The Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Program of Work will continue processes set forth to create viable, proactive mechanisms that become a driving force for Laurens County's prosperity in the 21st century.
The purpose of this course of work is to:
- Reawaken and Re-Engage the general public and business community about the components necessary for business growth and job creation
- Become strong advocates and move forward with broadband accessibility necessary and vital for growth and success in our County
- Develop and Create diverse public-private partnerships to advance the community's long-term prosperity through taking risks and rewarding success.
Economic Vitality Initiatives
Workforce Development
- Cultivate a more unified relationship between educational institutions and local businesses to meet workforce needs
- Host community, business, and industry roundtable discussions addressing workforce challenges and opportunities
- Promote members through virtual content
Business Development
- Create additional resources leading to growth in the business community
- Provide counseling and training for small businesses
Public Policy
- Host educational forums relative to public policy
- Advocate for pro-business legislation
Public-Private Partnerships
- Identify opportunities in which public and private partnerships will promote growth in our region
Summer Youth Works Program
Purpose
Engage local youth (ages 16+) by providing 8 weeks of paid work experience, plus soft-skills training and mentorship. Aims to boost youth retention and showcase Laurens County businesses.
What it offers
- 8-week program: 1 week of soft-skills training, 7 weeks on the job (minimum 32 hours/week).
- Mentorship: each student paired with a mentor at the workplace.
- Training: soft skills aligned with Georgia’s BEST standards; financial literacy resources available.
- Compensation: minimum $10/hour, with typical employer costs around $2,700–$2,900 per student for 32 hours/week (wages, taxes, workers’ comp, background checks). Employers may pay more.
- Operational details: work sites, safety rules, employee handbooks, punctuality, and professional conduct expected.
Registration and roles
- Businesses will register at the Form site portal (link will be provided)
- Roles: employer, sponsor, or sponsor-nonprofit.
- Options include adding youth to your payroll or via a temporary agency; or sponsoring a youth for a local nonprofit.
- Mentors, daily assignments, and ongoing support provided by SYW coordinators.
Timeline
Program runs typically run through June 2 – July 25, (dates subject to change) through Summer’s End closing event around the end of July.
Next steps
If interested, contact the Chamber at  membershipservices@dublin-georgia.com or 478-278-5111 for questions or to start the registration process.
