Public Policy Committee
Public Policy Committee is the advocacy arm of The Chamber and assists the organization in learning about and dealing with issues synonymous with business growth and interaction. The committee appoints subcommittees to deal with issues such as Municipal Cooperation, Right-to-Work, and Pension Reform.
Planning continues for county academy to assist candidates
The Public Service Academy, a project of the Blair County Chamber’s Public Policy Committee, is on-track to launch in the fall. The Academy is designed to encourage and educate people on ways to become part of the political process, either as an elected official or as a volunteer on boards, commissions or agencies.
The Academy will feature an educational program that is six hours in duration. A certificate will be awarded to everyone who completes it. The first three-hour session is on September 13th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The second session is at that same time on September 27th. Both sessions will be held at the Devorris Center for Business Development, 3900 Industrial Park Drive in Altoona.
Instructors will be Sarah Seymour, Blair County’s Director of Elections and Voter Registration and Academy co-chairs John Eichelberger and Donna Gority.
“Sarah Seymour is an excellent resource and someone who can prepare prospective candidates to feel confident in working through the process,” Gority pointed out. “Sometimes people pick up the petition packets and get intimidated by the number of things that are required. Sarah effectively relieves the stress associated with running a campaign.”
Eichelberger agreed.
“It’s not difficult,” he acknowledged. “Most people will have others help them. They’ll find that it’s relatively easy. Look at some of the current people in office. They got through it.”
The cost to participate
is just $25/person and includes pizza and beverages prior to the start of each session. Space is limited so register as soon as possible. Participants must complete both sessions to earn the certificate. To register, contact the Chamber at (814) 943-8151 or register online at www.blairchamber.com.
The Academy will feature an educational program that is six hours in duration. A certificate will be awarded to everyone who completes it. The first three-hour session is on September 13th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The second session is at that same time on September 27th. Both sessions will be held at the Devorris Center for Business Development, 3900 Industrial Park Drive in Altoona.
Instructors will be Sarah Seymour, Blair County’s Director of Elections and Voter Registration and Academy co-chairs John Eichelberger and Donna Gority.
“Sarah Seymour is an excellent resource and someone who can prepare prospective candidates to feel confident in working through the process,” Gority pointed out. “Sometimes people pick up the petition packets and get intimidated by the number of things that are required. Sarah effectively relieves the stress associated with running a campaign.”
Eichelberger agreed.
“It’s not difficult,” he acknowledged. “Most people will have others help them. They’ll find that it’s relatively easy. Look at some of the current people in office. They got through it.”
The cost to participate
is just $25/person and includes pizza and beverages prior to the start of each session. Space is limited so register as soon as possible. Participants must complete both sessions to earn the certificate. To register, contact the Chamber at (814) 943-8151 or register online at www.blairchamber.com.
