ACTIVITIESSEDA-COG

IN CLINTON COUNTY

J a n u a r y 2 0 0 5 — A u g u s t 2 0 0 6

C L I N T O N C O U N T Y

Commun i t y Deve lopment

C O N T A C T : B i l l S e i g e l

Community Development staff recently completed a project with Eastville Community Water Association in Greene Township to upgrade the public water system serving the 25 residences in the village in accordance with PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations. The project involves upgrading a spring water source and well development ($175,000).

Community Development staff has undertaken a Conduit Block Grant Program in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to improve recreation facilities in small communities. Staff recently completed seven projects. The completed projects are:

Beech Creek Borough – The installation of new playground equipment, and the construction of new walkways at the Beech Creek Community Recreation Park ($60,000).

Crawford Township – The installation of new playground equipment, and the construction of a new picnic pavilion and walkways at the Rauchtown Community Park ($50,000).

Pine Creek Township, Woolrich Park – New playground, tree assessment, and improved access for mobility impaired ($60,000).

Avis Borough, Oak Grove Park – New playground, safety surface, and improved access for mobility impaired. A new pavilion will also be built ($60,000).

Mill Hall Borough, Mill Hall Community Park – New playground, safety surface, and improved access for mobility impaired ($50,000).

Renovo Borough, Ninth Street Park – New playground, storm drainage, safety surface, and recoating of the existing tennis/basketball court; also improved handicapped access ($50,000).

South Renovo Borough, South Renovo Playground /Park – New playground, safety surface, and improved access for mobility impaired ($50,000).

SEDA-COG has been assisting Clinton County in the long term collaborative effort to upgrade the Renovo/South Renovo/Chapman Township water system. This project involves the construction of a 60,000 gallon water storage facility, Renovo/South Renovo river crossing interconnect, and upgrade of the distribution system. This project blends Community Development Blocl Grant (CDBG) Entitlement, CDBG Competitive, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local funds for construction.

Community Development staff undertakes and completes all Environmental Review procedures on behalf of Lock Haven, as they relate to federal Community Development Block Grant funding projects.

Community Development staff are working directly with the Clinton County Economic Partnership to administer an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant ($1,000,000) to complete the Lamar Township Business Park. This grant was developed by SEDA-COG’s Economic Development Program.

Commun i t y Resource Cen ter (CRC)

Economic Deve lopmentBusiness Development FinanceDuring January 2004 – December 2006, SEDA-COG and Clinton County, including the efforts of the Clinton County Loan Administration Board and the City of Lock Haven Enterprise Zone, combined efforts to fund 28 loans to 23 businesses. The $2.9 million in Economic Development loans leveraged $14.4 million in private funds to finance $17.3 million in projects. These projects resulted in the commitment to create/retain 167 jobs at an average cost of $17,217 per job. Below is a list of businesses that received financing assistance through SEDA-COG during the past three years.

C O N T A C T : J i m M c C l u r e

C O N T A C T : T o m G r b e n i c k

PA Wilds PlanningCRC staff continues to serve on the PA Wilds Planning Team, which meets on a monthly basis to provide guidance, coordination, and technical support in the interest of helping local communities plan and prepare for the growth and development impacts associated with the marketing of tourism throughout the PA Wilds.

Animal Medical Center of Central PA

APC International, Ltd.

Bald Eagle Beer Store Company

Blazina’s Home Services

Central Mountain Physical Therapy

Clinton County Partnership

Curt’s Smokin Ribs Company

E&D Construction Company

Elam K. Fisher

Emanuel (Jim) and Elaine A. Cardinal

Family Mortgage Company

Fox Hollow Mini Excavating

Hollie Wise Allstate Insurance, LLC

Infant Development Program, Inc.

Kessinger Propane, Inc.

Keystone Community Network, Inc.

Loganton Country Store

Nedo, Inc.

Renovo Rail Industries, LLC

Rock River & Trail Outfitters

Second To None, LLC

Wagner Masters Custom Woodworking, Inc.

Your Building Centers, Inc.

