Author: PMEDC

ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations located in Pennsylvania as a result of the drought that began on Nov. 15, 2016.

The SBA’s disaster declaration includes the following counties: Monroe and Wayne in Pennsylvania.

“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible
farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. With the exception of aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers or ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 4 percent for small businesses, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from www.sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than July 24, 2017.

Governor Tom Wolf announced today a $1.8 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant for the continued redevelopment of the former International Boiler Works (IBW) Building in East Stroudsburg.

“It’s been a great honor to work together with Senator Mario Scavello and Governor Tom Wolf to secure redevelopment funds for the long-dormant International Boiler Works property in my hometown of East Stroudsburg,” Rep. David Parker said. “For decades the workers on this property manufactured products sold around the world. These funds will help bring back globally-competitive jobs and a stronger tax-base into the borough and school district of East Stroudsburg Borough, and Monroe County. It’s a big win.”

State Senator Mario Scavello commented, “This grant is a step in the right direction and will allow PMEDC to continue their efforts in cooperation with the Borough of East Stroudsburg to make it a productive industrial site once again.”

The Borough of East Stroudsburg acquired the site to assure it would be redeveloped for a job generating enterprise. The Monroe County Commissioners also approved a loan from the Revolving Loan Fund (funded by CDBG) and PMEDC secured a grant to assist in the environmental clean up of the site. The process represents a very productive collaborative effort with the Borough of East Stroudsburg.

Chuck Leonard, PMEDC Executive Director, added, “This building has been vacant for a long time and now that the environmental remediation is completed, we can move on to the necessary demolition and site work to make it shovel ready. “

“We have had numerous inquiries about the site over the years and there is interest from a company who is considering an expansion,” said Leonard. “There are some steps we need to take to make that happen but this grant will assist in making it more feasible.“ It is expected that the project would create 100 to 150 new full time jobs and 25 new construction jobs.

PMEDC is a non-profit economic development corporation dedicated to creating jobs for Monroe County residents, expanding the county’s tax base, and attracting new investment with the direct support of the Monroe County Commissioners. More information on economic development in Monroe County can be found at www.www.pmedc.com.

“Export Documentation & Procedures” will provide a comprehensive understanding of the commercial documentation required for an international transaction. It will also provide an understanding of who is responsible for filing the Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES). The cost to attend this session is $55 per person.

“U.S. Free Trade Agreements” will offer an overview of current and proposed Free Trade Agreements and how businesses can use them to their advantage. Participants will learn how to determine the right preference criteria for their products, receive preferential duty treatment for exports, employ Regional Value Content to determine eligibility and more. The cost to attend this half day session is $20 per person.

Participants may register for a single seminar or save when registering for both for only $70. The deadline to register is Wednesday, November 9, 2016. Registration information can be found on NEPA’s website www.nepa-alliance.org or by contacting NEPA’s International Business Development Manager, Deborah Phillips, at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929 or dphillips@nepa-alliance.org.

These seminars are sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment and the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development through the Northeastern Pennsylvania Defense Transition Partnership.

The NEPA Alliance, a regional community and economic development agency, serves the seven counties of Northeastern Pennsylvania including Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne. NEPAAlliance services include Business Financing, Government Contracting Assistance, International Trade Assistance, Non Profit Assistance, Transportation Planning, Research and Information, and Local Government Services. For more information about NEPA Alliance visit www.nepa-alliance.org or call 866-758-1929. “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

The Small Business Development Center of The University of Scranton and the Northeast PA SCORE will be offering FREE Small Business Consulting Services at the PMEDC Office on Thursday, November 10 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Call Leigh Magnotta, Business Consultant for an appointment at (570) 941-4152 or email her at Leigh Magnotta.

See flyer for addtional dates and times for other Monroe County locations.

Governor Tom Wolf announced Monday that the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved nearly $23 million in low-interest loans to support five new Business in Our Sites (BOS) projects that are projected to create at least 1,156 new, full-time jobs.

“Through the Business in Our Sites program, we are able to grow Pennsylvania’s inventory of ready-to-go business locations,” said Governor Wolf. “This is of great importance since often times the companies interested in relocating to the commonwealth or growing their existing operations are looking to do so in a short timeframe. They are not always able to wait while a new site is prepared, and BOS presents them with expedited options to meet their needs.”

Today, the CFA approved BOS loans in Allegheny, Monroe, Montgomery, and Westmoreland counties total $22,909,925 and are projected to result in more than $61 million in economic investments.

Monroe County
Pocono Mountains Industries, Inc. was awarded a $5,925,000 loan on behalf of DEPG Smithfield Master, L.P. to assist with the acquisition and site preparation of the Smithfield Gateway project located in Smithfield Township for development of a mixed-use business park on 122 acres of undeveloped land. BOS funds will be used for the acquisition of properties totaling 32 acres, site preparation, engineering, and administrative costs. The project, with a total estimated cost of $36,455,706, will create at least 954 new jobs.

