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WAL-MART DONATES $15,000 TO HELP FLOOD DAMAGED WATERWAYS IN THE NORTHERN TIER REGION
Representatives involved in a flood clean up project for the Northern Tier Region gather to receive a check presented to the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
On Wednesday, October 4th , Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. presented a $15,000 check to the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission (NTRPDC) to help fund a project to remove flood debris from area waterways in the Northern Tier Region.
Wal-Mart representative James Davis, Senior Manager, Public Affairs for Pennsylvania presented the check to the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission. "Wal-Mart believes strongly in being a store of the community and we are eager to financially support efforts like this to make our communities safer and better places to live," said Davis. "Natural disasters are inevitable, the way we prepare and respond to those unfortunate events make all the difference," he added.
The Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission (NTRPDC) received a $200,000 federal grant to hire crews to remove woody debris from damaged waterways in Bradford, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties. The first crew started in Wyoming County along Sugar Hollow Creek. A second crew is starting clean up work in Susquehanna County on October 9th.
According to Frank Thompson, Deputy Director of the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission, the project is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the workers must meet eligibility requirements. "Our first priority is to provide work for the individuals who lost their jobs either temporarily or permanently as a result of the flooding, then to those unemployed for other reasons," said Thompson. Additional workers are being sought in Susquehanna and Bradford Counties. It is a temporary full-time position paying $10 an hour, with no benefits; however, workers will receive various training. Job applications are available through local CareerLink centers.
"We're very grateful for Wal-Mart's generosity; this will help us to continue the program in the rest of our five counties," said Kevin Abrams. Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties were all declared federal disaster areas after the June flooding. Up to two ten person crews will be hired to work in each county. "Along with Wal-Mart's donation, we expect to receive more federal grant money to continue the program in the rest of our region," added Abrams.
For more information on the flood clean up program, please contact Frank Thompson toll-free at 888-868-8800 or e-mail Thompson@northerntier.org.
WORKSHOP TO BE HELD LINKING MUNICIPAL BUDGETS WITH MULTI-YEAR FINANCIAL PLANNING
A workshop presented by the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors will be held in October linking the municipal budgeting process with financial planning. Local officials, municipal engineers, solicitors, and anyone involved in the municipal planning process should attend.
Each year, municipal governments prepare budgets that define how they will deliver services to their residents. These budgets include capital projects such as preparing roads and bridges, improving sanitary sewer systems and building new storm water infrastructure. Some of these projects require a significant amount of financial commitment and must be budgeted over a multi-year time period.
This workshop will focus on why and how planning and budgeting are linked. It will emphasize the importance of addressing municipal goals and objectives while maintaining strong balances in your municipality’s operating and capital budgets. Instructors will also provide important information on flood recovery permitting, including your municipality’s role in guiding property owners as they proceed with their repair and/or rebuilding of flood-damaged structures caused by recent flooding. Speakers include John Granger, Township Manager of Solebury Township, Bucks County; and Ed LeClear and Kerry Wilson, both Local Government Policy Specialists with the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services.
This workshop is also sponsored by the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission, The Center for Community Leadership, and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. It will be held on October 5th at the Towanda Country Club and on October 19th at Vittles Restaurant, Tunkhannock. Please register by calling Heather Bartholomew at 570.265.9103 or toll-free at 888.868.8800, or e-mail bartholomew@northerntier.org.
NTRPDC provides opportunities for businesses and municipalities throughout Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming counties to enhance the local economy and quality of life. To learn more about our community development program or for grant writing assistance, please contact Tom Schill, Community Development Program Manager at 888-868-8800, or schill@northerntier.org.
WIN AN APPLE iPOD!
10TH GRADE STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST ANNOUNCED
In conjunction with Pennsylvania Health Careers Week November 13-17, 2006, the Northern Tier Workforce Investment Board and the Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers is sponsoring an essay contest for 10th Grade Students.
The essay topic: Health Careers: An Investment in Life is an opportunity for students in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties to write about why they should consider a health career. The essay must focus on one of the following fields that are in demand in Pennsylvania right now and in the near future: Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Nursing, Direct Care Workers, Occupational Therapy, Health Information Management, Pharmacy, Medical Imaging, Physical Therapy, Medical Secretary, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Transcription, Surgical Technology.
