Tobyhanna Defense Technology Partnership Thanks Outgoing Co-Chair

The NEPA Alliance would like to thank Kevin Toolan for over a decade of service to the Tobyhanna Defense Technology Partnership (TDTP), formerly the Blue Ribbon Taskforce.

TDTP is the local community defense group that supports Tobyhanna Army Depot, the region’s largest industrial employer. Kevin served alongside Jeffrey Box, President & CEO of the NEPA Alliance as co-chair of TDTP. His last meeting was in November.

Kevin Toolan served many years as the Public Affairs Officer and Chief of Staff at Tobyhanna Army Depot before retiring. Since then, he has volunteered his time with TDTP and as a commissioner on the Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission.

Pictured are Jeffrey Box, President & CEO of the NEPA Alliance and TDTP co-chair; Kevin Toolan, former TDTP co-chair and retired Tobyhanna Army Depot Chief of Staff; and Rob Lantka, Deputy Commander at Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Export Assistance Event Helps Local Businesses Expand Globally

Our recent Export Opportunities Business Roundtable was a great success! On Tuesday, November 19 at the Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton, we brought together local businesses, industry experts, and government representatives to provide valuable resources and guidance on expanding into international markets.

Participants networked and listened to experts from the PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Export-Import Bank, U.S. Small Business Administration, NEPA Alliance Business Finance Corporation, Clark-Esposito Law Firm, and LOH Medical. Topics covered included export compliance, financing, and assistance programs available through federal, state, and local partners. We were especially excited to have LOH Medical, winner of the 2024 President’s E Award for Export Excellence, join us to share insight on their success with exporting. 

Stay tuned for future events and resources to help your business expand internationally.

Thank you to everyone who attended!

Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge National Laboratory Now Accepting Applications

Established in 1990, the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge is a residential, hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields.

High school participants work with award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, one of the largest U.S. Department of Energy research facilities in the United States.

High school and middle school students conduct guided group science, math, and computer science technology research projects, while high school teachers work with science practitioners to develop STEM-related curriculum. The program culminates in a graduation ceremony where participants showcase their work.

Additional information and the application for the Appalachian STEM Academy can be found here.

MRC is looking to help you eliminate wasted energy, explore alternative energy, and make your operations

run more efficiently through mini-grants available to manufacturers located in Schuylkill and Carbon counties.

For full information on the grant program click here.

The SMART-PA program helps Pennsylvania’s small and medium manufacturers invest in SMART manufacturing technologies to stay competitive through increased efficiencies, talent attraction, and reduced costs.

For complete details and on how to receive a complimentary assessment click here.

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.

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, contact Stephen Ursich, Dave Nat, Donovan Klem, Ken Doolittle, James Urso, or Kristie Miller at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

Recently Funded Loans

Hotel – Swiftwater

• This NEPA BFC SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with The Dime Bank for construction and furniture.

Auto Dealer – Clarks Summit

• This NEPA BFC SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with The Dime Bank for the refinance of commercial real estate.

Restaurant – Norristown

• This NEPA BFC SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with First Keystone Community Bank for the purchase and improvement of commercial real estate.

Retail – Luzerne

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed to provide the borrower funds for working capital.

Retail – Kingston

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed to provide the borrower funds a business purchase.

Arcade – Milton

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed to provide the borrower funds for working capital and equipment.

Restaurant – Various Locations

• This NEPA Alliance SSBCI RLF loan was completed in partnership with Wayne Bank for the purchase of 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, contact Stephen Ursich, Dave Nat, Donovan Klem, Ken Doolittle, James Urso, or Kristie Miller at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

CMMC Final Rule

The Department of Defense, DoD, has released the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Final Rule. All businesses that contract with any federal agency are required to follow certain cybersecurity guidelines. These guidelines are referred to as the CMMC guidelines. By following these guidelines, you are ensuring that your small business is protected against any cyberattacks, which is imperative to the success of your business’s relationship with any federal agency you would like to work with. There are a number of resources available to you if you are unsure where your cybersecurity stands. Project Spectrum is a comprehensive resource for small businesses that need assistance in following CMMC guidelines. The DoD's website has many resources as well. For more information, visit this link, or contact the NEPA Alliance APEX Accelerator team by calling (570)-655-5581, option 2.

Source: Strengthening Small Business Cyber Defenses and the CMMC Final Rule, Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs

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

Global Access Program to reopen January 13, 2025



The PA Global Access Program provides up to $10,000 per award period to qualifying Pennsylvania companies to reimburse up to 75% of eligible expenses associated with specific export promotion activities. Don’t miss out! Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Debbie Langan for application materials today. 

Application Period 2

January 13, 2025 – February 28, 2025

Activities Occurring: March 2025 – September 2025

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

PennDOT State Rail Plan Update

December 10 public meeting and State Rail Plan Survey

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is currently developing the 2025 State Rail Plan. It will serve as a guide for the advancement of the Pennsylvania freight and passenger rail system. The plan will replace the 2020 State Rail Plan and provide updates on rail development activity and information to support further investment in the rail system.

PennDOT will be holding a virtual public meeting about the State Rail Plan Update on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. The meeting link can be found here. PennDOT is also collecting public input through the State Rail Plan Survey, which can be taken 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. 

Traffic Signs Basics

Thursday, December 5, 2024

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wayne Township Building

10 Municipal Road

Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972

(570) 739-2629

waynetwpschuylkill.com

Municipal Stormwater Facilities Program

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Stroud Township Building

1211 North 5th Street

Stroudsburg, PA 18360

(570) 421-3362

stroudtownship.org

NEPA is scheduling Winter 2024/Spring 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 Pennsylvania General Assembly recently created the PA Rural Population Revitalization Commission, which will be housed under the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. Many rural counties in Pennsylvania have seen dramatic population loss during recent decades. To better understand this issue, the Commission is holding listening sessions across the Commonwealth. Earlier this month, NEPA Alliance hosted the Center for Rural Pennsylvania for a listening session with leaders from across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Northeastern Pennsylvania is not currently seeing the population decline that other parts of the Commonwealth are experiencing. The NEPA region has seen a slight 0.4% population increase since the 2020 census.