Opelika Chamber’s Joel Alvarado Graduates from U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program

OPELIKA, AL, [February 11, 2025] – The Opelika Chamber is proud to celebrate Joel
Alvarado, Director of Business and Workforce Development, on his graduation from the tenth cohort of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Business Leads
Fellowship Program. This prestigious program is designed to equip leaders with the
resources, expert insights, and a network of peers to address critical education and
workforce challenges in their communities.

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to participate in the Business Leads Fellowship Program,” said Joel Alvarado. “This experience has strengthened my ability to support Opelika’s workforce by implementing innovative strategies to connect businesses, educators, and job seekers. I look forward to bringing these insights back to our community and continuing to make a meaningful impact.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched this program to support chamber leaders, economic development professionals, and association executives in fostering education and workforce initiatives. “We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Kyle Butler, Senior Manager, Programs, K-12 Education at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”

Following a competitive selection process, Joel was chosen along with 34 other business leaders from across the country to participate in this six-month program. The curriculum included a comprehensive focus on the talent pipeline, covering early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce development.

With this graduation, Joel Alvarado joins an elite network of over 360 chamber and
workforce leaders nationwide, reinforcing Opelika’s commitment to strengthening our local business community and workforce initiatives.

The Opelika Chamber congratulates Joel on this outstanding accomplishment and looks forward to seeing his continued leadership in workforce and economic development.

For more than 80 years, the Opelika Chamber has been dedicated to strengthening the community as the champion of business by building bridges, cultivating connections, and elevating local enterprises. Representing more than 1,000 businesses and over 20,000 employees, the Opelika Chamber has earned a reputation for operational excellence and innovation. It is one of only three 5-star accredited chambers in the state of Alabama, a distinction that reflects its commitment to best practices and outstanding service.

For more information about the Opelika Chamber, visit www.opelikachamber.com.