There are 6.5 million unfilled jobs in the United States and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-08) wants to do something about it.

Despite a national unemployment rate of 3.9 percent posted in April, the freshman congressman said more could be done to reduce the number of job vacancies in Pennsylvania, and across the U.S.

Fitzpatrick addressed about 50 business and community leaders at the “State of the Nation,” legislative breakfast, the last of three in an annual series of updates hosted by Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce.

The series is held annually at McCoole’s Arts and Events Place in Quakertown.

He said the causes of jobs going unfilled boiled down to two significant public issues.

“It’s because of an inability to pass a drug test and a lack of a skilled workforce,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick said creating pathways to careers in vocational and technical education was more critical than ever before.

“College isn’t for everyone. The worst thing we can do is stigmatize children. We need to offer kids an alternative path” to success, Fitzpatrick said.

After visiting public school districts Fitzpatrick discovered many districts guide youngsters with an emphasis on attending college.

He said for many students – and their families – college may not be in their best interests.

Workforce development issues confronting all sectors of industry dovetailed with the impact of recent federal tariffs on steel and aluminum. The overseas tariffs were “…very concerning to me,” Fitzpatrick said.

“We’re still using the Trade Expansion Act of 1963… and the intent was to expand trade during acts of war, not shrink it,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick said the “ever shrinking pie” needed to be offset by economic growth of “at minimum 3 percent.”

He proposed that three components to boost growth included the reformed tax code, a closer look at regulations on businesses and commerce from federal agencies and a robust workforce development agenda.

“These are all critical parts of growth to the economy. The sweet spot is where taxes aren’t so high they are bleeding growth, or so low they are hurting government,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick said regulatory reform was critical to help small banks and financial institutions support the growth of small businesses.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration website, 30.2 million small businesses operated in the United States, as posted most recently for 2018.

That means 58.9 million people are employed by the small business sector, which takes up about 47.5 percent of businesses operating in the United States.

Dave Freeman, president and CEO of QNB Bank introduced Fitzpatrick to the audience. He said small banks were essential to vibrant communities.
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“Community banks, like QNB, really are important to Quakertown,” and the communities they serve, Freeman said.

​Arts organizations and doctor’s offices have it.
 
So do hotels, realtors, restaurants, developers and municipal offices.
 
You’ll find it at Lake Nockamixon’s Visitors Center, and Visit Bucks in Bensalem and Quakertown.
 
Bracalente Manufacturing Group, AGP Plastics and LifeQuest all have it. Barmar Travel has it, too. Pennridge, Upper Bucks County Career and Technical School and Quakertown Community School District all have it.
 
St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital has it and so does Lehigh Valley Health Network’s ExpressCare.
 
It’s on counters at Town Halls and in township offices from Dublin to Riegelsville, Durham to Trumbauersville, Perkasie, Quakertown, Richland and Milford and everywhere in between.
 
It’s the annual focused Upper Bucks County directory and this is the fourth issue we’ve created and produced entirely in house.
 
Have you paged through your 2018 issue to try a new place for dinner?
 
Or hunted for a retirement planner, an insurance company, a plumber, butcher or baker, a painter or a banker?
 
If not, why not??
The only publication of its kind in all of Bucks County – that’s right the entire county – creating focused fills us with pride.
 
Advertisers receive at least a half or full case of this glossy, four-color magazine style book to distribute to their clients, customers and patrons.
 
A mirror online edition – also in color and a click away – is available to everyone, everywhere, because it’s promoted through social media platforms like Facebook and Linked In – and YOUR website, too.
 
There’s still time to advertise.
 
This one-of-a-kind publication is written and photographed, proofed and pieced together by chamber members who live and work here.
 
They’ve paddled the lake, picnicked in the parks, enjoyed patio dining at The Brick Tavern on a cool summer evening, or a burger on the porch at McCoole’s.
 
They shop at the farmers markets and roadside stands. They know QNB and Penn Community branch tellers by name.
 
Where can you find local entertainment or a lead on your next just about anything? In focused, that’s where.
 
We research trends on health care, business, manufacturing and educational trends to offer up fresh content every year, and keep you informed.
 
Our anecdotes are intriguing facts and conversation starters about local history and culture.
Learn something new, we’ve done the homework for you.
 
All this and much, much more is at your fingertips in focused Upper Bucks County.
 
An ad in the directory is an easy way to get your message out to consumers without spending time or money on direct marketing efforts or cold calling prospects.
 
It’s a great way to support UBCC’s mission. Proceeds from the directory fold back into programming and keep annual membership dues from rising.
 
Don’t miss out on having your business promoted in print and online through an ad in the 2019 focused Upper Bucks County directory and community profile.
 
Want another reason to advertise?
Bucks County herald is generously offering free ad design services – for the fourth year in a row –  to our advertisers. If you buy advertising, you’ll know that’s a substantial saving.
 
What’s more your ad is returned in digital format, so you are free to use it elsewhere to promote your business in any format you like.
 
It’s your ad, you get to use it.
 
We printed 7,500 copies last year, and they flew out the door!
 
Advertising for 2019 space remains. Don’t delay, lock in your spot today.
 
Call or email Melinda Rizzo at 215.529.9845 or mrizzo@ubcc.org