Advancing workforce and economic development in Bucks County | June 2022
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A Message from Our Executive Director
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June marks the official beginning of the summer season and, for Workforce & Economic Development, the first anniversary of our inaugural newsletter. Since its launch in 2021, the newsletter has reached more than 2,300 subscribers throughout Bucks County and the Greater Philadelphia area with workforce news and events, local business highlights, industry trends and labor market data, and resources for COVID-19 economic relief. Frequent feedback from board members, employers, and local business leaders helps guide our efforts to improve and expand newsletter content. All subscribers are welcome to email suggestions for future newsletter features as we continually strive to keep our Bucks business community informed and positioned for success.
This month also signifies one year of our WED Talks webinar series, virtual discussions of best practices led by industry experts. Together with PA CareerLink® Bucks County, we hosted 12 webinars and served more than 400 professionals with practical strategies across the most relevant, diverse topics affecting employers and employees. All WED Talks recordings are available online, offering an additional resource on-demand. By attending live WED Talks, however, attendees have the opportunity to ask the expert a question of their choice in real-time. COVID-19 and its far-reaching effects on business and industry have been at the forefront of WED Talks topics, and the upcoming webinar is no exception. On June 8, Eric Papp will lead our WED Talk about maintaining a work-life balance while improving productivity in a hybrid work environment. This WED Talk is a timely, much-talked-about event not to be missed.
WED wishes to thank board members, elected officials, program partners, and local businesses for their support in increasing the community’s awareness of our mission to promote, drive, and ensure a thriving workforce in Bucks County.
Have a wonderful, safe summer!
Sincerely,
Billie F. Barnes
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WED Talks: Managing Multiple Priorities in a Hybrid Work Environment
Join the Department of Workforce and
Economic Development and PA CareerLink® Bucks County for a WED Talk about maintaining productivity and balance in a hybrid work environment.
People across industries are feeling the pressure of time. The COVID pandemic has challenged them to do more with less: navigating changes, meeting deadlines for projects, and dealing with the increasing complexity of life. Having the right thinking tools can make the difference between continued success and constant struggle.
Eric Papp will discuss actionable strategies for generating momentum on projects, accomplishing what matters most, and maintaining a work-life balance while navigating a hybrid work environment.
About the Expert: Eric Papp delivers proven strategies to increase productivity and performance in a complex world. He founded Agape Leadership, LLC, an intellectual capital firm focusing on leadership for business performance, with the sole purpose of driving leaders and their teams to success.
A renowned public speaker since 2010, Papp has been selected as one of the top management trainers in North America for his expertise in leadership effectiveness. Leadership By Choice and 3 Values of Being an Effective Person, published by John Wiley & Sons, are top sellers and recognized for their impact on the business world.
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Workforce & Economic Development News
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Early-stage startup companies have until June 13 to apply for the Bucks Built Startup Fund’s third round. Funded by the Bucks County Industrial Development Authority and administered in partnership with non-profit Startup Bucks, the Bucks Built Startup Fund will award five promising... Read more
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The Center for Workforce Development (CWD) at Bucks County Community College (BCCC) is the recipient of a Schools-to-Work grant awarded by the PA Department of Labor & Industry. This program is one of 12 Pennsylvania programs designed to prepare students for the workforce through classroom training... Read more
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The Bucks County Administration Building’s courtyard is filled with memorials dedicated to the fallen heroes of nearly every American war. In Episode 8 of Bucks County Conversations, we chat with Tim Wynn, the Director of Bucks County Veterans Affairs and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. We also take... Read more
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Two more social workers began working in April alongside police in Lower Bucks, growing the county’s efforts to divert people in need of social services away from the criminal justice system. The appointments of Fetiye “Tia” Kazee and Keevon Johnson as co-responders brings the services of the Human Services... Read more
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Meet Our Intern: Megan Lawson
The Department of Workforce & Economic Development (WED) welcomes Megan Lawson as she completes the New Hope-Solebury School District Senior APEX Project with the County of Bucks this summer. A member of the Class of 2022, Lawson is shadowing staff at several other county departments, including the Board of Elections, Children & Youth, and Emergency Services.
The New Hope-Solebury School District Senior APEX Project is a student-directed, experiential learning endeavor based on an interest identified by each student and shaped by an essential question about the student’s chosen interest. The project is designed to put into practice knowledge and skills, provide a practical learning experience, and help transition into life after high school. All students prepare a presentation detailing their observations and reflections later in June.
Lawson plans to attend Clemson University in South Carolina to study economics this fall.
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Career Seeker Success Story: Zachary
Zachary enrolled in the WIOA program in October 2021 after completing the Metalwork Training Program facilitated by Bucks County Community College. He had been employed as a mechanic but was now looking for an employment opportunity through On-the-Job Training (OJT). With recent training completed through the Metalwork Program, Zachary developed a skill set essential in the manufacturing industry.
In search of career transition, Zachary recognized the need to develop a pathway that would provide opportunities moving forward. He became aware of a free training program and attended an information session at Bucks County Community College... Read more
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Local Business Spotlight: Peace Valley Lavender Farm
Peace Valley Lavender Farm grew from a vision Patti Meisenbach-Lyons shared with her husband, George Lyons. After years well-spent on their specialty salad greens farm, the pair decided to change course and tend the idyllic lavender fields they imagined.
Peace Valley Lavender Farm spans a 5-acre landscape offering sun-filled views with more than 3,000 lavender plants across five acres. The peak blooming season occurs during the third and fourth week in June, offering visitors the chance to pick their own lavender bouquets. Located across from Peace Valley Park and Lake Galena in Doylestown, a unique shop on the farm is open year-round with handmade lavender gifts for bath, body, home and garden. Read more
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Resources for Employers & Career Seekers
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Happening Now At PA CareerLink®
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- Upcoming events
- Featured jobs
- Networking opportunities
- Career-related workshops
- And more!
Scan the QR code or follow the link below.
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