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Congratulations to our Winners:
Packer Thomas (1st)
Columbia Gas (2nd)
Davevic Benefit Consultants, Inc. (3rd)
| Our 50th Annual Golf Outing, presented by Lindy Group, was a tremendous success held at the beautiful Avalon Field Club at New Castle on June 18th. This event brought together members and partners for a memorable day of golf, networking, and community. | | |
Thank you to our generous sponsors who made this milestone event possible:
- Platinum Sponsor: The Lindy Group
- Gold Sponsor: May Emma Hoyt Foundation
- Silver Sponsors: Giordano Construction Co. Inc. and Neshannock Township
- Bronze Sponsors: Lawrence County, Berner International, IBEW Local 712, 21st Century Energy Group, GNC Community Federal Credit Union, First National Bank, Flowline Division Ezeflow USA Inc., PA American, Davevic Benefit Consultants, Inc.
We also appreciate the many event sponsors, volunteers, and the amazing Avalon staff for making this a memorable celebration of 50 years.
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Kasaundra Harvey, Summer Marketing Intern | Spencer Harvey, Summer Economic Development Intern | | |
Forward Lawrence Named a 2026 Greatest Place to Intern in PA
Recognized by the PA Chamber
Forward Lawrence has been named one of the Pennsylvania Chamber Foundation's 2026 Greatest Places to Intern in PA, recognized statewide for providing an exceptional internship experience. Forward Lawrence recognizes two interns this year, Kasaundra Harvey and Spencer Hager.
This summer, Kasaundra Harvey, Summer Marketing Intern, has been the face of our "Touring Lawrence County" video series, visiting businesses and communities across the county, and the response has been remarkable.
Kasaundra's work is a direct extension of two of Forward Lawrence's mission, expanding the reach and visibility of Lawrence County's businesses to thousands of viewers who might never have discovered them otherwise. Every comment thread and "where should we go next" suggestion is building the business-to-community relationships that make this county stronger.
It's exactly the kind of hands-on internship experience this award recognizes, and we couldn't be prouder to have Kasaundra representing Forward Lawrence this summer. In her own words:
“Working at Forward Lawrence has been nothing short of incredible. The connections I have made within the community, the experience I have gained in my chosen fields, and working with a wonderfully kind and supportive staff has prepared me tremendously to work in the professional environment. I am excited for the next intern to experience what Forward Lawrence has brought me and for the good word of Lawrence County to continue to be spread throughout this astounding community.”
— Kasaundra Harvey, Summer Marketing Intern
The other half of this summer's internship team works behind the scenes, but he’s making positive impact on the county's economic future. Spencer Hager, Economic Development Intern, spends his days verifying and updating infrastructure data for Lawrence County's available industrial and commercial properties, confirming electric, water, sewer, natural gas, and rail service. He maintains the Economic Development Corporation's property database and has personally documented infrastructure a number of high-potential sites. Over the course of his internship, Spencer has also managed LCEDC's response business inquiries and site proposals.
Companies evaluating Lawrence County ask for this information before anything else, and its availability and accuracy affect whether a site gets considered for development.
“Lawrence County has a lot more industrial capacity than most people realize, and I got to spend the summer documenting exactly that. The infrastructure, the available land, and the access are all here, and my responsibility was to make sure the information behind those sites was current and complete enough for a company to act on. Being part of getting that in front of the right companies has been the most worthwhile work I could have asked for.”
— Spencer Hager, Economic Development Intern
• Read the official press release
• Watch the Touring Lawrence County series
| | | | Celebrating the Next Generation of Skilled Workers | | On June 10th, nearly 70 people gathered at The Venue by Weber Catering to honor high school students who completed the Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program (AMP) from the Pennsylvania College of Technology - 42 graduates from the largest class in the program's history. | |
Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program Recognition Ceremony
Students from Laurel, Neshannock, New Castle, Shenango, Ellwood City, Wilmington, and the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center received certificates of completion, and many also earned the industry-recognized Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) credential. Each graduate was also recognized by PA State Senator Michele Brooks, and eligible students earned stipends of up to $1,000.
The best part? These grads are ready for careers that are hiring NOW. With nearly 2 million manufacturing jobs projected to go unfilled by 2030, local companies are eager to hire, train, and promote local talent. Students even met with manufacturers with current openings, including Flowline, Berner International - Air Curtains, Consolidated Glass, GW Becker, Altium Packaging, and FirmaPak.
