The Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest), held a roundtable discussion March 10 on the need for more hiring of employees in local businesses and manufacturing.
“This roundtable discussion was a great way to bring together our local manufacturers, business groups, educators and elected officials to talk about what’s being done to help our economy thrive and what still needs to be done to ensure our continued growth,” Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler), who hosted the discussion, said. “I want to thank everyone who took time from their very busy schedules to join us and gave us better insight into their needs and challenges.”
The conversation included all three Butler County Commissioners, Kim Geyer, Leslie Osche, and Kevin Boozel, as well as representatives from the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, Butler County Community College, and Butler County Community Development Corporation.
The discussion, held at the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School, focused primarily on workforce development with manufacturers speaking to their continuous need for employees. Two local business representatives spoke about how they have 15 to 20 positions open at any given time.
Discussion was also held on the importance of reaching students early with opportunities in career and technical education. All in attendance agreed that collaboration is possible and will drive resources where they are most needed.
“Manufacturing is strong in [Butler County], and good jobs are here,” Oberlander said. “We just need to make sure that students and current job seekers are connecting to the employers to fill those positions.”
The roundtable discussion was part of the House Republican Caucus’ 2019 Good Jobs for Pennsylvania legislative package.