Week of: January 26, 2015

Our Mission

JARI will be the collaborative force that enhances all aspects of our region to grow a diverse economy and build vibrant communities.

Don's Mini Mart
Michele Clapper, VP Economic Development

Owner Don Deyarmin and Employee Angel Townsend

JARI would like to welcome its newest Microloan borrower! Don Deyarmin is the owner of Don's Mini Mart which is located at the Connor Towers in the City of Johnstown. The location is perfect for the residents of the Vine Street and Connor Towers and is open to the public. Customers can pick up various essential household items or grab a bite to eat. We are looking forward to being a part of the growth of this start-up company - Don's Mini Mart!

If you are interested in learning more about the Microloan program, contact Michele Clapper at [email protected] or 814.262.8368.

Over $3.5 Million in Credits Given

Joette Watson, CFO

JARI is pleased to announce that $3,509,134 in tax credits have

been awarded to local companies through the Greater Johnstown Keystone Innovation Zone (GJKIZ) since the inception of JARI's KIZ program in 2005. The Commonwealth has a total annual pool of up to $25 million in tax credits available to KIZ companies.

KIZ Zones are designed to foster innovation and create entrepreneurial opportunities. To qualify for the GJKIZ program, a company must be a for-profit located within the territory of the GJKIZ, be fewer than eight years old and have its primary business within one or more of the following industry sectors:

Advanced Manufacturing
Environmental/Renewable Energy Technology
Information Systems Technology, or
Life Sciences

A KIZ company must have an innovative process or have patents, licensing agreements, trademarks and/or copyrights on products or processes created in-house. A company may receive up to $100,000 annually, if they meet the criteria. If there is no tax liability for the company, the credits may be sold for cash.

The GJKIZ boundaries are outlined on the following maps: Cambria Geography and Somerset Geography.

For more information or to obtain a KIZ application, contact Joette Watson at [email protected] or at 814.262.8372.

Route 219 Apprenticeship Fair

Debi Balog, Director Workforce Development

The Somerset County Technology Center and the PA CareerLink of Somerset County will be hosting an Apprenticeship Fair for individuals interested in the apprenticeship programs and job opportunities related to the Route 219 Expansion Project. The fair is scheduled for 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 25 at the Somerset County Technology Center located at 281 Technology Drive, Somerset.

Joseph B. Fay Company, the primary contractor, project sub-contractors and union representatives will be presenting the information sessions at the fair.

For more information, please contact Jeff Dick, Site Administrator, PA CareerLinks of Cambria and Somerset Counties at [email protected] or by calling one of the CareerLinks at 814-445-4161 (Somerset) or 814-533-2493 (Cambria).