JAX Chamber announced Oct. 14 that it named Carlton Robinson as chief innovation officer and he will lead the Venture Services Division.
Robinson has been vice president of entrepreneurial growth.
He founded and launched the chamber’s JAX Bridges program, an entrepreneurial education program that the group said has served 1,800 business owners in its six years of operation.
A news release said as the chamber continues to offer new programming and assistance for employees and businesses of all sizes, the shift to Venture Services better describes the work being done.
“This is the next step as we continue to build an innovation ecosystem in Jacksonville,” Robinson said in the release.
“By expanding to offer programs for companies to send their employees to learn new, valuable tech skills, we are helping our members grow and compete in the global economy.”
The chamber said the shift into Venture Services will address how businesses can access capital, foster innovation in their companies and grow talent from within by adding critical skills needed in a digital economy.
The release said a new offering will be the Bridges Work and Learn Program, initially funded by a contribution from AT&T. The program allows employers of large and small businesses to offer a work-and-learn opportunity.
“This skill-building program provides employees with a pathway to ‘work’ towards obtaining technical skills and entrepreneurs with an opportunity to ‘learn’ new skills that help address customers’ needs,” the release said.
The program will consist of six technology sessions focused on SQL Server Database, Data Visualization, and Data Storytelling.
“One key area we hope the program will impact is participation among underrepresented minorities in the tech sector,” said Kevin Craig, AT&T Florida regional director, external and legislative affairs.
JAX Chamber Chair Henry Brown, CEO of Miller Electric, said in the release that programs like Bridges Work and Learn “will be a tremendous asset for our members and I look forward to the other offerings as Venture Services grows to serve more members.”