The Northwest News

The Northwest Commission would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Now that the holiday season has come to a close, Commission staff is diligently running reports and numbers to close out another year. Preparation of the 2008 Annual report is in full swing and planning for the Annual Dinner has begun. The programs of the Northwest Commission are working on upcoming trainings and events that will take place in 2009, and the entire staff is looking forward to another year of serving the eight-county region, especially in these tough economic times.

Annual Dinner Reminder
The Northwest Commission’s Annual Dinner will be held Wednesday, April 1, at Cross Creek Resort in Titusville. Sponsorships are available at four levels: platinum, gold, silver, and bronze. Each sponsorship level helps to support the Annual Dinner and offers an opportunity to gain advertising exposure for your business the night of the dinner. If your business is interested in sponsoring this event contact Sam Wilson, Public Relations Coordinator at the Commission by email at samw@nwcommission.org, or by phone at 814.677.4800 x105.

Remember to Shop Locally
Throughout the Christmas season, you often hear advertisements promoting the idea of shopping locally. It is important to remember that patronizing local business is something all of us should strive for during every season, not just at the holidays. As Valentine’s Day approaches please remember there are many local jewelers, candy shops and florists. Please help out local retailers and remember if as you purchase gifts for special holidays, birthdays, or any other occasion, shopping locally helps the local economy!

Clarion 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. Over the past couple of months there have been updates in the Northwest News detailing the progress of the building. I am happy to announce that the work at the Clarion office is almost complete. The building received a fresh coat of paint, new carpeting, and the necessary communication cables and equipment have been installed. A few minor projects to bring the building up to compliance have been completed, and staff members will be working from the Clarion office by the end of January. Please watch for an official announcement on the opening of the Clarion office once the move is complete and staff members have settled into the new location.

Cheers!

Three Loans Closed

In December the Northwest Commission closed three loans:

· C & J Industries, Inc. of Crawford County closed on a $200,000 EDA/RLF loan to purchase equipment. The company will create ten jobs within three years.

· Hovis Auto Supply, Inc. of Mercer County closed on a $200,000 EDA/RLF loan to purchase the former Born 2 Run sports complex in Springfield Township. The company will create nine jobs within three years.

· Strategy Solutions, Inc. of Erie County closed on a $20,000 Microloan for working capital needs. This is a Microloan therefore job creation is not required

Clarion County Financing Seminar
The Northwest Commission co-sponsored an event with Clarion County Economic Development Corporation to provide a forum to present the loan programs to commercial lenders. Several commercial lenders were invited in Clarion County to learn about the programs. Lenders from S&T Bank, Clarion County Community Bank, Farmers National Bank and First United National Bank attended the event. Barry Surma of Altoona Blair County updated the Commission on changes to the SBA 504 program.

Please click here for more upcoming events!

Government 201 – Contracting with PA & MBE/WBE Certification

The December 17^th event was cancelled due to weather but the Commission is rescheduling this training event for March 24, 2009!
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 start working with, or 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 Northwest Commission office located on Seneca Street in Oil City, and sign in will be at 8:30am. For more information, please contact Lori Kenyon.

Government 101 – On the Road in Forest County - April 30th, 2009
Conducted by the Northwest Commission, this introductory training provides an overview of how to do business with the Federal, State and Local governments. This half-day event will be for any company who is looking to start working with, or would like to refresh their memories about, the sites and certifications of the federal and state procurement process. Presenters from the Small Business Administration (SBA), Department of General Services (DGS), and COSTARS will be in attendance. Topics such as set-asides, bid leads, registrations, and how to work through government opportunities are customized for. The Commission is taking the Government 101 “on the road” to better accommodate the companies within the region. This event will be held at the Microtel Hotel located in Marienville and sign in will be at 8:30am. For more information, please contact Lori Kenyon.

Mark your Calendars! - PA Trade Offices Spring Visits Confirmed
The Northwest Commission is excited to announce the following confirmed visits of the PA overseas trade representatives. Focusing on industry sectors, The Commission is inviting regional companies to participate in the following events:

Erie, March 24 – Power Generation & Energy (Mining, Rail, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Life Sciences & Medical, Environmental Technologies) Meet with the trade representatives from the UK, Australia / New Zealand, Brazil, Chile, Eastern Mediterranean, KSA, South Africa, Taiwan.

Clarion, April 29 – Building & Hardwoods (Manufactured Housing, Green Building, Lumber, Construction Materials, Construction Machinery, Engineering & Design, Architecture) Meet with the trade representatives from China/Beijing, Canada, Russia, Singapore/Vietnam, UAE.

West Middlesex (Mercer County), May 13 – Metals & Machinery Electronics & IT (Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, Plastics & Resins, Electronics & IT, Powdered Metals, Industrial Machinery) Meet with the trade representatives from the Czech Republic, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, China-Shanghai.

The spring visits are focusing on industry sectors, however, meeting appointments are available for any PA company that may want to meet with any of the above listed representatives. The industry sector focus is an indicator for best markets in respective countries.

