Rescheduled to 2/19: February 2025 Membership Meeting: Summer Work Travel (J1) Info Session

THIS MEETING HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FROM 2/12 TO 2/19 DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER!

Join the BFACC at Bethany Beach Ocean Suites on Wednesday, February 19th, for an info session and resource meeting for businesses who employ summer work travel students with J-1 Visas.  The meeting is open to all interested business representatives, not just Chamber Members!  We will begin with networking and breakfast from 8:30 - 9:00 AM, followed by the a presentation and discussion by stakeholders and business representatives who provide resources for J-1 students from 9:00 - 10:00 AM.

We will have stakeholders present from local law enforcement agencies and beach patrols to discuss safety resources and programming for students, representatives from WSFS Bank to review banking resources, Carrie Linch with the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the BridgeUSA program to review compliance, HR resources, and general J-1 Visa questions, and more!

There is a $10 registration fee for chamber member representatives to attend, and $15 registration fee for non-member business representatives.  Breakfast will be provided by Bethany Beach Ocean Suites!

Full Agenda

• 8:30 - 9:00AM Breakfast and Networking 
• 9:00AM Welcome, Stakeholder Introduction, Agenda Overview - BFACC
• 9:05 - 9:15AM Brief Overview of J1 Program and Employer vs. Sponsor Responsibilities - Carrie Linch, US State Department, BridgeUSA Program
• 9:15 - 9:45AM Overview of Existing Resources with Stakeholders
  • Seasonal Workforce Resource Webpage - BFACC
  • Banking Overview - Chris Palmer, WSFS
  • Social Security Process - BFACC with materials from SSA
  • Safety Resources & Orientation - Multiple Representatives, Local First Responders & Beach Patrols
  • DART "Get a Job/Get a Ride" Program - Kathleen Grier, Delaware Commute Solutions
  • ABC Bike Program - Mike Shriver, ABC Bike Ministry
  • Housing Resources - Meredith Chadwick, Jack Hickman Real Estate

• 9:45 - 10:00AM Q&A