The essay must:
- Focus on the fields identified above.
- Develop various reasons to persuade other 10th graders to choose this health care career. Arguments should include, but are not limited to, how your chosen career is “an investment in life” and the steps a 10th grader should take to pursue this chosen career.
- Make sure the directions for submission are followed.
All essays will be judged using the PSSA Persuasive Scoring Guidelines for Focus, Content Development, Organization, Style and Conventions and additional points will be awarded for creativity.
The first, second and third place winners will win Apple iPOD’s and will be recognized by the Northern Tier Workforce Investment Board and a chance to compete in the statewide essay contest.
The essay contest entry deadline is OCTOBER 6, 2006. No late entries will be accepted. Additional guidelines and submission forms are available through your high school guidance counselor, school nurse, or by contacting the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission at 570-265-9103 or toll-free at 888-868-8800. You may also e-mail Sherry Felten at Felten@northerntier.org or visit our website at www.northerntier.org.
The goal of Health Careers Week is to promote career opportunities in health care, particularly those occupations in demand such as the careers listed above.
NEW BUSINESS AND JOBS POSSIBLE THROUGH NTRPDC FINANCING
Eight businesses in Bradford County recently received low-interest financing through the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission (NTRPDC) to start-up or expand. Loans totaling $932,500 will help these businesses create forty-seven new jobs and retain forty-one existing jobs.
Several agricultural operations were able to expand through assistance from the First Industries Fund, a loan program aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s agricultural and tourism industries. As the Area Loan Organization, NTRPDC packages the loans for the Northern Tier Region. The maximum amount is $200,000 or forty percent of the total eligible project costs, whichever is less.
Through these funds, Ja Jen Farm Partnership located in Columbia Crossroads was able to expand through silo construction and equipment, which will help retain two jobs. Y-Run Farms located in Troy plans to expand its dairy operations. It will retain six jobs and create thirteen. VanBlarcom Farm Partnership in Troy will use its First Industries Fund loan to develop a sow operation which will create fourteen new jobs and retain four. Hutchinson Farm Partnership in Rome also plans to expand its dairy operations, creating eight jobs and retaining eight.
The First Industries Fund can also be used for tourism development. Divya, Inc. located in Towanda will use its financing to acquire the Towanda Motel which will help retain seven jobs and will create four new jobs. Four Friends Development, a partnership in Towanda, also plan plans to expand, which will help retain four jobs.
Service and businesses typically qualify for NTRPDC’s Small Business Loan Program, which can lend up to $25,000 for small business projects. Manufacturers received 51% of the loan funds due to the larger amount of each loan. The funds were used for equipment purchase, land and building, and working capital. Holdren’s Precision Machining located in Ulster received a Small Business Loan Program to purchase machinery and equipment. The expansion will help create five new jobs and retain six. Also, Aaron Yoder Construction received a loan for an expansion which will create three new jobs and retain four.
To learn more about the Northern Tier Loan Program e-mail Paulette Potter, Loan Program Manger at potter@northerntier.org.
SUMMER YOUTH EXPERIENCE 2006
Each year, many high school students go to work in part-time summer jobs. While they may think that the only benefit of working part-time is the paycheck, a summer job is a great opportunity to learn important work habits and employment skills. Realizing that today’s youth are our future workforce, the Department of Labor, through the Workforce Investment Act Youth Program helps to prepare your Northern Tier Youth for the transition into the working world.
With oversight from the Youth Council and the Workforce Investment Board, the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission’s Youth Program helps area youth achieve academic and employment success. It provides effective and comprehensive activities that encourage school completion, improve educational attainment, and promote linkages to post-secondary education and employers.
Before being placed in their summer job, participants take part in many activities during Academic Enrichment Week. Career Exploration, health and wellness education, team building activities, interviewing skills, public speaking, and college awareness are all introduced by way of guest speakers and field trips. At the end of the week, they are placed in summer jobs based on their interest and abilities.
