Beaver County News

On Wednesday, January 17, House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail and other lawmakers will be hosting a hearing titled "Strengthening Our Rural Communities." The purpose of this hearing is to discuss innovative ways to attract a stronger workforce to rural areas of Pennsylvania. With several areas of the state facing population decline, recruiting a stronger workforce is crucial for positive economic impacts.

The hearing will feature various testifiers who will provide insights and expertise on the topic. Among them are Rod Wilt, the executive director of Penn-Northwest, Jake Rickert, the director of workforce development at Penn-Northwest, Tracy Mantzell, a realtor from Re/MAX, Brent Fisher, the director of operations at Joy Baking Group, and Mike Walton, the CEO of Jamestown Coating Technologies Inc.

The event will take place at the Penn Northwest Development Corp. e-Center @ LindenPointe, specifically at the Workforce Development Training Center located at 3580 Innovation Way in Hermitage, PA 16148. For those unable to attend, the hearing will be livestreamed on PAGOPPolicy.com, provided there are no technical difficulties.

The goal of this hearing is to explore strategies and initiatives that can help revitalize rural communities by attracting a stronger workforce. The testimonies from the various speakers and experts in attendance will shed light on the challenges faced by these areas and the potential solutions that can be implemented.

Chairman Joshua D. Kail emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue of population decline in rural areas, stating, "We need to come together and find innovative ways to draw a stronger workforce to our rural communities. By doing so, we can spur economic growth and create opportunities for the residents of these areas."

Rep. Parke Wentling echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact that a stronger workforce can have on rural communities. He states, "Recruiting a stronger workforce is essential for the development and sustainability of our rural areas. By attracting skilled workers, we can create a thriving economy that benefits all residents."

The testimonies of the experts present at the hearing will provide valuable insights into the strategies and initiatives that have been successful in other regions. Their expertise will help guide lawmakers in developing effective policies and programs that can draw a stronger workforce to rural Pennsylvania.

The hearing is an important step in addressing the challenges faced by rural communities and finding solutions to revitalize these areas. By focusing on innovative approaches to attract a stronger workforce, Pennsylvania can ensure the long-term growth and prosperity of its rural communities.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Nancy Nilson at 717-260-6238 or nnilson@pahousegop.com.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.repkail.com/News/33395/Media-Advisories/Strengthening-Our-Rural-Communities--