Reporter. inside. Pennsylvania Route 15 Welcome Center. northern tier. Summer River Relief Route Historic Preservation Seminar...

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1 northern tier Reporter Summer 2003 Pennsylvania Route 15 Welcome Center OOn April 24, 2003, Pennsylvania opened a new Welcome Center located on US 15 (future I-99) overlooking the Tioga/Hammond Dam. The facility, designed by Larson Design Group, is one of the most beautiful in the Commonwealth. Many state and local officials were present at the Center s opening, The Welcome Center, located near Tioga, PA offers information to visitors. The balcony of the Welcome Center offers an impressive view of the Tioga/ Hammond Dam. including PA Representative Matthew Baker; C. Russell Johnson on behalf of Senator Joseph Scarnati, Mike Glazer on behalf of Congressman Peterson; Walter Barnes Tioga County Commissioner; Mark Murawski, President, Route 15 Coalition; Edgar Lawton, Route 15 Welcome Center Committee; Sandi Spencer, Director, Tioga County Visitors Bureau; Senator Roger Madigan; and Gary Hoffman, PENNDOT Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration. NTRPDC partners with PENNDOT to carry out rural transportation planning and programming for projects including the Welcome Center. For more information contact Rick Biery at or biery@northerntier.org. inside River Relief Route... 3 Historic Preservation Seminar... 5 Technology... 6

2 KEVIN ABRAMS Executive Director KIM BARNES Deputy Director BRIAN BAKER Planning Assistant CYNTHIA KRISE Information Technology Program Mgr CINDY LUNDY Workforce Development Program Mgr DEBBIE MATHERS Team PA Program Manager FRANK THOMPSON Special Projects Program Manager JEFF FIELD Computer Maintenance Specialist JILL KOSKI Economic Development Program Mgr CHAD RIMBEY Export Development Program Manager KELLY LAWRENCE Receptionist KEN REEVES Finance Director KERRY MEEHAN Procurement Program Manager LAURIE LENTZ Business Development Assistant MARIE WILT WIA Financial Analyst Contact Information MELISSA FLEMING Quality Assurance Specialist DAVE BUBNIAK GIS Coordinator PAULETTE POTTER Loan Program Manager RICK BIERY Regional Planner SHERRY FELTEN Workforce Development Program Asst SUSAN COATES Assistant Finance Director THERESA FIELD Executive Secretary TOM SCHILL Community Development Program Mgr CONTACT INFORMATION: 312 Main Street Towanda, PA Phone: or Fax: Website: Low Interest Loans The NTRPDC loan program reports high activity for the first two quarters of The program disbursed $1,125,000 to close eleven loans. Businesses assisted include: Wysox Quick Lube, R & T Technologies, Original Italian Pizza, C Q Services and Sherwood Personal Care Home in Bradford County; Golis Machine in Susquehanna County; Treeline Services and Sherwood Motel in Tioga County; and The Spice Shoppe in Wyoming County. NTRPDC currently services 87 active loans that total $7,834,301. NTRPDC has closed 201 loans since inception in 1980, for a total of $15,943,427, leveraging more than $60 million in private funds and helping to create over 2000 jobs and retain in excess of 4000 jobs in the region. NTRPDC administers various low interest loan programs to provide a means of capital to start up enterprises and expansion funds to existing businesses. Interested businesses should contact Paulette Potter, NTRPDC Loan Program Manager, at potter@northerntier.org or toll-free to discuss future financing needs. Lori Bogedin (left), owns the Spice Shop in Tunkhannock. The Spice Shop is one of many regional businesses that have benefitted from NTRPDC s loan program. Reporter Page 2

