Economic Insider — December 18, 2009

Director's Focus
Alliance Hosts Economic Development Officials

This week we had the pleasure of hosting officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) on a visit to Crawford County. Over the years, the EDA has played an important role in providing funding support for many projects including the Crawford Business Park, Crawford Woodlands, and the Keystone Regional Industrial Park among others. Recently appointed State Director Alma Plummer and Senior Project Engineer Dan Gillen, both from the Philadelphia Regional Office, toured the sites of current and past EDA supported projects.

Their visit is noteworthy for at least a couple of reasons. First, while technological advances in remote communications has been nothing short of revolutionary, for us, having the opportunity to personally host and demonstrate the successful implementation of projects supported by agencies like the EDA is critical. I’ve often thought that because of the rural nature of our community that there might be a natural tendency by some outside the region to underestimate or undervalue the magnitude of the commitment made to economic development in Crawford County. A personal tour of projects like those mentioned above always results in a new appreciation for our economic development history and for our track record of success. This personal context is very important for the influence it has on future deliberations by decision makers in remote locations. I dare say our community always seems to exceed the expectations of those who visit.

Also, our friends from EDA were here to be briefed on our current efforts to construct a water system to serve the Keystone Regional Industrial Park. As reported in prior editions of the Economic Insider, one of the major successes for the Economic Progress Alliance during an otherwise challenging 2009 was the receipt of a commitment from EDA to provide a supplemental grant of about $700,000 for the Keystone water project. This provided the final piece of funding needed to complete this important project during the next construction season.

Many thanks to Patricia Winsor, Director of Grant Administration at the Economic Progress Alliance, who did an excellent job in securing the supplemental grant and coordinating the visit by EDA officials.

Until next time…

Mark Turner

Pennsylvania Holiday Statistics

The holiday season is time for celebration, gift-giving, and family. During this time of year, Christmas shopping and preparation for other winter celebrations such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa bring a boost for Pennsylvania’s retail economy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pennsylvania ranks 5th in the nation for number of retail trade employees. In December 2008, Pennsylvania added 18,600 employees over the preceding three months for an increase of 2.9 percent.

Christmas trees, Poinsettias, and holiday turkeys also give Pennsylvania’s agriculture businesses an economic boost during the winter months. According to the USDA, Pennsylvania is ranked 8th nationally in the production of potted Poinsettias, selling more than 2 million of them in 2008.

Small Business Advantage Grant Program

For the sixth year running, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has begun accepting applications for the Small Business Advantage Grant Program on December 7, 2009. Applications for this program will be accepted until January 15, 2010, and can be found on DEP’s web site at www.depweb.state.pa.us (DEP Keyswords: SBAdvantage). The Small Business Advantage Grant program provides 50% matching grants, with a maximum of $7,500 to assist Pennsylvania small businesses in the acquisition of energy efficiency or pollution prevention equipment or processes. This program allots funds on a first come, first served basis. Interested applicants are urged to submit the completed application as soon as possible. For more information on this program, contact the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment at (717) 783-8411 or by email at: epadvantagegrant@state.pa.us.

Happy Holidays!

The Board of Directors and Staff of the Economic Progress Alliance would like to wish all of our friends and neighbors a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!