Economic Insider — May 7, 2010

Director's Focus
Just a Short Update...

While we continue to hear stories of difficulties among some local businesses, many others seem to be holding their own if not managing to actually grow.

Our pipeline of interested prospective businesses needing facilities support has substantially grown in recent months, and we expect a high rate of conversion to actual occupancy and employment growth in the immediate months ahead. While our primary focus for 2010 is on supporting and retaining existing employers, it's great to actually be working on a few new growth-oriented initiatives as well.

The Alliance's efforts to facilitate the tires-to-energy facility slated for development at the Keystone Regional Industrial Park is underway. Our primary responsibility will be in assisting with site design, infrastructure design and development, and the provision of on-going services to include access to Alliance-owned rail, water, and sewer services.

The project's sponsors are now in the process of developing a draft site plan and have begun efforts to modify previously submitted information required to secure air quality, storm water management, and other permits for the project. Of course, when we can, we'll keep you posted.

Until next time...

Mark Turner

Congratulations!

The Economic Progress Alliance would like to congratulate Abbatron, LLC, a tenant of the Crawford Business Park, on their recent acquisition of G&H Industries, a Michigan based company that designs and manufactures audio connectors and cable assemblies. The Acquisition will add approximately six jobs and will expand Abbatron's current product line of precision electrical connectors and jacks. Abbatron announced the acquisition at a press conference and facility tour on Thursday, April 29, 2010.

Broadway Improvements Wrapping Up

The Broadway Improvement and Paving Project that began in the summer of 2009 is scheduled to come to an end within the next two weeks. Landfried Paving has begun the final stages of work at the Crawford Business Park, which includes pothole repairs, paving, and resurfacing of areas that could not be completed during the last construction season. This much needed improvement project received funding through a $699,975 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Infrastructure Development Program grant.

Tools for Online Success

On Wednesday, May 5, 2010, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Google announced a new partnership program designed to assist small business owners with an array of online resources and training. With the assistance of this new partnership and the accompanying tutorials, testimonials, and tips, small businesses can look forward to reaching new markets and customers. The program, entitled, "Tools for Online Success," was unveiled at the SBA national headquarters in Washington, D.C., and was broadcast live online to the press and small business owners across the country. To learn more about this partnership, go to www.google.com/help/sba.

TECHFest

Just a reminder about the Northwest Pennsylvania National Tooling and Machining Association TECHFest.

where: Economic Progress Alliance, Precision Manufacturing Institute, Edinboro University

when: May 12, 2010, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

cost: free