NEPA Alliance on Capitol Hill

Jeffrey Box, President & CEO; Kurt Bauman, Vice President of Community & Economic Development; and Tyler Day, Community & Economic Development Manager at NEPA Alliance attended the Development District of Appalachia (DDAA) and National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) conference in March, which was held in Arlington, VA. During the conference, NEPA staff met with our local elected officials to update them on our programs and thank them for their continued support.

Meeting with Congressman Bresnahan

A meeting was held with Congressman Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) to discuss NEPA Alliance’s priorities and important projects in the region. Topics discussed included Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and Economic Development Administration (EDA) funded projects in the 8th Congressional District, the new career and technical center planned for Pike and Wayne Counties, transportation projects, and the importance of Tobyhanna Army Depot. 

NEPA Alliance & SEDA-COG meet with Congressman Dan Meuser

NEPA Alliance staff joined their colleagues from SEDA-COG, to meet with Congressman Meuser (PA-09) in his DC office. They engaged in a productive discussion regarding federal programs that support regional community and economic development agencies, and their initiatives to foster small business growth in Northeast and Central Pennsylvania.

Congressman Bresnahan Visits Tobyhanna Army Depot

On March 17th, Tobyhanna Army Depot hosted Congressman Rob Bresnahan Jr. and his team for an in-depth visit. The Congressman toured the depot's modernized facilities, observing the workforce's technical expertise across microelectronics, satellite communications, and advanced radar systems. The visit highlighted Tobyhanna's critical role in enhancing warfighter readiness for the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna Army Depot extended its appreciation to Congressman Bresnahan and looks forward to a continued partnership in support of national security and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

State Transportation Commission Kicks Off Twelve Year Plan Update

PennDOT and the State Transportation Commission have kicked off the public comment period for the development of the 2027 Twelve Year Program update. The public comment period is an important step in the process to hear from individuals with their comments about multimodal transportation needs, issues, and concerns.  You can share your priorities and pinpoint transportation needs within your community by taking the online Transportation Survey. The deadline to take the survey is April 30th.

In addition to the survey, PennDOT will host an Online Public Forum on Thursday, April 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The forum will feature a presentation from PennDOT leadership and members of the STC, followed by a Q&A session. You can register for the online public forum here.

Member Spotlight

This month’s Membership Spotlight is The Pilot Mind Drone Academy. NEPA spoke with Dr. John G. Duesler Jr, Founder.

Pilot Mind Drone Academy: Elevating Unmanned Aviation Standards

Pilot Mind Drone Academy is a leading drone training and certification facility, empowering individuals and organizations with the skills necessary for success in unmanned aviation. Their comprehensive curriculum guides students from novice to expert, encompassing:

• Fundamental Drone Knowledge: Building a solid theoretical foundation.
• Practical Drone Skills: Mastering flight maneuvers and operational techniques.
• Specialized Drone Applications: Tailoring training to specific industry needs.
• Professional Development: Cultivating ethical and responsible drone operations.

Their proprietary training and NIST-based certification methods are trusted by companies, agencies, and associations nationwide, ensuring pilots meet the rigorous demands of modern drone operations.

Deeply Rooted in the NEPA Community

Pilot Mind is committed to the revitalization of Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) through:

• Local Presence: With a dedicated office and training center in Pittston, they are an integral part of the community.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with educational institutions, public safety agencies, and community leaders to expand access to drone training and certification.
• Economic Empowerment: Providing pathways to fulfilling and well-paying careers in the burgeoning drone industry, fostering hope and opportunity for NEPA residents.

A Non-Traditional Workforce Solution

Pilot Mind Drone Academy offers a unique workforce alternative, igniting passion for aviation and providing a solid career path. They are committed to developing highly skilled drone pilots, driving innovation and economic growth in the region.

A Vision Realized in NEPA

When asked about NEPA Alliance, Mr. Duesler, a proud NEPA native, explained, "I've always dreamed of our community being at the forefront of innovative industries. For me, Pilot Mind Drone Academy is that dream taking flight. Upon returning to NEPA, my first instinct was to partner with the NEPA Alliance, knowing they would connect me with others who share this vision for our region's success."

For more information on The Pilot Mind Drone Academy visit: thepilotmind.pro

NEPA Alliance is conducting its annual membership campaign.

The NEPA Alliance values the opportunity to work with all stakeholders in our seven-county region. Our goal is to provide the best possible community and economic development services to create and retain jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Membership Benefits

• FREE Networking Reception Invite for One Person ($125 Value)
• FREE Use of Meeting Space
• FREE Member Spotlight
• Discount on NEPA Event Costs
• Discount on Business Loan (.5%)
• Discounted Economic Impact Analysis/Research
• Sponsorship & Marketing Opportunities

NEPA Alliance serves businesses, communities, and governments throughout seven counties and we need your assistance!

Our general annual membership starts at $295.

You can complete your membership online, including payment by clicking the button below.

Need more information? Visit our membership hub, or contact Donna Hritz at dhritz@nepa-alliance.org or call 570-891-4666.

NEPA Alliance has several loan programs available for small businesses located in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne counties and all of Pennsylvania.

These 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, email financing@nepa-alliance.org or call 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

Recently Funded Loans

Wood Manufacturing – Honesdale

• This NEPA BFC SBA 504 loan was completed in partnership with Wayne Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate and improvements.

Screen Printing – Moscow

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed for a business acquisition.

Golf Course – Olyphant

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed for a business acquisition.

West Pittston – Physicians

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed for working capital.

Restaurant – Jim Thorpe

• This NEPA Alliance USDA loan was completed in partnership with First Keystone Community Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate and equipment.

