Networking, a buzzword well known in the chamber world as for many members, is among the most valued of benefits. It is a term that may not be as well known or valued in education. Consider that at the end of a school day, most teachers may have had their fill of “peopling”. And then there are career fairs and trade show, popular in business, but unnecessary to an educator who has likely settled into a lifetime career. So why would the Chamber host a business expo, networking event aimed specifically at local teachers and school administrators?

As in many industries or other parts of the community, education and business are often soloed, giving little attention to the opportunities one has in better understanding the other. We’ve observed that in addition to having very different cultures, schools and business worlds often use different language. As our students are preparing for a lifetime of employment, there may be a notable difference between expectations in school and in the workplace.

At the 2nd annual VenangoREADY educator event, held April 13, educators from all area schools and grade levels were invited to Klapec Trucking’s warehouse, to meet with business representative from across industries. This event provided a diverse representation of the many careers that exist across Venango County and gave attendees the chance to visit and exchange contact information for follow-up.

While businesses continue to look for every opportunity to share openings for current and future employees, teachers are hungry for information to share in lessons about workforce readiness. But no one left this event hungry or empty handed. Along with the information and new connections, attendees enjoyed well catered meal, from Dottie Haggerty and left with prizes and giveaways from local businesses.

Throughout the afternoon/evening, Kat Thompson shared information about VenangoREADY and the message of how we can prepare our students to enter the workforce ready for success.

Find more photos from the event on page 6 of this newsletter.

“The VenangoREADY Educator Event was very productive for me as an employer. It allowed the time and opportunity to network with school staff from across the region, several of which, I normally do not have the opportunity to see. I’m looking forward to the partnerships that may come from this event and believe they will be beneficial for both students and our organization. I will be back again next year for sure.” – Luke Braughler, Child Development Centers

“This was such a great experience. I left with tons of new learning, connections, and partnership ideas with Hickman Lumber, Matric Limited, UPMC Northwest and PennWest Clarion. The event provided an easy and informal opportunity for networking and collaborating between educators and businesses. I left feeling inspired and energized about opportunities right in our own backyard for myself, educators, and most importantly, our students!” – Kelsi Wilcox Boyles, Riverview Intermediate Unit #6

“This year’s VenangoReady event exceeded expectations. I attended the Klapec Trucking tour and was amazed by the overall operations of the company. They are a tremendous asset to our community. I made several new contacts and even scheduled two presenters to talk about the importance of VenangoReady attributes in the workforce. I am extremely grateful to the Chamber for hosting this event to honor educators and enhance the relationship between the educational and workforce community.” – Heather Motter, Cranberry Area High School

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s May 2023 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.