News

With one week remaining until our last training of CY 2013, registration has also opened for our January 29th webinar, Workforce Development: Best Practices in Partnerships.  Please read the below overviews and click on the provided links to view the registration brochures or to register!

 

EB-5 FINANCING & THE ANATOMY OF A DEAL* Webinar

 

You’ve probably heard the term at economic development conferences. Maybe you’ve seen the headlines in economic development and financing blogs. Or maybe you’ve heard that Pennsylvania leads the nation in EB-5 financing projects. Now you can find out how EB-5 financing can work for you in getting your next big project off the ground.  Here’s what it is and how it works:

 

Overseen by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides foreign nationals the opportunity to become conditional permanent residents for two years upon making an investment of $500,000 in a qualifying project that will create at least ten new, direct or indirect jobs for U.S. workers. EB-5 investors must submit an immigration application to the USCIS with a comprehensive business plan that is sufficiently detailed to demonstrate that the investment project meets the job creation requirements of the EB-5 Program.

Investment Structure

EB-5 Program qualifying investments are typically made through newly formed limited partnerships that make an interest-only loan to a job creating project or business for a five-year term. Information regarding the investment and the job creating enterprise are presented to investors through a private placement offering and to the USCIS as an integral part of each investor immigrant’s application.

Benefits of EB-5 Financing

• Source of Capital for government agencies and private businesses at competitive, below-market fixed interest rates; no cost to taxpayers
• Creative Financing Vehicle for private lender financing during a period when credit is restricted and economic development programs have been cut
• Source of Job Creation in the United States during time when the economy is weak and national unemployment rate is high
• Supported by Government Authorities on a state, regional and local level
• Promotes Economic Development in economically challenged areas

Since 2001, the State of Pennsylvania has had an approved regional center in partnership with the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and CanAm Enterprises, a leading promoter of EB-5 Investment Funds. As economic development professionals, you need to know about this burgeoning financing opportunity for your next project.

Click on the session title above to learn more.
 

This session is recognized by PEDA, the Pennsylvania Economic Development Institute and by the EDP certification program of the Northeastern Economic Developers Association (NEDA).  

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: BEST PRACTICES IN PARTNERSHIPS* Webinar

Preparing today’s workforce for in-demand jobs is a key component in the fight to rebuild Pennsylvania’s economy. Strong partnerships between industry and organizations focused on workforce development are essential if the workplace needs of employers and employees are to be effectively met.

This program will address common challenges and pitfalls associated with building and maintaining strong partnerships in the world of workforce development while laying out a step-by-step blueprint through which the successful development of multi-organization partnerships can be achieved. This approach, which is based on best practices utilized by successful Pennsylvania economic development organizations, will include the use of case studies as well as discussion of several key elements ranging from the identification of partners to relationship building and definition of roles to strategic planning and, of course, information sharing and communication. In line with the motto of our presenters, practitioners must plan, implement, fine tune and then repeat in order to consistently meet the needs of our community’s workforces.

Professionals who will benefit from this session include, but are not limited to, economic development professionals, individuals whose responsibilities include any aspect of workforce development such as consensus-building, educational or industry partnerships, relationship management, etc. Also benefiting are those interested in gaining a stronger understanding of best practices in this area of subject matter or simply finding new value for clients.

Click on the session title above to learn more.

This session is recognized by PEDA, the Pennsylvania Economic Development Institute and by the EDP certification program of the Northeastern Economic Developers Association (NEDA).

WEDNESDAY – 12/4/13

Senate Democratic Policy Committee

2:00 p.m., HACC Harrisburg Campus, International Room, Cooper Student Center, One Hacc Drive, Harrisburg  Roundtable discussion on workforce development and job training with special focus on training for individuals entering the workforce and matching them with today’s real-world jobs

Please be advised that the Community, Economic & Recreational Development Committee will be holding a meeting/hearing on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. in Room 8E-A East Wing (Main Capitol Complex, Harrisburg, PA).

 

The meeting portion will be to consider SR183 [Yaw] (A Resolution recognizing the economic and trade relationship between Taiwan and Pennsylvania), to be followed by a hearing. The hearing portion is for the purpose of looking at the subject of tourism in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to evaluate where Pennsylvania is currently positioned (including in comparison to other states) and headed with regard to tourism and the marketing of tourism (both at the state and local level) given that this industry is an important and integral part of Pennsylvania’s economy (i.e. tax revenues, jobs, overall economic impact, etc.).  It will also provide an opportunity to discuss the Pennsylvania Tourism Partnership (PTP) initiative, other tourism initiatives (proposed or otherwise) and issues of import in relation to the upcoming Budget Process (Fiscal Year 2014 - 2015).

 

Please see the enclosed agenda.

