The 39th Annual Greater Meadville Area Day was a success with the threatened rain staying away allowing the golfers to complete eighteen holes of their favorite sport. After dinner, the attendees enjoyed an interesting speaker talking about the many and varied accomplishments of NASA and how our lives have been influenced with the by-products of our national space program. The GMAD Committee chaired by Dick Burkhardt took care of all of the details to have a successful event again. The highlight of the evening was announcing Clark J. Hoffman as the Winslow Award recipient for 2007.
Clark was surprised with the award along with being a very deserving recipient. He has been a tireless worker in our community, striving to improve the economic development and social growth of this corner of the world. The Economic Progress Alliance is proud to have Clark as a Board member, officer and thoughtful contributor to the efforts of the Alliance to support the gestation and growth of area business endeavors. From technology to reading to medical matters to the airport, Clark has made an impression on all of our lives and been involved in the economic health and development of our area. His list of accomplishments and other varied community involvement has made our town a better place to live and raise our families.
Again congratulations to Clark Hoffman, the recipient of the 2007 Winslow Award!
Until next time..
Mark Turner
The 39th Annual Greater Meadville Area Day (GMAD) came to a successful conclusion Thursday, August 16th, with the announcement of Clark J. Hoffman as the 2007 Winslow Award winner. Clark is a well-known figure in the community who thoroughly enjoys everyone he comes in contact with. His many years of volunteer service with more than twenty community organizations has touched the lives of county residents in so many ways leading to improved opportunities and life styles.
He has been instrumental in raising thousands of dollars for area non-profit organizations to assist them in fulfilling their philanthropic missions. His participation in economic development agencies has helped assist many area companies with their projects and growth which in turn affects the employment opportunities in the county. It is hoped that, in some small way, the Winslow Award expresses our thanks and appreciation for everything Clark has done for our community.
Prior to the Winslow Award announcement, guest speaker Walter Kim, retired NASA engineer and manager of their small business programs, addressed "Why on Earth do we spend tax dollars in space?" His extremely interesting and informative presentation showed how we all benefit from NASA research and development - at a cost of only 15 cents per day! A General Accounting Office study found that for every $1 NASA spends and additional $7 is generated in spending in the economy.
Practically every aspect of our lives is affected in some way by the technologies developed for the space exploration programs - laser surgery technology, electrocardiograms, fire fighters equipment universal bar codes and solar cells to mention only a few. Every time you use your cell phone, the mapping abilities on the internet, and the OnStar in your car, you can thank NASA. Needless to say, every airplane you see or fly in has been affected by NASA technologies, as well as the security systems you have to pass through before boarding. NASA technology is everywhere!
Thank you to all the sponsors and participants who helped make the 2007 GMAD such a great success. And a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to Clark Hoffman, our Winslow Award recipient, for everything he has done and continues to do for the residents of Crawford County.
Similarities, Differences between Rural and Urban Populations
One of the findings from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania's 2007 Rural Pennsylvania Population Survey is the demographic similarities continuing to exist among the Commonwealth's rural and urban populations from year to year. Another is the financial differences between continuing between rural and urban households.
In terms of age, gender and the number of households with children, the average rural and urban households are strikingly similar. These households are quite different financially, however, as considerable gaps exist in the annual household income and unemployment rates. There is also an educational gap between rural and urban adults as 21% of rural adults have a bachelors degree or higher compared to 35% of urban adults.
Some other findings of the survey:
- the average rural and urban Pennsylvanian is 41 years old
- both areas have nearly the same percentage of females.
- both areas have nearly the same percentage of the population enrolled in school
- median rural household income is $45,000; median urban household income is $55,000
- 51% of rural poverty households receive food stamps compared to 44% of urban poverty households
- 85% rural householders own their own home compared to 80% urban householders
- median monthly rent for rural renters is $400 compared to $600 for urban renters
The Taxpayers Action Network will host a question and answer session with Crawford Central School Board candidates at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at the Meadville City Council Camber meeting room. There will be seven candidates on the ballot in the November election, three of which have cross-filed.
A committee is gathering questions from concerned citizens to be used during the forum. These questions will be screened only to ensure that they are appropriate to topics for which school boards are responsible. The Meadville-Western Crawford County Chamber of Commerce's Political Advisory Team will present questions to the candidates.
Suggested questions should be submitted to the Chamber office by August 22nd to be forwarded to the questioning committee. For further information, contact the Chamber at 814-333-8030.
Mark your calendars! The 11th Annual Taste of Meadville will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, 2007 around the Meadville Market House on Market Street. Over 30 restaurants will be participating in this year's event.
The theme for the event is "Show Your Patriotic Spirit" focusing in the World War II era. Everyone is encouraged to dress in red, white and blue to show their patriotism.
Cost for the Taste of Meadville is $25 per person. Tickets will go on sale beginning August 27th. They may be purchased at the Market House cashier, the Chamber of Commerce on Chestnut Street or George's Jewelry in the Park Avenue Plaza.
The General Mills Foundation is offering its Hometown Helper grants to individuals and organizations to help them improve their community projects. Examples of possible community projects include: lights or bleachers for sports fields; books for schools, libraries or literacy programs; playground equipment for parks; Boys or Girls clubs programs; Little League teams uniforms; swimming and lifeguard training; equipment or supplies for food banks; and YMCA/YWCA tutoring or job training initiatives.
All requests for funding must be sponsored by a municipal or civic organization, or public school. Applicants must have a 501 (c) (4) or public school status. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2007. Visit My Hometown Helper for further information.
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Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County
764 Bessemer Street, Suite 101
Meadville PA 16335
814-333-2299
12/21/2007