About Us

Our Organization Established in 1967, the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning & Development Commission is an Oil City-based, public, non-profit regional resource for economic and business development as well as community development and planning. Funding for the Northwest Commission comes from local, state, and federal levels of government. We are pleased to provide quality services at no cost to our clients. Our Team The Northwest Commission is comprised of skilled professionals dedicated to sustaining economic vitality and growth in the northwest Pennsylvania region by fostering local, state, and federal partnerships across public and private sector lines.

The Board of Directors represents county governments, private business, county planners, tourism, and economic development corporations throughout the region.

Our Services The Northwest Commission strives to produce private sector job creation and retention through its economic and business development programs such as government contracting, business financing, international marketing assistance, keystone innovation zones, and business attraction. The Northwest Commission also provides community development and planning services such as grants, transportation, energy, community revitalization, and technology assistance to help communities stay progressive.

Our Region We are proud to serve eight counties in northwest Pennsylvania including: Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren.

1 nwcommission.org Mission & Vision

mission statement Provide leadership and assistance as well as collaborate and cooperate with our partners in strengthening business and job growth and improving the environment for economic and community development across the northwest Pennsylvania region.

vision statement

Northwest Pennsylvania will grow in its business and economic vitality, its residents will become more prosperous, and the quality of life will be enhanced in the region’s counties and communities.

Adopted by the Board of Directors in October 2004 Developed by Staff and Board of Directors with Legislator input

nwcommission.org 2 Chair Message

A look back to the year 2009……Boy, what a year!!!

With the beginning of a new year, everyone’s best intentions are to adopt some sort of personal weight-control program. Well, instead of personal attempts, the Northwest Commission will be doing their own program that will give a unique direction for every one of us doing more with less.

Last year, accounts of bad economic news foretold a dire budgetary picture for the state of Pennsylvania and es- pecially for the northwest region. Loss of state and federal dollars, mixed with economic news that affected every segment of our world, gave everyone the clear message and realization that we all will be conducting business in a different manner. 2010 will bring another year of uncertainty! All indications are that it will be worse than last year. Chairperson, Donna R. Hartle

If that is the case, we must be able to adapt to those changes and continue to be a leader providing the high-quality, value-added services to the businesses and industries in our region, with the result of improving the region’s economic climate. Our Vision and Mission Statements must guide us through these troubled times. Unique challenges will be there for us in 2010, but with the talent found in the Northwest Team, Board of Directors and Partners, we will continue to weather whatever storm confronts us.

Our mission to grow, prosper and enhance our region’s businesses and industry members are the necessary components that we will need to remember as we chart the proper course in providing services to those in our northwest region.

3 nwcommission.org Executive Message

As I look back and reflect on all that happened in 2009, I am proud of what the Commission has accomplished. Because board members provided leadership during a tough budget year and partners continued to support our programs and training events, Commission staff was able to remain focused on providing assistance to businesses and communities across northwest Pennsylvania.

It was a year of uncertainty as the economy took a turn for the worse and companies struggled to maintain status quo, while local governments worked hard to balance their budgets. The Commission was also affected by the down-turn in the economy, as the Local Development Districts received a forty percent cut in the Commonwealth budget. Tough decisions had to be made, and I would like to specifically thank the Board of Directors for their guidance and support in transitioning the Commission to a more efficient organization. Executive Director, Denise G. McCloskey

Staff remained positive and focused on their goals, which led to several achievements that deserve acknowledge- ment: the completion and adoption of the Regional Greenways Plan; the submission and approval of second- round Keystone Innovation Zone funding; a successful and well-attended Connect-2-Communities Conference; the completion of the 4-county Digital Parcel Conversion Project; the designation of the Route 6 Western Pennsylvania Heritage Coordinator; and, the establishment of an Export Compliance Center.

As we look toward 2010, one thing is certain: the Commission rose to the occasion in 2009 by meeting the chal- lenges that were handed down. A special thanks to those who supported the Commission and helped make 2009 a successful year.

nwcommission.org 4 Clarion County

Impacts Clarion University Makes Connections with Asia Loan Dollars: $8,996 Clarion Oaks/Paint Boulevard Bridges In early spring of 2009, Clarion University participated in the Pennsylvania Educa- International Sales: $3,450 Limestone NCABB Bridge tion Mission to Japan, South Korea & Taiwan. The University met with the Dean of Government Sales: $52,000 Billings Station Phase 1 International Programs and Education at Dongguk University in Korea and signed a KIZ Grants: $6,000 2009 Clarion Bridge Preservation KIZ Tax Credits: $100,000 Stroup NCABB Bridge Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a foreign student Transportation Funding: $15,366,695 2009 Clarion Guiderail exchange program. Also, Hawthorn Bridge #4 as a result of the Mission, Companies Assisted Clarion ADA Curb Ramps Clarion University received Lawsonham Bridge #2 Allegheny Wood Products West Brinkerton Bridge an on-site visit in October Car Mate Trailers, Inc. from the ISI Global Group Charles Machine, Inc. Communities / of Japan. Clarion University Clarion Bathware Organizations Assisted and ISI Global Group enjoyed Clarion Boards Clarion Laminates Ashland Township a productive meeting and Clarion Research Group Beaver Township are currently discussing a Clarion University of PA Clarion Borough potential MOU. In a letter of Commodore Homes of PA Clarion County appreciation, Dr. Gant, Delta Technology Solutions Clarion County Planning Divani Chocolate Boutique Clarion Hospital Assistant Vice President for International Programs, explains “many college Donald L Shirey Lumber, Inc. Clarion County Technology Task Force leaders are coming to understand, that in a global economy, they need to Himes Sales and Service Central Electric Cooperative produce graduates and develop faculty members with strong international skills.” Hydro Enclosures, Inc. Farmington Township M and B Services Knox Township Nature’s Blend Wood Products, Inc. Knox Borough Limestone Township Receives Broadband Assistance Structural Modulars, Inc. Limestone Township The Northwest Commission has provided technology and broadband-related assistance Terra Works Millcreek Township through various programs since 1999. Prominent among these programs is the Bona Visual Logic Paint Township Fide Retail Request (BFRR) program. Funded since 2007, the program recognizes that Zaber & Co., Inc. Redbank Township many rural communities do not have adequate access to high-speed Internet services. Transportation The program allows communities to “petition” their respective phone company for high-speed Internet service and, when an adequate number of petitions are received, Piney Dam Road NCABB Bridge the phone company must install high-speed Internet service within one year. 2009 Clarion County SIA