Each day will start out with one of the famous “Breakfast with the Pros” events. The representatives will host roundtables, providing country overviews, market intelligence and best practices. The breakfast event is followed by one-on-ones with regional companies. The above are half day events, itinerary concludes at 12:00 p.m.

For additional information, please contact Dorte Heffernan.

CoreNet 2009 Spring Summit 2009
Working in partnership with the Department of Community & Economic Development the Northwest Commission will be representing the Northwest Region and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the CoreNet Spring Summit 2009 in Dallas, Texas, April 26-28. This event will focus on the global war for talent, innovative location strategies and the strategic role of place in business success.

Commonwealth Lead Fielded
A Canadian company interested in partnering with manufactures of doors and windows was provided to the Region's Economic Development Agencies. One prospect was also identified and forwarded on to the Office of International Business Development.

Regional Lease Rates Provided
A request was received and submitted for the regional average lease rates for office space and industrial space in NWPA to the Office of International Business Development in response to development interest in Pennsylvania by foreign investors.

Networking Services through Site Location Partnership
Site Location Partnership of Dallas, Texas, will be providing representation for the Northwest Commission’s Business Attraction program at the MDM & Plastec
West Trade Show in Anaheim, California, February 10-12^th.

Pipeline Company Identified in Warren County
Forward Vision has been identified as a pipeline company within the NWPA KIZ Zone. This company develops, certifies and markets Enhanced Vision Systems using long wave infrared technology.

PA Angel Network Sponsorship
The NWPA KIZ has become an Economic Development Sponsor to the PA Angel Network. This sponsorship will provide the opportunity to tap into the angel community and bring additional value and benefits to the NW KIZ program and KIZ companies.

Entrepreneur Web Based Training Tool
The NWPA KIZ will partner with the Erie KIZ and the Commercialization & Innovation Collaborative (CIC) in the creation of a common web based training tool for entrepreneurs, existing business owners, and business students. This central, one-stop website will provide access to the nation’s best on-line training opportunities and will include: Developing a Sales & Marketing Plan, Developing a Business Plan, Financial Assistance, and Protecting Technology.

Spin-off KIZ Company identified in Crawford County
Woods Technology of Crawford County has completed the NWPA KIZ’s first spin-off company, Dynasty Software. Dynasty software provides for a means to track surgical equipment and was developed as a result of a missing element of other software.

Energy Program Workshop Planning
The Energy Program will be announcing spring 2009 dates and times for the following workshops:

Strategic Energy Planning
Energy Contracting: Options for Negotiating Energy Rates
Financing Energy Projects

Additionally, Energy Program staff is participating with the Department of Environmental Protection in the planning of an Outdoor and Street Lighting Efficiency Workshop to help municipal governments manage their area lighting expenses. Workshops will be tailored by utility territory and will address technology improvements and new products available in outdoor lighting. Workshops will be scheduled through the summer and fall of 2009. Stay tuned for the announcement of final dates and locations.

Energy Program Presentation Scheduled for annual Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) Conference
Energy Program staff from across the state will be cooperating to provide a “Municipal Energy Management” presentation at PSATS’s Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show. The presentation is scheduled for Monday, April 20th and will include information on how other Pennsylvania municipalities have successfully managed their energy cost and usage. Conference participants are encouraged to attend.

Keystone Opportunity Zone Expansion Applications
An application for Contiguous Expansion was submitted for adding up to fifteen additional acres of land for three parcels in Erie County, three parcels in Mercer County, one parcel in Venango County and one parcel in Clarion County. DCED has two months to review and decide on approval. There will be additional applications for time extensions, expansion of new zones and swapping of properties.

Infrastructure Development Guidelines Released
Guidelines for the H2O Act have been released. This bill provides $800 million primarily for water and sewer projects. Priority will be given to projects that are regional in nature. There is a 50% match requirement. The referendum on last Novembers ballot was approved and provides $400 million also for water and sewer projects. This will be administered through PennVEST and follows their guidelines.

Potential Economic Stimulus Impact
Speculation that an economic stimulus bill will be passed continues to grow. Some of the proposed $650 million to $1 trillion will be for highway and bridge projects. PennDOT has alerted District offices to review current Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP) to identify potential projects that could be ready for bid letting within six months of passage of a bill. Construction projects offer good paying jobs and have a substantial multiplier effect on local economies.

MTAP Winter/Spring Classes

The Northwest Commission is pleased to announce that the Winter 2008/Spring 2009 MTAP courses are well underway. The classes have been well attended and the feedback has been great. Remaining topics to be covered include:

Internet Surfing/Search Engine Use
Basic Computer Maintenance and Upkeep
Access Usage
Advanced topics in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)
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. A free lunch will be offered with all classes!

The Commission encourages you to share any thoughts or ideas that you may have as to upcoming course topics. As always, these courses are free of charge.

$4.25 Million Capital Budget Request for Fiber Infrastructure
The Northwest Commission is mobilizing to pursue a $4.25 million Capital Budget Request to build high-speed Internet/network infrastructure in Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Venango, and Warren counties. The request, originally developed by Rick Novotny at the Corry Redevelopment Authority, is provided for in existing legislation. The Commission will be organizing meetings with County Commissioners, economic development agencies, planning agencies, and other key stakeholders between now and June 30^th to outline the impact of the project and request letters of intent to support the release of project funds.

