Economic Insider — February 26, 2010

Director's Focus
Abbatron LLC … Growing!

I’m delighted to announce the expansion of Abbatron, LLC, a recent occupant of the Crawford Business Park.

Abbatron CEO, Robert Sok, and President, Harold “Skip” Simmons, have recently completed the acquisition of G & H Industries located in Centreville, MI, a designer and manufacturer of high performance audio connectors.

As you may know, Abbatron’s HH Smith Division has a long history in the audio industry and produces components for a variety of industries worldwide. G & H Industries is known to provide high quality connectors to performance dependant musicians, producers, and studios throughout the world. According to Bob Sok… “By combining the strength of our two great companies we can offer even better service to musicians and to the recording industry throughout the world.”

G & H founders Bob Ganger and Paul Haas will remain active in the business following the acquisition. Abbatron plans to combine operations at their newly renovated 26,000 square foot facility at the Crawford Business Park. Skip Simmons indicates that the move should create 8 to 10 jobs in the near future.

While we at the Economic Progress Alliance have always appreciated the investment and commitment made by Abbatron and its cumulative economic impact on the community, our formal partnership began as they renovated and occupied new manufacturing and office facilities at the Crawford Business Park about a year ago. Since that time, after very effectively managing the logistical challenges associated with relocating a manufacturing operation while continuing to serve customers, they continue their commitment to innovate and to Crawford County. Abbatron LLC serves as a very good example, among many others, of good growth occurring in challenging times.

Congratulations to Abbatron LLC … very good for Crawford County!

Until next time…

Mark Turner

Entrepreneurs in Training

In 2007, Prepared 4 Life, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, based in Houston, Texas, organized their first “Lemonade Day." Lemonade Day is now a nationwide event aimed at teaching entrepreneurial skills to the next generation. Through the program, children are taught to set goals, develop a business plan, establish a budget, seek investors, provide customer service, and give back to the community.

This year, Lemonade Day will be held on May 2, 2010, and anyone can register to become involved in this event, including communities, schools, and businesses. Adult supervision, sponsors, and investors are needed to assist the young entrepreneurs with the project. Lemonade Day is a great time to teach the youth of today skills that will be necessary for tomorrow through an enjoyable activity.

Prepared 4 Life was founded in 2005 by Michael and Lisa Holthouse to help prepare youth for life by teaching them life skills through character education, fun and experiential programs. The prime objective of the foundation is to assist today’s youth in becoming the business leaders and forward thinkers of tomorrow.

For more information on the Lemonade Day program, visit www.lemonadeday.org

Lean Champion Certification Program

The NW IRC has announced that a Lean Champion Certification Program will be taught at Clarion University, Venango Campus, in Oil City beginning on March 19, 2010, and running through May 14, 2010. The classes will be held weekly on Fridays only, and certification will be awarded upon successful completion of the program. The cost for the program is $1,995 per attendee.

The technical definition of Lean Manufacturing is: “A systematic approach to identifying and eliminating waste (non-value added activities) through continuous improvement by flowing the product at the pull of the customer in pursuit of perfection.” A certified Lean Champion can assist the company in the elimination of waste in business processes and work to provide a clear focus of the objectives that need to be accomplished in order to improve profitability and competitiveness. For more information on the seven week program, contact Jean Miller at the NW IRC, either by telephone at (814) 456-6299 or via email at jmiller@nwirc.org.

Gearing UP

Established in 1997, the Commonwealth’s Business Retention and Expansion Program (BREP), a Tom Ridge administration initiative, was forged in an effort to build better working relationships between various public, private, state and local economic development organizations, and the business sector. The goal of the program is to evaluate a company’s need and connect them with the right tools to assist them with financing, job training, business expansion, and government contracting, just to name a few of the numerous resources available. Since the program’s initiation, Business Liaisons have made over 73,400 visits to Pennsylvania Companies.

The Economic Progress Alliance is gearing up to begin company site visits in Crawford County for the current fiscal year. Our organization is dedicated to helping businesses stay, grow, and thrive in our community. If your company would like to schedule a visit with a Business Liaison, please contact Deana Burge at (814) 333-2299x225, or via email at dburge@economicprogressalliance.com.