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| New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) Workshop |
Library, Farley 002
148 South Main Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
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DeNaple's Center
4th Floor, Room 405
900 Mulberry Street
Scranton, PA 18510
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NMTC-based gap financing is offered for projects that will significantly improve quality of life for individuals who live and work in undeserved areas.
This workshop's objectives include:
- Brief overview of NMTC / why and how the credits can be used
- Example projects and case studies
- Overview of the NEPA Alliance NMTC intake process to collect eligible projects for inclusion in our allocation request
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NEPA Alliance held their annual Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Government Contracting Showcase on May 30, 2019, at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA. The event was well-attended with registrations and walk-ins totaling over 125 individuals, and 20 exhibitors inclusive of representatives from economic development, government agencies, and private businesses. The Showcase was deemed to be a great resource and beneficial to those in attendance.
Jeffrey Box, President & CEO of the NEPA Alliance opened the event and welcomed all in attendance to the Showcase. He provided a snapshot of the impact the PTAC had on the region last fiscal year with over $188 million coming to the businesses working with the PTAC team. Mr. Box introduced the Welcoming Keynote Speaker, State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski serving Pennsylvania House District 121 to the audience. He stated, "Since his first election in 2006, Representative Pashinski has been a staunch supporter of community and economic development, and of working Pennsylvanians."
 Representative Pashinski noted in his welcome to Luzerne County, "A great deal of state dollars would not be part of the region if not for the NEPA Alliance. The learning curve is huge for the average businessperson, and the NEPA Alliance PTAC is a tremendous asset for the business community."
 Congressman Cartwright was the Showcase's Luncheon Keynote Speaker, who was well-received by the attendees. Jeff Box provided the introduction, "We are pleased to have Congressman Cartwright with us this afternoon. During his terms in the House, there is no other member who has done more to develop and introduce meaningful bills." Cartwright commended the small businesses for attending the Showcase to help grow their respective companies. The Congressman stated, "Small businesses help diversify our economy. Bringing federal dollars back to the local economy is a priority. Jeff Box is right, $100s of million are flowing into our region. The Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration are the two largest Federal purchasers."
NEPA Alliance PTAC has already started planning the 2020 Government Contracting Showcase.
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Wednesday, June 12
9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
NEPA Alliance, 1151 Oak St, Pittston, PA
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The program will cover:
- Navigating the ITAR & EAR
- Determining agency jurisdiction
- Classifying products and services
- Obtaining necessary licensing and permissions to export
- New license procedures and other changes
- Best practices for compliance
The program will be presented by Bob Imbriani, Team Worldwide, who will be available to answer specific questions. Questions may be submitted when registering or bring details for review during the event.
The $35 registration fee includes course materials, refreshments, and lunch. NEPA Members receive a 10% discount with code MEMBER19. Please register by Friday, June 7. Click here for more information.
To learn more about International Business Development assistance, contact NEPA's Senior International Business Manager,
Debbie Langan
, at 570-655-5581, ext. 233 or 866-758-1929.
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Member Spotlight
Mazzella Enterprises
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This month's membership spotlight features Mazzella Enterprises. Founded in 2013, Mazzella Enterprises is a family-owned, full-service construction trade company located in Carbon County.
Through talking with Demetri Patitsas, Chief Operating Officer and Business Manager, we learned that Mazzella Enterprises consists of a heavily committed team that believes no role is too big or small for anyone. This drive is what fuels the team in ensuring a brighter and more beautiful community through their creation of stronger homes.
Since they are based in Carbon County, Mazzella Enterprises offers efficient and cost-effective servicing - both within the county and other adjourning areas. Services offered include finishing work, remodeling, electrical services, gas installation, asbestos abatement, shingle roofing services and much more. Mazzella Enterprises is Lead Renovator certified as well as Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified in water restoration, applied structural drying, applied microbial remediation, fire and smoke restoration and carpet cleaning. Mazzella Enterprises can act as a general contractor or sub-contractor on projects.
