As the largest business organization in Blair County, the Chamber serves as a lead advocate for business issues and works to create a business-friendly environment in our community —representing the interest of business on a local, state and federal level.
Through our Programs, Committees and Events, we provide educational opportunities, professional development, networking and public policy development that meet the needs of our membership.
Businesses and Schools Investing in Cooperative Solutions (BASICS)
The BASICS Committee mission is to create innovative workforce development initiatives that will significantly improve the match between our region’s business needs and the education system’s priorities. Members strive to educate the community, so they understand what career opportunities exist in the region before making education, training, and employment decisions.
Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA)
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or YEA!, is a class that teaches students between 11 and 18 years old how to start and run their own business, or non-profit organization. The class meets weekly for 25 weeks and is offered locally at Penn State Altoona’s Sheetz Entrepreneurial Center. Dates, times and a schedule of classes are below.
Leadership Blair County Adult Program
Established in 1994, Leadership Blair County cultivates, develops, and nurtures the potential leaders within our community. The program identifies, educates, and motivates the area’s promising leaders and prepares them for service to our community in a variety of important roles. Through a series of sessions, often using the community itself for its classroom, the program allows class participants to exchange ideas and information with established leaders and experts from many fields. Future leaders gain first-hand experience about critical issues as they develop the skills necessary to become an effective community leader. Leadership Blair County boasts 527 graduates.
Leadership Blair County Youth
The Blair County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Blair County Youth program is modeled after our successful adult program. Its goal is to assist in the development of our youth to become leaders within their schools, communities and the entire county.
Public Service Academy
The Public Service Academy is a project supported by the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee. The academy is designed to encourage and educate people interested in running for local elected office on how to become part of the political process and expectations on governing once elected. The Academy and the Chamber encourage Blair Countians to become engaged at all levels of local government to include volunteer boards, commissions or agencies.
Executive Roundtable
More than three decades ago, the Blair County Chamber has administered the Executive Roundtable, a forum for Presidents and other C-Level individuals of Blair County’s largest businesses. The Executive Roundtable meets five times each year to discuss issues impacting industry, community development and other strategies that help stimulate and sustain the local economy.
Presidents’ Forum
In 2002, the Blair County Chamber created the Presidents’ Forum program designed to offer professional development opportunities to Chamber members in upper management positions. Forum Groups consist of 8-10 business leaders who are non-competitors. Each Group meets monthly for four hours in a structured format that encourages interactive discussion leading to the creation of a high level of trust.
Chamber Travel Tours
The Blair Chamber works with local travel agencies to arrange one-of-kind international and domestic travel experiences. Special pricing is secured in all inclusive packages. The travel tours are open to both Chamber members and non-members.
Career Shadowing
More information coming soon.
Career Fair
More information coming soon.
Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA)
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or YEA!, is a class that teaches students between 11 and 18 years old how to start and run their own business, or non-profit organization. The class meets weekly for 25 weeks and is offered locally at Penn State Altoona’s Sheetz Entrepreneurial Center. Dates, times and a schedule of classes are below.
The YEA! class provides students with introductions to local entrepreneurs and business leaders; exciting field trips to businesses for a behind-the-scenes experience; and meetings with attorneys, accountants, marketing professionals, graphic designers, manufacturers, internet specialists, and more. All of the resources that students need to start their own businesses are provided – students just need the drive, motivation and enthusiasm to make it happen!
Students will prepare a real business plan and pitch their plan to investors for funding. Think “Shark Tank” meets “The Apprentice”—the YEA! Class teaches students how to embrace their passion, live their dream, and change the world.
Classes meet weekly for 3 hours but not during school breaks or holidays. The YEA! class meets during the school day, beginning in October and ending in April. A college scholarship competition takes place in May. Students enrolled in the YEA! classes compete for college scholarships in the Saunders Scholars Bright Ideas Business Plan Competition.
Tuition for this prestigious program is $395 before September 1 and $495 after September 1 with limited partial scholarships available.
Leadership Blair County Adult Program
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Leadership Blair County Youth
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