Christie Bruner\u2019s career trajectory has taken her in many different directions.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce vice president of advocacy and leadership announced on LinkedIn that she has accepted a position at the Plant City-based Workforce Development Partners. Bruner will begin serving as the organization\u2019s chief growth and partnerships officer next week.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
She has been a part of the Chamber of Commerce team since May 2022. Bruner\u2019s time with the organization has helped shape her as a professional.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For Bruner, the goal has been straightforward from day one. The Chamber of Commerce should include as many voices as possible \u201cin the conversations that we are having here as the business community of St. Petersburg.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cI\u2019ve been really happy with the outcomes of welcoming in small businesses, diverse businesses, organizations, nonprofits and individuals that were not represented throughout committees, task forces and organizational opportunities previously,\u201d she said. \u201cThey have a seat at the table now.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
One recent project that stands out in Bruner\u2019s mind is the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority\u2019s upcoming Tampa Bay Ferry service, which will provide transportation between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa. Bruner explained that the project has brought together many different stakeholders including operator Hubbard\u2019s Marina and Congresswoman Kathy Castor, who represents areas in Tampa and Pinellas County.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
All of these parties are \u201cworking towards a common goal of a connected business community and workforce.\u201d She argued that this partnership has shown that many individuals are interested in a local ferry transit option.\u00a0<\/p>\n
However, it required \u201cone connective tissue.\u201d Bruner explained that the Chamber of Commerce played a supportive role in the development process.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She believes that committees are key to the Chamber of Commerce\u2019s evolution and growth. Beyond traditional groups focused on topics such as transportation and housing, the organization has launched sustainability and resilience and workforce and talent committees. This has created more opportunities for individuals to have conversations that \u201cwork towards action.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bruner\u2019s focus on inclusivity and connection has led her to her next role. She believes that her main job is to be a conveyor for community members.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI had the opportunity over the past year to learn more about Workforce Development Partners,\u201d Bruner explained. \u201cThey\u2019ve had success with intentionally connecting high school students and job seekers with employers in high demand career fields.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of my ultimate goals, at the St. Pete Chamber and in general, is to really address these needs as a region,\u201d she continued. \u201cI saw the opportunity to grow what Workforce Development Partners started in one county.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n