The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development and Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) are partnering to host two workshops aimed at “Exploring Funding Opportunities with the Appalachian Regional Commission.” These webinars are designed to give an overview of what ARC does, what its main goals are, and share high-level information on Non-Construction and Construction projects, with additional time devoted to construction-specific requirements.

These events will be held virtually; click on the dates listed above to access the Zoom registration links. Please find additional information about this event on the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) - PA Department of Community & Economic Development website.

NEPA MPO Public Participation Plan, Title VI Plan and Limited English Proficiency Plan Comment Period Now Open!

Comment Period Ends April 15

For more information and to view a copy of the plans, click here.

Job Opening - Economic Development Director

The Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation is seeking an Economic Development Director. The full job description can be found here.

Applicants can submit resumes to Kathy Henderson.

Member Spotlight

Berwick Industrial Development Association

This month’s Membership Spotlight is the Berwick Industrial Development Association. NEPA spoke with Amy Shortlidge, Marketing Director.

The Berwick Industrial Development Association (B.I.D.A.) is committed to improving the economy of their region through marketing and managing its industrial assets, the retention, expansion and recruitment of business and industry; and contributing to community revitalization efforts. The B.I.D.A. collaborates with private, public, and community groups and organizations to achieve their mission and through these partnership efforts, works toward bettering the quality of life of the citizens of the area.

B.I.D.A provides business consulting services, access to resources, and assists with facilitating discussions with regulatory agencies and other economic development partners to help bring industrial projects to fruition.

Currently B.I.D.A. is the organization that owns and operates the B.I.D.A. Industrial Complex. The complex was originally the home of American Car and Foundry Co (ACF), where they manufactured the first of the all-steel passenger subway cars for the New York Subway system and the Stuart Tank in used in WWII.

When asked about how NEPA Alliance benefits their organization, Amy Shortlidge stated, “NEPA Alliance provides insight and knowledge to financial resources and business support that we might not be aware of - they are a lifeline to business development, and we value their expertise!”

To learn more about B.I.D.A., visit their website at www.bida.com

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.

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.

To learn more about these loan programs, contact Stephen Ursich, Dave Nat, Donovan Klem, Ken Doolittle, James Urso, or Kristie Miller at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

Recently Funded Loans

Manufacturing – Stroudsburg

• This NEPA BFC SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with The Dime Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate, construction, equipment, and associated soft costs.

Restaurant – Towanda

• This NEPA BFC SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with PS Bank for the purchase of previously leased commercial real estate, equipment, and associated soft costs.

Funeral Home – Slatington

• This NEPA BFC SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with First Northern Bank and Trust for the purchase of commercial real estate and associated soft costs.

Bar/Restaurant - Wilkes Barre

• This NEPA BFC SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with Wayne Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate, equipment, and associated soft costs.

Rehabilitation Center - Shamokin

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed to provide the borrower with working capital.

Logistics Company – Tunkhannock

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed to provide the borrower with working capital and construction funds.

Salon – Forty Fort

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed to provide the borrower with working capital.

Self-Storage – Plymouth

• This NEPA Alliance Tri-District loan was completed in partnership with M&T Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate and associated soft 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 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*

To learn more about these loan programs, contact Stephen Ursich, Dave Nat, Donovan Klem, Ken Doolittle, James Urso, or Kristie Miller at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

How To Do Business with DHS Webinar

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, will host a series of learning events titled "Unlocking Opportunities: How to Do Business with DHS" virtually on the following dates:

• April 18 – 1:00 - 3:00 pm

• July 31 – 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

To learn more, click here.

VHA Procurement & Logistics Office Regional Program Office West (NCO 19)

Quarterly Virtual Business Opportunity Session

Date: April 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM ET

Communities of Interest: 1) Medical Supplies and Services, 2) Facilities Supplies and Services, and 3) Professional Services | Other Supplier

NAICS:      

• 236220 Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
• 325412 Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing
• 334510 Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing
• 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
• 339112 Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing 
• 339113 Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing
• 423450 Medical, Dental, & Hospital Equipment & Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
• 423830 Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers
• 561320 Temporary Help Services
• 621511 Medical Laboratories
• 811219 Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

Click here to learn more about

this event and to register.

You will Need Your UEI to Register

You can email any questions or feedback about the webinar series to [email protected].

VHA Procurement & Logistics Office Regional Program Office Central (NCO 16)

Quarterly Virtual Business Opportunity Session

Date: April 23, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET

Communities of Interest: 1) Medical Supplies and Services 2) Facilities Supplies and Services, and 3) Professional Services | Other Supplier

NAICS:      

• 236220 Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
• 541310 Architectural Services
• 541330 Engineering Services
• 621111 Office of Physicians
• 811219 Precision Equipment Repair

Click here to learn more about

this event and to register.

