The Greater Memphis Chamber has been awarded a significant grant from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with support from The Coca-Cola Company, to establish a Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) Academy in Memphis. This strategic initiative will address critical workforce needs and create pathways to high-quality jobs throughout the Digital Delta.

 

Building Memphis’s Workforce Future

The TPM Academy represents a transformative approach to workforce development, providing specialized training for up to 30 participants from various sectors. While primarily targeting regional businesses, the program will also include workforce intermediaries, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations—creating a comprehensive ecosystem of workforce development partners.

“This grant represents a significant opportunity to strengthen Memphis’s workforce ecosystem,” said Ted Townsend, President and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. “By implementing the TPM framework, we’re creating a sustainable model that aligns employer needs with education and training programs, ultimately helping to fill critical skills gaps in our region.”

 

The program’s structure combines flexible learning opportunities with hands-on implementation, featuring asynchronous learning components and two in-person workshops. This blended approach ensures participants can develop practical strategies tailored to Memphis’s unique workforce landscape.

Launching with Momentum

The Chamber is already building momentum for this initiative, hosting a Champions Workshop on August 7, 2025. This half-day event brought together HR professionals, community-based organizations, and workforce practitioners to explore the TPM framework and discuss recruitment strategies for the full academy.

 

Under the leadership of  Sondra Howell, Senior Vice President of Workforce Development at the Greater Memphis Chamber, the TPM Academy aims to achieve ambitious goals:

 

  • Engaging 37 advanced industry companies in employer-led workforce strategies
  • Creating 10,350 high-quality jobs in the Memphis region
  • Ensuring at least 50% of job holders come from opportunity populations who traditionally face barriers to employment and career advancement

 

“The TPM Academy will equip participants with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to build employer-led partnerships that can address our region’s most pressing workforce challenges,” said Howell. “We are grateful for the investment in Memphis and are excited to collaborate with the U.S. Chamber Foundation and Coca-Cola on this important work.”

 

Why This Matters for Memphis

This initiative aligns perfectly with the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to position Memphis as a premier destination for business growth and talent development. As the Digital Delta continues to attract significant investments, having a workforce ready to meet these emerging opportunities becomes increasingly critical.

The TPM Academy represents another strategic tool in the Chamber’s comprehensive approach to economic development, complementing other initiatives like the Regional Site Search Tool, ChamberCare health centers, and military veteran recruitment programs—all designed to make Memphis more competitive in attracting and retaining both businesses and talent.

 

Organizations interested in participating in this transformative program should contact Sondra Howell at the Greater Memphis Chamber for more information on how to get involved.