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Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry issues recommendations to address child care access crisis

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the state’s largest broad-based business association, recently released public policy recommendations aimed at addressing the child care access crisis.

“Growing our economy starts with removing barriers for people to enter, stay in, or re-enter the workforce—and access to high-quality, affordable child care is a critical part of that equation,” Luke Bernstein, chamber president and CEO, said. “We need a comprehensive plan to support this industry, including to tackle staffing shortages, reduce costs, and mitigate regulatory and administrative challenges.”

In Pennsylvania, there are 66 available workers for every 100 job openings, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The state’s labor participation rate of 61.9 percent is below the national average.

There are currently 340,000 open jobs statewide, but child care availability and affordability keep some people from the work force.

“There’s no silver bullet solution, and funding proposals are only part of the discussion,” Bernstein said. “But by working with businesses, child care providers, and advocates, the PA Chamber is advancing reforms and recommendations that will strengthen our child care industry, thereby supporting working families across Pennsylvania.”

Several organizations advocate for reforms including the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children and the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission.

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Orrstown Bank would like to extend congratulations to Annalisa Ambrisco for being named the 2024 Team Player Award at their all-employee meeting that was recently held in Harrisburg. The Team Player award goes to the ultimate team player who makes significant contributions to their work team as well as the organization in 2024. Annalisa Ambrisco is the Branch Executive Officer at the Mercersburg Orrstown Bank branch. She can be reached by emailing aambrisco@orrstown.com. Congratulations, Annalisa.

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THE FOUNDATION FOR ENHANCING COMMUNITIES (TFEC) OPENS SECOND ROUND OF 2025 GRANTS

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) is excited to announce the second round of 2025 grants.

“These grants can make a big difference,” said Caitlin Cluck, director of community investment at TFEC. “They help good ideas grow and give people the tools they need to build stronger neighborhoods.”

Nonprofits are invited to apply for grants that support arts, community development, education, the environment, health and human services. The deadline to apply for this round of grants is Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Available grants include:

  • Arts for All – Helps bring arts and culture to people who often do not have access

  • Franklin County Community Foundation – Funds local arts, culture and community needs in Franklin County

  • The Fund for Women & Girls – Supports programs that help women and girls thrive

  • Gail Deimler Charitable Fund – Focuses on healthcare and hospice services

  • Mechanicsburg Area Community Foundation – Supports area arts, culture, education and other programs in the Mechanicsburg area

  • The Palmer Family Foundation Fund – Aids visual or performing arts in Franklin County

Applicant Requirements
Eligible applicants must have 501c3 status, utilize a fiscal sponsor with 501c3 status or demonstrate nonprofit status as a church, school or similar entity. Applicants may apply to multiple grant opportunities but may not submit more than one grant for each opportunity. The application may begin at any time during the open application period. TFEC grantmaking does not fund advertising, capital campaigns, direct lobbying to influence legislation, individuals, religious organizations to propagate religious doctrine or retroactive projects. TFEC believes that all voices are vital for our region’s future. We promote equity and embrace the diversity of individuals, ideas and expressions.

TFEC has served this region for over 100 years. As a community foundation, it connects donors with local projects that help neighbors in need. It manages charitable funds and gives nonprofits the tools and guidance they need to serve people better. TFEC works to build a brighter future for everyone by investing in programs and partnering with the community.

"At TFEC, we know that great ideas can spark change, but only through collaboration do they become reality," said Jennifer Doyle, TFEC’s president and CEO. "Our grants empower nonprofits to take meaningful action and transform communities."

For more information about these grants and how to apply, please visit www.tfec.org/nonprofits/grants-overview/.

 

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The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), the 18th oldest community foundation in the United States, inspires giving by partnering with donors to achieve their charitable goals and strengthens our local communities by investing in them now and for future generations. TFEC has served the South-Central Pennsylvania counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon and Perry, and the Dillsburg Area for over 100 years. Regional foundations of TFEC include the Greater Harrisburg Community Foundation, the Franklin County Community Foundation, the Mechanicsburg Area Community Foundation, the Perry County Community Foundation and the Dillsburg Area Community Foundation.

For more information on TFEC, please visit www.tfec.org.

Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC)

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