Advancing workforce and economic development in Bucks County | December 2021 |
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A Message from Our Executive Director |
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As the holiday approaches, the Bucks County Department of Workforce and Economic Development (WED) would like to share highlights from 2021. Our work has positively impacted small business owners, career seekers, and youth interested in work-based learning experiences across the county.
This summer, WED launched its first monthly newsletter to promote, drive, and ensure an effective workforce in Bucks County aligned with economic development. Each month, content is curated to deliver workforce news, upcoming events, funding initiatives, industry trends, and career-related programs directly to subscriber inboxes in a single publication.
Since we launched WED Talks in June, more than 300 professionals have joined us to discuss trending topics with workforce and economic development experts. We’ve explored the impact of trauma on employee retention, building effective teams through diversity and inclusion, benefits of hiring reentrants to meet workforce needs, preparing for a new workforce, and connecting with seasoned talent. Following this month's webinar, WED Talks are planned throughout 2022 to spark new ideas and innovative strategies with proven results.
WED supported the Bucks County Reentry Coalition’s website that provides enhanced access to resources and support for people reentering the community after incarceration. In addition, WED, Bucks County Corrections, and PA CareerLink® Bucks County hosted an inaugural Behind the Walls Reentry Job Fair in July. More than 140 attendees met with representatives from area employers and submitted job applications, jump-starting the process of rebuilding their lives upon release.
To help mitigate the economic effects of COVID in Bucks County, WED managed grant programs for Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP), resulting in the disbursement of more than $32 million to local businesses. WED is currently managing applications for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which will invest $5 million in Bucks businesses and underserved populations.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant community here in Bucks County. WED looks forward to providing more pathways to success for businesses and career seekers in the new year.
Sincerely,
Billie F. Barnes
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WED Talks Webinar: Ask the Employment Attorney
Join us at 9 a.m. Wednesday, December 8, 2021, for a WED Talk featuring Nancy Abrams, Labor and Employment Attorney. Following an overview of current COVID-19-related laws and regulations, Ms. Abrams will open the session to questions from attendees regarding any employment-related matter, including wage and hour issues, avoiding and defending against claims of discrimination, and issues regarding
employee discipline and discharge.
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Upper Bucks Hospitality Job Fair at the Trolley Barn
Career seekers are welcome to attend the Upper Bucks Hospitality Job Fair at the Trolley Barn Public Market in Quakertown on Thursday, December 9, 2021. Hosted by PA CareerLink® Bucks County, the job fair is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Employers will be looking to fill positions in the Culinary, Hospitality, and Retail industries. In addition to careers in these dynamic industries, Environmental Services professionals are also needed.
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Workforce & Economic Development News |
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Registration has been extended for Bucks County residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Ida who wish to receive federal aid.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued the extension on Nov. 5 in a move that allows residents and businesses to register for assistance through Dec. 10. Some $11.5 million in federal assistance already has been distributed in Bucks County, including more than $7 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds and more than $4 million in low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Read more
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The U.S. Census Bureau recently released an infographic that tracks age diversity of female hires in manufacturing using the Job-to-Job Flows Explorer data tool. The graph covers a 15-year time span of women aged 14 to 65 and older working in manufacturing. Job-to-Job Flows Explorer is a web-based application designed to access worker reallocation statistics of the U.S. labor market. The infographic references "Rosie the Riveter," an iconic poster of a female factory worker flexing her muscle and urging other women to join the World War II effort. Read more
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On Nov. 10, Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Deputy Secretary for Compensation and Insurance Scott G. Weiant presented Derstine's Inc. in Sellersville with the Governor's Award for Safety Excellence, highlighting the importance of workplace safety committees. "Derstine's has made equipment upgrades and warehouse improvements designed to help ensure worker safety," Weiant said. "Some of the proactive safety measures they invested in, like a top-of-the-line lighting upgrade and forklifts equipped with dead-stop triggers, highlight the company's daily commitment to keeping workers safe and injury free." Read more
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The U.S. Department of Labor just wrapped up its celebration of Registered Apprenticeship during the seventh annual National Apprenticeship Week, which took place from Nov. 15-21. Over 1,150 events were held and proclamations were submitted from as far west as Guam and as far east as Puerto Rico. Apprentices from across the country spoke about the power of apprenticeship in jumpstarting or advancing their careers and their goals. Registered Apprenticeship creates opportunities for apprentices to earn an income while they learn and create a pathway to quality jobs that offer opportunities for advancement. Read more
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Meet Our Board Member: Gregory F. Krug
Bucks County Workforce Development Board member Gregory F. Krug serves as President of LAMPIRE Biological Laboratories, an international biotech life science company that produces biological reagents used in the diagnostic and pharmaceutical industries. Founded in 1977, LAMPIRE provides products and services that continue to impact human and animal health worldwide.
Under Krug’s leadership, LAMPIRE has grown into a thriving company with more than 140 team members. LAMPIRE’s expansive capacity spans six separate facilities located in Bucks, Lehigh and Bedford counties. The state-of-the-art laboratories include certified class 2, 5, and 7 cleanrooms and hoods. LAMPIRE has a dedicated team of technical professionals with extensive experience in their respective fields.
LAMPIRE is active in the community, supporting life science education programs and workforce development at local and state levels. Krug and his team at LAMPIRE are committed to providing educational opportunities in life sciences, especially to emerging professionals. “We share our experience and passion for what we do with the next generation at every opportunity,” he stated.
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Career Seeker Success Story: Robert
Robert was employed as an Auto Detailer when he was released from his position in February 2021 due to the COVID pandemic. It was then that he first learned of PA CareerLink® and its services, deciding to attend a Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) orientation. Robert was interested in developing a more marketable skill set to advance in his career. He began on a new path by attending a WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) orientation and meeting with a Workforce Counselor.
Robert did not have a high school diploma, which is a significant barrier in many industries. Read more
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Local Entrepreneur Spotlight: Support Small Businesses in Bucks
Celebrate Shop Small Business Saturday throughout the holiday season and beyond! Bucks County offers a bounty of options for friends and loved ones on your shopping list.
Shopping local keeps revenue here, supporting entrepreneurship and strengthening the Bucks’ economy. Find an array of unique offerings from creative artisans to hand-crafted gifts using online listings provided by Visit Bucks County and Bucks County Alive.
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Resources for Businesses & Career Seekers |
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Meet Our Apprenticeship Coordinator: Adina Tayar
As Regional Apprenticeship Coordinator for Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, Adina Tayar consults with businesses, training providers, and intermediaries to develop talent solutions through employer apprenticeship programs. She is a proud graduate of the first Apprenticeship Navigator cohort in the Commonwealth sponsored by Keystone Development Partners, Apprenticeship PHL, and the Apprenticeship and Training Office within the PA Department of Labor & Industry.
Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality training approach that allow employers to develop and prepare their future workforce. Completely customizable and utilized in industries ranging from manufacturing and the building trades to healthcare and information technology, apprenticeship is a solution to the growing need for skilled labor.
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