State Rep. Abby Major: ‘People should know there are good-paying jobs out there.’
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State Rep. Abby Major, R-Ford City, hosted the state House Majority Policy Committee to showcase local businesses and the issues they face.
Major’s district includes part of Armstrong, Butler and Indiana counties. Local business leaders testified about business conditions for economic recovery and job growth before the committee Thursday at the Inn at Lenape Heights in Ford City.
Businesses representatives who testified came from different industries including retail, restaurant, hospitality, manufacturing and more.
“We found out almost all are having trouble finding people to hire,” Major said.
Although some residents lack the technical skills, some businesses will train people, Major said. Also, residents might not know what jobs are available, she said.
“People should know there are good-paying jobs out there,” Major said.
Trucking and manufacturing are two areas where there is an immediate need for workers in the region, she said.
“People were told you have to go to college to make a living wage,” she said. “Turns out that isn’t true.”
PulFlex, a manufacturer of fiberglass and carbon-fiber pultrusions for composite material, has about 40 employees and will be looking for 30 more in the next eight months, said Scott McDowell, president and chief financial officer at BelleFlex Technologies and PulFlex in Ford City.
He was among a half dozen business leaders who testified before the committee.
“We are adding employees daily,” McDowell said.
“It’s finding the people,” he said. “We are interviewing but not hiring at the volume we would like to.”
The company is looking for prospective employees to operate machinery for various shifts.
McDowell’s employment needs were the same as others who offered up testimony. Also, business leaders wanted better partnerships between businesses and educational institutions to ensure people are trained for available jobs.
Other business leaders who testified included Kurt Lipniskis of the Inn at Lenape Heights; Ryan Bloser of Ryan’s Creek House; Andy Bradigan of Bradigan’s Inc., and Ryan Sprankle of Sprankle’s Neighborhood Markets.
Another hearing for Growing Pennsylvania’s Economy is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. July 28 at Chatham University Eden Hall Campus, 6035 Ridge Road in Gibsonia.
The state House Majority Policy Committee explores issues identified as top priorities by lawmakers and helps direct the Republican caucus’ policy agenda for the session.