North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission

Transcription

1 North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission Semi-Annual Report July December 2016

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3 Table of Contents Community Development/Regional Planning 4 Enterprise Development Program 13 Human Resource Department 21 Information Technology Program 23 Workforce Development Board 25 Workforce Development Operations 29 WIC Program 31 3

4 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/REGIONAL PLANNING NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT July - December 2016 The Department has been charged with developing integrated strategies and policies for community development and regional planning activities that are consistent with the organizations Regional Action Strategy and Strategic Plan. ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOALS Promote cooperative efforts among community (county, city and municipal governments) and economic development agencies that advance individual and common interests in targeting commercial, industrial and infrastructure development that is data driven and supported Promote quality of life initiatives while safeguarding the region s assets Assess and inventory regional infrastructure needs, including water, sewer, transportation, energy, utilities, recreation, education, healthcare, housing and site remediation Expand community outreach and engagement in a range of regional planning and development topics Establish and implement a communication plan to update stakeholders and the general public, share success stories, and promote community and regional planning Collect, compile, organize, analyze and disseminate data and data procedures needed for regional policy-setting and decision-making using the evolving capabilities of GIS Provide a desirable work environment and promote employee excellence PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES Appalachia Regional Commission/Economic Development Administration (ARC/ EDA) - Provides assistance and support to public infrastructure such as water and wastewater system improvements, industrial parks, industrial multi-tenant buildings, access roads to industrial areas, and other similar projects that promote community/ economic development and job creation. Energy Program Provides assistance to business, local government agencies and communities to help reduce pollution and save energy. 4

5 Municipal Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) Assists local governmental agencies with information technology, software and related training services. Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Promotes transportation technology through training, technical assistance and other customer services to elected municipal officials and their staff. Transportation Planning Provides a forum where federal, state, regional and local decision makers identify issues/opportunities, conduct studies and make informed recommendations regarding the programming and implementation of transportation projects. Geographic Information System (GIS) Collaborates with governmental agencies, community and business leaders as well as internal North Central departments to provide access to high quality geographic information. Community Development/Regional Planning Encourages the exchange of meaningful strategies on how communities can soundly manage growth and development to efficiently and effectively link land use, transportation, and economic development decision making at a regional level (Greenway Planning, PA Wilds, etc.). KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS PERIOD The Community Development Department remains extremely active and during the past six months, staff continued to promote cooperative efforts between community and economic development agencies throughout the region. As the progress report will indicate, outreach and engagement in a range of regional planning, tourism, and municipal assistance took precedence, including the continued monitoring and participation in activities related to the Community Development, Municipal Assistance and infrastructure impacts. Below you will find additional core program activities for this period: A. Appalachian Regional Commission During the July through December 2016 reporting period, staff were involved with four funding previously submitted, one approved application and ten new projects seeking Fiscal Year 2017 funding consideration. Funding applications submitted: Sandy Township Industrial Drive Interconnect Access Road -This project is a 2,580 foot log access road in Sandy Township, Clearfield County, to connect Industrial Drive with Shaffer Road. (ARC request: $880,000, other local funds $220,000. Total cost: $1,100,000.) This project was approved in late August

6 Elk County Community Recycling Center Equipment Project - This project sought funding for new equipment at the new recycling facility in St. Marys, Elk County. (ARC request: $140,240, other funds $163,194. Total project cost: $303,444.) This project was not approved by September 30, 2016 and a request for reconsideration was submitted. Bradford Historic Streetscape Project - Funding was requested for engineering services for infrastructure improvements serving the downtown historic district in the City of Bradford, McKean County. (ARC request: $200,000, other funds $225,000. Total cost: $425,000.) This project is part of an estimated $5,400,000 total project cost for downtown infrastructure. This project was approved in September North Central Workforce Skill Gap Project - This project would provide funding for wages for disadvantaged youth introducing them to the world of work in approximately 10 communities in the region and six businesses. (ARC request: $65,000, other funds $140,000. Total project cost: $205,000.) This project was approved in September Potential new projects seeking fiscal year 2017 funding consideration: Beaver Meadow Industrial Park Access Road Upgrades - The project is located in the City of DuBois, Clearfield County, and would add a.6 mile third lane at the east end of the existing road in the Beaver Meadow Industrial Park. The project s estimated cost is $1,937,750 and the ARC funding request is $755,700. Bradford Regional Medical Center Patient Centric Equipment Enhancements - The project is located in the City of Bradford, McKean County, and would provide new high technology equipment to serve patients in a best of breed capacity. Total project cost is estimated to be $207,935 and the ARC funding request is $103, Brockway Access Road Project - The project is located in Brockway Borough, Jefferson County, and would build a new 700 foot long access road in a northerly direction off the intersection of Pennsylvania Route 28 and US Route 219 as part of a $3.3 million intersection reconstruction. The ARC request is for 100% funding in the amount of $300,000. Curwensville Streetscape Master Plan - The project is located in Curwensville Borough, Clearfield County, and would involve the hiring of a consultant to prepare a master plan for developing local community assets and improved features for a more attractive downtown/central business district. Total project cost is estimated at $220,000 and the ARC request is $60,000. Driftwood Water System Plant Well Reconstruction - This project is located in Driftwood Borough, Cameron County. The project consists of drilling a new water supply well 10 to 15 feet from the existing well and the necessary pumping equipment. Estimated cost is $150,000 and the ARC request is $75,000. 6

