In Memory of Steve N. Zaricki |
|
The NEPA Family lost a valuable member Steven N. Zaricki. Steve was a true gentleman, professional, and most of all a dear friend. He was a kind soul who was always willing to help anyone and everyone.
He was an inspiration to us all, and the memory of his courage, kind words, and constant compassion will always be treasured among those who knew him. His loss will impact everyone for a long time.
Please keep the Zaricki and NEPA Family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Steve. God speed!
|
|
Member Spotlight
Eastern Atlantic Landscaping
|
|
This month’s Membership Spotlight is Eastern Atlantic Landscaping, LLC. NEPA spoke with owner Mark Lukachinsky.
Envision your perfect landscape. Maybe it’s lush green plants and trees surrounding a stunning patio or outdoor kitchen. Whatever your vision, if you want the “Wow!” factor, you’ve come to the right place. Eastern Atlantic Landscaping is a full service landcare provider located in Mountain Top, PA. Their focus is designing unique and creative landscape enhancements that add curb appeal and value to your home or business.
Eastern Atlantic Landscaping provides hardscaping services including concrete and natural stone walkway and patios; retaining walls; steps; cultured stone veneer; and outdoor kitchens, firepits and fireplaces. Landscaping services include design and installation of lighting; tree and shrub planting; lawn seeding and sod installation; and drainage planning and installation.
Perhaps you know your landscape could be beautiful, but you need an expert to help you design the perfect outdoor space. Eastern Atlantic Landscaping offers detailed master plans, planting diagrams, and perspective drawings to ensure that you get the landscape you’ve always wanted. Their landscape design program will show you the finished result of your design before it is installed.
Their goal is to ensure client satisfaction in everything they do every day. Whether it’s weekly lawn maintenance or an entire site designed and installed, they are the landscaping provider to make your vision come to life.
|
|
Community & Economic Development Specialist
The NEPA Alliance is seeking applicants for the position of Community& Economic Development Specialist.
This is a full-time, salaried position within the Community and Economic Development Services Division. Duties involve technical support of the Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center, NEPA Grantmakers Forum, government and community development programs, including knowledge of program development, nonprofit administration, grant seeking/writing and fundraising.
Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) in Public Administration, or related field, and experience working within the nonprofit, government, or community development sectors. Salary range is $40,000-$45,000 DOQ with an excellent benefits package.
Email resume with references, writing sample and salary history to: Donna Hritz, Vice President Communications & Operations at [email protected].
NEPA Alliance is an EEO and ADA Employer and Lender.
|
|
Business Finance Specialist
The NEPA Alliance is seeking applicants for the position of Business Finance Specialist.
Responsibilities include marketing of business finance programs, developing business relationships with clients, financial institutions and economic development agencies, developing loan packages, processing loan applications, reviewing financial data, and presenting financing packages to various loan committees, loan servicing and preparation of various reports.
Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field, with experience in economic development finance, banking, commercial lending or related fields. Credit analysis experience is also required. Familiarity with SBA 504 loan program is helpful. Must be able to analyze financial statements. Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, writing and computer skills, database management is also required and a valid driver’s license is required. Background clearances are required. Salary range is $40,000 to $45,000 DOQ with an excellent benefit package.
Email resume with references, writing sample and salary history to: Donna Hritz, Vice President Communications & Operations at [email protected].
NEPA Alliance is an EEO and ADA Employer and Lender.
|
|
Community & Economic Development Manager
The NEPA Alliance is seeking applicants for the position of Community & Economic Development Manager.
This is a full-time, salaried position within the Community and Economic Development Services Division. Duties involve technical support of the Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center, Research and Information Center, community and economic development programs, including program development, nonprofit administration and grant seeking/writing. A working knowledge of economic impact analysis and software preferred. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) in Public or Businesses Administration, Economics, or related field, and 3-4 years experience working within nonprofit, government, or community development sectors. Salary range is $60,000-$65,000 DOQ with an excellent benefit package.
Email resume with references, writing sample and salary history to: Donna Hritz, Vice President Communications & Operations at [email protected].
