The Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center (NCAC) is honored to announce that The Honorable Lisa Baker, State Senator, 20th Senatorial District, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2008 Community Awards Program. “Senator Baker is a truly committed community leader who serves as an advocate for nonprofit organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania and throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Her many years of dedication to the nonprofit sector is inspiring,” stated Charles Barber, Chairman, NCAC Board of Directors.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) will host Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Singapore on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at NEPA Alliance, Pittston. The representatives will meet one-on-one with companies interested in or currently exporting to these markets. Meetings are only available in the morning and reservations are required.

Pennsylvania has a larger network of expert trade consultants than any other state. Through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), the Center for Trade Development (CTD) oversees a global network of twenty-four Authorized Trade Representatives contracted specifically to help Pennsylvania companies export. Services provided by the Trade Representatives include: market assessment and intelligence, identification of overseas partners, assistance with in-country trade initiatives (trade shows and business meetings), translations and more. These services are free or of little cost to Pennsylvania companies.

PITTSTON, PA    May 08, 2008

Today’s public officials face the growing challenge of managing public assets and facilities in a time of rising energy prices. As owners, occupants and users of public buildings, as well as managers of transportation and public safety infrastructure, knowledge of the basics of energy can help you do your job better and save money for your customers. These workshops will introduce participants to the basics of energy from how we measure it, to how it is regulated and priced, to how you can engage exciting new opportunities such as demand reduction, green architecture and renewable energy supplies as part of energy management planning.

PITTSTON, PA, April 28, 2008

America’s Artisan Bakery d/b/a Olde World Cheesecake produces quality, handmade and natural products. Olde World received national attention in 2006 with the presentation of the Gallo Family Vineyard Gold Medal Award for Best Artisan Confectionery product. Their products were highlighted on Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer which has helped to increase Olde World’s exposure as they continue to provide their delicious delights both on a local and ever growing national level

PITTSTON, PA, April 9, 2008

Dixon Automotive is a second generation automotive repair and collision restoration operated by Todd Dixon.They were established in 1957 by his father on Lafayette Street in West Scranton and Todd has been the owner since they incorporated in 1986. At the end of 2004, the business moved to Old Lackawanna Trail Road in Clarks Summit.

PITTSTON, PA, April 9, 2008

This awards event was established to highlight the under-recognized nonprofit organizations that make an extraordinary impact on the quality of life within our seven county region, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne counties. A first and second place award will be presented for each of the six categories including: Community Development, Arts & Culture, Environmental Action/Animal Welfare, Health & Human Services, Children & Youth and Education.

PITTSTON, PA, March 21, 2008

The Pennsylvania Trade Office will arrange the opportunity for Pennsylvania businesses, at no cost, to present at the conference to a group of investors and deal makers attending the BioFinance Conference

PITTSTON, PA, March 21, 2008

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) will host Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives from Chile, Mexico and Saudi Arabia on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at NEPA Alliance, Pittston. The representatives will meet one-on-one with companies interested in or currently exporting to these markets. Meetings are only available in the afternoon and reservations are required.

PITTSTON, PA, March 11, 2008

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) will host Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives from Chile, Mexico and Saudi Arabia on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at NEPA Alliance, Pittston. The representatives will meet one-on-one with companies interested in or currently exporting to these markets. Meetings are only available in the afternoon and reservations are required.

PITTSTON, PA, February 27, 2008

Dr. Robert G. Garraty, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board is a featured presenter at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance ACTION Symposium on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, Wilkes-Barre. Dr. Garraty will focus on industry partnerships and workforce development with other private business. His work experience includes over 35 years in workforce and economic development with the PA Department of Labor and Industry, a statewide economic development agency, Penn State University, as an owner of a business and a non-profit workforce development agency.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board (PA WIB) is Governor Rendell's principal private sector policy advisor on building a strong workforce development system that is aligned with state education policies and economic development goals. All of its’ members are appointed by the Governor and represent a diverse cross section of business executives, labor officials, education leaders, economic development practitioners and local elected officials. In addition, the cabinet secretaries of five state agencies as well as four members of the legislature serve on the board..

PITTSTON, PA, February 27, 2008

On Thursday, March 27 and Friday, March 28, 2008, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) will host the ACTION Symposium at the Woodlands Inn and Resort, Wilkes-Barre. This two-day event will focus on forming partnerships between the private sector, government, federal labs, economic developers and academia for increased technology transfer and government contracting opportunities for businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Eleanor Holland, Director of the Office of Small Business Programs at Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC) will be a featured speaker at NEPA’s Annual Government Procurement EXPO on Friday, March 28, which is part of this two-day event.

PITTSTON, PA, February 27, 2008

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA), through our Municipal Technology Assistance Program (MTAP) is offering new Dell™ computer systems (desktops and laptops) to local governments at significantly discounted costs. Discounted printers are also available and qualifying municipalities/counties can obtain grants to subsidize costs for Internet access/upgrades and website development/upgrades.

PITTSTON, PA, January 21, 2008

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) has made available to the public, on NEPA's website, a free, downloadable version of the 2007 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

The CEDS update addresses the following for the region: Background, Economic Analysis, Economic Clusters, Goals & Objectives, Participation, Project List and Prioritization, CEDS Plan of Action, Performance Measures and Evaluation.

PITTSTON, PA, December 14, 2007

Officials gathered recently to present a check for $100,000 in loan funds to Gary Reinhardt, President/CEO, J.A. Reinhardt & Co., Inc., Mountainhome, Monroe County for the purchase of new machining and vacuum equipment.

PITTSTON, PA November 9, 2007

Officials hoped to increase drowsy driver awareness at an event conducted yesterday (November 7th) at the Student Health Services Health Fair in the Crystal Room, Nazareth Student Center, Marywood University, Scranton.

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PITTSTON, PA November 8, 2007

Officials gathered recently to present a check for $250,000 in loan funds to Larry and William Nicolais, Spotless Cleaners, Dunmore to purchase state-of-the-art dry cleaning equipment.

PITTSTON, PA, November 2, 2007

Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) President & CEO, Jeffrey K. Box is pleased to announce the addition of two new staff members. Joseph Chacke and Kate Feissner

PITTSTON, PA, October 7, 2007

Officials gathered recently to present a check for $65,000 in Small Business First Loan Funds to Jay Catina, President, C & C Sheet Metal, Inc., