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Join Forward Lawrence – Chamber & Economic Alliance for our Third annual State of the County event.
Engage in an informative panel discussion with elected officials, including Senator Vogel of the 47th District, Senator Brooks of the 50th District, PA State Representatives Marla Brown (9th Legislative District) and Aaron Bernstine (8th Legislative District), Lawrence County Commissioners Chairman Dan Vogler, Dan Kennedy, and Chris Sainato, as well as the District Director for Representative Mike Kelly's office (16th District).
This year's State of the County is worth clearing your calendar for. Our state legislative panel is digging into the stuff that actually affects your business, energy costs, the housing crunch that's making it hard to find workers, taxes, permitting delays. You'll hear straight from the lawmakers making these calls.
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Leadership Lawrence County Applications Now Open
Applications are now open for Leadership Lawrence County, a professional development program that earns you 2 college credits through Westminster College while connecting you with local leaders, giving you a firsthand look at the public and private forces shaping our region, and taking you inside to tour the businesses and organizations that make Lawrence County work.
More Information
Application
For any question, contact Lyndsey Overby, Chamber Director at overby@lawrencecounty.com
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Gov. Shapiro Announces Updated GRID Standards for Data Center Development
Gov. Josh Shapiro has released the Commonwealth’s updated Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards for data center projects seeking state support, including coordinated project assistance, expedited permitting through the PA Permit Fast Track Program, and access to certain tax benefits.
Click Here To Read More
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PA Chamber Receives ‘State Chamber of the Year’ Award
We're proud to celebrate the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry on being named the 2026 State Chamber of the Year by the National Association of State Chambers, the highest national honor a state chamber can receive.
This first-ever nomination and win recognized the PA Chamber's exceptional member service and advocacy work, including doubling membership investment, record event attendance, and key wins on tax policy, permitting reform, and workforce expansion, earning support from leaders across the political spectrum, including Governor Josh Shapiro and Senators Fetterman and McCormick. It's a well-earned recognition for an organization that has long been a great partner and resource to our business community, and we're happy to celebrate their continued impact across the Commonwealth. Read Article Here
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What the U.S. Chamber's New Housing Advisory Council Means for Lawrence County
Housing is a workforce issue, and it's one Lawrence County knows well.
This week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced the creation of a Housing Advisory Council to help turn federal housing reforms into real projects in communities across the country. The Chamber estimates the U.S. is short 4.7 million homes, a gap it says is holding back workers, employers, and entire communities. The Council will focus on three things: cutting red tape in zoning and permitting, unlocking capital for housing development, and building the skilled-trades workforce needed to actually build homes.
Why does this matter to Lawrence County?
Lawrence County is facing its own version of this problem: a real shortage of available housing stock, paired with a lack of infrastructure to get sites shovel ready. Without water, sewer, and road capacity already in place, we can't compete for the large-scale developers who could help close our housing gap. They move on to communities that are ready to break ground on day one.
The US Chamber's new Council is built to work through more than 1,500 state and local chambers to find community-specific barriers and scale the solutions that work. That's our opening. It gives us a national partner and a playbook to point to as we advocate to local and state leaders on infrastructure investment and zoning reform that would make our sites developer ready.
Housing capacity is economic capacity. If Lawrence County can't house its workforce, it can't grow its workforce, and many employers in the county feel the effects from that. Forward Lawrence will be watching the Council's work closely and will keep members up to date as more information is released.
Resources:
Click Here to Read the Full U.S. Chamber Announcement
2026 Report: The State of Housing in America
Strong Foundations: A Playbook for Housing and Economic Growth
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ELLWOOD - Shenango Commons Aquisition
Ellwood continues to grow in Lawrence County and is investing in additional office space to support that growth. We are purchasing 40,000 square feet of space at Shenango Commons, where a portion of the space will be renovated to meet our immediate office needs for approximately 55 team members. The remaining space will provide room for future growth.
This move will bring Ellwood's regional corporate team members together in one location, making it easier to collaborate across the organization while giving us additional room to grow. We are currently targeting Q2 2027 for the move.
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Westminster Welcomes Largest Incoming Class in Years; Dr. Kathy Richardson Announces Retirement
Westminster is kicking off the new academic year with one of its largest incoming classes in recent memory, a milestone that campus leaders say reflects growing interest in the college and its programs. New students arrived on campus this week for orientation, and administrators point to the size of the class as a sign of strong momentum heading into the fall semester.
The excitement on campus coincides with news of a retirement that will be felt well beyond Westminster's gates. Dr. Kathy Richardson has announced she is stepping down after ten years of dedicated service, closing out a career marked by deep commitment to the region.
Richardson has long been a steady presence in Lawrence County's civic and economic life. She currently serves as vice president of the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC) board, where she has helped guide strategy supporting local businesses and community growth. She has also been a longtime supporter of Forward Lawrence, lending her time and expertise to efforts aimed at strengthening the county's future.
Colleagues describe Richardson's impact as far-reaching, built on years of consistent contribution rather than a single defining project. As she prepares for retirement, those who have worked alongside her say her steady leadership and advocacy for Lawrence County will leave a lasting mark.
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Prepare for the 2027 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15th through December 7th
Will your Medicare plan still meet your needs? AEP is the time to make changes to Medicare Advantage plans and Part D (prescription) plans, if needed.
- Be sure to review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your insurer for details about changes to your plan for the upcoming year.
