The Northwest News

It is hard to believe that the holiday season has once again crept up on us! The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has not slowed things down at the Northwest Commission, as there are still clients to visit, meetings and events to attend, and training sessions being offered. It is always nice to get together with colleagues in northwest Pennsylvania, particularly around the holidays. Just remember to drive carefully as you attend these events!

Northwest Commission Gift Exchange
For the second year in a row, the staff of the Northwest Commission committed to shopping locally for the holiday gift exchange that takes place at the organization’s annual Christmas party. Wonderful gifts from many of the fine merchants in the northwest region were exchanged among staff members. There is an abundant selection of gifts available like candy, jewelry, pottery, local crafts, and much more. It is especially important to remember to shop locally this holiday season with the challenging economy currently affecting all businesses. Please keep these great gift ideas in mind as you finish up last minute gift items for the special people on your list!

Click here to view a photo of the gifts that were exchanged among Northwest Commission staff.

Clarion Outreach Office Update
It was announced in the September newsletter that the Executive Board of the Northwest Commission made the decision to open an outreach office in Clarion. Located at 627 Wood Street, the outreach office is getting a makeover, and thanks to all the Northwest Commission staff that has helped make this happen. Telephone and computer wiring has been completed, and upon the completion of a minor restroom remodel and new carpeting, this office will be ready to open around the first of the year. The Northwest Commission looks forward to this addition. Please stay tuned for an opening date!

Northwest Commission’s Holiday Schedule
The Northwest Commission will be closed on Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day), and Friday, December 26. The office will be open Monday, December 29, and remain open through Wednesday, December 31. The office will once again be closed on Thursday, January 1 (New Year’s Day) and Friday, January 2. We will reopen on Monday, January 5.

The Northwest Commission staff wishes all of our clients, partners, and associates a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!

Northwest Commission’s Annual Dinner: Mark Your Calendar!
The Northwest Commission’s Annual Dinner will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2008 at the Cross Creek Resort in Titusville. The Annual Dinner will consist of a cocktail reception followed by dinner, and an awards presentation. Please mark your calendars to attend and watch for further details!

Happy Holidays,

Three Loans Closed – One Loan Approved

In November, the Northwest Commission closed three loans:

Honey House Holistic Bakery of Erie County closed on an $18,000 Microloan to purchase equipment. This is a Microloan therefore job creation is not required.
John and Norma Struthers of Mercer County closed on a $200,000 SBF/FIF Ag loan to purchase a farm. This is a farm loan therefore job creation is not required.
Mom’s Wholesale Foods, Inc. of Lawrence County closed on a $39,350 EDA/RLF loan to purchase equipment. The company will create two jobs within three years.

The Loan Committee approved one loan:

Concrete Services Corporation of Erie County

Entrepreneur Training Series
On January 11, 2009 the Commission will have another Entrepreneur Training Series at Hoss’s in Cranberry. This session will be on Tax Tips for Small Business. This topic will be very beneficial to small businesses, especially with the tax filing season fast approaching. The Training Series are held every other month through September 2009 and the topics are chosen by the participants.

Please click here for a list of upcoming events available to small business in the area.

December 17, 2008
Government 201 – Contracting with PA & MBE/WBE Certification
Conducted by the Northwest Commission, this introductory training will provide an overview of how to do business with the PA state government as well as provide detailed information on how to become a PA certified woman or minority owned business. This half-day event will be for any company who is looking to do business with state government for the first time or those which would like to refresh their knowledge on the sites and certifications of the state procurement process. Presenters from the PA Department of General Services (DGS) and the PA Minority Business Enterprise / Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) Program will be in attendance. Topics such as bid leads, registrations, MBE/WBE certifications, and how to work through state government opportunities will be discussed with those companies attending this half-day training event. This event will be held at the NW Commission in Oil City. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and presentations will start at 9 a.m. For more information and to reserve your spot, please contact Lori Kenyon by email at lorik@nwcommission.org or by phone at 814.677.4800 x104.

Government 101 – Tentatively Scheduled for April 2009
This introductory training will provide an overview of how to do business with the Federal, State and Local governments. Presenters currently scheduled to speak include representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), Department of General Services (DGS), and the COSTARS program. Topics such as set-asides, bid leads, registrations, and how to work through government opportunities are customized to attending companies for this half-day training event. The Commission continues to take the Government 101 “on the road” to better accommodate the companies within the region. This tentative April event will take place in Forest County in Marienville - the exact date and location will be announced at a later date.

Paris Air Show, June 15-21, 2009
Recruitment is now open for the 2009 Paris Air Show. Pennsylvania’s booth can accommodate up to six companies. Products or services presented by the exhibitors must be classified under the one of the following categories:

Aircraft construction & assembly
Space, spacecraft, satellite telecommunications
Aircraft engines, aerospace power plants & related equipment
Weapon systems
Pilot & navaids
Airborne equipment & systems
Cabin interiors
Subcontracting, mechanical items & metal working
Composite materials & surface treatment
Maintenance, product support & spares, transport
Services
Airport equipment & services

For more show information please visit: www.paris-air-show.com Please contact Dorte Heffernan with potential interest.