Hous ing Program

SEDA-COG Housing staff, working with the City of Lock Haven, has started a City Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. Two Lead-Based Paint Safe Work Practices training sessions have been held. Sixteen homeowners have been approved for program participation to date. Currently the program has completed 6 units, expending $171,883 in rehabilitation grant funds and expects to start two more units by the end of February 2007. Three more units are in the inspections phase.

C O N T A C T : M i k e F i s h e r

Expor t Deve lopment Ass is tance

Centra l Pennsy lvan ia En t repreneur ia l Ass is tance Ne twork /Microen terpr ise Deve lopment Program

SEDA-COG’s Export Development Program provides export counseling, market research, technical assistance, market development support, training seminars, trade event assistance, and trade leads matching to companies in Clinton County.

During the past three years, 16 companies have accessed these export development services and the program has engaged 3 new companies in 2005. Six companies participated in various trade events, including four that attended the Central Pennsylvania International Trade Conference in 2005, one that met with Pennsylvania’s Canadian Overseas Trade Representative in 2005, and one that attended an “Intro to Export Procedures” seminar in 2006.

The following companies received export assistance during the period. Seven received international trade lead opportunities. Eight companies received assistance from Pennsylvania’s overseas trade representatives.

C O N T A C T : E l i z a b e t h C a s h

(Microenterprise Development — Judith Flynn (CPEAN)The Central Pennsylvania Entrepreneurial Assistance Network (CPEAN) is a collaborative public/private alliance of more than 50 partners created to stimulate new business starts, enhance small business expansions, and increase the survival rate of small businesses. The main marketing tool and information portal for the CPEAN is www.businessgrower.com which provides a centralized place for entrepreneurs to access information and guidance on financing assistance, training opportunities, business plan writing, and other technical assistance. In Clinton County, the CPEAN has provided assistance to 8 entrepreneurs. In the first quarter of 2005, a Business Plan Competition to increase entrepreneurship awareness and encourage business ownership among young adults was held throughout the region with 4 Central Mountain High School business students participating. Of the four students who submitted one-page summaries, three were selected to compete in the semi-final and final levels which entailed compiling a full business plan and an oral presentation in front of the judges’ panel. These three Clinton County students were awarded First, Second and Fourth Places in the overall competition and received cash awards of $1,500; $750; and $250, respectively.

Nearly all of the entrepreneurs who contact the CPEAN are ultimately seeking capital to start or expand a small business. To respond to this need, SEDA-COG started the Microloan Fund. The fund was originally created to provide small business loans to qualified borrowers for equipment, working capital, and building improvements. The Microloan Fund was reorganized and restructured in 2006 and renamed the Microenterprise Development Program. The new name reflects the program’s expanded mission to provide a combination of training and technical assistance in addition to lending activities to entrepreneurs. To date, the Microenterprise Development Program has received 3 applications from Clinton County small businesses.

C O N T A C T : B a r b a r a W o o d s o n

Sahtaine Gourmet FoodsSue’s SalvesTA SeedsWoolrich Bottled WaterWoolrich, Inc.

APC – American Piezo Ceramics Int’lBrodart Co.Faber Burner CompanyFirst Quality International, Inc.General Aviation Technical ServicesJersey Shore Steel Company

Nicholas Packing CompanyOakridge LumberPhillips Wood Products, Inc.Pine Creek Lumber, Co.Raymond Group

I n f ras t ruc ture Deve lopment & Keys tone Oppor tun i t y Zone (KOZ)

Lamar Township Business Park Infrastructure Development, Lamar Township, Clinton CountyISEDA-COG worked with the Clinton County Economic Partnership and the Delta Development Group to secure $1,000,000 in EDA funding to partially cover the cost of providing infrastructure to the proposed Lamar Township Business Park. Final approval of the grant application was received in December 2004.

Lamar Township Business Park Access Road, Lamar Township, Clinton CountyIn early 2004, SEDA-COG assisted the Partnership in submitting an ARC application for $250,000 to construct an access road to serve the business park.

There are 220 acres of KOZ designated property in Clinton County, a 24-acre site at the Piper Airport Business Park, an 80-acre site at the Renovo Industrial Park, and a 116-acre site at the Lamar Township Business Park.

