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The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of ‘Valley Business Works’, a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to expand opportunities for entrepreneurship, economic development, workforce initiatives, leadership development, and educational programming throughout the Mon Valley region.

While Valley Business Works (VBW) represents an exciting new chapter, it is built upon the strong foundation of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, which has spent more than a century serving as a champion for businesses, communities, and economic growth throughout the region.

The mission of Valley Business Works is simple yet powerful:

Valley Business Works strengthens the future of the Mon Valley by connecting students, businesses, and communities through leadership development, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and educational opportunities that expand economic opportunity for all.

VBW paves a way to build upon the work the Chamber is already doing while creating new opportunities to secure funding, develop innovative programs, and invest in the next generation of leaders.

"Our goal is to create meaningful pathways that help young people discover opportunities, develop leadership skills, and build stronger connections to the businesses and communities that call the Mon Valley home,” stated Kristie Abercrombie, Vice Chair of Valley Business Works.

As communities across the region face workforce challenges and population decline, Valley Business Works is focused on creating opportunities that encourage the next generation to learn, lead, work, and build their futures in the Mon Valley. 

The new foundation is guided by an experienced and passionate board of directors whose collective expertise spans business, government relations, education, finance, nonprofit leadership, and workforce development:

• Leanna Spada – Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Kristie Abercrombie – 412 Food Rescue
• Bill Hecklick – Speer Street Financial and Tomorrowland Tax
• Debra Keefer – Former Executive Director of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber, Administrator for MVRCC Plaza and Charleroi Park Trustees
• Robbie Matesic – McNees Government Relations
• Dr. Steve Whitehead – 5th Hammer Innovations and Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg

Together, these leaders bring decades of experience, community commitment, and a shared vision for advancing the Mon Valley's economic future.

Investing in the Next Generation

For its inaugural year, Valley Business Works will focus its efforts on youth leadership and development through the creation of the Mon Valley Youth Leadership Academy. The pilot program will provide the Mon Valley Youth with hands-on experiences in:

• Entrepreneurship
• Leadership development
• Civic engagement
• Public speaking
• Financial literacy
• Community service and volunteerism

Students will learn the foundational skills needed to become future entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders. Organizers envision the academy becoming a signature regional program that helps cultivate future business, civic, and community leaders.

Building on a Strong Foundation

For decades, the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce has served as a central connector for businesses across the region by providing advocacy, networking opportunities, leadership development, workforce partnerships, educational programming, and strategic visibility for its members.

In today's economic climate, where businesses face workforce shortages, rising costs, and rapid change, Chamber membership offers more than networking opportunities. It provides collaboration, credibility, access to resources, and a unified voice for the business community. Equally important is the Chamber's commitment to strengthening the broader community. Through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and local governments, the Chamber helps create an environment where businesses can grow and residents can thrive.

Together, the Mon Valley Regional Chamber and Valley Business Works create a powerful ecosystem, one that supports existing businesses while investing in future entrepreneurs, workforce talent, and community leaders.

Valley Business Works was established to expand opportunities for collaboration, provide access to new funding sources, and strengthen the economic foundation of the communities served by the Chamber. Simply put, it is not just about doing business in the Mon Valley. It is about building the Mon Valley. For more information about Valley Business Works or the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, upcoming programs, events, or membership opportunities, visit www.mvrchamber.org or call 724-483-3507.

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