Virtual Trade Advisor 3.0 Goes Live!
Marked enhancements have been made to the Commonwealth’s Virtual Trade Advisor (VTA). The registration process has been simplified, and the new product overview page demonstrates VTA’s immediate value to users. There is also a new interactive product and market dashboard providing one-click access to a user’s products, most promising markets, global competitors and potential buyers. It’s fast and simple. Please visit the website at www.newPA.com/trade

Energy Program Client Pursues USDA Rural Development Loan for Geothermal Project
The Clarion Forest Visiting Nurses Association (CFVNA) contacted the Energy Program seeking assistance in locating funds for a possible geothermal heating and cooling project planned for their new facility in Clarion County. Energy Program staff researched multiple funding options for the CFVNA, including low interest loan options from the USDA’s Rural Development Community Facilities program and possible grants from state Energy Independence Strategy funds. Energy Program staff will provide ongoing assistance to the CFVNA with grant and loan applications. The Geothermal option could save the CFVNA an estimated 30% annually on their heating and cooling costs over traditional forced-air systems.

Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative
This is a new PennDOT program based on the “Smart Transportation” principles that link land use and transportation to create better communities. Eligible projects include roadside improvements, transit oriented projects, brownfield or greyfield redevelopment opportunities and others. The Commission anticipates at least three communities from Northwest Pennsylvania will submit applications under the provisions of the initiative. The application deadline is December 15^th.

Titusville Truck Study
The consultant did a presentation to the Titusville Chamber of Business transportation committee. Traffic data was collected and a meeting has been scheduled to gather information on future business development in the area. The study will be complete in Spring 2009.

Network Appalachia
The Appalachian Regional Commission is introducing a new initiative defined as planning global access to economic growth and opportunity. The effort centers on linking highways with other transportation modes to establish a strategic network of highway, rail, and inland navigation corridors. Bob Skarada will represent the Commission at a planning meeting in State College on December 18.

MTAP Fall/Spring Classes
The Northwest Commission is pleased to announce that the Fall 2008 courses are underway and going well. Topics that will be covered in the new Fall 2008/Spring 2009 schedule include Internet and Search Engine Use, Basic Computer Maintenance and Upkeep, Access Usage, and advanced topics in Excel, Word, and QuickBooks. The schedule of MTAP courses runs through June 26, 2009. To register, please contact Amber Dille at 814.677.4800 x100 or by e-mail at amberd@nwcommission.org. Space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Commission staff encourages you to share any thoughts or ideas that you may have as to upcoming course topics. If a subject is important to you, the Commission will try to accommodate it. As always, these courses are free of charge. If for any reason you cannot make it to a course that you are scheduled to attend, the Commission asks that you please try to give at least 24 hours advance notice so that plans can be made.

Please contact William Rupert at 814.677.4800 x109 or by e-mail at williamr@nwcommission.org if you have any comments, course requests, or suggestions.

Sixty-Five Attend BFRR Event
Sixty-Five people from various communities across Northwest Pennsylvania attended a Bona-Fide Retail Request (BFRR) networking program on November 19^th at Cross Creek Resort. The purpose of the meeting was to consider the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of PA Act 183 and the BFRR program. All attendees received a “BFRR Took Kit” for going directly back to their communities and starting or completing a successful Bona Fide Retail Request for DSL service!

Interactive Mapping/BFRR Request Page Added to Commission Site
The Northwest Commission recently added a new page to its web site to provide an interactive map and downloadable BFRR forms. The purpose of the site is to provide interested individuals with current information and documentation required to pursue BFRR activities within their respective communities. The page can be found on the Northwest Commission website at http://www.nwcommission.org/bfrr.html.

Bona Fide Retail Request Program Updates
The Bona Fide Retail Request program is ongoing. Sixteen additional companies have requested map and threshold information since November. This represents a significant surge in BFRR activity. The bulk of this surge can be attributed to the collaborative effort between the Commission and Union City Pride to educate communities about the BFRR program.

Borough of Edinboro Considers Collaborative Project
Northwest Commission staff met with officials from the Borough of Edinboro to discuss some of the GIS/GPS services the commission offers. Also discussed were ways in which existing data can be filed and ways to use their existing GIS more effectively

Tourism Maps Updated
The Northwest Commission completed three maps that will be included in the VisitErie visitor’s guide.

Shared Large Format Scanner/Printer Being Utilized
Central Electric Cooperative utilized the Northwest Commission’s large format scanner to scan some of their older coverage area maps. The scans can be archived on a CD and the images can be incorporated in to their existing GIS system.

