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Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association to Host Annual Conference

Diverse leaders gathering for collaboration at the PWDA Conference.

News Summary

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) is set to hold its 41st Annual Conference at the Hershey Lodge from April 30 to May 2, 2025. The event aims to address critical workforce issues by bringing together leaders from various sectors. Topics will include artificial intelligence, cross-sector partnerships, and inclusive economic development. The conference will feature interactive workshops, keynote speakers, and discussions on current workforce challenges. As the state faces multiple economic hurdles, this gathering serves as a vital platform for exchanging ideas and strategies to enhance workforce initiatives in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is set to host the 41st Annual Conference organized by the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) at the Hershey Lodge from April 30 to May 2, 2025. This event aims to unite leaders from various sectors including workforce development, education, and policy-making to address the state’s pressing workforce needs and the evolving demands of the economy.

The conference will focus on key topics reshaping the workforce landscape, including trends in artificial intelligence, the importance of cross-sector partnerships, and strategies for inclusive economic development. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops and roundtables that will foster networking and collaborative discussions among attendees.

In addition to stimulating conversations, notable keynote speakers are expected to address the audience, sharing insights that are vital for adapting to workforce challenges in the coming years. This annual gathering serves as a platform for Pennsylvania’s workforce leaders and stakeholders to exchange ideas and best practices, ultimately working towards enhanced workforce development in the state.

Current Workforce Challenges

As Pennsylvania prepares for the upcoming conference, the state finds itself facing multiple challenges. Pennsylvania is participating in a lawsuit alongside 25 other states against the Trump Administration regarding the revocation of AmeriCorps funding. This legal action reflects ongoing concerns about resources crucial for workforce development.

Further efforts to boost workforce initiatives are seen in the collaboration between Elizabethtown College and the United Way of Pennsylvania, which aim to offer tuition discounts that promote continued education and skills training for workers in the state. These partnerships are critical to ensuring that Pennsylvania’s workforce remains competitive and adaptable.

Local Economic Landscape

The upcoming conference comes at a time when Pennsylvania’s economic environment is also shifting. The Hershey Company recently announced layoffs affecting about 200 employees, representing 1% of its workforce. Despite this reduction, the company is simultaneously focusing on expansion in technology and data science roles as part of a shift in workforce strategy aimed at long-term growth, with a goal of becoming a “Leading Snacking Powerhouse.”

Hershey’s strategy is linked to a broader initiative aimed at generating approximately $300 million in operational savings. The company’s recent performance saw a 17% decline in net sales in the second quarter, prompting adjustments in its profit and sales forecasts for fiscal year 2024.

In parallel to these developments, the local economy is seeing new initiatives emerge. The SoMa Block Party series is making a return in downtown Harrisburg for its seventh year, bringing live music and vendor opportunities to the community. Additionally, SCORE has introduced free mentoring and training resources specifically designed to assist military veterans in launching and growing their small businesses, a significant move towards strengthening entrepreneurship within the state.

Moreover, addressing the housing crisis, Sycamore Homes is providing 23 affordable rental units in Harrisburg, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure equitable housing access amidst increasing demands in urban areas.

Conclusion

The PWDA’s 41st Annual Conference slated for April 30 to May 2, 2025, at the Hershey Lodge promises to be a pivotal event for Pennsylvania’s workforce agenda. As leaders gather to discuss strategy, innovation, and collaboration, the outcomes of this conference could significantly influence workforce development initiatives throughout the state. With challenges and opportunities emerging in various sectors, the need for effective dialogue and action has never been more crucial.