The Northwest News

As we move into the summer months of 2010, the federal government continues to offer funding for many different programs. I felt it was worthwhile to provide links to the following funding sources/NOFAs:

HUD Brownfields Funding Available
On June 11, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the availability of $8.1 million in Brownfield Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) funding. BEDI funding must be used in conjunction with a new Section 108 guaranteed loan commitment. Applications are due July 6. For more information, click here.

DOT Releases Final TIGER II NOFA
On June 1, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released the final Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the TIGER II grant program. The NOFA revises the interim notice released by DOT on April 26.

The NOFA revises several portions of the interim notice, including:

Rural area: The NOFA clarifies that DOT will only consider a material portion of a project to be located in a rural area if the majority of the project is located in a rural area.
Matching funds: The notice clarifies that DOT will consider non-federal funds as a local match for the purposes of the TIGER II program; DOT will not consider funds already expended as a local match; and all areas rural or urban, according to the notice, can increase their competitiveness by demonstrating significant contributions in excess of the required local match.

Pre-applications must be submitted by July 16, 2010 and final application must be submitted (through grants.gov) by August 23. To view the final NOFA, please click here.

HUD Releases General Section for FY2010 NOFAs
On June 7, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its General Guidance for FY2010 discretionary grant programs. The instructions, which outline HUD's general funding priorities, are intended to help applicants prepare for program NOFAs. The General Section may be of particular use to potential applicants unfamiliar with the HUD grant making process. The guidance is available by clicking here.

Supplemental Funding Measure Moves in Senate
On May 27, the Senate passed a $58.8 billion FY2010 supplemental appropriations bill (H.R. 4899). Nearly $34 billion is slated to support continuing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and more than $5 billion is to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund.

Included in the measure is $49 million for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) recovery efforts in states “that experienced damage due to severe storms and flooding during March 2010 through May 2010.” EDA also received $5 million for planning and technical assistance in connection with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The measure provides $100 million for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Fund for states impacted by flooding between March and May 2010. The legislation specifies they may be used as match for other federal programs.

GAO Releases Recovery Act Report
On May 26, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report examining the use of Recovery Act funding by state and local governments. It is the latest in a series of reports on the uses of and accountability for Recovery Act funds in 16 states.

The report examines how money is being spent across several different federal agencies. According to the report, as of May 7, 2010, approximately $114.8 billion of the $282 billion in Recovery Act funds that were available for state and local programs, had been paid out by the federal government.

A copy of the report is available by clicking here.

Cheers!

Two CED Loans Packaged & Approved

Making Mountain Memories - Forest County
Homestead Oaks – Crawford County

One Loan Closed

In May, the Northwest Commission closed one loan:

Riverhill, Inc. of Clarion County closed on a $133,500 SBF loan to finance the expansion of its Dairy Queen building. The business will retain six current employees and create four new jobs.

Entrepreneur Training Series - July 20, 2010
This free event, held at the Northwest Commission Oil City office at 395 Seneca Street, will focus on developing networks that inspire innovation and help entrepreneurs create and develop successful businesses. Registration for the event starts at 8:45am and the training will run from 9:00am - 11:00am. Breakfast is included. Keynote Speaker is Carl B. Knoblock, District Director, US Small Business Administration, Pittsburgh District Office. To register, contact the SBDC toll free at 1-877-292-1843.

Click here for a list of upcoming events available to small businesses in the area!

Commission provides PTAC overview in Clarion
Commission staff participated in a training seminar on May 14 and presented an overview of the Commission’s PTAC program. Topics included Responsible and Responsive bidding presented by Elizabeth Bowers of the Pa Department of General Services’ Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE). This event was held at the Clarion University Business Center.

Government-101 Traning
A Government-101 Seminar was co-hosted by the Northwest Commission and the Oil Region Alliance on June 8th at the Oil City Business Innovation Center. This event provided an overview of the various government procurement programs that are available to businesses within the region. The seminar also included guest speaker Carl B. Knoblock, District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Government Procurement Expo
The Commission represented the northwest region at the Government Procurement Expo held in Johnstown, Pa. on June 1-4. This event provided one-on-one opportunities with government agencies and military buyers. The event also offered training classes such as: Effective Proposal Writing, Doing Business with the DOD E-Mall and Small Contracting Success with Prime Contractors. This event paid tribute to the late Congressman Murtha.

