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Talent Council

Talent Summit group

The Chamber’s Talent Council is a business‑driven advisory group created to strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline and ensure that local employers have access to the talent they need. Its core purpose is to align business needs with educational offerings across the region so Overland Park remains competitive in attracting and retaining workers.

The Council provides consistent employer input to guide workforce strategy, improve alignment between schools and industry, and support initiatives that expand internships, apprenticeships, and other work‑based learning opportunities.

Its work supports Overland Park’s broader goal of maintaining a competitive business environment and ensuring long‑term economic growth.

Why the Talent Council Exists

The Talent Council is a result of Goal 1: Attract, Retain, and Align Talent, a pillar of Opportunity NOW, the Chamber’s five‑year economic development strategy. Its role is explicitly defined as:

  • Providing ongoing business input to ensure workforce strategies match employer needs.
  • Advising on alignment between educational programs (Pre‑K through college) and the skills local employers require.
  • Development of a comprehensive talent plan including data‑driven workforce analysis.

Key Activities & Functions:

  • Advisory Input
    Offers structured feedback from employers to shape workforce programs and educational curricula.
  • Industry–Education Collaboration
    Helps launch workforce roundtables connecting businesses with school districts, colleges and universities to discuss skill needs and program alignment.
  • Work-Based Learning Expansion
    Supports coordination of internships, apprenticeships and externships to make them more accessible for students and employers.
  • Summits & Convenings
    Contributes to planning the Chamber’s Talent Summit bringing together HR leaders, educators and business executives to share best practices.
  • Regional Workforce Collaboration
    Helps align local strategies with regional partners such as KC Rising, KCADC and the Greater Kansas City Chamber to avoid duplication and strengthen regional competitiveness.
  • Economic Development Support
    Provides input that aligns business needs with educational offerings.

Why It Matters

The Talent Council addresses challenges such as:

  • Skills gaps
  • An aging workforce
  • Increasing employer demand for specialized talent
  • The need for stronger career pathways and job accessibility
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