SOUTHERN PINES, NC - 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 8:00–10:00 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.  To RSVP visit https://tinyurl.com/2vupnwew
 
For more information, contact Sara Holden, Director of the Small Business Center at SCC at holdens@sandhills.edu or 910-695-3938.
 
#
 
ABOUT THE MOORE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.moorecountychamber.com
The mission of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce is to foster a vibrant business community.  For over 59 years the Chamber has provided quality, value-added services, and programs to members to unite Moore County area businesses in a committed effort to strengthen the economic environment and thus improve the quality of life for all of Moore County. 
 
ABOUT SANDHILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
www.sandhills.edu
Established in 1963, Sandhills Community College is the 18th largest community college in the 58-member community college system in North Carolina. More than 1,000 students graduate each year with associate degrees, certificates, and certifications to enter the job market and enhance the regional economy of Moore and Hoke Counties as well as the state of North Carolina. Others move on to pursue their journey in higher education to earn a bachelor's degree and additional degree attainment. The 300-acre campus is also home to the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center, Horticultural Gardens as well as NJCAA athletics in golf, basketball, and volleyball. It is home to one of eight collision repair automotive apprenticeship programs in the United States; a USGA apprenticeship program for turf management; and offers workforce training and development for companies and small businesses in the region. Students and employers have access to internships, pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships to build the employee and economic pipeline.