3 Bringing the World to You: 2003 Road Show of Overseas Representatives TThe 15 Pennsylvania overseas trade offices will be making their annual return to the Northern Tier on October 7 th 2003 at the Lackawanna College facility in Towanda. The foreign-based trade representatives help Pennsylvania businesses penetrate overseas markets and provide research and advice whether a particular country constitutes a profitable market. The overseas trade representatives will outline a road map for businesses to export their products successfully and correctly in order to avoid costly delays. Although the wood industry has traditionally led the way for the Northern Tier Region s exports, other sectors are witnessing an increase in international sales due to the weakening of the US dollar in relation to major foreign currencies. In particular, there is demand for agricultural goods & specialty foods, industrial machinery & related components, healthcare products, leather goods, and everyday consumer items. Whether your company has never exported or is a veteran, this event will prove to be a powerful springboard to your international sales. For more information or to register for one-onone meetings with the trade representatives, contact Chad Rimbey at rimbey@northerntier.org or toll free at River Relief Route AApril 17, 2003, the ground breaking of the River Relief Route took place in Towanda. Dignitaries representing PENNDOT and Towanda Borough along with US Congressman Don Sherwood, PA Senator Roger Madigan, and PA Representative Tina Pickett and were all present. The project, under proposal since the 1980 s, extends from Patterson Boulevard in North Towanda Township southward along the river to the south side of the Route 6 Veterans bridge. The cost of the project is approximately $12 million dollars with 80% Federal and 20% State investment and is scheduled to be completed in November NTRPDC partners with PENNDOT to carry out rural transportation planning and programming for projects such as the River Relief Route. For more information contact Rick Biery at or biery@northerntier.org. Pictured from left to right are: PENNDOT Secretary Allen Biehler, Tom Fairchild Towanda Borough Manager, US Congressman Don Sherwood, PENNDOT District 3.0 District Engineer Jim Kendter, PA Representative Tina Pickett, and PA Senator Roger Madigan. Reporter Page 3

4 Site Development Incentive Grants SSometimes good economic development projects are delayed because there may not be enough resources to pay for necessary site preparation. The cost is usually minimal but imperative to move forward or apply for additional funding. Through a grant funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission has developed the Site Development Incentive Grant program to help fund the initial stage of economic development projects in the Northern Tier Region of Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga and Wyoming Counties. In the past quarter, several grants have been awarded or approved including Dr. Craig Chaffee, Wysox, in the amount of $1,000 for a site survey of a potential site in the Route 6 Enterprise Zone Corridor. The Trehab Center, Towanda, also received a grant in the amount of $1,250 for a phase I environmental survey of Main Street, Towanda. The Central Bradford Progress Authority submitted the applications for both projects. Two other projects include Bryan s Meat Cutting, East Smithfield, in the amount of $5,000 for drainage and grading for a building expansion and John Brown, Troy, in the amount of $5,000 for engineering services for a commercial development project on Route 14. The Western Bradford Development Corporation submitted the applications for both projects. Recently approved projects include the Wellsboro Municipal Authority, Wellsboro, in the amount of $5,000 to help fund engineering services for a water distribution and new source project. The Tioga County Development Corporation submitted the application. Skyhaven Airport, Tunkhannock has also been approved for a grant in the amount of $5,000 for a feasibility study. The Wyoming County Airport Authority submitted their application. Only economic development organizations or municipalities in the Northern Tier Region are eligible to apply. For more information and a copy of the guidelines, please contact Jill Koski, Economic Development Program Manager, toll-free at or koski@northerntier.org. Pictured in front: PA State Representative Tina Pickett; next row, left to right: PA State Representative Sandra Major; Jill Koski, NTRPDC; PA Senator Roger Madigan; Kim Barnes, NTRPDC; back row, left to right: Bradford County Commissioner, John Sullivan; Tioga County Commissioner, Erick Coolidge; Kevin Abrams, NTRPDC; and Melissa Fleming, NTRPDC. All attended the Capitol for a Day event held on May 13th in Harrisburg. The event is held as an opportunity for Local Development District representatives from all seven districts to meet with their state legislators and staff. Each district set up a display in the Capitol Rotunda, which was followed by a reception with guest speaker, Dennis Yablonsky, Pennsylvania State Secretary of Community and Economic Development, who spoke about Governor Rendell s economic stimulus plan. Reporter Page 4

