The Moore County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Sandhills Community College, invites local employers to a no-cost employer workshop, Empower to Work, on Wednesday,
March 18, 2026, from 8–10 a.m. in the Clement Dining Room at the Dempsey Student Center
on the campus of Sandhills Community College.
This interactive session, led by Sherrell Gales of Abound Health, will introduce employers to practical tools and strategies designed to strengthen
workplaces and expand hiring pathways for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental
Disabilities (IDD). The workshop builds a conversation first introduced to local employers
in 2025 and will focus on implementation, resources, and real-world employer support.
Participants will learn about the Empower to Work program and the Hiring Resource
Database, and will gain insights on how to successfully recruit, onboard, and retain
individuals with IDD. The session will also highlight local and regional partners
available to support employers as they explore new talent pipelines and workforce
strategies.
“This workshop is about equipping employers with practical tools and connections,”
said Linda Parsons, President & CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce. “Workforce
challenges continue to be one of the most pressing issues for our business community.
By bringing partners together and highlighting available resources, we can help employers
strengthen their teams while creating meaningful opportunities for individuals across
our region.”
Dr. Alexander "Sandy" Stewart, President of Sandhills Community College, emphasized
the importance of collaboration in building a strong workforce. “At Sandhills Community
College, we are committed to supporting both students and employers. This session
provides an opportunity for businesses to learn how they can access additional talent
and support systems while contributing to a stronger regional workforce. Partnerships
like this are essential to addressing long-term workforce needs in Moore County and
beyond.”
The workshop is designed for business owners, human resource professionals, supervisors,
and hiring managers who are interested in expanding their workforce strategies and
learning more about available support resources. Attendees will leave with practical
information, contacts, and next steps they can use within their organizations.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Register here.
For more information, contact Sara Holden, Director of the Small Business Center at
SCC at holdens@sandhills.edu or 910-695-3938.