One community in Limestone Township thought they had completed the process in 2008. However, as the deadline for installation approached, people in the community began receiving conflicting information from the telephone company, and the installation was in question. The primary point of contact at the phone company responded to one inquiry with information that seemed to contradict earlier specifications of the number of petitions required, and that additional forms would need to be completed. Frustrated, these individuals contacted Representative Donna Oberlander’s office who referred them to the Northwest Commission. The Commission worked with the community to confirm and clarify BFRR information. This information was compiled and presented to company officials. On November 3rd, 2009 the Commission and community were notified that they would be recognized as having met the program requirements retrospectively, and that service would be installed by August 2010.

5 nwcommission.org Crawford County

Impacts Penn-Sylvan International, Inc. SR 408 over Muddy Creek Loan Dollars: $1,265,106 Plant Advancements SR 1020 over Clark’s Run ECR $400,000 in KIZ Tax Credits Awarded to International Sales: $21,074,596 Platts Mill, Inc. Crawford Group 191/2009 Northwest Pennsylvania KIZ Companies Government Sales: $13,426,519 Pro Tech Machining, Inc. Crawford I-79 ECR Four Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) companies: KIZ Grants: $188,081 Progressive Tool & Die, Inc. Group 1-09-GR1 Abbatron, Bright Hospitality, 2W Technology, and KIZ Tax Credits: $400,000 Performance Systems Development SR 77: Blooming Valley Road ECR Transportation Funding: $18,325,821 Ram Tool Comp, Inc. East Branch Trail Ph 1 ECR Optical Filters USA each qualified for the maximum EDA Funding: $709,358 Riley Tool, Inc. KIZ Tax Credit of $100,000 for Ronald & Janet Troyer Communities / 2009. KIZ Companies have the Companies Assisted Rynd Home Farm Organizations Assisted S & T Transportation advantage of being able to sell 2W Technology SECO / Warwick Corp. Allegheny College these tax credits if they aren’t Abbatron Shorts Tool & Mfg., Inc. Athens Township needed to offset Pennsylvania Bright Hospitality Signature Vacuum Systems, Inc. Beaver Township Standard Precision Mfg. income tax that is due. These C&J Industries Bloomfield Township ChipBlaster Taylor Tool, Inc. Cambridge Springs Borough NWPA KIZ companies possess Cox and Kanyuck Electric Tool-Rite, Inc. Centerville Borough either a product or process D&B Custom Wiring Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. Conneautville Borough innovation identified as vital to the Deo Decises US Bronze Foundry & Machine, Inc. Conneaut Lake Borough DO CO, Inc. Valenza Restaurant Crawford County future of the Commonwealth. Dynasty Software Viking Tool & Gage Crawford County Coop. Ext. Ernst Biomass Weyerhaeuser Quality Assurance Crawford County Emergency Ser. Abbatron designs and manufactures specialty elec- Excaliber Machine Company, Inc. Wilson Engineering Crawford County Planning Wilson Hardwoods tronic components used in telecommunication, military Form Tool & Mold, Inc. Cussewago Township Geometric Design and Technology, Inc. Wood Technologies, Inc. East Mead Township equipment, medical equipment, and measurement Grand Valley Manufacturing Co., Inc. City of Meadville equipment; Bright Hospitality uses their information Greenleaf Corporation Transportation Oil Creek Township technology expertise and their innovative process to Hewlett Mfg. Randolph Township HJR Equipment, LLC SR6: French Creek Parkway Richmond Township develop and utilize marketing software for advanced KEHR Manufacturing Resources, LLC Allen St. RR Bridge Saegertown Borough targeted marketing; 2W Technology creates custom KPS Industries, LLC Crawford ADA GR 1-09 Spartansburg Borough network application and software design with Leech Carbide Crawford ECR Summerhill Township MAJR Products Corporation Crawford ACT 44/2009 City of Titusville customized integration programming; and Optical Filters Meadville Tool Grinding, Inc. SR 6:French Creek Parkway REBID Venango Township USA designs and manufactures display enhancement Minco Tool & Mold, Inc. Townhouse Corner Bridge Vernon Township solutions for electronic displays and enclosures. Molded Fiber Glass Tray Company SR 18 over Trib to Conneaut Crk West Mead Township Oil Valley Physical Therapy, Inc. SR 2019 over Sugar Crk E. Branch Woodcock Township Optical Filters SR 4009 over I-79 Meadville Company Assisted by PTAC

Alturnamats, a HUBZone certified small business located in Crawford County, has worked with the Northwest Commission’s PTAC program since 2000. They have had great success winning contracts in support of federal projects. For the quarter of October – December, they were awarded 21 prime

contracts worth over $30,368. These contracts support sub-contractors working on city and state contracts. This helped Alturnamats retain all current full-time positions and create two new positions. The assistance they have received from the Northwest Commission’s PTAC program in getting government contracting questions answered in a timely manner have been an invaluable resource to the company. They have also benefited from the networking opportunities presented to them while attending various events planned by the Northwest Commission.

nwcommission.org 6 Erie County

North East Borough Busy with Downtown Revitalization Efforts Having received the basic Main Street program introduction, preliminary organizational training, and committee development assistance provided by the Northwest Commission, and armed with much enthusiasm and dedication – 2009 has been a very busy revitalization year in downtown North East Borough!

The Main Street oriented board and committees are meeting on a regular basis and are working on 501c3 incorporation. After much discussion and debate, the tag line for this revitalization effort is “North East, PA…where vineyards view the shore.”