7 Galeton s Berger Lake and Dam Feasibility Study - The project is located in Galeton Borough, Potter County, and funding will pay for a feasibility study to address issues and potions facing Berger Lake, the centerpiece asset of Galeton Borough that provides recreation, water and tourism activities. The estimated cost is $230,000 and the ARC request is for $115,000. Lewis Run Borough Main Street Project - The project is located in Lewis Run Borough, McKean County, and would add 1,800 feet of access road serving an industrial area committed to a 20,000 square foot business expansion, 28 new jobs, and $10 million in private investment within three years. The ARC request is for $690,023 in 100% access road program funding. North Central Partnership for Regional Economic Performance - This project provides funding for the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission and its regional partners in a six county area that will improve the business climate of the region. Some of the initiatives include creating employment opportunities, encouraging capital formation, facilitating access to technology, accessing new market opportunities, creating new business opportunities and increasing tourism opportunities. Total estimated cost is $570,000 and the ARC request is for $285,000. Port Allegany Flood Protection: Easement Acquisition and Sponsor Adjustment -The project is located in Port Allegany Borough, McKean County, and will require 40 easement agreements, moving 33 wooden power/communications poles, demolishing two buildings, and relocating various municipal utilities for the construction of a roughly $22 million flood control dam in the community. Total project cost is estimated at $2,800,000 and the ARC request is for $250,000. St. Marys Airport Industrial Park Access Road Improvement - The project is located in the City of St. Marys, Elk County, and involves the construction of 1,550 feet of roadway to serve an industrial park and open up 36 acres of undeveloped land. Total project cost is estimated to be $316,000 and the ARC request is for $250,000. Other Technical Assistance. Assistance was provided to several communities inquiring about possible ARC grant funding for infrastructure projects in the region. Information about funding requirements, matching funds, project eligibility, and implementation timetables was provided to these inquiries. B. Economic Development Administration During the July - December 2016 reporting period three Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) committee meeting was held, follow-up work and assistance was provided on one possible Economic Development Administration funding application (Port Allegany Flood Protection: Easement Acquisition and Sponsor Adjustment), follow-up on the EDA approved Jefferson County Business Park, implementation of the Five-Year CEDS Plan, and other technical assistance. 7

8 July 20, 2016 CEDS Meeting The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the status and marketing of the Jefferson County Business Park, projects seeking fiscal year 2017 Appalachian Regional Commission and other funding, and the CEDS work plan for fiscal year State Representative Matt Gabler was the guest speaker and his topic was the status of the FY Pennsylvania State Budget, future issues facing the state and community and economic development programs offered by the state. September 21, 2016 CEDS Meeting The purpose of this meeting was to discuss current economic development projects under consideration and a presentation by Neil Hoffman, Senior Vice President, Manager of Commercial Lending, Northwest Savings Bank. Mr. Hoffman discussed current economic conditions in the region from a banking perspective and an overview of what to expect in November 4, 2016 CEDS Meeting At this meeting a discussion was held to review the Five Year CEDS Plan and updating it in 2017 for submission to EDA in New CEDS committee membership for a two-year term beginning in 2017 was also discussed. Douglas Skowron of DJS Ventures was the meeting s guest speaker. He gave a Power Point presentation on FY 2017 guidelines for the US Environmental Protection Agency s Brownfields Assessment Grants Program. Project eligibility, eligible applicants, funding amounts available, matching requirements, application process, and submission deadline were some of the items Mr. Skowron discussed in his presentation. Implementing the Five Year CEDS Plan During the past six months efforts continued to implement the plan that was approved in March Meetings were attended and discussions were held to familiarize local officials with the plan and its purpose. Continued coordination with the Commission s Workforce Development Plan also occurred. Further coordination with the Commission s Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) for transportation continued as an attempt to integrate economic development planning with transportation planning. Efforts will be directed to updating the plan in 2017 for submission to EDA in Other Technical Assistance Additional technical assistance was provided to various inquiries for state and federal funding programs for municipal economic development projects. Updated US Census information and other pertinent regional data were provided to individuals, government institutions, non-profit organizations, and businesses during the period. 8