Thank you to the educators, guidance counselors, and program supporters who made this possible. Congratulations, graduates!
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Big Boy No. 4014
On July 12th, Wampum was completely out of parking! History rolled through Lawrence County - Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy No. 4014, the largest operating steam locomotive on Earth, on the same tracks that have carried our commerce for over 150 years.
| | | Chamber Perk-Ups are a monthly morning meeting, hosted at a member's location or a coffee shop, offering a casual networking experience. We start with quick introductions around the room where everyone can pass out business cards, flyers, share their upcoming events, and programs, and followed by a 10–15 minute presentation from our host, ending with time for open networking. | |
Chamber Perk-Up
Hosted by Sovereign Worldwide
Thank you to everyone who came out to network, and a big thank-you to our hosts for welcoming us into their impressive and spacious 4th floor dojo in the CareerLink Building (also known as the Central Building) in downtown New Castle, PA.
Founders Jose DiCervo and Jana DiazCervo, and Executive Director Gloria Da Silva, shared their mission: building strong families through programs for kids ages 6–17, their parents and extended families, including leadership, martial arts, entrepreneurialism, communication skills, Japanese Ju-Jitsu, Karate, Krav-Maga, and weapons training.
Don't miss their upcoming Gun Bash at Bullock's Bid N Buy, 4635 Scrubgrass Road, Grove City, PA, on Saturday, August 8th, starting at 1:00. It's a high-energy event featuring a gift auction, pull tickets, 50/50, knives, ammo, firearms, and more! Follow this link for event info, tickets, and sponsorship information.
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Congratulations are in order for the Leadership Lawrence County Class of 2025-2026.
The graduation ceremony, held under hazy skies due to smoke drifting down from wildfires in Canada, marked the successful conclusion of an outstanding year for the program.
This year's class was conducted in partnership with Westminster College, with a curriculum in professional development prepared by Helen Boylan and Justin Gregorich.
Throughout the course of the year, class members visited a number of organizations located throughout Lawrence County, gaining valuable insight into their histories, the challenges they face, and the strengths they bring to our community.
As part of the program, each class undertakes a project to benefit the community. Organizations throughout the county submit proposals, and the class selects a recipient by vote. This year, the class fundraised hard and was pleased to present a check to Declyn’s Dream and Shenango Township to help fund the Declyn's Dream Playground at Shenango Community Park.
We extend our sincere thanks to the members of this graduating class for their dedication throughout the program, to the instructors and presenters who gave their time, to those organizations who provided tours and meals, and to the New Castle Transit Authority for providing transportation. We are also grateful to the business leaders, elected officials, and program sponsors whose continued support makes this program possible.
Those interested in applying for next year's class are encouraged to do so.
Further information may be found here.
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CAPO Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
If you're a Lawrence County contractor, electrician, or business in need of a reliable local source for electrical supplies, don't have to look far. CAPO Supply's new Shenango Township location celebrated their newest location with a ribbon cutting, bringing over 20 years of family-owned industry experience to our community.
CAPO Supply saw Lawrence County as a place where business is thriving, and chose right here to expand. Congratulations to Owner Ian Capoferri, General Manager James DeRosa, Administrative Manager Emily Hodge, and the whole CAPO team on this milestone.
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CAPO Supply
418 Commerce Ave
New Castle, PA 16101
caposupply.com
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FLY Returns
Looking to meet new people, grow your professional network, and enjoy a drink and delicious food?
Join FLY Professionals on August 6th from 5:30 - 7:30p.m. at VentiSei Wine, Bar, & Pizzeria for our official Summer Kickoff Mixer!
As we relaunch and rebrand our group, we're excited to kick off a new chapter with this free event for members and non-members of FLY- an organization focused on connection, professional development, and creating opportunities in our growing community. Come enjoy an evening of food, a free drink on us, and networking as we share and celebrate the future of FLY: where ambition takes flight!
Registration is encouraged - reserve your spot today!
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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
PHN "Play It Forward" — National Health Center Week Celebration
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 · 5:30 PM · Buhl Park Amphitheater
Primary Health Network invites the community to celebrate National Health Center Week with a free community event at Buhl Park.
