Submitted by The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
STATE COLLEGE — Several local hospitality leaders will share their industry expertise as part of a special Hospitality Workforce Regional Showcase hosted by the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at The Graduate in State College.
The free industry event is one of several that PRLA is holding across the state to address a range of hospitality workforce issues, including insights into talent identification, career development pathways and the resources available to unlock team potential.
“We are fortunate that, despite some continued pain points, Centre County’s hospitality workforce is fairly strong, adding the most jobs in the state in March,” said Fritz Smith, president and CEO of The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pre-COVID-19 hospitality employment in the county was 7,000 workers. The rate dipped to just 4,500 workers in 2020, rebounding to 7,400 workers currently.
“However, many of our establishments still struggle with workforce shortages in critical areas, as well as with retention,” Smith said. “We look forward to hearing from local and regional hospitality professionals about what can help strengthen a sector that is essential to our tourism promotion mission and economy and remove lingering challenges for our industry.”
Local panelists include:
- Bill Kidd, ENTI-HM Cluster director at Penn State University.
- Chef Zachary Lorber, culinary arts instructor at State College Area High School.
- Mickala Dorman, owner of Twisted Wisk Catering.
- Angela Harshbarger, front of house manager at Pine Grove Hall.
The event will also offer information about the numerous resources available to meet hospitality workforce needs.
“PRLA is dedicated to providing hospitality businesses with the tools and resources they need to thrive,” said Joe Massaro, PRLA president and CEO. “This event equips our members and our industry with the tools and resources they need to elevate their training initiatives and ensure their employees have the opportunities to grow and flourish in the industry.”
While the Hospitality Workforce Regional Showcase is free, registration is required. Register at fthr-content.prla.org/WFRS-CentralPA.
