In the midst of national and statewide economic uncertainty, heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, business and community leaders across Pennsylvania continue to express a common, shared concern – a shortage of quality local talent to fill in-demand positions. 

Bridge Tower Media and City Age presented “Connected Communities Episode 2 Smart City Futures” during a webinar Nov. 12. Moderated panels of experts from the public and private sectors spoke to the challenges of smart cities. This was the second webinar in a series.

The department launched a redesigned PA CareerLink website that focuses on accessibility and features an enhanced sourcing and application process.

For 36 years Allied has been providing staffing and employment solutions to Lehigh Valley employers. Susan Larkin’s role as vice president and COO is to oversee operations and consult with Allied’s clients, develop strategic staffing programs and share critical labor market information based on the diverse insight and experience she has gained over her 25 years in the staffing industry.

The Workforce Board of the Lehigh Valley is partnering with Lehigh Carbon Community College and Northampton Community College on a job retraining program to help workers displaced by COVID-19.

FedEx is looking to hire 400 workers for its Lehigh Valley hub in Allen Township. The company said it needs to meet a critical demand for service because of COVID-19.

To help business owners struggling to recover from COVID-19, an Easton nonprofit is collaborating with the city and another organization to create a relief fund of $300,000 in emergency capital.

E.T. Browne Drug Co., manufacturer of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula and Coconut Oil Formula skin and hair care products, said its East Stroudsburg-based manufacturing facility, Hayward Laboratories, has started producing sanitizer for immediate distribution, to address widespread supply shortages in the wake of COVID-19.

Just a few weeks ago, manufacturers in Pennsylvania faced a hiring crisis with seasoned, skilled employees retiring and not enough young people choosing manufacturing careers to replace them. That dynamic has shifted dramatically in just the past few weeks, said Richard Hobbs, executive director of the Manufacturers Resource Center in the Lehigh Valley.

Advocates for the construction industry say Pennsylvania should allow all construction projects to safely continue. Stalled projects exposed to the weather elements could be damaged and create hazardous conditions, they argue.