Villa Maria Education & Spirituality Center — Upcoming Programs
Several retreats and programs are open for registration:
· Good Grief: The Gift of Grief with Susan Schorsten, HM — Sun. Aug 2, 7 PM – Wed. Aug 5, 12 PM
· 13th Annual Nostra Aetate Lecture, "Jesus in the Talmud," with Rabbi Efraim Palvanov — Thu. July 30, 7 PM (in-person or Zoom)
· The Four Connections: aligning beliefs, body, brain, and bonds with Anne Kertz Kernion — Fri. Aug 28, 7 PM – Sun. Aug 30, 12 PM
· Monthly Mothers' Circle Series — Fri. Aug 21, 11 AM – 1 PM (free childcare provided)
Call 724-964-8886 to register for any Villa Maria program.
Good Grief — register: https://vmesc.org/programs-retreats/all-events?id=1075
Nostra Aetate Lecture — register: https://vmesc.org/programs-retreats/all-events?id=1110
The Four Connections — register: https://vmesc.org/programs-retreats/all-events?id=1077
Mothers' Circle (Aug 21) — register: https://vmesc.org/programs-retreats/all-events?id=1114
All Villa Maria programs: https://vmesc.org/programs-retreats/programs-at-a-glance
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
Moraine State Park & McConnells Mill State Park — August Public Programs
The monthly roundup of public programs at both state parks for August is available here.
DUQ SBDC: Grow Your Business to the Next Level
Thursday, August 20, 2026 · 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Forward Lawrence Office, 325 E. Washington St., New Castle, PA · Free
Duquesne University's Small Business Development Center hosts Senior Business Consultant Doug Harding on startup assistance, funding assistance, digital marketing, and other services to help entrepreneurs expand and improve financial performance.
Register 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
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BC3 @ Lawrence Early College Pioneers program to debut in August
Lawrence County high school seniors can earn 12 free credits in one year.
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Butler County Community College's newest campus is giving Lawrence County high school seniors a shot at 12 free, transferrable college credits before graduation. The inaugural BC3 @ Lawrence Early College Pioneers program begins Aug. 24 at the college's Shenango Township location, offering three-credit courses in speech, college writing, or general psychology.
Twenty-five students from area high schools and homeschools have already enrolled, with a limited number of seats still open to seniors with a 2.75 GPA or better; the registration deadline is Aug. 10, and interested students can apply at bc3.edu/cwhs.
Funded by a $347,000 state grant through 2027-2028, the program offers the credits at no cost. "These are free college credits, which are just difficult to come by," said Shenango Area Superintendent Dr. Joseph McCormick, echoing praise from other district leaders who say the early start helps students save time and money on their path to a degree. Beyond academics, organizers say the program offers a valuable preview of college life. "It's a different dynamic to be around different people and hear different ideas and experience what college is like," said Sean Carroll, director of BC3 @ Lawrence.
The initiative joins BC3's long-running College Within the High School and Riv-Ell Entrepreneurship programs, continuing the college's decades-long push to expand educational access across Lawrence County.
| | | GRANT AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES | | |
Leary Firefighters Foundation — Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program
Letter of Intent due: August 15, 2026
Grants of $5,000–$25,000 are available to paid and volunteer fire departments for training, equipment, and technology upgrades.
Foundation site: https://learyfirefighters.org
Grant portal (apply): https://lffgrants.smapply.io/prog/leary_firefighters_foundation_2026
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
Deadline: August 10, 2026
Federal funding (minimum award $25,000, no stated maximum) supports homeless services including rapid rehousing, street outreach, emergency shelter, and HMIS data systems, administered through PA DCED. Local governments and regional nonprofits are eligible.
Program info: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/emergency-solutions-grant-esg/
School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP)
Grants.gov: August 4, 2026 | JustGrants: August 11, 2026
Up to $73 million is available nationally, with awards up to $500,000 over three years (25% match required). Microgrants up to $100,000 are available for rural and tribal school districts.
Program info: https://cops.usdoj.gov/svpp
Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA)
Grants.gov: July 30, 2026 | JustGrants: August 5, 2026
DOJ funding supports peer support programs, training, and suicide-prevention resources for law enforcement officers and their families. Closing within days — departments should apply now.
Program info: https://cops.usdoj.gov/lemhwa
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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