Advancing workforce and economic development in Bucks County | February 2022 |
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A Message from Our Executive Director |
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As February begins, we observe a nationwide celebration of history, health, and culture. First and foremost, it is a month dedicated to honoring the contributions and experiences of African Americans who shaped the United States. This month-long observance challenges us to create more inclusive and equitable opportunities at federal, state, and local levels. The WIOA Local Plan for 2021-2024, a four-year action plan to develop, align, and integrate one-stop delivery strategies, examines how workforce programs mitigate barriers to employment for many Bucks County residents while expanding career pathways for diverse talent pipelines and historically underserved populations. An important component involves promoting apprenticeship programs in Bucks County to support these goals.
American Heart Month and Valentine's Day occur in February, prompting greater awareness of wellness and love. In the world of workforce, we turn our attention to what drives employers and employees to feel passionate about their work. There are many ways to love what you do, from the joys of entrepreneurship and job satisfaction to professional achievements. During this month's WED Talk, we will discuss the benefits of Employee Ownership Programs in which employees own a portion of their company's stock. These programs make it possible for employees to say, “I am an owner of this company,” further cultivating pride and efficacy among team members.
We hope you find a resource in our newsletter to spark joy at your workplace. Whether you are a business owner, career seeker, or employment professional, find what will enrich your work life this month and stay tuned for more possibilities throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Billie F. Barnes
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WED Talks Webinar: Building Strong Local Businesses Through Employee Ownership
Join us at 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 9, 2022, to discuss the benefits of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Many Employee Ownership Programs are specifically designed for smaller Main Street businesses, ensuring local ownership of our treasured and favorite establishments. The webinar will feature Ken Baker, CEO of NewAge® Industries/AdvantaPure®, and Kevin McPhillips, Executive Director and CEO of the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership. They will explore how ESOPs provide flexibility and significant tax benefits, keep businesses and jobs in-state, and build community wealth.
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Final Weeks to Participate in the Bucks2040 Survey
The Bucks County Board of Commissioners and the Planning Commission desire your input to help plan for the county's future. This survey will inform a new county comprehensive plan that will update the 2011 comprehensive plan, form a collective vision, and set a direction for policies and programs. Bucks2040 will focus on the most important quality-of-life issues and how planning can help our communities achieve better land-use outcomes. Additional information about the county's comprehensive plan and the business survey can be found here. |
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Workforce & Economic Development News |
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On Jan. 19, the Bucks County Commissioners authorized bonus payments to attract workers and maintain medical staff at Neshaminy Manor, the county-run nursing home in Warrington. The bonuses will be funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress in 2021. Neshaminy Manor job opportunities are listed at buckscounty.gov, and career seekers may submit their applications online. Read more
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Continuing his commitment to strengthen Pennsylvania's workforce through apprenticeships, Governor Tom Wolf announced that more than $1.2 million in new funding through the Pre-Apprentice and Apprenticeship Grant Program has been awarded to six apprenticeship programs across the commonwealth to help train the next generation of in-demand apprentices. Read more
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On Jan. 12, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a funding opportunity for organizations to provide training and employment services to veterans combating homelessness. Administered by the department’s Veterans' Employment and Training Service, the grants will fund projects across the country at a maximum of $500,000 annually, for a total of up to $1.5 million over a three-year period of performance. Read more
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A Bucks County woman's company has been making horse treats since 2017, but her operation kicked into high gear during the pandemic. Knowing that many programs were shut down due to the virus, Kim Maychuk, owner of Daybreak Farm Muffin Company in Bedminster Township, wanted to try and employ individuals with special needs to help make the special treats. Read more
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Meet Our Board Member: Mark Hoffman, EdD
As Executive Director of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 (Bucks IU) since 2015, Dr. Mark Hoffman oversees a team of educational innovators who ensure optimal growth of all learners by collaborating with local school districts and the community to initiate, design, and deliver exemplary leadership, teaching and learning. He has been responsible for organizational initiatives in instructional technology, information technology, online learning, facilities, and special education. Prior to joining the Bucks IU in 2007, Dr. Hoffman served as an administrator at the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit and a Spanish teacher in the Central Bucks School District.
Established in 1971 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Bucks IU operates as a regional educational service agency to provide cost-effective, management-efficient programs to public and private K-12 schools, school districts, and the community of Bucks County. Today, the Bucks IU continues to fulfill its mission by addressing traditional and emerging needs, serving as an essential link for learning in Pennsylvania, and liaison between local schools and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Bucks County is home to more than 96,000 public and private school students in over 270 schools, served by more than 9,000 educators.
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Career Seeker Success Story: Phillip
Phillip is a veteran who came to PA CareerLink® Bucks County seeking employment assistance in March 2021. He was recently released from his 10-month position as a Desktop Support Technician and, due to this dislocation, he was eligible for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program.
The WIOA program is an eligibility-based program that provides employment assistance to job seekers, including Individual Training Account (ITA), On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities, supportive services, mock interviews, virtual job search workshops, and one-on-one job search assistance. Read more
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Local Business Spotlight: Peddler's Village Celebrates 60 Years
Peddler's Village was created in 1962 by Earl and Sheila Jamison, ardent young entrepreneurs who foresaw success in melding locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants with colorful gardens, distinctive buildings, and rural hospitality.
Today, Peddler's Village is a thriving attraction that welcomes more than two million visitors from around the globe each year—though it is still a family-owned business headed by Earl's daughter, Donna Jamison Cave. In 2021, Peddler’s Village was named Best Shopping Center by the Intelligencer and the Bucks County Courier Times. Read more
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Resources for Businesses & Career Seekers |
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Bucks Business Recovery Grant Update
The application window for the 2021 Bucks Business Recovery Grant has closed. If you applied for the grant, please be advised we will begin announcing recipients in January 2022 and complete our awards by February 2022.
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