The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. sent representatives to the PA Workforce Development Association Annual Conference in May 2019. The PA Workforce Development Association and the PA Department of Labor & Industry jointly presented the 2019 Governor’s Achievement Award to local employer, Ford Business Machines, Inc., at the Employment, Training and Education Conference in Hershey, PA in May. This award recognizes Pennsylvania employers that are exemplary supporters of the workforce, the community, the economic development within the commonwealth and have also created jobs and partnered to hire skilled workers through Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. Ford Business Machines, Inc. was nominated by Fayette CareerLink® Account Representative LeAnn Bergman.
Ford Business Machines, Inc. is Western Pennsylvania’s largest independent full-line authorized dealer of Canon, Konica Minolta and Lanier products for commercial copier, printer and multi-function product technology. They offer an array of business solutions such as data management, IT services and managed print services that assist companies to decrease cost and increase efficiency. Founded in 1991 by John Garlow, a United States Navy Veteran, Ford Business Machines is a family owned and operated business. The Corporate office is located in Connellsville, PA and has grown considerably over the last 27 years. They have expanded their Pennsylvania locations to include Allegheny and Mercer Counties.
Ford Business Machines provides training for new hires and utilizes the On-the-Job Training Program and provides great opportunities for advancement within the company. Ford Business Machines offers a competitive living wage, medical, dental, and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, company paid life insurance, additional employee paid life insurance, AFLAC, yearly profit sharing plan and matching 401K.
As a presence in the community, Ford Business Machines partners with local schools to provide students with internships, job shadowing, and tours of their Network Operations Center and Scanning Division. They are a participant in the Challenge Program, a local nonprofit organization that works to build sustainable Business/Education partnerships while introducing students to careers in their communities, and speak at assemblies at local high schools. The organization also presents in classrooms at Penn State Fayette and Laurel Business Institute. Ford Business Machines participates in job fairs at local college campuses, trade schools, and vocational/technical schools to discuss careers in business and technology.
Supporting workforce, community and economic development in Fayette County, Ford Business Machines serves on various Board of Directors and is a member of multiple Schools and Organizations. They participate in enhancing STEM in organizations with 3D printing and technology at Penn State Fayette, Chestnut Ridge Counseling Center for their STEM room, Aliquippa and Trinity School Districts and Center for Victims. Ford Business Machines is active in the Fay-Penn Leadership Academy, Junior Achievement and Big Brothers Big Sisters. They also have participated in International Literacy Day by donating books to the Albert Gallatin School District and gave presents to children on Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night. The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. is proud to work with Ford Business Machines and have them as an active partner with the PA CareerLinks® within the region.