NEPA Alliance is an EEO and ADA Employer and Lender.
|
|
The Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) Board of Directors met July 17-20 at Camelback Resort in Tannersville, PA with representatives from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC). The meeting featured discussions on the strategic plan and priorities for advocacy and member engagement. DDAA thanked NEPA Alliance for hosting the meeting and the Pocono mountains Visitors Bureau for their support. |
|
Get Connected Program Has Openings for Businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA), in partnership with BlackOut Design, Coal Creative and Design Done Right, has established the Get Connected program to assist businesses within Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill or Wayne counties with their development of e-commerce platforms. Eligible firms will receive e-commerce technical assistance. In its role as the administrator of the program, the NEPA team will vet businesses for eligibility and connect the business with one of the above local consultants to develop e-commerce platforms that support online sales. The program is designed to assist businesses in adapting to current market trends and generating sales and clients.
|
|
New Markets Tax Credits Program
NEPA is soliciting capital projects that are in need of New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC). Specifically, we are seeking projects from eligible distressed census tracks within the Commonwealth of PA that have capital estimates ranging from $6-$60M. NEPA will be applying to the U.S. Treasury seeking a NMTC allocation for 2023. Contact Kurt Bauman or Steve Ursich. For more information on New Market Tax Credits, click here. |
|
NEPA Alliance Membership Campaign |
|
NEPA Alliance is conducting its annual membership campaign.
The NEPA Alliance values the opportunity to work with all stakeholders in our seven-county region. Our goal is to provide the best possible community and economic development services to create and retain jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Membership Benefits
- FREE Networking Reception Invite for one Person ($125 Value)
- FREE Use of Meeting Space
- FREE Member Spotlight
- Discount on NEPA event costs
- Discount on Business Loan (.5%)
- Discounted Economic Impact Analysis/Research
- Sponsorship & Marketing Opportunities
NEPA Alliance serves businesses, communities and governments throughout seven counties and we need your assistance!
Our general annual membership starts at $295.
You can complete your membership online, including payment by clicking the button below.
|
|
Need more information visit our membership hub or contact Donna Hritz at [email protected] or call 570-891-4666.
|
|
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
Retail Store – Clarks Summit
- This NEPA SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with The Honesdale National Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate and equipment.
Hospital – Pocono Summit
- This NEPA PIDA loan project was completed in partnership with First Keystone Community Bank for construction and equipment.
CNC Machine Shop – West Wyoming
- This NEPA PIDA and EDA loan project was completed in partnership with FNCB for the purchase of commercial real estate and renovations.
General Contractor – Berwick
- This NEPA USDA RMAP loan project was completed for the purchase of equipment.
|
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 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*
|
JCP Application Process Now Online
Did you know the Joint Certification Program (JCP) has transitioned to an online application process? In case you did not know, the program no longer accepts hard copy applications submitted by the U.S. Postal Service, commercial delivery services, or submitted by FAX. All applications must be completed online through the JCP Portal.
To help with a streamline transition, below are the JCP Pre-Submittal Requirements:
To avoid a returned application, “Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement” (DD2345), you must provide all information required for "What do you do" (Block 4, Business Activities, of the DD2345 certificate). See the help symbol "?" for instructions. Keep your statements brief as space is limited. If all the required information is not provided, your incomplete application will be returned.
You can visit the JCP website for more information.
Source: DLA Headquarters: “The Customer Connection” July/August 2023 Volume 11, Issue 4.
|
Packaging and Marking Discrepancies
As you may already know, packaging, palletization, and marking/labeling discrepancies cause a considerable delay in payment of invoices, goods receipt, and the availability of material to the warfighter. Back in 2018, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) began automatically notifying suppliers of material arriving with packaging and/or marking that is not contractually compliant. As part of their recent Continuous Process Improvement initiative, an enhanced notification letter will now include links to a series of informational videos that provide a representation of what ‘right’ looks like.
