Economic Insider — June 4, 2010

Director's Focus
Major Project at Bessemer Street

I am delighted to announce a very exciting project recently approved by the Board of the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County. This week, we entered into a long-term lease with Bournias, Cervone, Derlink Dental & Associates, LLC, for occupancy of 6,900 square feet of space formerly utilized by CareerLink at our Bessemer Street facility.

Bournias, Cervone, Derlink Dental & Associates, LLC, is currently located at 1015 Grove Street in Meadville and 142 West Adams Street in Cochranton and will consolidate operations at the Bessemer Street facility in the fall of this year.

Beginning immediately, our construction crew will begin the considerable task of transforming the leased space into fourteen dental operatories, administrative offices, and patient reception and waiting areas. It is anticipated that when consolidated at Bessemer Street, the practice will employe approximately 30 people.

While there is much work to be done to prepare for our newest tenant, it's not too soon to congratulate Drs. Bournias, Cervone, Derlink, and their associates on their new location and continued commitment to Meadville and Crawford County.

Until next time...

Mark Turner

Local Winery Harnessing Solar Energy

With rising fuel costs, climate change concerns, and the growing demand for electricity, renewable energy resources such as solar power are becoming increasingly valuable to businesses in Crawford County. One business in the area, Conneaut Cellars Winery, is harnessing the power of the earth's most abundant natural resource, the sun, to meet their electric demands, increase cash flow, reduce peak demand on the grid, and decrease the risks of rising electric prices.

From 2009 to 2010, Conneaut Cellars Winery installed a 22.4 kW solar photovoltaic array system that has 112 module panels on the roof facing southwest. These panels are conversion efficient and durable enough to withstand high wind pressure, snow load, and extreme temperature variations. The panels are also virtually maintenance free, can last over 25 years, increase roof insulation, and are powered by UV rays - not sunshine. The system has two inverters, which generate approximately 50% of the winery's annual electric power needs and are connected to the electric grid, which enables the winery to sell their electric power when not being used. Thisproject should yield a 5 to 7 year payback.

Wellness Day

Crawford County Human Services (CCHS) is hosting Wellness Day at the Crawford Business Park on Friday, June 11, 2010, to promote healthy living habits that will assist with the journey to good health and happiness. This free event is open to all CCHS staff and providers, staff of the Crawford Business Park, and surrounding businesses and will run from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Several informational booths will be set up in the Dillon Gallery, such as Curves for Women, Fresh from the Vines, Mind Body Wellness Center, American Blackbelt Academy, Annadele Sundries, among others. Aside from the information booths, speaking presentations on a variety of health related topics, such as stress reduction, nutrition, and Naturpathic Medicine will be available, along with a variety of exercise classes and demonstrations featuring Yoga, Zumba, and Tan Soo Do. (*Please note that if you plan to participate in the yoga class, the instructor asks that you bring a pillow and blacket. Mats will be provided. The CCHS Wellness Committee also asks that you wear appropriate clothing, no short-shorts, spaghetti straps, or halter tops and encourages athletic shoes for your comfort and safety.) Please join the CCHS Staff and Wellness Committee on June 11 at the Wellness Fair and begin your journey to a healthier you! For more information on this event, please contact Mela Calomino-Zinz at mcalomino@co.crawford.pa.us.

Manufacturing on the Upswing

Recent information released on the manufacturing industry from several different sources, including MSNBC, Reuter's, and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), shows that manufacturing in the United States increased in May for the 10th consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 13th consecutive month. Although May's growth was slightly lower than in previous months, progress was still shown. For the full ISM report, go to www.ism.ws?ISMReport/MfgROB.cfm.

Pennsylvania Industrial Development Certification Approved

Earlier this week, the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County was notified by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) that their application to become a certified Industrial Development Corporation, qualified to administer the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and Small Business First (SBF) Programs, had been approved.

In 2008, the DCED formed a focus group comprised of representatives from industrial development corporations, loan organizations, the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association, and the DCED to set forth guidelines and qualifications for the economic development organizations administering loans under the PIDA and SBF Programs. Following the establishment of these policies and competencies, the DCED implemented an application process for all organizations administering these programs to become certified. This will ensure that the Pennsylvania businesses seeking financing assistance under these programs will receive the best possible service and be given the appropriate access to state financing programs.

Please contact Patricia Winsor at pwinsor@economicprogressalliance.com for further information on these programs or to begin the application process.