Participating Businesses and Organizations 2006:
Bradford County Library
Canton Area High School
Copper Tree Daycare
Northeast Bradford High School
Northern Tier Career Center
Susquehanna Fire Hall
Susquehanna Borough
Andre & Sons, Inc.
Interfaith
Broadline Construction
Cowanesque Valley School District
Elkland High School
Goodwill
PA Department of Agriculture, Tunkhannock
Tunkhannock Area School District
Two Copper Tree Daycare youth workers help in daily activities with the children
Susquehanna County Summer Youth participants take part in a day of academic enrichment
A Cowanesque Valley School District youth worker prepares for a day of maintenance work
NTRPDC's summer monitor, Wyoming County summer youth participants, and their career advisor take a moment out of academic enrichment to pose for a picture
NTRPDC ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
NTRPDC’s Annual Meeting was held on April 25th at the V.F.W. in Montrose. Highlights included a presentation by Executive Director Kevin Abrams, and Deputy Directors Kim Barnes and Frank Thompson highlighting past year’s accomplishments of the agency. Entertainment was provided by Pennsylvania singer/songwriter Van Wagner. Businesses of the Year, R&T Technologies, Inc. of Canton and Twigs Restaurant and Café of Tunkhannock were also honored. Each was highlighted in a slideshow presentation and received $1,500 check and plaque.
Melissa Fleming, Jim Walters, Dick Stetz, Karen Vaughn
Jim Rogers, Betty Reibson, and Guest
Tom Schill, Bill Ord, Jack Ord, and Guest
Chad Rimbey, Sherry Felten, and a representative from the Susquehanna County Library
Kevin Abrams presents Cindy Lundy with a gift and certificate for 10 years of service
Van Wilder performs
Kim Barnes presents highlights and accomplishments from 2005
R&T TECHNOLOGIES, INC. IS 2005 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - MANUFACTURER
Pictured Left to Righ: Art Putnam, John Terefenko, Lisa Dean, Dennis Murray, and Michael Reed from R&T Technologies, Inc.
The 2005 Business of the Year, R&T Technologies, Inc. was honored at the Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission’s annual meeting held on April 25th at the VFW in Montrose. Kevin Abrams, Executive Director of NTRPDC, presented a plaque and a $1,500 check to President John Terefenko and Vice-President Michael Reed.
R&T Technologies, located in Canton, manufactures parts that are engineered and machined with precision to meet each of their customer’s needs. In 2003, R&T Technologies purchased Glenview Industries. They started out with seven employees and eight customers. Today, they have thirty-five employees and forty-nine customers.
Mr. Terefencko and Mr. Reed credit their success to their employees. "We are deeply honored, and believe this award is a well deserved compliment to our talented and creative employees." Said Mr. Terefencko.
Employees are encouraged to provide input and share in decision making with the management team. All are provided intense training to learn how to operate the high-tech equipment used to machine the parts. Some are invited to participate in a valuable apprenticeship program in which they can become certified as a Journeyman Machinist or Master Moldmaker. After completing the required hours of on the job training and continued education, they have the opportunity to double their hourly wage and become recognized as professionals in their field.
Kevin Abrams, Executive Director of the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission, says "R&T is committed to advanced methods for training its employees and developing its processes, it is an honor to present this award."
R&T has also become very active in the international marketplace. It increased export sales from zero to twenty percent of total annual sales and received the Governor’s Excellence in Exporting Award in 2004.
The future is bright for this company. An on-site expansion is planned within the next year, in fact, they plan to use their award money to help with site development work.
The Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission sponsors the Business of the Year award each spring. The business is selected through a nomination process by the Economic Development Advisory Committee, which is comprised of public officials and business leaders located in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties. Only businesses located in those counties are eligible. For more information, visit our website at www.northerntier.org.
TWIGS RESTAURANT AND CAFE IS 2005 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – NON-MANUFACTURER
The 2005 Business of the Year, Twigs Restaurant and Café, was honored at the Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission’s annual meeting held on April 25TH at the VFW in Montrose. Kevin Abrams, Executive Director of NTRPDC, presented a plaque and a $1,500 check to owners Jerry and Lori Bogedin.
