Advancing workforce and economic development in Bucks County | October 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) is committed to providing our local business community with the information and resources needed to obtain COVID-relief funds. Earlier this year, Bucks County received $61 million, the first half of the $122 million allocated by the federal American Rescue Plan Act. County officials continue to conduct community outreach and information sessions to determine how to best utilize funds for helping people affected by the pandemic.
There are multiple ways to be part of these ongoing efforts. WED encourages local businesses to participate in Bucks Business Round Table on October 15 to share experiences and discuss the next steps for economic recovery. The Bucks 2040 survey, part of a comprehensive plan the County is developing, offers another opportunity for local business owners to include their present and future needs. In addition, two FEMA resource centers have opened in Upper and Middle Bucks to assist residents affected by Hurricane Ida. The County will continue to provide updates on locations as they develop.
Many businesses are also experiencing a “sansdemic,” which has resulted in hiring challenges and a lack of candidates for job openings across industries. Our WED Talk on October 13, featuring Dr. Chris Laney, will explore the data behind this workforce concern while offering ways to address its effects.
We hope you will find all of these resources helpful. Please stay connected with WED in the months ahead as new initiatives take shape.
Sincerely,
Billie F. Barnes
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WED Talks Webinar: Preparing for a New Future of Workforce
Join us at 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 13, 2021, for a timely WED Talk featuring Dr. Chris Laney, Senior Workforce Strategist at Emsi. Workforce professionals will discover approaches to address long-term challenges caused by population shifts, public health concerns, and the erosion of prime-age working adults. Dr. Laney will suggest ways for employers to recognize these factors and best prepare for a new future of workforce.
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Bucks Business Round Table Discussion
Join Bucks Businesses, PA CareerLink® Bucks County and the County of Bucks Workforce and Economic Development at 9 a.m. Friday, October 15, 2021, as we discuss business and the effects of the pandemic. Attendees are encouraged to share their stories of how the pandemic has affected their businesses. After a brief presentation by the County on previous COVID-relief funding, we will discuss continued economic recovery efforts in Bucks.
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Workforce & Economic Development News |
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A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resource center for Bucks County residents and businesses affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida will open next week in Upper Bucks. The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is planned to run Monday, Oct. 4, through Saturday, Oct. 9., in the gym of Calvary Church, 820 Souderton Road, Hilltown Township. The last day to apply for individual assistance (IA) is Wednesday, Nov. 10. Read more
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A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resource center for Bucks County residents and businesses affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida opened on September 24, 2021, in the Warwick Square shopping center. Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to assist homeowners, renters, and business owners in applying for federal aid. Read more
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Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier announced Pennsylvanians who live or work in one of the six counties impacted by remnants of Hurricane Ida are eligible to apply for temporary Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) beginning September 20, 2021. Pennsylvanians eligible to apply for DUA assistance must live, work, or have to travel through impacted areas to reach work in one of the following counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, or York. Read more
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Five early-stage startups with high potential have been selected to receive $25,000 in funding and 12 months of advisory support as part of the latest cohort of the Bucks Built Startup Fund.
The five recipient startups span various industries and have founders or teams already based in, or planning to operate in, Bucks County. In addition to $25,000 investments, the recipients will also receive 12 months of support from Startup Bucks focused on growth and future funding. Read more
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Meet Our Board Member: Chris LaBonge
Bucks County Workforce Development Board member Chris LaBonge serves as President and founder of Adtell, Inc., a telecommunications service provider offering consulting, engineering, and design services for communities and campuses seeking to deliver fiber optic or wireless communications to constituents.
In 2019, LaBonge founded the Trolley Barn Public Market within a two-story historic structure that spans 19,000 square feet in downtown Quakertown where specialized vendors sell craft beer, wine, ice cream, food, and more. Visitors to the indoor, year-round marketplace can find fresh, seasonal food from local farmers, fishers, and food entrepreneurs or explore the “Yard,” a wine, beer, and spirit garden nestled in its own park with more than 9,500 square feet of outdoor garden area, vast open-air seating, and firepits. The Trolley Barn also boasts entertainment space with an 1,800-square-foot mezzanine for parties, events, and other occasions.
The Trolley Barn received the Anchor Building award from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) in September 2021. PDC recognized the Trolley Barn as a building within the state that most contributes to its Main Street Program’s work helping communities revitalize their downtowns and commercial districts.
LaBonge serves as Chairman of the Happy Valley LaunchBox™ program focused on developing entrepreneurship amongst students attending Penn State University, Lehigh Valley University, or residing in the surrounding area. He is also a board member of the YMCA of Bucks County and the Council for Retail Sales at DeSales University. |
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Career Seeker Success Story: Joshua
Joshua had found his dream job working as a part-time Pharmacy Technician.
During an interview for a full-time position, Joshua was informed that he did not qualify to move forward as a candidate because he lacked Pharmacy Technician Certification.
Determined to continue on an upward career path, Joshua contacted his WIOA Counselor at the PA Careerlink® Bucks County for help. The WIOA Counselor guided him through each step of researching training sites offering the Pharmacy Technician Certification. Joshua was able to evaluate program options and identify a site that met his goals.
After careful consideration, Joshua selected Full Circle Computing, Inc. and began classes in October 2020. Upon earning his credential as a Certified Pharmacy Technician in January 2021, Joshua was referred to a Recruiter from the PA CareerLink® Bucks County’s Business Services Team. Read more
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Local Entrepreneur Spotlight: YouBodyCare
Founded by CEO Heather Fritzsche in 2019, YouBodyCare™ offers a variety of luxurious, waterless, and sustainable body wash. The Yardley-based company designed its innovative products to leave the smallest ecological footprint by using powder-filled packets that break down instead of plastic.
As part of its mission to protect rivers and oceans, YouBodyCare™ delivers products that are “good all the way through.” Additionally, YouBodyCare™ partners with Water.org to donate a portion of every purchase to provide families with hope, health, and access to safe water.
A Bucks County resident for more than 20 years, Fritzsche is grateful for the opportunity to develop her globally-minded business here. “It’s fun to think that for all the benefits in starting and growing a company, one of the biggest and unexpected wins is to bring activity into a town and county that has been such a part of my life.”
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Resources for Businesses & Career Seekers |
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The Bucks County Commissioners and the Planning Commission desire input from business owners as part of the Bucks 2040 survey. Bucks 2040 is the comprehensive plan now being developed by the planning commission to outline growth strategies for the next 20 years. Take the survey
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Looking for a new career, a seasonal job, something in between? Check out the Job Requisitions listing where the County of Bucks has something for everyone. Once you have viewed the weekly list, it's easy to apply online. If you are interested in an internship with the County of Bucks, please contact our Internship Program. |
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