Construction for The Center For Education, Business & Arts (CEBA) started in May. The first stage of the project was working on a solid foundation for the future innovation center. The Wagman Construction crew removed an estimated 200 tons of existing concrete left behind from the buildings that formerly stood on the same site. Using a special concrete crusher, it was recycled and used as back-fill. They call it "slab to fill" where the foundation is laid on compacted soil. Instead of throwing the old concrete in a landfill, it is returning to the same property for a new use. The Wagman crew explained that the foundation is carefully inspected and must be approved before it can be used. "It was a nice surprise to hear that pieces of Shenandoah's past are being reused to create a strong foundation for the future," said Susan Williams, DSI's Executive Director.

Construction of the more than $7 Phase I of the project, is estimated to take less than 15 months. "DSI is actively seeking donations to fund Phase II that will complete the project. "Everyone who donates any amount of money will have their name added to the Giving Tree, to be located in the CEBA lobby," said Mary Luscavage, DSI Board Secretary. "This is a symbol to remind visitors of how our community came together for positive change," she added.

CEBA's Funding Sources Support Economic Development and Job Creation

All federal and state funding sources pursued support economic development projects that create jobs, retain jobs, and create new businesses. "More than $1 million for CEBA came from local community members and organizations displaying how much this center is needed to spur economic growth in our county," said Karen Kenderdine, DSI Board President and Treasurer. "Thank you to everyone that contributed any amount," she said. Remember, every dollar counts, your dollar counts."

CEBA's Phase I includes a Penn State classroom, commercial kitchen, workforce development office, and DSI offices. Phase II will include an event center and co-working spaces. Stay tuned for more details to come. For more information about CEBA or to donate, visit discoverceba.com.