Pictured (left to right): Tamra Williams, Director of Health and Human Services, Mont- gomery County; Leanne Engle, Executive Director, UPVCC/PerkUp; Cory Burkhart, Gillespie Electric, Inc.; David Burkhart, Gillespie Electric, Inc. Mark Devey, Perkiomen School; Commissioner Joseph Gale; Maria Friendshuh, QNB Bank; David Zellers, Director of Commerce, Montgomery County; Frank Falk, Falk Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc.; Peter Campagna, Falk Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc.

          The Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce held its Legislative Luncheon on Jan. 12 at the Green Lane Fire Company. This event is the first in a series of three Legislative Affairs meetings scheduled throughout 2023 and featured Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph Gale, Director of Commerce David Zellers and Director of Health and Human Services for the County Tamra Williams.

            Gale discussed county updates that included the appointment of Dr. Valerie Arkoosh to Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the county's open space preservation, the drop in the area's unemployment rate and the need for skilled trades workers in today's workforce.

            Zellers spoke next about the revolving loan program, job placement efforts and the work his department does with local municipalities on ways to encourage area business growth.

            Williams then addressed attendees on her role as well as the services her department provides in order to help people live healthy, safe and connected lives.

            Legislative Affairs Series sponsors are Gillespie Electric, Inc. and PPL Electric Utilities, and January spotlight sponsors are Falk Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., Perkiomen School and QNB Bank. The luncheon wascatered by The Palm Tavern, LLC.