SEDA-COG also incorporated 116 acres in the proposed Lamar Township Business Park as part of its 2004 KOZ Enhancement pre-qualification application submitted to DCED in February 2004 and its final KOZ Enhancement application in May 2004. In June 2004, Commonwealth approval for KOZ designation was received.

As KOZ Coordinator for the Central Region KOZ, SEDA-COG provides technical assistance to Subzone Coordinators, KOZ property owners, businesses operating in the KOZ, and local officials with regard to KOZ policies and application procedures. In addition, we respond to inquiries regarding the KOZ program from various entities from wanting to know if a location is in a KOZ to searches for KOZ buildings and land.

SEDA-COG also processes all yearly KOZ applications submitted. The following is a summary of the recent number of applications that have been processed in the last three years since the inception of the program .

Number of Applications Year

5 2004

7 2005

7 2006

As of 2006, these applicants have provided $12,804,070 of investment in the County and employ 16.

C O N T A C T : J e r r y B o h i n s k i

PA SourceNet ( w w w. p a s o u r c e n e t . c o m )

PA SourceNet is an internet-based network of Pennsylvania companies that buy from and sell to each other, providing firms with potentially new sources for materials, services, and industrial processes. This website can also be used by enrolled firms to search for qualified sales leads among other Pennsylvania companies.

The database has an active membership of more than 9,000 Pennsylvania companies, of which 44 are located in Clinton County.

C O N T A C T : J u d i t h F l y n n

The Pennsylvania Business Retention and Expansion Program (PA BREP) was established in 1997 to forge better working relationships and stronger collaboration among the network of public, private, state and local economic development organizations. Since its inception, the goal of the program has remained constant - to retain and grow the existing base of businesses and jobs in Pennsylvania by connecting local businesses with resources to help them solve problems, maintain competitiveness, and promote economic vitality. SEDA-COG partners with our county Chambers of Commerce and Industrial Development Corporations to conduct the PA BREP throughout the Central Region. This year, our partners will visit more than 850 companies in the region, conduct one-on-one discussions with company CEOs and executives, making referrals to a network of more than 50 regional organizations that can help address the companies’ needs. Since January 2004, in collaboration with the Clinton County Economic Partnership, 162 company visits have been conducted in Clinton County and 22 referrals were sent to our service provider network. These referrals resulted in business expansions that yielded a total public financial investment of $6,335,000 and total private company and bank financial investment of $5,935,000.

C O N T A C T : J u d i t h F l y n n

Pennsy lvan ia Bus iness Re ten t ion &Expans ion Program (BREP)

Procurement Techn ica l Ass is tance

The mission of the SEDA-COG Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is to assist area businesses in pursuing government contracting and subcontracting opportunities. Individualized counseling, informational resources, and group training seminars are provided on doing business with local, state, and federal government agencies as well as major prime contractors. Since inception of the program in 1982, companies throughout Clinton County have utilized the assistance available through the PTAC.

In Fiscal Year 2003/2004, the PTAC assisted 8 client companies in Clinton County and provided 23 follow-up counseling sessions. These clients have reported 2 contracts/subcontracts valued at over $59,000.

In FY 2004/2005, the PTAC assisted 6 client companies based in Clinton County. There was 1 new client and 41 follow-up counseling sessions were provided. These clients reported 11 contracts/subcontracts valued at $127,327,339.

During Fiscal Year 2005/2006, the PTAC had assisted seven client companies based in Clinton County. There was 1 new client and 26 follow-up counseling sessions were provided. These clients reported 12 contracts/subcontracts valued at $19,974,551.

The following is a list of 11 current Clinton County businesses that are active clients of the PTAC. Eight companies are currently subscribed to SEDA-COG’s free bid matching service, which provides customized notification of government bid opportunities.

C O N T A C T : R o b e r t B r o w n

Jersey Shore Steel Company

Nicholas Meat Packing Co.

Ulmer Farms

Woolrich

Woolrich Spring Water

All-American Janitorial, Inc.

Avis Packaging Services Corporation

Brodart Supplies/Furniture Division

Clinton Pallet Company, Inc.

Faber Burner Company

First Quality Products

Graph ics and Pr in t i ng

Printing services were provided to the CareerLink of Clinton County through SEDA COG’s Graphics and Printing Department.