9 C. Energy During the July - December 2016 reporting period, North Central continued to offer energy-related services to public and private sector companies, within the scope of program guidelines and programmatic capabilities. Discussed North Central Energy Program at various venues including: Cameron County Township Association Meeting Clearfield County Township Association Meeting Elk County Township Association Meeting Jefferson County Township Association Meeting McKean County Township Association Meeting Various Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) trainings held throughout the region during this timeframe North Central worked with two private companies regarding hydronic systems in flooring to identify hydronic loops and for purposes necessary to the companies. Work with these two companies occurred during July 1, through December 31, Investment by these two companies in setting new equipment and/or upgrading energy systems totaled approximately $385, In addition, various technical assistance and/or referrals for further information and clarification was offered to various companies throughout the sectors served by North Central including private, public and non-profit. Referrals were made to various state and federal agencies including: PA Department of Environmental Protection PA Department of Transportation PA Department of Community and Economic Development USDA US Environmental Protection Agency US Department of Energy Staff also continued follow-up with previous North Central Energy Program users regarding status of recommendations, etc. D. MTAP/LTAP During the July - December 2016 reporting period, various MTAP and LTAP training and technical assistance activities took place: MTAP North Central continues to offer reimbursement of limited funds to help offset municipal technology upgrades through this program. During the first six months, nine inquiries have been received by North Central, with one municipality submitting required documentation for reimbursement. North Central has continued to promote this program to eligible applicants at various venues throughout the region. 9

10 LTAP: Provides local government officials and employee s technology transfer and technical assistance opportunities regarding safety and maintenance issues for their local road programs. Activities this past quarter included: North Central continues to partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Federal Highways and others for this program to bring local municipal officials and employees the opportunity to attend training and technology training opportunities in our region. In addition to the classroom training aspect offered by LTAP, one-on-one and small group technical assistance is also available for safety and maintenance related issues. During the first six months of this program year, North Central has worked with federal, state and our local partners to offer seven training opportunities. 129 local government officials and employees registered for the various trainings held throughout the region, with 97 attending the trainings. Trainings included: Traffic Safety Development Plans for Local Roads (2 classes) Conducting Sign Retroreflectivity Inspections (3 classes) Stormwater Facility Operations Salt and Snow Management As indicated previously, technical assistance is also provided to local governments requesting information regarding safety and maintenance related issues. Technical assistance is provided through on-site visitations, via telephone, and/or mailings. In addition, LTAP sends out a quarterly review of news and information about Pennsylvania local roads. During the past six months, local governments in the North Central region requested technical assistance 13 times with seven being safety related and six being maintenance related. Eight technical assistance requests have been closed to date, with five still pending (due to budgetary limitations). In addition to the training and technical assistance, North Central staff also provided average daily traffic (ADTs) counts for five local roads at the request of township officials. North Central continued promoting the LTAP programs and benefits throughout the region at previously noted township association meetings, onsite trainings and other venues. E. Transportation During the July - December 2016 reporting period, primary activities for the Transportation Program involved working with PennDOT and the Rural Planning Organization s Transportation Committee regarding the FY 2015 and 17 Transportation Improvement Program and Long Range Transportation Plan. Participated on numerous PennDOT Work Group activities Continued outreach to PennDOT District and project sponsors on the Knox Kane TAP project. Numerous phone and conference calls between project sponsor, PennDOT staff and FHWA 10

11 Reviewed 119 epermitting requests during the past six months Functional classification meetings with Centre County and SEDA-COG Attended ATA and DuFAST Public Transit Board Meetings Participated in Route 6 Statewide Bicycle Pedestrian Corridor Plan Continued working with Brookville Equipment and Jefferson County Department of Development as well as Brockway Borough on DCED Multimodal Funding Application Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council; reviewed new grant application and met with Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) on possible partnership opportunities Continued development of Draft 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Met and conducted an LRTP Agency Coordination Meetings (ACM) Presentation Continued refinement of LRTP Draft Open Data Portal website. Open data coordination call with consulting team and correspondence for maps & app development Participated in numerous TIS and E&E Project Scoping field views throughout the region Attended the US 119 Improvement Committee meeting Attended 2016 PA Safety Symposium F. GIS During the July - December 2016 reporting period, various work activities that took place for the GIS program involved the following: Continued GIS support for McKean and Cameron County (Asset Management) Local Asset Data Coordination for Port Allegany and Bradford Township in McKean County Met with McKean County, Mt. Jewett, Bradford Township, Kane and Foster Township to continue standardized online zoning and land use mapping Reviewed Ridgway Township, Elk County Municipal Property Mapping with Tax Parcel lines for internal land utilization planning McKean County Planning Website Application development for tax parcel base for Land Use Participated in Northwest PA GIS Conference in Clarion Participated and supported GIS Day at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (UPB) G. Community Development/Regional Planning During the July - December 2016 reporting period, various activities took place in regard to community outreach and engagement in a range of regional planning, tourism and municipal assistance: Continued regional discussion regarding integrating regional Land Use, Transportation and Economic Development strategies and project prioritization into regional planning processes 11

