The Berks Business Education
Coalition (BBEC) hosted its Business
and Education Summit on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Redner’s Event Center at FirstEnergy Stadium. This free event brought together business leaders, educators, local officials, and thought leaders to explore the latest trends shaping the future of business and education.
The summit featured expert panel discussions, networking opportunities, and a keynote address by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, authors of “When You Wonder, You’re Learning.”
Dr. Jill Hackman, Executive Director of the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU), was a featured speaker, emphasizing the need for collaboration between business and education leaders to prepare students for the future. She addressed issues surrounding student mental health, budget pressures, and staffing shortages, stressing the importance of a holistic approach to student development. Dr. Hackman also shared information on successful initiatives in Berks County, including the PA Dream Team, the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? program, and Career Ready Berks, which provide hands-on career experiences for students.
In addition, Mary Franciscus, BCIU Director of Human Resources, contributed to a panel discussion titled “Preparing for Careers of the Future.”
The summit showcased the strong partnerships between the business community and educational institutions, working together to build a future-ready workforce. The BCIU remains committed to collaboration with our elected officials, business leaders, and educators throughout Berks County! Together we can achieve extraordinary things!