The Franklin Industrial & Commercial Development Authority (FICDA) will begin 2026 with a robust schedule of training and professional development programs designed to support the needs of local employers, managers, and employees.

The series opens on February 17 with CPR and First Aid Training, providing participants with essential, life-saving skills that strengthen workplace preparedness and safety.

On February 25, FICDA partners with the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) to offer a two-part communication workshop for managers. Sessions include “Talk the Talk: Communication Tools for Today’s Manager” and “From Conflict to Clarity: A Manager’s Guide to Tough Conversations.” 

On March 12, Susan Hileman of Red Day Communications will lead a session on Succession Planning, offering guidance for business owners and leaders preparing for long-term continuity and leadership transitions.

The collaboration with MBA continues on April 14 with “Essential Skills for Supervisors” and “Lead to Inspire: Practical Tools to Motivate Your Teams,” highlighting the importance of practical leadership and people-management strategies.

In May, FICDA partners with the Northwest Industrial Resource Center (nwIRC) to deliver hands-on training opportunities, beginning with Blueprint Reading on May 14, followed by “Customer Service,” a customer-focused soft-skills workshop on May 19.

The series concludes on June 11 with a Lunch & Learn in partnership with the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership (PaCEO), exploring alternative ownership models such as ESOPs, Employee Ownership Trusts, and Worker Cooperatives.

For registration details or additional information on any upcoming events, please contact Jess Carroll at jcarroll@franklinpa.gov or by calling (814) 432-4476 option 3.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s February 2026 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.