Northwest Bank Presents Contribution to JARI for NAP Program; Workforce Development Service Has Successful Turnout; PTAC Program Manager Attends Annual Spring Conference; Upcoming Lunch & Learns

Week of: April 17, 2017

Our Mission

JARI will be the collaborative force that enhances all aspects of our region to grow a diverse economy and build vibrant communities.

Jim Knipple and Kevin Volk of Northwest Bank presenting a contribution to Linda Thomson of JARI for the NAP Tax Credit Program.

Northwest Bank Presents Contribution to JARI for NAP Program

Michele Clapper

VP, Economic Development

Northwest Bank executives, Jim Knipple and Kevin Volk, presented a contribution to JARI in the amount of $50,000.00 for the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program. Other contributors include: First National Bank, 1st Summit Bank, Somerset Trust Company and In-Shore Technologies.

"Northwest Bank is proud to partner with JARI to support its projects which are geared towards improving the Johnstown community," says Jim Knipple.

Funding from the tax credit contributions will be used to eliminate blight through a number of approaches: creation of public space; streetscapes; planters; trees; lighting; a reuse study; architectural and engineering assistance; and marketing of underutilized properties in a portion of the Central Business District and Old Conemaugh neighborhood.

Left to right: Debi Balog, JARI; Jeff Dick, PA CareerLink; Larry Brugh, PHCC; Sharon Clapper, Success in Somerset County; Josh Miller, SCEDC; Heidi Speidel, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; and Ron Aldom, Somerset Chamber of Commerce

Workforce Development Session Has Successful Turnout

Debi Balog

Director, Workforce Development

On Wednesday, April 12 the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce hosted an "Eggs & Issues:Workforce Development Benefits," session at the Somerset Country Club .

Representatives from seven workforce related agencies highlighted the many resources and benefits available to businesses in the Southern Alleghenies region. Industry experts also discussed employee recruitment options, training resources and funding options for workforce development.

For more information on Workforce Development, contact Debi Balog at (814) 262-8366 or via email at [email protected].

PTAC Program Manager Attends Annual Spring Conference

Lenora Leasure

PTAC Program Manager

As a member of the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC), JARI PTAC staff has the opportunity to attend two APTAC conferences annually. The JARI PTAC Program Manager recently attended the Spring Conference along with counselors from PTACs nationwide to participate in training sessions on current topics and to network with colleagues in the procurement assistance field.

APTAC's recommended training program includes two levels of certification - Associate Procurement Professional (APP) and Certified Procurement Professional (CPP). These certifications set the standard for achievement in the field of procurement assistance. The JARI PTAC strives for all counseling staff to become certified and maintain that certification. The JARI PTAC Program Manager has maintained the CPP certification since April 2014.

Please contact us for any of your government contracting assistance needs at (814) 254-4022 or via email at [email protected] .

Commonwealth Tax Credits

Michele Clapper

VP, Economic Development

On Thursday, April 27th, Lindsey Bennett, KIZ Resources, LLC, will share her expertise on the variety of tax credit programs that may be available to area small businesses. Attendees will learn about the Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ), Research and Development (R&D), Neighborhood Assistance-Enterprise Zone (NAP-EZ), PA Historic Preservation Credits (HPTC), Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC) and Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC).

This Lunch & Learn will be held at the JARI Center (160 JARI Drive) on Thursday, April 27. The cost to register is $5 per person and lunch will be provided.

Registration is required. If you are interested in attending, please complete the registration form and e-mail it to Lauren Brewer at [email protected].