 

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jason R. Brehouse, Esq.,  Executive Counsel & Director to Senator Kim Ward, at either jbrehouse@pasen.gov or 717-787-6063.

Recent conferences hosted by the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) have addressed such topics as regional transformation, energy, brownfield revitalization, job creation and retention and legislative issues.  The content of these events has been carefully planned to ensure its timeliness, impact and value to our members and partners.  Our success, however, also hinges upon the support we receive from our sponsors, whose generosity allows us to continue to offer high quality conferences while maintaining a steady cost structure. 

 

We appreciate your involvement in economic development efforts within the commonwealth and respect your need to develop budgets several months in advance.  To assist you in your decision-making process, PEDA is currently offering a 10% discount to organizations committing to serve as sponsors at BOTH of the next two consecutive conferences.  This offer provides you with a platform to reach the economic development community and its partners at a lower, more cost-effective rate.   

 

Among benefits available to sponsors are banner placement, guest passes to attend evening networking receptions, ad space in the conference program book, customized signage and special recognition before, during and after the conference, in addition to others.  Please consider the following, which are detailed in the enclosed sponsorship brochure:

 

• Platinum Level Sponsorship (Exclusive)
• Monday Reception Sponsorship (Exclusive)
• Tuesday Reception Sponsorship (Exclusive)
• Gold Level Sponsorship
• Silver Level Sponsorship
• Bronze Level Sponsorship
• Additional Sponsor, Exhibitor and Advertiser Opportunities (as outlined in the enclosed document)

Conference attendees will come from PEDA’s membership and from partners in government, business and industry to learn from each other and from experts in the field.  The 2014 Spring Conference, annually held in Harrisburg, will focus on legislative issues while the 2014 Fall Conference will be held in Hershey and will address current issues affecting economic development and industry.

 

Pennsylvania is faced with many opportunities now and, as we strive to do our part to grow out state and regional economies, PEDA appreciates your sponsorship consideration.  If you would like to submit a completed sponsorship application, feel free to contact my office at 717-441-6047.  Thank you for your support and dedication to the economic well-being of our commonwealth.

Sincerely,

Joshua L. Skopp | Executive Director

Pennsylvania Economic Development Association

Pennsylvania Economic Development Institute

908 North Second Street | Harrisburg, PA 17102

Phone: 717.441.6047 | Fax: 717.236.2046

www.peda.org | ~Upcoming Events ~

PEDA just wrapped up its annual Fall Conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Pittsburgh Downtown!

On Monday, preceding the Welcome Reception, a PEDI preconference session (Economic Development Financing: Deal Structuring), a tour of the Historic Carrie Blast Furnace, and a series of committee meetings were held, ending with the Fall meeting of the PEDA Board of Directors.

The event officially kicked off on Tuesday morning with a thought-provoking keynote presentation by Bill Flanagan, Executive Vice President - Corporate Relations - for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, focusing on the story of the transformation of the economy of Pittsburgh over 30 years. Throughout subsequent sessions, conference attendees were treated to informative presentations focusing on such timely issues as Pennsylvania's competitive edge in additive manufacturing, utilization of water assets for economic development, a variety of shale gas related issues, the impacts of the film industry and tourism on the commonwealth and the latest with regard to all issues DCED. A full slate of speakers is available here.

During Tuesday's lunch, PEDA Membership Awards were presented to organizations that have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in economic development and significantly contributed to the well being of their communities. This year's award recipients included:

• 2012 Economic Development Agency of the Year - Franklin County Area Development Corporation
• 2012 Economic Development Project of the Year - Volvo Construction Equipment, Inc.; Headquarters for the Americas
• 2012 Economic Development Partner of the Year - Catalyst Connection
• 2012 Economic Development Program of the Year - Berks County Industrial Development Authority

This event could not have been so successful without the help of many individuals and organizations dedicated to economic development, beginning with our sponsors, whose generous support allowed for the development of a truly top-notch event. A special thank you is also extended to our exhibitors, advertisers and Conference Committee members (recognized later in this email) for their involvement. Finally, many thanks to our presenters for sharing their time and expertise and to all of our attendees who were a part of this year's event.

 

Photos from the conference will soon be available on PEDA's Facebook page, where we welcome you to "Like" us. Conference attendees will also be receiving a link to a brief survey in the coming days and they are encouraged to take a few minutes to provide valued feedback. Thank you in advance!

 

Please join us at the Hilton Harrisburg from April 28 - 30, 2014 for our annual Spring Legislative Conference (hotel block information is available now) and at the Hershey Lodge from October 6 - 8, 2014 for our annual Fall Conference.

Thank you to our 2013 Fall Conference Sponsors, Exhibitors and Supporters!

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

attendee gift SPONSOR

Exhibitors & Supporters*

Team Pennsylvania Foundation

Centre County Industrial Development Corporation

Business & Community Financing Solutions

Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County

SSM Group, Inc.

