Economic Insider — March 26, 2010

Director's Focus
Willis to Speak at Annual Corporators Meeting

Mr. Roger Willis, President of Universal Well Services, will speak at the Annual Meeting of Corporators of the Economic Progress Alliance, to be held on April 22 at the Douglass Conference Center on Bessemer Street.

Many believe that while our region has an extensive history in its contributions to energy that its greatest potential has yet to be experienced. Mr. Willis will address the current state of energy production and the region’s unique opportunities for developing its natural gas resources.

Universal Well Services, headquartered in Meadville, has become a substantial local employer and is a leader in the provision of fracking and other services to the oil and gas drilling business.

The Economic Progress Alliance has benefited from its relationship with Universal Well Services over the years, as they have become and continue to be an important occupant of the Crawford Business Park. Their commitment to grow in Crawford County is much appreciated, and Mr. Willis’ message at our annual meeting is sure to excite because of the real possibilities future natural gas exploration holds for the entire region.

Until next time…

Mark Turner

The Current State of Entrepreneurship in America

The Department of Economics at Allegheny College is hosting the 9th Annual Executive Roundtable on Monday, April 12, at 4 p.m. The event will take place in the Quigley Hall Auditorium on the campus of Allegheny College. The Roundtable will be moderated by Allegheny alumnus and entrepreneur Chris Allison and will discuss topics such as: what defines an entrepreneur, sources of innovation and ideas, the growing difficulty in raising start-up capital, among others. The panel will consist of local business figures and leading entrepreneurs from Allegheny’s alumni. There is no charge for admission to this event and refreshments will be served. Please contact either Don Goldstein at don.goldstein@allegheny.edu or Steve Onyeiwu at steve.onyeiwu@allegheny.edu for more information.

Best Places to Work in PA Competition

The program is designed to recognize 50 businesses in two different size categories: medium sized companies with 25-249 employees and large companies with 250 or more employees. Not only is being identified as one of the 100 Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania an honor, but according to Team Pennsylvania Foundation Co-Chair, Karen Winner, CEO of Winner International, making the list is also a standard of achievement that makes your business more attractive to both employees and clients.

Companies interested in participating in the competition must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business.
  • Be a publicly or privately held business.
  • Have a facility in Pennsylvania.
  • Have at least 25 employees in Pennsylvania.
  • Be in good standing with all commonwealth agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction.
  • Meet the nomination deadline of May 28, 2010.

Nominations are being accepted at http://www.bestplacestoworkinpa.com for interested companies that fall into the preceding guidelines.

Energy Savings for Manufacturers

According to PennTAP, manufacturers may qualify for a reduction on Pennsylvania Sales Tax paid on energy bills and for a refund of up to three years prior worth of sales tax overpayment. On a Fee-For-Service basis, PennTAP will perform an energy study to determine the Pennsylvania Sales Tax eligibility amount, which can be up to 90%. Manufacturing companies will need to gather the required information in order for PennTAP to assist with the completion of the program forms. Interested companies will need to check on equipment eligibility and will need to gather administrative and accounting information. For more information, or to see if you qualify for the program, contact Donald W. LeGoullon at (814) 882-2449, and have your current electric bill available.

Alliance Loan Approved

Shane and Jennifer Bryer of Bryer Properties, LLC have been awarded a $50,000 low-interest loan from the USDA Intermediary Relending Program for the renovation of a property they recently purchased at 838-840 Park Avenue. The loan will be used for extensive interior and exterior renovations of the property, which will be used as an office for their growing rental business and a commercial/residential rental property. Renovations have been completed in the two upper-level apartments which are now occupied and are continuing with the building exterior and the unoccupied commercial spaces.

Bryer Properties, LLC began operations in 2007 with the acquisition of a multi-tenant apartment building and adjoining self-storage rental unit complex on Route 6/19 between Meadville and Saegertown. The Bryers are also part owners of AMERIStorage Self Storage located on Kennedy Hill Road. As a part of the opening of a centrally-located office in downtown Meadville, they will be providing a “one-stop shop” for all moving and storage-related services to serve their nearly 300 customers and the general public. We wish Shane and Jennifer much success in their new location and appreciate their commitment to the revitalization of this downtown property.