Early Learning Update

Inclusive Hiring Practices

A discussion about how you can implement inclusive hiring practices at your company, and how the YCEA's Welcoming Workplace initiative can be a resource. As the demographic make up of the country changes, so will its workforce. In a competitive labor market, businesses with DEI practices perform better than their peers. With panelists Victoria Connor, York County Bar Association/York County Bar Foundation, Michael Coy, Workforce Development Manager, Wolfgang Confectioners and moderator Anika McMichael Jackson, Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Family First Health

Economics Club - Supply (Chain) and Demand: Logistics in YoCo

August's installment of our Economics Club series, sponsored by The Glatfelter Insurance Group, featured a discussion about York County's logistics industry with a panel of experts throughout supply chain. The panel discussion highlighted how manufactured goods are packaged and moved within a factory, how trucking companies are moving goods to their point of use, and how the next generation of the logistics workforce is preparing to meet increasing demand and innovation. About the Panelists Joe Garner, Director of Operations, JLS Automation With over 30 years’ experience of successful business and operational leadership, Joe Garner’s focus is identifying and developing both resources and processes that are in line with the business strategy. In this role he’s had to guide the JLS team at the work order detail level, as well as contribute strategic direction in developing and executing the businesses strategic plans at the staff level. Ryan Polakoff, President, Nexterus Ryan Polakoff oversees all day-to-day activity for Nexterus Inc. As the fourth generation of the Polakoff family, Ryan has worked in and around the family business his entire life. Since 2003, Ryan has worked every desk at the company to truly learn the business from the ground up. As a “what is possible?” leader, Ryan thrives in difficult situations; he enjoys dissecting complex issues, designing solutions, and implementing actionable results. Ryan is a firm believer in challenging the status quo and embraces his role as a coach. His focus is on unifying and building teams, empowering and growing leaders, and providing the necessary support and resources to keep Nexterus in growth mode. Dr. Mohammed Raja, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Operations and Department Chair, Operations and Information Technology, Graham School of Business at York College of Pennsylvania Dr. Mohammed Raja is the chair of the Operations and Information Technology department at York College. As a faculty member, he teaches courses in Logistics Management, Production Planning and Control, and Enterprise Resource Planning using SAP S/4HANA. He is also the founding faculty advisor for the ASCM (Association of Supply Chain Management) Student Chapter and currently serves as a board member on the ASCM - South East Pennsylvania Alliance Local Chapter. About the Moderator Mike Pritchard, Chief of Transportation Planning, York County Planning Commission and York Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Mike Pritchard holds a B.A. in Political Science from Penn State and a Master's in Public Policy & Administration from York College. He is a member of the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners. Mike's team at YCPC recently partnered with Gannett-Fleming, Inc. and the YCEA to complete the first county-wide Freight Plan for York. The Economics Club Breakfast series offers an informative monthly breakfast and provides attendees the opportunity to network with key business and community leaders. A variety of speakers discuss economic and business updates important to York County. Contact Casey Nixon, cnixon@yceapa.org to learn more about joining the Economics Club.

Real Estate Update 2023

June installment of our Economics Club series, featured an annual real estate update. Including trends in residential and commercial real estate, as well as an update from RAYAC. With presentations from: John Birkeland, ROCK Commercial Real Estate; Jason Phillips, Coldwell Banker; and Shanna Terroso, REALTORS Association of York & Adams Counties. The Economics Club Breakfast series offers an informative monthly breakfast and provides attendees the opportunity to network with key business and community leaders. A variety of speakers discuss economic and business updates important to York County.

Cyber Security: From Fear to Hope

This month's installment in our Economics Club series, we learned about York College of Pennsylvania’s cybersecurity program and how it's preparing students to address the concerns and prevention of cyberattacks. Our speaker today was Dr. James Norrie, tenured professor at York College of Pennsylvania with terminal degrees in business and law and graduate degrees in education, psychology, engineering, and cybersecurity. He is the Founder and CEO of CyberconIQ based in York, PA. He conducts, presents, and publishes industry-related research and consults globally to prominent companies in financial services, technology, healthcare, and retail concerning cybersecurity, information privacy and security, and economic crime detection and prevention methods. The Economics Club Breakfast series offers an informative monthly breakfast and provides attendees the opportunity to network with key business and community leaders. A variety of speakers discuss economic and business updates important to York County.

Early Learning Update

Join us for the April installment of our Economics Club series for an update on early learning in Pennsylvania. Nationally, April is designated as The Month of the Young Child, and each year, the Economics Club devotes its April event to elevating awareness of the importance of quality, affordable, and accessible childcare in our community. Increasingly, employers recognize that childcare is a barrier to employee attraction and retention; it is essential for employees' ability to work. Panelists include: Shante’ A. Brown, Deputy Secretary, Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning; Andrea Heberlein, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission; and Brian Grimm, President/CEO of York Day Early Learning. The panel discussion will be moderated by Kim Bracey, CEO, YWCA York.