agenda

Welcome and Opening Comments

– Gene Barr, President and Chief Executive Officer, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and Co-Chair, Governor Wolf’s Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center

• A brief update of the recommendations developed by the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center.

Opening Keynote Speaker: Removing Social Issues as a Barrier to Employment — Building a Workforce

– Craig Poole, General Manager, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Reading

• There are currently 840,000 job openings at hotels across the United States.
• Hear how the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Reading’s unique and highly successful hiring strategy identifies and trains the workforce they need, while helping to solve a major social issue in their community. 

Break – PA Chamber Foundation Workforce Update

Hiding in Plain Sight — Solving the Talent Shortage

– Jen Strobel, Vice President of Human Resources, Flagger Force Traffic Control Services

• Hear about innovative strategies developed and utilized by Flagger Force to hire and train re-entrants from the prison system.
• Learn how you can effectively solve your workforce needs while positively impacting the local community.

Retention Solution – Solving Child Care Issues for Your Workforce

– Facilitator: Allen Norton, Workforce Development Executive, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
– Melanie Nixon-Stillman, HR Director, Employee Relations & Regulatory Compliance, Eurofins NSC US, Inc.
– Timothy R. Norris, CEO, Best Friends Day Care Centers, LLC

• Learn how organizations have successfully solved the child care barrier for their employees, allowing parents to work productively while ensuring that their children are receiving the quality care they need.
• Learn how Eurofins NSC US's cutting edge decision to set up an in-house daycare in 1985 earned the company a family-focused reputation that continues to attract and help retain its talent workforce.
• Hear about current trends in childcare and learn how Best Friends' Daycare, a leading childcare provider in Central PA, is partnering with businesses to provide access to quality, affordable care.

Lunch Break

Sponsor Showcase — The PA Department of Labor and Industry

Keynote Luncheon Speaker: How to Build a Positive Workplace Culture for Growth and Retention to Ensure Your Legacy

– Meredith McCann, SHRM-SCP, Manager, Human Resources, JPL

• A creative branding, digital and integrated marketing company, JPL has instituted a positive workplace culture that fosters employee innovation and creativity everyday on a vast array of projects.
• Learn how to build a positive workplace culture that supports talent retention and legacy planning initiatives.
• Hear how forward-thinking strategies can ensure long-term company success.