Interactive Mapping/BFRR Request Page Added Proving Successful
The Northwest Commission recently added a new page to its web site to provide an interactive map and downloadable BFRR forms. Nearly 50 BFRR forms have been submitted via the downloadable forms feature of the site. The page can be found on the Northwest Commission website at http://www.nwcommision.org/bfrr.

Bona Fide Retail Request Program Continues to Grow
Eleven new requests for map and threshold information were submitted on behalf of Northwest PA communities in December. Fourteen requests for map and threshold information were received during the same period of time. Requests are being honored within approximately 30 days. There is growing concern that a backlog of BFRR requests is allowing the phone companies to extend deployment deadlines up to two years.

GIS Presentation to Municipal Secretaries
Northwest Commission staff attended the Warren County Municipal Secretaries meeting on December 11, 2008 to provide an overview and benefits of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology.

PA State Data Center Collaboration
Northwest Commission staff is assisting the Pennsylvania State Data Center with the Participant Statistical Area Program (PSAP) counties in the region. Through the PSAP program, partners are to review and update census tracts, block groups, and census designated places based on population and housing.

Neighborhood GIS Site Demo
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
The second regional Main and Elm Street networking meeting was held on January 14^th at the Northwest Commission office in Oil City. Both Northwest and North Central Commission community development staff, the Northwest Regional DCED Director and the program managers from the DCED designated or funded Main Street & Elm Street communities were joined by several representatives from emerging community programs for the day-long meeting. In addition to great networking, the morning discussion was focused on building town-gown relationships and the afternoon was spent reviewing the programs and opportunities available through the northwest USDA, Rural Development. This networking effort is building off the success of the first day-long session held in downtown Warren in October.

The Commission is planning 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 also offer training options on the different, required elements of Main and Elm Street applications. Meeting details will be available shortly.

Community Revitalization Workshops
Community revitalization organizations looking to help their downtown merchants during these tough economic times may want to consider offering different workshops.

Developed by Community Development staff, “The $$ and ¢ of Visual Merchandising” is a timely and common-sense approach for downtown retailers.
The new Design Workshop, understanding the elements of putting together a Main or Elm Street Façade Program, may also be a helpful first-steps presentation for your community revitalization efforts.
“Understanding the Elements” outlines all of the required elements to apply for the Main Street or Elm Street designations, programs, planning, and project opportunities.

Third Annual Connect/2/Communities Event Planned
The 3rd Annual Connect/2/Communities Conference is scheduled for Wednesday May 6th at Cross Creek Resort. Planning is ongoing with agency planning partners including the US Department of Agriculture, The Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the PA Department of Transportation, and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Additional program details will be announced following a planning meeting to be held on January 16th.

Upcoming LTAP Courses
PennDOT and the Northwest Commission are currently finalizing the new schedule of courses for 2009. Topics to be covered include:

Posting and Bonding of Local Roads
Storm Water Management
Roadside Safety Features
Principles of Paving
Common Sense Solutions to Intersection Problems
Traffic Calming (Speed Control)
Drainage
Unpaved and Gravel Roads Common Maintenance Practices

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. Courses will be posted on the LTAP website as they are confirmed. Please check back if you don’t see a date for your topic of interest.

The Municipal Outreach Program visits are underway and going well. 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.

Currently, the Northwest Commission is in the process of establishing a network of Referral Partners to assist in the administration of the Municipal Outreach Program. These partners will be key players with a high level of expertise in various functional capacities as they relate to municipal assistance. By enlisting these partners, the Commission will be able to quickly and effectively address the issues and concerns that are uncovered during the survey process. The Commission is truly excited about the potential that exists for this program to accomplish great things throughout the District.

A Greenway Steering Committee meeting was held on December 10^,2008 to receive feedback from the Committee on the draft plans that have been supplied to the counties for review. Also discussed at the meeting were region-wide proposed trail corridor, water trail corridor, trail town and natural system corridor priorities. Potential demonstration projects based on the regional priorities were discussed and an update on the regional document was provided. At the conclusion of the meeting, an open discussion began on the idea of a circuit rider(s) to implement the findings of the regional plan.

Janet Anderson is the Director of Business and Economic Development for the Northwest Commission. Her position demands that she oversees the International Marketing, Government Contracting, Business Attraction, Keystone Innovation Zone, and Business Financing programs at the Commission.

Feel free to contact Janet by telephone at 814.677.4800 x116 or email her at: janeta@nwcommission.org

What is your favorite type of food?
Italian Food – since I was a little girl I have liked pasta, meatballs and Salad with Italian dressing. Today, I like all Italian food!

Do you have any hidden talents?
Baking & Cooking

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?
Joe Paterno, Love Ya Lions!

What CD is in your CD player right now?
Natalie Cole, but I like all kinds of music excluding most Country.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?
Meg Ryan-I like her spunk!

What is the most satisfying thing about working at the Commission?
I enjoy the work of the Commission, the highly talented people I work with and the results of the programs!

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