NEPA Newslines
January 2017
Custom Seats, Inc. Receives Loan Funds
The purpose of the $150,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) loan and $50,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) loan was for the purchase of commercial real estate. Other project funds are included from First National Community Bank and the owner's cash equity. Custom Seats, Inc. will be retaining its existing workforce of thirty people and projects eight additional new positions within three years.
 Custom Seat Inc Loan
Thomas Dellamalva and his wife, Joan Dellamalva, started Custom Seats, Inc. in 2000 as a contract manufacturer. Custom Seats, Inc. manufactures specialized seating and accessories for healthcare, mass transit, physicians' offices and recreational industries.
NEPA Alliance Donates Printer to Pennsylvania Environmental Council
NEPA Alliance donated a Hewlett Packard large format printer to the Northeast Regional office of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) located in Luzerne, PA.  Since 1970, PEC has been a central figure in the environmental and conservation discussion in Pennsylvania.  PEC manages challenges facing Pennsylvania's water, land, and air resources whether from past activities, current practices, or potential future impacts.
PEC Printer Donation
PEC accepted the printer, which is designed to print maps, posters, banners and graphics.  In addition, they were provided with a kit of extra supplies.  PEC plans to use the printer to support their mission, which is to protect and restore the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education, and advocacy.  NEPA Alliance and PEC have partnered on past projects and look forward to a continuing relationship.
International Business Development Program
Harmonized System Amendments

On January 1, 2017 the World Customs Organization (WCO) made changes to the Harmonized System (HS). There are 233 sets of amendments that will need to be checked to make sure that you are using the correct numbers for your products. Some of these include agricultural, chemical, wood, textile, base metal, machinery, transport and other sectors of the harmonized system.
 
Your HS and Schedule B numbers should be checked regularly but especially now that there have been so many changes.
 
Appalachia USA Webinar #4, Classification Under the Harmonized Tariff & Schedule B, on January 11, 2017 will offer guidance on classifying your products under the Harmonized System and Schedule B. To register for this free webinar click here.

To see a complete list of the changes to Harmonized System please click here .
 
If you need any assistance with the Harmonized and Schedule B numbers please do not hesitate to contact us .
 
NEPA's International Business Development Program

Has your company received an international inquiry? PA's Authorized Trade Representatives  can help you follow-up on potential leads by conducting company background checks and more. Contact us  today for more information.

To learn more about the International Business Development assistance, contact Michael Horvath or Debbie Phillips at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.
Save the Date
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Government Contracting Showcase
The GCS is a half day event to learn how to do business with State, Federal and Department of Defense Agencies.  Attend workshops on government contracting; meet one-to-one with government agency buying offices, government prime contractors and economic development agencies.

What can the 2017 Government Contracting Showcase offer your business?

Discover the benefits of securing government contracts; learn how PTAC can help.
Diversify your client base; explore new business opportunities.
Expand to new markets; grow your bottom line.

Exhibit space and sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information, please call 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.
Business Finance News
NEPA Alliance has several loan products available for small businesses in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne Counties.
 
Fixed RatesThese 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.

To learn more about these loan programs, contact Stephen Ursich or Dave Nat at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.
  

 
NEPA-BFC NEPA Alliance Business Finance Corporation has Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans available for eligible small businesses in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne Counties.
 
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 NEPA-BFC Tree 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
  • 40% Funding
  • Up to $5.5 Million in Financing Available
  • Market Based Fixed Rate Financing
SBA 504 Loans Offer: 
  • Low Down Payments
  • Long Term Maturities (10 & 20 Years)
*Eligibility Criteria Apply*
 
To learn more about this loan program, contact Stephen Ursich or Dave Nat at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.
Local Technical Assistance Program
Winter 2017 Classes (FREE)
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) and PennDOT have partnered to offer the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) training series in the NEPA Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) region, which includes Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Schuylkill Counties, as well as the Lackawanna-Luzerne MPO region and Wayne County.

Salt and Snow Management
Friday, January 20, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Stroud Township Building
1211 North 5th Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 421-3362
  
Traffic Signs Basics
Thursday, February 16, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Salem Township Building
38 Bomboy Lane
Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 752-4399
  
Road Surface Management
Friday, February 24, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Salem Township Building
38 Bomboy Lane
Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 752-4399
  
Principles of Paving
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Schuylkill Community Education Council
1-7 West Center Street
Mahanoy City, PA 17948
(570) 773-1270
  
Drainage: The Key to Roads That Last
Thursday, March 23, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Salem Township Building
38 Bomboy Lane
Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 752-4399
  
Posting and Bonding of Local Roads
Monday, March 27, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
West Penn Township
27 Municipal Road
New Ringgold, PA 17960
(570) 386-4507

To register, visit www.ltap.state.pa.us 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 Kate McMahon, Transportation Services Manager, NEPA Alliance at 570-655-5581 or kmcmahon@nepa-alliance.org
Did You Know...
Did You Know
Did you know that the National Center for Education Statistics has data available for colleges, public school districts, public schools and private schools? To access this information, click here.
 
For additional information, contact Steve Zaricki at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.
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