Common errors addressed in the short videos are:
-
Unit/intermediate and exterior item identification markings
-
Military shipping labels – proper addressing in the Vendor Shipping Module
-
Packaging – preparation for delivery and packaging requirements
-
Pallet types – types of pallets used by DLA, correct use and preparation
-
Shelf life – how to handle materiel with a shelf life (for example batteries or tires)
The APEX Accelerator Team also wanted to make sure you knew the DLA Packaging website is the authoritative source for all DLA packaging related information. Along with a DLA Packaging and Marking Guide, Packaging FAQs, and other packaging and marking related topics, full length educational videos are now available for the following topics:
- Vendor Shipping Requirements
- Packaging Requirements
- Unit Pack Marking Requirements
- Care and Remediation of Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Items
If you have any questions for DLA Packaging, you can send them via email to: [email protected].
Source: DLA “TheLINK” Issue 29 July 2023.
|
If you need any support on the two above items or another government contracting matter, do not hesitate to contact the NEPA Alliance APEX Accelerator Team at 570-655-5581 and select option 2 or 0 for assistance. |
Export Program News
Export Training Needs Survey
We are seeking your input as we plan our fall training schedule. Please take a minute to complete this survey on your international business training needs.
|
USDOT Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Program
Application Deadline is August 21
USDOT has announced the availability of the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Program. This funding supports the three major discretionary grant programs: MEGA, INFRA, and RURAL. Last year, the Department piloted the combined Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for these three programs to make it easier for communities to apply to one, two or three major discretionary grant programs with a single application and a common set of criteria. Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from that process, USDOT decided to continue with a combined NOFO for the 2023 application cycle. The deadline for applications is August 21, 2023.
- $1.8 billion for the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) program: The Mega program supports large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and are likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits. Eligible projects could include highway, bridge, freight, port, passenger rail, and public transportation projects of national or regional significance.
- $3.1 billion for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program: The INFRA program awards competitive grants to multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, accessibility, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas. Eligible projects will improve safety, generate economic benefits, reduce congestion, enhance resiliency, and hold the greatest promise to eliminate supply chain bottlenecks and improve critical freight movements.
- $675 million for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant (Rural) program: The Rural program supports projects that improve and expand our nation’s surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas in order to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life. Eligible projects for Rural grants include highway, bridge, and tunnel projects that help improve freight, safety, and provide or increase access to agricultural, commercial, energy, or transportation facilities that support the economy of a rural area.
Applicants may find the NOFO, Frequently Asked Questions, and other helpful resources here. |
Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)
Summer 2023 Classes
|
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance has partnered with PennDOT to offer the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) training series in all seven NEPA counties: Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne.
NEPA is currently scheduling in-person classes. If you are interested in requesting a class for your municipality, please contact Daniel Yelito, Transportation Services Manager, NEPA Alliance at 570-891-4652 or email [email protected].
LTAP will also continue offering online classes, webinars and virtual drop-in sessions. To learn more about upcoming virtual offerings, visit the PennDOT LTAP website. |
Nonprofit Compensation Report
NCAC is partnering with Candid to offer the Nonprofit Compensation Report to those in our network!
Our network of nonprofit organizations can obtain the nonprofit data they need through this offering! Candid's 2022 Nonprofit Compensation Report, which includes data from more than 101,000 nonprofit organizations, is a reliable source to benchmark and research nonprofit staff and executive compensation. The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metropolitan statistical area is included in the report. If you are interested in purchasing the report, please contact Betsy Ardizoni, Community & Economic Development Services Manager, [email protected]
- NCAC Member $65
- NCAC Non Member $95
|
Looking for New Nonprofit Grant Opportunities? |
Don’t forget that NCAC Members receive access and assistance in accessing the Foundation Directory Online, the most comprehensive foundation database. With access to informative profiles of over 235,000 U.S. foundations, you’ll know exactly which foundation fits your programmatic needs, how much to ask for and where to go for more information. NCAC members can receive access to the Foundation Directory Online by visiting our in-office workstation any time during normal business hours. Don’t forget that we’re here to help with all your nonprofit needs! For more information on this service, as well as membership benefits, contact Betsy Ardizoni, Community Services Manager for NCAC, at [email protected] or 570-891-4662. |
|
"This institution is an equal opportunity employer." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
