Economic Insider — August 14, 2009

Director's Focus
We are making good progress

I had the pleasure of speaking to about 180 folks who joined us for dinner at Greater Meadville Area Day last Thursday evening and it gave me an opportunity to summarize the efforts of the Economic Progress Alliance during our brief existence. Like all of us, we tend to just keep working away day after day and it’s nice to occasionally stop and take stock of our accomplishments. While we can always find things we should have done, or should have done better, I think our formative years have been quite productive.

A few highlights (2006-2008):

Crawford Business Park

  • 16 new tenants companies – obtained full occupancy
  • 23 major tenant related renovation projects
  • major common area improvements. i.e. entrances, Dillon Gallery, parking, docks, etc.

Crawford Woodlands

  • completed installation and dedication of all road, water, sewer, gas, telecom, etc.
  • sale of building to Optical Filters
  • sale of land to Universal Well Services, Moon Tool

West Mead Industrial Park

  • major land sale to Blair Learn
  • land sale to Suit-Kote

Keystone Regional Industrial Park

  • completed wetlands determination
  • completed reconstruction of sewerage treatment plant and facilities
  • funded and managed reconstruction of Delano Road
  • secured state funding support for expansion of JM Eagle

Business Retention and Expansion Program

  • completed 605 targeted personal calls / interviews with Crawford County firms, resulting in 170 referrals for direct assistance
  • loan packaging for 33 companies with combined loans of $35,000,000 for projects valued at more than $57,000,000

Organization

  • completed board-driven strategic plan
  • established standing board committees (finance/budget/audit, personnel)

Of course, the above is only a brief summary of the work completed at the Economic Progress Alliance in recent years. Going forward, our strategic plan is quite extensive and, when fully realized, will add significantly to the contributions we hope to make in securing a productive economic future for Crawford County and its residents.

Until next time…

Mark Turner

2009 Winslow Award Recipient

Richard B. Burkhardt was named the 2009 Winslow Award winner at the 41st Annual Greater Meadville Area Day (GMAD) event held recently at The Country Club in Meadville. Burkhardt, a native of Crawford County and well-known member of the community, received the award in recognition of his dedication and service to the residents of the county through both a professional capacity as well as a volunteer for many area organizations.

Mr. Burkhardt retired from Mellon Bank in Meadville as Vice-President and Manager after 40 years of service. During his time in banking, he assisted many people and companies, and was instrumental in helping many area businesses get off the ground. He continues to bring his financial experience to play as a member of the Economic Progress Alliance and Meadville Redevelopment Authority loan committee.

His community involvement is extensive and varied. He has served and continues to serve on the boards of directors of numerous community organizations including the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County, Wesbury United Methodist Community, Meadville Medical Center, Greendale Cemetery, Hillside Home, Meadville Area Industrial Commission, Vallonia Industries, UCIP and the Association of Retarded Citizens.

A long-time supporter of programs that benefit children and adults with mental challenges, Burkhardt has worked as a handy-man for Camp-Lend-A-Hand and served as treasurer of the Special Olympics golf outing since its inception. He is deeply involved with the ARC of Crawford County and was instrumental in its founding and early operation. He also served as co-chair of the committee that brought about the purchase and renovation of their current facility. As the ARC's executive director and his board acknowledge: " For over 40 years, Mr. Burkhardt's tireless efforts have resulted in a higher quality of life for the many children and adults with mental challenges; allowed the athletes to grow and advance in their chosen sport; insured the growth and vitality of the agency; improved community understanding and gained respect for the organization within the Crawford County community."

Greater Meadville Area Day was initiated in 1969 to honor Dr. H. C. Winslow, a local physician and businessman whose name became synonymous with civic activism and charity. The Winslow Award is presented annually at the GMAD dinner to that individual or company chosen for their outstanding contribution toward the economic development and social well-being of the greater Meadville area, following in the tradition of Dr. Winslow.

Agricultural Highlights

With the 64th Annual Crawford County Fair right around the corner, it might be a good time to look at some agricultural statistics to remind us what an important industry it is to both the county and the Commonwealth. As Pennsylvania's largest agricultural fair, not only does it support local tourism and businesses, it also provides a venue for agricultural and livestock entries and judging important to the agri-businesses and youth organizations.

In terms of numbers from the 2007 census, Crawford County has 1,468 farms with 232,093 acres total. The market value of reported sales is more than $100 milllion, 74% constituted by livestock sales and 26% by crop sales. The number of cattle and calves is the largest livestock inventory in the county although the pheasants inventory ranks second in the state. The top crop items in acreage in the county are forage (all hay and haylage, grass silage and greenchop) and corn for grain. Acreage in oats ranks fifth in the state while corn for grain and soybeans for beans both rank sixth. Milk and dairy products ranks highest in the county in terms of value of sales. However, aquaculture ranks third in the state in value of sales while other crops and hay rank sixth in the same group.

Statewide, the dairy industry generates $1.5 billion in income with milk being the number one agriculture industry. Pennsylvania has 22 million hens laying about 6.4 million eggs per year for a $389.1 million industry. There are more than 1.6 million head of cattle valued at $492 million on 27,000 farms throughout the state. In regards to fruit and vegetable per year, there are 35.2 million pounds of tomatoes, nearly 4.5 tons of peaches, 4 million pounds of cherries and 2 million heads of lettuce produced. And of course, sweet corn, a $44 million industry for the state, placing Pennsylvania in the top ten nationally for production of that crop.

Espy Group Receives Loan Assistance

The Espy Group, LLC, of Espyville was awarded a $125,000 low-interest loan from the USDA Intermediary Relending Program to be used towards the purchase of the assets of the "Lil' Bit" restaurant. The business, located near the Pymatuning Reservoir causeway, is open all year but caters to the seasonal tourist customer. The former owners "just wanted to retire" after having the business for more than twenty years.

New owners, Thomas and Patricia Holman, took over the restaurant last month, bringing many years of business experience to the endeavor. Patricia managed a restaurant in Andover as well as owned a real estate business in Cleveland. Thomas is an engineer with a company in Cleveland and intends to eventually retire from there to become more active in their new undertaking.

Loan activity at the Economic Progress Alliance continues to remain strong. If you would like information on possible loan avenues to assist with your project, contact Larry Morgan, 814-333-2299 x227.