Workforce Development Seminar March 22nd

Penn State Hosts Workforce Development Seminar

Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development Sandi Vito To Deliver Keynote

Penn State Worthington Scranton's Continuing Education Department will conduct a workplace development seminar entitled: "How To Stay Competitive - Creating Workforce Development Opportunities in Northeastern Pennsylvania." The seminar will take place Wednesday, March 22nd in the Gallagher Conference Center. The event will start at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 10:20 a.m. There will be a continental breakfast. A fee of $15 is required.

Sue Fitch, area representative in the Continuing Education Department at Penn State Worthington Scranton noted that the seminar is designed to give managers the tools they need to develop and finance employee training programs. "High performing businesses embrace the notion that employee training is not optional activity," she said. "However, they may not know that resources are available to make great training happen for them right now. This seminar will tell them where those resources are, and how to get their hands on them fast." Fitch added, "we've put together a panel of speakers who are experts on this topic, including the Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development and the director of the State's Workforce Investment board. We're offering a distilled power shot of great information."

Penn State Worthington Scranton Chancellor Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, Ph.D., will discuss "The Importance of Education and Workforce Development," to open the seminar. Sue Fitch will discuss "Creating Opportunities with Penn State Worthington Scranton."

The second half of the morning seminar will focus on Creating Workforce Department Opportunities in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Terri Kaufman, deputy director of Pennsylvania's Workforce Investment Board will discuss "Pennsylvania's Incumbent Worker Grants."

Susan Shaffer, workforce development manager for NEPA Alliance will address "Economic Development and Education in Northeastern Pennsylvania."

"The Benefits of Cluster and Consortia," will be the subject of remarks by Eric Joseph Esoda, CPA, director of operations with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resources Center.

Mr. Gerald Ephault, regional manager with Ben Franklin Technology Partners will discuss "Creating A Knowledge Worker Economy."

Associate Dean of Luzerne County Community College Sue Spry, will address "WEDnet Funding Programs."

Keynote speaker of the seminar will be Sandi Vito, deputy secretary for Workforce Development for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Deputy Secretary Vito will address "Workforce Development Funding Opportunities in Pennsylvania."

Remarks by Kim Vangarelli, director of continuing education at Penn State Worthington Scranton will conclude the seminar.

For additional information or to register for the seminar contact Sue Fitch at Penn State Worthington Scranton Continuing Education Department at 570-963-2600.