Erik Lagarejo joins Minneapolis Chamber staff as summer STEP-UP intern

July 10, 2013 - PRLog -- MINNEAPOLIS (July 10, 2013) – The Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that it has hired Erik Lagarejo as its summer STEP-UP Achieve intern. Lagarejo will assist the Chamber with clerical tasks and daily operations in the Chamber’s downtown Minneapolis office.

The Minneapolis Chamber has partnered with STEP-UP since its inception in 2004. The Chamber is not only involved with the program as a STEP-UP employer, but it also created the credentialing program that teaches prospective interns workplace communication, problem solving, professional conduct, networking, resume writing, job interviews and other key skills through certified work- readiness training.

“The STEP-UP program is a critical strategy to filling the metro area’s workforce needs,” said Todd Klingel, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage more businesses to participate in this initiative.”

Lagarejo will be a junior at Washburn High School. He plays soccer, lacrosse and basketball and is a fan of all sports. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends. Lagarejo will be documenting his summer internship on the Minneapolis Chamber’s Twitter account (@mplschamber) using #InternErik.

About the STEP-UP program

STEP-UP is a program of AchieveMpls that connects businesses with the next generation of talented and diverse workers. STEP-UP offers three program options based on age, experience and job training needs: STEP-UP Achieve, STEP-UP Discover and STEP-Up Explore. Now in its tenth year, STEP-UP has placed more than 18,000 youth (ages 14-21) in paid internship positions with 150 top Twin Cities private sector businesses, public agencies and nonprofits. The program is one of the top youth employment programs in the country and continues to provide critical job training, hands-on experience and the skills to build a strong professional network.

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The Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1881 and works to create strong partnerships to unite and grow member businesses in the Twin Cities. The Chamber and its two affiliates, the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and Northeast Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, serve 1,500 businesses in the 11-county metro area and focuses on public policy, economic development and member services. More information about the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce is available at www.minneapolischamber.org.