WEST CHESTER – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced an impressive lineup of employers and workforce development panelists ahead of next week’s Job Fair. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 12 from 3-7 p.m. in the Sturzebecker Center at West Chester University. Employer registration is full, and job seekers are encouraged to RSVP in advance. The event is free and open to the public. 

“Over 100 employers, two panels on workforce development, and free COVID-19 vaccines – that’s what you’ll find at our job fair,” said Houlahan. “The idea for this event was inspired by my meetings with businesses across Chester and Berks counties. Time and again, our area employers expressed their eagerness to expand their workforce. As our economy continues to strengthen, I wanted to help by connecting those employers with our talented job seekers.” 

“This is shaping up to be a truly remarkable community event,” Houlahan continued. “We’re really proud of the blend of employers attending, as well as our expert panelists. The fact of the matter is there are jobs with great benefits ready to be filled yesterday. So if anyone finds themselves wondering, ‘Will I benefit from going?’ -- the answer is a resounding ‘yes.’ No matter where people find themselves in their professional career, everyone who attends our first ever Future of Work: Job Fair will leave with new career tips, new connections, and perhaps even a new job.” 

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with employers from a wide range of industries and organizations. From education and health care to manufacturing and finance, companies from around the community, Commonwealth, and country will be present to recruit new employees. Hiring managers will have the option to conduct on-site interviews during the job fair.

“We are glad to participate in Representative Houlahan’s inaugural Future of Work: Job Fair,” said Mike Corrigan, Boeing Senior Director of  Government Operations. “This region has an extremely skilled workforce pipeline from which Boeing in Philadelphia has benefited for over 55 years. We look forward to meeting the next wave of talented workers that will play a critical role in producing innovative defense, space and commercial airline products here at Boeing Philadelphia.” 

Some of the many businesses attending are highlighted below: 

A complete list of all 120 employers can be found here. 

As a member of the House Small Business Committee and co-founder of the Women in STEM Caucus, Houlahan is excited to host two different workforce development panels led by local experts. Anthony Twyman, Director Government and Public Relations, Delaware County Community College will moderate the Careers in Technical and Skilled Trades panel. The event will be from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in room 116A of the Sturzebecker Center and feature: 

• Dr. Karen Kozachyn, Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development, DCCC  
• Bill Adams, President and Business Agent, IBEW Local 654  
• Pat Bokovitz, Director, Chester County Dept. of Human Services  
• Tim Gould, Field Director, National Association of Manufacturers 

"Our economy is at its best when businesses have a well-trained workforce – that includes technical and skilled trades,” said panelist Bill Adams, President and Business Agent at IBEW Local 654. “The Congresswoman’s panel addresses a challenge I've seen myself, which is having openings for good-paying jobs, but not enough folks to fill them. Especially as we see movement on infrastructure investments, these jobs are the linchpin to economic growth. This is going to be a great opportunity to show our community what’s out there and bring them into the conversation.” 

The Women in STEM panel will also hosted in room 116A. The event is from 5:00-6:00 p.m. and Dr. Julie Dietrich, Executive Director for External Relations at West Chester University will moderate the discussion with the following panelists: 

• Dr. Radha Pyati, Dean of the College of the Sciences and Mathematics, WCU 
• Tara Haarlander, Senior Analyst and Science Communicator, West Pharmaceutical Services
• Tracey Oberholtzer, IP Events and STEM Programs Manager, Chester County Economic Development Council 

“The University shares in Rep. Houlahan’s enthusiasm for and is excited to welcome this job fair to our campus; it is wonderful learning of the strong response that it has generated,” said moderator Dr. Julie L. Dietrich, Executive Director for External Relations at West Chester University. “We are also appreciative of the opportunity to participate in the Women in STEM panel, with my esteemed colleague, Dr. Radha Pyati, Dean of our College of Sciences and Mathematics, joining key corporate and community partners to discuss the importance of growing roles and numbers of women in STEM, significant to the industry and our region.” 

Free parking will also be available at the Sturzebecker Center, which is detailed in an aerial map here. In accordance with West Chester University policy, everyone will be required to mask indoors. 

Job Fair Details: 

Location: West Chester University Sturzebecker Center 

Address: 855 S New Street, West Chester, PA 19383 

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 12 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Fee: Free to both employers and job seekers 

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Small Business Committee. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward.” 

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