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March 14, 2025 - Gardners, PA

Strengthening Our Workforce: Shapiro Administration Visits Rice Fruit Company to Highlight the Governor's Proposed Investment in Pennsylvania's Agricultural Workforce

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger and local leaders visited the Rice Fruit Company in Gardners, Adams County, to highlight the Shapiro Administration's commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers. Building on that commitment, Governor Josh Shapiro's 2025-2026 proposed budget invests $12.5 million in the WEDnetPA program.

Created by DCED more than 25 years ago and made available through the Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania, WEDnetPA provides funds to qualified employers to train new and existing employees. The training must be skill-building for an employee's current job or for an advancement or promotion.

Governor Shapiro's proposed investment in the program creates a dedicated funding source for WEDnetPA and increases the program's funding to ensure more Pennsylvania businesses have access to the tools they need to train their employees. Demand for the WEDnetPA program is at least double what the current $8 million in in funding can provide. While nearly 500 businesses will receive WEDnetPA assistance this year, there are an additional 250 submitted applications requesting funds - demonstrating the need for additional money to support Pennsylvania companies that prioritize upskilling their workforce.

Speakers in Order:
Rick Siger - Secretary of the Dept. of the PA Community and Economic Development (DCED)
Representative Torren Ecker
Shannon Munro - Executive Program Officer of WEDnetPA
Ben Rice - President, Rice Fruit Company



Gardners, PA. Secretary Siger along with other event attendees, participate in a tour of Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_01.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_02.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_03.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_04.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Secretary Siger along with other event attendees, participate in a tour of Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_05.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Robot arms being used to load boxes of apples onto pallets at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_06.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Secretary Siger along with other event attendees, participate in a tour of Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_07.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. An employee monitors the robot arms being used at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_08.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Robot arms being used to load boxes of apples onto pallets at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_09.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Robot arms being used to load boxes of apples onto pallets at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_10.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_11.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Secretary Siger along with other event attendees, participate in a tour of Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_12.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Rick Siger, Secretary of the Dept. of the PA Community and Economic Development (DCED), speaks during Fridays event. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_13.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Rick Siger, Secretary of the Dept. of the PA Community and Economic Development (DCED), speaks during Fridays event. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_14.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Representative Torren Ecker looks on as Secretary Siger speaks during Fridays event. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_15.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Rick Siger, Secretary of the Dept. of the PA Community and Economic Development (DCED), speaks during Fridays event. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_16.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Shannon Munro and Ben Rice, look on as Secretary Siger speaks during Fridays event. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_17.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Ben Rice, President, Rice Fruit Company, speaks during Fridays event. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_18.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Ben Rice, President, Rice Fruit Company, speaks during Fridays event. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_19.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_20.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_21.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Shannon Munro, Executive Program Officer of WEDnetPA, speaks during Fridays event. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_22.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Shannon Munro, Executive Program Officer of WEDnetPA, speaks during Fridays event. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_23.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Representative Torren Ecker speaks during Fridays event. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_24.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Representative Torren Ecker speaks during Fridays event. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_25.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_26.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Inside photos at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_27.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. An employee monitors production at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_28.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Inside photos at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_29.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Inside photos at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_30.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Inside photos at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_31.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Inside photos at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_32.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Inside photos at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_33.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Inside photos at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_34.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Inside photos at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_35.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Inside photos at Rice Fruit Company. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_36.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins local leaders at Rice Fruit Company in Gardners to highlight the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's workers by increasing skills training. The WEDnetPA program was created by DCED more than 25 years ago, the program provides funds to qualified employers like Rice Fruit Company to train new and existing employees. March 14, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27395_DCED_WEDnet_AG_37.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>