Resolve to be better
The past year has been such an incredible time for our organization, and I have no doubt that 2007 will be the same. I will celebrate my first full year as the executive director in February, and the Northwest Commission celebrates its 40th anniversary in April.

I constantly think about how the Northwest Commission can do more, and be more, for our region. With these thoughts, I’ve developed my New Year’s resolutions for the organization.

#1 We will listen. We will listen intently to our stakeholders and observe the actions of our clients and partners to more keenly find remedies for issues.

#2 We will adapt. We are always taking on new initiatives, new projects, and seeking new ways of doing things. We will adapt more readily and seek opportunities to change for the better.

#3 We will challenge. We will challenge old ideas about economic development and bring new, creative ideas to the process.

#4 We will build. We will build our organization to more closely meet our vision, and continue to progressively build programs and projects that impact the region.

They say it’s not good to disclose your resolutions. I believe the more people you tell, the more people can help you achieve them. What are your resolutions for 2007?

Time is running out
If you haven’t already made your reservations for the Northwest Commission’s Annual Dinner on February 8, 2007…don’t wait any longer! Seats are filling up quickly. The event will be at Cross Creek Resort in Titusville, PA and begin with a 5 PM reception followed by dinner at 6 PM. The cost for attending is $35, and we plan on making the evening quite enjoyable for our guests. Complimentary valet parking will also be available to our guests.

February Board meeting
Our next board meeting will be held February 8, 2006 at Cross Creek Resort in Titusville, PA beginning at 3 PM. If you would like to join us, please RSVP your attendance to Kellie Morrison at 814-677-4800, ext. 106.

Welcome New Staff, Kellie Morrison
I am pleased to welcome Kellie Morrison back to the Northwest Commission. Kellie is the new Senior Administrative Assistant and will be supporting the Organizational Development department as well as serving as the liaison with the Board of Directors, coordinating my schedule and organizing the bi-monthly board meetings. Kellie worked at the Northwest Commission in 1997-1998, and I am very happy to have her back!

Kellie can be reached at 814-677-4800, ext. 106 or kelliem@nwcommission.org

Happy New Year!
I would like to wish you a happy, healthy 2007 filled with joy and prosperity!

In December the Northwest Commission closed five loans for three companies:

1. A $72,961 SBF loan closed for Pro Tech Machining of Crawford County. The loan was used to purchase machinery and equipment. Three jobs will be created within three years.

2. A $133,000 SBF loan closed for Arvite Technologies, Inc. of Erie County. The loan was used to purchase machinery and equipment. Seven jobs will be created within three years.

3. A $200,000 SBF, $140,000 ARC/RLF and $40,000 EDA/RLF loans closed for First Machine and Manufacturing, Inc. of Erie County. The loans were used to purchase the machinery and equipment assets of First Machine and Manufacturing, Inc. and new equipment. Eighteen jobs will be created within three years.

In December,  the Loan Committee approved two loans: Healthcare Lighting, Inc. and Multi Products, Incorporated both of Erie County.

Entrepreneur Club January 17, 2007 (5:45 pm - 8:00 pm)
Click for brochure
The next Entrepreneur Club event will be held on Jan 17, 2007 at FICDA (Franklin Industrial and Commercial Development Authority) in Franklin, PA. This event is “Tax Tips for Small Businesses” featuring Jim Heasley, CPA and Minnette Clepper, CPA. Attendees will have the option to meet individually with the speakers to have specific questions answered.

The Entrepreneur Club is for regional businesses to network and discuss issues and concerns with other business owners and professionals. We encourage anyone interested to attend and to spread the word!

Updates to the Government Contracting Website!
Our government contracting website has recently been updated to include a comprehensive reference list of websites that we hope our new and current clients will find very useful! Please take time to visit at www.nwcommission.org/gov.html

Government 101 training, March 7th (9am - noon)
This introductory class, conducted at the Northwest Commission, provides an overview of how to do business with the Federal, State and Local governments. Topics such as set-asides, bid leads, registrations, and how to work through the government opportunities were customized to attending companies for this half day training event.

There is no cost for this event but you must register in advance as space is limited. Please contact Lori Moore (x104) for further details or to register.

Government Contracting Web Address of the Month:
Federal Supply/Service Classification (FSC) code www.dlis.dla.mil/h2/  With this website you can enter a product (word) to search and identify your products.

Jim Ritzman has been named acting Deputy Secretary for Planning and Programming replacing Larry King who has retired.  The Rural Planning Organizations (RPO's) met with PennDOT's central office staff to discuss additional work tasks and funding for regional planning. This request will be made in the 2007-2008 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

The EuroMold trade show is the world-leading trade fair for moldmaking and tooling, design and application development, and a perfect fit for our existing regional tool and die, molding industry sector. Join us for a relaxed, informal breakfast meeting on January 26, 2007 at the William Douglas Corporate Conference Center, Meadville, PA. RSVP required, please confirm your attendance with Lori Moore (x104).
Click here to view a brochure of this event. (PDF)

Trade Mission to Chile – EXPONOR 2007
EXPONOR 2007 is a key show for any Pennsylvania company in the mining industry. This show is held in the heart of copper country in Antofagasta. The Chilean mining sector relies heavily on copper as a source of revenue. Chile has the largest copper mining operations, both underground and open pit. Due to the increased demand on both open pit and underground operations from the world market and the decrease in average copper ore grade, there is a need for more efficient ore processing technologies. As a result of the increasing investment in the Chilean mining sector, the railroad operators are investing in railroad repairs and expansions; specific needs arise in the provision of material handling equipment; the increasing concern about the environmental impact of mining has created opportunities for new technologies and processes.
Join the State’s trade mission to Chile for the EXPONOR 2007, June 17-22, 2007! Deadline to register is April 9, 2007. Booth space is available for the first 5 companies at a cost of $ 750.00 per company. The first 10 companies will be accepted.
For additional information, please click here. (PDF)

AWFS (Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers), Las Vegas, Nevada
Pennsylvania, USA Pavilion
The Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council invites regional companies to participate in this largest exhibition of woodworking machinery, hardware, board and panel products, upholstery material, wood components, supplies, services and new technologies assembled anywhere in North America on July 18-21, 2007! Co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, The Department of Agriculture, and The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, space is available for a first time exhibitor for $500.00 ($600.00 for returning exhibitors from 2005). For additional information/exhibitor application, click here. (MS Word)