Advancing workforce and economic development in Bucks County | August 2021 |
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A Message from Our Executive Director |
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The Bucks County Department of Workforce and Economic Development (WED) has marked several significant milestones this summer. In June, we launched our inaugural newsletter to connect the local workforce with timely news and key resources for success. WED celebrated its first anniversary as a department within the County of Bucks in July, a transition that has streamlined organizational and fiscal structure with improved delivery of services. Later in July, WED partnered with corrections administrators and PA CareerLink ® Bucks County to host the Bucks County Correctional Facility’s “Behind the Walls” job fair for inmates soon to be released.
Hiring Reentrants offers many benefits to our community. Primarily, reentry employment pathways help returning citizens adjust and employers fill positions due to worker shortages. Our upcoming WED Talk for employers will discuss how these reentry initiatives meet workforce needs. We are also planning another Behind the Walls job fair and will be recruiting employers to attend. If you would like more information, contact Brian Cummings, PA CareerLink® Bucks County Director, at bcummings@buckscareerlink.org or 215-781-1073, ext. 2218.
The Bucks County Planning Commission is beginning a new county comprehensive plan, “Bucks2040.” This update to the 2011 comprehensive plan will form a collective vision for Bucks County and set a direction for future policies and programs. The Bucks County Commissioners and the Planning Commission desire input from business owners to help plan for the county's future. The Bucks2040 survey is available on the County of Bucks website.
Sincerely,
Billie F. Barnes
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WED Talks Webinar: Hiring Reentrants to Meet Workforce Needs
Join us at 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 11, 2021, for a timely WED Talks webinar featuring Dorenda Hamarlund, Workforce Development Specialist for the PA Department of Corrections and Parole. As many employers face significant worker shortages, Hamarlund will discuss how reentry employment pathways offer solutions to help returning citizens and the businesses that hire them.
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Multi-Industry Job Fair at Bucks County Community College in Bristol
PA CareerLink® Bucks County is hosting a job fair at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 17, 2021. Held at Bucks County Community College in Bristol, the event will feature employers from multiple industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and retail. Career seekers in search of full-time, part-time, and permanent positions are encouraged to attend.
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Workforce & Economic Development News |
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Eleven employers, five support agencies and 141 inmates participated this week in the Bucks County Correctional Facility’s first “Behind the Walls” job fair. Read more
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Gov. Tom Wolf visited Bristol Borough on July 16, 2021, to highlight state efforts to financially help scores of county restaurants and hotels harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a request from Gov. Tom Wolf to make financial aid available to residents and businesses affected by flooding earlier this July in Lower Bucks. Read more
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Ten early-stage startup enterprises have been selected to compete for this year’s second round of $25,000 county investments offered through the Bucks Built Startup Fund. Read more
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Meet Our Board Member: Paul Bencivengo
As President and Chief Operating Officer of Visit Bucks County (VBC), Paul Bencivengo leads the official tourism promotion agency for the County of Bucks. VBC generates economic impact and spurs hospitality employment growth by encouraging leisure, social and business travel to experience Bucks County and all it has to offer.
More than 8.1 million people visit Bucks County annually, generating $1.1 billion in economic impact and supporting a total hospitality workforce of 30,000.
Bencivengo brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing, hospitality, and tourism to the Bucks County Workforce Development Board (BCWDB), along with his commitment to community development. He also serves as a member of the United Way of Bucks County's Executive Committee, as Vice Chair of the U.S. Travel Association's Destination Council, and as a member of the YMCA's Lower Bucks County Regional Advisory Board. |
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Career Seeker Success Story: William
In January 2019, William came to PA CareerLink® Bucks County after being released from his position as a Director of Operations. He was concerned about finding employment opportunities due to his identified barriers, including incarceration and substance abuse.
During his incarceration, he participated in educational and substance abuse programs within the facility but had experienced relapse upon community reentry. Read more
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Entrepreneur Spotlight: HER Creative Corner
Helping Entrepreneurs Rise (HER) Creative Corner was created by owner Monica Reed during the pandemic. Reed focuses on helping entrepreneurs establish or develop their businesses by providing resources to help meet their goals. HER Creative Corner offers a center in Morrisville Borough for businesses to come and host meetings or training sessions if they do not have a physical location. Read more
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Resources for Businesses & Career Seekers |
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Do you own a business in Bucks County? If so, the Bucks County Commissioners and the Planning Commission desire your input to help plan for the future of the county. Take the survey
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The Engage! Program aims to identify businesses operating within Bucks County that may benefit from direct technical assistance or referrals to Bucks County economic development partners. Read more
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