A business networking event hosted by the Pike and Wayne County Chambers, workforce and economic development agencies will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 4 to 7 PM at Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance, 92 Main Avenue (behind the Sunoco) in Hawley, PA. All are welcome. RSVPs would be appreciated. Please call 570-390-7613 for more information.
Hosting the event are: The Chamber of the Northern Poconos, Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance, Pike County Economic Development Authority (Pike EDA) and Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO).
Though the business organizations often work collaboratively, this is the first two-county event they will jointly host.
The gathering will heighten awareness of the resources available within the region, improve connectivity between the business development groups and the community, and provide a broader base for networking within the region.
“The staff of Workforce Alliance are excited to host this event at our facility,” said Lucyann Vierling, Executive Director of the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance. “Partnering is the key to community building, and we are fortunate to have such great partners in Wayne and Pike Counties.”
The Workforce Alliance spearheads efforts to build a skilled workforce within the two counties. They maintain a Certification & GED testing center at their Hawley location, work with area employers on training needs, oversee and enrich the Wayne Pike Business Education Partnership and endeavor to bring increased educational opportunities to the region.
Mike Sullivan, Executive Director of Pike County EDA, is quick to note the integration between economic and workforce development. “In Economic Development terms, it is said that there are four Factors of Production. That is, four items necessary to make projects happen: Land, Labor, Finance and Entrepreneurial Ability”, states Mr. Sullivan. “Our meeting on February 23rd will focus on Labor and all its implications in Pike and Wayne counties.”
While economic development is inherently competitive, Pike and Wayne’s proximity, demographics, and shared infrastructure prompt collaboration on many fronts. Pike EDA and WEDCO have stood together to address excessive regulations that inhibit economic growth, make referrals to each other, share information, and market the northern Pocono region as a great place to l ocate a business.
“Businesses are concerned more about their market, transportation system, labor supply, and operating costs than municipal boundaries”, stated WEDCO Executive Director Mary Beth Wood. “To that end, Pike and Wayne are often at the table together representing the interests of our businesses.”
The footprint of the Chamber of the Northern Poconos spans the two counties and they have an effective partnership with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, located in Milford. The Chambers advance the region by providing direct service to small businesses, such as low-cost insurance programs, employee relocation packages, tourism and other business promotion events.
“The Chamber of Commerce is the first place visitors, local residents and people looking to relocate to our region will reach out to for referrals for goods and services”, said Debbie Gillette, Executive Director of The Chamber of the Northern Poconos. “We welcome local businesses and organizations to learn about the many benefits that membership has to offer.”
Representatives from all the hosting entities will be on hand to offer information about their various services. Wine, Hors d’oeuvres & Desserts will also be available.
For more information about this unique networking event, contact Cheryl Duquette, Director of Program Development for the
Workforce Alliance, at 570-390-7613.