Moody & Associates

Buchart Horn, Inc.

Langan Engineering

Regional Development Funding Corporation

ESRI

Cohen & Grigsby

First National Bank

Houston Harbaugh

Members of PEDA's 2013 Fall Conference Committee include (in alphabetical order) Donna Bates, Emily Buka, Cecelia Cagni, Mike Coonley, Gary Dovey, Deb Eckelberger, Juan Garrett, Dana Kendrick, Howard Lieberman, Betsy Lockwood, Barry Surma, Mary Stollar, Art Tintori (Chair) and Dick Wallace.

*Exhibitors and advertisers not mentioned in metal level sponsorships

Joshua L. Skopp | Executive Director

Pennsylvania Economic Development Association

Pennsylvania Economic Development Institute

908 North Second Street | Harrisburg, PA 17102

Phone: 717.441.6047 | Fax: 717.236.2046

www.peda.org | ~Upcoming Events~

PennDOT and the State Transportation Commission (STC) have shared the new STC website.  Included on the website is the Twelve Year Program (TYP) Update Comment Period, which closes on October 7, 2013.   All are invited to provide comment for the update of the 2015 TYP.

Interested in attending the 2013 Basic Economic Development Course in Pennsylvania? Click here to learn about our scholarship opportunity.

Registration is now open for PEDA's 2013 Fall Conference being held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Pittsburgh Downtown from October 21 - 23, 2013.  The Pittsburgh region is recognized as much for its rich industrial history as for its resilience and successful transformation to meet the business, educational and recreational needs of its residents and visitors.  Through partnerships, innovations and collaboration, the Greater Pittsburgh region is a shining example of excellence in economic development.  Learn more about the region here. Download the Conference Registration Brochure here.

 

PRECONFERENCE SESSION:

 

During our preconference session entitled "Economic Development Financing: Deal Structuring", participants will be treated to the insights of 3 expert panelists from the worlds of economic development, law and banking.  Learn more about our PEDI-recognized preconference session here.  

 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

 

As you review the conference agenda, we invite you to also learn more about available sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities associated with the 2013 Fall Conference.  As the statewide association for economic developers, we believe these venues are ideal for receiving continuing education, making new connections and sharing best practices.  Please consider raising your own profile or that of a partner by participating as a sponsor for the 2013 Fall Conference.  PEDA thanks the following sponsors who have already committed.

 

 

PLATINUM SPONSOR

 

 

GOLD SPONSORS

 

SILVER SPONSORS

 

                                       

     

 

BRONZE SPONSORS

 

                 

 

            

     

 

 

 

attendee gift SPONSOR

Exhibitors & Supporters:

Team Pennsylvania Foundation

 

Centre County Industrial Development Corporation

 

Business & Community Financing Solutions

 

Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County

 

SSM Group, Inc.

 

Moody & Associates

 

Regional Development Funding Corporation

 

Cohen & Grigsby

 

First National Bank

 

Houston Harbaugh

 

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:

 

Room rates for this conference have been reserved for $159/night for single, double, triple and quad. To make a reservation, please call (800) 222-TREE (8733) (or 412-281-5800) and refer to the 2013 PEDA Fall Conference room block. Reservations may be made until September 19, 2013 or until the expanded room block has been filled, whichever comes first.

 

Pending availability, this discounted overnight rate will be extended 3 days before and 3 days after the conference when referencing the highlighted code above.

 

Additional Room Block

With PEDA's room block at the DoubleTree filling rapidly, PEDA has secured an additional block of rooms at the neighboring Pittsburgh Marriott City Center at a rate of $159 per night for the evenings of October 20th, 21st and 22nd. If you are unable to secure a room at the DoubleTree, please click here to reserve your room at the Marriott. If calling the number provided at the linked page, please reference the PEDA Fall Conference Room Block.

Please mark your calendar for these upcoming PEDA and PEDI opportunities (highlighted text indicates registration is open) and visit our website, where important information on new offerings is regularly being added. 

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REVISITING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPER'S TOOLBOX* Webinar! Registration is open!

September 11, 2013 ● 2.00 organizational PDUs (Finance)

 

PEDI CREDIT ANALYSIS 101: A 360 DEGREE VIEW OF CASH FLOW ANALYSIS* Registration is open!

September 25, 2013 ● 6.00 organizational PDUs (Finance)

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCING - STRUCTURING THE DEAL* (DoubleTree Downtown Pittsburgh - Preconference)

October 21, 2013 ● 3.00 organizational PDUs (Finance)

 

2013 PEDA FALL CONFERENCE (DoubleTree Downtown Pittsburgh) Discounted overnight code is available!

October 21 - 23, 2013 ● PDU information is forthcoming.

 

EB-5 FINANCING & THE ANATOMY OF A DEAL* Webinar!

