Background and Overview:

Click Here for 2009 Program Information

CIPE’s ChamberL.I.N.K.S. (Leaders, Interns, and Knowledge Sharing) program is a new initiative designed to provide ‘rising stars’ of CIPE’s partner chambers of commerce and business associations overseas with the opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills in the United States.  Participating U.S. chambers will establish ties with counterpart chambers abroad and benefit from the international perspective and unique skill set that each intern possesses.

• CIPE will bring young chamber professionals from abroad to participate in the leadership programs held by chambers of commerce in the U.S.
• Participants will complete substantive, unpaid internships with the chambers, putting their new skills to use in a professional environment.

Internship Activities

• Shadow the CEO and employees from all chamber departments
• Assist with legislative advocacy campaigns
• Research issues of importance, such as association sustainability models
• Attend special events, such as state-wide association conferences, chamber board meetings, and better business bureau meetings
• Prepare for large events such as annual members’ dinners
• Attend Leadership Institute classes and retreats
• Network with other young leaders in the business community
• Write articles and give presentations on their experiences and how they will implement new practices at their home organizations

Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce (Atlanta, GA)
Muzhgan Sadat (Afghanistan) of the Afghan Women’s Business Federation

Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce (Binghamton, NY)
Maria Alejandra Gutierrez (Colombia) of Confecámaras

Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce
Manel Khayati (Tunisia) of the Tunisian-American Chamber of Commerce

Leadership Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs, CO)
Marat Djanbaev (Kyrgyzstan) of the Bishkek Business Club

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce (Joplin, MO)
Delia Ştef (Romania) of the Association of Businesswomen and Top Managers

Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce (Kalamazoo, MI)
Kiran Farooq (Pakistan) of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (Ft. Mitchell, KY/Cincinnati, OH)
Luis Fernando Strauss (Bolivia) of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Santa Cruz

Rapid City Chamber of Commerce (Rapid City, SD)
Tobias Alando (Kenya) of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers

• Meet the interns and learn more about the host chambers of commerce in the U.S.
• Download a flyer about the program
• Press release: Local Chambers of Commerce Welcome International Interns