PA Booth Space is available at the MEDICA 2010 Düsseldorf, Germany
Recruitment has started for the PA Booth at MEDICA 2010. MEDICA is the world’s largest medical trade show and is scheduled for November 17-20, 2010. Last year, more than 4,300 exhibitors, and 137,000 industry professionals, from around the globe attended the 4-day show. Exhibits at the show will display a variety of items, including electro-medicine, medical technology, medical support units, facility management, building automation, laboratory equipment, pharmaceuticals, physiotherapy, orthopedic equipment, commodities, and consumer goods. The PA booth will be located in the electro-medical area of the fairgrounds, adjacent to the U.S. Pavilion. Products on display in this area will include medical devices and equipment, commodities and consumables and medical technologies. Companies are encouraged to sign-in early as space will fill very quickly. For additional information and the registration form for MEDICA, please click here.

Commission obtained Grant Support for the Forging Industry
The Northwest Commission was approved for $15,000 in matching dollars in Regional Investment Marketing Grant funding by DCED. The grant application was submitted in partnership with the Forging Industry Association (FIA) in preparation for the 18th International Forgemasters Conference and Expo scheduled for September 12-16, 2011 in Pittsburgh. Historically, over 20 countries participate in this 4-day conference and it will be the first time this event will be held in the United States since the 1980’s. Part of the itinerary of the Forge Masters Conference and Expo are scheduled plant tours in the northwest region. Twelve member companies of the FIA are located within the PA northwest region and are spread over six counties.

Market Access Grant continue to be available
Companies traveling overseas are encouraged to apply for Market Access Grant funding. The Office of International Business Development submitted a waiver for a contract extension which in plain language means that leftover MAG funds from FY 2009-2010 can be carried over by the Commission and applications can be accepted for the new fiscal year, effective immediately. The Market Access Grant provides up to $3,000 in matching funds to offset expenses such as airfare, lodging, in-country transportation, translator/interpreter fees, trade show registration/booth fee/equipment rental and subscription to the USDOC services. For a copy of the MAG application, please click here.

Wind Power 2010 Show
Staff attended the AWEA (Wind Power ’10) Show in Dallas, Texas. The Commission shared the expense with the Commonwealth and partnered in the booth with various economic development groups from around the state. Funding for participation was provided by a RIM grant. About 60 leads were generated as a result of the show.

KIZ Company Registered
NanoBlox Inc., of Clarion County is a new NWPA KIZ company. Nanoblox was founded to commercialize nanodiamonds which are extremely small (nanometer) sized particles of diamond. The company is located in the Barnes Center at Trinity Point in Clarion.

Internships placed at five locations
The NWPA KIZ placed 7 Interns for the Summer Semester at the following KIZ Companies:

Three interns from Clarion University were placed at Clarion Research Group, Clarion County
One intern from Clarion University placed at NanoBlox Inc., Clarion County
One intern from Allegheny College placed at Optical Filters U.S.A, Crawford County
One intern from Allegheny College placed at Performance Systems Development, Crawford County
One intern from Pennsylvania State University at Behrend placed at Novocell Semiconductor, Mercer County

Grant Letter Submitted
The NWPA KIZ partnered with TEAM Pennsylvania Economic Development Foundation and 18 other KIZ organizations to submit an EDA I6 Challenge Grant letter of interest.

PA Act 129 Projects Gaining Momentum
The Commission has been actively working with municipalities, schools, and non-profit organizations on projects that utilize funding available through Act 129 programs. Initial figures show an anticipated average electricity cost savings of approximately 25% for customers who choose to undertake lighting efficiency upgrade projects. Additionally, the available rebates can potentially fund the entire materials cost of many of these projects.