5 Historic Preservation Seminar in Tunkhannock A Historic Preservation Seminar will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2003 in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania at the Shadowbrook Inn and Resort from 6 to 9 PM. Several historic preservation experts will detail the importance and benefits of preserving our historical structures and heritage. Carol Lee from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Bureau for Historic Preservation (PHMC/BHP), will discuss the cultural and economic benefits of establishing a historic preservation approach to community planning. Bryan VanSweden also with PHMC/ BHP will provide an overview of tax incentives and grants available for rehabilitating historical properties. Susan Cabot, is currently with PHMC, but will soon become the director of Preservation Pennsylvania. She will discuss an initiative to preserve Pennsylvania s threatened historical resources. Robert Veleker, director of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region will describe the Pennsylvania Heritage Parks Program and how it benefits our communities. The seminar is cooperatively sponsored by the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission and the Endless Mountains Heritage Region. The registration deadline is Monday, September 22. For more information and to register, contact the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission at or e- mail schill@northerntier.org. No registration fee is charged to anyone located in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga and Wyoming Counties. However, a $50.00 fee is charged to anyone living or working outside these counties. The Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Staff participates in a large variety of organizations both professionally and personally as volunteers. Following is a comprehensive list of corporate and community oriented affiliations. American Cancer Society Relay for Life Camptown Ball Association Camptown Civic Club Camptown Community Church Camptown Races CCAP Community and Economic Development Committee Central Bradford Chamber of Commerce Central Bradford Progress Authority Cub Scouts Economic Development Finance Service Elementary Flag Football Coaching Endless Mountains Visitor s Bureau French Azilum, Inc. Board of Directors Girl Scouts Governor s Pennsylvania Aviation Advisory Committee Governor s Pennsylvania Rail Freight Advisory Committee International Economic Development Association Local Development District Association of Pennsylvania Mansfield Technology Outreach Center Advisory Committee Minor League Baseball Coaching National Association of Development Organizations Nick J. Rahall, II Appalachian Transportation Institute Advisory Board, Marshall University, Huntingdon Northern Pennsylvania Hardwoods Northern Tier Bruins Advisory Board Northern Tier Hardwoods Association PennDOT Planning Partners Financial Guidance Committee Pennsylvania Economic Development Association Pennsylvania Partners PIAA Football PIAA Soccer Rainbow Riders Roosevelt Trail League Board of Directors Route 6 Task Force Team Pennsylvania Export Network Towanda American Legion Towanda Sons of the American Legion United Way Upper Susquehanna Ben Franklin Advisory Board Veterans Appreciation Day Committee VFW Post 1568 Wysox Presbyterian Church Sunday School Wysox Township Planning Commission YMCA Board of Directors Reporter Page 5

6 Moving Forward with Technology Technology grants provide training and equipment for small businesses and municipalities throughout the region. Small Business Electronic Grants Technology Assistance for Municipalities The Small Business Electronic Grants were awarded small businesses to help promote the use of electronic business. Nine Small Business Electronic Grants were awarded from April to June to help accelerate the use of technology in rural businesses. A total of 24 grants have been awarded in Recipients had this to say: The technology grant was a wonderful opportunity for me to update the computers in my office. Because my business relies so heavily on computers it is essential that my office has the most up to date technology to continue moving toward web based business services. - Vicki L. Schmidt, CPA I have found that NTRPDC understands the needs and aspirations of the people of this area and they provide professional, prompt service and advice. It is a pleasure to work with them. - Sandra Rimbey s Income Tax Service Municipalities continue to benefit from technical assistance, incentive grants, Internet assistance, and training. Five municipal trainings were held with 59 attendees. The topics trained on were Basic Excel, Intermediate Excel, Intermediate Word, and Using the Internet. I wanted to thank you, on behalf of the supervisors and citizens of Choconut Township for all of your assistance in enabling our township to update our software and purchase a computer for the township building. You have saved me hours of time in performing my duties as a secretary treasurer and made it possible for me to file a number of documents electronically that I use to file manually. In addition, with the new computer at the township building, you have made it possible for the supervisors to have instant access to the internet as well as a number of files and documents that will make their job easier. - Comments from Choconut Township, Susquehanna County. For more information about the Small Business Electronic Grants or municipal technical assistance, contact Cynthia Krise at or krise@northerntier.org. Reporter Page 6

