WorkWired Celebrates a “Year of Wins” for Our Future Workforce
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WorkWired, an IMPACT Independence County initiative powered by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating a “Year of Wins” in its mission to ensure every young person — from birth through age 25 — has sustainable access to a living-wage career in Independence County. The initiative brings together schools, employers, and community organizations to move beyond one-off programs and build a coordinated system that supports student success at every stage of growth.
“WorkWired isn’t just a project—it’s how Independence County is wiring itself for living-wage futures,” said Crystal John, President and CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Progress is powered by strong collaboration. Local high schools, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville and Lyon College are aligning concurrent credit, career center programs, and work-based learning like never before.
“At UACCB, we see firsthand how aligned pathways change students’ lives,” said Dr. Brian Shonk, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. “Through WorkWired, we’re able to connect earlier with students, build seamless transitions, and ensure more of our graduates are stepping into local, in-demand, living-wage careers.”
“Lyon College is proud to be part of a community-wide effort that starts with early learning and stretches all the way to bachelor’s degrees and beyond,” said Kristi Price, Lyon College Executive Director of Institutional Affairs. “Our participation reflects our commitment to being a driver of innovation and workforce preparation in Arkansas, particularly in high-demand fields. WorkWired helps students and families see that a four-year degree can be part of a clear, affordable pathway to meaningful work right here in Independence County.”
Beyond education, industry leaders are seeing the benefits of a proactive talent pipeline.
“For Vital Link EMS, WorkWired has been a game changer,” said Kathy Lanier, CEO of Vital Link EMS. “Instead of constantly scrambling to fill critical positions, we’re now working with schools and colleges to grow the next generation of EMS professionals right here at home.”
“We’re celebrating more than activities—we’re celebrating a community that’s learning together, sharing data, and designing pathways on purpose,” said Wiley Osborn, Human Resources Manager at The Toro Company. “The grid is live, and opportunities to connect are worth celebrating.”
WorkWired’s “Year of Wins” marks a turning point toward a future where every young person in Independence County has a strong launch into a fulfilling, sustainable career—and where employers have a steady pipeline of homegrown talent to power continued economic growth.
About WorkWired: WorkWired is an initiative of IMPACT Independence County dedicated to ensuring every young person has a fair shot at a living-wage career by partnering with schools, employers, and community support services to expand education, training, and work-experience opportunities. Through a coordinated, community-wide approach, WorkWired aims to remove barriers, support student success, and build pathways to meaningful, sustainable employment. Learn more about the initiative at workwired.info.
