"If we want to capitalize on economic opportunities that will propel us forward as a county, we have to also think beyond geographical boundaries and municipal borders."

Our recent Centre Daily Times Business Matters column explores how countywide foundational issues -- issues that matter to business regardless of size, industry sector or location -- serve as a bridge between urban and rural growth. Read more.

By Irene Miller
CBICC Vice President,
Membership Engagement

The FAQs of ABCs
Recently, the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) kicked off a new citizens engagement initiative called ABC Essentials.  The goal is to introduce the idea of local authorities, boards and commissions (ABCs) to our businesses members and community members who may wish to serve in a voluntary capacity in the future.  This program was launched in partnership with local government entities, which are always in need of residents with an appetite to serve their community and make a difference!

Question: Why did the CBICC launch this initiative?

Answer: The decisions or recommendations made by ABCs can greatly affect our economy and quality of life at the municipal, county, and regional levels. While the CBICC works tirelessly to represent its member businesses, the Chamber also works closely with its partners in local government through the Centre County Economic Development Partnership (CCEDP). Municipal officials have expressed a great need for residents willing to serve on various ABCs. It’s in everyone’s best interest to get involved! People who are invested in their community are more likely to remain in the community, will be happier and more productive at work, and the area will be more attractive to people looking to move to Centre County.  The ABC Essential program strikes right at the core of CBICC’s mission to improve the economic quality of life in Centre County, making it a great place to live, work, play, learn, and do business.
ABCs tackle issues as diverse as planning and transportation to libraries and water.  Just as broad as the purposes for ABCs were the questions that arose during the introductory session.  In keeping with the mantra that “it is always better to ask than assume,” here are a few of the frequently asked questions:

What is an ABC?
ABC stands for authorities, boards, and commissions.  Each township, borough and county has several ABCs to help them render services on behalf of residents.

What do ABCs do?
ABCs address a plethora of topics: Planning, Zoning, Code, Sign Ordinances, Parks, Libraries, Open Space, Water, Transportation, and many, many more.

How do I get on an ABC?
First, you do not have to run for office – no political campaign necessary! People on ABCs typically apply and then are appointed by the powers that be (Borough Council, Board of Supervisors, etc.).

When and where should I apply?
While appointments are typically made at the end of the year, unplanned vacancies may arise at any time – so go ahead and submit an application if you’re interested. To find an application or inquire about the application procedure, visit your local borough or township website or give them a call.

Will I get paid? Are there perks?
Those appointed to an ABC are unpaid volunteers, but some ABCs may offer an opportunity to attend a conference, site visit, or attend an annual appreciation dinner.

Is there an orientation?
Once appointed to an ABC, there is typically an orientation for new members.  The chair of the ABC or a staff member of the borough/township can also be a great resource, as can current ABC members!

What about meetings – how often, how long, how much homework?
Meeting frequency and length varies, for example it could be once a month for two hours or only once a year for an hour. This is a great question to think about before applying for an ABC – find one that fits your current lifestyle.  As for homework, that will depend too, so be sure to ask!

Do I need to know Robert’s Rules of Order?
While the formal or informal nature of a given ABC’s meeting may vary, you should probably acquaint yourself with the basics (Call to Order, Make a Motion, Second, All in Favor/Opposed, Motion Carries, Motion to Adjourn, etc.). These meetings have agendas and minutes that are available online, so you may want to peruse a few to get a feel for how they are conducted. Since meetings are public, you can also attend a meeting to see how it is run.

What are the legal implications?
Committees and townships have attorneys (also called solicitors) who sit in on the meetings and are always available for questions about conflicts of interest or other issues that may arise.  If you are serving on a Board, then you can ask for a copy of Directors  & Officers Insurance policy.  A good rule of thumb is to ask first if you have any questions in this area.

Are there term limits?
Term limits may vary, so be sure to ask. Term possibilities include two, three, four, or more years. There is also the possibility of serving a second term or a non-consecutive term.  Before committing, be sure you know the length of time for your volunteer commitment.

Will I enjoy it?
Yes! Find an ABC that speaks to your passion or skill set. If you want to make a difference, take your time in selecting an ABC that lights an inextinguishable fire in you!  If there are meetings, jargon, or other potentially mundane hurdles, be sure that the ABC you select will fill your gas tank enough to keep you soaring over any hurdles! Once you find your fit – or fire – you’ll be on the right track to making a difference.

Does my voice on an ABC matter?
As Uncle Sam says, we need you!  When a vacancy arises, who will be the next person to take a seat at that table? With only so many seats, every voice is important. So too is every perspective and experience.  Take the opportunity to make your voice heard in the community.  Our community will be stronger for it.
 

The hundreds of businesses, organizations and individuals from Centre County and the surrounding region that are members of the CBICC are truly the lifeblood of the Chamber. Their support and engagement brings vibrancy and energy to the organization, and enables the CBICC to carry out its work to strengthen and enhance the economy and quality of life in our county.

At the 2019 annual Membership Recognition Night, we had the opportunity to recognize a special segment of the current CBICC membership -- those that have belonged to the Chamber for 30 or more years.

