Economic Insider — November 6, 2009

Director's Focus
We Better Get Competitive

A week or so ago I had the opportunity, along with a number of other economic development representatives from NWPA, to meet with members of the PA House Republican Policy Committee to discuss issues of importance to the economic wellbeing of the region. While preparing for this meeting, I was a bit concerned that given the severe State budget cuts in economic development (about 50%) and the impacts of the current recession that our conversations would center on tactical issues such as restoring funding for programs. Instead, I was very pleased that the discussion focused on the need for systematic change to improve the competitive position of the Commonwealth.

Likewise, I am pleased to report that there appeared to be a full understanding by those legislators and economic development professionals present that traditional economic development programs have addressed the symptoms rather than the causes of our economic challenges (i.e. targeted tax abatement programs rather than an actual state-wide reduction in tax burden). While proud to represent our respective communities, our capacity to achieve economic success has been seriously hindered by systemic problems such as decades long declines in population, employment and tax base in the Northeastern US. And, far too often, our collective reaction has been to advocate and create “programs” to treat the symptoms rather than making the difficult decisions to address the problems of relative competitiveness. Frankly, while communities across the Commonwealth can proudly boast of their accomplishments from time to time, few if any could claim success as a direct result of the competitive business climate in PA. For decades, communities in our state have made progress in spite of the general business environment, not because of it.

I know that real change will be extremely challenging, and will by necessity require major shifts in policy to be effective. But, imagine how successful our communities could be if we could combine our legendary work ethic, quality of life, transportation and higher education infrastructure with a truly competitive economic and business environment. We might actually grow new jobs and attract new people and tax base.

Case in point: South Carolina in currently celebrating the decision by Boeing to locate a new Dreamliner Production facility in that state. The reason given is that South Carolina is a Right-To-Work State; meaning that workers there can not be compelled to join a union if they choose not to. The number of times this same policy issue has been sited by companies locating in the southern US in the last 20 years is very significant. (Please note that Boeing did not mention incentives, work ethic, or educational attainment as reasons for selecting South Carolina).

Communities in PA want to and can compete for project like the Boeing deal, but only if we are given the chance. However, without a concerted and comprehensive effort to address our competitive deficiencies, projects like this and many others will not even give our communities a look. It’s very good to know that at least some in Harrisburg are aware and fully supportive of the need for competitive reform.

Until next time….

Mark Turner

Save The Date

The official “Broadway Opening” is being planned for November 23rd at 4:00 p.m. at the newly constructed Broadway Entrance of the Crawford Business Park. Please save the date to attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and take a look at the newest improvements that have been made to the Crawford Business Park.

Executive Order Ensures Recovery Funding for Small, Disadvantaged Businesses

An executive order formalizing existing practices to ensure small and disadvantaged businesses receive fair opportunities to compete for state administered funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed by Governor Edward G. Rendell on October 28, 2009. This executive order institutes an overall Commonwealth goal that at least ten percent of Recovery Act contract funds should go to small and disadvantaged businesses. In accordance with this order, state agencies, contractors and grantees are required to work directly with the Department of General Services’ Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities to conduct outreach efforts to small and disadvantaged businesses and to track the progress of such through September 20, 2011. The Department of Community and Economic Development, along with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs are also required to participate by providing information and opportunities for small, disadvantaged and veteran-owned businesses.

By mid-November the state’s stimulus tracking Web site, www.recovery.pa.gov, will include expanded resources for small and disadvantaged businesses in the “Opportunities” section. Please visit the above mentioned web site for more information on Pennsylvania’s initiatives related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Email Marketing Workshop

The eMarketing Learning Center at eBizITPA, in partnership with Edinboro University, is holding a Hands-On Email Marketing Workshop at Edinboro University in Meadville, 789 Bessemer Street, Meadville, PA, Room 111, on Wednesday, November 11th from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

This hands on workshop has been devised to provide both the strategy and experience necessary to generate successful email marketing campaigns. Email marketing is one of the most economical ways for businesses to keep in touch with customers.

At this workshop, you will learn the following:

  • Email marketing best practices
  • CAN-SPAM compliance training
  • Email marketing “how-to” and tips
  • How to build a list
  • How to create and launch a successful email marketing campaign
  • How to set up a free trial email marketing hosting account
  • How to test, track and tweak your email marketing campaigns

Everyone who attends the class will also receive free access to Web-based email marketing software which provides the ability to send visually rich email and to analyze results.

For more information, or to sign up for the workshop, call (814)898-6500 or log on to www.emarketinglearningcenter.org.

Pennsylvania Ranks in Top 12

According to the November 2009 issue of Site Selection Magazine, Pennsylvania’s business climate ranking has climbed to the top 12 for the first time since 2004. States are ranked by executive surveys and new plant rankings to determine placement.

Pennsylvania Overall Ranking

  • 2009 – 11th Place
  • 2008 – 15th Place
  • 2007 – 14th Place
  • 2006 – 16th Place
  • 2005 – 15th Place

    • For more information on state rankings, log on to www.siteselection.com.