Drawing on the experience of resource partners and communities across the Commonwealth, the Commission assisted the community in facilitating improvements such as street banners and trash cans incorporating designs from a local artist. Extensive garden work was completed including flower-filled baskets and decorative wine barrels, a regular Farmer’s market has been started, and a new “Main Street Courtesy Patrol” regularly participates in community events.

A core working group of volunteers continues to build the foundation for additional and ongoing improvements including the development of definitive façade guidelines and potential streetscape enhancements emphasizing the “gateways” into town.

The group meets regularly and, with the assistance of Commission staff, has taken exploratory field trips to other communities pursuing similar efforts. All of these activities are oriented not just toward aesthetic improvements, but outcomes including business retention and development with the central business district.

Fairview Concrete Company Receives SBF Loan Concrete Services Corporation of Fairview closed on a $176,000 Small Business First (SBF) loan in February of 2009. This SBF loan enabled Concrete Services Corporation to purchase a portable rubble hog and pre-concrete crushing pulverizer.

The portable rubble hog will enable Concrete Services to crush concrete into very small pieces in order to recycle the material.

The corporation was founded by James and Nancy Hornyak with the intent of providing a full host of concrete services to the tri-state area. They have been in business since 1968 and have developed a full line of products to serve the construction industry. As a result of this loan, eight additional jobs were created.

7 nwcommission.org Erie County

Impacts Harrison Machine Company, LLC Trauma Technologies, Inc. Loan Dollars: $1,195,650 Haysite Reinforced Plastics Velocity Network, Inc. International Sales: $115,854,876 HERO BX Venango Machine Company Government Sales:$8,592,045 Hydro Pac, Inc. Viking Plastics ARC Funding: $400,000 ICON Screenprinting Vineyard on the Knoll, LLC Industrial Sales & Mfg., Inc. Windsor Beach Technologies, Inc. Companies Assisted Innovative Pressure Technologies, LLC X-Cell Tool & Mold Jepson Precision Tool, Inc. York-Seaway Industrial Products, Inc. A Plus Moving and Hauling Kold-Draft Advanced Welding Technologies, Inc. Lamjen, Inc. Communities / Allegheny Wood Works, Inc. Lavery Brewing Company Organizations Assisted American Lumber Company LeBoeuf Finishing Products, Inc. Automation Devices Lindberg Tool Albion Township Beaumont Runner Technologies, Inc. Logistics Plus, Inc. Amity Township Birkmire Trucking Company Lombo’s Hideaway Café City of Corry Bollinger Technical Services Looney Toon Trucking Corry Redevelopment Authority Clarke Container, Inc. MacDonald, Illig, Jones, and Britton, LLP Edinboro Borough Composiflex Mercyhurst College Edinboro University Concrete Services Corporation Micro Plating, Inc. Elk Creek Township Corry Laser Technology Mikron Valve and Manufacturer, Inc. City of Erie Corry Manufacturing Co. Modern Industries, Inc. Erie County Corry Micronics NFS Gillespie Valves Erie County Planning Crenshaw Brothers Construction North Coast Cultured Products, Inc. Erie County 911 CSI Industries, Inc. North Coast Tool, Inc. Erie County Department of Health Custom Engineering Company Omega Plastics, LLC Fairview Township Czop / Specter, Inc. Opportunities Unlimited of Erie Franklin Township Darr Industries Group, LLC Overtime Tool, Inc. Girard Township Desktop Resources Enterprise Pennlake Corporation d/b/a Conrader Valves Greene Township Distributed Network Software Penn-Union Corporation Greater Erie Industrial Development Corporation Diversified Manufacturing Systems, Inc. Perry Screw Machine LeBoeuf Township Dovetail Gallery, Inc. Pipe Pros, LLC McKean Township DuraTite Systems, LLC Pirrello Enterprises, Inc. Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA EBC Industries Process and Data Automation, Inc. Millcreek Township Edinboro University R. Conrader Company North East Borough EMSCO Group Ray Showman Jr. Excavating, Inc. North East Township Engage IT Reed Mfg. Co. Salvation Army of Erie Erie Bronze & Aluminum Co. Rogers Brothers Corporation Springfield Township Erie Inspection Services, Inc. Ron Jones Hardwood Sales, Inc. Stairways Behavioral Health Erie Mill and Press Company, Inc. Skinner Power Systems, LLC Union City Borough Erie Molded Plastics, Inc. Snap Tite, Inc. (Quick Disconnect & Valve Div) Union City Pride Erie Press Systems Solar Revolution, LLC Venango Township Eriez Development Corp. Spinworks, LLC Waterford Borough Eriez Magnetics Strategy Solutions Waterford Township Finish Thompson, Inc. Steward Earth Wattsburg Borough Fluid Engineering Sunburst Electronics Wayne Township Gannon University Synergy Applications, Inc. Gomer Trucking, LLC Synergy Enterprises, LLC GPJ, LLC Telatron Marketing Group, Inc. H & H Machined Products, Inc. Total Productive Maintenance, Inc.