C O N T A C T : J e r r y J o h n s o n

I n format ion Techno log ies Group ( I TG)

Website development was performed for Avis Packaging and Sue’s Salves.

Provided free computer and website helpdesk support for municipalities.

Provide free Website Hosting for local governments

Provided assistance to rural residents in seeking BFRR assistance to acquire broadband access.

Assisted in the acquisition of a Microsoft software grant for Hemlock Girl Scout Council worth approximately $39,294.

C O N T A C T : J i m B a k e r

SEDA-COG’s ITG provides a broad range of services to our client counties. Such services range from software and hardware support, networking support, web and database application design and implementation, and technical consulting. Below is a summary of such services ITG has provided to Clinton county and its municipalities.

Geograph ic In format ion Sys tems

Clinton County GIS Director is frequent guest at GIS Task Force Meetings.

Greenway mapping in corridor along Susquehanna River in Clinton County.

Internet web mapping application for Valleys of the Susquehanna features Clinton county tourist attractions (www.pavalleys.com).

Completed installation and training on GeoPlan software in Lock Haven Code Office. ARC Grant extended to February 2007 to prepare sanitary sewer data and implement GeoPlan at Sewer Authority.

Prepared presentation posters of Clinton County Enterprise Zone.

Currently providing mapping support for Regional Land Use and Transportation Master Plan.

C O N T A C T : J o e D e W a l l e

Transpor ta t ion / Spec ia l Pro jec tsCarry out the regional transportation planning process in Clinton County.

Coordinated the Transportation Enhancements (TE) and Home Town Streets /Safe Routes to School selection process and worked with project sponsors.

Approved $350,000 for Lock Haven City Bellefonte Avenue Home Town Streets project.

Developing a regional long-range transportation plan that will identify long-term transportation needs in Clinton County.

Processed TIP amendments and modifications involving numerous Clinton County transportation projects.

Relying on the SEDA-COG Freight Advisory Committee, reviewed select roadways in Clinton County for the purpose of prioritizing freight system improvements.

As part of a contract with PennDOT, worked to extend Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) technology transfer services to Clinton County mu¬nicipalities.

Conducted classes on Superpave and, Posting and Bonding

Attended Clinton County Convention

Attended COG Meeting

Prepared invitee list from Clinton County for GIS Technology Fair

Completed Roadway Safety Audits and accident analysis for Clinton County roads. Approved Highway Safety Improvement Program funds for intersection improvements at US 220/Auction Road intersection; approved various rumble strip installations.

Sponsored transportation-oriented workshops, such as Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Planning and Design Training.

Developing planning process which would coordinate public transportation and human services improvements in Clinton County.

Coordinated ARC access road funding for Clinton County Industrial Park.

Assisted PennDOT in travel demand model development for the state-owned roadway network in Clinton County.

Continued to seek I-99 designation for US RT 220 between I-80 and Salona.

Reviewed Clinton County Economic Partnership’s 12 Year Program list of projects.

Assisted private citizen (Terrence O’Connor) with his transportation concerns and arranged for his presentation to RPO, primarily regarding proposed improvements for PA 144 corridor.

Provided technical assistance to Community Resource Center on potential transportation improvements to the PA Wilds area of Clinton County.

Rebuilt grade crossings in County:

Hanna St. – Lock Haven

Pennsylvania Ave. – Mill Hall

Walnut St. – Lock Haven

Installed new continuous welded rail from Lock Haven to Beech Creek.

Upgraded NBER main line in curve west of Lock Haven yard.

Replaced and upgraded two turnouts on Nittany & Bald Eagle R.R. main line for use by First Quality Tissue.

Worked closely with First Quality Tissue on track design for their phase 2 development.

Prepared an application for a PennDOT Rail Freight Assistance Grant on behalf of the Clinton County

C O N T A C T : J e f f S t o v e r

Economic Partnership to improve the Mill Hall Industrial Track from Draketown to Castanea.

Provided technical assistance to Avery Dennison and Croda on track projects for these chemical companies to store hazmat rail cars on-site.

Met with WSP Chemical regarding rail service to their plant in Castanea.

Performed highway safety inspections on various state and local roadways.