12 Continued Implementation of the North Central Greenways Mini-Grant Program, including maintenance of Greenway website Attended meetings and held discussions with various stakeholders regarding potential Greenway projects, to include project closeout field views Continued coordination with Headwaters RC & D staff regarding proposal to develop the Knox and Kane Railroad. Numerous follow up telephone conversations on possible future grant applications through Multi-modal Fund, TAP and DCED/ARC Safe Routes to School (SRTS) webinars Continued Assistance with Elk County Recycling Center Met with the City of St Marys, Brockway Borough, Lewis Run and Sandy Township regarding ARC Access Roads and Community Development planning Attended Bradford for Tourism and Recreation conference Attended PA Wilds Share the Trail Summit 12

13 ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT July - December 2016 The mission of the North Central Enterprise Development Program is to foster economic vitality of the six-county area through a comprehensive regional economic development strategy a strategy that focuses upon needs and potential opportunities that will result in improving the existing economic base and creating opportunities for new growth to enhance the overall quality of life in the region. To achieve this mission, a private sector-oriented program was developed to provide the opportunities for growth by way of direct assistance in increasing market share, low-interest loans, access to space, and access to technologies. ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOALS Promote the resources and assistance available to encourage and sustain economic growth Meet and exceed specific program compliance goals as identified in the various program contracts Collaborate and coordinate program activities with local and regional economic development entities Identify and pursue opportunities that will expand and/or enhance current programs to benefit growth Respond to private sector needs that encourage the creation or retention of familysustaining jobs Disseminate information, provide training/education information and promote seminars to keep industry sectors current on relative data Provide a desirable work environment and promote employee excellence to address the goals and objectives of the Regional Action Strategy and Strategic Plan 13

14 PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES Loan Assistance Program Provide access to low-interest loans and packaging loan assistance to address capitalization requirements. Export Program Provide assistance to companies that are new to exporting and new to export markets and access to overseas markets to expand customer base of existing businesses within the region. Procurement Program Provide assistance to companies to capitalize on opportunities to sell goods and services to the Department of Defense, Federal and State governments. KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS PERIOD Loan/Finance Assistance Supports economic growth by providing low-interest financing to small businesses in the six-county region that will result in the creation or retention of jobs. As an economic development lender, our loan programs are not intended to compete with banks or replace conventional financing, but are designed to leverage private financing and fill the gap when bank financing and equity are not able to completely finance a business project. Loan portfolio includes 197 active loans representing $21,034, in financing from all loan funds as of December 31 7 loans closed 10 loans satisfied Loan Application Approvals: Graham s Greenhouse & Landscaping, LLC, Bradford, McKean County - $77,000 IRP Label.Com, Inc., Bradford, McKean County - $125,000 ARC/EDA Hominy Ridge Lodge & Cabins, Cooksburg, Jefferson County - $20,000 IRP Microloan NetShape Technologies Falls Creek, Inc., Falls Creek, Jefferson County - $380,000 ARC/EDA/IRP 15 site visits conducted with existing borrowers 10 pre-application interviews conducted with potential borrowers At Risk Business Program: Technical assistance provided to two participating businesses in Elk County Legal Actions: Continue to monitor foreclosure action on a defaulted loan in Potter County Proof of claim filed with U.S. Bankruptcy Court on a defaulted loan in Clearfield County that has filed for Chapter 11 Reorganization Initiated legal action on a defaulted loan in Elk County 14

15 Staff Training/Professional Development: Kristi Wendel attended Credit Analysis training in Philadelphia, from August through the National Development Council. This is the second of four courses to earn certification as an economic development finance professional as a requirement to maintain certified provider status to administer state loan programs. Jennifer Hibbard and Kristi Wendel attended the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association Fall Conference in Pocono Manor from October 31 - November 2. Jennifer and Kristi participated in an informational webinar on the proposed regulatory changes to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program on November 15. Jennifer, Kristi and Katie Geci, Loan Accounting staff, participated in Portfol loan servicing/accounting software training from November The training was provided on-site by a representative from Portfol as part of the transition to merge loan accounting with loan servicing into one system. Jennifer and Kristi attended Collection Law from Start to Finish provided by the National Business Institute in Philadelphia on December 19. Meetings/Outreach: Attended Bringing the World to PA/Pennsylvania International Week held at the Red Fern in Kersey on September 16. Jennifer Hibbard, Loan Program Director, provided a presentation on North Central s Business Financing Program at the Resources for Small Businesses co-hosted by the Clarion Small Business Development Center and the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce held at the IUP Campus in Punxsutawney on September 20. Attended a meeting of the State s seven Local Development Districts Loan Program Directors in State College on September 23. Attended the Jefferson County Development Council Annual Luncheon in Falls Creek on October 14. Staff participated in PREP sponsored Seminars: Classification Under the US Harmonized Tariff and Schedule B and Using Free Trade Agreements to Your Advantage held at the Red Fern in Kersey on October 20. Michael Richards, Area Specialist from the Meadville Office of the USDA Rural Development, conducted an annual site visit with staff on December 1. Attended the Clearly Ahead Annual Meeting in Clearfield on December 15. Other: A total of $456,000 has been received to date on a per project basis of the new $750,000 USDA Rural Development Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) contract. The balance of $294,000 is available for future project loans with two years remaining to request funds. 15

