NEPA Networking Reception
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance held its Networking Reception on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Pocono Manor, PA. The reception was attended by over 180 business and community leaders from around the region.
During the Reception, NEPA presented the NEPA Alliance Regional Leadership Award. The award is presented to an agency, group or individual demonstrating a significant contribution to regional growth, development or cooperation within the seven county NEPA region. This year's award recipient was the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau for their contribution to the regional economy and involvement in the regional community of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“We are humbled by the award received this evening from NEPA Alliance. It’s a true honor to serve the Pocono Mountains community. Regionally, we are indeed vibrant and strong,” said Chris Barrett, President & CEO, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.
“The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has a tremendous impact on economic development in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They are a true partner in regional growth and development. Congratulations to Chris Barrett and his team at Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau,” said Jeffrey Box, President & CEO, NEPA Alliance.
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From left: Jeffrey Box, NEPA Alliance; Chris Barrett, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and Joseph Sebelin, NEPA Alliance Board Chairperson.
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NEPA Alliance is pleased to announce the release of our Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Annual Report and videos.
The report chronicles the success of our programs and services that we provide to businesses, communities, entrepreneurs and institutions in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne counties.
This year's videos highlight NEPA's and our client's stories.
Thank you to all of our Members and volunteer Board and Committee Members for their service and dedication to making Northeastern Pennsylvania a great place to live, work and play.
We will continue to be an Alliance committed to community and economic development in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Click below to download a copy of the Annual Report.
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SBA COVID-19 Relief Programs
and Services Webinar
October 6, 1:00-2:00PM
The U.S. SBA Eastern PA District presents information on pandemic assistance and programs and services available for small businesses.
Presenters:
Steve Dixel, SBA Eastern Pennsylvania District Director - Steven R. Dixel serves as the district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Eastern Pennsylvania District Office, where he is responsible for the delivery and leadership of the agency’s financial and business development programs throughout the eastern 40 counties of Pennsylvania.
Sonia Smith, Public Information Officer - Sonia Smith joined the US Small Business Administration Eastern Pennsylvania District Office in 2013. She is SBA’s Public Information Officer for the 40 counties in Eastern Pennsylvania as well as the Economic Development/Lender Relations Specialist for Wayne and Pike Counties. Sonia is a subject matter expert on women business owners, encore entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial reentry (ex-offenders) programs, microlending, and mission-focused community-based lending.
This is a no cost webinar. Registration is required.
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NEPA Alliance Membership Campaign |
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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 1 Person
- 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 $275.
You can complete your membership online, including payment by clicking the button below.
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Need more information visit our membership hub or contact Donna Hritz at [email protected] or call 570-891-4666.
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Member Spotlight
InXpress
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This month's membership spotlight features InXpress, a 21-year-old shipping franchise. Currently, there are over 100 InXpress franchise units in the United States. One of the owners, Joseph Garzio, grew up in Schuylkill County and is a NEPA member. We spoke with Joseph who explained the price and time saving advantages offered by InXpress.
InXpress makes shipping easy because their “experts” complete their clients shipping paperwork, for free! With the help of their shipping experts, their clients have less delays, lost shipments and incorrect invoices. This humorous video describes their free shipping service.
Because of their combined buying power, InXpress receives terrific rates from all the major domestic and international carriers. They pass along these savings to their clients. They focuses on international shipping (ex: document, parcel, ocean freight) and domestic freight (LTL and full trucks). Their primary international carrier is DHL Air Express, the world's largest carrier. For domestic freight, they have contracts with over 40 carriers to ensure adequate supply and coverage.
Shipping through InXpress is completely free. Simply contact Joseph Garzio (610-952-6333) for a price quote. Joseph is eager to work with fellow NEPA members and offers $50 off a company’s first invoice.
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NEPA Alliance is committed to working with regional small businesses and nonprofits during the continued uncertainty surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19). In cooperation with state and federal agencies, NEPA is offering loan assistance programs to businesses and nonprofits.
NEPA is currently partnering with federal and state agencies to ensure small businesses and nonprofits in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have available resources accessible to them through the coronavirus crisis. This includes help with the U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest federal disaster loan program for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus. In addition, NEPA also has numerous business loan programs that offer low fixed interest rates to businesses in the seven-county region of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
For the latest information, please contact NEPA at 866-758-1929 or visit NEPA's COVID-19 Response site. Information is continually changing, and the assistance programs that are being offered may change. NEPA will continue to evaluate all available options to best serve the Northeastern Pennsylvania business community.
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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.
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Recently Funded Loans
Daycare – Eynon
- This NEPA EDA/ARC loan project was completed in partnership with Fidelity Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate.
Pilings Manufacturer – Hanover Township
- This PIDA loan project was completed in partnership with Wayne Bank and Wells Fargo for the purchase of equipment.
Candy Manufacturer – Wayne Township
- This PIDA loan project was completed in partnership with Mid Penn Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate.