December 11, 2013 ● 1.50 organizational PDUs (Finance)

 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: BEST PRACTICES IN PARTNERSHIPS* Webinar!

January 29, 2014 ● 1.50 organizational PDUs (Workforce Development)

 

2014 PEDA SPRING LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE (Hilton Harrisburg)
April 28 - 30, 2014 ● PDU information is forthcoming.

 

FOSTERING LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES Webinar!

May 7, 2014 ● 1.50 organizational PDUs (Organizational Management)

 

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REDEVELOPING BLIGHTED PROPERTIES: FINANCING SOLUTIONS*
ON DEMAND WEBINAR ● 1.50 organizational PDUs (Finance)

 

MEASURING IMPACT TO BUILD SUPPORT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS*
ON DEMAND WEBINAR  ● 1.50 organizational PDUs (Marketing / PR)

 

BEST DATA SOURCES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH*

ON DEMAND WEBINAR ● 1.50 organizational PDUs (Marketing / PR)

 

REDEVELOPING BLIGHTED PROPERTIES: TOOLS AND STRATEGIES*

ON DEMAND WEBINAR ● 1.50 organizational PDUs (Real Estate Development / Redevelopment)

 

LENDING IN GREENER PASTURES: TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LENDING*
ON DEMAND WEBINAR ● 1.50 organizational PDUs (Finance)

 

TRENDS IN ONLINE SITE SELECTION & GIS TECHNOLOGY*
ON DEMAND WEBINAR ● 1.50 organizational PDUs (Real Estate Development / Redevelopment)

 

Note: Organizations designated by DCED as certified providers cannot earn all non-finance electives in the same Discipline in consecutive fiscal years.

Please contact PEDA Headquarters to provide your input on training needs, speaker suggestions or other professional development-related input.

 

Joshua L. Skopp

Executive Director

Pennsylvania Economic Development Association
Pennsylvania Economic Development Institute

908 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102

717-441-6047 / 717-236-2046 (fax)
www.peda.org

Registration is now open for 2 September Institute trainings.  Please follow the links below to learn more, to view registration brochures or to register!

 

REVISITING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPER'S TOOLBOX* Webinar

The availability of dollars once accessible through popular economic development programs has steadily declined with each new budget cycle. As various funds have been exhausted or altogether dispensed of during this era of waning funding, economic developers have found themselves needing to be increasingly innovative in order to successfully carry out their entities’ missions. While innovation drives the economy of the commonwealth and nation as a whole, it is critical that industry professionals maintain a practical awareness and understanding of fundamental programs available to them outside of and unaffected by the budget cycle.

The primary goal of this program is to provide participants with an overview of key statutory programs, considered essential – but often overlooked – instruments in the economic developer’s toolbox. A complementary goal of this program is to introduce participants to new economic development tools which may only be available for a limited period of time, but which are designed to provide eligible projects with the funds needed to bring them to fruition. By gaining a fuller understanding, participants will be able to maximize the effectiveness of their leadership in their communities and regions.

No matter your level of experience in designing economic development packages for your clients, the aim of this program is to introduce you to and familiarize you with a variety of fundamental tools developed to help you get projects done in your community. Through participation in this program, you will increase your knowledge and be well positioned to evaluate your own practices with those of your peers, thereby improving your overall effectiveness as an economic developer. All economic development professionals whose responsibilities include working with clients or financing programs will benefit from this program.

Click on the session title above to learn more.

 

CREDIT ANALYSIS 101: A 360 DEGREE VIEW OF CASH FLOW ANALYSIS* Live Event

During this program, the concepts outlined in the agenda below will be covered in-depth, providing participants with a thorough understanding of what financial information is key from potential clients, how to use this information to consistently make sound credit decisions, and what alternatives may exist in assisting potential clients in need of strengthening their financials in advance of a successful financing pursuit. They will also gain skills aimed at helping them to identify a potential client’s underlying reasons for borrowing. Case studies will further enhance participants’ knowledge using real world scenarios.

Credit analysts, business finance officers and business development professionals would benefit from attending this program, as well as other individuals seeking to gain a fundamental knowledge of credit analysis and underwriting. Novices can expect to leave with a strong foundation in the credit analysis process, while more seasoned professionals will benefit from a fresh look at this key area of professional competency.

Click on the session title above to learn more.

These sessions are recognized by PEDA, the Pennsylvania Economic Development Institute and by the EDP certification program of the Northeastern Economic Developers Association (NEDA).  

 

 

Joshua L. Skopp | Executive Director

Pennsylvania Economic Development Association

Pennsylvania Economic Development Institute

908 North Second Street | Harrisburg, PA 17102

Phone: 717.441.6047 | Fax: 717.236.2046

www.peda.org | ~Upcoming Events~