Contract with the Clinton County 911 to provide the communications services for the railroad 1-800 Emergency Notification System.

Graph ics and Pr in t i ng

No printing services were provided to Mifflin County agencies through SEDA COG’s Graphics and Printing Department:

C O N T A C T : J e r r y J o h n s o n

I n format ion Techno log ies Group ( I TG)

C O N T A C T : J i m B a k e r

SEDA-COG’s ITG provides a broad range of services to our client counties. Such services range from software and hardware support, networking support, web and database application design and implementation, and technical consulting. Below is a summary of such services ITG has provided to Mifflin county and its municipalities.

Assisted Focus Central PA (regional economic development group) with email and other network issues associated with their move.

Provided technical assistance to Granville Township and Rich Coast Coffee on website reviews and domain name resolution.

Website development was performed for Unipar Plastics.

Provided free computer and website helpdesk support for municipalities.

Provide free Website Hosting for local governments.

Provided assistance to rural residents in seeking to acquire broadband access.

Assisted in the acquisition of a Microsoft software grant for Hemlock Girl Scout Council worth approximately $39,294.

Geograph ic In format ion Sys tems

Mifflin County GIS staff is frequent guest at GIS Task Force Meetings.

Internet web mapping application for Valleys of the Susquehanna features Mifflin County tourist attractions (www.pavalleys.com).

Provided GIS technical services to Lewistown.

Currently providing mapping support for Regional Land Use and Transportation Master Plan.

C O N T A C T : J o e D e W a l l e

Carry out the regional transportation planning process in Mifflin County.

Coordinated the Transportation Enhancements and Home Town Streets / Safe Routes to School selection process and worked with project sponsors.

Approved $173,100 for Mifflin County’s Monument Square Phase II Home Town Streets project.

Approved additional $190,000 to complete Lewistown Borough Montgomery Avenue Transportation Enhancements streetscape project.

Assisted PennDOT District 2-0 in the implementation of a regional Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) plan that would increase the safety and efficiency of the transportation system in Mifflin County.

Developing a regional long-range transportation plan that will identify long-term transportation needs in Mifflin County.

Processed TIP amendments and modifications involving numerous Mifflin County transportation projects.

Presented highway safety information at Mifflin County Planning Commission meeting.

Relying on the SEDA-COG Freight Advisory Committee, reviewed select roadways in Mifflin County for the purpose of prioritizing freight system improvements.

As part of a contract with PennDOT, worked to extend Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) technology transfer services to Mifflin County mu¬nicipalities.

Conducted training classes on Superpave and Posting and Bonding

Attended Mifflin County Convention

Prepared invitee list from Union County for GIS Technology Fair.

Completed Roadway Safety Audits and accident analysis for Mifflin County roads. Approved Highway Safety Improvement Program funds for curve signing on SR 322 near Seven Mountains; various rumble strip installations.

Sponsored transportation-oriented workshops, such as Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Planning and Design Training.

Assisted PennDOT in travel demand model development for the state-owned roadway network in Mifflin County.

Developing planning process which would coordinate public transportation and human services improvements in Mifflin County.

Continue to work with Mifflin County Planning on rural transit issues.

Reviewed updates on Stone Arch Bridge Project.

Attended public meeting on Monument Square Project.

Reconstructed the Chestnut Street and SR22/522 grade crossings in Lewistown.

Built new 4,500 square foot engine house for the Juniata Valley Railroad.

Worked cooperatively with the MCIDC for the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority to accept ownership of the West Park track.

Secured grants from USDA ($92,000) and DCED ($111,000) for a reconstructed siding for Krentzman and the Maitland Runaround Track.

Attended Mifflin County Planning Commission workshop on the State Transportation Commission public hearing guidelines.

Transpor ta t ion / Spec ia l Pro jec ts

Attended Mifflin County Planning Commission workshop on the Monument Square Project.

As part of the SEDA-COG Freight Advisory Committee, reviewed select roadways in Mifflin County for the purpose of prioritizing freight system improvements.

As part of a contract with PennDOT, worked to extend Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) technology transfer services to Mifflin County mu¬nicipalities.

Performed highway safety inspections on various state and local roadways.

C O N T A C T : J e f f S t o v e r