Alaina Kearney, Director of Marketing at Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, joined a panel of education and business leaders to discuss how businesses can strengthen the local workforce through partnerships with colleges and universities. The event, Cultivating Synergy: Collaboration Between Higher Education and the Business Community of Delaware County, was hosted by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Delaware County Economic Development Corporation and Delaware County Workforce Development Board.

Read the full press release below for more details.

“Cultivating Synergy” Event to Bridge Collaboration Between Higher Education and Delaware County Business Community

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA (February 25, 2025)  – The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Delaware County Economic Development Corporation and Delaware County Workforce Development Board, is hosting a new program designed to bring local businesses together with higher education institutions bi-annually to cultivate relationships. This work kicks off on Tuesday, February 25th at The Inn at Villanova University with an event titled “Cultivating Synergy: Collaboration Between Higher Education and the Business Community of Delaware County”. This event, open to all Delaware County businesses, will explore the vital role higher education plays in our economy.

The program will also highlight ways Delaware County’s higher education institutions and local businesses can work together to create a stronger talent pipeline and better job opportunities for students. By fostering internship programs and other collaborative initiatives, the event aims to help students gain valuable real-world experience while benefiting local employers in need of skilled workers.

“This collaboration is an excellent example of how higher education, and the business community can come together to create a more skilled and sustainable workforce in Delaware County,” said Dr. Monica Taylor, Chair of Delaware County Council. “We recognize the importance of internships and job training for our students, and this event demonstrates our collective commitment to strengthening our local economy.”

The program will include a panel discussion about the future of work featuring local business owners and their partners at educational anchors as well as interactive networking opportunities, designed to encourage partnerships between local businesses and local higher education institutions.

Trish McFarland, President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of such collaborations in shaping the future of the local economy. “Internships offer invaluable experiences that prepare students for the workforce while helping businesses find their next generation of talent,” McFarland said. “Through this event, we strive to create pathways for students to enter the local workforce, while also ensuring the long-term growth and prosperity of Delaware County businesses.”

“Williamson College of the Trades is proud to be part of this important initiative. It’s essential that educational institutions and the business community align to ensure that students have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the workforce,” said Michael Rounds, President of Williamson College of the Trades. Rounds emphasized the importance of collaboration in bridging the gap between education and employment. “By working together, we can provide students with the hands-on experience they need to transition smoothly into careers, benefiting both the students and the local economy.”

Alaina Kearney, MPA Director of Marketing at Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, added, “Our company is stronger because of the relationships we have forged with the local higher education community.  Our pipeline for employees often begins with internships, and engagement on college campuses.”

Businesses will learn how to engage with campuses, create meaningful internship programs, and address their workforce needs. The event underscores the mutual benefits of aligning educational initiatives with the demands of the job market, ensuring students are better prepared to transition into fulfilling careers while supporting local economic growth.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Location: The Inn at Villanova University

Registration Fee: $20

Registration Link: https://web.delcochamber.org/atlas/events/62359/details

For more information, visit the registration link above or contact the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.

# # #

About Delaware County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC):

The Delaware County Economic Development Corporation is committed to the economic growth and development of Delaware County by providing resources, support, and partnerships to create a vibrant business environment.

About the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce:

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice of business in Delaware County, advocating for the interests of local businesses and fostering a thriving community by providing resources, networking opportunities, and support for economic growth.

About Villanova University:

The only Augustinian Catholic university in the nation, Villanova values a personalized experience where teachers and students are partners in learning and scholarly inquiry. From undergraduate to doctoral students, Villanovans are intellectually inspired, morally grounded, and globally minded. Villanova attracts and forges world changers—people who ignite positive change everywhere life takes them. With over 7,000 students enrolled in many disciplines including Business, Law, and Engineering, local businesses have a distinct advantage to develop their talent pipeline with this nationally ranked school that calls Delaware County, home.

About Williamson College of the Trades:

Williamson College of the Trades provides young men with a transformative education, combining technical training with a focus on ethics, integrity, and leadership to prepare students for careers in the skilled trades. With over 300 students enrolled in carpentry, electric, landscape, masonry, machine tool, and power plant technology, Williamson College of the Trades provides a great opportunity to partner with Delaware County businesses to help keep their employee pipelines robust.

About Delaware County Community College:

Delaware County Community College offers a wide range of degree programs and training opportunities, providing accessible education that prepares students for success in the workforce and beyond. The College’s comprehensive programs offer high school dual enrollment; transfer options to four-year colleges and universities; prepare students for direct entry into the workforce; award professional certificates; and provide career advancement and lifelong learning opportunities. The College serves a diverse population of 16,000 credit and non-credit students training for a variety of industries such as Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, Hospitality, Construction Trades, and more, each year. Visit dccc.edu for more information.

About Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz Inc.:

Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz (BGA&F) is a full-service CPA firm offering tax, audit, accounting, and advisory services to businesses, individuals, nonprofits, and government entities. Headquartered in Media, PA, the firm employs over 75 professionals and serves over 4,000 clients across nearly all 50 states. BGA&F has earned multiple accolades, including Top Workplaces by the Philadelphia Inquirer (2023 & 2024) and Best Accountant, Readers’ Choice by the Delaware County Daily Times (2022 & 2024). For more information, visit www.barszgowie.com.