NEPA Announces New Staff Members

NEPA Alliance is pleased to announce that Joseph Farrell III has joined the NEPA staff as an Accounting Manager.

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

Joe earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Misericordia University. He resides in Hanover Township with his wife and three daughters.

NEPA Alliance is pleased to announce that Bob Morgan has joined the NEPA staff as aGovernment Contracting Specialist.

Bob will be providing technical assistance to clients and informational assistance to businesses regarding government contracting opportunities. He will assist companies with their expansion and/or entry into contracting with federal, state, and local governments within the APEX Accelerator program.

Bob earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from King’s College. He resides in Mountain Top.

NEPA Alliance is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Sheeder has joined the NEPA staff as a Government Contracting Specialist.

Elizabeth will be providing technical assistance to clients and informational assistance to businesses regarding government contracting opportunities. She will assist companies with their expansion and/or entry into contracting with federal, state, and local governments within the APEX Accelerator program.

Elizabeth earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in marketing from King’s College. She resides in Shavertown.

NEPA Alliance is pleased to announce that Casey Penzone has joined the NEPA staff as an Accountant.

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

Casey earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Marywood University. He resides in Jermyn.

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

Game Face Grooming

This month’s Membership Spotlight is Game Face Grooming. NEPA spoke with Philip Williams, Founder & CEO.

Game Face Grooming is dedicated to empowering athletes and active individuals with premium grooming solutions that meet their dynamic needs. At the core of their business value proposition is the understanding that an active lifestyle demands skincare and grooming products that are both effective and convenient. Their offerings, from face wipes to cleaning wipes, are meticulously designed to provide users with a naturally formulated, quick, efficient way to refresh and clean themselves on-the-go whether they're at home, on the court, field, and even the hiking trail.

The inception of Game Face Grooming was inspired by a noticeable gap in the market for sports-centric grooming products that cater specifically to the needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Leveraging their deep understanding of both the sports and skin care industries, they aim to create a brand that stands at the intersection of functionality and wellness.

Game Face Grooming's commitment to excellence extends beyond their products to embody a customer-centric philosophy that prioritizes satisfaction and convenience. They offer easy navigation and secure shopping on its digital platforms, hassle-free returns, and timely delivery, simplifying the buying process and respecting the customer's time. This high level of service underscores Game Face Grooming's belief that every interaction is an opportunity to make a lasting positive impression, ensuring customers feel valued and appreciated. This holistic approach to customer care, combined with a premium product offering, cements Game Face Grooming's status as a trusted brand that customers will return to time and again, knowing their needs and expectations will not only be met, but exceeded.

Game Face Grooming is committed to playing a vital role within the community, extending beyond simply providing high-quality grooming products. Their dedication to social responsibility and community support is exemplified through their active engagement in product donations and participation in impactful events.

Game Face Grooming greatly values their membership with the NEPA Alliance as it aligns perfectly with their core value of community involvement and business development. Mr. Williams stated, “The NEPA Alliance provides a unique platform for collaboration among businesses, non-profits, and government agencies, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that drives economic growth and innovation within the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. Through our membership, Game Face Grooming gains access to a wealth of resources, including networking events, professional development workshops, and targeted business services, all of which are instrumental in enhancing our operational efficiency, market presence, and competitive edge.”

To learn more about Game Face Grooming, visit their website at www.gamefacegrooming.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

Dentist Office – Kingston

• This SBA 504 loan was completed in partnership with Community Bank, N.A. for the purchase of commercial real estate and associated costs.

Logging – Beach Lake

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

Personal Care Services – King of Prussia

• This SBA Community Advantage loan was completed to provide the borrower with working capital.

Electrical Contractors – Throop

• This NEPA Alliance EDA loan was completed in partnership with PS Bank for the purchase and improvement 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.

Basic Requirements for Small Business Administration

The SBA’s page explains what small businesses need to do before bidding on federal contracts. Companies must obtain a Unique Entity ID, select the right NAICS code, and register in the System for Award Management (SAM). They also must meet the government’s size standards to qualify as a “small business.” In addition, they must follow federal rules and cybersecurity requirements, especially for defense work. Overall, this page offers a step-by-step guide to becoming eligible for government contracting.

Read more here.

Federal contractors must meet cybersecurity requirements to protect sensitive data like FCI and CUI. Compliance, especially under DFARS and upcoming CMMC rules, poses challenges for small businesses. Adam Austin, Cybersecurity Lead at Totem. Tech will share lessons from helping hundreds of small firms, covering costs, timelines, and key resources for getting started. Click the link below to join the webinar with us!

CMMC Legal Implications – Avoiding Liability Risks - Thursday, November 20th at 2pm EST

With CMMC now a contractual requirement, businesses must navigate legal risks tied to false claims, misrepresentation, and subcontractor compliance. This session will feature legal experts discussing how to stay compliant, avoid False Claims Act (FCA) violations, and manage contractual obligations to mitigate legal exposure while working with DoD contracts

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

Bringing the World to Northeastern Pennsylvania – A Great Success

Go Global

Doing Business with the United Kingdom and Ireland



Thursday, November 20, 2025

9:00 – 10:00 AM

With the new U.S.–UK Free Trade Agreement and Ireland’s growing role as Pennsylvania’s 9th-largest trading partner, opportunities are booming for local businesses.

Join the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) for “Go Global: Doing Business with the UK and Ireland”, a no-cost webinar featuring in-country experts, logistics specialists, and chambers of commerce leaders. Discover how your business can tap into these thriving markets.

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.

Active Transportation Plan

Monday, November 17, 2025

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Schuylkill Haven Senior Center

340 Haven St,

Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972

(570) 385-2841

Website

Asphalt Road Maintenance

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Pike County Training Center

135 Pike County Blvd

Lords Valley, PA 18428

(570) 296-3500

Website

NEPA has scheduled Fall 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.

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.

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...?

There are two main trends that determine population change for a given region, natural population change (births vs deaths) and migration patterns (people moving in vs moving out). A major challenge for Pennsylvania is a negative natural population growth rate. This map, created by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania shows that only seven counties, all located in Southeastern Pennsylvania, had more births than deaths from 2020 – 2023. In order to maintain a stable population, areas with negative population growth must rely on attracting new residents from other areas.