The Northwest News

Summer has once again returned to the region and cool brisk air has been replaced by hot days and warm, humid nights. The region is picking up with festivals, farmers’ markets, picnics, canoeing, and camping. The natural beauty of Northwest Pennsylvania welcomes a host of activities that can be enjoyed during this time of year in a serene setting that offers an opportunity to slow down, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. The Fourth of July is approaching in just a couple of weeks. Whether you are barbecuing with family and friends, camping in one of the local resort areas, or enjoying a fireworks display, take a moment to remember the many service men and women that fight to protect the liberties that our forefathers fought to secure centuries ago.

Northwest Commission Open House
The Northwest Commission held a Joint Chamber Mixer on Tuesday June 10. Guests from the Titusville, Franklin, Venango, Meadville, and Clarion Chambers were invited to attend. Those attended were treated to regional business displays by Sandcille Demi-Spa, Al’s Melons, EMSCO Group, and National Tooling & Machining Association. Food and refreshments were provided by Classy Catering of Oil City. Door prizes were provided by the Titusville, Franklin, and Venango Chambers, as well as four hanging baskets from Al’s Melons donated by the Northwest Commission. It was an enjoyable networking opportunity, and a chance to highlight some of the regional businesses the Northwest Commission has worked with over the past year. Thank you to everyone that attended or participated in this fantastic event!

Erie County Funding Portion of Community Revitalization
Erie County designated $21,800, and Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) designated $24,860, to be used toward the Community Revitalization Program at the Northwest Commission. This program, run by Suzanne Gagliardo, the Manager of Community Development for the commission will work with local communities on downtown revitalization efforts.

Congratulations!
Ben Franklin Technology Partners received the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration’s Excellence in Economic Development Award in the category of Technology-led Economic Development. The Ben Franklin Partners were instrumental in the Northwest Commission receiving the Keystone Innovation Zone designation last October. I would like to congratulate the Ben Franklin Technology Partners on their award and commitment to the economic development of Pennsylvania.

NADO Awards
This year the Northwest Commission submitted five entries to the National Association of Development Organization (NADO) Awards. Two of the submissions were selected to receive an award at the NADO Annual Conference held October 3-7, in Anchorage Alaska. The programs selected for awards were the:

Municipal Outreach Program
Microloan Program

It is an honor that the programs of the Northwest Commission have been recognized. Thank you to the dedicated staff that work hard to promote the programs of the Northwest Commission to help the businesses and local governments throughout the region.

Welcome New Staff
The Northwest Commission would like to welcome Maria Kirby who joined the staff as the Energy Coordinator, with the Community Development Team, on June 3. Maria holds a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Clarion University. Prior to accepting this position Maria served as an Economic Development Specialist for the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation. She assisted qualified companies in obtaining appropriate state resources, coordinated workforce development initiatives, and supported the start-up and location of enterprises to Clarion County. On a broader scope, Maria will coordinate the Energy Program of the Northwest Commission across eight counties. Focusing on local governments, schools, and hospitals, Maria will assist these organizations in efficient energy use, and reducing energy cost. Maria’s background in economic development and dedication to the region make her a welcome addition to the staff.

Cheers!

Three Loans Approved
The Loan Committee approved three loans in May:

Actco Tool & Mfg. Co. of Crawford County
Broncos Barbeque, LLC of Crawford County
J. McGraw, L.L.C. of Warren County

Entrepreneur Training Series
The Northwest Commission and Clarion University Small Business Development Center are continuing to sponsor the Entrepreneur Training Series. The May event was “Marketing Tips for Your Small Business.” Forte’ Marketing of Erie provided tips on improving marketing efforts and saving money. The event was very well attended and had good interaction between the participants and speakers.

Agriculture Credit Analysis Training
John Klinger, Loan Specialist, attended the RMA Agriculture Credit Analysis Training to become more familiar with agriculture lending. The State loan program, First Industries Fund, provides loans to agriculture producers and agriculture enterprises. If you are an agriculture producer or agriculture enterprise that has an expansion plan, please call us for information about the low-interest loan program through the State.

