July 13 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Meeting Minutes
Peoria Chamber of Commerce – Education and Workforce Committee
Date: June 15, 2026
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:00 AM by Marianna Smith. The purpose of the meeting was to continue planning for the Peoria Education and Workforce Summit and review progress on key action items.
Event Details Confirmed
• Location: 11200 N 83rd Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345
• Emcee: Matt Bullock confirmed
• Subheading: Rising to Meet the Demands of the West Valley Workforce
• Question Deadline: September 21, 2026 with survey to be sent to members
1. Event Name and Branding
The committee reaffirmed the approved event name and branding.
Event Name: Peoria Education and Workforce Summit
Subheading: Rasing to meet the demands of West Valley Workforce
Description: Building a Stronger West Valley: Connecting Talent, Education, and Opportunity
2. Event Date and Agenda Framework
Event Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The agenda framework remains in place with continued refinement of timing, speakers, and overall flow.
3. Speaker and Panel Updates
Completed
• ASU West, UMGC, and GCC North confirmed for higher education panel
• Matt Bullock confirmed as emcee
• Keynote focus aligned with City of Peoria economic development
Follow Up
• Confirm Huntington University participation with Rhonda outreach
• Finalize and distribute panel questions
• Confirm Deer Valley participation if included
• Finalize industry partner commitments across breakout sessions
4. Breakout Sessions and Industry Representation
Breakout sessions will focus on key industry sectors:
• Healthcare
• Construction and Engineering
• Semiconductor and Manufacturing
Progress
• Strong engagement from construction and engineering partners
• Continued outreach for semiconductor and manufacturing partners
• Healthcare partners still being finalized
Follow Up
• Confirm final breakout participants
• Maintain no more than three organizations per session to ensure meaningful discussion
5. Agenda Flow
• Event will begin with networking and lunch
• Panels will include structured questions to guide discussion and stay on time
• Break scheduled mid afternoon
• Breakout sessions will focus on solutions, workforce alignment, and collaboration between education and industry
6. Marketing, Sponsorship, and Outreach Plan
Fee Structure
• Chamber Members: $35
• Non-Members: $50
• Teacher scholarships available
Sponsorship Levels
• Presenting Sponsor: $5,000
• Workforce Champion: $2,500 – Peoria Council
• Supporting Sponsor: $1,000
• Additional sponsorship level under consideration at $500
Follow Up
• Confirm additional sponsorship commitments
• Finalize speakers and venue details
• Begin flyer design
• Launch outreach and registration once materials are complete
7. Summit Outline
The committee confirmed the structure of the summit to ensure strong engagement and clear outcomes.
12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
• Networking and check in
• Lunch provided by Peoria Unified
12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
• Welcome and introductions
• Sponsor recognition
• Opening remarks from Peoria Chamber and Committee Chair
• Keynote update from the City of Peoria focused on economic development, business growth, and workforce needs
1:00 PM to 1:45 PM
K to 12 Education Panel
• Peoria Unified and West-MEC
• Focus on workforce readiness, CTE pathways, and student preparation
1:45 PM to 2:30 PM
College and University Panel
• ASU West, UMGC, and GCC North confirmed
• Additional outreach to Huntington University
• Focus on transfer pathways, workforce alignment, and adult learner opportunities
2:30 PM to 2:45 PM
• Break and networking
2:45 PM to 3:30 PM
Apprenticeships, Internships, and Career Pathways Session
• Open Classrooms and economic development partners
• Focus on connecting education to real world workforce opportunities
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Industry Breakout Sessions
• Healthcare
• Construction and Engineering
• Semiconductor and Manufacturing
Each session will focus on:
• Identifying skills gaps and workforce challenges
• Aligning education and training with industry needs
• Building sustainable talent pipelines
• Strengthening collaboration between schools and employers
8. Upcoming Meetings and Events
• July 13th, 2026
• August 4, 2026: Committee Breakfast
• August 17, 2026: Mixer
• September 21, 2026: In person meeting and question submission deadline
• October 26, 2026:
- October 28, 2026: Education and Workforce Summit
• November 16, 2026: Zoom meeting – After action
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 PM. The committee continues to demonstrate strong collaboration and momentum toward delivering a successful and impactful summit.