16 A request has been submitted to the USDA by the Glendale Industrial Development Authority to transfer a $99,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) used as a revolving loan fund to North Central. Pending completion of the transfer, North Central will use the RBEG to expand the lending capacity within the Microloan Program to businesses located in the six-county region. Loans Closed from July 1 through December 31, 2016: Borrower/Location Cutting Edge Machining Solutions, Inc., Drifting, Clearfield County Stanton Dynamics, Inc., Brookville, Jefferson County Hominy Ridge Lodge & Cabins, Cooksburg, Jefferson County Graham s Greenhouse & Landscaping, LLC, Bradford, McKean County Label.Com, Inc., Bradford, McKean County Preen Pets Corporation, Eldred, McKean County Total North Central Financing Fund Private Funds Leveraged Public Funds Leveraged Jobs Created/ Retained $ 65,000 ARC $79,000 $65,000 5/26 $150,000 IRP $50,000-0/15 $ 20,000 IRP Microloan - - 0/2 $ 77,000 IRP $148,000 $154,000 5/10 $100,000 $ 25,000 ARC EDA $25,000 $100,000 0/8 $150,000 IRP $341,000 $25,000 8/0 $587,000 $643,000 $344,000 18/61 Pending Loan Commitments at December 31, 2016: Borrower/Location NetShape Technologies Falls Creek, Inc., Falls Creek, Jefferson County North Central Financing $100,000 $100,000 $180,000 Fund ARC EDA IRP Private Funds Leveraged Public Funds Leveraged Jobs Created/ Retained $286,800 $100,000 15/169 Total $380,000 $286,800 $100,000 15/169 16

17 Export Marketing Program Provides value-added assistance to North Central clients who are interested or engaged in international trade. Reflective of the strategic goals established by North Central, the major objective of the Export Marketing Assistance Program is to assist in job and business creation through an economic development defined program that promotes diversification and advancement in regional growth at the international level. Active export companies for this reporting period 88, five of which are new to the program. Work Orders for this reporting period totaled 118. Work Orders capture the counseling assistance that includes the services of the 15 Overseas Offices located in: Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, Each request to an overseas office is tracked separately so a company may have multiple work orders. Export Actions were tracked at 63. Export Actions are defined as counseling successes: traveling to market, participation in overseas trade shows or missions, meeting with prospective customers overseas and signing an agent or distributor. Export Actions for this reporting included: Trade Show participation (46), trade mission (1), company meeting with a PA Overseas Office Representative in-county (2), signing of a distributor agreement (1) and company meeting with potential partners (13). Conducted 219 counseling sessions including new client outreach regarding export assistance services, Export Compliance and Audit Procedures, export documentation, Incoterms for shipping, export finance, follow-up of work orders/market research reports, trade show participation and international travel assistance. Export Staff attended Ag. Progress Days which was held on August 17 in Pennsylvania Furnace outside of State College, PA. Participation was in support of the Allegheny Hardwoods Association (AHUG) and the Hardwoods Development Council (HDC). The itinerary for the day included a meeting with Fred Strathemeyer, Deputy Secretary of PA Agriculture, support of the HDC Wood Mobile presentation and participation in the Legislative Luncheon. The Export Program coordinated with the Clarion SBDC, the Northwest Commission and the US Department of Commerce Pittsburgh for an Intro to Exporting Workshop that was held on Thursday, August 25, in Clarion, PA. Seventeen individuals representing 11 companies participated in the half-day event. North Central Export was part of a Business Resource Presentation organized by the Clarion SBDC and co-hosted by the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce. Targeting Jefferson County businesses, the half-day event, Regional Resources For Small Businesses, was scheduled for the morning of September 20, at IUP Punxsutawney Campus. In addition to North Central Enterprise Development and Workforce Staff, the PREP Partners of Clarion SBDC, Jefferson County Development Council and the Northwest IRC presented. Four current or potential Export Clients participated in this event. 17

18 On Friday, September 16, 2016, North Central, in conjunction with the Office of International Business Development, hosted representatives from the Commonwealth s Overseas Trade Network. Individuals representing 14 of the 15 trade offices were in the region to meet with companies interested in or currently working within the international arena. The event was held at the Red Fern Banquet and Conference Center in Kersey. Overseas Offices represented included: Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Singapore/Indonesia/Philippines, Eastern Mediterranean, Mexico, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Fifty-nine individuals participated in the event to include 21 representatives from 20 companies. PREP Partners assisted in hosting the companies and included: Clearfield EDC, Clarion SBDC, Northwest IRC, North Central Workforce Development, Procurement, WEDnet, and Loan Programs, and the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce. North Central IT provided assistance to the Offices regarding accessing and navigating the encryption challenges of traveling internationally with electronic devices. Make It In America Investment activities continued to support the processing and follow-up of leads developed under Core PA Global and included the support of Clearly Ahead in hosting Mr. Jeffrey Haworth, Executive Director of the Department of Mines and Petroleum from the Government of Western Australia, on October 5, Mr. Haworth spent the day in Clearfield County learning about best practices relating to unconventional shale gas development and investment opportunities within Clearfield County. Mr. Haworth s travel to Pennsylvania was a direct result of the Core PA Presentation at the Australasian Oil and Gas Show that was held in February 2016 and organized by the North Central, Northern Tier and Northeastern LDDs in cooperation with ATR Australia. Export staff attended the Jefferson County Development Council Annual Luncheon on October 14. Twenty-six individuals representing 12 companies participated in the PREP sponsored Seminars: Classification Under the US Harmonized Tariff and Schedule B and Using Free Trade Agreements to Your Advantage which was held on Thursday, October 20, North Central Export is assisting the Allegheny Hardwoods Utilization Group (AHUG) and the Northern Tier Hardwood Association in organizing exhibition space at INTERZUM scheduled for May of 2017 in Cologne, Germany. The Hardwoods Development Council (HDC) has been identified as the funding source for this event, North Central and Northern Tier; the LDDs associated with the aforementioned HUGs participated in INTERZUM 2013 and have offered to assist in the organization of the show and marketing activities. The Export Program joined the Enterprise Development Department staff in representing North Central at the Clearly Ahead Annual Luncheon on December 15, Procurement Technical Assistance Program The Procurement Technical Assistance Center s mission is to maximize the number of capable companies participating in the government marketplace by determining contracting readiness and assisting business become contract ready. Services offered by the PTAC include: one-on-one counseling, free bid-match services, assistance with registrations and socio-economic certifications, solicitation/proposal and documentation reviews; provision of military specifications and standards, and the offering of training/workshops. 18

19 Procurement Program operates on calendar year January through December Below is our third and fourth (July through December) report: Professional development training: Donna attended 29.5 hours of professional development training including: August 3: Understanding Small Business Subcontracting Plans; SBA webinar with Stephanie Lewis August 11: Great Layout & Design: Tips, Tricks and the Latest Trends webinar; Fred Pryor Seminars September 1: Becoming a Premier Subcontractor; Thompson Information Services; Aronson LLC webinar October 13: Decoding Budgeted Indirect Rates; Thompson Information Services; Aronson LLC webinar October 19: DBE Goal Setting; Federal Transit Administration webinar October 20: CLC 132 Organizational Conflict of Interest; Defense Acquisition University (DAU) November 1: How to do Business with LetterKenny/Tobyhanna Army Depots; Industry Day; Mechanicsburg November 2: Empowered Market Research through FPDS and DSBS; SBA webinar November 7-9: APTAC Fall Conference; various sessions; Washington, DC Eighteen new clients added: 2 clients July 3 clients August 2 clients September 4 clients October 2 clients November 5 clients December Working with 59 active clients Provided 84:33 hours of counseling services to 53 businesses / 223 sessions Counseling Highlights CVE Certification Capabilities Statements SAM Expiration updates Costars DBE certification Sponsored 10 training events July 12: NAICS: The Code of the Road; webinar co-sponsored with JARI PTAC and the SBA Pittsburgh District Office; 52 attendees August 9: Break for 15: Accelerate Your Business SAM: All Systems Go; echat series with JARI PTAC and the SBA Pittsburgh District Office; 25 attendees September 13: SAM: All Systems Go; webinar co-sponsored with JARI PTAC and the SBA Pittsburgh District Office; 47 attendees 19

20 September 14: 3 rd Annual COSTARS Connection: Training and Networking event; co-sponsored by the Northwest PA and Southern Alleghenies PTACs and the Clarion Small Business Development Center; 44 attendees September 20: Regional Resources for Small Businesses Jefferson County; review of programs and services through North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission; 21 attendees October 12: Doing Business with the US Forest Service; co-sponsored by the Northwest PA PTAC; 13 attendees October 13: Elk County Employer Consortium: Everything you do is Marketing; guest speaker Tim Piccirillo; 12 attendees October 25: Veterans! Start or Expand Your Business (fall); co-sponsored by the Northwest PA PTAC and Clarion Small Business Development Center; 8 attendees November 15: Break for 15: Accelerate Your Business It s a Seller s Market; guest speaker Gloria Larkin/TargetGov; echat series with JARI PTAC and the SBA Pittsburgh District office; 24 attendees December 13: Marketing Yourself to the Government It s a Seller s Market webinar co-sponsored with the JARI PTAC and the SBA Pittsburgh District Office; 55 attendees Events Attended The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) joined the Enterprise Development Department staff in representing North Central at the Clearly Ahead Annual Luncheon on December 15, Upcoming Events January 10: Break for 15: Accelerate Your Business: Understanding the FAR echat with JARI PTAC and the SBA Pittsburgh District office January 24: Marketing Yourself to the Government It s a Seller s Market webinar co-sponsored with the JARI PTAC and the SBA Pittsburgh District Office February 14: Understanding the FAR webinar, cos-sponsored with the Northwest PA PTAC February 22: Wide Area Workflow with Tobyhanna Army Depot sponsored by Southern Alleghenies PTAC March 14: Break for 15: Accelerate Your Business: Bonding echat with JARI PTAC and the Small Business Administration/Pittsburgh District Office Awards Contract awards by federal agencies 61 awards totaling $1,222, Contract awards by state and local governments 4 awards totaling $208, Subcontract awards 34 awards totaling $216,

21 HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT July - December 2016 To provide quality services, and support in employment, training, employee relations, benefits, compensation and safety. Create and maintain a foundation which will enable North Central to promote the development, the involvement, and the retention of its employees to ensure customer satisfaction. ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOAL Make quality a part of the way we work Improve efficiency and effectiveness and employ technology and methods which enhance service, communications and productivity Help make North Central a great place to work - professionally and personally KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS PERIOD All General Appraisals have been completed for North Central s Performance Plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, We hired six temporary part-time Summer Youth Leaders for the six county region. They worked for approximately eight weeks through Workforce Development. Baker Tilly completed the audit for North Central s Retirement Plan for the calendar year An Application for Extension, Form 5558, was filed with the IRS on July 27, Our Dental Insurance was renewed on September 1, After going out for quotes, we decided to stay with Highmark Blue Edge Dental who has given us a rate hold for the upcoming year. Two other carriers declined to quote because they could not offer competitive rates. Harry Price retired on August 12, 2016, from our Workforce Department. He worked in the Clearfield CareerLink as an Adult Employability Counselor for more than 23 years. North Central reviewed all employee Position Profiles against the criteria required under the Fair Labor Standards Act and reclassified any employee that was determined to be covered under the protections of FLSA. Letters to each reclassified employee were sent out on August 1,

22 Performance Planning began in August for FY Supervisors met with their employees to review their Position Profiles and draft their SMART goals for the year. The audit on North Central s retirement plan has been finalized. The Form 5500 was submitted to the DOL on October 13, We furloughed two employees due to lack of funding effective November 30, Jim Stockdale worked for the Workforce Development Board for 32 years as Director of Monitoring and Quality Assurance and Barb Wells worked for the Workforce Development Board as the Executive Secretary for 24 years. We appreciate the work that they performed and wish them both the best. North Central is soliciting Requests for Proposals for auditing services on our 403b Defined Contribution Plan. The RFP for auditing services may be obtained from North Central on or after Friday, December 2, 2016, by written, , or fax request. 22

23 INFORMATION SYSTEMS NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT July - December 2016 The Information Systems Department serves three major functions at North Central; Internet Service Provider, Information Technology (IT) development, and IT support. Each function is essential in enabling North Central to provide services to our six county region. Our goal is to maintain and enhance our current technology infrastructure, equipment, and software while continuing to develop improved processes for North Central staff and clients. ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOALS Provide Help Desk, networking, and training support for North Central staff Maintain and support Internet service Develop and maintain North Central software and data files Maintain and enhance Wireless Wide Area Network Provide Telecommunication and Media support Provide technology and telecommunication infrastructure support to outside entities Provide videoconferencing capacity for all North Central departments PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES GIS Deliverables Map Books and Municipal Maps are complete for Cameron and McKean Counties. Security and Disaster backups; continue to add new files and monitor daily for successful completion. Replaced lightning damaged radios in Centre County. Received training on new Accounting Software. KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS PERIOD Installed UniFi wireless equipment and Mikrotik routers in the DuBois and Elk County CareerLinks. This configuration will allow North Central IT staff to remotely manage, troubleshoot and upgrade all PCs at these sites. This will eliminate the many support trips needed each year. Installed a WiFi System and security camera for the PA Game Commission at the new Elk Viewing site at Winslow Hill in Benezette. 23