nwcommission.org 8 Forest County

Forest County Implements Growing Greener II Grant Impacts Through the efforts of the Forest County Commissioners and the Forest County Industrial Development Authority, a $600,000 Government Sales: $3,000,000 Growing Greener II grant was awarded to facilitate the revival of sections of downtown Tionesta. The Commission has Transportation Funding: $5,727,996 been providing oversight and technical assistance for this grant since April 2009. To date, all of the parcels have been successfully acquired, seven old underground gasoline storage tanks have been removed, and environmental clean-up Companies Assisted efforts are underway. In the spring, the sites will be graded and seeded in preparation for potential development. Potential Industrial Timber and Lumber uses for the two different sites have been identified through several recent Forest County studies. Oil Creek Manufacturing Co. Veteran Employment Enterprise, Inc. Visitors Center Completed Transportation Partially funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the Visitor Center renovations have been completed at 422 Elm Street. The SR 36: Col. Drake Hwy - Elm Street center is open seven days a week and offers visitors restroom facilities, SR 227 over West Hickory Creek emergency phone use, tourist information via the PA Wilds kiosk, and more. NWRPO RRX Markings SR 4004 over Ross Run It also has a large selection of brochures and publications for the region’s PA 66 Restoration tourist attractions including information regarding hunting, fishing, boating, Forest Group 391/2009 and wildlife. A Kids Corner is a new addition to the facility and offers puzzles, Marienville Ped Safety coloring books and educational materials on history, environment and SR 666: Kelletville - Mayburg ECR Lynch Village Bridge wildlife. Communities / Tionesta Tackles Energy Organizations Assisted An Energy Assessment was conducted for Tionesta Borough’s Municipal Building by the Commission through the BVK Pennsylvania Energy Program. Staff was able to identify numerous energy conservation opportunities requiring minimal Howe Township capital investment. Lighting issues, appliance and heating system maintenance, and weatherization were identified as Tionesta Borough areas of concern. Recommendations to the borough included upgrading to more efficient lighting, cleaning and maintenance of air conditioner units, adding insulation to the hot water tank and hot water pipes, replacing furnace filters on a regular basis, insulating duct work, and providing general weatherization upgrades such as additional insulation, caulking, and upgraded windows. Total projected savings estimates would be approximately $1,100 annually. The Com- mission also performed a Utility Bill Analysis on the borough’s electric and gas bills. This uncovers any billing anomalies, while providing a benchmark in which to measure the effectiveness of the recommended actions. In this particular case, no billing anomalies were found. Marienville Village - KOEZ Approval During 2009, the Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone legislation was amended to permit additional acreage to be included in existing zones. The Northwest Commission reached out to the eight counties to request input on possible new sites to include in the KOEZ and identified a 12-acre parcel in Marienville. The former glass plant was purchased by a non-profit developer, BVK, with the intention of bringing new businesses to the area. BVK was looking for incentives to help them attract businesses and was very interested in the tax benefits offered by the KOEZ. Working with the County Commissioners, the Commission approached Jenks Twp. and the School District in an effort to gain their approval to provide tax benefits to companies expanding into the zone. Using the new PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) provision, the Commission was able to gain support from all taxing bodies including Pennsylvania, and the 12 acre site is now included in the KOEZ.

9 nwcommission.org Lawrence County

Windy Ridge Farm Receives $196,000 Loan Impacts Loan Dollars: $425,900 Communities / Windy Ridge Dairy, Inc, of Lawrence and Beaver Counties approached the International Sales: $1,702,000 Organizations Assisted Northwest Commission for a Small Business First/First Industries Government Sales: $51,407 Fund/Agriculture (SBF/FIF/Ag) loan to assist them with the construction of a Ellwood City Borough retail store on their property. Companies Assisted Ellwood City Renaissance Organization Lawrence County Adams Manufacturing Corp. Lawrence County Planning The milk that is processed on the Approved Toilet Rentals, Inc. City of New Castle farm will be bottled in glass and Berner International Corp. New Wilmington Borough sold in the retail store on the farm. Blank Concrete & Supply Volant Borough C Fassinger & Sons Mfg. They also plan to make their own Castle Candy Company flavored ice cream for sale at the Consolidated Glass Corporation farm store. Custom Etch, Inc. Ellwood Specialty Steel Co. Favorite Office Automation, LLC The store is located near Route International Track Systems, Inc. 288, a high traffic area for J.C. Quarter Horses, LLC commuters going to and from Jeemco, Inc. work in the Pittsburgh/Cranberry Lark Enterprises MAS Engineering, LLC area. McDowell Farm Medart, Inc. Locally grown produce and cheese will be for sale at the store and they plan to Mooney, Ayres & Associates - Division: IMS Group have an in-store bakery. Windy Ridge Dairy will provide families with healthy, Peg’s Avon Rainbow Gifts wholesome and fresh products. Richardson Cooling Packages, LLC State Line Roll-Off Service Steelite International Ellwood City Saves Money on Traffic Signals Stevens Masonry Construction, Inc. The Eric Ryan Corporation Ellwood City Borough was a participant in the LED Traffic Signal Bulk The Hill Team Purchase Program. The borough converted all of their highly inefficient Velocity Magnetics, Inc. incandescent traffic signals to the new LED variety as a result of the program. Videoguybob Multimedia Western Pennsylvania Steel Fabricating, Inc. Windy Ridge Dairy, Inc. Their total purchase included 198 signals with an upfront savings of over $4,500 Wish Design and a back-end rebate in excess of $5,250, for a total consortium savings of Youngblood Paving, Inc. nearly $10,000. Zambelli Fireworks Manufacturing Co.

Additionally, the estimated annual energy savings from the conversion are in excess of $7,800. The borough recently completed the actual retrofit and plans to monitor actual savings moving forward.

