a mix of foundational programs (like NEXT Emerging Leaders) and advanced leadership opportunities (like the Community Leadership Academy), we’ve created pathways for long-term career progression.
3. Leverage Community and Business Partnerships
One of the biggest advantages Chambers have is their ability to serve as a bridge between businesses, educators, and professionals. Partnering with local businesses ensures that training programs remain relevant and industry specific. Collaborating with educational institutions and nonprofits further enhances programming quality and outreach.
4. Sustainability Matters – Plan for Funding and Resources
Workforce development programs require sustained funding and resource allocation. We’ve built Vail Valley Works with a combination of tuition-based enrollment, sponsorships, and grant funding to ensure long-term viability. Chambers looking to establish similar programs should explore diverse funding streams, including employer contributions and local economic development support.
5. Create Clear Goals and Measurable Outcomes
Success in workforce development is best demonstrated through tangible results. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) such as participant job placement rates, salary growth, employer satisfaction, and program retention. Regularly collecting feedback allows for continuous program improvement.
6. Adapt and Evolve
Workforce needs change over time, so flexibility is key. Vail Valley Works has evolved since its inception, incorporating feedback from employers and participants to refine program content and delivery. Chambers should be open to adjusting their offerings based on market trends and community needs.
The ultimate goal of Vail Valley Works is to create a more skilled, engaged, and retained workforce. By investing in career development and leadership training, we help local businesses thrive, reduce turnover, and foster a stronger sense of community. Other Chambers can play a similar role in strengthening their regional economies by implementing targeted workforce development strategies that align with local business needs.
Workforce development is an increasingly important function of Chambers of Commerce. Programs like Vail Valley Works demonstrate that with thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and a commitment to adaptability, Chambers can make a meaningful impact on both individual career growth and overall economic vitality. Chambers of any size can build sustainable, high-impact workforce programs that benefit businesses and professionals alike.

For more information about this program, contact Anna Robinson, Director of Programs, Vail Valley Partnership, ([email protected])