These businesses and organizations have experienced change in their own right, growing along with the CBICC. Over the years, they have witnessed different Chamber staff and leadership teams; new initiatives and programs; and the evolution of the CBICC's mission. The one constant throughout is their recognition of the tremendous value of a being a CBICC member.

We appreciate this long-term commitment to the CBICC.

To all of our valued members, we say a heartfelt "THANK YOU!"

The CBICC's ABC Essentials initiative aims to encourage service on authorities, boards and commissions. Local municipal leaders and those who work in local government offer a little insight into why doing so matters.

Ferguson Township Manager David Pribulka said participating on an ABC is a great way to contribute to the betterment of your community in a meaningful and rewarding way.

"Local government is where the rubber hits the road, and good decisions cannot be made without the thoughtful input from dedicated volunteers on each of these committees. As individuals learn more about these opportunities through the CBICC's ABC Essentials initiative, I ask that they pay close attention to those that ignite curiosity and passion -- it is those areas that one's service will be most valued, regardless of one's current level of experience or knowledge of the subject."

State College Borough Communications Specialist Douglas Shontz agrees.

"Every volunteer that is selected to serve on the Borough's more than 20 ABCs is an important factor in the Borough accomplishing its mission to enhance the quality of life by fostering a safe, vibrant, diverse and sustainable community."

The CBICC encourages county residents to attend one or all of the upcoming ABC Essentials programs to learn more and discover their passion for serving their community.

The Centre County Gazette asked the CBICC to highlight economic development efforts in the year ahead. Read what President and CEO Vern Squier, CCE, PaCCE, had to say about local business retention/expansion opportunities. Read the column.

CentreREADY, the CBICC's workforce preparedness and certification initiative is the featured Workforce Spotlight for January on the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry's "Start the Conversation HERE" website.  "Start the Conversation HERE" is a grassroots initiative aimed at addressing the skills gap in Pennsylvania by increasing public awareness of the growing demand for workers in the skilled trades, and other employment trends in the Commonwealth. The CBICC's CentreREADY initiative brings business and education together to address the specific workforce needs of local employers. Read the spotlight.

A new CBICC initiative -- ABC Essentials -- will promote opportunities to serve on municipal authorities, boards and commissions. Many of the decisions made by these volunteer boards and commissions ultimately impact business growth and job creation. Being proactive about encouraging individuals to serve is essential to the CBICC's work to create a healthy business operating environment. The ABC Essentials initiative will not only help educate about available openings in the county, but also how decisions and the timeliness of decisions correlate to economic growth. More information about the initiative and the program schedule can be found here.

A new report, "Skilled Workers Needed: Ensuring Investments in Career and Technical Education," states that workforce development is key to Pennsylvania's economic future. We couldn't agree more. The CBICC recently stood with PA Schools Work and Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children -- authors of the study -- in calling for an additional $10 million investment* into the CTE subsidy as part of the 2019-20 state budget. There are many examples of the exciting careers and opportunities available to students through career and technical education. The jobs are there, but without the sustained investments in career and technical education, CTE quality and its ability to support Pennsylvania's economic development could be compromised. Everyone wants to see Centre County thrive. Sustained investments in career and technical education funding will ensure our region continues to do so.

*The governor's 2019-20 budget proposal calls for a $10 million increase in CTE funding.

State College Magazine recently asked CBICC President and CEO Vern Squier (along with other local leaders and dreamers) his thoughts about what is needed to move Centre County forward in 2019. Here is what he had to say:

​"Big ideas” abound in Centre County. Innovation drives the economy – from Penn State University research-driven startups to business people embracing new approaches to operating in traditional industry sectors. Visionary thinking and pride in community are equally evident in State College and the Centre Region, and are leading to resurgence and reinvention in towns such as Bellefonte, Philipsburg and Millheim – and areas in between.
 
Collective “big picture,” foundational thinking is paramount to the success of these individual “big ideas.” Only if rooted in a healthy environment, can those planted truly grow and flourish. This understanding is what drives the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County’s collaborative economic, business and professional development mission.
 
At the most basic level, a supportive “big idea” environment means a having a strong local economy. To that end, we have a responsibility to take care of our own; to proffer a collective commitment to ensuring that Centre County businesses have what they need to compete and grow – from a workforce, operational, regulatory and general support perspective.
 
Partnerships are essential to effectively address the challenges that hold us back and embrace opportunities that will propel us forward as a county. Fortunately, this collaborative spirit also abounds in Centre County.
 
For example, the CBICC-led “DRIVE Forward” initiative created a true community grassroots effort to help state and federal officials secure funding for a major transportation infrastructure project – a high-speed I-99/I-80 interchange – that will benefit commerce, tourism and the motoring public.
 
Our visionary CentreREADY workforce preparedness initiative is bringing together all of Centre County’s five public school districts and two career/technical training institutions to address the specific workforce needs of local and area employers.
 
Partnering with the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau, newly formed task forces will explore air service enhancements and the possibilities presented by agri-tourism. Additionally, the CBICC will soon launch a countywide initiative to address the critical needs of municipal and county governments in finding engaged citizens to serve on authorities, boards and commissions.
 
The CBICC and its business, academic, government and community partners are proud to undertake this essential foundational work, and in the process, are fulfilling a vision for what Centre County can be – a place where individual big ideas can thrive!