- Review premiums and copays for 2027.
- Check for possible network changes to your providers and hospitals.
2027 Part D (Prescription) Updates:
- Maximum out-of-pocket cap: $2400
- Deductible: $700
For more information, visit www.mybenefitadvisor.com/medicare.
My Benefit Advisor is a licensed health insurance agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the government or Federal Medicare Program.
The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at lccc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Craig Pritts at (800) 377-3539.
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Forward Lawrence Young Professionals on the Move
Just like that.... FLY Professionals is officially off the ground!
Our kickoff mixer at VentiSei Wine Bar & Pizzeria brought together professionals from across county lines and a variety of industries for an evening of networking, conversation, and connection.
We were so excited to see so many people come out, including PA State Rep. Marla Brown, and take the time to learn more about FLY Professionals and what we're hoping to build together.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make our first event a success. We're just getting started!
Stay tuned for some exciting events coming up over the next few months. We can't wait to share what's next! Join FLY
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Lawrence County Fair - "We Have Good Things Growing"
Now Through Saturday, August 22, 2026
Fair Schedule
United Way of Lawrence County — Fall Event Lineup
· Elijah Prophet of Fire fundraiser (October)
· Day of Caring
· Taste of the Town
· Fall Home Buyer Classes
United Way of Lawrence County
Villa Maria Education & Spirituality Center — Upcoming Programs
Several retreats and programs are open for registration: Click Here to View Event Calendar
Call 724-964-8886 to register for any Villa Maria program.
Moraine State Park & McConnells Mill State Park — Current Public Programs
The monthly roundup of public programs at both state parks is available here.
Shenango Township Fall Festival
Saturday, September 12, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Annual township fall festival — check the township website for the full activity schedule.
Oktoberfest Celebration
Saturday, September 19, 2026 · 4:00 – 11:00 PM
Neshannock Creek Brewing, 20 S Mercer St, New Castle, PA · Free
Neshannock Creek Brewing's 3rd anniversary celebration with an Oktoberfest theme — seasonal beers, food trucks, games, and entertainment.
Brewery website
Westminster Arts and Cultural Events
Bringing big-city entertainment to the quaint town of New Wilmington, Westminster College is pleased to bring top entertainers to the region through the Celebrity Series. Hosting performers like Michael Bolton, the Tenors and Amy Grant, the Celebrity Series offers season tickets as well as individual ticket purchases.
Check out Westminster's full schedule of arts and cultural events
16th Annual Lawrence County Veteran Stand Down
Friday, October 2, 2026 · 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Cascade Park, New Castle
A community-based event supporting homeless veterans and service members with health screenings, free haircuts, hygiene products, a free lunch (veterans only), and military surplus items. Vendors can register via the linked sign-up form; donations and volunteers are coordinated through Missy Dellaverson-Russell at Lawrence County Community Action Partnership.
Vendor sign-up form
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Mohawk Conservation Club
Helping Mohawk, Reduce, Reuse, And Recycle!
Mohawk Conservation Club is in search of sponsors and partners for the 26-27 school year
For More Infomation Please Email masdconservationclub@gmail.com
| | | News from the United Way of Lawrence County | | 2026 Fall Home Buyer Class | | | Day Trip to Ohio Star Theater | | | |
ARC ARISE Energy Grant Workshop for Manufacturers
Westminster CollegeNew Wilmington, PA
Wednesday, September 30 • 7:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Join Catalyst Connection and regional partners for an interactive workshop focused on energy grants and energy efficiency opportunities. Register Here
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| GRANT AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES | | |
Applications close Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Federal and state funding supporting homelessness services and youth housing programs.
Main Street Matters
Applications close Monday, August 31, 2026
DCED program funding downtown and small-business revitalization projects.
DCED Municipal Assistance Program (MAP)
Applications close Tuesday, September 1, 2026
State funding supporting municipal planning and technical assistance projects.
PennDOT Career and Technical Education Grant
Applications close Tuesday, September 1, 2026
State transportation-related funding supporting career and technical education programs.
PA Spotlight Program — Virtual Office Hours
Live sessions run through Wednesday, September 9, 2026 (Tuesdays, plus Sept 9)
Live Q&A support sessions for applicants to the state’s new Spotlight arts and culture grant program.
PCCD Regional Policing Assistance Program
Round 1 deadline: Thursday, October 1, 2026
State funding to help municipalities form or expand regional police departments.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners (CNP) — Big Idea Contest
Applications close Friday, October 16, 2026
Up to $50,000 cash prize plus a $2,500 audience-voted People’s Choice Award, a guaranteed spot in the TechCelerator business accelerator, and personalized mentorship. Open to businesses in Ben Franklin’s 32-county region with no prior Ben Franklin/Big Idea/TechCelerator funding; if an established business, under $1,000,000 in annual sales revenue. No equity taken, no fees charged.
Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) Grant
Open through June 30, 2027, or until funds are exhausted
Workforce training grant supporting foundational industry skills training for local employers.
Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Program
Ongoing / rolling — no fixed deadline found
Helps manufacturers train their workforce and build career-awareness pipelines. Eligible applicants include technical/trade schools, community colleges, and nonprofits.
Pennsylvania First Program
Rolling deadline
PA DCED's flagship grant, loan, and loan-guarantee program supports job creation and private investment projects across the Commonwealth. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program info: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/pennsylvania-first-program-pa-first/
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