News

Click here to access the Young Professional Scholarship Request Form for PEDA's spring and fall conferences. This scholarship opportunity is made available through the generosity of FirstEnergy Corp.

Please click here to access the RFP.

The Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) Combined State Plan is now live and available for public comment.  Please click here to review the plan and don't miss out on this opportunity to comment before the plan is submitted to the Department of Labor.  Information is provided on how and where to comment as well as where additional information can be obtained.   

You may want to take a look at the section where it describes coordination between economic and workforce development.  The Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) are required to coordinate with local economic development agencies.

If you have a problem with the link, you can also find the plan and the additional information on newPA.com. The public comment period ends on February 2, 2016.

Thank you to all of the 2015 membership survey participants. In an ongoing effort to meet the needs of PEDA members, we conducted a brief survey to not only better understand the make-up of our membership, but to also ensure we are meeting the membership’s needs.

One thing really stood out – based on the survey participants’ feedback, it appears that we have an age gap in economic development and more importantly an experience gap. As an association and industry, this brings up a vital issue – what does succession planning look like in your region? How can we begin to fill the generational gap?

We look forward to bringing more economic development young professionals into the fold at PEDA through the Young Professional Scholarship for our annual conferences funded generously by FirstEnergy and continuing this important conversation in 2016.

Membership Information

Number of years of PEDA Membership: 60% 5 Years+

Type of membership

-          Economic Development Professional: 60%

-          Allied Professional + Public Official: 0

Satisfaction (scale of 1-5): 98% of respondents denoted 3 to 5

Value of membership – in order of respondents’ priority

1.     Networking

2.     Conferences

3.     Discounted Event Regis

4.     PEDI trainings

5.     News/Comm.

6.     Legis. Voice

Demographic Information

Demographic Data

• -          66%: age of 50+
• -          50/50 male to female ratio

Experience

• -          45%: 25 years of experience
• -          ~30%: 5-14 years of experience
• -          ~7.5%: 15-24 years of experience

Bruce J. Reddock

Economic Development Specialist

Bruce J. Reddock joined the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce in July 2015 as part of The Scranton Plan, the industrial marketing arm of the Chamber. As Economic Development Specialist, Bruce is responsible for attracting new industries and assisting in the expansion of local businesses within Lackawanna County, as well as implementing the marketing initiatives set forth by the Scranton Plan. Through prospect visits and tours, this initiative generates economic development projects which assist in the creation and retention of jobs to Lackawanna County.

After graduating from Misericordia University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government, Law, and National Security, Mr. Reddock relocated to New York City to begin his professional career taking a job in the education and technology industry.

While living in New York City Bruce became an avid runner and his affiliation with the Scranton-owned Brooklyn Running Company re-ignited his love for Northeastern Pennsylvania.  He could not resist the call and returned home in January 2015. 

Prior to his role at The Chamber, Bruce held several marketing positions with multi-national companies dealing in both the B2B and B2C channels.  He was the Graduate Program Territory Manager for The Princeton Review of NYC and most recently held the role of Market Development Manager for Coca-Cola Refreshments.  Bruce’s experience working in both a major metropolitan and large geographical area have fostered his ability to be nimble, creative, responsive, and focused.

He currently resides in Old Forge with his brother, Matthew, and dog, Maverick.

Crystal Window & Door Systems Expands in Pennsylvania

- Manufacturer Purchases Building and Property in Northeast PA for Production -

Working with the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s industrial and economic development affiliates, Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO) and the Scranton Plan, national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, headquartered in New York, recently purchased a 226-acre property in northeast Pennsylvania on October 1, 2015 to expand its production capabilities. The property, which is comprised of a parcel of undeveloped land and a developed parcel with a 336,500-ft2 partially outfitted building, was purchased for $5 million.

"Crystal Windows' acquisition in Pennsylvania is the next step in our long history of expansion and growth," said Thomas Chen, Chairman and CEO for Crystal. "For 25 years, Crystal has provided quality products to the construction and fenestration industries, and once up and running, this new production facility will enable us to continue to serve our growing customer base across the nation for a long time to come."

The newly acquired property is located in Benton Township (with a small portion in Scott Township) in Pennsylvania, just north of Scranton, a mile from Interstate 81. Originally owned by Northrop Grumman and then by Owens-Corning, the property was partially but never fully outfitted for production operations. The facility was bought by The Wolfington Companies of King of Prussia, PA and its affiliates in 2003 and has not been further developed. Crystal Windows is looking to change that, and plans major interior renovation and outfitting for production and administrative spaces, as well as major equipment acquisition for a number of vinyl and aluminum window assembly processes.

“This is great news for the greater Scranton area and we are happy that another manufacturer is choosing to expand and create new jobs in Pennsylvania,” said Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin. “Governor Wolf is committed to ensuring that we build a climate that attracts business and supports our manufacturers so that we continue to realize successes like today’s announcement.”

The company plans initial production of windows and the hiring of 30 to 50 workers to begin early next year. Employment will ramp up as production increases and is expected to exceed 300 when the factory reaches full capacity in a few years. In the long term, further development of the property may result in even more hires.