Twigs, located at 1 East Tioga Street in Tunkhannock, has grown into one of the region’s best restaurants with the best cuisine. The food on their extensive menu is freshly prepared by professionally trained chefs and served in their quaint dining areas. They were selected as the Business of the Year because of their growth, leadership, and community involvement.
It takes a lot to make a restaurant thrive and the Bogedins’ managerial style and love for the community is directly related to their success. They work together with their staff to support the community through fundraisers and donations of money, food, and time. An annual fundraiser is held in honor of the victims of 9/11. It started out as an effort to raise college funds for the children effected by the victims of 9/11 and since then has grown into support for local organizations including the Triton Hose Fire Company, the Endless Mountains Habitat for Humanity and the local Ambulance Company. This is just one of the many examples of their community support.
"Jerry and I have tried to actively be part of our community…we are part of this town, its people, their lives and their hopes and dreams." Said Lori Bogedin.
The Bogedins also credit their staff for their success. Many have been with Twigs from the start or for many years. A majority work part-time while working their way through college.
"If these young adults are an example of our future, then I believe we are in good hands." Said Ms. Bogedin. "I believe there is great teamwork at this restaurant and that is not easily accomplished in the restaurant business". She continued.
The Bogedins are keeping quiet about specific plans for the future but they do say that there are some changes and surprises anticipated. We look forward to seeing what happens next.
MARCH 2006
RECENT LOAN CLOSINGS
Recent business financing project included four loans to small businesses totaling $409,000. Twenty jobs were created and nine were retained as a result of this funding.
Lizza Computer Graphic’s Inc. located in Tunkhannock, recently received a $25,000 Small Business Loan. This thriving small business services the very specialized national market of digital fine art reproduction. It is also a gallery that features local, national, and international artwork. This is the second time owner Bob Lizza has worked with NTRPDC to help him stay ahead of the competition.
“I cannot say enough about the efficiency and ease of doing business with NTRPDC.” Said Mr. Lizza.
“As with all of our experience with NTRPDC the timing was perfect and allowed us to quickly capitalize on several pieces of key equipment to improve our efficiency and capabilities.” He added.
The Small Business Loan Program through the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission (NTRPDC) can lend up to $25,000 for small business projects. Two jobs were retained as a result of this project.
A.J. Quiz, LLC recently received a $38,000 Tri-District Revolving Loan to help open the new Quiznos Subs in Wysox.
Quiznos is located on SR Route 6 in Wysox. They plan to hire twenty part-time employees.
The Tri-District Revolving Loan Fund provides financial assistance to small business projects in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties. The loan amount is $100,000 or 50% of the total eligible costs, whichever is less. Please contact NTRPDC toll-free at 888-868-8800 for eligibility requirements and guidelines.
Bishcroft Farm, LLC received a $200,000 Small Business First Loan to expand their Roaring Branch dairy farm.
The farm, owned by the Bishop family, has been in operation since 1989 and is a true family owned and operated business. The Small Business First loan is part of a much larger expansion project and will be used to purchase milking equipment so they can expand their dairy operations to 770 milking cows. They currently have five employees.
Small Business First provides low-interest loan financing for businesses with 100 employees or less. Agricultural related enterprises have recently become eligible for the funding. The maximum loan amount is $200,000 or forty percent of total eligible costs, whichever is less. It can be used for land and building acquisition and construction, machinery and equipment, working capital (maximum amount $100,000) and environmental compliance. Small Business First funds are made possible through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Tice Dairy Farm in Wyalusing recently received a $146,000 First Industries Fund loan to expand their farm with assistance from the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission (NTRPDC).
The First Industries Fund is a loan program aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s agricultural and tourism industries. As the Area Loan Organization, NTRPDC packages the loans for the Northern Tier Region. The maximum amount is $200,000 or forty percent of the total eligible project costs, whichever is less.
“This is the first time we have closed a First Industries Fund agriculture loan in our region,” said Paulette Potter, Loan Program Manager for NTRPDC. “In the past, agricultural operations were not eligible for traditional economic development assistance programs, however they have finally realized that their success is integral to Pennsylvania’s overall economic growth and have started to target funding specifically toward them,” she added.
