JARI will be the collaborative force that enhances all aspects of our region to grow a diverse economy and build vibrant communities.
Students and Employers Celebrate National Manufacturing Day
Debi Balog
Director, Workforce Development
The first annual MFG Day celebration was held at the Somerset County Technology Center (SCTC) on Thursday, October 6, 2016. The purpose of the event was to recognize the importance of manufacturing within our local economy. Over one hundred high school juniors and seniors, as well as adult students and instructors from five program areas, met with local manufacturers to discuss careers within the industry. Approximately thirty manufacturers participated in the luncheon, which included a networking session and a keynote address provided by Evan Bennear, Sales Manager and part owner Dale Oxygen, Inc.
The event was co-sponsored by the SCTC, JARI, the Somerset County CareerLink, and the Southern Alleghenies Workforce Development Board. The luncheon was prepared by SCTC's Culinary Arts students.
For more information on participating in career related activities, please contact Debi Balog via email at dbalog@jari.comor by calling 814.262.8366.
Students at SCTC interact with the robots that were present at MFG day.
SBA Small Business Mentor-Protégé Program
Lenora Leasure
PTAC Program Manager
The Small Business Administration (SBA) began accepting applications for the new "All Small Mentor-Protege Program" on October 1, 2016. Authorized by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, the SBA has established a mentor-protégé program for all small businesses. This all-inclusive program, eliminates the need for separate programs for each constituency. Intended to develop strong protégé businesses, mentors can be sought out to provide trade education, as well as management/technical, financial, business development, contracting, and/or general/administrative assistance.
Please contact the JARI PTAC to learn about this program or for any of your government contracting assistance needs at (814) 254-4022 or (814) 254-4023 or via email at jariptac@jari.com.
