Mission Statement
The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving its members and affiliates with value-added programs and services, and improving the quality of life and economic vitality of our county.
The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has been serving Schuylkill County since 1918.
In its early days, the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, known as the Pottsville Chamber, and later the Greater Pottsville Chamber of Commerce, concentrated in helping area residents obtain jobs and support downtown business districts activities.
In the 1950's, as a means to diversify the employment base in the region, the Chamber aided in establishing the Greater Pottsville Industrial Development Corporation. Other Chamber initiatives during that time included: the establishment of the Zerbey Airport at Mount Pleasant; starting a work program that included promotion of the Lakewood Playhouse; downtown Pottsville renewal program; the promotion of a Pottsville Parking Authority; establishment of an Area Vocational-Technical School; and the need for professional planning offices for both city and county government.
In the early 80's the Chamber formally established the Schuylkill County Tourist Promotion Agency (now the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau) which had its developmental roots in earlier Chamber efforts.
In the first half of the 90's the Schuylkill Chamber established a Business/Education Partnership; developed working relationships with communities county-wide that share a common vision; built a Schuylkill Leadership program; sponsored a Jobs Creation Grant Program that offered equipment grants to area employers for hiring handicapped workers; created a solid benefits program for the membership which included comprehensive health care and extensive member networking; actively pursued transportation facility and service improvements; and worked to establish Schuylkill County as an active participant in the new regionalism that will have a significant impact on our communities in the future.
The Schuylkill Chamber coordinated a community coalition to establish a comprehensive workforce development program known as PA CareerLink. The new center was the first established in Pennsylvania and features a team approach to employer and job seeker services.
The Schuylkill Chamber is also a founding partner of Schuylkill County's VISION, a strategic alliance focused on improved county and municipal government including: service sharing; better training programs more closely aligned with the needs of employers for county students preparing to enter the local workforce; leadership programs for executives, mid-management employees and youth; a focus on improving the perception of the county by it's residents; and partnership development with all segments of the community that will lead all of us to a brighter future.
For almost 90 years the Chamber has pursued a vision of greater potential and increased economic opportunities for our county. For over eight decades, thousands of volunteers have worked to improve opportunities for every citizen while promoting personal responsibility and equal status.
The Chamber has been one of the most positive forces for community progress in both Pottsville and Schuylkill County.
Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce
91 South Progress Avenue
Pottsville, Pennsylvania 17901
Voice: 570.622.1942 / 800.755.1942
Fax: 570.622.1638
info@schuylkillchamber.com
©
Copyright 2000 - 2006 Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce
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