Northwest Commission’s Energy Efficient Lighting Project Continues to Pay
As noted in the May Northwest News, the Commission’s lighting project for the Oil City headquarters, completed on March 30, had already begun to show promising results. Now that there is a full month of billing data in hand, the results are nothing less than impressive. The Commission’s electric bill for the past month was down in excess of 26% when compared to the prior year. Based on estimated pricing after electric rate cap expiration, this single project will effectively mitigate the increased costs.

Electricity Purchasing
The Commission has been working diligently through workshops and personal consultations with municipalities and organizations interested in managing electricity costs in the face of expiring rate caps. At the time of this writing, First Energy is advising clients to prepare for an increase of 20%-25% for budgeting purposes.

One of the most effective methods to help mitigate these cost increases and their effect on a budget is to lock in an electricity rate by joining a buying pool/consortium. Not only will the participants save money, they will also alleviate any pricing uncertainties during the term of their contract (typically 1-3 years).

At today’s rates, it is estimated that buying pool participants are likely to see an increase of approximately 10% to their electric utility bills, a significant savings over the anticipated increase (20%-25%). To date, 12 Commission clients have signed agreements with an estimated 2011 savings in excess of $50,000.

2010 MTAP Classes are Wrapping Up
The last remaining MTAP Class for the 2010 schedule will be held on June 21st. The course topic is Microsoft Access 2007 Database Level I and it will be held in the Northwest Commission Clarion Office.

To date, the courses have once again proven to be immensely popular with the Commissions clients as demonstrated by 94 people receiving training in the 11 completed courses.

MTAP Survey to Be Distributed Soon
The Commission is currently preparing to distribute the 2010 MTAP Survey. The results of this survey help to determine future MTAP courses and locations as well as to guide it's efforts to bring technology based assistance to the region. Please take the time to complete and return this survey so the Commission can continue to offer classes and services that make a difference for the municipalities of NW PA.

Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)
The "Traffic Signals" LTAP class is scheduled for July 29th at the Edinboro Borough Building at 124 Meadville Street in Edinboro. Registration opens at 7:30AM and the class runs from 8:00AM until 3:00PM. Lunch will be provided. For further information or to register, please contact Sue Smith by phone at 814.677.4800 x131.

Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)
The draft of the TAC Bylaws is available for review by clicking here and will be recommended for approval the next TAC meeting on June 28th.

Route 62 Smart Transportation Study
JMT Consulting has focused on the further development and evaluation of potential improvements along the Route 62 corridor and throughout the entire study area. This includes development of the 3-lane section and roundabouts along Route 62, revisions to the concept of including a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian trail along the existing railroad bridge, development of the riverfront pedestrian walkway/plaza area, continued evaluation of access management throughout the study area and further evaluation of existing land use, building conditions and potential façade treatments. The next steering committee will be scheduled at the end of June.

Route 8 Land Use & Transportation Study
The fourth study committee meeting was held on June 1st. During the month of May, PB Consulting developed and analyzed a range of alternatives to mitigate projected future traffic conditions. The second project newsletter was mailed out to public officials and Barkeyville residents to keep them apprised of the status of the transportation study. The next study committee meeting is set for June 25th.

2011- 2014 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)
Three comments were received on the 2011-2014 TIP during the 30 day public comment period. Responses were sent on the status of Emlenton Hill, the Clarion bridge place holder line items, and the on/off ramps in Warren. The draft TIP will be recommended for approval at the TAC meeting on June 28th and submitted to the Central Office.

Broadband Outreach and Education Funding (BOAF) Application Expanded/Awarded
The Commission was contacted by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) on April 21st regarding the status of our BOAF application. The application has been pending since 12/16/2009. The DCED requested that the Commission integrate its deliverables and budget with the Technology Council of Northwest Pennsylvania and several others organizations in Erie County. A series of meetings resulted in the total budget being expanded to $171,000. The Commission will be responsible for its original deliverables emphasizing Bona Fide Retail Request outreach, education and technical assistance. The Technology Council, Erie Growth Partnership, and PA Futures will pursue development of a multi-municipal web-based communications portal in Erie County. A contract has been executed with the DCED for a contract period of performance beginning May 1, 2010 and running through November, 2011.

