Advancing workforce and economic development in Bucks County | November 2021 |
|
A Message from Our Executive Director |
|
During this season of gratitude, the Bucks County Department of Workforce and Economic Development (WED) wishes to thank its Board of Directors, community partners, employers, local businesses and non-profits, and a dynamic workforce for their contributions to our thriving county. Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bucks County remains resilient. It is part of WED’s mission to assist local businesses and their employees by providing programs and services that keep our economy strong.
I am pleased to announce that Bucks County is now accepting applications for the Bucks Business Recovery Grant program. The application window opened on October 29 and will continue through November 19. WED staff will conduct a series of three webinars to assist businesses with their applications.
The Bucks County Planning Commission will host a Bucks 2040 open house meeting on November 16 at the Warrington Township Administration Office. Business owners and interested citizens are encouraged to attend and share their ideas with project staff.
To help businesses connect with seasoned talent, the WED Talk on November 10, featuring Zave Smith, will explore ways employers can navigate demographic trends associated with retiring employees. He will offer strategies to expand connections and tap into a wealth of wisdom.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant community here in Bucks County. I hope these resources provide helpful information and opportunities to support your professional endeavors.
Sincerely,
Billie F. Barnes
|
|
WED Talks Webinar: Connecting with Seasoned Talent
Join us at 9 a.m. Wednesday, November 10, 2021, for a WED Talk featuring Zave Smith, Co-founder and CEO of xBound®. Businesses and non-profits will discover how an unprecedented transformation in America’s workforce has created a massive shift in human capital. Smith will share ways employers can navigate this new stage of business while expanding connections to and benefiting from the wisdom of an experienced workforce.
|
|
Bucks 2040 Fall Open House Meeting
The Bucks County Planning Commission will host an open house meeting at 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at the Warrington Township Administration Office to engage the public on the “Bucks 2040” comprehensive plan update. Interested citizens will be able to view displays and express their comments to project staff. Opportunities will be provided to let participants give their vision for the future of Bucks County.
|
|
|
|
|
Career seekers are welcome to turn over a new leaf at the Bucks' Big Job Fair on Thursday, November 18, 2021. The event will feature more than 50 employers from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Bucks County Community College in Newtown. No registration is required. |
|
Workforce & Economic Development News |
|
Bucks County is now accepting applications for its latest round of grants to local businesses. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 19. Funded with federal dollars received through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, the program will disperse grants ranging from $1,000 to $45,000 to help businesses blunt the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bucks County Commissioners earmarked $5 million in ARP funds to create the new recovery grant program, which picks up where the Bucks Back to Work program left off earlier this year. Read more
|
|
On October 21, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor announced its Veterans’ Employment and Training Service is now accepting applications from public and private sector organizations to enhance the employment and training services it provides to transitioning service members and their spouses through the agency’s Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot. This initiative provides one-on-one career assistance to transitioning service members and their spouses at select military installations worldwide and complements classroom instruction provided through the agency’s Transition Assistance Program. Read more
|
|
|
The 7th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) will take place November 15-21, 2021. NAW is a nationwide celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for re-building our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities. NAW is an opportunity to highlight how Registered Apprenticeship provides a critical talent pipeline that can help to address some of our nation’s pressing workforce challenges. Read more
|
|
On October 22, 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) released its preliminary employment situation report for September 2021. Pennsylvania's unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a percentage point over the month to 6.2 percent in September. The U.S. rate fell four-tenths of a percentage point from its August level to 4.8 percent. The commonwealth's unemployment rate was 0.9 percentage points below its September 2020 level and the national rate declined 3.0 points over the year. Read more
|
|
|
Meet Our Board Member: Jeane M. Vidoni
Bucks County Workforce Development Board member Jeane M. Vidoni serves as President and CEO of Penn Community Bank, the largest mutual financial institution based in eastern Pennsylvania. She inspires its dynamic team of more than 350 employees to fulfill the bank’s mission to act as a catalyst for growth in every community it serves.
As an active leader in the Pennsylvania business and financial community, Vidoni donates her time and leadership talents to several industry groups, including as Chair of Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC) of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and as Pennsylvania Member Director on the Board of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Pittsburgh, which supports homeownership programs throughout Delaware, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
She represents the bank as immediate past President of the Board of Directors of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, member of the Advisory Council of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County and the Board of Directors of the United Way of Bucks County.
|
|
Career Seeker Success Story: Kelly
In early 2020, Kelly was laid-off from her full-time position at A.C. Moore, a local arts and crafts retail chain store. This event led her to contact PA CareerLink® Bucks County and inquire about gaining the skill set needed to obtain employment and a higher, sustainable wage.
PA CareerLink® Bucks County conducted a Rapid Response to coordinate layoff aversion and outplacement services for the specialty retailer and the employees affected by layoffs.
During this process, Kelly registered and attended a virtual orientation. She informed the PA CareerLink® staff of her interest in training. Kelly met with a Workforce Counselor who guided her on the next steps of completing assessments, virtual workshops, and career research. One of the assessments recommended that she pursue a career in the Healthcare industry.
Kelly exhibited enthusiasm and perseverance while conducting her career research throughout the pandemic. Despite the unfortunate loss of a close family member, she was determined to succeed. Read more
|
|
Local Entrepreneur Spotlight: Modern Male Barbershop
Nick Prosseda, the owner of Modern Male Barbershop, is on a mission to bring back the lost art of barbering. Under his leadership, each of the eight locations offers a nostalgic experience based on camaraderie, trust, and friendship among its clientele and barbers. Prosseda and his team are committed to grooming for success and strive to be role models for clients of all ages.
Prosseda is also dedicated to raising awareness for men's cancer. In 2012, he launched the Grow-a-Pair annual campaign and fundraising initiative. The September event culminates in a Cut-a-thon with discounted haircuts for charitable contributions, donated food, drinks, and live entertainment. Throughout the month, the Modern Male Barbershop team provides positive messages encouraging all men to make appointments for cancer screening.
Modern Male Barbershop is located in Doylestown, Lansdale, Perkasie, Quakertown, Sellersville, Souderton, Telford, and North Penn. Read more
|
|
|
Resources for Businesses & Career Seekers |
|
The County of Bucks has been appropriated funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to assist small businesses through COVID-19 recovery. Applications will be open from
|
|
Whether you are looking for re-employment, or advance your career, PA CareerLink® Bucks County is here to help with a wide range of resources, including workshops, career and training assessments, employment opportunities, training, and education. The PA CareerLink® Bucks County also offers many services to employers. These services include recruitment events, prescreening assessment of applicants, On-the-Job Training (OJT) for new hires and Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) for existing employees. For more information, call 215-781-1073. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
