MVRC launches Valley Business Works Foundation

For its inaugural year, Valley Business Works will focus on the creation of the Mon Valley Youth Leadership Academy.

For the MVI

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce recently announced the launch of Valley Business Works, a newly established nonprofit organization created to expand opportunities for entrepreneurship, economic development, workforce initiatives, leadership development, and educational programming throughout the Mon Valley region.

While Valley Business Works represents an exciting new chapter, it is built upon the strong foundation of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, which has spent more than a century serving as a champion for businesses, communities, and economic growth throughout the region.

The mission of Valley Business Works is simple yet powerful: “Valley Business Works strengthens the future of the Mon Valley by connecting students, businesses, and communities through leadership development, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and educational opportunities that expand economic opportunity for all.”

“Our goal is to create meaningful pathways that help young people discover opportunities, develop leadership skills, and build stronger connections to the businesses and communities that call the Mon Valley home,” stated Kristie Abercrombie, vice chair of Valley Business Works.

As communities across the region face workforce challenges and population decline, Valley Business Works is focused on creating opportunities that encourage the next generation to learn, lead, work, and build their futures in the Mon Valley.

The new foundation is guided by an experienced board of directors whose collective expertise spans business, government relations, education, finance, nonprofit leadership, and workforce development: Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Leanna Spada; Kristie Abercrombie of 412 Food Rescue; Bill Hecklick of Speer Street Financial and Tomorrowland Tax; Debra Keefer, former executive director of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber, Administrator for MVRCC Plaza and Charleroi Park Trustees; Robbie Matesic of McNees Government Relations; and Dr. Steve Whitehead of 5th Hammer Innovations and Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg For its inaugural year, Valley Business Works will focus its efforts on youth leadership and development through the creation of the Mon Valley Youth Leadership Academy.

The pilot program will provide the Mon Valley Youth with hands-on experiences in entrepreneurship, leadership development, civic engagement, public speaking, financial literacy, community service and volunteerism.

Students will learn the foundational skills needed to become future entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders. Organizers envision the academy becoming a signature regional program that helps cultivate future business, civic, and community leaders.

Valley Business Works was established to expand opportunities for collaboration, provide access to new funding sources, and strengthen the economic foundation of the communities served by the chamber.

For more information about Valley Business Works or the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, upcoming programs, events, or membership opportunities, visit www.mvrchamber.org or call 724-483-3507.