Pennsylvania’s dairy industry is the fourth largest in the country. Milk production accounts for $1.5 billion in income. The annual economic impact on the local economy of just one cow is $13,737, according to the Center for Dairy Excellence.
JANUARY 2006
SEEKING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS
This year, two businesses will be recognized as the 2005 Business of the Year. Nominations will be accepted until March 31st, 2006. "We are going to recognize a manufacturer and a non-manufacturer this year" said Jill Koski, Economic Development Program Manager. "Over the years, we have come to realize that it is difficult to compare a manufacturer with a service based business, for example."
Each winner will receive a $1,500 cash award and will be honored at NTRPDC's Annual Meeting in April. Following are the rules and nomination form. Please e-mail Jill Koski at koski@northerntier.org. with questions.
2005 Business of the Year Nomination Form (pdf)
2005 Business of the Year Nomination Rules (pdf)
Intelligent Direct, Wellsboro, 2002 Business of the Year
Lubbering Corporation, located in Troy, 2003 Business of the Year
Pure Pennsylvania, with locations in Great Bend and Towanda, 2004 Business of the Year
DECEMBER 2005
RECENT LOAN APPROVALS
Three businesses were approved for loans totaling $141,000 in November. A total of thirty-eight jobs will be impacted.
The Log Cabin Restaurant located in Gaines, Tioga County, received a $25,000 Small Business Loan. The restaurant is located on U.S. Route 6, sixteen miles west of Wellsboro and has been under new ownership for the past year. The funds will be used to purchase new equipment. Four jobs will be impacted.
The Montrose Laundromat, located in Montrose, Susquehanna County, also received a Small Business Loan for $16,000. For seventeen years, this facility has provided a self-service Laundromat to their community. The funds will be used to improve the facility and to purchase new equipment. One job will be impacted.
The Small Business Loan program provides up to $25,000 for small businesses start ups and expansions.
The House of Light Youth Group, located in Canton, Bradford County received a $100,000 Tri-District Revolving Loan. This Christian-based foster home for children will use the funds to help with an expansion project. Twenty three jobs will be retained and eight to ten created.
The Tri-District Revolving Loan Fund provides financial assistance to small business projects in the Northern Tier Region. The loan amount is $100,000 or 50% of the total eligible costs, whichever is less.
Please e-mail Paulette Potter, Loan Program Manager – potter@northerntier.org for more information and for specific guidelines.
ANNOUNCEMENT
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NOVEMBER 2005
THE NORTHERN TIER REPORTER - E-NEWSLETTER
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LOCAL STUDENT RECOGNIZED FOR ESSAY HONORING HEALTHCARE HERO
Contest part of Pennsylvania Health Careers Week celebration
Picture Caption: Left to right - Acting Secretary Zahorchak from the Department of Education; Michelle Gostinski; Rosemarie Greco, Director of the Governor’s Office of Health Care Reform; Heather Gostinski, Essay Winner; Sally Dixon, President and CEO of Memorial Health System Corporation; Fred Dedrick, Executive Director of the State Workforce Investment Board.
HARRISBURG — Heather Gostinski from Mansfield High School was honored as the first place winner in a state-wide essay contest on November 14th in Harrisburg.
Ms. Gostinski read her winning essay about her health care hero; her mother, Michelle Gostinski, during a ceremony at the
Capitol
Building in
Harrisburg. She is employed as a Registered Nurse in the post anesthesia care unit at
St. Joseph’s Hospital. She also worked in obstetrics for eleven years. “When she comes home late from work and speaks about an astonishing experience she had that day, it makes me see the love and determination she has.” She read. “Overall my mother has taught me empathy, reasoning, and a drive to achieve beyond what I ever thought I could.” Ms. Gostinski plans to attend
Scranton
University to train for a career as a Physical Therapist.
Ms. Gostinski first won the local essay contest sponsored by the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission where she won an Apple iPOD. Next she won for the Northeast Region and finally the State and earned $500. In addition to reading her essay at the capitol, she was also honored at a luncheon along with other regional winners. Representative Matt Baker introduced Ms. Gostinski on the House floor where she was awarded a citation by the Speaker of the House.
