NEPA Newslines

Accountant


This is a full-time, salaried position within the Administrative Services Division. Responsibilities include reviewing and recording cash receipts and disbursements, preparing financial statements for subsidiary organizations, assisting in budget preparation, maintaining contract files, interacting with financial institutions, preparing loan reports, preparing federal and state agency reports and invoices, assisting independent auditor with annual audit, seeking proposals for various purchases, and assisting in maintaining equipment inventory and depreciation records.


Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. One (1) year experience preferred, but not required. Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, writing and computer skills and a valid driver’s license are required. Background clearances are required. Salary range is $48,000 to $58,000 DOQ with an excellent benefit package.


Download full job description here.


Position is open until filled.

Business Finance Specialist


This is a full-time, salaried position within the Business Development Services Division. Responsibilities include marketing of business finance programs, developing business relationships with clients, financial institutions and economic development agencies, developing loan packages, processing loan applications, reviewing financial data, and presenting financing packages to various loan committees, loan servicing and preparation of various reports.


Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field, with 3-5 years experience in economic development finance, banking, commercial lending or related fields. Credit analysis experience is also required. Familiarity with SBA 504 and 7(a) loan programs is helpful. Must be able to analyze financial statements. Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, writing and computer skills, database management is also required and a valid driver’s license is required. Background clearances are required. Salary range is $45,000 to $55,000 DOQ with an excellent benefit package.


Download full job description here.


Position is open until filled.

Loan Closing Specialist


This is a full-time, salaried position within the Business Development Services Division. Responsibilities include coordinating and managing all aspects of loan closings, preparing and reviewing closing documents, ensuring compliance with program requirements and regulations, and working closely with borrowers, attorneys, financial institutions, and internal staff to facilitate timely and accurate loan settlements. Additional duties include maintaining loan files, assisting with loan servicing, and preparing reports related to closing activities.


Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field, with 3–5 years of experience in banking, commercial lending, loan processing, or loan closing. Experience with closing documentation and regulatory compliance is required. Familiarity with SBA loan programs, including the SBA 504 and 7(a) programs, is preferred. Candidates must have strong attention to detail and the ability to review and understand financial and legal documents. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, and computer skills are required. Database management experience and a valid driver’s license, with Real ID and/or a passport are also required. Background clearances are required.


Salary is commensurate with experience, along with an excellent benefits package.


Download full job description here.


Position is open until filled.

Email resume with references, writing sample, and salary history to: Donna Hritz, Vice President, Communications & Operations at dhritz@nepa-alliance.org.

NEPA Welcomes New Staff

We are pleased to announce that Miranda Slosky has joined the NEPA staff as an Accountant.


Miranda will be responsible for managing accounting functions for all of NEPA’s financial activities and subsidiaries.


She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Penn State University and resides in Mountain Top.

We are pleased to announce that Erica Yurkovic has joined the NEPA staff as a Community & Economic Development Services Manager.

 

Erica will be responsible for providing technical support for the Appalachian Regional Commission grant program and the Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center, and administrative support for all programs and services within the Community & Economic Development Services Division.

 

She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from East Stroudsburg University and resides in Scott Township with her husband, twin boys, and new baby girl.

NEPA Alliance Membership Campaign

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.

Member Spotlight ARRO Consulting

Since 1946, ARRO Consulting has been a cornerstone of the Mid-Atlantic’s infrastructure landscape. What began as a local firm in Lititz, Pennsylvania, has grown into a powerhouse of engineering and environmental expertise, operating from 12 offices across Pennsylvania and Maryland.


At its core, ARRO is a "client-first" firm. Their multidisciplinary team partners with municipalities, utilities, and private clients to solve the complex challenges of modern infrastructure. This focus on building long-term relationships is evidenced by their high rate of repeat business; for ARRO, the first project is simply the beginning of a lifelong partnership.

 

From safe drinking water systems to resilient stormwater facilities and vibrant public spaces, ARRO’s impact is visible in the everyday lives of Pennsylvania residents. Their services go far beyond blueprints, offering:


  • Civil & Municipal Engineering: Practical, forward-thinking designs.
  • Water & Wastewater Management: Specialized contract operations through the ARRO Water Services division.
  • Funding Support: Helping local governments access millions of dollars in grants to improve public safety and environmental health.
  • Innovation: Utilizing GIS and advanced technology to streamline community planning.

