From his early days in workforce development to leading one of the city’s most influential business organizations, Randy reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership and why he believes economic development must come first if workforce systems are going to work at scale.
The episode dives into the realities facing small businesses today: rising costs, regulatory pressure, and the ongoing challenge of accessing talent. Randy shares how the Chamber responded during COVID-19 by reimagining its role: meeting businesses where they are through direct outreach, launching new funding models for underserved entrepreneurs, and creating platforms to help local makers grow.