Emerging Leaders Event Highlights Workforce Opportunities at ACCS Innovation Center

Connecting people, skills and opportunity was the focus of the Chamber’s recent Emerging Leaders event at the Alabama Community College System’s Innovation Center on June 3, 2026 in downtown Decatur.

Attendees had the opportunity to explore how this state-of-the-art facility is helping strengthen Alabama’s workforce by connecting businesses with training solutions and providing individuals with opportunities to build skills, explore career paths and grow professionally.

Through rapid, industry-recognized training programs offered through Alabama’s community colleges, the Innovation Center is creating new pathways to meet workforce needs across the state. Attendees learned about Skills for Success courses currently available, along with new programs in development, including Biotechnician and Drone Operator training.

A key part of the Innovation Center’s approach is collaboration with employers. Courses are developed with input from business and industry partners to ensure training aligns with real workforce needs and helps companies build and sustain a skilled workforce.

The event also highlighted the Innovation Center’s mobile simulator trailers, which provide hands-on experiences and career exploration opportunities that can be brought directly to organizations, schools and community events.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Lightwire Solutions and our supporting sponsor Decatur Morgan Hospital. The Chamber’s Emerging Leaders events are designed to help attendees expand their knowledge, strengthen leadership skills and build connections that support personal and professional growth.