7 Youth Program Summer Experience TThis summer, more than 150 youth are participating in paid work experiences through the programs of NTRPDC. Youth across the region are gaining valuable hands-on experience and being compensated for their efforts. The 103 worksites throughout the five counties offer a variety of experiences for each of the youth participating. The program is designed to help develop the basic skills necessary to retain employment while also developing specific skills for whichever position a youth holds. The basic skills are what every employer requires and surveys have shown are lacking in new employees. These skills include punctuality, dependability, ability to interact with others, and following basic orders. Many employers state an individual possessing these attributes can be trained for just about any position and be successful, providing they have the solid foundation. The Trehab Center operates the program in Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga and Wyoming Counties at more than 88 sites. Positions at these sites vary from students doing filing and paperwork in a high school office to working in industrial and production settings. They are assisting the technology departments and providing maintenance for municipalities. Positions are held at senior living centers, kennels, supermarkets, car dealerships, restaurants, childcare centers and computer stores. Bradford County s 15 sites, operated by Bradford County Action, include school districts, libraries, the YMCA, hospitals and personal care homes. The program is funded under the Workforce Investment Act to provide employability skills to tomorrow s workforce. For more information, contact Sherry Felten at Felten@northerntier.org or toll-free. Input Sought for Transportation Plan The Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission is developing its first-ever Long Range Transportation Plan. The Commission has been engaging regional companies and agencies to plan for the region s transportation infrastructure needs over the next 20 years. The Commission especially wants regional business input with regard to the issues and opportunities they face operating in the 5-county Northern Tier region. A primary focus has been on 16 high priority corridors, including the routes shown below: If you use any of these routes on a regular basis, the Commission would appreciate hearing from you. The Commission needs your help in identifying typical problem areas such as needed truck climbing lanes, posted bridges, and geometric improvements at intersections. Our study partners include PENNDOT and the planning consultant, Gannett Fleming, Inc. Please direct any questions or correspondence to Mr. Rick Biery, Regional Planning Program Manager, at (888) or biery@northerntier.org. Reporter Page 7

8 Training Grants Available for Small Businesses AAre you a small business owner with 50 employees or less? If so, you may eligible for a matching grant up businesses to learn about emerging trends and topics that affect the way they do business. to $1, for training. The training grants are offered by the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission (NTRPDC) on a first-come first-serve basis. Northern Tier businesses with 50 or less employees are eligible to apply. Companies must employ at least one full-time equivalent employee. Expenses eligible for reimbursement include; registration, tuition fees, lodging, airfare and transportation costs. Meals and other personal needs are not eligible for reimbursement. Business owners and employees should target training events that provide an opportunity for small During the first two quarters of 2003, NTRPDC has reimbursed 19 companies with grants totaling $14, Since inception, there have been 131 companies reimbursed a total of $88, To apply, just submit a brief proposal on company letterhead outlining the proposed training and describe how the training will benefit your business. Please provide an outline of anticipated expenses. Proposals should be submitted prior to the scheduled training event. For more information please contact Laurie Lentz at lentz@northerntier.org or toll-free at Main Street, Towanda, PA USA BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID TOWANDA, PA PERMIT NO. 41 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED