Economic Insider — January 15, 2010

Director's Focus
Visitation Program Underway

The Economic Progress Alliance and its partners are gearing up to implement the Business Retention and Expansion Program (BREP) and have established a goal to personally meet with 100 targeted businesses between now and June 30, 2010. While this state supported initiative was cut by about two-thirds in the current budget, we are committed to continue the important work of meeting with area employers to provide assistance as needed in support of the retention and creation of jobs in our community.

As has been our practice for a number of years, we have has established a team of economic development representatives from various organizations in the county to coordinate this program. Organizations participating in addition to the Economic Progress Alliance include the Regional Center for Workforce Excellence and the Titusville Redevelopment Authority.

In addition to matching the needs of area employers with available resources, team members conduct a confidential brief survey for inclusion in a state-wide data base called Executive Pulse. This data is consulted by policy makers as well as local economic development personnel to evaluate the opinions and needs of local businesses.

As mention on numerous prior occasions, and especially during challenging economic times, efforts to retain and support existing employers is our highest priority.

Until Next time…

Mark Turner

New Year's Organization Tips

Now that another year has come to an end, most people are taking stock of the past year and making plans and resolutions for the upcoming year. One New Year’s Resolution that is consistent on most every top ten list, whether it is a personal or business resolutions list, is organization. The successful organization of your business or even your office can have benefits, such as increased productivity and profits, stress reduction and time savings. MSNBC.com has offered some business organizational tips to help start 2010 out right.

  • Plan now for taxes.
  • Choose 1 or 2 goals, and set deadlines for them.
  • Update phone (and email) files.
  • Use one calendar.
  • Reorganize desk and files.

Program Reopened

In early November, the First Industries Fund/Agriculture Program reopened after being closed down for a few months to regenerate funds. This loan program follows The Small Business First eligibility guidelines and rates. For more information on this program, or to see if your expansion project fits the criteria, contact Daryl Coyne at the Northwest Commission at (814)677-4800, extension 112.

Population Estimates Released

According to the Pennsylvania State Data Center, which is the Commonwealth’s official source for population and economic statistics, Pennsylvania is continuing its slow growth trend. Pennsylvania, which remains the 6th largest state in the nation, falling behind only California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois, showed a growth rate of 2.6 percent between 2000 and 2009. While Pennsylvania’s population has grown at a slower rate of 2.6 percent, the nation has grown at a rate of 9.1 percent since Census Day on April 1, 2000.

The Census Bureau creates these population estimates by analyzing the last Decennial Census count and updating it with using counts of births, deaths and migrations, both domestic and international. Census reports indicate that migration, especially international, is a significant source of Pennsylvania’s growth. When comparing to other states, a larger share of Pennsylvania’s population growth has been identified as international migration as opposed to national increase (births minus deaths) or domestic migration (within the United States).