nwcommission.org 10 Mercer County

Impacts PennTecQ, Inc. Auto Supplier Receives $200,000 Loan Loan Dollars: $420,000 Performance Processing Ventures, LLC Hovis Auto Supply, Inc. purchased a facility in Mercer County International Sales: $28,942,419 Polar Bear, Inc. for a warehouse/distribution center. The expansion will Government Sales: $455,330 Powered Aire, Inc. enable the business to increase operational efficiencies by KIZ Grants: $14,040 Precision Cut, Inc. EDA Funding: $4,200,000 Pro Machine, LLC consolidating their warehouse operations into one facility and Rademacher Industrial Systems, Inc. allowing the future expansion of their company. Companies Assisted Regenex Corporation Riethmiller Lumber Manufacturing Corp. The company received Advanced Bulk & Conveying Sharpsville Container Corp. AloraDonna Gifts & Flowers Shenango Steel Buildings, Inc. low-interest financing Aluminum Shapes, LLC Signature Aluminum, Inc. s u p p o r t f r o m t h e American Cap Company, Inc. Solar Atmospheres of Western PA Northwest Commission’s APEX Engineered Products Stevens Clogging Supplies revolving loan fund in the B.E.S.T. Labs, Inc. Stowells Heating & Air Conditioning BioRemedial Technologies, Inc. SUNBELT Transformer amount of $200,000 as Boyer’s Automation & Controls Engin. & Constr. Taylor-Ramsey Corporation/Clinch-Tite Corporation well as a $250,000 loan Cattron Group Technical Precision, Inc. from Penn-Northwest Combine Construction, Inc. The George Paul Grexa Company, Acoustic USA Development Corporation in collaboration with the Shenango Combined Systems, Inc. Thiel College Cusick Tool, Inc. Wendell August Forge Valley Enterprise Zone Corporation. The balance of the Customfold, Inc. Werner financing included a loan from Mercer County State Bank Deist Industries, Inc. Wheatland Steel Processing and an equity injection from the company. Dillaman A3 Forney, Inc. Communities / Forta Corporation Organizations Assisted Hovis Auto Supply is a retailer and wholesaler of auto parts, G.G.E., Inc. tools, truck parts, auto body supplies and equipment. Based Global Transportation Resources, Inc. Coolspring Township in Oil City, the company has stores and distribution centers in Gravatt Glass and Electric Deer Creek Township 12 locations. With this project, Hovis Auto Supply will create Greenawalt Excavating, Inc. Fairview Township Greenville Metals, Inc. Grove City Borough an additional nine jobs. Greenville Neuromodulation Service Greenville Borough Hapeman Electronics Hempfield Township EDA Funds LindenPointe Technology Center Hodge Foundry, Inc. City of Hermitage The City of Hermitage was awarded a $4.2 million Economic Hot Pepper Wax, Inc. Jackson Township Hovis Auto Supply, Inc. Jefferson Township Development Administration grant to construct a 15,000 Imperial Systems, Inc. Leadership Shenango Valley square foot technology center in the LindenPointe Industrial Instron Mercer County Chamber of Commerce Park. The technology center will have a testing labora- International Timber & Veneer, L.C. Mercer County Assessment Office tory for businesses and will have business incubator space Interstate Chemical Company, Inc. Mercer County 911 Kalco Metals, Inc. New Vernon Township available. The building will be designed as a “green building” Knievel Motorcycle Manufacturing, Inc. Perry Township meeting silver certification standards as prescribed by the Lowry Mobile Communications, Inc. Sandy Lake Borough Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. Madura Steel Sales, Inc. Sandy Lake Township Muscle Products Corp. City of Sharon Northeast Industrial Mfg. Springfield Township Novocell Semiconductor, Inc. Wolf Creek Township Omega Logging, Inc. Worth Township 11 nwcommission.org Venango County

Impacts Transportation Studies Loan Dollars: $220,000 Two major transportation studies were initiated during International Sales: $776,396 Group 1-09-AWPM Government Sales: $24,009,000 Venango ACT 44/2009 2009. Specifically, the Commission received $100,000 to Transportation Funding: $15,395,194 conduct the Route 8 Land Use and Transportation Study. The SR 1009 / Benninghof Run #1 Venango ECR study will examine land use and transportation needs impacting Companies Assisted SR 227 over Cherry Run the safety of accessing Route 8 in Barkeyville Borough. Geiring Road Bridge Action Auto Service, Inc. SECT 406 Rumble Strips Allegheny Contract Solutions The study will include specific recommendations with respect PA 428 over Prather Creek ECR Anderson Metal Industries, Inc. PA 428 over Sugar Creek ECR to highway access management and a design solution to the C&M Sales Company Venango Group 591 Stevenson Road access point. Christian Signs and Such SR 3025 over Lower 2 Mile ECR Comfort Solutions, Inc. SR 8 at Kanesville Bridge Contempo Tech Cleaning Additionally, the Commission collaborated Venango Group 592/2009 Cranberry Building Solutions SR 8 By-Pass Wall Repair ECR with Oil City to issue and administer a Dennis Farms, Inc. Lake Creek Bridge SR 4007 contract examining land use around Route Franklin Bronze and Alloy Co., Inc. Gilliland Hill Rd Bridge Franklin Bronze Plaques 62 within the central business district. By FrenchCreek Production virtue of its structure, the Commission Communities / Hanna Transfer Company, North Organizations Assisted was able to facilitate the study much more Harrington Machine and Tool Co., Inc. expediently than if it had been proposed or Hickman Lumber Co. Allegheny Township conducted independently. Hofmeister Heating and Cooling Barkeyville Borough Klapec Trucking Company Cherry Tree Township Lake Tool, Inc. Clintonville Borough Global Training Broadcast Liberty Electronics, Inc. Cranberry Township The Northwest Commission partnered with the Oil Region Martino’s Cooperstown Borough Matric Limited City of Franklin Alliance to provide a half-day training session on International Oakland Products Business Contracts upon special request of a Venango County Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce Pioneer Energy Products (DBA PEPRO, LLC) Frenchcreek Township employer, Sperian Fall Protection. Sperian hosted the event at Pyle-Stones Asphalt & Concrete Mineral Township their training facility in Franklin and gave permission to open it R.N. Goss Gas Products Company Oakland Township Radio Adventures Corporation City of Oil City up to interested companies from the eight county region. The Rial Construction event was televised to Argentina and Mexico to include Sperian Oil Creek Township Specialty Fabrication and Powder Coating, LLC Oil Region Alliance Executives at off-site locations. The event was attended by 15 Sperian Fall Protection Richland Township Sperian employees and 20 additional company representatives. Stover Tree Service Rockland Township Venango Steel Scrubgrass Township Sperian Protection stated, “The training on International Business, Voyten Electric & Electronics most specifically the FCPA (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) was Sugarcreek Township Williams Insurance Agency “The Hub” Arts on 8 extremely informative and helpful. Also, planning the event was Witherup Fabrication & Erection, Inc. Utica Borough seamless in partnering with the Northwest Commission and the Venango County Oil Region Alliance.” Transportation Venango County GIS Venango County Planning Jersey RR Bridge #2 Venango County Prison SR 27/10M / 2009 betterment Venango Regional Airport nwcommission.org 12 Warren County

