Using the platform of “Mesa Morning Live” on July 8, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Benedictine University announced the formation of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, beginning in the fall for the university’s graduating seniors.
“This will allow college students to design and implement business models and we feel getting a resume and going to the next step is important,” said Charles Gregory, campus executive officer of Benedictine University in Mesa. “This will give students a good feel for what it’s like to be part of a community. This program will only be open to seniors and through this process we’ll be working more closely with the chamber.”
Sally Harrison, president and chief executive officer of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, agreed.
“It’s unusual to take college students and get them involved in chamber work,” she said. “This is a great opportunity to teach them what they can’t get in the classroom and to gain business relationships and give back to the community.”
Gregory said Benedictine continues to grow. Three years ago the university started with 72 students and now has 350.
“We’re running out of space and we set a record enrollment this year with the first class getting ready to graduate,” he added.
Harrison said they are building a webpage that people can visit for more information on the Junior Chamber of Commerce. In the meantime, contact her at sharrison@mesachamber.org for more information.
– Kelly Mixer is managing editor of MyNewsMesa.com. Reach her at kmixer@mynewsmesa.com.