Chicken Farm – Pine Grove
- This PIDA loan project was completed in partnership with Fulton Bank for the purchase of equipment.
HVAC Company – West Wyoming
- This PIDA loan project was completed in partnership with Wayne Bank for the purchase of the business and commercial real estate.
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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
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Guaranteed Fixed Interest Rate
*Eligibility Criteria Apply*
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PTAC Matchmaker Opportunity
The NEPA Alliance PTAC is partnering with the Southeastern Pennsylvania and SEDA-COG PTACs to create and implement the First Eastern PA Virtual Government/Supplier Matchmaker Event scheduled for October 27th and 28th. We are planning for this to be an annual event.
FOR SUPPLIERS: This event is an opportunity to meet the local, state, and federal government small business representatives and Primes you would like to work with to pitch your business products and services.
FOR BUYERS: This event will introduce you to qualified and ready-to-work small, medium, and large businesses that can meet your procurement needs.
MATCHMAKING MEETINGS: Matchmaking events will be 10 minutes with 5-minute breaks in between. Once the meeting times are open to be reserved, suppliers will receive a notification that they can secure a meeting. Suppliers, please note that a buyer reserves the right to deny a meeting if your company capabilities do not meet their needs.
MORNING SESSIONS: All participants have an opportunity to attend the morning sessions. You do not have to do a matchmaker meeting to attend the morning session and you do not have to attend a morning session to do a matchmaker meeting, though it is highly recommended. Instructions for accessing the morning sessions will be available closer to the event date.
Registration is free, but the deadline to register for the virtual Matchmaker Event is October 25th.
For additional details, and to register for the event click here.
***REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS***
- Click the “REGISTER” button on the menu bar at the top right-hand corner.
- Fill each section in its entirety (to answer the security math question, use the up and down arrows on the side of the text field).
- You will be sent a registration confirmation and further instruction on when and how to sign up for matchmaking events as we get closer to the event date.
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Please note: the event agenda is tentative and will be updated periodically.
- Once you register, please sign in and complete/update your profile!
The PTAC Partners hope you take advantage of this opportunity.
If you have any questions on the Event, please do not hesiate to call the NEPA Alliance PTAC Team at 570-655-5581, and select option 2.
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PA Trade Assistance Video Library
The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, Office of International Business Development (OIBD) has compiled a video collection for Pennsylvania businesses interested in exporting their products or services internationally. Visit the PA Trade Assistance Video Library to access recorded webinars.
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PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant Program Now Open!
Application Deadline is November 5th
PennDOT is currently accepting applications for funding through its Multimodal Transportation Fund. Applications are due by November 5, 2021. 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 PennDOT website. |
PennDOT 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan and Freight Movement Plan Open for Public Comment
Comments Received Through October 19th
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to provide comments on the draft 2045 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Freight Movement Plan (FMP) through October 19, 2021. The LRTP is updated every 6 to 10 years and looks ahead twenty years to establish multimodal strategic directions for Pennsylvania’s transportation system. The FMP proposes strategies, recommends policies, and identifies projects to improve multimodal freight movement. Both plans are in the final stages of a two-year planning process involving technical analysis, public and stakeholder outreach, and collaborative planning.
PennDOT encourages the public to review the draft plans and provide comments. To view a copy of the plans and provide comments, visit here. |
LTAP In-Person Classes Resume |
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 counties.
Seal Coat
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Hall
300 Grove St.
Orwigsburg, PA 17961
(570) 366-3103
Winter Maintenance
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wayne Township Municipal Building
10 Municipal Road
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-739-2629
Drainage: The Key to Roads That Last
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Pike County Training Center
135 Pike County Blvd.
Lords Valley, PA 18428
(570) 296-1960
Asphalt Roads Common Maintenance Problems
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Black Creek Township Building
1980 Tomahicken Rd
Rock Glen, PA 18426
(570) 384-3206
Winter Maintenance
Friday, November 12, 2021
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Hall
300 Grove St.
Orwigsburg, PA 17961
(570) 366-3103
Safe Driver
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wayne Township Municipal Building
10 Municipal Road
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-739-2629
To register, visit https://gis.penndot.gov/ltap/ and log on using your username and password. First time users must set up an account by clicking on “Create Account.” For technical assistance when registering, call 1-800-FOR-LTAP (1-800-367-5827) or contact Daniel Yelito, Transportation Services Manager, NEPA Alliance at 570-891-4652 or email [email protected].
LTAP will also continue offering some courses, webinars and drop-in sessions in an online format. To learn more about upcoming virtual offerings, click here. |
Looking for New Nonprofit Grant Opportunities? |
Don’t forget that NCAC Members receive remote 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. 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 Athena Aardweg, Community Services Manager for NCAC, at [email protected] or 570-891-4662. |
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Did you know that the U.S. Census Bureau has released maps of Census Tracts, which are based on the 2020 Census? To access the maps, click here.
For additional information, contact Steve Zaricki at 570-891-4671 or 866-758-1929.
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"This institution is an equal opportunity employer." |
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