Impacts Warren ACT 44/2009 Loan Dollars: $200,000 SR 4002/Branch of Whitney Run Forward Vision Systems, Inc, Receives KIZ Micro Grant International Sales: $13,587,522 SR 1030 over Scott’s Run Forward Vision Systems, Inc, of Warren was awarded a $10,000 Keystone Innovation Government Sales: $57,012,976 Warren Group 691/2009 KIZ Grants: $10,000 SR 2006/ Chapman Dam Rd Bridge Zone Micro Grant from the Northwest Pennsylvania Keystone Innovation Zone (NWPA Transportation Funding: $13,275,017 Warren Streetscape KIZ). The grant program is designed to assist in the funding of innovation through the SR 6 over Six Mile Run ECR results of scientific research which have a demonstrated promise for technology transfer Companies Assisted Flat Road Bridge SR 62 Wall Repair into the marketplace. Forward Vision will use this award to help with the development Allegheny Valve and Coupling, Inc. SR 426 Spring Creek Bridge and construction of a prototype for a Laser Based Scanning Heads-Up Display (HUD) Bonded Services Bear Creek Bridge Projector. In conjunction with VirturalHUD, Forward Vision intends to be the first to bring Comfort Care Technologies, Inc. Sutton Road Bridge this laser-based product to market and provide an affordable, commercially viable and Forward Vision Systems, Inc. J. McGraw, LLC Communities / marketable system to increase flight safety for both day and night use. This Enhanced Krasa Consultants, Inc. Organizations Assisted Vision System provides visibility that is eight to ten times greater than the naked eye by Lauger’s Good Lawn projecting real time images onto the propeller blades of aircraft. Meridien Hardwoods of PA Clarendon Borough Northwest Engineering Associates Columbus Township Petrex, Inc. Deerfield Township The Serena Companies Freehold Township Turning Solutions, Inc. Limestone Township Revitalization of Youngsville Wayne Concrete Pennsylvania General Energy WEC Technologies, Inc. Pleasant Township In late October 2009, the Northwest Commission’s Community Revitalization program Whirley Industries, Inc. Southwest Township received official designation as the western Route 6 Heritage Community Coordina- Tidioute Borough tor. The coordinator position Transportation City of Warren Warren County Municipal Sec. Assoc. provides guidance and technical SR 666 Henry Mill Rd - SR 948 Watson Township assistance to the Heritage pro- Warren ECR Youngsville Borough gram’s Stakeholder Groups as they work through their planning and project implementation.

The Borough of Youngsville is one of the 2009 Route 6 Heritage Communities. Their volunteer stakeholders have spent the first year working on their work plan with the guidance of the EADS Group. The planning process included well attended focus group sessions and a round of pub- lic meetings which were attended by Commission staff. Youngsville’s completed plans include: community gateway and signage improvements; streetscape enhancements; improved river and creek access; handicap accessibility; in-town redevelopment projects; and, additional arts and tour- ism efforts. With Commission staff assistance, Youngsville will begin implementing their Heritage Community work plan in 2010.

13 nwcommission.org Regional Projects

Regional Parcel Project The Regional Parcel Project is a working example of the benefits of regional collaboration. Early in 2007, several counties within the region recognized the power and usefulness of digitizing paper map data. Clearly, the technology exists to convert maps from paper to digital form; however, counties were confronted by the challenge of the total cost and operational complexities of converting the data. In November 2007, the Commission issued a Request for Proposals designed to reduce the cost of digitizing the maps and assure that consistent standards were employed throughout the process. This standards-based approach to digitizing the parcel data was intended to facilitate additional efficiencies in end-user training, integrating existing and anticipated geographic information system (GIS) solutions. Clarion, Crawford, Forest, and Venango Counties chose to participate in the project.

The project was awarded to WorldView Solutions in February 2008 and is in the final stages of implementation. Perhaps the most significant outcome of the project was the reduction in total cost achieved through the multi-county collaboration that was facilitated by the Northwest Commission. Preliminary analysis revealed that 136,000 parcels would need to be digitized representing a total cost of $681,500 if completed individually. Ultimately however, the Commission was able to contribute and/or obtain funding, reducing the net expense to The red lines above show parcels in Oil City participating counties to a total cost of just over $200,000.

Research on Investment After gaining approval from the Northwest Commission Board to utilize Local Funds for a business attraction effort, the Northwest Commission hired Research on Investment (ROI) to help identify companies that are in expansion mode. ROI qualifies the company and provides the contact information to the Commission for a follow-up conversation. ROI has produced several potential leads for Pennsylvania, and the Commission continues to work to identify those that are the most appropriate for the 8-county region. The Commission pays only for those that are truly interested in northwest Pennsyl- vania. Most exciting is that the Commission has identified a company that is interested in working with a local business for contract manufacturing. This would be a big win for the region if the company is able to find the right partner.

