Connecting Local Talent

JARI is facilitating Open Discussion Forums for defense industry employees displaced in 2018. The purpose of the forums is to provide re-employment and support services to participants as they transition into employment.

We invite employers and agencies to attend one of the meetings to discuss support services and job opportunities. Also, we could utilize the skills of human resource professionals and subject matter experts to review and offer tips on resumes, job search resources and interviewing skills.

Participants include individuals that have experience in the following occupations: human resources, graphic design, contract accounting, risk management, contract administration, infrastructure analysis, financial analysis, executive assistance, administrative assistance, contracts administration and government liaison. Each participant has skills, education and experience that may transfer into a number of different industries.

The group meets once a week at the JARI Center in Richland. Meeting days and times are flexible. If you are interested in providing assistance, please contact Debi Balog, Workforce Development Director at 814.262.8366 or via e-mail at .

In Eight Short Weeks You Could Be On The Way To Launching A Tech-StartUP!

If you have a new, tech-based business idea or you are developing an innovative product, process, or software application, you’ll want to check out this program! As part of the Startup Alleghenies initiative, the BF TechCelerator@Johnstown is providing a business startup accelerator, along with one-on-one mentoring sessions, for emerging tech-entrepreneurs.

Beginning Tuesday, July 10, 2018, the eight-week program will be held in alternating locations which include 814 WORX and the JARI Center for Business Development. Our Accelerators are free of charge, but space is limited. Contact Jerry Hudson at or José Otero at .

Business mentoring from Ben Franklin’s Transformation Business Services Network and local economic development and startup experts will be available at no cost. General topics to be discussed over the eight weeks include:

  • Customer discovery
  • Business and revenue models
  • Value propositions
  • Legal issues
  • Cost structures and more.

You’ll come away from this experience with a viable business model as well as a list of networking contacts and a concrete path forward. However, perhaps the most important thing you will gain is the confidence that comes from knowing if it’s the right time for you to start your own tech-business – or not.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Not only will you receive up to $1,000 to help with your initial accounting, legal, or customer discovery costs, you will also have the chance to pitch your business idea to a panel of judges at the completion of the eight weeks. If you win, you could be awarded up to $10,000 in seed funding to help get your startup UP and running.

Not sure if a TechCelerator is right for you? Check out this video of a recent graduation event held in Altoona.

QuickBooks Online

On Tuesday, May 22nd, Lynn Rovan, Barnes Saly & Company, will present QuickBooks Online. Attendees will receive a general overview of QuickBooks while learning to select company and user preferences and the setup of chart of accounts. Attendees will also learn about invoicing and payments, billing and paying bills, bank reconciliation and reporting.

This Lunch & Learn will be held at JARI Center (160 Jari Drive, Johnstown, PA) from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM. The cost to register is $5 per person and lunch will be provided. Please click here to register by May 21st. No shows on the day of the event will be billed.

Government Contracting Series Topics Announced

The JARI PTAC invites you to attend the Government Contracting Series workshop sponsored and presented by Wessel & Company on Thursday, May 31, 2018. As a manufacturer, a service company, or a technology firm, you already have the right tools to produce a quality product, execute high level service, or deliver the latest and greatest technology. To be successful in federal government contracting, you also need to be equipped with the right tools to manage contract risk, stay compliant, and make a profit. Being duly informed of regulations, requirements, and best practices are all crucial for success.

The Government Contracting Series workshop will include updates on certified cost and pricing, proposed new rules from FAR Council and GSA and the new lease standard. Additionally, the session will include a presentation on Indirect Rates—Importance and Uses including discussion on different rates overhead, material, engineering and sg&a, uses for proposals as well as rolling rates forward for provisionals.

This educational program is intended for program managers, contract, procurement, or finance professionals who are involved with companies that have prime or subcontracts with the Federal Government (or companies who want to begin to get involved with government contracts).

Click here for flyer details. For more information and tickets go to www.showcaseforcommerce.com. Please contact us with any questions and for all your government contracting assistance needs at (814) 254-4022 or (814) 254-4023 or via email at .

2018 Showcase for Commerce

The 28th annual Showcase for Commerce will be held May 30 through June 1 in downtown Johnstown.

As always, there are great opportunities for developing relationships with decision makers at all levels over the 3-day event.

The 24th annual BAE Systems/Showcase for Commerce golf outing will be held on May 30 at Sunnehanna Country Club. If you are interested in registering for one of the few slots remaining, please contact Cindy Saylor at or 814.262.8369.

For a complete agenda of Showcase events, click here.

We look forward to seeing you at Showcase!