Mr. Larry Morgan Appointed Director of Business Retention and Expansion
As referenced on many occasions in this space, our effort to reach out to local employers on a regular basis continues as a critical component in our economic development efforts. Over the course of the last few years, we at the Economic Progress Alliance have teamed-up with our counterparts throughout Crawford County who are committed to the retention and expansion of local businesses. Together, with the Alliance carrying a big share of the load, we try to meet with upwards of 250 companies each year to make them aware of available resources and to learn first hand of the issues and needs of local employers.
To continue our commitment in this important area, I am most pleased to announce that Mr. Larry Morgan has been appointed to serve as the Alliance’s Director of Business Retention and Expansion. Larry will begin his duties with the Alliance on June 9th. after having spent the last three years serving as a business consultant for Gannon University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Meadville.
Larry brings a wealth of business development experience to the Alliance. He received a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Youngstown State University and a Master of Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. Larry owned and operated his own businesses for twenty years before accepting a position with the SBDC.
The staff and Board of the Alliance look forward to working with Larry and enthusiastically welcome him to our team.
Until next time...
News and Developments . . .
Al's Melons Farm Market and Greenhouse today received the Gannon University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 2008 Small Business Award in the agribusiness category. The annual award honors the Northwest Pennsylvania entrepreneur whose achievements have made a vital contribution to the economic growth, prosperity and quality of life in our region. Award categories include new start-up, manufacturing, retail, professional business services, community/personal/residential services, agribusiness, technology, minority-owned, export and environmental. Nominees are judged on merit, staying power, innovativeness of product/product mix or service, and response to adversity.
Al's Melons is owned by John O'Grady who purchased the business from his step-father in 2001. They specialize in selling produce, fruits and nursery materials generally to the retail public but are also developing special large-volume customers. They grow much of their own fruits, vegetables and nursery products for sale during the summer months while purchasing some inventory from other regional growers. Other inventory is purchased from growers in the south in early spring and late fall. The business' revenues, profits and number of employees have increased for each of the past three years.
Started in 1985 by Al Cancilla with one location, the business has grown to include a greenhouse in Cochranton and stores in Meadville, Conneaut Lake and Linesville. Most recently, Mr. O'Grady purchased property in Conneaut Lake in the fall of 2007 which will enable him to consolidate and enhance his current operations. Plans for this property are to build a new retail outlet and a state-of-the-art 18,000 sq. ft. greenhouse, eventually closing the one in Cochranton which is not conveniently located to the other operations. This new location will also provide the opportunity for Al's Melons to become a tourist destination by enabling them to hold festivals at the site.
While Mr. O'Grady has been successful at growing his business, he has also been very involved in his community. He has been an active volunteer firefighter for the past twelve years and has been instrumental in providing fire safety education for grade school children. He has also donated his greenhouse facility for numerous Master Gardener meetings and tutorials, and will be holding a meeting and hand-on workshop for the Northwest Beekeepers Association and the public later this month.
In the midst of a poor economic picture, the Western New York Pennsylvania Railroad (WNYP) continues to grow to meet customers demands. Service to their customers in Crawford County has been expanded to six days a week, seven if needed, and their trains are running more frequently, often with added cars. Their business volume in Crawford County increased more than 20% in 2007.
The railroad has also added new employees to meet this growing demand as well as to rehabilitate their lines. Work has begun on improvements at all their New York and Pennsylvania locations. When done, a total of 31,000 crossties will have been laid down, more than half in Pennsylvania. Of the 19,500 ties to be put down in Pennsylvania, 4,500 will be in the Meadville yard. To date in Crawford County, work involving rehabilitating the track and rebuilding switches has been completed on two lines and has started on a third, long-line track. Work will continue in Meadville through the entire work season.
In spite of a thunder storm and downpour, the Career Exploration Event held Thursday, June 5th, at the Douglass Conference Center on Bessemer Street got underway to a successful outcome complete with lunch, musical entertainment and a great opportunity for job seekers to speak with area employers. Attendees had the afternoon to discuss with representatives from numerous businesses their current job openings and requirements, possible training opportunities, opportunities to begin a new career and the chance to leave their resumes with prospective employers.
About 50 vendors were on hand to present their company and employment opportunities to interested persons, covering a wide range of positions from technology, banking and financial, medical, social services, numerous manufacturing areas, utilities, retail, office administration and civil service. On the job training, higher education and technical training sources were also present to explore their opportunities available to those interested in upgrading their skills or pursuing a new path. A local office equipment business was even on hand to print out extra resume copies for those who ran low.
Vendors and attendees alike felt it was a good day and a great opportunity for everyone to explore employment positions in a relaxed environment. The annual event was sponsored by Pennsylvania Career Link of Crawford County and the Precision Manufacturing Institute. Lunch was sponsored by Transport-Tech with owner Regis Schulz at the grill.
The PA Department of Community and Economic Development is recruiting Pennsylvania suppliers of innovative information and electronics technologies to participate in the largest IT/electronics show in Asia, CREATEC 2008, September 30 - October 4 in Tokyo, Japan. Organizers expect more than 200,000 visitors to this year's show.
Companies that should consider attending are those producing innovative products in semiconductors, micro-electromechanical systems, electronic display devices, electronic components, passive components, LCD, LED, OLED, audio equipment, RFID technology, information technology software and hardware, mobile phones and related technology and robotics.
DCED is limiting trade participation to eight companies. The participation fee is $1,000. Participants are responsible for their travel and lodging costs. Participating companies will receive pre-show market research and promotion, a customized itinerary of meetings with prospective buyers and representatives, and a full turn-key booth package with graphics and marketing support.
Application deadline for participation is July 1, 2008. Opportunities for financial assistance from DCED to offset the cost of this mission may be available to qualifying companies. For further information, contact Janet Kolokithas at DCED's Center for Trade Development, 717-346-0178.
The Meadville Area Community Day at the Erie Seawolves will take place Sunday, June 15th at Jerry Uht Park. Gates will open at 12:05 p.m. for a 1:05 p.m. game start.
Ticket vouchers are available at all Community Day sponsors - COOL 101.7 FM, Meadville Medical Center, PPG Industries, Northwest Savings Bank, Northwestern REC, Svetz Consulting Services, Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community, The Movies at Meadville and Armstrong - as well as at the Chamber of Commerce office.
Ticket Exchange Day to trade your vouchers for tickets will be from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, June 11th at the Downtown Mall in Meadville.
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Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County
764 Bessemer Street, Suite 101
Meadville PA 16335
814-333-2299
06/17/2008