24 The conversion to cloud-based videoconferencing is now complete. This was done to eliminate the cost of purchasing and maintaining hardware. Installed UniFi wireless equipment and Mikrotik routers in the McKean County CareerLink. This configuration will allow North Central IT staff to remotely manage, troubleshoot and upgrade all PCs at this site. This will eliminate the many support trips needed each year. Made substantial changes to our time reporting system per FLSA standards. Set up encryption technology for WIC program. All ncentral.com users will now have that ability. Procure and install a wildcard SSL Security Certificate that will allow for secure access to GIS domains. The wildcard feature allows all sub-domains of ncentral.com the ability to utilize SSL. As part of the partnership with the PA Game Commission, North Central installed the Elk Camera at the Dents Run Viewing Area again this season. The internet link at the St. Marys CareerLink office is back on Zito Media. The video-conferencing unit has been isolated and uses the North Central link. This scenario has eliminated the intermittent outages during online training sessions. The Elk Camera at the Dents Run Viewing Area has been shut down for the year. Feedback from the PA Game Commission states it was another successful season. Another camera was installed at the Winslow Hill viewing area for the PA Game Commission. This camera was used for security and monitoring activity at the parking area. Two security cameras were installed at the main entrance to North Central. Added Magnum Broadcasting in Wallaceton, PA, to our Wireless Wide-Area- Network. Assisted the Workforce Development Board staff in their relocation. All their files, s, and backups were transitioned to their PCs. On-site support was provided to set up all PCs, printers, etc. 24

25 VISION STATMENT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT July - December 2016 The North Central Workforce Development Board will be a strategic workforce development leader focused on promoting economic prosperity and self-sufficiency of individuals by creating a workforce that is competitive in the global marketplace. MISSION STATEMENT The North Central Workforce Development Board serves as the premier facilitator of an innovative workforce development system that meets the changing human capital needs of our employers and provides resources for our job seekers that maximizes their career potential and focuses on the customers needs. GOALS Enhance public-private partnerships through better connectivity and communication in order to increase investment in our workforce system leading to greater economic vitality for our region. Engage in Sector Strategies of our growth industries identifying current skill gaps of both the incumbent and entry-level worker that will result in skill upgrades through customized training and partnerships. Design innovative workforce development strategies to reach young adults and keep them engaged through the identification of best practices and development of new programs utilizing the Customer Centered Design Method. Identify Career Pathways in major industry sectors to enhance career counselling that will result in training opportunities for our customers through skill, credential and degree attainment. Ensure that our customers, both employers and job seekers, remain in the center of our design of all services and encourage our partners to do the same. PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES At the Workforce Development Board meeting on June 29, Board members continued 25

26 their strategic planning by establishing action steps for two of their goals approved earlier this year. Using the Customer Centered Design process, members broke into groups and brainstormed ideas on how the board will succeed in our new vision, mission, and goals (please see the quarterly report). Following a brief brainstorming session, board members were challenged to prototype an idea. Members enjoyed the experience and commented that it was a fun, creative way to brainstorm solutions. The Workforce Development Board (WDB) and Chief Elected Officials (CEO), based on a mandate by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, formed a separate non-profit entity, Workforce Solutions for North Central Pennsylvania. This new entity will be responsible for all activities of the WDB and CEO and will include procurement of services for the PA CareerLink Operator, Title I Youth, Title I Adult and Dislocated Worker and EARN. The collaboration and partnership established with North Central will continue. Joe, Susie and Pam assisted with and attended the 3 rd Annual Appalachian Higher Education Network Conference in Kingsport, Tennessee. Education, workforce and economic development agencies from throughout the Appalachian states gathered to discuss how to increase Postsecondary Attainment in Appalachia using the 4 Pillars of Success Family, Community, Institutions and Self. Susie and Pam facilitated a workshop at the conference entitled introducing those in attendance to the Customer Centered Design Process. At the request of CareerLink Site Administrators, Linda facilitated a meeting with the Site Administrators and the Operator to discuss plans for the implementation of a customer centered welcome and referral process in our PA CareerLink Centers. Joe and Amy assisted with implementation of the summer youth work experience program. Staff prepared for and completed our BWDA s (Bureau of Workforce Development Administration) review of our fiscal, procurement, and monitoring procedures for program year Our State Monitor, Jennifer Reams, spent the week of June 27 in our office completing this review. Many thanks to everyone involved for a great review. Ms. Reams will be scheduling an exit review within the next two weeks. Workforce Development Board staff are currently working with area schools, employers and other partners including several PREP partners to implement a Dream It Do It (DIDI) PA Initiative in our region. DIDI is a partnership directed by the Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) in Allentown, PA, and is dedicated to changing perceptions and attitudes in the Keystone State about advanced manufacturing careers. A video contest is being implemented with area 7 th and 8 th graders and Manufacturing companies from throughout the region and will end with an awards ceremony in March Linda continues to work with the LMC to research and gather ideas for the best use of EARN performance funds to address the transportation barriers many EARN customers are facing, in addition to other options that will better help our Customers find gainful employment 26