NEPA Newslines

May 2017 

GCS 2017
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel
Scranton, Pennsylvania

The focus of the NEPA PTAC Government Contracting Showcase 2017 is to:
  • Increase awareness of the government marketplace as a viable market for regional businesses to sell their products or services.
  • Bring prime contractors and government agencies together with the small business community.
  • Learn about Supplier Diversity Programs and local Subcontracting Opportunities.
Educational Workshops include:
  • Federal & State Business Certifications (Women, Minorities, Veterans, HUBZone, PAUCP)
  • Selling to PENNDOT and PENNDOT Registration & Certification
  • Selling to Gentex Corporation - A Panel Presentation
  • Selling to the Williams Company through the Atlantic Sunrise Project - the Transco natural gas transmission pipeline expansion

The Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is proud to announce that Congressman Lou Barletta, PA 11th Congressional District, will be the Luncheon Keynote Speaker at the Government Contracting Showcase.  The Opening Keynote Speaker will be Michael Atchie, Manager of Public Outreach for the Williams Company.  The event will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Scranton, Pennsylvania. The NEPA Alliance PTAC is funded by the Department of Defense, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Jeffrey Box, President and CEO of NEPA Alliance, said, "NEPA is honored to have Congressman Barletta as the Luncheon Keynote Speaker at the Government Contracting Showcase. The Congressman will share his insights into strengthening our regional economy for small business owners and hard working individuals who are the backbone of our economy."

Mr. Box is also pleased to have Michael Atchie as the Opening Keynote Speaker and stated, "The Williams Company will bring a significant impact to Northeastern Pennsylvania through the Atlantic Sunrise Project." This project is the expansion of the Transco natural gas transmission pipeline, which is designed to supply enough natural gas to meet the daily needs of more than seven million American homes by connecting producing regions in Northeastern Pennsylvania to markets in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern States.
  Register Now
For more information, please contact Karen Ostroskie, Deborah Phillips, or Paula Terpak toll free at 866-758-1929.
NEPA Alliance Annual Dinner
Save The Date
NEPA Alliance NEPA Alliance will be hosting its Annual Dinner on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, Scranton, PA.
 
This year's Keynote speaker will be Denny Corby, Corporate Speaker, Entertainer & Mentalist.   He performs regularly for a variety of corporate clients. 

Last year our Annual Dinner was attended by over 350 business and community leaders from around the region reaching a milestone in attendance.  This year's event is sure to be another great networking opportunity.

Sponsorship is available for this event by contacting Donna Hritz at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.
 
For complete information visit our event page.
The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children Receives $25,000 Grant

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) presented The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children with a $25,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant. NEPA, in coordination with Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Office of Appalachian Development, assisted The Scranton School in preparation of the grant and recommended the project to ARC for approval. The goal of this project was to enhance technology to meet the unique and individual needs of The Scranton School's students.
 
The $25,000 grant, combined with $25,000 in matching funds from The Margaret Briggs Foundation, was used to purchase SMART panels, specialized lighting, computers, drone, and editing software that allows deaf and hard of hearing children to improve their skills using technology, expressive communication skills using American Sign Language, Sign-Supported English, and Spoken English. Kurt Bauman stated, "Although ARC, PA DCED and NEPA Alliance enjoy assisting many successful initiatives in Northeastern PA, there is no greater investment than in our children. We are pleased to present a check to The Scranton School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children for technology improvements that aid in their personal education and growth."
Office Space for Lease
NEPA Alliance currently has 1,800-2,000 sq. ft. of rentable office space available at our office located at 1151 Oak Street in Pittston Township. The office space includes off street parking, shared use of meeting rooms and other common areas. Professional services including administrative, financial and information technology/phone services are available for smaller businesses/organizations on a fee based schedule. For inquiries, please contact Jeffrey Box at 570-655-5581 or 1-866-758-1929.
International Business Development Program
Pennsylvania China Trade Office

The Office of International Business Development (OIBD) selected Tractus Asia Consulting www.tractus-asia.com to be the Pennsylvania's Authorized Trade Representative (ATR) in China. Tractus Asia Consulting office will be located in Shanghai, China.

Tractus Asia Consulting will provide assistance with product certification, regulatory assistance, agent/distributor searches, foreign company background checks, and more to help Pennsylvania businesses develop and grow the China market.

Watch for the future announcement on when the Pennsylvania China office will be officially open for business.

If you need help with any China market development issues or other International Business Development assistance, contact Michael Horvath at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.


Export - Import Bank

Businesses wanting to minimize their international trade risks can do this with the help of the Export - Import Bank of the United States (ExIm) www.exim.gov . The Export - Import Bank has an array of products to help businesses increase their international sales. Some of these products are Working Capital Loan Guarantee, Export Credit Insurance, Project and Transportation Financing, Financing Foreign Buyer, and more.

If your business needs financing to increase your exports contact NEPA's International Business Development Program Manager, Michael Horvath at 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
Spring 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.
  
Work Zone Traffic Control
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Chestnuthill Township Building
271 Route 715
Brodheadsville, PA 18322
(570) 992-7247
  
Bridge Maintenance and Inspection
Friday, May 12, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wayne County EMA
43 Volunteer Drive
Honesdale, PA 18431
(570) 253-5970
  
Asphalt Roads Common Maintenance Problems
Thursday, June 29, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lehighton Borough Building
1 Constitution Avenue
Lehighton, PA 18235
(610) 377-4002

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 Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce has available a Regional Fact Sheet, "BEARFACTS," that is about Personal Income at the State, County and Metropolitan Statistical Area levels and Gross Domestic Product at the State level? To access this information click here.
 
For additional information, contact Steve Zaricki at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.
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