Latest news with #SomersetCountyChamberof
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Somerset County advocates press for statewide aid to combat child care teacher shortage
SOMERSET, Pa. – Advocates for early education cited big numbers and small children Thursday in Somerset in an effort to solve a Pennsylvania-wide teacher shortage in the child care field. Somerset County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ron Aldom quoted a new report that Pennsylvania is losing $6.5 billion annually in earnings, productivity and tax revenue because so many parents have to stay at home with their children. Standing next to a group of pre-kindergarten students, The Learning Lamp CEO Leah Spangler said her organization's Somerset center could be preparing 63 more kids for elementary school if just seven more teaching positions were filled. 'That's 63 futures,' she said. That total would grow to 25,000 more children statewide – and thousands of families would benefit – if the statewide teacher shortage was erased, Spangler added. Aldom and Spangler were among the early childhood education advocates aiming to ramp up support for a $55 million state budget proposal to help address the shortage. It's at a 'crisis' point – and Pennsylvania, its businesses and its next generation of workers are all being impacted, said state Sen. Patrick Stefano, R-Fayette, who supports the measure. The child care teacher shortage has continued for years across the region, which has seen child care centers struggle to find staff – and, increasingly, close as a result. It all boils down to the reality that early child care teachers are paid near-poverty-level wages – less than half of their elementary school counterparts, Stefano and Spangler said. They earn an average of just $29,480 annually statewide – barely enough for one person, let alone a parent with a family of their own, to survive in today's economy, United Way of the Southern Alleghenies CEO Karen Struble Myers said. Low wage-earning families and 'the child care workers who serve them are trapped in a cycle where underfunded care equals underfunded staff. (That equals) unaffordable care and workforce shortages,' she said. 'It's a downward spiral that hurts everyone.' There are people on the sidelines who want to work, Aldom said. 'They just can't,' he added, 'because for many people, the cost of child care offsets the money they make.' That's one reason why child care providers such as The Learning Lamp cannot solve the teacher wage crisis by simply ratcheting up tuition costs for the working families they serve, Spangler added. The Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young People cited an Early Learning PA Coalition study that showed 83% of likely voters surveyed in March supported increasing state funding for child care teacher recruitment. Stefano, a state Senate Aging and Youth Committee member who has backed efforts to solve the issue, said there's reason for hope this budget cycle. Gov. Josh Shapiro has proposed adding $55 million to the early education budget specifically for child care recruitment and retention – a move that may be a first for a Pennsylvania governor, Stefano said. It's important to make sure the topic remains a bipartisan priority as budget discussions continue, he said. Lawmakers need to settle on a final dollar amount and how it will be paid for and, separately, work with Pennsylvania businesses to clear regulatory hurdles that are barriers to supporting child care-needy employees, Stefano said. Shapiro was in Erie Thursday advocating for a stronger investment in early childhood education. Part of his proposal calls for a Child Care Works recruitment bonus program aimed at retaining new hires. Stefano said it's going to take several different measures to solve the issue. 'It's going to require public-private partnerships,' he added. He said the fact that Chambers of Commerce statewide, including Somerset County's, are lobbying Harrisburg to address the teacher shortage adds weight to the movement. Aldom said it's a no-brainer for businesses. 'I think we're all on board with this idea,' he said. 'Child care is vital to the future of our economy and the well-being of working families everywhere.'
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Megashow Home, Garden & Business Expo at The Johnstown Galleria
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Area businesses will showcase services at this one-stop shopping experience. The Megashow Home, Garden & Business Expo will be held during mall hours from Friday through Sunday on the lower floor of The Johnstown Galleria, 500 Galleria Drive, Richland Township. The event is sponsored by the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, the Cambria Regional Chamber, the Somerset County Builders Association and the Builders Association of Cambria County. Ron Aldom, executive director of the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, said the expo is a platform to showcase businesses in a two-county region. 'It's a great way to highlight local businesses, and there's a plethora of every type of business with a focus on the home,' he said. 'We moved the expo in 2022 to The Johnstown Galleria and it works. It's grown every year.' On hand will be businesses, vendors and organizations, ranging from home contractors, equipment dealers, professional service providers, nonprofit groups and local retailers. 'Truthfully, there is something there for everyone,' Aldom said. 'We have a lot of repeat businesses who continue to come every year and that tells you it's a successful show for them.' Throughout the weekend, prize drawings and giveaways will be held, including a garden shed and a grand prize of a wheelbarrow filled with products donated from area businesses valued at an excess of $500. He said the expo attracts 2,500 to to 3,000 people over the three-day period. 'The numbers have been good and keep increasing every year,' Aldom said. 'Every year, it's attracting a new customer base. 'People are coming from not only Somerset and Cambria counties, but other counties as well, including some of the vendors who are outside the two-county region, so it's grown to be one of the largest events in the region.' He added that the megashow is a great opportunity for people to learn more about the products and services available to them. 'People might know of these businesses, but this puts you in front of them and you're able to talk to representatives and learn more about what they offer,' Aldom said. 'Even as a chamber executive, I get surprised sometimes on things I didn't know that a certain company had or does, so you're able to find that all out and get answers.' There is no fee to attend. For more information and vendor list, visit
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'A better place because of them': 12 win Somerset County Chamber of Commerce awards
SOMERSET, Pa. – A Somerset businessman whose lodge is drawing tourists, an educator preparing students for in- demand jobs and an innovative Windber Research Institute co-founder were all recognized Thursday by Somerset County Chamber of Commerce. The group was among 12 people or organizations honored for their community efforts during the chamber's annual SoCo awards. The list included a mix of first-time and lifelong change-makers. 'Entrepreneur of the Year' Michele Fochtman was awarded for her successful launch of Top-Notch Prep Academy last year, while Nick Jacobs was named 'Outstanding Person of the Year' for his decades of community service. 'If these people weren't part of our community ... there'd be a huge void,' Chamber Executive Director Ron Aldom said. 'We're a better place in Somerset County because of them.' Jacobs is a former Windber Hospital president who co-founded what has since become the Chan Soon-Shiong Institute of Molecular Medicine. He spent years in health and tourism and worked as executive director for Laurel Arts. But it's his tireless devotion to the county and innovative spirit that makes him so deserving of the award, Aldom said. 'Everywhere he's been he's been successful,' Aldom said, noting Jacobs left a positive mark every time. Aldom noted Jacobs led an effort to build walking trails around Windber Medical Center to boost community health and once introduced the aroma of cinnamon rolls through the hospital after learning the aroma improved patient outcomes. He worked with Riggs Industries to develop a traveling mobile arts center for Somerset County students, too – but Jacobs joked that his 'dream big' ideology haven't always guaranteed success. 'I had an idea to run elevated gondolas from the Georgian Place to Uptown Somerset ... but that didn't work out,' he said with a laugh. Aldom said Jacobs 'never stops' taking on new projects to improve the community – including ongoing efforts to mark the nation's 250th anniversary in Somerset County. Somerset County Technology Center Administrative Director Karen Remick was awarded the 'Workforce Education Star' for her innovative efforts to prepare local students with ever-changing careers in demand. The technology center was first among its Pennsylvania peers to launch an aviation maintenance program this year during a point high-paying careers in the field are plentiful. The center's welding program, meanwhile, has grown to the point its spurring plans forward for an advanced maintenance building. Within Somerset County's longest- serving industry – agriculture – Somerset County Farm Bureau President Megan Hostetler received the Somerset County Agriculture Award from the Chamber Thursday. Longtime member Dennis Hutchison credited Hostetler for propelling the farm bureau – and agriculture – forward. She's rejuvenated the bureau's Young Ag Professionals Committee, developed the strongest Farm Bureau member retention rates in the state and fostered new relationships with local economic development agencies, he said. 'It's wonderful to be in a county that embraces us as much as Somerset County does,' Hostetler said. Aldom said Fochtman won the entrepreneur award for her work turning a former newspaper building into a multi-story education-focused child care center. She also did so during a time there's an unprecedented need for care providers. Three people received this year's Betty Haupt Memorial Tourism Award, which is given to county innovators whose efforts further local tourism. Denise and Chuck Gehringer transformed a historic Meyersdale property into Yoder's Guest House, while Jason Lacko revived an Indian Lake mainstay into The Lodge as a popular venue, bar and restaurant. Operation BeYoutiful founder Andi Palmer received the Harold W. Wheeler Jr. Memorial Humanitarian Award, going 'above and beyond' to help someone in need. Her nonprofit empowers women struggling with hair loss – often due to cancer treatment – with wigs and wellness during their difficult times. Grant writer Brooke Sheeler was given the Somerset County Young Gun Award for her community impact as a community member under the age of 40. Chamber member and longtime real estate professional Mike Boland was awarded the Ambassador of the Year honor. Somerset and Friedens fire departments received the Community Service Award for their proactive decision to merge into a regional department in 2024, while Somerset Area Ambulance also received the award for its 24/7 dedication to the region. 'All of these award recipients ... I can't imagine our community without them,' Aldom said. 'They all do so much for us.'