Labor Insight In partnership with the two Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) in the region, the Commission has been able to fund a new program that will allow it to see job growth and needs in real time. Labor Insight uses technology to identify open positions in the region to see trends in employment or the converse contraction of skills necessary for employment. This information will help Economic Developers in the region when asked about the available labor force and their skills. It will also be useful in determining the types of skills the region is lacking for exiting companies or those the Commission wishes to attract. The WIBs will use this information to develop or identify training needs and opportunities for the region. This competitive intelligence will be useful as the economy improves and the Commission identifies companies that need to train their employees or as it attracts new businesses to the region. nwcommission.org 14 Regional Impacts

“The guidance and assistance Broadband Aggregation 50 Communities Assisted with Broadband Requests that the GIS department was able 10 Communities Successful in Gaining Connectivity

to provide was a true benefit to Energy Program 43 Clients Received Technical Assistance the Borough of Edinboro. The $73,000 Saved through Utility Bill Analysis, Energy Northwest Commission and the Assessments, Energy Contracting and Bulk Purchase Consortium. services that it provides are a Municipal Technology Assistance Program valuable resource to the 140 Personnel Trained

northwest Pennsylvania Region.” Local Technical Assistance Program 58 Personnel Trained

- Melinda Murphy Transportation Borough of Edinboro Approximately $68 Million invested into projects in the 5-county Rural Planning Organization Region

15 nwcommission.org Regional Impacts Business Financing 58 Jobs Promised “I would like to commend the 481 Jobs Retained 33 Loans Closed Northwest Commission for their $3,735,652 in Loans Awarded tireless efforts on behalf of your Government Contracting 412 Jobs Created or Retained constituency in the area of 803 Initial & Follow-up Counseling Sessions Performed $106,599,277 in Sales from 278 Contracts Awarded international trade. The Northwest International Marketing Commission provides expert 506 Jobs Created or Retained 222 Companies Assisted assistance to exporters of all sizes, $181,941,259 in International Sales and their value to the Keystone Opportunity Zones $2.09 Billion Total Capital Investment Since Inception Commonwealth is beyond measure.” 4,038 Net Job Creation Since Inception

Keystone Innovation Zones $500,000 in Tax Credits Awarded - Gretchen Seth $70,000 in Micro Grants Awarded Logistics Plus $18,121 in Internship Awards $130,000 in Keystone Innovation Grants

nwcommission.org 16 2009 Funding Sources

Fiscal Overview Appalachian Regional Commission As a recipient of funding from federal, Enterprise Development...... $400,000 state and local sources, the Northwest Local Development District...... $99,000 Commission is subject to numerous audit Energy...... $43,650 U.S. Department of Commerce requirements. Economic Development Administration...... $56,000 U.S. Department of Defense Annually, an independent certified public Procurement Technical Assistance...... $227,338 accounting firm performs a financial and U.S. Department of Transportation compliance audit. The audit is performed Federal Highway Administration...... $227,943 U.S Small Business Administration in accordance with (1) auditing standards Microloan Technical Assistance...... $50,000 generally accepted in the United States PA Department of Community and Economic Development of America, (2) standards applicable to Enterprise Development...... $755,857 financial audits contained in “Govern- eCommonwealth...... $50,000 ment Auditing Standards” issued by the International Trade Development...... $116,500 Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone...... $8,800 Comptroller General of the United States, Broadband Outreach...... $118,800 and (3) OMB Circular A-133, “Audits Keystone Innovation Zone...... $39,000 of States, Local Governments, and Energy Program...... $18,650 Non-Profit Organizations.” PA Department of Transportation Transportation Planning...... $18,129 County Support Additionally, many state grants require County Dues...... $45,599 separate program-specific audits as a part International Trade (Erie County)...... $52,500 of the grant closeout process. Community Revitalization (Erie County & Erie County Redevelopment Authority)...... $46,660

Total Program Funds...... $2,374,426

17 nwcommission.org 09 Annual Dinner

Platinum Sponsors: L. Robert Kimball & Associates PNC Bank Optical Filters

Gold Sponsors: Central Electric Cooperative First National Bank National Fuel Northwest Industrial Resource Center Northwest Savings Bank Regional Center for Workforce Excellence

Silver Sponsors: Citizen’s Bank Design Nine Gannon SBDC Gent Gent & Snyder Keller Engineers Lee-Simpson Associates Inc. May & Company Mercer County State Bank Oil Region Alliance UPMC Health Plan Pictured Clockwise: Board Leadership of the Year: Donna Hartle; Local Government of the Year: Oil City; Partner of the Year: Penn-Northwest; Business of the Year: Optical Filters Bronze Sponsors: Clarion County Economic Development Corporation Erie Bank First United National Bank On April 1, 2009, the Northwest Commission held its fourth Annual Dinner Event at Gannett Fleming Cross Creek Resort in Titusville, PA. Nearly 200 people attended this event from around Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation the region and state. Awards were given to recognize outstanding partners, businesses, Meyer Unkovic & Scott LLP local governments, and board leadership. Thank you to all of those who attended and Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative provided support for this successful event! Penn-Northwest Development Corporation

nwcommission.org 18 Board of Directors

Chairperson: Donna Hartle Vice Chairperson: Brian Beader Treasurer: Maryann Yochim Secretary: Steve Craig

Larry Adams, Central Electric Cooperative County Executive Mark DiVecchio, Erie County Dave Morris, NW PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau

Mike Allyn, Titusville Redevelopment Authority Commissioner John Eggleston, Warren County Lizette Olsen, AWARE, Inc.

Commissioner Jan Beichner, Venango County Councilman Joseph Giles, Erie County Deborah Plant, Mercer County Chamber of Commerce

Commissioner Brian Beader, Mercer County Dan Glotz, Warren County Planning Commission Jake Rouch, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Jan Cornwell, Erie County Planning Commission Commissioner Donna Hartle, Clarion County Jerry Schill (April-August), Titusville Chamber of Commissioner Steve Craig, Lawrence County Commissioner Basil Huffman, Forest County Commerce

Gerald Cussins (January - April), Private Citizen Elton Kline, Masonry Contracting Consultant Commissioner Morris Waid, Crawford County

Jim Decker, Warren County Chamber of Business Thomas McKinley, Sentinel Onsite Support Maryann Yochim, National Fuel and Industry William McKinley, Principal, PitViper Consulting