The contest, “Celebrating Health Care Heroes of Today and Tomorrow,” was sponsored by the
Pennsylvania
Center for Health Careers and encouraged tenth graders to write about an influential health care professional in their lives, and to describe what makes that person a hero. The focus of this contest was to increase youth awareness of the more than 200 health care career options available in the state. “Demand for qualified workers in the health care field is at an all-time high in Pennsylvania, said
Sherry Felten, Workforce Program Manager at Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission. “ But young people may not be aware that health care careers are rewarding, challenging and diverse, and offer tremendous opportunity for advancement. In the Northern Tier Region alone, we employ more than 8,600 people in the health care field.”
In conjunction with the essay contest award ceremony, emceed by Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, an all-day Career Awareness Expo was held in the Capitol building. The expo was created to educate eighth- through tenth- grade students about careers in health care that are in demand, pay well, and offer significant opportunities for advancement. Exhibitors included current postsecondary students in featured occupations, accompanied by hi-tech, hands-on demonstrations of the work involved in their fields; and health care and youth career specialists from PA CareerLink. Simultaneous kick-off events were held in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and linked via satellite to the
Harrisburg event.
Locally, Health Careers Week 2005 was celebrated at various events, including health career fairs at
Towanda
Junior
Senior High School and
Elk
Lake
High School. Students in 7th-12th grade at
Blue Ridge
High School were visited by area health care professions who spoke about their jobs.
The week of Nov. 14-18 was proclaimed by Governor Edward G. Rendell as Health Careers Week in
Pennsylvania as part of an effort to raise public awareness of rewarding health care careers and the high demand for several occupations within the industry. Those careers include; nursing, direct care, pharmacy, medical imaging, clinical laboratory sciences and respiratory therapy.
Health Careers Week is jointly sponsored by the Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board’s Center for Health Careers; the state’s 23 Local Workforce Investment Boards; the Hospital and Health system Association of Pennsylvania; the Pennsylvania Department of Health; numerous health care, education and training providers; organized labor; and the state’s workforce development agencies — the Departments of Aging, Community and Economic Development, Education, Labor & Industry, and Public Welfare.
For more information on Health Careers Week and health careers in demand, visit www.pahealthcareers.org.
ESSAY WINNER HONORED REGIONALLY
Second place essay winner, Janna Heyler with Wayne Crawford, Guidance Counselor at Cowanesque High School on the left and her father, Mr. Heyler on the right.
Janna Heyler from Cowanesque High School won second place honors in the Northern Tier Region for her essay honoring her Health Care Hero, her Aunt Nancy Resseguie. Janna was presented with an Apple iPOD for having the second place winning essay.
Janna chose her Aunt as her Health Care Hero because "When she heard that I was interested in nursing, she set up a time for me to visit Strong Memorial Hospital where I was shown a variety of occupations." Nancy Resseguie, a registered nurse, is a nurse recruiter at Strong Memorial.
LOW INTEREST LOANS AVAILABLE TO HELP LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Municipalities in need of equipment or new facilities may be eligible for low interest loans through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
The Governor’s Center for Local Government Services provides The Local Government Capital Project Loan Program to local governments that find borrowing at conventional rates to be prohibitive. Loan funds are provided at a 2.0% interest rate to local governments with populations of 12,000 or less to pay for new equipment or the purchase, construction, renovation and rehabilitation of facilities. It can not be used for operating expenses or debt refinancing.
Loans for equipment can not exceed $25,000 for a single piece of equipment or fifty percent of the total cost, whichever is less. Loans for facilities may not exceed $50,000 for a single facility or fifty percent of the total cost for purchasing, construction, renovating, or rehabilitating the facility, whichever is less. The minimum amount of a loan is $1,000 and eligible municipalities may only submit one application per year. The maximum term is ten years or the useful life of the equipment or facility, whichever is less.
Applications for the loan must be submitted on the DCED Single Application form. For additional guidelines and assistance in preparing an application, please contact Tom Schill, Community Development Program Manager with the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission toll free at 888-868-8800 or e-mail schill@northerntier.org.
OCTOBER 2005
NEW AND EXPANDING BUSINESSES CREATE JOBS IN SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY
Several businesses located in Susquehanna County are starting or expanding thanks in part from low-interest business financing provided by the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission. Fifty-two new jobs have been created and five have been retained.
