Economic Insider — May 22, 2009

Director's Focus
Updates and Observations

In recent editions of this column I have generally focused on a single initiative or issue of importance to our mission. This week I’ll give you a quick update on some of our important projects underway and, with your indulgence, begin to regularly share relevant observations I’ve made working in economic development in five communities in three different states over 32 years. While each of these communities and experiences have been different, a number of common themes are apparent.

First, a few updates:

Crawford Business Park

  • Work to install air conditioning and heat to 70,000 square feet of space for Acutec continues on schedule and is due to be completed by mid-June. Watching three 8’x 8’x 40’ HVAC units hoisted and installed on top of a four story building to serve this project was fascinating (if you like that kind of stuff).
  • Beginning in the middle of June, a new east entrance will be constructed. Subject to public bid, Kapanick Construction was the low bidder and awarded the contract for this project.
  • Preparation, planning and design are nearing completion for the reconstruction of Broadway and expansion of parking. This major improvement project will be let in the middle of June and should begin soon thereafter.

Keystone Opportunity Zones – I am pleased to report that we have secured the required authorization to extend the benefits of Keystone Opportunity Zones from all effected taxing authorities. We are now preparing final documentation for submission for approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development by the end of June.

Linesville Business Park – As referenced a couple of weeks back, we have substantially reached agreement with the owner, Cardinal Home Products, and DEP which should allow us to take title of this property soon. Consistent with our mission, our intention is to lease it to job generating businesses.

This week’s observation:

Many in communities lack appreciation for the influence of passivity. Taxing authorities, regulators, media, educational and healthcare institutions, citizens, etc. all influence economic development in communities everyday, for good or bad. For these parties, participation is not optional. Their collective action, or more times than not, their inaction, forms the basis for highly influential policy for the community. Effective economic and community development is everyone’s responsibility.

Until next time…

Mark Turner

DEP Compost Infrasturcture Grants Recipients Announced

Grants totaling nearly $400,000 have been awarded to businesses, colleges and farms in six Pennsylvania counties to reduce organic waste and better use the generated organic products. One of these six recipients is from Crawford County.

Allegheny College was awarded $79,545 to purchase a shredder mill, screening plant, conveyor, skid-steer loader and leaf collection system. The new equipment will enable the college to increase the amount of waste processed as well as improve the quality of the finished compost.

The college turns kitchen and food waste feedstock mixed with yard waste into compost, topsoil and fertilizing compost tea which is then used as part of their landscaping on the 77-acre campus, the president's house grounds, and the athletic fields and recreational areas at the 203-acre recreational complex. Currently, they produce about 180 yards of unscreened compost, 40-80 yards of screened compost and 1,300 cubic yards of leaves per season. They also use approximately 180 yards of wood chips annually from local tree trimmers as well as hay from local farmers that has rotted and cannot be used.

Allegheny was the first college in Pennsylvania to establish an in-vessel composting operation for food waste feedstock. They started this operation in 2000 when Crawford County received a DEP grant to purchase a composter and asked the college to serve as the home site for this equipment. The county purchased additional equipment the next year for the project while Allegheny hired a part-time compost operator who soon became full-time as the composting system grew. Crawford County subsequently entered into a cooperation and lease agreement with the college for the life of the equipment.

Funding Assistance for County Businesses

Five Crawford County businesses were recently the recipients of assistance through funding initiatives from the Commonwealth.

Ronald and Janet Troyer of Centerville recently closed on a First Industries Fund/ Agriculture low interest loan in the amount of $199,856 to construct a new dairy barn. The new facility will allow an expansion from the current 110 adult dairy cows to 175. The Troyers bought cattle in 1991 to start a dairy operation and purchased their present farm in 2000. Ron has worked in farming since graduating from high school and has been self-employed since 1991.

Four local companies - Dynasty Software, Optical Filters, Abbatron and Ernst Biomass - have each been awarded a $10,000 Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) Micro Grant. The KIZ Micro Grant program is designed to assist in funding innovative research projects or parts thereof which demonstarte promise for technology transfer in the marketplace. Companies qualified for these grants must be located within a KIZ geographic boundary, have been in business less than eight years, and be operating within one of the targeted industry sectors of clean tech, IT, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

Memorial Day Facts

While Memorial Day has become the unofficial beginning of summer, let us not forget that its purpose is to honor and remember those who have died serving the United State during war.

  • originally known as Decoration Day because of the practice of decorating soldiers' graves with flowers
  • first widely observed on May 30, 1868
  • New York was the first state to recognize Memorial Day
  • Waterloo, NY is the official birthplace of Memorial Day - they held their first celebration on May 5, 1866
  • red poppies are recognized as the Memorial Day flower, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Field"
  • on Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half staff until noon only, then raised to full staff
  • declared a federal holiday in 1971

PA Booth at Medica 2009

Medica 2009, the world's largest medical trade show, will be held from November 18-21, 2009 in Dusseldorf, Germany. Recruitment has started for Pennsylvania companies interested in exhibiting at the Pennsylvania booth.

Medica is an ideal source for international market information as well as a great networking opportunity with potential customers, distributors or joint venture partners. Last year, 4,300 exhibiitors and 137,000 industry professionals from around the world attended the event. The Pennsylvania booth will be in the electro-medical area of the fairgrounds, adjacent to the U.S. Pavillion. Products on display in this area will include medical devices and equipment, commodities and consumables, and medical technologies.

Registration deadline is June 26, 2009. Space is limited to fifteen companies on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration fee is $2,500 and includes a 3'x7' panel within the Pennsylvania booth; enlarged image of your company name, logo and products mounted in a lightbox in your display area; two exhibitor passes to the show; and assistance from experienced international trade specialists.

For further information or to register, contact Dorte Heffernan at the Northwest Commission, 814-677-4800.