Crystal's chronology of significant expansion efforts since its startup in New York City in 1990 include an 85,000-ft2 Chicago factory in 1996, a large new 205,000-ft2 facility in Queens, NY in 2001, the 2003 acquisition of a 131,000-ft2 aluminum extrusion plant in Union, MO and the launch of a 116,000-ft2 Riverside, CA manufacturing operation in 2012. With the latest acquisition in Pennsylvania, the manufacturing footprint of Crystal Window & Door Systems and its affiliates is approaching one million square feet. The company also operates sales and distribution offices in New York, Chicago, Cleveland, St. Louis and Southern California. With over 500 employees nationally, Crystal distributes products in over 40 states and the company is ranked amongst the top 35 window and door manufacturers in North America.

Crystal has worked closely with The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce for almost two years to identify opportunities in the region, to facilitate important introductions, and to iron out the details of this specific project. "I would like to thank everyone at The Chamber for all their hard work in bringing this purchase to fruition. I'd like to particularly recognize Chamber President Robert Durkin, and his economic development experts Andy Skrip and Molly Lorenzen for their professionalism," said Mr. Chen.

The real estate broker representatives for the deal were Kim Meincke and Ruth Wang of Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL). Law firms representing the buyer were Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn of Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, PA and The O'Brien Law Group of Susquehanna, PA. Law firms Silverang, Donohoe, Rosenzweig & Haltzman of St. Davids, PA and Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin of Lansdale, PA represented the seller. Financing for the acquisition is provided by Webster Bank. Site inspections, legal and engineering reviews, and property appraisals have been conducted by several local and regional Pennsylvania firms.

"We are excited to expand in Northeast Pennsylvania. We know the potential for further manufacturing expansion here is terrific. As we develop this new facility and expand our production operations, we will not only need new workers but also a wide variety of services and materials from regional Pennsylvania suppliers. We're looking forward to being an important part of the community," said Mr. Chen.

SB 756 aims to continue the ability of farm credit institutions to participate in the First Industries Program, and enable the Commonwealth Financing Authority to continue providing guarantees of 51% to 90% of the loan principal to finance an agricultural project.  Additionally, it continues a provision reducing the private investment minimum to $500,000.00.  These provisions were amended into Title 64 in 2007, and in 2011 legislation extended farm credit institutions participation in the program with an expiration date of July 15, 2015.  Effectively, this legislation will extend the farm credit institutions' participation beyond the July 15, 2015 sunset date and there would be no pending sunset dates in the future.

PEDA has received member input from many areas of the state where the program has been utilized to the benefit of the agribusiness community.  Please contact your legislator today to voice your support for this bill which will be considered by the House tomorrow.

AGY, manufacturer of fiberglass yarns, was once the largest manufacturing employer in Huntingdon.  Economic changes, corporate incentives, changing supply chains and much more led to the eventual decline of the company’s footprint in Huntingdon County.  AGY, headquartered in Aiken, S.C., began operations in Huntingdon in 2007 after purchasing the building that formerly operated as Owens-Corning Fiberglass. Over time, many components of the plant’s operations have been sent to the AGY headquarters in Aiken, S.C.  On July 25, 2012 corporate executives for AGY announced their plans to sell the Huntingdon facility and its operations.  At this point the plant employed only 55 people.

The staff of Huntingdon County Business and Industry jumped in to action with the assistance of the Governor’s Action Team to aid in the process of finding a buyer.  Fearful that the wrong buyer would lead to the loss of the final 55 jobs, the process was slow and painful at best. 

Eventually a serious buyer emerged – Stonewood Capital Management of Pittsburgh.  Research showed the firm had significant experience in owning and operating manufacturing facilities. “Stonewood is excited to invest in the continuous filament mat (CFM) business and assist the Huntingdon management team in its efforts to capitalize on growth initiatives.” – Ken Moritz, Stonewood Capital Management. They also opted to partner with former AGY plant manager – Paul Geist.  Paul would eventually become part owner and president of the organization.  He played a vital role in keeping this business operational in Huntingdon. 

The 55 plant employees retained their jobs, as they were hired by the new company, and Moritz said the facility hoped to add an additional 15-20 employees within the following six to eight months.  Geist said the support of the governor’s Action Team, Walker and Huntingdon County Business and Industry (HCBI) were “key in allowing us to acquire this business” and that their support will be instrumental in future expansion projects.

“My partners at Stonewood Capital and I have been very pleased with the support we’ve received from the community, but also from the governor’s Action Team to make sure we keep these jobs here in Huntingdon,” Geist said.

 At a time when many manufacturers are leaving the region, Huntingdon County Business and Industry executive director Amy Wise said the company’s intention to retain and build jobs is refreshing.  “We have been working with the company and they have said how pleased they are to be able to keep jobs here,” Wise said. “I think this is a boost to the economy at a much needed time.”

CAROL L. KILKO

Carol joined the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) in June of 2015 as the Special Assistant, Agency Development Initiatives for the Executive Office.  In this capacity, Carol serves as the agency liaison for all workforce development issues and is the training coordinator for all DCED staff professional development.  Carol is responsible for the strong working relationship with all DCED partners to ensure business workforce development needs are identified and addressed. 

This is Carol’s second term with DCED as she worked with the Governor’s Action Team and DCED’s Business Retention Program from 2000-2006.

But most recently, from April 2006 until June of 2015, Carol served as the Director of Training Services for the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS).  As the Director, Carol managed an extensive training program providing local government officials education in all aspects of their daily responsibilities.     

Carol holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelors of Public Policy from Penn State University.