Workforce Wayne

January 2010

Luzerne County Community College is offering new certificate programs in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Business Management in Wayne County.

The new credit programs prepare graduates for direct entry into the industry as well as offer those presently working in the field with opportunities to upgrade their skills and advance their careers.  Classes will be held at Western Wayne High School and Wallenpaupack Area High School.

According to data reported by the Pocono Workforce Investment Board in spring 2009, a total of 321 establishments provide 4,763 jobs in the hospitality, tourism and recreation industry in Wayne and Pike Counties and the number of jobs is estimated to grow 8.3% by 2014.
Jennifer Porter, director of workforce initiatives for Workforce Wayne, notes that local employers are in favor of the new course offerings.  “This is a wonderful opportunity for Wayne County,” says Anthony Manzione, director of human resources for Woodloch Pines, Inc.  “Until now, people have had to travel outside of the county to earn a certificate in Culinary Arts.  Now it will be offered right here in our backyard and the convenience will allow current employees working in the culinary field to further their education,” Manzione adds.  “We are excited about our partnership with Workforce Wayne in this new culinary education program for folks in Wayne County,” says Lenny Tasselmyer of Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts.  He adds, “Our resorts have a long history in the county and we are proud to give something back to support our local community.  We will also encourage our culinary team to take advantage of our tuition reimbursement program to enroll, learn and enhance their skills.”

LCCC will hold a Culinary Information Night at Western Wayne High School on Tuesday, January 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  College representatives will be available to provide information about course offerings, tuition costs, financial aid, educational opportunities and admission procedures.  The Culinary information Night is free and open to the public.

The College will offer two culinary classes in Wayne County for the spring 2010 semester.  Food Sanitation and Safety will be offered on Monday evenings and Soup and Salad Analysis/Production will be offered on Tuesday evenings, at Western Wayne High School, utilizing the school’s renovated, commercial-grade kitchen facilities.

Classes for the spring semester will begin on Tuesday, January 19 and continue through the first week of May.

For more information, call LCCC at 740-0478 or (800) 377-LCCC, extension 478.

"Your Business & Marcellus Shale: Voices of Experience" live 4-week webinar series offered in partnership with Penn State Cooperative Extension Office, Wayne Economic Development Corporation, & Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. 

Held at the Park Street Complex, Honesdale, 8-9:30am on:

January 27, 2010

February 3, 2010

February 10, 2010

February 17, 2010

Cost is $20 for entire series. Contact the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce to register: 570-253-1960 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

The Pike/Wayne Business Education Partnership, faciliated by Workforce Wayne, recently awarded 25 Mini-grants for Teachers totaling $11,375.50.

Any preschool, elementary, or secondary teachers, guidance counselor, school nurse of librarian employed by Delaware Valley, Wallenpaupack Area, Wayne Highlands, and Western Wayne was encouraged to apply for a mini-grant.

Projects or activities were asked to address one of the following goals to be considered for a grant by Workforce Wayne:

Promote career awareness in students and help to improve the skills necessary to enter the labor market.

Develop career and technical education which addresses local job skill needs.

Familarize students with career options emphasizing the dignity of each.

Additionally, projects were asked to integrate one or more of the following:

Broaden and foster cooperation between and among the community and the schools.

Promote projects that involve parents in the education of our children.

Provide decision making opportunities and leadership experience which builds confidence and self-esteem of students.

Help students develop pride in themselves, their school, and their community.

Workforce Wayne thanks supporters, recaps 2009 and lays out its vision forward

The press and the community are invited for refreshments and a short press event on Thursday, December 3^rd, 4pm at the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Community Room

Workforce Wayne at a recent community forum (L-R): Robert Brenne, Intern; Lyndsay Birmelin; Workforce Coordinator; Jennifer Porter, Director of Workforce Initiatives; Paula Fritz, Pike County Workforce Coordinator; Anthony Manzione, Woodloch Pines, Inc. and Workforce Wayne Board of Directors.

Did you know??

• Pike and Wayne Counties are 2 of 3 counties in the state without a Career and Technology Center (CTC), a vital student and adult workforce training center.

• Most jobs of the future require some post-high school training. Only 12% will require a 4-year degree.

• With a CTC here, up to five times more students could be in career and technical education training compared to now. Our adult population would also be able to train at the CTC.

• By the number employed, retail is the #1 industry for Wayne County and the #2 industry for Pike County.

• 96% of parents in our area want to see a technical or trade school located here.

• More than three quarters of parents in our area would likely encourage their student to attend a Career & Technical Center if it were built to serve Wayne/Pike students.