BLU State Affiliates

The Business Leaders United State Affiliate Network is comprised of business coalitions in 14 states across the country that are advancing state-based skills training policies responsive to industry needs. Each affiliate is led by a local, regional, or state chamber of commerce that convenes business leaders to develop and advocate for a skills training policy agenda that will help businesses grow and compete. 

As companies struggle with skills mismatches, it is critical that businesses speak with a unified voice about how skills training programs can best align with industry demand. The Business Leaders United State Affiliate Network seeks to scale proven workforce policy across the states through information sharing, elevating best practices, and building momentum for policies that work for business and their workforce. 

Each affiliate collaborates with the State Policy Action Network (SkillSPAN) coalition in their state to advance a select policy agenda. SkillSPAN coalitions are also supported by National Skills Coalition and consist of a range of stakeholders (e.g., colleges, labor, community-based organizations). 

Currently, there are Business Leaders United State Affiliates in fourteen states, including: 

• Alabama: The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
• California: Unite-LA 
• Georgia: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce 
• Indiana: Indy Chamber 
  
• Iowa: The Greater Des Moines Partnership 
  
• Louisiana: Louisiana Association of Business and Industry 
  
• Massachusetts: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce 
  
• Michigan: Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce 
  
• North Carolina: Raleigh Chamber of Commerce 
  
• Ohio: Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce 
  
• Tennessee: Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce 
  
• Texas: Dallas Regional Chamber 
  
• Washington: Association of Washington Business and Greater Spokane, Inc. 
  
• Wisconsin: Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce