Economic Insider — October 9, 2009

Director's Focus
Good Start In Linesville

A couple of weeks back I reported that the Alliance had successfully completed the acquisition of the former Tel-O-Post facility in Linesville. For the past few weeks we have been busy planning the possible subdivision of the facility, and implementing a general maintenance and improvement program for the facility.

Our intention is to maintain the 110,000 square foot plant as flexible space capable of supporting the independent needs of multiple businesses. The facility will be known as the Linesville Business Park and utilize general operating policies mirroring those at the Crawford Business Park.

We’ve also been busy talking to potential occupants, and … most importantly (drum roll please), I am very happy to announce that the Board of the Alliance has authorized the first lease of 40,000+ square feet at the Linesville Business Park with Dad’s Pet Care!

Dad’s intends to immediately utilize about 40,000 square feet of the facility to store and manage packaging material, and has options to utilize additional space if needed. We are working closely with Dad’s to prepare the facility as quickly as possible. Preparations include roof repairs, exterior siding repairs and painting, interior power washing, utility infrastructure and sub-metering, and the list goes on. Dad’s expects to begin to occupy the facility on October 15 and to fully occupy the space by the end of the month. We sincerely appreciate the commitment made by Dad’s and we’ll work hard to make sure it happens.

I’ve been pleased with the expressions of interest shown by businesses in the Linesville area in possibly utilizing a large part of the remaining space at the Linesville Business Park. We are currently actively working with three other businesses who have expressed interest in the space. All-in-all, I think we’re off to a good start in Linesville.

Until next time…

Mark Turner

Alliance Receives National Recognition

The Economic Progress Alliance was acknowledged at the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada, on Tuesday, October 6, for its innovative real estate reuse efforts.

The Alliance competed in the category of Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse by organizations serving areas with populations between 50,000 and 200,000, and received an honorable mention for their efforts at the Crawford Business Park. The Crawford Business Park is a Brownfield site for which the Economic Progress Alliance created a rigorous adaptive reuse plan, including environmental remediation and facility renovation, much of which was funded by the awards of federal, state and local dollars. This complex was a former Avtex Manufacturing facility and currently houses approximately 900 employees from 25 different companies. Ian Bromley, IEDC Chair, commented that, “Furthering economic development is rarely a simple task in the best of times, and advancing the cause in the midst of a global financial crisis is nothing less than arduous. We tip our hats to the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County for its superior work during these difficult times.”

Mark Turner, Executive Director of the Economic Progress Alliance, would like to thank all of the individuals involved over the years in the redevelopment of the Crawford Business Park for helping to bring such positive recognition to Crawford County and the Alliance.

Federal Funding Available for Solar Energy Projects

Pennsylvania Governor, Edward G. Rendell, announced on October 5 that funding applications are being accepted for large scale solar projects designed to develop green energy production and to jump start the economy. Up to $7 million in federal funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be available through the Green Energy Works! Solar program. This program is one of four competitive grant programs designed demonstrate that green energy and jobs are the future of economic development and power production. The Green Energy Works! Program will fund significant projects that will expand the solar industry. According to Governor Rendell, large scale solar projects will help to reduce dependence on foreign oil, put Pennsylvanians to work, while stimulating the economy.

For more information on this program, visit www.recovery.pa.gov or call the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Energy and Technology Deployment at (717) 783-8411.

Items of Interest

The Meadville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting an afternoon of personal development and inspiration for women at The Country Club of Meadville on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The program is entitled “Women: Find Your Diamond in the Rough” and will feature guest speakers, vendor booths, lunch, door prizes and networking opportunities. There are still a limited number of vendor booths available. For more information or to make your reservations, contact the Chamber at rsvp@meadvillechamber.com or call (814) 337-8030.

The Keystone Community Education Council, Clarion University’s Division of Continuing Education – Venango Campus, and the Meadville/Western Crawford County Chamber of Commerce are working in collaboration to present the 2009-2010 Crawford County Professional Skills Development Series. This is a 24-Hour Certificate Program created to develop or enhance the professional skills needed to succeed in the workplace. The monthly sessions will be held at the Meadville/Western Crawford County Chamber of Commerce office, located at 908 Diamond Park, Meadville, Pennsylvania. For more information call (814) 677-4427 or visit www.keystonecec.org.