 

ARRO’s commitment to the region is exemplified through its active membership with NEPA. By staying engaged with local business leaders and economic priorities, ARRO has delivered tangible wins for Northeast Pennsylvania.


Recent success stories include securing Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grants for Orwigsburg Borough and Nesquehoning Borough, as well as providing construction oversight for projects in Delano Township, Rush Township, and Coaldale Borough. These achievements reflect ARRO’s hands-on approach to delivering infrastructure improvements efficiently and effectively.

 

For ARRO, "community" is a verb. Whether they are sponsoring local organizations, offering student scholarships, or volunteering their time, the team remains deeply invested in the growth and success of the areas they serve.


For more information on Arro Consulting visit:

www.arroconsulting.com

Business Finance News

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


Restaurant – Old Forge

  • This SBA 504 loan was completed in partnership with The Dime Bank for the purchase of real estate and equipment.

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.

CMMC is Here!

Join us in attending a FREE Webinar on Thursday, April 16th at 2 PM! Learn about what contractors are experiencing in real assessments as they go through the CMMC process.

In this FREE session, we break down what matters, using insights from early assessments to highlight common mistakes and critical gaps.

Join us for clear, practical guidance so you can move forward with confidence.

Why is CMMC Important? 

CMMC is becoming essential for any defense contractor working with the Department of Defense, ensuring companies can protect sensitive data and remain eligible for contracts. Beyond compliance, it serves as a competitive advantage, showing your business is secure and trustworthy. As requirements roll out, companies that prepare early will be best positioned to win and keep contracts.


Read more here.

Want FREE Access to Solicitations?


Have a SAM.Gov account? Small Business Set Asides are your answer to finding more opportunities to lead into government work! Quickly filter the search box down to your companies’ key words to find solicitations to tailor your needs.


Interested in doing Pennsylvania State work? Sign up with The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to get emails for any upcoming state solicitations!

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

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

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 2026-2027. The application period closes on July 31, 2026. 

 

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.

Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)

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.


Pipe-Culvert Installation and Replacement

Monday, April 13, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Stroud Township Building

1211 North 5th Street

Stroudsburg, PA 18360

(570) 421-3362


Traffic Calming

Thursday, May 7, 2026

08:00 a.m. - 03:00p.m.

Schuylkill County Transportation Authority

300 Wade Road

Saint Clair, PA 17970

(570) 429-2701

 

Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Back Mountain Emergency Services Building

3593 State Route 118

Dallas, PA 18612

(570) 675-0636

 

Local Road Safety Plans

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Dingman Township Firehall

118 Fisher Lane

Milford, PA 18337

(570) 296-8455

 

Road Surface Management

Thursday, May 14, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Pike County Training Center

135 Pike County Blvd.

Lords Valley, PA 18428

(570) 296-1960

 

Full Depth Reclamation

Thursday, May 28, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Sugarloaf Township Building

858 Main Street

Sugarloaf, PA 18249

(570) 788-3575

 

NEPA is scheduling additional Spring 2026 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.


Also, please reach out to us to connect your municipality to LTAP's technical experts with a Tech Assist that is available to help you troubleshoot almost any local transportation maintenance or safety concern, which provides customized guidance to a host of transportation-related issues.



NEWS

NCAC WORKSHOP LINEUP


NCAC is excited to share its 2026 workshop schedule, featuring an expanded lineup created in collaboration with trusted partners. This year’s offerings include a blend of returning favorites and new topics designed to meet a variety of interests and experience levels.


Registration is now open for April workshops:




NCAC members receive free or discounted registration for all workshops. Join or renew your membership to take full advantage of these benefits and access valuable resources throughout 2026.


Find additional details and register below.

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 Kurt Bauman, VP Community & Economic Development Services at (570) 891-4665.

Looking for New Nonprofit Grant Opportunities?

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 Kurt Bauman, VP Community & Economic Development Services.

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