NEPA Leads Regional Comprehensive Planning Effort 

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance serves as the Economic Development District (EDD) for the seven county region consisting of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne Counties. Due to this designation, NEPA Alliance is required by federal law to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region every five years.

A CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development. It is a planning process designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. The CEDS provides a vehicle for individuals, organizations, local governments, institutes of learning, and private industry to engage in a meaningful conversation and debate about what capacity building efforts would best serve economic development in the region.

To gather regional input, NEPA Alliance held the first of three CEDS Planning meetings on February 4 at PNC Field in Moosic. This meeting, titled Reflecting on our Region, brought together over 100 community leaders from across the region to reflect on the current strengths and weaknesses of Northeastern Pennsylvania and discuss potential goals to plan towards. This will be used as the foundation for the following two meetings which will be held on March 18 and April 14.

“We view the CEDS development process as a chance to bring leaders from all corners of Northeastern Pennsylvania together to plan for the future of our region,” said Jeffrey Box, President & CEO of NEPA Alliance. “It’s a rare opportunity when planners from Schuylkill County and Pike County, or nonprofit leaders from Lackawanna County and Carbon County can get together and collaborate. The CEDS provides us with that opportunity and NEPA Alliance is proud to serve as a convener.” 

Dr. Katie Pittelli, President of Johnson College and Mary Frances Postupack, Vice President of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at East Stroudsburg University are serving as co-chairs for the CEDS development process.

NEPA Alliance will complete the 2025 – 2029 Northeast Pennsylvania Regional CEDS in May, at which time it will be available for review during a thirty day comment period.

For more information about the CEDS, contact Tyler Day at (570) 891-4656.

Elevate Business Engagement Workshop

Wilkes-Barre, March 13, 2025

YOU'RE INVITED!

Help ELEVATE co-create the future for Pennsylvania's Outdoor Recreation Industry

Throughout March, ELEVATE is hosting statewide sessions that will give you an opportunity to share ideas on the creation of a new, statewide industry alliance for Pennsylvania outdoor recreation businesses.

Who Should Attend

• Outdoor recreation producers (design, manufacture, distribution, retail, and repair of outdoor goods)
• Providers of outdoor recreation experiences and related services and hospitality
• Professionals working to develop and serve the outdoor recreation industry
• Supporters of outdoor recreation businesses, workforce, and economic development

Each session will begin at 3 pm and include a two-hour workshop, followed by a social hour.

Wilkes-Barre Event Registration Link

Link to ELEVATE website

About ELEVATE

Elevate is an effort to move towards the creation of a statewide capacity building organization to represent the needs of the growing outdoor recreation industry in Pennsylvania.

The need for an industry organization has been identified by many partners. Such an organization will benefit outdoor recreation industry practitioners by elevating the needs of Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry and serving as an advocate and state government partner in advancing the sector. 

This project is organized by the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation and supported by the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission.

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 Mercury Public Affairs. NEPA spoke with Vince Galko, Senior Vice President.

Mercury Public Affairs is a renowned national firm recognized for consistently achieving exceptional results. Their unwavering dedication to excellence positions us as the catalyst for success for leading corporations, innovative advocacy collectives, governmental bodies, political parties, non-governmental organizations, and prominent individuals in the public and political arena. With strategic acumen, they adeptly navigate the intricate terrain of public affairs, fostering success that reverberates globally.

They provide results for the world’s most successful companies, leading advocacy groups, governments, political parties, NGOs, and prominent public and political figures.

Their services include, crisis management, digital, government relations, grassroots coalition building, Hispanic communications, international affairs, political consulting, public opinion research, and strategic communications.

Mercury Public Affairs leadership represents outstanding and proven talent from diverse backgrounds such as media, government, business, politics, and technology. They offer boutique quality service and offer unmatched expertise and experience.

When ask about how NEPA Alliance membership benefits his organization, Vince Galko stated, “NEPA has provided great networking opportunities. It has also afforded Mercury the opportunity to find ways to help the Northeastern PA region while expanding our reach in the community. The staff does an excellent job of keeping members informed and educated on issues of importance to NEPA.”

For more information on Mercury Public Affairs visit: www.mercuryllc.com

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

Bed and Breakfast – Milford

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

Landscaping – Moosic

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

Screen Printing – Lehighton

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

Restaurant – Jermyn

• This NEPA Alliance ARC loan was completed in partnership with PS 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, contact Stephen Ursich, Dave Nat, Donovan Klem, Ken Doolittle, James Urso, or Kristie Miller at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

DoD Orders All Acquisition Organizations to Review Consulting Service Contracts

In a February 18^th memo signed by DoD acting undersecretary, Steven Morani, acquisition shops were ordered to review their consulting services contracts to determine if they fit in with current administration policies. The memo, in part, reads, “To ensure we are accountable for every dollar we spend and that we are aligned with the President of the United States’ America First priorities…Component heads will conduct a comprehensive review.” The memo did not address an official definition of consulting services. To read more about this memo, visit the Breaking Defense’s website.

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

Supply Chain Management

March 26, 2025

10:00 – 11:00 am

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. 

PennDOT Connects

Municipal Outreach Sessions

Municipal administrators, planners, engineers, and community leaders are invited to attend an upcoming workshop in your PennDOT district to discuss how PennDOT Connects can help your community. The workshops will be held in-person and virtually.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

PennDOT District 4

55 Keystone Industrial Park

Dunmore, PA 18512

Register Here

Thursday, March 27, 2025

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

PennDOT District 5

1002 Hamilton Street

Allentown, PA 18101

Register Here

The municipal outreach/peer exchange sessions will consist of an interactive workshop that engages participants in peer exchange and idea-sharing. Municipalities will have the opportunity to interact with PennDOT, their local metropolitan planning organization or rural planning organization (MPO or RPO) staff, and one another. These sessions will include a demonstration of PennDOT One Map and Bridge Inventory GIS Platforms, as well as information on other resources available through PennDOT’s Municipal Outreach Program. To learn more about PennDOT Connects, click here.

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.

Municipal Stormwater Facilities Program

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Stroud Township Building

1211 N 5th St.

Stroudsburg, PA 18360

(570) 421-3362

Website

Municipal Stormwater Facilities Program

Thursday, March 20, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Back Mountain Regional EMS Building

184 E Center Hill Rd.

Dallas, PA 18612

(570) 696-1133

Website

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

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...?

New estimates from the United States Census Bureau were recently released showing population changes since 2020 in the states. Between 2020 and 2024, Pennsylvania’s population increased by 0.64%. This is the first annual population estimate showing an increase in the Commonwealth’s population since the 2020 Census.

Overall, Pennsylvania was the 42^nd fastest-growing state from 2020 – 2024. Pennsylvania’s aging population continues to be a major factor contributing to the slow growth. From 2020 – 2024, the Commonwealth saw negative natural population growth (more deaths than births) but experienced positive migration growth (more people moving in than moving out). For more information on Pennsylvania’s population estimates, click here.

The map above from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania shows each state’s population growth since 2020. States in green grew faster than Pennsylvania, while states in white grew slower.