You will Need Your UEI to Register

You can email any questions or feedback about the webinar series to [email protected]

Bringing the World to Northeastern Pennsylvania - A Great Success

The Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) Alliance’s annual Bringing the World to Northeastern Pennsylvania event was a great success. On Monday, March 11, 2024, businesses from Northeastern Pennsylvania met with thirteen of Pennsylvania's Authorized Trade Representatives from around the world at The Venue / Culinary Creations by Metz in Dupont, PA.

PennDOT Connects Municipal Outreach Sessions

Municipal administrators, planners, engineers, and public works directors are invited to attend an upcoming workshop in your PennDOT district to discuss how PennDOT Connects can help your community. The workshops will be held in-person and virtually.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

9:00am to 11:00am

PennDOT District 4

55 Keystone Industrial Park

Dunmore, PA 18512

Register Here

Thursday, May 16, 2024

1:00pm to 3:00pm

PennDOT District 5

1002 Hamilton Street

Allentown, PA 18101

Register Here

The municipal outreach/peer exchange sessions will consist of an interactive workshop that engages participants in peer exchange and idea-sharing. Municipalities will have the opportunity to interact with PennDOT, their local metropolitan planning organization or rural planning organization (MPO or RPO) staff, and one another. These sessions will include an overview of the PennDOT Connects Municipal Resources Program, information on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, or BIL) grant opportunities and success stories. To learn more about PennDOT Connects, click here.

DCED Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant Program Now Open

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is currently accepting applications for funding through its Multimodal Transportation Fund for 2024-2025. The application period closes on July 31, 2024. 

Funding can be used to coordinate local land use with transportation assets to enhance existing communities; for projects related to streetscapes, lighting, sidewalk enhancement and pedestrian safety; for projects improving connectivity or utilization of existing transportation assets; and for projects related to transit-oriented development. Municipalities, counties, school districts, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports, rail freight, and passenger rail entities are eligible to apply. A local match of 30% is required. More information can be found on the DCED website.

PennDOT Announces Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) Grant Opportunity

Pre-Application Scoping Form Deadline is April 30, 2024

PennDOT is currently accepting pre-application scoping project forms 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. Eligible projects include a wide range of safety and mobility projects including roadway upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and traffic signal improvements. The intent of the program is to fund worthwhile projects that can be completed at a relatively low cost.  

Pre-application scoping forms are required and will be accepted until April 30, 2024. Applications for funding will be accepted from June 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. For more information on eligible projects or to complete the pre-application scoping form, click here.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) 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. 

Stormwater Control Measures

Monday, May 6, 2024

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Carbon County Emergency

Management Agency

1264 Emergency Lane

Nesquehoning, PA 18240

(570) 325-3097

carboncountypa.gov

Stop Signs & Intersection Traffic Control

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Pike County Training Center (Lords Valley, PA)

135 Pike County Blvd,

Hawley, PA 18428

pikepa.org

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Basics

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Monday, June 3, 2024

South Manheim Township

3089 Fair Road

Auburn, PA 17922

southmanheimtwp.com

Traffic Signal Basics

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Archbald Borough Hall

400 Church Street#1

Archbald, PA 18403

archbaldboroughpa.gov

Traffic Calming

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Honesdale Borough Hall

958 Main Street

Honesdale, PA 18431

honesdaleborough.com

Chainsaw Instructional Class

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

South Manheim Township

3089 Fair Road

Auburn, PA 17922

southmanheimtwp.com

Chainsaw Instructional Class

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 20, 2024

Chestnuthill Township

271 Route 715

Brodheadsville, PA 18322

chestnuthilltwp-pa.gov

NEPA is scheduling Spring and Summer 2024 classes. Please contact Daniel Yelito, Transportation Services Manager, at 570-655-5581 ext. 264 or email [email protected] if you are interested in holding an LTAP class in your area. 

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 Kurt Bauman, VP Community & Economic Development Services.

• NCAC Member $65
• NCAC Non Member $95

View Sample Report.

The U.S. Census Bureau released 2023 County Population Estimates earlier this month. Overall, the seven county NEPA Region grew by 3,973 people, or 0.4% since 2020. All counties in the region saw an increase except for Monroe County.

Carbon County increased by 705 or 1.1%

Lackawanna County increased by 205 or 0.1%

Luzerne County increased by 1,775 or 0.5%

Monroe County decreased by 2,256 or -1.3%

Pike County increased by 2,701 or 4.6%

Schuylkill County increased by 730 or 0.5%

Wayne County increased by 113 or 0.2%

This map from the PA State Data Center shows much of Eastern Pennsylvania experienced growth since 2020 while much of Western Pennsylvania saw population declines during that time period.

For additional information, contact Tyler Day, Community & Economic Development Manager, at 570-891-4656 or 866-758-1929.