Two businesses each received $25,000 in Small Business Loans. Sea Hag Soaps & Art Mercantile located in Brackney, Susquehanna County will use their loan to help with the continued renovation of the barn used to house their business. Across Country Real Estate is a new business located in Montrose and their loan will be used for start up costs.
Singh Realty, Inc. located in New Milford received a $100,000 Tri-District Revolving Loan to help with the construction of the new Holiday Inn Express is located off the Gibson Exit on Route 81 in Susquehanna County.
Since 1970, NTRPDC has been providing resources to help businesses and entrepreneurs, local governments, and non-profit organizations in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties. Today, programs include business financing, internet and technology assistance, export counseling, government contract assistance, grant writing, site selection, transportation planning, workforce and economic analysis, and micro-grants for small business training, site development, and website development. For more information, please visit our website at www.northerntier.org. or call toll-free at 888-868-8800
PAST 2005 ARTICLES
The Northern Tier Reporter Volume 1 - Issue 1
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PURE PENNSYLVANIA GALLERY AND GENERAL STORE IS 2004 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The 2004 Business of the Year, Pure Pennsylvania Gallery and General Store, was honored at the Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission's annual meeting held on April 21st at St. Basil's Hall in Dushore. Kevin Abrams, Executive Director of NTRPDC, presented a plaque and a $2,500 check to owner Jill Aldrich.
Open since 2001, the store promotes products made in Pennsylvania. Locally produced foods such as maple syrup, cheese, fresh eggs, and other gourmet snacks; as well as artwork, pottery, quilts, and books by local authors are all for sale.
In just four years, the business has grown from a small storefront to two locations: one in Great Bend and one in the recently renovated Washington Street Station in Towanda. There is also a website - purepennsylvania.com that allows for secure, on-line shopping.
Owner Jill Aldrich remains dedicated to promoting locally made items. "I can't think of another store you can walk into and buy a jar of Amish Jelly, as well as an original oil painting," Aldrich said. "What is most impressive about Pure Pennsylvania is the cyclical effect it has on other craftsmen with small businesses because now they have a venue to sell their products in a unique setting," said Jill Koski, Program Manager for NTRPDC. "It feels good to be able to go in and buy a gift or a food item and know that it was locally handmade."
Along with providing ambiance and quality products, the stores also provide a place for tourists and locals to learn more about the region. The Great Bend store is located in the Hallstead Plaza just off Route 81 in Susquehanna County. Tourists coming off the Interstate can find travel guides and brochures of the area.
The Washington Street Station is owned by the Bradford County Regional Arts Council and Pure Pennsylvania is a perfect fit. The Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission sponsors the Business of the Year award each spring. The business is selected through a nomination process by the Economic Development Advisory Committee, which is comprised of public officials and business leaders located in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties. Only businesses located in those counties are eligible. For more information, please call toll-free 888-868-8800.
NTRPDC LEADS TRADE MISSION TO VIETNAM
Vietnam has a rapidly expanding wood products industry, which provides a unique opportunity for Pennsylvania hardwoods companies. Oak Hill Veneer, located in Troy, and Bennett Hardwoods, from Forksville, joined the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission (NTRPDC) on a trade mission to Vietnam in January.
NTRPDC and the North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission organized the mission cooperatively, with a total of five businesses participating. NTRPDC obtained additional grants from the Northern Tier Hardwoods Association, Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, and U.S. Department of Commerce to help cover expenses.
The mission included two days of factory tours in the region around Ho Chi Minh City, followed by pre-arranged appointments over several days with over 20 potential customers from throughout Vietnam. The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service staff also provided assistance. "They are an excellent resource for any agriculture-related business interested in the Vietnamese market," said Chad Rimbey, Export Development Program Manager with NTRPDC.
NTRPDC provides regional economic and workforce development assistance to businesses and communities in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties. Trade missions are regularly organized to help a variety of industries develop their overseas market. For more information, please contact Chad Rimbey, Export Development Program Manager, at 570.265.9103 or by email: rimbey@northerntier.org
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