The Northwest News

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Groundbreaking in Hermitage
Congratulations to the City of Hermitage for their continued development of LindenPointe Technology Park. On April 29th, I was able to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Butler County Community College (BC3) and the Tech Center. Officials from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), U.S. Department of Labor, City of Hermitage, City of Youngstown and BC3 were present to make comments and support the projects. The Commission assisted the City of Hermitage in securing a $4.2 Million grant from EDA. Click here for press releases and photos of the event.

Erie Inland Port Conference
There is still time to register! The Economic Development Corporation of Erie County (EDCED) and affiliated agencies recently announced a comprehensive and multifaceted effort to grow the region's logistics and shipping industry called the "Erie Inland Port" projects. A key component to the effort is the creation of the Erie Shippers Association, which will be launched at the Erie Inland Port conference scheduled for Tuesday, May 25th, at the Bayfront Convention Center. To view more information and to register, please click here.

Local Company Receives Nomination
Erie-based Logistics Plus, Inc. has recently been nominated as a finalist in the “Logistics/Transportation Provider of the Year” category for Steel Industry Excellence from the American Metal Market Association! Logistics Plus competed with other companies nationwide for top honors, and the finalist ceremony will be held in New York City on June 22nd. Congratulations LP – well deserved!

Cheers!

Two Loans Approved – One Loan Closed

In April, the Loan Committee approved two loans:

K. B. Pizza, Inc. – Venango Co.
Archi-Texture Finishing, LLC – Erie Co.

In April, the Northwest Commission closed one loan:

· Treloar and Heisel, Inc. of Lawrence County closed on a $200,000 SBF loan to purchase and renovate a commercial building in New Castle. The company will retain 30 employees.

Northwest Commission Received PIDA Certification
The Northwest Commission was approved to package PIDA loans in six of the northwest eight counties including Clarion, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango and Warren. The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) program has low-interest financing for land and building projects only. PIDA finances acquisition, construction and renovation of facilities. The program will look at financing projects up to $2 million with terms up to 15 years. If the project is in an EZ, Act 47 Industrial Community, Brownfield Site or KOZ, the maximum loan can be $2.25 million. The interest rate and maximum participation are posted on the State’s website. Currently the rate in the region is 3.75% and the program will finance between 50% - 70% of eligible project costs.

Entrepreneur Training Series: Analyzing Your Financial Statements
This free event, held at the Northwest Commission's Oil City office, was for existing business owners who had some familiarity with financial statements. The event was held on May 18th with registration starting at 8:45am. The training ran from 9:00am - 11:00am with 12 attendees present.

Upcoming Events:

“First Step Workshops: Starting and Growing a Successful Business”
New business start-ups and entrepreneurs without previous business experience are encouraged to attend a SBDC First Step Workshop before meeting with a consultant. The start-up essentials workshop is a three hour program.

June 3, 2010, 9:00pm – 12:00pm, Mercer-presented by Gannon SBDC
June 5, 2010, 9:00am – 12:30pm, Clarion-presented by Clarion SBDC
June 10, 2010, 9:00pm – 12:00pm, Erie-presented by Gannon SBDC

For more information on these events or to register, please contact Jo Cramer at 814.677.4800 x113.

PTAC Government Contracting Manager to Speak at Seminar
The Northwest Commission attended a training seminar on May 14 where staff presented an overview of the Commission’s PTAC program. Topics in the presentation 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 Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Government 101 Seminar
A Government 101 Seminar will be held on June 8th at the Oil City Business Innovation Center. It will be co-hosted by the Northwest Commission and the Oil Region Alliance. This event will provide an overview of the various government procurement programs available. The seminar will also include guest speaker Carl B. Knoblock, District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Government Procurement Expo
The Commission will be representing the region at the upcoming Government Procurement Expo held in Johnstown, Pa on June 1st through 4th. This event is a one-on-one with government agencies and military buyers. The event also offers training classes such as: Effective Proposal Writing, Doing Business with the DOD E-Mall and Small Contracting Success with Prime Contractors.

Rebuild Chile Expo, The Official U.S. – Chilean Event, June 15-17, 2010 – Santiago, Chile
Chile is embarking on a major national effort to recover and rebuild after the historic earthquake of Feb. 27, 2010. While the task is enormous, so is the determination to get the job done. Chile has the political will and the financial resources necessary to accomplish the rebuilding program.

Exhibitors will be U.S. companies, new- to- market as well as those already active in Chile. Exhibitors can include U.S. manufacturers of building products and construction equipment; telecommunications systems; energy generation and delivery products; sanitation, utilities repair and replacement; and other equipment and materials identified by Chile as priorities in the recovery program. Visitors will be government officials at the federal, regional and municipal level who are charged with planning and implementing Chile’s recovery and rebuilding effort. A further group of visitors will be drawn from the ranks of businesses and investment facilitators looking for products and services that will meet the needs of the private sector.

Booth space is available for companies willing to showcase their products and services. The Pennsylvania Trade Office in Chile will assist PA companies attending the show with logistics coordination (hotels, interpreters, transportation, etc.). For additional information please visit www.ExpoRebuildChile.com or contact Claudia Garcia .

German – American Business Circle - Now online at www.gabcpgh.com
The German – American Business Circle (GABC) is on-line with a new website in English and German. It tells the story in words and images of Germany’s significant business presence in Western Pennsylvania.

The goal is to have a comprehensive, dynamic site to keep members and friends up-dated on GABC related events and activities. It also will serve to educate about the impact of German companies operating in Western Pennsylvania, and will be an economic development resource for recruiting German and European companies to locate in the region.

Doing Business in China - April 20th
Regional companies had the opportunity to join the Commission for this full day event to receive basic strategies to succeed in the China market. The agenda offered the clients one-on-one meetings with the PA trade representatives from the China-Beijing and China-Shanghai trade offices. Attendees also received China market briefings and learned about Chinese business culture. They received tools on how to protect Intellectual Property Rights and how to proactively respond to import competition via Trade Adjustment Assistance.

Terms of Sale and Terms of Payment with Gary Carver - April 29th
Gary Carver, Carver International in Erie, presented a dynamic half day training event on INCOTERMS and Terms of Payment upon special request of a Venango county client. The mini training session was opened up to interested companies.

Upcoming Trade Shows
Staff will participate in the AWEA, the Wind Energy Show being held in Dallas, Texas, May 22-27. This will be a joint effort with Tap into Manufacturing, Erie County Redevelopment Authority, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Staff will also participate in the MDM East, held in NYC in June. This is a joint effort with First Energy, the State of Pennsylvania, and Tap into Manufacturing.

Plastic Extruder Visits Region
The Commission and four county partners hosted a plastic extruder in the region. The company is from Italy and looking to expand its operations in the United States. Western Pennsylvania is competing with Connecticut and New York for the expansion.

Foreign Direct Investment Representatives Visit
On June 8-9, the Commonwealth’s Foreign Direct Investment Representatives will be in the region on a FAMiliarization tour. The group will meet in Erie and will hear presentations from the county economic development agencies, Tap Into Manufacturing and from foreign-owned companies that have located in the region. If you’re interested in attending the reception on June 8, please contact Janet Anderson.

Commission’s Energy Efficient Lighting Project Begins to Pay Dividends
As noted in the April Northwest News, the Commission recently undertook a lighting project for the Oil City headquarters. As a result of the completed project, the Commission was able to realize a $75 decrease on the latest electric bill. This bill reflected less than three weeks of post-project billing, indicating a monthly savings in excess of $100 for future billing cycles.

Energy Program Looking for New Opportunities
The Energy Program at the Commission is focused on assisting regional municipalities, schools, and non-profit organizations with energy conservation needs. This is being done through a combination of energy related workshops and trainings, Energy Assessments of buildings and facilities, Utility Bill Analyses, and the formation of purchasing consortiums for both energy and energy efficient products.

Moving forward, the Commission would like to hear your thoughts as to how it can make the program even better and more meaningful for clients. Any ideas regarding how the Commission might enhance its current services (new workshop topics, auditing/inspection services, potential consortiums, etc) or add to them will be taken under serious consideration. Please reach out to Bill Rupert at 814.297.7158 x103 with your thoughts.

Municipal Technology Assistance Program (MTAP)
The MTAP classes for 2010 have once again proven to be extremely popular to the region’s municipal employees. Course space is filling up quickly so the Commission urges you to sign up for any desired course as soon as possible.

Remaining Courses for 2010:

6/02 – Microsoft Outlook, Corry
6/16 – Mail Merge, Corry
6/16 – Excel Functions, Corry
6/21 – Microsoft Access 2007 Database Level I, Clarion

To date, the courses have once again proven to be immensely popular with the Commissions clients as demonstrated by 80 people receiving training in the nine completed courses. To view the official MTAP schedule, please click here.

Next Round of MTAP Courses for Fall 2010/Spring 2011 in the Planning Stage
The Commission is currently working on a schedule for the next round of MTAP courses. Popular courses will stay in place, but the Commission would love to know of any subjects that you would like to see added to the schedule. Feel free to reach out and share your thoughts; any and all ideas will be considered in the Commissions efforts to enhance the program’s value to region’s municipalities.

Additionally, please let the Commission know if there is a particular course (or courses) in which you would like to participate but have been unable to attend due to driving/distance concerns. The Commission will look to conduct this next round of courses in any location where the demand is high.

Finally, the Commission is always on the lookout for new facilities in which to conduct MTAP trainings. If you are aware of any computer labs that would be appropriate for future course, please contact Bill Rupert at 814.297.7158 x103.

Roadway Safety Improvement Training
The LTAP training class, Roadway Safety Improvement, is scheduled in Strattanville, (Clarion County) on May 25th at the Structural Modular’s facility from 8:00am until 3:00pm. Registration begins at 7:30am. (Lunch is Provided)

Traffic Signals Training
The Traffic Signals class is scheduled for July 29th at the Edinboro Borough Building at 124 Meadville Street in Edinboro. Registration opens at 7:30am and class runs from 8:00am until 3:00pm. (Lunch is provided) For further information or to register please contact Sue Smith at 814.677.4800 x131.

2011- 2014 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)
The 2011-2014 TIP is presently on public display at the Commission’s office at 395 Seneca Street in Oil City, PA, Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm; on the Commission’s website; at each of the five county’s (Clarion, Crawford, Forest, Venango, and Warren) planning offices; at the offices of the three transit authorities (Crawford Area Transportation Authority, Transportation Authority of Warren County and Venango County Transportation), the following townships: Pine, Summerhill, Vernon, West Mead, Conewango, Howe, Cornplanter, Sandy Creek, Paint, Clarion, Brady, Spring, Sparta, Rome, East Fallowfield, Watson, Washington, Licking, Richland, and Madison; the Boroughs of Clarion, Springboro, Clintonville, Polk, St. Petersburg, Bear Lake, Clarendon, Hawthorn and Strattanville; and the cities of Meadville and Franklin from April 29, 2010 through May 31, 2010. A public informational meeting will be held at the Northwest Commission office on May 27, from 1:00pm-3:00pm.

Regional Airports Receive Federal Block Grants
Public-use airports in the state are eligible for the aviation development program and six airports in the northwest region were chosen as recipients of 2010 federal block grants. They include:

$570,375 - Clarion County Airport – Rehabilitate Taxiways A, B, and C
$375,375 - Port Meadville Airport – Rehabilitate medium intensity lights
$146,250 - Titusville Airport – Update Airport Master Plan
$165,750 - Corry-Lawrence Airport – Installation of Visual Guidance System
$1.7 million - New Castle Municipal Airport – Rehabilitate Runway and Safety Area
$146,250 - Grove City Regional Airport – Seal Cracks on Runway
$390,000 - Venango Regional Airport – Acquire Snow-removal Equipment

Airport Hazard Zoning Ordinances
PennDOT will be hosting a workshop at the Business Innovation Center in Oil City on May 24th from 8:00am to 10:00am to facilitate the development of airport hazard zoning ordinances by hazard area impacted municipalities. Planning commission members, zoning board members, elected and appointed officials, municipal solicitors, local and county planners, airport sponsors, and MPO/RPO planners are being encouraged to attend.

Route 62 Smart Transportation Study
The second steering committee meeting and the first public meeting for the Route 62 Smart Transportation Study were held on April 21st. Prior to this meeting, preliminary analysis was conducted to determine the feasibility of roundabouts along Route 62, the reduction of the existing 4-lane section to a 3-lane section with pedestrian facilities and the use of the existing railroad bridge as a formal pedestrian crossing of the river.

Route 8 Land Use & Transportation Study
The third study committee meeting was held on April 30th. During the month of April, the consultant, PB Americas, completed the evaluation of future land use scenarios; conducted analysis of baseline projected future traffic conditions for these scenarios, and prepared a draft of the second project newsletter. The second public meeting will be held on May 24th.

Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)
The TAC Bylaws have been reviewed and edited by the assigned committee and will be presented for discussion and consideration at the next meeting on June 28th.

Clarion Broadband Event Successful
The Commission collaborated with the PA Office of Administration to provide an overview of opportunities and timelines associated with a $30 million Broadband Stimulus Award. The public event was held in the Gemmell Student Union Complex at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Approximately 50 people attended the event. Senator Mary Jo White provided the introduction by emphasizing the imperative of broadband in rural communities. Office of Administration representatives described methods by which third-part providers would be able to attach equipment to state owned towers. Additionally, representatives provided an overview of ongoing broadband mapping activities within the state and across the nation. The session concluded with a question and answer session.

Broadband Project Scope Expanded
The Commission submitted a Broadband Outreach and Aggregation Fund (BOAF) application to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) on December 16, 2009. Originally the projected was designed to build on the momentum of two previous awards and extend the successes as they relate to the Bona Fide Retail Request (BFRR) program. The Commission was contacted by the DCED in late April and asked to expand the scope of the project to include substantial e-government adoption components as proposed by the Technology Council of Northwest Pennsylvania, the Erie Growth Partnership, and PA Futures. A revised project scope and budget is currently pending a final decision in Harrisburg.

Connect 2 Communities Conference
Over 145 attended the fourth annual Connect 2 Communities (C2C) on Wednesday, May 5th at Cross Creek Resort, Titusville. There were 18 vendors and 8 exhibitors that attendees could network with. Eleven different C2C educational sessions were offered during the day-long event, including:

USDA Rural Development Programs & Grants with the USDA Meadville staff
Technology & Broadband with updates presented by W. Randy Rice
Stormwater Management – Act 167 was presented by Tim Bruno/DEP
Energy-Act 129 presented by Bill Rupert with Linda Routzahn and Dan Heher from First Energy
Understanding the ABC’s of PA’s Alphabet Soup presented by Suzanne Gagliardo with DCED, DEP and PennDOT
Greenways- Next Steps was a discussion of the Implementation Block Grant opportunities with Sue Smith, Kim McCullough/DCNR and Tim Bruno/DEP
The PA Wilds – the artisan trail, signage grants, and the Design Guide presented by Ta Brant and Sam MacDonald
Marcellus Shale with John Turack/Penn State Cooperative Extension and Rob Hilliard/URS Corporation
Your Bridge System presented by Bill Koller/PennDOT
Joint Purchasing – working with COSTARS with Bruce Beardsley/COSTARS
Dealing with Blight, led by Suzanne Gagliardo
The lunchtime keynote speaker was PennDOT Engineering District
1-0, District Executive Bill Petit.

C2C was a free event, complete with a Continental Breakfast and Lunch, C2C Tote Bags, and a closing “Cookie Break” thanks to the generosity of our sponsors: Gold/Premier Power Solutions; Silver/ Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering, Inc; and Bronze/Mackin Engineering; E. G. & G., Inc.; Poggemeyer Design Group; Lee Simpson Associates; Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP; Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson; The EADS Group; and GK Mapping & GPS Services.

C2C planning partners included representatives from DCED, DEP, DCNR, PennDOT, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, USDA Rural Development, Whitman, Requardt & Associates, and the Northwest Commission Community Development Team.

Linking Planning to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Two Summits have been scheduled for the Linking Planning to NEPA Stakeholders. The first summit was held in Harrisburg at the PA Farm Show Building on April 27th. Breakout sessions were held for each Implementation Team or Work Group. The second summit is planned for May 18th at the District 9 office in Hollidaysburg.

Regional Planning Meeting
The Northwest Regional Planning Committee will be meeting on May 21st. In addition to continued discussion on stormwater management, other discussion items include dealing with blighted properties, the new Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Studies.

Northwest Greenways Block Grant Program
The initial meeting with the First and Second Round Greenways Block Grantees was held on April 29th. DCNR and DEP representatives were on hand to answer questions posed by the grantees.

Third Greenways Block Grant Round
Notice of the third round of the Greenways Block Grant Program’s Notice of Intent was announced on April 15th Applicants will have until May 14th to return applications. The Implementation Steering Committee expects to announce awards in June. Eligible applicants include conservancies, conservation districts, and municipalities with projects identified in the Northwest Regional Greenways Plan.

Northwest Greenways Implementation Grant
An application was submitted to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) on April 21st for a second Greenways Implementation Grant to be able to continue the funding opportunity of the Greenways Block Grant Program.

KOZ Coordinators Conference
The annual KOZ Coordinators meeting was held in Harrisburg on April 22nd. Notice was given that paper applications will no longer be accepted and that the electronic application may be found at koz.newpa.com under the heading “Application & Tools” at the bottom of the page.

Lisa Wood is the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAC) Manager at the Northwest Commission. She works with the Government Contracting Specialist to assist companies with the necessary materials do business with the government.

Feel free to contact Lisa by telephone at 814.677.4800 x102 or email her at: lisaw@nwcommission.org.

What is your favorite type of food?
My own cooking

Do you have any hidden talents?
I can wiggle my ears!

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?
Mae West. She was ahead of her time and was not afraid to face down the men in her world!

What CD is in your CD player right now?
Hiroshima’s LA

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you and why?
Susan Sarandon. She has been around the block, at least twice.

What is the most satisfying thing about working at the Commission?
The people. They believe in the region they are assisting. It is not just a job, it is about making a difference.

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