The University of New Brunswick Student Union and the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce have signed a 2-year renewable strategic partnership with the purpose of expanding professional networking opportunities for postsecondary students.
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce
(Fredericton) The University of New Brunswick Student Union (“UNBSU”) and the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce (“FCC”) have signed a 2-year renewable strategic partnership with the purpose of expanding professional networking opportunities for postsecondary students.
“Students and the post-secondary education sector are a critical part of Fredericton’s current and future economy,” said Krista Ross, Fredericton Chamber CEO. “The sector is one of the primary economic drivers in the community and our students are our future business owners, employees and community leaders. Creating more and deeper connections between post-secondary students, employers and the community while they are in school is key to retaining more students after graduation.”
In addition to offering postsecondary students in Fredericton free access to all chamber networking events, such as the monthly Business Over Breakfast and Business After Hours, the partnership will also allow students to register for chamber events, such as State of the City or State of the Province addresses, at member rates through the UNBSU.
“This deal is a key step in further integrating students within the community. Creating better connections between students and the business community is a win-win. It provides our students with direct access to potential employers and community leaders, while also increasing the business community’s access to a significant pool of high-skilled talent that will help address the skills gap in our province,” said Kordell Walsh, UNBSU President.
The agreement also creates space for UNBSU representatives to sit on two Chamber committees, the Government Affairs Committee and Policy Committee.
“Two of the chamber’s key policy priorities are immigration/population growth and workforce development – and as a result, a lot of our advocacy and policy efforts are student-focused,” added Ross. “Having the student perspective on matters that affect them is essential and we appreciate the valuable insight that post-secondary student leaders contribute to our organization.”
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has a similar agreement in replace with the New Brunswick Student Alliance.
