The McKinney Chamber of Commerce recently launched a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program. For over a year the Board of Directors initiated a task force to plan for a robust program that would include an internal organization health assessment as well as programs designed to help companies as they look to recruit and retain a talented workforce. As businesses look to foster a strong culture, they recognize the importance of recognizing and celebrating their employees differences and building strong coalitions that in turn increase productivity.
The Chamber engaged with Arrowhead Consulting to help accelerate the DE&I initiative. Recently, Kuma Roberts, the lead consultant with Arrowhead, presented the findings from the Organizational Health Assessment to the Board and Staff. From that assessment several recommendations were made to help the organization. Board and staff will also be participating in a six month training program designed to increase the awareness of creating a strong inclusive culture.
Thanks to the lead donors supporting the Chamber’s DE&I initiative, the organization is seeing real progress. Independent Financial, Emerson, Raytheon, and Atmos Energy were the initial funders for the program. Their teams will join other interested businesses in a DE&I Cohort to begin the Spring.
Lisa Hermes, President of the McKinney Chamber explains, “As our community continues to grow and change, it’s important we become an intentional organization in creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all citizens, businesses and employees can thrive. Diversity touches so many different parts of a human being and it’s when we recognize and celebrate each person as their authentic selves, that we can truly come together as a strong city. Businesses have figured this out as they realize the importance of human capital. We’re here to help companies on their journey become stronger as an organization and be an attractive place for top talent to thrive.”
Lisa also shared her excitement to have worked with Dr. Gere’ Feltus a City Council member on the McKinney Black History Month Planning Committee. This partnership is one of the many initiatives of the McKinney Chamber Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force.
