The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) has announced that Jordan Peek has been named the new AgConnect project manager. AgConnect specializes in connecting farmers and agribusinesses with the resources, training and financing needed to grow their business in southeastern Pennsylvania.

With 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, Peek brings a combination of skills to AgConnect and the businesses it serves at a critical time.

Peek will collaborate with former AgConnect project director Jodi Gauker, who is overseeing CCEDC's implementation of Chester County's recently announced Agricultural Economic Strategic Plan.

One of Peek's major goals for AgConnect is to inspire workforce professionals to include agriculture in their hiring efforts by increasing awareness among hiring entities and workforce professionals of the array of career paths that fall under the "ag" umbrella. She will lead AgConnect's partnership with PA CareerLink offices across several counties while supporting agricultural workers and youth career development experiences across industries, including manufacturing. Peek is also managing Next Generation Farmer Loans, which connect first-time farmers to low-interest loan opportunities.

According to the CCEDC, farmland generates more than $600 million in revenue annually in Chester County alone. More than 1,700 farms operate in Chester County, most of which are family-owned businesses. The county's agriculture industry contributes more than $3 billion to the local economy through sales, employment, taxes and services. Chester County produces more than half of all mushrooms consumed in the U.S.

For more information abou the Chester County Economic Development Council, visit http://www.ccedcpa.com.