Our Mission:
Recent Events
PICNIC ON THE PORCH-AUGUST 23, 2018
The Picnic on the Porch was held Thursday, August 23, 20178 at Elrama
Tavern. Members were able to network while enjoying delicious food and
cool refreshing drinks. The porch provided an inviting setting for the end of a
hot summer day. Donations were graciously given by members for the start
of the school to students in the West Jefferson Hills School District. Thank you
members for those who made donations and Elrama Tavern.
STEEL CENTER FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION-
OCTOBER 11, 2018
On Thursday, October 11, 2018, Steel Center hosted a breakfast roundtable.
Members enjoyed a wonderful array of breakfast foods from bacon to flaky
pastries and everything in-between made by the culinary students, dressed
in chef uniforms, at Steel Center. The instructor used the opportunity for a
“teachable moment”, asking what is the worst thing that could happen?
Serving cold food, of course!! The administration also explained the ALICE
program to try to keep students safe used by many schools. ALICE is an
acronym for (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) it is a response to
an aggressive intruder/shooter event. The previous approach was lockdown
only.
The students of SkillsUSA Leadership, spoke of personal experiences at Steel
Center and the SkillsUSA program. The SkillsUSA is a program developed
with students, teachers, and industry who work together to ensure America
has a skilled workforce with the primary goal of having students excel. In
addition to the education program provided, events and competitions that
support career and technical education are held throughout the United
States. The students valued the opportunities that helped them to engage
in activities that provided a better sense for business and allowed personal
strengths to be developed. The impressively well-spoken students pictured
below will be competing in the competitions. Good luck students!
Students from the West Jefferson Hills School District attended and
spoke about the INCubator Program started this year at Thomas Jefferson
High School. The teacher, Lisa Kostella, provides the instruction for the
entrepreneur class which is more hands-on than lecture based. Students
are asked to develop a product or service. With the guidance of real
entrepreneurs and business experts serving as volunteer coaches and
mentors the students develop a hypotheses about the product or service,
test the hypotheses, adapt, and constantly learn and improve. The
experimentation model is combined with business marketing and finance.
The “Shark Tank” program will culminate, with the student teams presenting
the products and services to community members in search of funds to
develop the ideas. The West Jefferson Hills Chamber has already donated
funds to provide “start-up” money for each team. Dr. Ghilani noted that the
same entrepreneurship methodology is taught at Harvard and Stanford.
Pictured above are members of the chamber, students from the INCubator
program, Lisa Kostella, and Dr. Ghilani. The chamber is looking forward to see
those wonderful ideas marketed!
The featured speaker at the breakfast roundtable was Dr. Michael Ghilani,
Superintendent of the West Jefferson Hills School District. Dr. Ghilani updated
members on the new programs, changes in attendance, and progress on the
building of the new high school. The philosophy is student-centered with the
development of the whole student, not just academics. At the high school
students will have “flex” time to learn new skills or develop those skills as well
as opportunity to meet with teachers in small groups. With development
of an intermediate school, the teachers will be able to become experts in
one primary subject area, enabling them to better address student needs.
The new high school building project is moving ahead despite slowdowns
The West Jefferson Hills Chamber
of Commerce promotes local
business development and
community collaboration and
endorses expanding local
business in West Elizabeth,
Jefferson Hills, and Pleasant Hills.
such as not enough bricklayers. So students if you are looking for future
employment; perhaps the building trades are a great opportunity.
Thank you to everyone who made this event very informative and enjoyable.
VETERANS DAY PROGRAM-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018
The West Jefferson Hills Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the West
Jefferson Hills School District honored all veterans at a ceremony starting
at 9:00 in the Thomas Jefferson High School auditorium. Speakers included
Victoria Weisbrod and Remi Zandier, student council co-presidents, Julia
Diedor, president of the senior class who all addressed ideas about Veterans
Day. Students created cards for the Veterans in attendance to take with
them and share with others. The keynote speakers were Marines who gave
insightful and motivational speeches. Major Mike Thatcher introduced Sgt.
Shawn Kosanovich, a graduate of TJ, who reminded students to be part
of something bigger than themselves and the greatest tool each person
possesses is their mind which is much stronger than the body. Next Major
Andrew Homfeck spoke of the importance to serve your community and
country. He also gave a brief history of how Veterans Day came to be and
how the military has changed from colonial times to the present. The high
school band and chorus added to the patriotic atmosphere of the event. A
combined tribute to each branch of the military was played and those who
served were asked to stand to be recognized as it was performed: Heave Ho,
My Lads, Heave Ho followed by Armed Forces Medley. Thank you to everyone
who made you proud to be an American! Pictured below as some of the
veterans and the speakers who attended.
To all veterans thank you for your service.
Upcoming Events
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY-DECEMBER 4, 2018
The annual Christmas Dinner will be held at the Georgetown Centre on
Tuesday, December 4, 2018. Please look for the invitation in the mail and
mark the calendar. The event also includes a Chinese Auction to collect
money for the Angel Tree which benefits students in the West Jefferson
Hills School District during the holiday season. Please enjoy this networking
opportunity while getting into the holiday spirit!
Please let the West Jefferson Hills Chamber of Commerce
know of any new businesses in our community!
Membership
Just a reminder dues paid before December 31, 2018 are discounted. Anyone
wishing to join the chamber can find additional information by emailing
[email protected] or calling 412-855-8276 or 412-543-8403.
By Sue Mackulin