Author: PMEDC

Higgins Development Partners, a Chicago-based real estate developer, has purchased 85.54 acres at Arcadia North Business Park in Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County from Bethlehem-based developer Arcadia Properties, LLC. The property can accommodate a warehouse/distribution center as large as 1.4 million square-feet, which Higgins will market on a build-to-suit basis. As owner of Arcadia North Business Park, Arcadia Properties, LLC will remain a partner in this development venture.

“Arcadia North is one of the most prestigious business parks in the state,” accord“ng to Higgins Development Partners Senior Vice President Gene Preston. “We are in the process of planning a first-class warehouse/distribution facility for the site. This investment reflects our strategy of continuing to invest throughout Pennsylvania, an area we regard as having tremendous growth potential.”

Arcadia North Business Park is a 3.5 million-square-foot mixed-use business park located on over 600 acres. Located on Route 611 in the Pocono Mountains, the facility is in close proximity to Interstates 80, 380, 81, 33, 84 and 476; adjacent to the Pocono Mountain Municipal Airport, within one hour of the Lehigh Valley International Airport and the Wilkes Barre/Scranton International Airport. The park has Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assurance (LERTA) status, and Higgins’ site is adjacent to the 1.6 million-square-foot Johnson & Johnson distribution center.

The Coolbaugh Township area is also home to sanofi pasteur, a worldwide vaccine manufacturer, and the park is adjacent to a 1.2 million-square foot WalMart distribution center.

Higgins Development Partners has a national platform for both public and private sector development activities. Projects include office and industrial buildings, life-science and technology facilities, government and institutional, bio-medical laboratories, law enforcement and other highly secure facilities, and mixed-use land development projects. Headquartered in Chicago, the company also has offices in New Jersey, Florida California, Arizona, Washington, DC and Canada.

The Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation has a mission that goes beyond marketing Monroe County’s strengths to interest new companies (and new employers) in developing Pocono operations. PMEDCalso works to help existing companies grow and prosper. Existing businesses provide most of the investment for new community economic development initiatives and infrastructure, and are frequently part of the attraction that lures new businesses to locate within the county.

One way in which PMEDC fulfills that mission is through Pennsylvania’s Business Retention and Expansion Program (BREP), sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, which encourages firms to stay and grow in Pennsylvania.

DCED administers the program by dividing Pennsylvania into 10 regions. A regional coordinator oversees a team of business liaisons, who conduct personal interviews with local company executives. The interviews address a variety of key issues. If the interviewer identifies a specific opportunity to assist the business, the company is referred to an appropriate service provider to assist them in resolving issues or difficulties.

The interview results are entered into an online database managed by DCED, which is then used to compare and analyze business trends, opportunities, and challenges throughout the state. DCED conducts approximately 9,000 visits annually, with about 650 of those visits taking place in the seven-county Northeast Pennsylvania region.

One local company helped through the BREP program was Mt. Pocono-based Monadnock Non-Wovens, LLC,a manufacturer of non-woven synthetic media for vacuum bags, filtration, homeland security and other technical applications.

During a BREP visit, PMEDC Executive Director Chuck Leonard learned that Monadnock was challenged by the different product needs of new customers. Production of the new products required far more resin than past uses. In order to receive adequate volumes of raw material, Monadnock needed rail service at their site. Though a rail line was close by, design, engineering, and construction of a rail spur was needed.

Because of the information revealed by the BREP visit, Leonard was able to put Monadnock in touch with the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority, which assisted the company in applying for and receiving a PennDOT grant that contributed to the overall construction cost of the rail spur. The recently completed spur has transformed the materials receipt operations and helped the company to increase production by 50 percent.

“The BREP program helped put us in touch with the right people,” says Keith Hayward, managing director of Monadnock Non-Wovens. “We expressed interest in having rail service, Chuck (Leonard) made a referral to the Railroad Authority, and Mr. (Larry) Malski took it from there. Our company now receives one rail car every 10 days, which is equivalent to 10 bulk road trucks per month.

“We’ve already added six new employees and we’re looking to add six more. We expect an additional 25 percent increase in capacity and personnel in 2008.”

Local companies can learn more about BREP by calling PMEDC at (570) 839-1992.

HARRISBURG — Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that Johnson & Johnson Sales and Logistics Company LLC is strengthening its presence in Pennsylvania by entering into a long-term lease agreement that will bring 268 new jobs to Monroe County.

The new distribution facility will be used by the company, however, the building will be staffed and operated by one or more third party logistics providers who will, in turn, create 268 new jobs within four years and retain 434 existing jobs.

Governor Rendell said Pennsylvania is aggressively working to create new opportunities for residents by attracting private sector investments that help to make the commonwealth more attractive as a place to do business for fast-growing industries, like health care products.

“We’ve put our resources to work over the last four years to attract new investments that are growing our companies and economy while creating opportunities for people”, said Governor Rendell. “More and more companies are choosing to expand their operations in Pennsylvania because they recognize the quality of our workforce and our efforts to build a more competitive business climate. The company’s decision represents a major step forward for the state in an industry that is growing at a tremendous pace. Seeing a business of this caliber invest and expand here is great news for the Pocono region and the entire state, and will lead to an increase in the availability of quality jobs”

The new warehouse distribution center is being built by Clayco Realty Group on 100 acres in the Arcadia North Business Park. The project represents the first development project in the park, which received $9.7 million in October 2005 through the state’s Business in Our Sites program.

The Governor said that making shovel-ready sites available is an important component when it comes to helping companies find a place in Pennsylvania to locate or expand.

Today’s announcement drives home the importance of having sites available to meet the needs of businesses that want to locate in Pennsylvania’s communities Governor Rendell said. “A municipality has a better chance of securing new investment when they are able to provide sites for businesses that are shovel-ready.

“By revitalizing the state’s commercial corridors and old industrial sites, we are enhancing our competitiveness, encouraging existing companies to expand and creating a great environment for businesses to set up shop.”

The Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation, or PMEDC, worked with the Governo’s Action Team to secure a $1.6 million funding package offer for the project from the Department of Community and Economic Development that consists of an $800,000 opportunity grant and $804,000 in job creation tax credits.

“We need to thank Governor Rendell and his administration for providing innovative funding tools through the Governo’s economic stimulus package,” said Chuck Leonard, PMED’s executive director. “Without the Business in Our Sites program, we would not have been able to deliver the infrastructure needed to make this project possible.”

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, or GAT, which is comprised of economic development professionals who report directly to Governor Rendell and serve as a single point-of-contact for businesses considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania. The team works with domestic and international businesses and professional site consultants on projects possessing significant investment and job creation opportunities.

In Monroe County, three GAT projects have been successfully completed since January 2003. These projects total commitments for 421 new jobs created and 840 jobs to be retained. The commonwealth has offered more than $5 million in state assistance for these projects, which will leverage more than $76 million in additional investment.

Statewide since January 2003, the Governor’s Action Team has successfully completed 798 projects resulting in commitments for the creation of 85,219 new jobs and the retention of more than 205,739 existing positions. The commonwealth has offered more than $1.4 billion in assistance for these projects, which will leverage more than $9.3 billion in additional investment.

Johnson & Johnson Sales and Logistics Company, LLC provides sales, marketing and logistical services to U.S. retail customers on behalf of Johnson & Johnson’s U.S. consumer companies, and leadership for an emerging global customer base in the areas of transportation, enterprise-wide systems, business processes and global customer development.

For information on the Governor’s Action Team, the Business in Our Sites program and other DCED funding, visit the New PA Website or call 1-866-GONEWPA (1-866-466-3972).

World’s Leading Inter-Business Team Building Competition Series Marks Third U.S. Event

October 11-13, 2007 in Pocono Mountains

POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa., January 25, 2007 — Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains has been selected to host the 2007 BG US Challenge presented by Fortune, October 11-13, 2007. The event is the main United States stop on the Intelligent Sport™ World Series, the world’s leading series of inter-business team building competitions. The Challenge expects to attract 300 senior level executives from 70 companies throughout the United States.

The Pocono Mountains will be the site of two days and nights of robust competition with a twist. Using the trademarked Intelligent Sport™ formula – a unique combination of physical and mental agility in which the primary goal is to create great teams for business ? the natural beauty and diverse landscape of the Pocono Mountains will be the ?playing field? for participants to accomplish a variety of strategic and intellectual challenges while navigating on mountain bikes, kayaks or trail running.

David Keane, Vice President Policy and Corporate Affairs at BG Group, title sponsor of the BG US Challenge said:

The BG US Challenge provides an important platform for the expression of our company’s values teamwork and commitment are important for us and we have seen these realized through our participation in this event. We are very excited to bring the BG US Challenge to the Pocono Mountains, as the region will offer some great new challenges to our returning teams. In addition, we have a goal to raise $1 million for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and we look forward to working with participating teams and our business partners to help us achieve that objective.?

Richard Adler, General Manager of US Challenge LLC, the US licensee of Challenger World, Ltd commented:

“The BG US Challenge and the Intelligent Sport™ formula is a most inventive platform for businesses to increase teamwork, morale and production. The event enables colleagues and clients to realize their potential by working together towards a common goal, while also providing a healthy dose of competition. We are thrilled to be working with the PMCVB as the host of the third annual BG US Challenge as the destination offers a much sought-after northeast location as well as renowned natural environment, the high quality of its active lifestyle and the booming growth of the local business community.?

PMCVB Executive Director Robert Uguccioni leant his support to the event, adding:

“We are delighted that the Pocono Mountains has been selected to host the 2007 BG US Challenge. The region is an ideal fit for this prestigious organization as our landscape and community offer the adventurous traveler unparalleled activities and services. Hosting this event provides a tremendous opportunity to showcase our scenic beauty and myriad of extraordinary outdoor recreation to potential visitors from around the country,”

In addition to preparing for the mental and physical challenges, teams are also encouraged to raise funds for the event’s official charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude is the world’s premier pediatric cancer research center and has treated children from all 50 United States and more than 70 countries. Since opening in 1962, its research findings have been freely shared with medical communities worldwide. Families at St. Jude never pay for medical treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. Over the past two years, participating companies in the BG US Challenge have raised more than $850,000 for St. Jude.

About BG Group

BG Group plc is a global natural gas business. Active in 25 countries across five continents, BG Group operates four business segments ? Exploration and Production, Liquefied Natural Gas or LNG, Transmission and Distribution and Power Generation. BG Group seeks to support the social and economic development in the communities where it does business by providing structured funding for community initiatives that match its skills transfer theme.

About BG North America

BG North America has established itself as the leading player in the importation of LNG to the United States and has been able to do this through a combination of its capacity at the Lake Charles and Elba Island LNGreceiving terminals, a portfolio of LNG supply contracts, its gas marketing capability and its access to shipping. BG North America is in a strong position to build on both its supply and marketing positions in the United States through expansion of existing facilities and is pursuing new projects, such as the development of its North America power strategy. For more information, visit www.BG-Group.com.

About Challenger World, Ltd. and the Intelligent Sport™ World Series

Challenger World, Ltd, based in London, England, developed and owns the Intelligent Sport™ World Series, the world’s leading series of inter-business teambuilding competitions. Combining physical challenges with advanced strategic planning exercises, competitors are put to the test with an experience designed to teach invaluable lessons on the importance of clear communication, smart thinking, resource management and team conduct.

Over 300 companies have competed in the Intelligent Sport™ World Series around the world including Accenture, BG Group, Bechtel, IBM, Volvo, Dell, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Washington Group International and others. In addition to the Western Team Challenge and the BG US Challenge, in the Eastern US, the 2007 Series will include the Microsoft UK Challenge, the Cisco Euro Challenge, the M1 Asia Challenge- Singapore, and events in South Africa, Sweden, and Portugal. The Series culminates in a World Team Final each December where teams from each event compete to take the title of the world’s greatest corporate team.

US Challenge LLC, based in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, is the US licensee of Challenger World, Ltd. For more information on how a company can participate in the BG U.S. Challenge, visita href=“www.ChallengerWorld.com”> www.ChallengerWorld.com, or contact us@challengerworld.com.

About the Pocono Mountains

With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania’s Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers. Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261 miles of hiking and biking trails, over 35 golf courses, white-water rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks.

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Pocono Mountains, located within driving distance of most major East Coast cities. This region teeming with history offers year-round cultural tours and art exhibitions, abundant antiquing and brand-name shopping and a full calendar of festivals showcasing the heritage, music and food of the Poconos.

Even the most discerning traveler will find comfortable accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, which offers an eclectic mix of luxury hotels, distinctive boutique properties and quaint, family-run bed and breakfasts.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fund-raising organization. Visit stjude.org for more information

Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667). The Pocono Mountains Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.