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St. Pete Chamber launches public-private ‘HIRE’ program
The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce has unveiled a new workforce development program designed to mitigate employment and business success barriers.
The launch of HIRE (Hiring, Interning, Reskilling and Empowering) – The St. Pete Way was one of several highlights Tuesday at the chamber’s 126th annual meeting. Christie Bruner, vice president of advocacy, told attendees at the Mahaffey Theater that public-private partnerships will support the initiative’s holistic approach.
“The City of St. Petersburg came on as an investor and partner because they understand the importance,” Bruner said. “It’s (HIRE) going to connect our workforce and education ecosystem in a uniquely St. Pete way.”
The chamber’s “future of work” committee, led by Christian Hardigree, regional chancellor of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, began laying the foundation for HIRE in June 2023. In March 2024, the city, Pinellas County Schools and Power Design, a St. Petersburg-based national design-build contractor, invested in a workforce study.
Bruner said the chamber has excelled at helping members identify the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in St. Petersburg. HIRE will extend that model to all area businesses.
Stephanie Morge, director of learning and development at Power Design, said the company was particularly interested in discerning what skills jobseekers need to fill gaps in the local workforce. “The data collection and business-led focus groups we are conducting are really helping shape the industry here.”
According to HIRE’s website, the chamber believes it is uniquely suited to foster collaboration between academia, local governments and the private sector. Local consultancy firm Meshem is creating a “cohesive and actionable roadmap” for the city’s growth through stakeholder engagement.
The overarching goal is to align siloed workforce development efforts through a unified platform that provides meaningful results. “And we’re looking for more help,” Morge said.
“The reskilling aspect of the HIRE initiative is really critical because there are so many people who already exist in the community today or are looking to move the community and are trying to understand where they fit in,” Bruner added.
Meshem will begin conducting focus groups with area stakeholders Feb. 12. Morge encouraged attendees to participate “no matter what business you are a part of.”
“We’ve all heard it here today: The city is growing,” she said. “We want to keep that going and support it any way we can.”
Additional highlights
Mayor Ken Welch said the city could not have a “better advocate” for local businesses and the community than Chris Steinocher, the chamber’s CEO for the past 15 years. “He is a person who not only talks the talk – but walks the talk.”
Welch noted the city witnessed $1.4 billion worth of new construction in fiscal year 2024, a new record. The city issued 34,761 permits last year, also a benchmark.
Welch credited Steinocher for his unwavering support of the Historic Gas Plant District’s planned $6.5 billion redevelopment. “He’s there – sometimes the only voice in the room – speaking about the advantages … against the professional naysayers,” Welch added.
“And he does it from a place of true leadership for our community.”
Chris Steinocher, CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, works the Mahaffey Theater crowd at the organization’s 126th annual meeting.
Jason Spears, chair of the chamber’s board, noted the organization helped secure a $5 million grant to make the Cross Bay Ferry a permanent service, advocated for the Gateway Expressway and supported hundreds of local small businesses through the Entrepreneurial Academy, St. Pete Greenhouse and St. Pitch Nights in 2024.
The chamber welcomed over 300 new members in 2024 and celebrated 150 nominated businesses at the 2024 Good ‘Burger Awards. The ceremony recognized storm heroes and victims; the organization falls into both categories.
The chamber’s downtown headquarters suffered substantial uninsured damage. Businessman Bill Edwards, who operates the Mahaffey Theater, raised $50,000 from family and friends to help repair the building and challenged attendees to match his donation.
“Every great conversation starts with or ends with, ‘I love St. Pete,’” Steinocher said. “And I’m like, ‘I’m not the only one.’ You guys are filling the room with it, too.”
To support the chamber’s rebuilding efforts, visit the website here.