19 nwcommission.org

Committees

Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Economic Development Committee John Aldrich, Warren County Transit Authority Brad Ehrhart, Clarion County Economic Development Corporation Marilyn Black, Oil Region Alliance Jim Decker, Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry Roy Brant, Crawford County Planning Commission Linda Nitch, Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation Doug Carlson, Forest County Planning Commission Mark Turner, Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County David Cook, PennDOT District 10 Jake Rouch, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Judy Downs, Venango County Regional Planning Commission Larry Reichard, Penn-Northwest Development Corporation Timothy Geibel, Crawford Area Transportation Authority Randy Seitz, Oil Region Alliance Dan Glotz, Warren County Planning & Zoning Commission Janet Anderson, Northwest Commission, Forest County IDA/IDC Adam Grimes, PennDOT Center for Program Development & Management Commissioner Basil Huffman, Forest County Energy Advisory Committee Jack Lynch, Crawford County Planning Commission Amy McKinney, Lawrence County Planning William Petit, PennDOT District 1-0 Scott Swartzfager, National Fuel Kevin Reichard, Clarion County Planning Commission Commissioner John Eggleston, Warren County Twila Rifenberrick, Clarion County Planning Commission Chris Panian, Central Electric Cooperative C.J. Tisi, Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad Kathy Greely, Commonwealth Community Energy Project Ross Mantione, FHWA Geoff Bristow, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Troy Wood, Venango County Jay Schenck, PennTAP Commissioner Terry Hawk, Warren County Jack Watts, Northwest Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center Tom Surman, Vantage Healthcare CEDS Committee John Phillips, Oil Region Alliance Larry Adams, Central Electric Cooperative Paul Bylaska, Clarion University Judy Downs, Venango County Regional Planning Commission Don LeGoullon, PennTAP Dave Morris, NW PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau Lee McCracken, Premier Power Solutions Tim Reddinger, Clarion Trinity Development Company Deborah McNerney, Oil Region Alliance Jake Rouch, Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Maryann Yochim, National Fuel Don Lewis, Structural Modulars, Inc. Bill Hallock, Clarion University, Venango Campus Bill McKinley, PitViper Consulting Commissioner John Eggleston, Warren County Jim Lowry, Greenville Area Economic Development Corporation Sam Gianetti, West Central Job Partnership Chet Kempinski, Northwest Industrial Resource Center Michele Zieziula, Regional Center for Workforce Excellence Chuck Gilbert, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.

nwcommission.org 20 Committees

Travel and Tourism Committee NWPA Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) Juanita Hampton, Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Peggy Mazyck, Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau Greg Antoun, Chipblaster JoAnn McBride, Lawrence County Tourist Promotion Agency Mike Allyn, Titusville Redevelopment Authority Dave Morris, Northwest PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau Brad Ehrhart, Clarion County EDC John Oliver, Erie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Amara Geffen, Allegheny College Mike Olewine, Warren County Visitors Bureau Jen Groleau, Greenville Neuromodulation Services Betty Squire, Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry and Tourism Joseph Grunenwald, Clarion University Scott Hartle, Thiel College Technology Advisory Group (TAG) Art Heckathorn, National City Bank Alan Fuller, Warren Electric Cooperative Jim Lowry, Greenville Economic Development Corp. Chris Kossman, Central Electric Cooperative Denise McCloskey, Northwest Commission Commissioner Basil Huffman, Forest County Dave Pascale, Retired, Penelec Commissioner Donna Hartle, Clarion County Jeremy Brown, Edinboro University Commissioner John Bortz, Warren County Tracey Shultz, Northwest Savings Bank Dan Glotz, Warren County Planning & Zoning Commission Marc Templin, Bright Hospitality Dominic DeMarinis, Senator White’s Regional Office Commissioner Morris Waid, Crawford County Jim Decker, Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry Michele Zieziula, Regional Center for Workforce Excellence Mike Rearick, Clarion County Willam Shields, University of Pittsburgh at Titusville Murray Marsh, Warren General Hospital Ron May, Center for eBusiness and Advanced IT Robert Bauer, MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP Loan Committee Todd Lake, Warren County Richard Sherbondy, PNC Bank Tony Fensel, Erie Manufacturing Company Eugene Cirka, Marquette Savings Bank William DeLuca, Jr., Erie Bank Planners Committee John Stiller, Northwest Savings Bank Dan Glotz, Warren County Planning and Zoning Commission Commissioner Basil Huffman, Forest County Doug Carlson, Forest County Planning Commission Mark Mehlenbacher, CPA Twila Rifenberrick, Clarion County Planning Commission Chris Zerbe, First National Bank of Pennsylvania Judy Downs, Venango County Regional Planning Commission William McKinley, PitViper Consulting Frank Gingras, Lawrence County Planning Commission Ronald Kerr, Agriculture Consultant Dan Gracenin, Mercer County Regional Planning Commission Jack Lynch, Crawford County Planning Commission Jake Welsh, Erie County Planning Commission

21 nwcommission.org Staff Contact

Jason Amory, Business Development Coordinator Suzanne Gagliardo, CMSM, Manager, Community Development W. Randy Rice, Director, Community Development & Planning [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Janet Anderson, Director, Business & Economic Development Claudia Garcia, Senior International Trade Specialist William Rupert, Manager, Energy Program [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Bobbi Beightol, Fiscal Manager Ned Goucher, Senior Director, Organizational Development Travis Siegel, Marketing Specialist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Vonda Caldwell, Senior Administrative Assistant Dorte Heffernan, CGBP, Manager, International Trade Amanda Slider, Loan Specialist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Lisah Cervone, Assistant Fiscal Manager Katarina Ishman, International Trade Specialist Sue Smith, Manager, Regional Planning [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Daryl Coyne, Manager, Loan Programs Denise McCloskey, Executive Director Amber Walters, Administrative Assistant [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Jo Cramer, Administrative Assistant Krystal Pistone, Government Contracting Specialist Lisa Wood, Manager, Government Contracting [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] nwcommission.org 22 Oil City Office 395 Seneca Street | PO Box 1127 Oil City, PA | 16301 | USA P: 814.677.4800 F: 814.677.7663

Clarion Office 627 Wood Street Clarion, PA | 16214 | USA P: 814.297.7158 F: 814.297.7164

Serving the Counties of: Clarion | Crawford | Erie | Forest | Lawrence | Mercer | Venango | Warren