Bakery – Scranton

• This NEPA Alliance EDA loan was completed in partnership with PS Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate and equipment.

Contractor – Blakely

• This NEPA Alliance ARC loan was completed in partnership with People’s Security Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate.

NEPA Alliance Business Finance Corporation is a state-wide CDC allowing for NEPA BFC to lend SBA 504 Loans to eligible small businesses located in Pennsylvania.

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 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
• Up to 90% Loan to Value
• Up to $5.5 Million in SBA Financing
• Unlimited Total Project Cost

SBA 504 Loans offer:

• As Little as 10% Equity Injection
• Terms up to 25 Years
• Guaranteed Fixed Interest Rate

*Eligibility Criteria Apply*

To learn more about these loan programs, email financing@nepa-alliance.org or call 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

APEX Accelerators Provide a Critical Front Door for Industry

We work with federal, state, and local partners to expand suppliers to the federal, state, and local government marketplaces and provide opportunities for companies new to government contracting to acquire the skills and know-how to compete. At no cost to you, we provide services such as registration assistance, market research, bid opportunity identification, proposal assistance, and contract support. We are here to help you navigate the wide world of government contracting. If you are outside of our region and would like to find your local APEX office, click here to locate the office in your area.

For more information or assistance with government contracting visit apex.nepa-alliance.org or call (570) 655-5581 option 2.

The APEX Accelerator is funded in part though a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense. Please give the Office of Small Business Programs your feedback on the NEPA Alliance Apex Accelerator’s performance.

International Trade Assistance News

Upcoming Webinars from our Partners

Unlock Asia’s Booming Healthcare Markets

April 29, 2025

9:00 – 10:00 am

Join BusinessPA's expert trade consultants for a 60-minute panel discussion focusing on "Selling Medical Devices, Healthcare Tech, and Elderly Care Products" in South Korea, Southeast Asia, China, and Taiwan. Gain expert insights, market-specific strategies, and actionable advice for expanding your business in these dynamic Asian markets.

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EXPO PACK Guadalajara 2025

June 10-12, 2025

Pennsylvania offers its companies a cost-effective way to participate in the EXPO PACK Guadalajara show. Exhibiting with Pennsylvania enables small to medium-sized companies to make an impact at this prominent trade show without the high cost. The registration fee is $1,500, and the deadline is March 15, 2025. Click here for more information.

For more information on export development, contact Debbie Langan at dlangan@nepa-alliance.org or 570-891-4645. 

Take The Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Plan Public Survey

Survey Open Until April 11th

DCED Multimodal

Transportation Fund

Application Period Closes July 31

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)is currently accepting applications for funding through its Multimodal Transportation Fund for 2025-2026. The application period closes on July 31, 2025. 

Funding can be used to coordinate local land use with transportation assets to enhance existing communities. Eligible projects include streetscapes, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, projects improving pedestrian safety, connectivity or utilization of existing transportation assets, and projects related to transit-oriented development. 

Municipalities, counties, school districts, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, rail freight, and passenger rail entities are eligible to apply. A local match of 30% is required. More information can be found on the DCED website here.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) has partnered with PennDOT to offer the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) training series in all seven NEPA counties: Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Basics

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Damascus Township Building

60 Conklin Hill Rd.

Damascus, PA 18415

(570) 224-4410

Website

Asphalt Roads CMP 4

Monday, April 16, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Delaware Township Building

116 Wilson Hill Road

Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

(570) 828-2347

Website

Asphalt Roads Maintenance

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Jefferson Township Building

487 Cortez Road

Jefferson Twp, PA 18436

(570) 689-7028

Website

Chainsaw Safety Training Class

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Onoko Fire House

9 West 9th St

Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

Chainsaw Safety Training Class

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Jefferson Township Building

487 Cortez Road

Jefferson Twp, PA 18436

Website



NEPA is scheduling additional Spring/Summer 2025 classes. Please contact Daniel Yelito, Transportation Services Manager, at 570-655-5581 ext. 264 or email dyelito@nepa-alliance.org if you are interested in holding an LTAP class in your area. 

LTAP will also continue offering online classes, webinars, and virtual drop-in sessions. To learn more about upcoming virtual offerings, visit the PennDOT LTAP website.

Economic Impact Modeling Services

The NEPA Alliance Research & Information Center utilizes IMPLAN Modeling Software to determine the economic impact of projects. Using IMPLAN, NEPA Alliance can demonstrate the economic impact of a new business, income generated by tourism, economic contribution of higher education institutions, and more. NEPA Alliance offers Economic Impact Modeling Services to the community at a fee. To learn more, click here or contact Tyler Day at (570) 891-4656.

Don’t forget that NCAC Members receive access and assistance in accessing Candid's online Foundation Directory, the most comprehensive foundation database. With access to informative profiles of over 299,000 U.S. foundations, you’ll know exactly which foundation fits your programmatic needs, how much to ask for and where to go for more information. NCAC members can receive guided access to the Foundation Directory by visiting our in-office workstation any time during normal business hours. Don’t forget that we’re here to help with all your nonprofit needs! For more information on this service, as well as membership benefits, contact Colleen Burns Ecklund, Community & Economic Development Manager.

Did You Know...?

The United States Census Bureau recently released their 2024 population estimates for counties. Since 2020, 6 out of 7 counties in the NEPA region saw population increases. Monroe County was the only county in the region that saw a decline in population during that time period. Since 2020, Pike County is the fastest growing county in the Commonwealth, growing by 6.5%.

This map produced by the PA State Data Center shows population changes by county since 2020.