PennTAP News & Announcements
PennTAP's Alanna Colvin enters new role as Associate Director 
Alanna Colvin, who has served as a technical advisor in Southwestern PA for over five years, has entered a new role at PennTAP as Associate Director. In this role, Alanna will be responsible for the development and delivery of the organization's technical programming supporting the effective execution of PennTAP's energy, innovation, and economic development services. Alanna will also be responsible for the development of educational programming for Penn State's graduate and undergraduate students, as well as K-12 students. Congratulations, Alanna! Learn more.
PennTAP brings in 17 projects for Learning Factory's spring Capstone Design program
The Penn State Learning Factory provides industry partners the opportunity to work with motivated students for a semester-long capstone design project. PennTAP brought in 17 industry projects for the spring semester, 14 of which we connected to financial support to cover the sponsorship fee. We're excited to see the solutions these students come up with for the participating companies!
Please help us identify manufacturer topics of interest for our upcoming Industry Roundtables for Pollution Prevention in the Metals and Food Manufacturing Industries. The survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete. We appreciate your help to ensure we provide PA manufacturers with the best material possible. Take the survey.
$300M is available through the USDA's REAP Grant Program to expand renewable energy and support energy-efficiency projects for people living in rural America. The application deadline is March 31, 2023. Rural small businesses and agricultural producers are eligible to apply. The maximum grant amounts have significantly increased this year, from $250,000 to $500,000 for energy efficiency projects and an increase from $500,000 to $1,000,000 for renewable energy systems. Contact your regional technical advisor to determine eligibility.
Featured Regional Highlights
Southwestern PA
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded $1.5M to Fayette County to construct a Health Sciences Workforce Development Center on the Fayette County Career and Technical Institute (FCCTI) campus. PennTAP's Associate Director of Programming, Alanna Colvin, served as a consultant for FCCTI throughout the grant application process. Read more.
The WPPSEF seeks to develop a diversified portfolio of sustainable energy investments. Applications can be submitted throughout the year. WPPSEF has two primary project financing offerings: conventional financing and ACT 129 Energy Micro Loans. Eligible regions are denoted in purple on the map. Learn more and apply.
To learn more about what's going on in Southwestern PA, contact PennTAP Associate Director Alanna Colvin.
Southeastern PA
PennTAP connects Allentown food manufacturer to the Penn State Learning Factory for student capstone projects
Cece J’s Snacks, a dehydrated fruit snack manufacturer located in Allentown, connected with PennTAP Advisor Rich Joyce through Lehigh Valley LaunchBox powered by Penn State. Rich helped Cece J’s acquire funding to sponsor a Penn State Learning Factory project last fall to redesign her workspace and increase production. Cece J’s is sponsoring two more Learning Factory projects this spring to improve product coding and tracking as well as product drying. 
To learn more about what's going on in Southeastern PA, contact PennTAP advisor Rich Joyce.
Upcoming Webinars & Events
Hosted by NWIRC and NEPIRC
Date: February 1
Time: 8 am – 4 pm
Cost: $340

Help your organization reach its overall objectives with Lean Six Sigma Methodology. This Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training course is taught by a certified Master Black Belt and offers practical application exercises for each step in the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve & Control) process.
Hosted by FirstEnergy
Date: February 16
Time: 4 pm - 7 pm
Location: Helltown Brewing in Export, PA

Come learn about FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania utilities energy efficiency programs. Energy advisors from Willdan and Franklin Energy will be on hand to answer any questions and provide an overview of all available programs. Stop by to enjoy food and drinks and learn about the great new incentives available. Learn more and register.
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Dates: April 11 – 13
Location: Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.

This annual event for Better Buildings, Better Plants partners and other key stakeholders provides the opportunity for professionals to explore emerging technologies and share innovative strategies in energy efficiency, decarbonization, water, and waste reduction. Attendees take part in interactive sessions with industry experts and market leaders as well as multiple opportunities to network with peers. Learn more and register.
Hosted by PennTAP
Dates: May 10 & May 24
Time: 8 am – Noon
Locations: Penn State New Kensington and Penn State Berks

This spring, PennTAP will host two industry roundtables focused on Pollution Prevention (P2) tools and training needs that are unique to metals manufacturing and fabrication, as well as food and beverage manufacturing. The Metals Manufacturing and Fabrication Roundtable will take place at the Corner LaunchBox at Penn State New Kensington on May 10, and the Food & Beverage Manufacturing Roundtable will take place in the Gaige Building at Penn State Berks on May 24. Sign up to stay informed about these events.