Neighborhood GIS Work Example
Please visit www.nwneighborhoodgis.com. The Neighborhood GIS site is an interactive mapping web site that is available to all 265 local governments in northwest Pennsylvania. If you would like a custom Neighborhood GIS web site for your organization, please contact the Northwest Commission.

2^nd Regional Networking Meeting Planned
In cooperation with the Northwest Regional DCED Director and both the Northwest Commission and the North Central Commission community development staff, plans are in place for a second regional networking meeting to be held on January 14^th. The program managers from the DCED designated and/or funded Main Street & Elm Street communities will be meeting to further discuss the programs and opportunities available with the northwest USDA, Rural Development staff and will also look at best practices regarding program sustainability. This effort is building off the success of the first day-long networking session held in Warren in October.

Plans are now also in the works to begin a similarly structured (regional) meeting format for community members who are engaged in organizing revitalization efforts and are looking towards potential program and project applications. The individual meetings will focus on the different, required elements of application from organizational and committee structure, mission and vision, work plans, mapping, and fund-raising (just to name a few). Details will be forwarded after the first of the new year.

Community Revitalization Workshops Announced
Several community revitalization training workshops have been developed and are now available for your community organizations. “The $$ and ¢ of Visual Merchandising” is a common-sense approach for downtown retailers. A Design Workshop, understanding the elements of putting together a Main or Elm Street Façade Program may be a helpful first-steps presentation for your community revitalization effort. “Understanding the Elements” outlines all of the required elements to apply for the Main Street or Elm Street designations, programs, and project opportunities. CD Team staff will be happy to work with your central business district or neighborhood organization to bring these workshops to your community.

Upcoming LTAP Courses
PennDOT and the Northwest Commission are currently working on a new schedule of courses for 2009. Potential topics include Posting and Bonding of Local Roads, Storm Water Management, Roadside Safety, Principles of Paving, Traffic Calming (Speed Control), and Unpaved Road Maintenance. Remember, there is no cost for municipal officials and employees to attend these courses.

To view and register for future courses, you are encouraged to go online at http://www.ltap.state.pa.us. Inquiries and/or registration requests may also be made by contacting William Rupert at 814.677.4800 x109 or by email at williamr@nwcommission.org.

The Municipal Outreach Program visits are underway and going well. To date, the Commission has met individually with 15 municipalities. The municipalities visited and surveyed thus far have provided the Commission with a great deal of relevant and enlightening information that will be used to help shape and direct future actions and programs.

The collected information allows the Commission to view issues that are unique to a given municipality as well as those that are more far reaching across the region. This data can then be used by the Commission and partner organizations in ongoing efforts to assist the municipalities of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas regarding the Municipal Outreach Program, would like to see a copy of the survey, or would like to set up a time for a visit, please feel free to contact William (Bill) Rupert. Bill can be reached at 814.677.4800 x109 or by email at williamr@nwcommission.org.

Implementation Options Considered
Northwest Commission staff met with representatives from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to begin exploring the idea of a regional greenway circuit rider(s) to implement the findings of the Northwest Pennsylvania Greenway Plan.

Individual/Regional Greenways Plans Nearing Completion
The Northwest Pennsylvania Greenway Planning process is continuing to move forward. The counties have received their draft plans and all but two counties have made initial comments on those plans. County greenway sub-committees have reviewed the drafts in three of the six counties. After the county greenway sub-committees review the plan, the counties will conduct a public meeting and make the plan available for the Municipal Planning Code (MPC) required 45 day review period. At the end of the 45 day review period, the counties will hold a public hearing at which the plans will be recommended for adoption or adopted as an amendment to the participating counties Comprehensive Plan.

Save The Date!
The Great Lakes Industrial Technology Summit (GLITS) will be held on October 14 & 15, 2009, at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie. Event highlights include Business Development, Workforce Development Initiatives, Technology & Product Interaction, and much more! To learn more, please click here!

Lori Mild is the Loan Servicer for the Northwest Commission. After loans have been completed, Lori is responsible for everything that happens after the Manager of Business Financing and the Loan Specialist are done with the loan.

Feel free to contact Lori by phone at 814.677.4800 x115 or by email at: lorim@nwcommission.org

What is your favorite type of food?
If I have to cook, anything that is easy. If someone else cooks, anything is fine with me.

Do you have any hidden talents?
None have been found yet, but I am not giving up.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
I would have to say my father. He was such an awesome person. I am the person I am today because of his influence in my life. I find myself saying or doing things that he would say or do that would drive me crazy as a teen.

What CD is in your CD player right now?
Hannah Montana and Jordin Sparks – My daughters CD’s

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?
I would have to say Sally Fields, and the leading man would have to be Richard Gere. If Richard Gere would be the leading man, then I would like to play myself in the movie.

What is the most satisfying thing about working at the Commission?
Being able to help businesses and communities in so many ways.

Thank you for subscribing to this e-publication

If you enjoyed this edition of the NW News or have a suggestion for this e-newsletter, please send comments HERE

To be removed from our mailing list, please e-mail click here.