Education Council

Mission:
The Education Council coordinates the Fayette Chamber’s activities in regard to the institutions of learning in the local areas served by the Chamber. The Council supports programs that positively impact the students’ understanding of the free enterprise system and in particular, the programs that contribute to school-to-career learning opportunities for students at all levels of education.

The Council strives for maximum collaboration between the business and educational communities in developing these activities, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the students’ acquisition of the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers.

Objectives:
Sponsor programs providing effective, career-focused and practical information and guidance for students from business leaders and professionals in a wide variety of fields. Current programs include: Groundhog Job Shadow Day, and special career and job awareness programs for junior and senior high school students

Develop an effective and practical program of activities to promote a greater understanding of the business community’s need for a skilled and talented workforce. Current programs include: Students of the Month, Mentorships for Students of the Month, Students of the Months Luncheon; Fayette Business Adventure.

Support business involvement in education at all levels by playing an active role in the Fayette Business-Education Partnership initiatives in the Fayette County strategic plan.

Coordinate other activities on behalf of the Chamber’s interest in and involvement in the education of our youth and workforce development. Current programs include:  Fayette County Career Connections Fair, Educators of the Year Awards Program, Career Resource Centers

Mission:
The Progress and Community Development Network’s mission is to improve the overall quality of life in Fayette County by targeting specific community projects that would contribute positively to this improvement.

Objectives:
Uniontown Heritage Trail. Continue development of the downtown Uniontown perimeter walkway and related tourism projects.

Integrated Community Network. Spearhead the community’s education about information technology; lead efforts to create appropriate infrastructure through the Rural Telecounty project.

Small Business Development Network: Work with other business and community development groups to develop joint information and education programming.

Downtown Business Council: Work with the Uniontown Downtown Business District Authority to provide programs and projects dedicated to downtown revitalization.

Mission:
The Public Affairs Council’s mission is to unify the voice of business in Fayette County on legislative issues, developing proactive positions on key community issues in general and those which impact the business and professional community specifically.

Objectives:
Provide informational updates on recent legislation, assisting Chamber members to understand how proposed legislation may affect their business. Meet with elected officials, communicating the Chamber’s position on specific issues (lobbying activities at local, state, and Federal levels).  Recommend membership action on specific issues, and provide membership with opportunity for access to and interaction with political candidates.

Plan and coordinate quarterly briefings on public affairs topics of local interest and importance to Chamber members.

Review legislation that affects Fayette County business and economic development and propose a unified position to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for approval, with particular emphasis on tax reform legislation and regional initiatives.

Plan and coordinate Candidate Forums for the primary and general elections for Chamber members and the general public.

Distribute faxed legislative updates from the PA and U.S. Chambers to interested Chamber members.

Mission:
The Special Events Council’s mission is to promote the economic stability and general welfare of the Fayette Chamber by originating and implementing stimulating events that provide positive public relations for the Chamber and active members, enhance the quality of life in the community, and raise money for operating income to provide additional services to members.

Objectives:
Encourage member participation in events as sponsors, vendors, and volunteers.

Support the city of Uniontown’s activities for the National Road Festival (May 19-20).

Sponsor an Independence Day Celebration & Cookoff (July 2).

Sponsor the Annual Scholarship Golf Outing (September).

Sponsor the Annual Recognition and Awards Dinner for Chamber members (November).

Mission:
The Transportation Alliance is a grassroots-lobbying group concerned with the county’s transportation infrastructure. Because of the need for concerted, consistent action, the Transportation Alliance is open to representatives of any community or county organization who are supportive of the Mon-Fayette Expressway and concerned with transportation, in addition to interested Chamber members.

Goals:
Work toward completion of all segments of the Mon-Fayette Expressway.  Participate in land use planning discussions regarding expressway interchange areas.  Support a variety of county public transportation programs, including public transit, rail and air.

Actively publicize correct information, & challenge disinformation.

Actively support West Virginia activities to complete expressway to Interstate 68.

Through its active involvement in Fayette Forward, the county’s strategic planning process, the Fayette Chamber insures business representation on the education, economic development, infrastructure, marketing, and tourism development committees.