Chamber of Commerce Starts Intern Program

"Make a difference. Hire an intern."

With that theme, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has inaugurated an internship program designed to keep bright local students in their home community.  

"So many go off to school and never return," said Jennifer Compton, a partner in the law firm of Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick of Sarasota and chair of the Chamber's Education and Workforce activities, "and we're encouraging companies here to hire them as interns to encourage the young people to stay here and contribute to the community."

Companies that are participating in the program either provide moderate financial compensation to the intern, or the student-intern may receive school credit for his or her work. "Internships are vital to our area's economic development, as they often convince a graduate of a college in our region who grew up elsewhere to pursue a career here - improving our community's talent supply," said Compton.

Seven local educational institutions are involved, including Everglades University, Keiser University, New College, Ringling College of Art and Design, State College of Florida, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, and Webster University. 

Employers interested in hosting interns can find links to all the colleges and universities by clicking the "Benefits" tab and then "Hire an Intern" on the Chamber's website (www.sarasotachamber.com).    

Many Chamber members are already offering internship programs. These include Kobernick Anchin, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the Herald Tribune Media Group, Grapevine Communications Advertising, SouthTech IT Navigators, FCCI Insurance Group, and Suncoast Work Force.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, serving more than 1,600 member businesses and organizations, exists to maximize its members' success, the community's competitiveness, and the area's economic strength.  The Chamber is headquartered at 1945 Fruitville Road., Sarasota, FL  34236.  Telephone