“This approval was another piece to the puzzle we are putting together to assist Mr. DePetris with this major, game-changing project for Monroe County,” commented Chuck Leonard, Executive Director of Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation. “We are very pleased that it is all coming together will the strong support of our legislators, Senator Mario Scavello and Representative Rosemary Brown.”

Pocono Mountains Industries, Inc. is part of the Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation, a non-profit economic development corporation dedicated to creating jobs for Monroe County residents, expanding the county’s tax base, and attracting new investment with the direct support of the Monroe County Commissioners.

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary Leslie S. Richards announced October 14, 2016 that 37 highway, bridge, bike and pedestrian projects will receive $40 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

“Communities across Pennsylvania rely on infrastructure improvements to support economic growth and attract new residents and businesses,” Governor Wolf said. “These projects support improved transportation for all residents, whether they walk, bike or drive.”

“The fund allows us to assist communities with needed transportation improvements that otherwise may not move forward,” said PennDOT Secretary Richards. “This process represents an opportunity for worthwhile local projects to secure the support needed to come to fruition.”

PennDOT evaluated 251 applications totaling more than $282 million and made selections based on safety benefits, regional economic conditions, the technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability.

The Multimodal Transportation Fund was created by Act 89, enacted in November 2013, Pennsylvania’s far-reaching transportation funding plan. For the first time, transit, aviation, rail freight and pedestrian and bicycle modes obtained dedicated sources of funds, putting the modes on a firmer footing for future initiatives.

“The Smithfield Gateway project is a game-changer for the community and will transform that area of Monroe County,” said Jim Depetris of DEPGAssociates, the project developer. “Many thanks to PMEDC for their continued help and support as we work together to make this project a reality.”

Chuck Leonard, Executive Director of PMEDC commented “We have been working with Mr. Depetris on this from the beginning and are very pleased that all the pieces are beginning to come together. There are significant off-site road improvements are required for this project and these funds will enhance safety and traffic flow at that very busy intersection. We appreciate the support from our legislators State Senator Mario Scavello and State Representative Rosemary Brown in helping achieve the approval.”

For more information about the program, including the application form, visit www.penndot.gov and click on Multimodal Transportation under the “Projects & Programs” button.

Monroe County:
• Pocono Mountain Industries, Inc. — $2,074,563 to construct roadway improvements on Routes 209 and 447 to support construction of Smithfield Gateway, a mixed-use development in Smithfield Township.

Link to the interview: Smithfield Gateway makes news on WBRE Stroudsburg TV!

WBRE TV Interview

In July, the Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation (PMEDC), the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, and a coalition of our economic development partners in Carbon, Pike and Wayne counties released the 2016 edition of the Pocono Mountains Regional Economic Development Guide. The guide is a print and digital marketing program that promotes the region’s attributes and advantages for business investment and as a place to work and live.

Monroe County’s largest employer takes center stage in this edition, with a cover article looking at Tobyhanna Army Depot, which specializes in the fabrication of military hardware used by all four branches of the armed services. The rest of the issue focuses on the the region’s major industry sectors including advanced manufacturing and hospitality.

The publication also highlights the region’s advantages for entrepreneurial development and spotlights innovative companies such as Lyme-Aid, which has developed a kit to test whether a tick is carrying Lyme disease.

The print publication, whose targeted distribution includes site location professionals and executive decision-makers in key industry sectors, features dynamic photography, graphics and content that highlight the Pocono Mountains region’s diverse economy, proximity to major markets in New York and Philadelphia, and lifestyle advantages that help make it a magnet for highly skilled and educated talent.

A key feature of the Pocono Mountains region is its lifestyle amenities, including spectacular natural attractions, access to high-quality health care and a full range of arts, culture and entertainment.

The companion website BusinessClimate.com/pocono-mountains includes exclusive content such as additional photography and information on major employers in the region. A digital version of the magazine optimized for iPads, tablets and other mobile devices is also available on the site and includes tools to allow easy sharing of content.

Pocono Mountains Economic Development is published annually by Journal Communications and supported by business, industry, academic, economic development, tourism and other organizations in Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties.

BusinessClimate.com, a Journal Communications brand, is a national website that provides site location professionals, corporate real estate specialists professionals and business decision-makers with detailed information on the economies and quality of life in select communities and regions across the country.

The Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation coordinated distribution of $6.2 million in Local Share Account grants in July, 2016, including $2.4 million in continuing support for Northampton Community College’s Monroe Campus and nearly $1 million help fund a new connector road between routes 447 and 209.

Other grants will fund the widening of a major road interchange near Kalahari Resort, reconstruction at Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport and new vehicles for the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department.

In all, the Commonwealth Financing Agency says that 18 Monroe County projects will receive LSA grants, which are drawn from a portion of local gambling proceeds at Mount Airy Casino.

Pennsylvania Act 71 requires that 2 percent of proceeds at local gambling establishments be used to fund projects that improve the local quality of life, the community, area roads or civic or cultural activities. As home to Mount Airy, Monroe County is the only host county to a Pennsylvania gambling facility that is required to share its proceeds with neighboring counties, meaning half of the proceeds go to Monroe County projects and half go to projects in either Pike, Carbon, Northampton, Lackawanna or Wayne counties.

Monroe County pledged last decade to dedicate $2.4 million of LSA funds each year toward retiring the 20-year debt for building a new county campus for Northampton Community College. This is in addition to the $3.8 million awarded to this year’s projects.

Smithfield Gateway, a mixed-use development near the Marshalls Creek interchange of Interstate 80, will receive $950,000 for an alternative bypass through the proposed development, linking Route 209 with Route 447.

DEPG Associates has received preliminary approval from Smithfield Township to begin the three-phase project of retail stores, restaurants, offices, medical facilities and residential development. Work on the first phase, including a major supermarket, is expected to begin in 2017.

Kalahari Resort in Tobyhanna Township will receive $912,000 for nearby road improvements required by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This includes widening the nearby interchange of Interstate 380, Route 940 and Route 314. Expansion of the new water park resort is expected to generate 500 additional jobs.

The Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport Authority will receive $400,000 for the proposed construction of 12-unit hangar and an equipment storage building and to demolish anaging building. But since the grant figure is less than required to complete the $1 million project, the airport authority board will need to reevaluate how much work the agency can take on.

Other awards include:

• $300,000 to Vigon International to build a new combined heating system and electrical plant powered by natural gas. Vigon, on Airport Road in Smithfield Township, manufactures ingredients for flavors, fragrances and cosmetics.
• $297,000 for repairs to the Mount Pocono Municipal Authority sewer system.
• $240,000 for repairs to the Arrowhead Sewer Company system that serves Arrowhead Lakes.
• $150,000 for repairs to a Polk Township culvert and bridge at Dotter Creek and Hell Hollow Road.
• $112,000 to the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department to buy three replacement vehicles.
• $30,000 to Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services to buy two automated chest compressors.
• $130,000 to Chestnuthill Township to replace its municipal salt shed.
• $20,000 to Price Township to install an emergency backup generator at the municipal building.

NEPA Alliance is offering a valuable two-day seminar beginning Wednesday morning. The seminar introduces the basics of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) so you can enhance your skills and minimize your company’s risk. This seminar provides essential information that will help you ensure that your State and Commerce license applications are approved with the first submission.

The seminar will feature presenter Suzanne Palmer, President, Export Compliance Solutions (ECS). Ms. Palmer is a former State/DDTC Licensing Officer who served more than 10 years with the State Department before joining the defense industry and a University Affiliated Research Center. She combined this unique experience to found ECS and has been providing interactive training and interpretation of the ITAR and EAR for 12 years. Suzanne has extensive experience conducting voluntary risk assessments and directed audits. With a goal of establishing viable robust compliance programs, Ms. Palmer has had the privilege to serve on the Defense Trade Advisory Group and as a Special Compliance Officer for companies operating under a Consent Agreement.

Location: NEPA Alliance, 1151 Oak St, Pittston, PA 18640
Registration is $75 per person and includes continental breakfast and lunch.
Registration deadline is April 20, 2016. Walk-up registration may be available.

Call Michael Horvath at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance at 570-655-5581.

The seminar will touch on each of the following topics:

• Understanding Commerce/BIS & OFAC
• The Ten General Prohibitions
• How to Use the Country Chart & Resources for Control
• Exercise-Finding a Product on the CCL
• Preparing a License and Letter of Explanation (LOE)
• License Exceptions & STA
• Preventing Violations & Recordkeeping
• State/DDTC and the New ITAR Definitions
• Order of Review & Classification
• How to Complete an Electronic License Application
• Defining Technical Data & Public Domain
• ITAR Exemptions
• Licensing Requirements for Foreign National Employees and Visitors
• ITAR Compliance and Recordkeeping

You can view the seminar agenda here.

Northampton Communit College (NCC) is offering Veterans, active military, and military spouses free truck driver training classes. The usual tuition for the program is $4,200, but the program is being offered without charge to eligible applicants living in Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Wayne, Carbon, or Lackawanna Counties.

Northampton Community College has launched a program which offers veterans, active duty servicemen and women, and military spouses free tuition for its CDLtraining program.

NCC’s CDL training program is available year-round with day or evening classes available.

Although tuition is waived for eligible applicants, a non-refundable $200 fee is required to reserve a seat in the selected class. In addition, applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, be able to pass a PennDOT physical and a Federal drug screen, along with a number of other requirements.

Interested applicants can call 570-369-1885 to make an appointment.