Regarding NEPA, Demetri noted that NEPA's Government Procurement Manager, Frank Migneco, "has been incredibly supportive in helping us navigate through the paperwork and certification processes that permit us to work for municipal, state, and government work. Frank broke the process down into smaller steps and then helped hold us accountable to complete them in a tasteful and motivating way."
For more information, please visit
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ARC - Investments in Action
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Pennsylvania Drives Truckers
As manufacturing industries expand and demand for consumer goods grow, so does the need for efficient, coordinated, and reliable logistics support - including transportation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), trucks transport most of the freight traveling around the country. However, many companies have trouble recruiting and retaining qualified long-haul truck drivers. That, coupled with a projected wave of retirements among current truck drivers, creates high demand for additional trained and qualified drivers. Indeed, BLS projects that employment opportunities for certified truck drivers will grow as much as 6 percent between 2016-2026.
Sitting along several major interstates and within an easy drive to the New York and other major markets, there has been a huge growth in warehouse development and logistics support in places like Wayne, Pike, Monroe and other counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. The projected demand for truck drivers in this area is expected to be double the national average over a similar time period. With ARC support, Northampton Community College's (NCC) Monroe County Campus is upgrading an advanced truck driver simulator and purchasing seven model truck trailers. This equipment will be used by NCC's Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program which adheres to US Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Once the equipment is purchased and installed next year, nearly 300 students are expected to train on the new facilities over the following three years, preparing themselves for truck driver jobs with salaries ranging between $47,000 - $87,500.
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NEPA Alliance has several loan programs available for small businesses located in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne counties.
These low cost, low interest loans offer reduced down payments and standard loan term maturities for machinery and equipment, land and building acquisition, construction and renovation. Loan rates are fixed and generally below the prime lending rate.
Eligible businesses include Manufacturers, Industrial, Agriculture/Agribusiness, Hospitality & Tourism Related Enterprises, Recyclers, Day Cares, Computer Related Services, Advanced Technology, and Retail and Service Related Businesses. Other business sectors may also qualify.
Recently Funded Loans
Fitness Center - Mountain Top, PA
- This NEPA RLF EDA loan project was completed in partnership with MetroAction for the purchase of machinery, equipment, and minor real estate renovations.
Marketing Consulting Firm - Clarks Summit, PA
- This Lackawanna County Industrial Development Authority (LCIDA) loan project was completed in partnership with PS Bank for the financing of furniture, fixtures, and minor renovations.
Eye Care Facility - Honesdale, PA
- This SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with The Honesdale National Bank for construction, equipment, fixtures, and other minor closing costs.
 NEPA Alliance Business Finance Corporation is a state-wide CDC allowing for NEPA BFC to lend SBA 504 Loans to eligible small businesses located in the state of Pennsylvania.
Financing Structure
A bank or other lender finances 50% of the project cost and takes a first lien position on the assets financed. The SBA 504 loan  finances 40% of the project cost, up to $5.5 million, and takes a second lien position. The borrower then contributes a down payment of as little as 10%.
Small Businesses can Receive:
- Subordinate Financing
- Up to 90% Loan to Value
- Up to $5.5 Million in SBA Financing
- Unlimited Total Project Cost
SBA 504 Loans Offer:
- As Little as 10% Equity Injection
- Terms up to 25 Years
- Guaranteed Fixed Interest Rate
*Eligibility Criteria Apply*
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| PennDOT Announces Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) Grant Application Period |
P ennDOT has recently announced that it is currently accepting applications for funding under the Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) Program. The ARLE Program is a statewide competitive grant program
using the revenue generated from Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) violations
. Eligible applicants include local authorities (counties, municipalities and other local boards or bodies having authority to enact laws relating to traffic), Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs), County Planning Organizations and Commonwealth Agencies. The types of eligible projects are very wide-ranging and the intent of the program is to fund worthwhile projects that can be completed at a relatively low cost.
The deadline to apply is July 1, 2019.
For more information on eligible projects or to complete the grant application online, please click here.
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Did you know that the Pennsylvania State Data Center has a Map of the Day feature on its website, which is available here?
For additional information,
Steve Zaricki at
570-655-5581, ext. 258, or 866-758-1929.
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"This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer."
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