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

Brock Construction Group

This month’s Membership Spotlight is Brock Construction Group, LLC. NEPA spoke with Brock Sambolec, President/Owner.

The mission of Brock Construction Group, LLC (BCG) is to provide affordable, sustainable, and safe housing for all those in need, always prioritizing the needs of customers when making decisions. They are dedicated to maintaining their focus on this 'infinite' objective and attracting investors, management, employees, suppliers, and others who will contribute accordingly. Customers value their altruistic-orientation, vision, and their uniquely capable products for fulfilling their mission.

BCG can construct multi-level concrete complexes and emergency structures that provide for all security needs. These secure structures can be readily produced, disassembled, and relocated anywhere in the world. These portable structures can incorporate built-in hydraulic systems to expedite their movement and transportation. Their advanced mold machines, the producer of these concrete structures, can be shipped in cargo containers, needing little to no assembly upon arrival, allowing for production to begin within days. Their trained veteran teams can facilitate the entire process on site.

Brock Construction Group can construct distinctive, affordable single home residences and multi-unit housing complexes. Their uniquely produced monolithic (seamless) concrete structures provide the owners/tenants with long-term sustainable affordability. The water and rodent-proof construction eliminates common moisture-related deterioration. Their concrete-embedded insulation and utilities (including conduits and plumbing for water, drainage, fire-suppression, radiant heating and cooling, and electric/communications), ensure minimal structural repairs, while their use of geo-thermal and solar technology dramatically reduces monthly utility expenses.

When asked how membership with NEPA help his company, Mr. Sambolec stated, “BCG has benefited significantly from its relationship with NEPA beginning approximately 8 years ago when it played a key role in helping BCG make critical connections in acquiring some valuable contracts and for its continuing assistance in reaching prospective organizations and partners, like last month's invitation to attend the Tobyhanna Industry Day, and their recent assistance in obtaining a business loan. Our membership is much appreciated.”

For more information please visit: brockcg.com

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 – Clarks Summit

• This NEPA Alliance ARC loan was completed in partnership with Fidelity 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, email financing@nepa-alliance.org or call 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

17 Suggestions to “WOW” Government Employees

To make a great impression on government employees, focus on understanding their needs and offering practical, tailored solutions that solve real problems. Show your expertise, communicate clearly, and make sure everything you provide meets the required compliance and security standards. Be responsive, reliable, and cost-conscious, since budgets are tight. Use data, examples, and references to back up your claims, and stay flexible enough to adapt your solution to the agency’s unique requirements. Maintain professionalism and empathy, knowing they often work within slow, frustrating systems. Read solicitations and contracts carefully and always seek feedback so you can continually improve. In the end, “wowing” government employees is about being trustworthy, helpful, and committed to their success, not about flashy gestures.

Read more ...

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore State and Local Government Contracting

While many businesses focus solely on federal contracts, this article argues that state and local government markets are an overlooked "goldmine." These "backyard" opportunities offer unique advantages and untapped potential for businesses of all sizes, making them a valuable alternative to the competitive federal landscape.

Read more ...

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

Pennsylvania provides one of the nation’s most robust export development programs through BusinessPA International. This initiative is designed to help local businesses expand their global footprint by leveraging a network of Authorized Trade Representatives (ATRs) positioned worldwide.

The program offers support with the following:

• Strategic Planning: Assistance with market research and entry strategies.
• Direct Support: Access to technical aid, educational events, and preparation for international trade missions/shows.
• Financial Resources: Guidance on securing export-related grants and financing.
• Professional Networking: Connections to the ATRs and the U.S. Commercial Service.

The program acts as a comprehensive "first point of contact" for Pennsylvania manufacturers and service firms looking to navigate the complexities of international trade.

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

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.

NEPA is scheduling 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.

PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund

Application Period Closes February 13, 2026

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is currently accepting applications for funding through its Multimodal Transportation Fund for 2026-2027. The application period closes on February 13, 2026 at 4:00pm EST. 

Funding can be used to coordinate local land use with transportation assets to enhance existing communities; for projects related to streetscapes, lighting, sidewalk enhancement and pedestrian safety; for projects improving connectivity or utilization of existing transportation assets; and for projects related to transit-oriented development. Municipalities, counties, school districts, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports, rail freight and passenger rail entities are eligible to apply. A local match of 30% is required. More information can be found on the PennDOT website here.

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, Community & Economic Development Manager, 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 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) is a state grant to support economic development projects that have a significant impact and generate significant economic activity.

As a Local Development District, NEPA Alliance is eligible to serve as a project applicant for RACP projects in our region. NEPA Alliance also provides expert consulting services for RACP applications.

These graphs, created by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, the amount of RACP projects awarded and not awarded from 2019 – 2023. These graphs show the number of RACP applications from rural counties are significantly less than applications from urban counties.