Published: Jun 5, 2020

CEP Joins National Initiative to Address Inequality of Opportunity

Today, the CEP announced it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity.

The CEP will join the U.S. Chamber’s national townhall event on June 25 where business and community leaders will discuss concrete actions that can be taken by government and the private sector to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform. As a partner on this important initiative, the CEP will host local and industry dialogues to further the discussion.

“The mission of the CEP is to be the catalyst for a prosperous community. When any member of our great community is unable to access the opportunities here, we are failing in our mission,” said Angie Lewis, chair of the CEP Board of Directors. “We must work to ensure everyone can succeed here.”

“The moral case for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is indisputable, and there’s overwhelming evidence that greater diversity benefits the American economy, businesses, communities and employees,” said U.S. Chamber President Suzanne Clark. “We are proud to partner with the CEP on this initiative and help develop a robust plan of action.”

The work of this national initiative will build on the work already undertaken by the CEP to grow and enhance Ocala’s entrepreneurial culture through the Power Plant Business Incubator and the IMPACT initiative.  It will also build on the CEP’s NEXTworks program to expand skills training and development in both secondary and post-secondary education.

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For more on the CEP's engagement, please watch the following video: