The Northwest News

Fall is quickly approaching: leaves are changing, evenings are cool and the crickets are chirping. It is a time of change for plants and trees, as they shed their leaves in preparation for winter months. Just as Mother Nature prepares for a long, cold winter, the Northwest Commission is preparing for a tough budget year with limited funds while striving to continue the level of service our businesses and communities have come to expect.

October Board Meeting
The October Board of Directors meeting will be on Friday, October 2 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie. The meeting begins at 10:00 a.m. and will conclude around Noon. If you are interested in attending, please contact Vonda Caldwell at vondac@nwcommission.org.

Fall Festivals & Fun
Be sure to visit one or two of the many corn mazes found in northwest Pennsylvania. Make time for the fall festivals taking place around the region: the Peanut Butter festival in New Bethlehem, September 18-20; the Autumn Leaf Festival in Clarion, which runs from Sept 26 through October 3; Applefest – a weekend filled with fun - is in Franklin and runs October 2-4; and the Wine Country Harvest Festival takes place Northeast next weekend, Sept 25-27. Save time for a family day at Pumpkintown U.S.A. in Erie, visit the Fall Pumpkin Fest in Conneaut Lake, October 9-11 or take a step back in time by visiting McConnells Mill during the 17^th Annual Heritage Festival, Sept 26-27.

Cheers,

One Loan Closed – One Loan Approved

In August the Northwest Commission closed one loan:

Vineyard on the Knoll, LLC closed on a $120,000 SBF/FIF/Ag loan to purchase a vineyard, equipment and for working capital needs. This is an agriculture loan; therefore, job creation is not required.

The Loan Committee approved one loan in August:

Bayless Fuel, LLC of Crawford County

Entrepreneur Training Series
On September 9, 2009 The Northwest Commission in conjunction with Clarion Small Business Development Center introduced Jim Skillington, President and CEO of New Village Media, who presented information on “Marketing through Social Media”. This informative seminar was well received by a group of sixteen participants. Mr. Skillington presented information on the importance of social media such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter for marketing your business.

Small Business First (SBF) Loan Program
The SBF loan program will assist with financing land and building acquisition as well as machinery and equipment purchase and working capital needs. The program will finance 50% of eligible project costs up to a maximum of $200,000. The maximum loan amount for working capital is $100,000 or 50% of the project, whichever is less.

Eligible borrowers are for-profit small businesses (100 or fewer employees) which are: manufacturers, industrial, agricultural enterprises, research and development, construction, advanced technology and computer-related services, hotels, motels, or restaurants, environmental compliance/pollution prevention, municipal or commercial recyclers.

The program will finance land and building for a term up to 15 years, machinery and equipment for a term up to ten years and working capital for a three-year term.

The cost per job created or retained is one job for every $25,000 borrowed from the SBF loan program. The current interest rate is 4.75% through September 30, 2009. The rate will be evaluated quarterly and will be posted on the State’s website.

Please click here for upcoming events to small businesses!

Government 101 – On the Road in Lawrence County
September 23, 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 a refresher course 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 companies attending this half-day training event.

The Commission is taking the Government 101 “on the road” to better accommodate the companies within the region. The September event will be held in Ellwood City at ESB Bank located at 600 Lawrence Ave, Ellwood City, PA 16117. Registration will begin at 8:30 am and presentations will start promptly at 8:45 am. For more information and to reserve your spot today, please contact Amber Walters at amberw@nwcommission.org or at 814.677.4800 x100.

Central Contractor Registration (CCR) REMINDER
December 21, 2009 - For those of you who are registered with the CCR to do business with the federal government, the deadline to switch from using your DUNS number and TPIN and create your own user-name and password so you can login to / update your CCR profile is December 21, 2009. All those companies that have not created and switched their login information to a user-name and password will be inactivated in the CCR after December 21, 2009. Please note that after that date, you will be unable to bid on any federal contracts until you have re-registered in the CCR and you could possibly lose any current federal contracts you may have as you would be inactive in the CCR. If you have any questions on this issue, please contact Candace Glover, at candaceg@nwcommission.org or at 814.677.4800, x107.

Northwest PA Export Compliance Center expands services
The international program has been contracting with Associated Global Systems (AGS), NY to provide easily accessible assistance to export licensing questions. Regional clients have the opportunity to receive unlimited support via phone, fax, and email to obtain counseling on export licensing requirements under the Bureau of Industry & Security and the Department of State (ITAR), or any other U.S. government agency that control specific types of exports.

Due to the high quality service provided by AGS in the past fiscal year, the Commission decided to renew the contract and to expand existing services to provide in-depth, first class counseling on all aspects of technical assistance. This contract will allow the international team to broaden their scope of capabilities, to include fielding occasional import related questions, and to continue to offer the services valued by clients. Please contact the international staff for technical assistance and they will place a referral with AGS on an as needed basis.

Online Export Training Videos are available now
The U.S. Census Bureau, in conjunction with the International Trade Administration (ITA), has released a new collection of online videos in an effort to enhance the export training process through video technology.

Training topics include the following:

Basics of exporting
Foreign Trade Regulations
Commodity classification
Overview of AESDirect
NAFTA (Basics, certificate of origin, rules of origin, etc.)
Taxes and tariffs

Specific contact information is provided at the end of each video for inquiries and clarification on each video topic.

Congratulations to Bright Hospitality
The Commission extends a congratulations to KIZ company, Bright Hospitality for making the 2009, Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. This is the second time in three years that Bright Hospitality has been recognized.

KIZ Tax Credit Deadline
The deadline for the first round of tax credit applications from the NWPA KIZ is September 15, 2009. At least five companies will be submitting applications for this credit and the Commission anticipates a possible return of more than $400,000 to the region.

Crawford County KIZ Company Registration
Wilson Engineering Services has been confirmed and is registered as a NWPA KIZ company. Located in the Ernst node in Crawford County, Wilson Engineering provides sustainable solutions to energy and environmental related issues for their clients.

Answer Zone Entrepreneur Assistance
The Answer Zone provides online training opportunities for entrepreneurs in four topic areas:

Developing a business plan
Developing a sales and marketing plan
Financial assistance
Intellectual property protection

This may be viewed through links on the NW Commission’s NWPA KIZ website or at www.erietech.org/resources. This is a great source of information to answer the question, “Where to go from here?”.

Economic Development Resources
The Economic Development Resource Guide provides descriptions of regional economic development and assistance agencies that help entrepreneurs and companies developing new technologies and products. This may be accessed through the Northwest Commission’s NWPA KIZ website or at www.erietech.org/resources.

Both the Answer Zone and the Economic Development Resources are the result of a cooperative funding effort between the NWPA KIZ, Erie, and Tri-County KIZs, eBIZitPA, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners.

KOZ Regional Coordinator Change
As of September 1, 2009, Sue Smith was assigned the responsibilities of the Regional Coordinator for the Keystone Opportunity Zone across the nine county region which includes Erie, Warren, Crawford, Venango, Forest, Clarion, Mercer, Lawrence and Butler.

Region represented at Food Process Expo
Janet Anderson & Sue Smith will be representing the NWPA Region at the Food Process Expo in Las Vegas during the first week of October. Parent company visits will be schedule in the area during this time.

LDD Energy Program Equipment Update
Pennsylvania’s LDDs have now received their Energy Assessment equipment as discussed in last month’s Northwest News. To recount, each LDD now has the following items:

Thermal Imaging Camera (infrared)
Light Meter
Moisture Meter
Weather Meter

On August 28^th, the Energy personnel from the LDDs took part in a training session to learn how to effectively use the thermal imaging camera. After a period of acclimation, this new tool will allow the Commission to identify heat loss in a building’s envelope due to a variety of issues including lack of insulation, compromised structural integrity, moisture penetration, and poorly sealed doors and windows; all issues that are typically invisible to the naked eye. Once identified, these issues can then be addressed in order to realize immediate and significant energy savings.

The LDDs will convene once again on September 25 to receive training on the remaining items from the purchase. At that point, they will be ready to offer enhanced Energy Assessment services to the municipalities, schools, hospitals, and non-profit organizations throughout the respective regions.

NADO Highlights Pennsylvania Energy Partnership
The recently rebranded Pennsylvania Energy Partnership (PEP, formerly the LDD Energy Program) is currently featured on the National Association of Development Organizations’ (NADO) website. The article speaks in very positive terms of the energy conservation work that has been undertaken by Pennsylvania’s LDDs. Ultimately, this is a significant step forward for the statewide efforts to promote energy efficiency as it lends a great deal of credibility to the work being done by the Northwest Commission and the rest of Pennsylvania’s LDDs. To view the article, go to the Energy Program page at the Northwest Commission website: http://www.nwcommission.org/energy. There is a link on the page that will direct you to the article.

Energy Advisory Council Meeting
The Commission hosted a well attended Energy Advisory Council (EAC) meeting at the Oil City office on July 28. Under new leadership, the Commission is now opening lines of communication with the EAC members and soliciting their feedback on important issues and ideas, while at the same time relaying important energy related news as it becomes available. This two way exchange will enhance the value of EAC meetings moving forward and is sure to help inform future program initiatives.

Assistance Sought for Contacts Database Update
The Commission is requesting assistance from municipalities as it strives to update its contact database for local governments. Each year the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) provides an update of municipal contact information. The Community Development team is trying to extend this database to include specific contact categories. This will enable program staff to target email and postal mailings or notifications to specific areas of interest, as appropriate, and to avoid sending mass mailings that may not be of interest to or applicable to all communities.

MTAP Computer Equipment Donation Planned
The Commission has employed a program of used computer equipment donation as one aspect of MTAP nearly since its inception. An announcement of available equipment will be made by September 30, 2009. At a minimum, the announcement will include several flat panel monitors, at least one laptop computer, and several cell phones. Municipalities are eligible for these donations on a first-come first-served basis. The Commission will make a broadcast announcement of the availability of this equipment via email.

Fall Computer Class Schedule Pending Budget Outcome
MTAP classes are being contemplated for the fall schedule, however, planning and scheduling of these classes is being deferred pending resolution of the state budget. In the interim, the Commission is seeking input and guidance with respect to the program topics, presenters/trainers, and possible online training opportunities. If you have suggestions regarding possible programs, presenters, or other areas of interest, please contact William Rupert at williamr@nwcommission.org.

Gilara Assigned to Transportation Post
Effective September 1, 2009, Matt Gilara was assigned responsibility for the transportation planning programs and activities of the Commission. Mr. Gilara is assuming these responsibilities at a time when transportation infrastructure and land use planning are figuring prominently into long-range plans at the local, state, and federal levels.

Route 8 Land Use & Transportation Study Proposals Received
The Northwest Commission received 17 proposals for the Route 8 Land Use & Transportation Study. The primary issue will be to examine the land use and transportation needs impacting the safety of accessing Route 8 in Barkeyville Borough. The end result will be to develop and complete a highway access management plan and to advance a design solution to the Stevenson Road access point which is the primary point of entry for the Industrial Park. The Commission and selection committee will be reviewing proposals and will be awarding the project by mid September.

Route 62 Transportation Study RFP Issued
The Northwest Commission, on behalf of the City of Oil City, released a Route 62 Smart Transportation Study Request for Proposal (RFP). This project will focus on encouraging in-fill redevelopment south of the Allegheny River in Oil City’s south side business and commercial districts. The project will also determine a set of multi-modal infrastructure projects that will improve the safety and mobility of residents and visitors. Proposals are due by September 25, 2009, after which a selection committee will begin reviewing proposals. It is anticipated that this project will be awarded in October 2009.

State Transportation Hearings Slated for October
The Northwest Commission will be participating in the State Transportation Commission (STC) hearings in October. The hearings are held to collect public testimony for the update of the 2011 Twelve Year Transportation Program. The Commission’s regional overview will touch on the current transportation conditions, resources needed to manage it, project prioritization process, and the Commission's approach to enhancing land use, transportation and economic development.

BFRR Ongoing Through September 30^th
Department of Community and Economic Development funding for education and outreach related to the Bona Fide Retail Request (BFRR) program is ongoing through September 30. The Commission anticipates at least one additional comprehensive update from Verizon with respect to the status of communities pursuing DSL service through the BFRR program. An online map of BFRR communities is available at http://www.nwcommission.org/bfrr.

Windstream Customers Report Ongoing Challenges
Windstream customers seeking DSL service through the Bona Fide Retail Request Program (BFRR) are reporting challenges with respect to obtaining consistent information from Windstream representatives as they attempt to complete the BFRR process. The Commission is working with these customers to clarify these concerns and address them to company representatives collectively and constructively. Please contact W. Randy Rice at the Commission if you are experiencing any difficulty in acquiring DSL service through the BFRR program. Mr. Rice can be reached at 814.677.4800 x101 or randyr@nwcommission.org.

Broadband Stimulus Information Available Online–TAG Monitoring Outcomes
Summary information regarding regional, state, and national broadband stimulus applications was recently made available online. Dynamic searches of application data is available at http://www.broadbandusa.com. Preliminary analysis reveals that there were 21 infrastructure-related applications submitted from PA totaling just over $341 million. The Northwest Commission’s Technology Advisory Group (TAG) is monitoring the status of regional and statewide applications anticipating two additional broadband infrastructure funding opportunities between now and June 30, 2010.

New Wilmington
The Steering Committee working with the Streetscape Master Plan has begun to meet on this central business district initiative. The plan’s focus will be on Market Street from Maple to Apple Alley and Neshannock from New Castle to Mercer, an area that includes unique “diamond” intersections. The Commission is providing some targeted training and technical assistance for this planning process and will be working to assist in developing committees to focus on identified needs in the district.

Forest County
The Growing Greener II grant projects and the anticipated development of the vacant downtown properties continue in Tionesta Borough. Staff is also working with the HTC Group and Meritage Consulting on a tourism development project through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The project findings and proposed next-steps are expected to be released at the end of October.

Oil City
The Main Street Steering Committee recently met with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and is hard at work completing the preliminary application work for Main Street designation. Community revitalization staff has been providing technical assistance to this emerging initiative and creative partnership with the Oil Region Alliance.

Northwest Regional Networking
The fifth networking meeting is scheduled for October 1, 2009, in downtown Meadville and will include a tour of the Market House and the recently renovated Founders House in Diamond Park. Community Revitalization staff coordinates this day-long event for managers in designated Main and Elm street programs.

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

County Greenways Plan Status Updates
The Northwest Commission will be presenting the Northwest Pennsylvania Greenways Plan to it Board of Directors (for adoption) at the February 2010 meeting. Clarion, Erie, and Forest Counties are in the process of finalizing their drafts and this should provide adequate time for those remaining counties to have their individual plans adopted by the Northwest Commission’s February Board of Director’s meeting.

Greenways Circuit Rider Options Explored
Northwest Commission staff met with the Lawrence/Beaver County Shared Greenways and Environmental Planner to get a better understanding of her day to day responsibilities. The Commission is exploring options for getting an additional greenway circuit rider(s) in northwest Pennsylvania to implement the recently completed greenways plans. A circuit rider would provide technical assistance to counties in implementing the greenways plans within the respective counties.

Save-the-Date: National WEDO Tour
The ninth annual National WEDO Tour is scheduled for October 16, 2009 and will be available at two local locations (Grove City College in Mercer County and the Erie Scottish Rite facility in Erie). This is the only event of its kind connecting hundreds of businesswomen across the U.S. via live video feed, featuring a panel discussion with successful women entrepreneurs and executives. Registrations and additional information can be found at http://WE-DO.net.

Randy Rice is the Director of Community Development and Planning for the Northwest Commission. This position demands that he lead the Community Development team that consists of Geographic Information Systems, Community Revitalization, Technology, Transportation, Greenways, MTAP, LTAP, and Energy Programs.

Feel free to contact Randy by telephone at 814.297.7158 x105 or email him at: randyr@nwcommission.org

What is your favorite type of food?
Indian!

Do you have any hidden talents?
Catching snakes for people who are afraid of them but don’t want to kill them

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?
James Hetfield

What CD is in your CD player right now?
None – I’m an iPod guy all the way now. Pat Travers is on right now

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you and why?
I quite honestly have no idea. This is one of those questions that when it comes around with the little sand timer that I just go blank and all my team mates yell at me

What is the most satisfying thing about working at the Commission?
The diversity of the people and organizations with whom we work and the range issues we are called upon to address

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