Advancing workforce and economic development in Bucks County | March 2022 |
|
A Message from Our Executive Director |
|
With spring less than three weeks away, now is the time to rejuvenate and make positive changes. Many people will mark this seasonal change with a celebratory cleaning or joyful preparation for spending more time outdoors. In the world of workforce, my colleagues and I take this opportunity to raise awareness on initiatives and programs designed to help kick-start careers, support new local businesses, and promote the importance of employee well-being in the workplace.
The global disruptions and indiscriminate loss caused by COVID-19 and recent international conflict have significantly amplified feelings of uncertainty for many of our families, friends, co-workers, and ourselves. One in five adults in the U.S. live with a mental health condition. Chances are you or someone you know has been affected. During this month’s WED Talk, Nicholas Emeigh, Director of Outreach and Development at NAMI Bucks County PA, will lead a discussion on creating a stigma-free workplace. In doing so, we can shift the social and systemic barriers for those living with mental health conditions, increase access to life-changing resources, and ultimately create workplaces where employees are healthier and happier.
A countywide event is coming this spring for those interested in a career transition, gaining valuable work experience, or making a difference in local government. My colleagues and I are planning a career fair where job seekers can meet with multiple County departments, learn about open positions, and submit their resumes. More information will be available soon. In the meantime, be sure to follow the County of Bucks (@buckscountygovt) and PA CareerLink® Bucks County (@pacareerlinkbucks) across social media channels to stay informed.
Thank you for supporting the County’s efforts to strengthen our business community and empower our talented workforce.
Sincerely,
Billie F. Barnes
|
|
WED Talks Webinar: Creating a Stigma-Free Workplace
Join us at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2022, to discuss the importance of employee well-being in the workplace. This year, one in five workers will experience some form of mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, or burnout. Eight out of 10 will not seek treatment because of the stigma associated with mental illness, while others do not know where to turn. Either way, these employees will suffer in silence. As the leading cause of disability worldwide, unresolved depression costs the U.S. economy $210.5 billion per year in absenteeism, lost productivity, and medical costs. While many companies have anti-discrimination policies in place, the stigma persists. But it doesn’t have to.
Nicholas Emeigh will discuss how thoughtful policies that address mental and physical health and provide support and resources for employees can have a measurable impact on increasing productivity, reducing absenteeism, and creating a workplace where employees are healthier and happier. Attendees will learn how to identify stigma in the workplace along with signs of burnout, create company policies regarding mental health, effectively support employee mental health, and decrease and prevent mental health stigma in the workplace.
|
|
|
Workforce & Economic Development News |
|
Launched on Feb. 9, Bucks County Conversations is a podcast that captures real conversations happening within Bucks County's government. Episode 2 celebrates the first anniversary of the Bucks County Human Services Connect Hub. Created to streamline the process of connecting people in need of social services with the people who provide them, the Hub, in its first 12 months, fielded more than 2,000 inquiries, including phone calls, emails, and in-person contacts. Read more
|
|
On Jan. 31, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that it is accepting applications for the 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award. Initiated by the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017, the award recognizes small businesses, non-profit organizations, and large companies for leadership in promoting veterans’ employment. Employers must apply by April 30, 2022. Read more
|
|
|
On Feb. 1, Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier announced the department's plan to distribute more than $3 million in Business-Education Partnership (BEP) Grant funding to 22 workforce development organizations statewide that work to connect Pennsylvania businesses with school districts and students to better prepare youth to enter into an ever-changing workforce. Read more
|
|
The number of Americans collecting unemployment benefits fell to a 52-year low after another decline in jobless aid applications last week. Jobless claims fell by 17,000, from 249,000 to 232,000 for the week ending Feb. 19, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The four-week average for claims, which compensates for weekly volatility, fell by 7,250 to 236,250. Read more
|
|
|
Meet Our Board Member: Louis P. Kassa, MPA
As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), Louis P. Kassa leads one of the nation's most successful life sciences incubators. The Doylestown-based PABC is a nonprofit that offers state-of-the-art laboratory and office space to early-stage biotech companies, the Hepatitis B Foundation, and Blumberg Institute.
With more than 80 member companies, the center is home to nearly 50 small to mid-size science, research, and biotechnology companies. In addition, PABC offers educational programs for university undergraduates, graduate students, and local high school students. Many take advantage of the opportunity for hands-on experience with researchers at PABC-member companies and in Blumberg Institute labs.
Kassa will become PABC's president in July 2022. He will succeed Timothy M. Block, Ph.D., who will become Executive Chair of the Hepatitis B Foundation Board of Directors, which governs the PABC and its two sister organizations, the Foundation and Blumberg Institute. Kassa joined PABC in 2014 and has since overseen the center's services-based approach to nurture and guide its member companies to success. Industry Era, a global technology outlet, named Kassa one of " The 10 Best COOs of 2020."
|
|
Career Seeker Success Story: Antoinette
Antoinette was released from her position at Material Concepts in January 2020, after nine years of employment due to restructuring.
When the COVID pandemic struck, Antoinette’s job search was directly impacted. She recognized the need to update her current technology and computer qualifications to be a strong candidate in the job market. She was accepted to attend the Microsoft Office Technology and Customer Service Specialist Program at Bucks County Community College (BCCC). She was informed by BCCC staff that there was potential funding for the program from the Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act offered at PA CareerLink® Bucks County. Read more
|
|
Local Business Spotlight: Warwick Farm Brewing
Warwick Farm Brewing is a family-owned and operated brew farm that produces high-quality, independent beer on a historic farm in Bucks County. Founders Scott Seiz, with his son Ryan, and Tom Taber, with his son Tim, came together with a vision to preserve signature farmland while providing beer enthusiasts with a unique craft brewery experience.
Born of their talent and creativity, Warwick Farm Brewing is the first microbrewery and brew farm in Warwick Township. The 22-acre estate sits atop the highest point in Jamison, overlooking one of the oldest golf courses in the area. They grow their own hops and ingredients at the farm, allowing the yield to experiment across all beer varieties and flavors. Read more
|
|
|
Resources for Businesses & Career Seekers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
