Chester County Economic Development Council Names New Leader

EXTON, PA – The Chester County Economic Development Council Wednesday announced Jordan Peek was named project manager of AgConnect, a public-private partnership connecting farmers and agribusinesses to training and financing in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Peek has more than a decade of experience in food management and workforce development at Aramark and Compass Group, two of the nation’s leading food service companies.

“Jordan’s extensive background in food purchasing and end-user execution will be valuable in helping to overcome the challenges of bringing locally produced goods into wholesale purchasing,” said Mike Grigalonis, president and chief operating officer of the council, a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County.

Peek is responsible for inspiring employers to include agriculture in their hiring efforts by increasing awareness of the array of career paths in agriculture.

She will also lead AgConnect’s partnership with PA CareerLink offices across several counties while supporting agricultural workers and youth career development.

Peek will also manage Next Generation Farmer Loans, which connect first-time farmers to low-interest loan opportunities.

Here are fast facts provided by the Council of the farming industry in Chester County:

• Chesco's farmland generates more than $600 million in revenue annually.
• Chesco has 1,730 farms, most of which are family-owned businesses.
• Chesco’s agriculture industry contributes over $3 billion to the local economy through sales, employment, taxes, and services.
• Chesco produces more than half of all mushrooms consumed in the U.S.