The final quarter of 2007 is shaping up to be very busy. Listed below are but a few of the priority projects targeted for substantial completion by the Economic Progress Alliance this year.
Keystone Regional Industrial Park
- Rebuilding of sewage treatment facility recently destroyed by fire
- Finalizing sewage treatment rate case with PA. Public Utility Commission
- Completing formal wetland delineation with the Army Corp. of Engineers and the PA. Department of Environmental Protection
- Design and construction of park water system
- Master land use planning
- Prospect management
Crawford County Industrial Park
- Rehabilitation and updating of space occupied by Generant, local manufacturer employing about 40 people
- Preparation of warehousing space for occupancy by Universal Well Services
- Negotiations to renew numerous leases
- Planning to maximize existing parking
Crawford Woodlands
- Finalization of land sale to Moon Tool
- Active negotiations with prospective land purchasers
Bessemer Commerce Park Complex
-
Marketing of 7,500 s.f. of first class office facility
West Mead Industrial Park
- Completion of major land sale to Mr. Blair Learn
If the first three quarters of the year are any indication, the final wrap-up for 2007 should result in another very good year for the Economic Progress Alliance and the economy of the area.
Until next time..
Mark Turner
The Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative Association on Thursday, October 11, 2007 presented Channellock, Inc. with a check for $740,000 from the USDA Rural Development, Rural Economic Development loan and grant (REDLG) program to assist the company with an expansion project that will allow significant energy savings and help keep them competitive with foreign markets.
The project includes purchase and installation of a state-of-the-art continuous annealing furnace, two induction heaters, two feedall systems, a cooling system, and upgrades to the electrical supply to handle new equipment requirements. The project will improve operations and increase productivity as well as help realize energy cost savings and provide a better and safer workplace.
In addition to the no-interest REDLG loan, the total project of $3.2 million also entails a $1.1 million MELF loan, a $250,000 Enterprise Zone loan through the Meadville Redevelopment Authority, a $150,000 Economic Progress Alliance Intermediary Relending Program loan as well as private equity. Robert Schoenfeldt, USDA Rural Development Area Director, stating that this loan is the first completed in the state of Pennsylvania in the last eight years and the first ever for Crawford County, acknowledged all these groups who worked together to complete this layered package. Mr. Schoenfeldt also thanked the Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative for acting as the re-lending intermediary for the REDLG loan, playing a big part in the successful completion of the project.
Michael Tirpak of the NW REC, feels this project shows "what can be accomplished with public/private relationships working together to move forward in Crawford County" and looks forward to continuing working with other local businesses and USDA Rural Development to finance projects that promote economic development and job creation.
The NW REC is required to re-lend zero-interest loans to third-party recipients for the purpose of financing job creation projects and sustainable economic development within rural areas. If you are interested in further information on the program, contact the NW REC at 800-472-7910, or contact Krista Ikirt at the Economic Progress Alliance, 333-2299 x 223.
Pennsylvania is the "mushroom capital of the world" producing nearly 60% of the total mushroom sales in the nation. Chester County is home to 65 of the state's 76 mushroom growers and alone accounts for more than 40% of mushrooms in the nation.
With fall in the air, finally, fresh apples abound. Pennsylvania ranks 4th nationally in apple production with 510 million pounds each year.
PA Dept. of Agriculture
All women in business are invited to attend a free roundtable discussion on effective networking at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at the Meadville YWCA, 378 Chestnut Street.
Margaret Horne, Consultant for the Gannon University Small Business Development Center in Mercer County, will lead a discussion on what networking is, proven techniques for making effective business connections, and making the most of these networking opportunities for your business endeavor or career choice.
The roundtable is presented by the Meadville YWCA, the Meadville-Western Crawford Couny Chamber of Commerce and S.C.O.R.E. Please call 337-4279 to register.
A learning difference awareness event to piece together the puzzle of learning differences and disabilities will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 22nd, at The Movies, 11185 Perry Highway, Meadville. Sponsors for the event are the Crawford County READ Program, National City and the Northwest Professional Development Center.
The target audience for the evening includes business owners, supervisors and human resources managers; parents of children having learning difficulties; and all teachers and anyone working with the public. The focus will be on working with children and adults having learning differences and viewing the film by Richard D. Lavoie "How Difficult Can This Be? The FAT City Workshop" (Frustration, Anxiety and Tension). Dr. Richard Cooper, national speaker on learning differences, will be on hand to answer questions.
Attendees are invited to come early for refreshments and simulation activities - and to come in costume for fun and prizes!
There is no charge for the event but registration is requested. To register for Act 48 credit, call 814-878-2010. Call 814-337-7323 for general registration.
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Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County
764 Bessemer Street, Suite 101
Meadville PA 16335
814-333-2299
12/21/2007