Rapid Reaction Check Presentation
Rapid Reaction, Inc., a Venango County CNC manufacturing company, was presented with a check for utilizing the EDA/RLF and USDA/IRP loan programs to purchase additional equipment. Frank Ditzenberger and Jeffrey Latchaw started the business in 1999, and the Northwest Commission has assisted with financing since their start up. Both owners of the business have numerous years of experience in the industry.

Resource Spotlight: DoD Acronyms List
The PTAC staff understands that understanding all of the acronyms related to government contracting can be overwhelming, so a document has been prepared with a list of some of the more commonly used DoD contracting related acronyms that will hopefully make your life easier! Click here to view this document: This document will also be posted on the Commission's website.

Government 201: Contracting Opportunities with PennDOT
Date: Wednesday, July 23^rd The Northwest Commission will host a half-day Government 201 training event focusing on how to do business with PennDOT. This training will include information regarding DGS contracts and non-DGS contracts, and will also provide information for women-owned businesses, minority owned businesses and disadvantaged businesses and how they can become PennDOT vendors. Carlton Brooks, Interim Director and Kyron Robinson, Project Coordinator, both of DBE Supportive Services Center at Cheyney University, will be presenting and will address contracting opportunities relating to all industries. Training will be held at the Northwest Commission’s Oil City office and registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. For more information and to reserve your spot today, please contact Lori Kenyon at lorik@nwcommission.org or at 814-677-4800 x104.

Please see our Calendar of Events for additional upcoming trainings!

Export Sales reporting important component of continued funding
The staff would like to remind you how imperative it is that you report your export sales achieved through the assistance of the international program of the Northwest Commission. Export sales reported are one component of yearly performance goals. Your reported numbers measure the program’s effectiveness and ensure the continuation of these valuable services. The sales information along with any other information that you provide will remain confidential and will not be available to any other company or unauthorized organization. Clients are surveyed every six months. For a copy of the sales confirmation form, please click on the here. Thank you!

Dorte Heffernan, Manager, International Trade

Mission scheduled to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States of Qatar and Dubai
Nov. 1-3, Riyadh and Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Nov. 4, Doha, Qatar; Nov. 5 and 6, Dubai, UAE

These markets are rich in opportunity and remarkably open to American products, services and technology. The staff will work with CTD’s in-country based Authorized Trade Representatives in Saudi Arabia (U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council) and Qatar (The Amazon Group Qatar) to arrange the best possible business-to-business meetings for you with prescreened potential business partners. For additional information, please contact Joe Burke at the Center for Trade Development, or phone 717.720.7366.

For a copy of a recent CTD press release, please click here.

Crash course on Terms of Payment / Sale (Incoterms) offered
Date: Thursday, June 26
Location: Economic Progress Alliance, Meadville (Douglass William J. Conf. Ctr.)

To register to receive additional information please contact Katarina Ishman.

Join the staff for the next ‘Breakfast with the Pro’s’ on July 8
Location: Law offices of MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton LLP, 100 State Street, Suite 700, Erie, PA 16507

Register for one of four roundtables and have relaxed discussions over breakfast to learn about assistance that is available regarding: Intellectual Property Law (MacDonald Illig Jones and Britton, LLP); Specialized International Transportation and Logistics Services (UPS); Language/document and website translation and Intercultural Support (Echo International); Updates and new initiatives of the Commonwealth’s International Program (Center for Trade Development).

To register or to receive additional information, please contact Dorte Heffernan.

Region Attends MDM East Trade Show
Five representatives from the Northwest Region attended the MDM East Trade Show in New York City the first week in June. Thanks to First Energy and the Commonwealth, those attending from the region were able to network with the attendees as well as vendors at the show to promote the Commonwealth and the Northwest Region.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Training offered by Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Date: Friday, June 27
Location: Northwest Commission Conference Room

Are you doing research and development? The Federal Government is looking for you. Funding is available for-profit small businesses to address various solicitation topics unique to numerous federal agencies. Depending on the agency, these awards can be up to $100,000 for work that typically spans a 6-month study period ($200,000 and two years for certain projects sponsored by the National Institutes of Health). On Friday, June 27, Jill Kennedy from Ben Franklin Venture Investment Forum will be presenting, “What is SBIR & How Do I Apply?” To register, please contact Sue Smith at susans@nwcommission.org or by phone at 814-677-4800 x131.

Intellectual Property Training Available on Web
An interactive training program is available via the web at http://iit.bloomu.edu/IP_Toolkit, at the website, click the training module and enter the login: dced21@bloomu.edu with the password, toolkit. Thanks to a grant from DCED and Bloomsburg University’s Institute for Interactive Technologies & Geisinger Ventures this program consists information on:

The benefits of knowledge and technology transfer
Steps taken in the knowledge and technology transfer process
Ways that intellectual property can be protected
Identifying which ideas should be disclosed an when to do so
The problem of unintentional disclosure
Steps to take when disclosing an idea in a protected manner
And many other topics

Municipal LED Light Bulk Purchase
The Northwest Commission has received 32 resolutions in response to the LED Traffic Signal Bulk Purchase. Initial order information totals more than 4,700 traffic lights within Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren Counties. The Commission is now working with COSTARS and three other Local Development Districts to further reduce the unit cost of the LED lights. The total estimated energy and maintenance savings related to this project is over $1.2 million dollars over a five year period. For more information about the LED Traffic Signal Bulk Purchase, please contact Maria T. Kirby at mariak@nwcommission.org

Energy Program Evaluation
Penn State University is currently completing a formal evaluation of the first year of the Energy Program at the Northwest Commission and other participating Local Development Districts. The final evaluation document will be complete by October. Preliminary feedback from program evaluators suggest that all first year goals have been met or exceeded. This preliminary data is being used by program staff to consider opportunities and priorities in the second year of the program.

Transportation Improvement Program
The public comment period for the draft 2009-2012 Transportation Improvement Program was closed on June 2, 2008. There are $ 243 million in projects scheduled over the four year period. Emphasis is on repairing or replacing bridges

Titusville Truck Study Proposals
Nine proposals for the Titusville Truck Study were received and reviewed by representatives from PennDOT, the Titusville Redevelopment Authority and City of Titusville Planning Commission. Whitman, Requardt & Associates was awarded the project.

Welfare to Work Grant Application
A Welfare to Work grant application submitted by the Crawford Area Transportation Authority was reviewed and forwarded to PennDOT with a recommendation for funding.

Final Spring MTAP Training Programs
06/24/08: Setting Up Accounts in Quickbooks I (08:00am – 11:30am)
06/24/08: Setting up Accounts in QuickBooks II (12:30pm – 4:00 pm).

These trainings are designed for new QuickBooks users interested in learning the basic features of QuickBooks software. The trainings will be held at the Warren/Forest Higher Education Council located at 185 Hospital Drive, North Warren, PA.

Registration can be made by completing an online registration form located at www.nwcommission.org/mtap or by contacting Amber Dille, Community Development Administrative Assistant, by phone (814.677.4800x100) or e-mail (amberd@nwcommission.org). Both trainings are offered free of charge to municipal and county employees.

MTAP Fall Schedule
Northwest Commission staff will soon begin developing the fall MTAP course schedule. New topics likely to be offered include Windows Vista, Computer Maintenance and Upkeep, and Advanced Topics in Excel and QuickBooks.

Please contact Thomas Sanchez at 814.677.4800x109 or by e-mail (thomass@nwcommission.org) if you have course requests or suggestions.

To register for any of the upcoming MTAP courses, please visit www.nwcommission.org/mtap or contact Amber Dille at 814.677.4800x100 or by e-mail (amberd@nwcommission.org).

eCOMMonwealth Group to Consider Telecommuting
Representatives of the various Local Development Districts receiving eCOMMonwealth funding will meet in State College in July to identify and prioritize issues and program opportunities for 2008-2009. The Northwest Commission will present “Telecommuting” as a priority program activity. Specifically, the Commission will seek to develop data-based recommendations with respect to the opportunity and impact of telecommuting as it relates to business, industry, and individuals in Northwest Pennsylvania.

Bona Fide Retail Request Program Ongoing
The Northwest Commission will continue outreach and education efforts as they relate to the Bona Fide Retail Request (BFRR) Program through 2009. The program is designed to assist communities in obtaining high speed Internet access through a process of “petitioning” certain phone companies for service. Since January 2007 the Commission has assisted more than 100 communities in evaluating and/or implementing the various provisions of the BFRR program.

Neighborhood GIS Site
Northwest Commission staff is continuing to work with the Corry Area School District. The Commission is building a Neighborhood GIS site for the district. The interactive mapping site shows the district boundary, roads, a bus route/with stops, building addresses, and aerial photography. The Corry Area School District will use this site internally to help design and coordinate their bus routes and stops.

The Neighborhood GIS web site (www.nwneighborhoodgis.com) currently has three pilot interactive mapping sites. Please use the sites to see what sort of GIS applications can be offered through the Neighborhood GIS program.

Please contact Matt Gilara, GISP - Manager, Regional Planning at (814) 677-4800 (x102) or mattg@nwcommission.org if you have any questions regarding GIS/GPS.

Initial Review Ongoing
Community Development and Planning staff have begun identifying regional assets as they relate to existing and potential revitalization programs. The Municipal Outreach Program survey is being revised to assist in long-range data collection related to revitalization activities.

Fall Workshops Planned
Community Development Workshops will begin in September. The workshops will be open to not just municipal officials, but as both Main Street and Elm Street programs are VOLUNTEER-driven, business and property owners, organizations, and residents are encouraged to attend. Dates, times and locations will be posted early in August. For additional information, please contact Suzanne Gagliardo, Manager, Community Development at 814-677-4800 X122 or suzanneg@nwcommission.org

Upcoming LTAP Courses
June 30 - Unpaved and Gravel Roads Common Maintenance Practices, Mead Township Municipal Building (Clarendon) 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

July 9 - Principles of Paving, Vernon Township Municipal Building (Meadville) 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

August 6 – “Drainage: The Key to Roads that Last, Mead Township Municipal Building (Clarendon) 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

To register, please contact Thomas Sanchez 814.677.4800 x109 or by email (thomass@nwcommission.org). You may also register for these courses online at http://www.ltap.state.pa.us

Northwest Commission staff recently completed the first cycle of surveys with municipalities. Individual meetings were conducted with 181 municipalities. Data drawn from these meetings is currently being summarized for presentation during the second year of outreach and education activities.

The survey instrument used during municipal outreach visits is being revised based on first year findings and the evolving opportunities of Commission programs including the emerging opportunities of both the Energy and Community Revitalization programs. Individual meetings will resume in July.

Please contact Thomas Sanchez at (814) 677-4800, x109 or thomass@nwcommission.org if you have any questions regarding Municipal Outreach.

Regional Greenways Plan Nearing Completion
The Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Greenways and Open Space Network Plan is scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2008. Pashek Associates is working with Northwest Commission staff to set up one on one meeting with all the counties involved in the NW PA Greenways Planning effort. In the final two months, draft plans will be available for the counties, the steering committee, and DCNR to review. The plan will be made available for public comment.

Maria Kirby is the Energy Program Coordinator at the Commission. Maria focuses on local governments, schools, and hospitals, to assist them in energy efficiency and reducing energy costs.

Feel free to contact Maria at 814-677-4800 ext 124 or by email at: mariak@nwcommission.org

What was your nickname as a kid?
.“I actually didn’t have any nicknames as a kid, but in college I picked-up “pool shark”. . . even though that name was only partially deserved.”

What’s your favorite color?
“Green. . .”

Two words most people who know you well would use to describe you?
“Genuine and sweet.”

Hobbies you enjoy?
"I still love to shoot pool, and I lately I spend a lot of time ‘attempting’ to remodel my house all by myself. . . I’m a big fan of hiking, canoeing and just generally playing outside. I also run a few miles a day and occasionally compete in a 5 or 10k race."

When you’re not at the Northwest Commission you’re…
“Working on the house or yard, playing pool, writing, reading, riding my horse. . . just generally staying busy and trying to make the most of life.”

What do you like most about being at the Northwest Commission?
“I really like the opportunity to learn from my colleagues here at the Commission. We have staff who represent expertise in so many different areas of community and economic development, and I have already learned so much. I’m also really happy to be here developing an expertise in the energy field, which is an area that I think will become more and more important in the future. And I love to work with a staff that is so supportive, helpful, team-oriented – and fun!”

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