NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) – New Bethlehem, PA — The Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Redbank Valley School District, honored Junior Chamber Person Rachel Niccolai with the ‘Distinguished Junior Chamber Person Award’ during today’s chamber of commerce meeting.

RV Chamber Board of Directors along with RV School District Superintendent Dr. John Mastillo present Junior Chamber Member Rachel Niccolai with award.

Niccolai, a student at Redbank Valley High School, has served as the Junior Chamber Person (JCP) in the Redbank Valley community since 2018. In her role, Niccolai, a senior, actively participated in chamber meetings and community events. Although she could not vote or attend executive session, she said the experience changed her outlook on business marketing and social networking.

“I wanted to become a Junior Chamber Person to gain business experience by learning from those within our community. I currently have my own small business selling clothing and accessories, and I felt I could greatly contribute to meetings while learning more myself,” Niccolai said.

Junior-Chamber-Member-2018-2019 – Rachel Niccolai – New-Bethlehem-PA – Redbank-Valley

Niccolai participated in the Junior Chamber Person (JCP) Program which is an initiative modeled after the statewide Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs ‘Junior Council Person’ program which aims to get young people involved in their local communities. It allowed Niccolai to take an active role in the business process of the Redbank Valley community and brought a young, fresh perspective to the Chamber.

Chamber Past President and JCP Chairperson Gordon Barrows shared, “While the JCP does not have an official vote on Chamber, he or she does have a voice and an official seat at the table. It is a mutually beneficial relationship that actively engages chamber officials, the Redbank Valley School District and the youth. It also allows chamber directors to serve as mentors to students who will be future leaders in their communities.”

The Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce JCP Program provided Niccolai the opportunity to learn critical skills including team building and collaboration, public speaking, public engagement, budgeting, and running effective meetings. It also allowed Niccolai the opportunity to deliberate on issues that affected our community.

Niccolai was selected as the chamber’s JCP after an application and interview process with chamber officials.

Niccolai has served as the vice president of the Future Business Leaders of America club, the treasurer of yearbook as well as participated in volleyball and the gifted enrichment program.

After graduation, Niccolai plans on majoring in marketing at the University of Pittsburgh. Niccolai hopes to eventually work in marketing or operate her own company.

“I’m incredibly proud to see our Chamber working alongside the School District to build, retain and strengthen opportunities for motivated youth (like Ms. Niccolai) to actively engage in the New Bethlehem area and Redbank Valley community,” explained Barrows.

Niccolai was provided with the Distinguished Junior Chamber Member award, a letter of recommendation from the Chamber Board of Directors as well as recognition through several press releases in support of her future endeavors.

The Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking high school Juniors and Seniors in the Redbank Valley School District who are interested in applying for the JCP Program. Applications for the Junior Chamber Member position are due April 1st 2019.

For more information about the Chamber’s JCP Program, including guidelines, requirements and application, please visit: RedbankChamber.com/junior-chamber-person

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ABOUT JUNIOR PROGRAM:
The Junior Council Person (JCP) Program is a statewide initiative from the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB), which aims to get young people involved in their local communities. It allows for youth to take an active role in the governing process of their municipalities and brings a young, fresh perspective to communities across the state. The Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce modeled their Junior Chamber program from PSAB’s structure.

While a JCP does not have an official vote on the Board, he or she does have a voice and an official seat at the table. It is a mutually beneficial relationship for both the directors and the youth. It also allows board members to serve as mentors to students who will be future leaders in their communities.

The JCP Program will allow high school students the opportunity to learn critical skills including team building and collaboration, public speaking, event management, public engagement, budgeting, and running effective meetings. It also will allow the student the opportunity to deliberate on issues that are affecting his or her community.

The JCP Program guidelines include:

• Junior Council Persons should be a borough resident
• Junior Chamber Persons should be a resident of Redbank Valley School District
• The Borough/Chamber can have more than one JCP serving at a time.
• Juniors and Seniors in high school are encouraged to apply.
• Students should write a letter of interest to board of directors outlining why they want to be a JCP.
• An interview process with board members will occur.
• Once selected, the JCP should take the “Junior Person Pledge.”
• JCPs may be appointed to one-or two-year terms.
• Attendance is required at monthly meetings.
• A Junior Person shall not receive compensation.
• JCPs will be seated with the board of directors, participate in organization business, and observe all organizational rules.
• JCPs cannot vote or participate in executive session.
• Attendance at budget sessions, committee meetings, public hearings, and community events is encouraged.
• Junior Persons shall serve at the direction of the Board and may be removed at any time, for any reason, at the discretion of the directors.
• To earn the Distinguished JCP Award, the student should serve for a minimum of six months, having attended a majority of board meetings.