Commission Seeks Specifications from Broadband Stimulus Recipients
Commission Technology staff is seeking specifications from broadband stimulus recipients on how they intend to address the “open access and interconnectivity” conditions of their respective awards. Specifically, the Commission is asking recipients to articulate the “process, terms, and conditions” by which third-party “last-mile” providers and anchor institutions will be able to access networks built using Broadband Stimulus funds. All recipients have responded. It is clear they are each aware of the provisions however draft language is not expected until late summer or early fall. The Commission will continue this dialogue as a key element of its broadband infrastructure initiatives.

Municipal Technology Survey in Development
The annual Municipal Technology Survey is being developed for deployment. The survey, intended to gather information about technology capacity and utilization, has been ongoing since 2000. Last year the survey was restructured to collect data relevant to the anticipated Broadband Stimulus application. The survey will be revised again this year to address various aspects of state and federal broadband mapping initiatives and deliverables specified by the DCED in the context of the BOAF award referenced above. Municipalities should receive the survey in late June or early July and will be asked to complete and return the survey within 30 days of receipt.

Route 6 Heritage Communities – Recently Route 6 Heritage Corridor executive director Terri Dennison made a site visit to Corry, Union City, and Edinboro. Corry is now finalizing development plans for their heritage community welcome center and implementation of their project grant funding. The student run art center in downtown Union City offers classes, special projects, and regional information. Edinboro has completed their community business map and will be incorporating this helpful tool into their tourism development plans Conneaut Lake is now working on developing a Farmers’ Market. Community Revitalization staff serves as the western region coordinator for the Heritage Community program and works with the local Route 6 Stakeholder Groups on developing and implementing their WorkPlans.

The HUB, Arts on 8 – This developing regional artisan trail collaboration between the cities of Franklin, Oil City and Titusville has finalized the MOU with the Oil Region Alliance which will facilitate the pursuit of future program funding. A press release has now gone out to local media to recruit area artists and artisans for the trail. The artists are also being invited to assist with the branding process by submitting designs for “Art” who will become the face of the HUB.

PDC Conference
Commission staff will be attending the annual PDC Conference in Downtown Lancaster June 13-16. The theme of this year's revitalization conference is "The Future of the Past: New Economic Realities for Traditional Revitalization." Several northwest communities have submitted entries for the annual state-wide prestigious Townie Awards. Winners will be announced on June 16th.

Northwest community organizations and municipal managers interested in bringing revitalization information and training to your central business districts and neighborhoods, please contact Suzanne Gagliardo, CMSM, Manager, Community Development by phone at 814.677.4800 x122 or by email at suzanneg@nwcommission.org

Katarina Ishman is the International Trade Specialist for the Northwest Commission. In this position, she provides assistance to small and medium-sized Pennsylvania companies interested in developing or expanding their export business opportunities. Katarina informs and counsels Pennsylvania companies on all aspects of exporting and to promote the resources and programs that are available to them.

Feel free to contact Katarina by telephone at 814.677.4800 x117 or email her at: katarinai@nwcommission.org.

What is your favorite type of food?
I love sweets. I could eat chocolate for lunch every day. But to be serious, I am a soup lover, and any potatoes dish will make me happy as well.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I can listen to people. If you have something on your mind and need to talk, talk to me! I will listen and won't judge. And I can also keep secrets, not everybody can do that!

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 and why?
At this point I would trade places with anyone who has a nice condo at the beach with an ocean view and big swimming pool. I would just prop my feet up, relax and read magazines all week long.

What CD is in your CD player right now?
I do not listen to CD’s anymore. I like to listen to local radio stations while driving. Especially morning shows because they are often very funny.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you and why?
Kiera Knightly. And why? I am not sure. I just really like her as an actress.

What is the most satisfying thing about working at the Commission?
I have to admit the most satisfying thing is how much I’ve learned over the past 4 years working at the Commission. There is nothing more satisfying than when you get to work with professionals in their field and learn from them. Many thanks especially to Dorte Heffernan and Claudia Garcia who have been role models to me and helped me grow professionally.

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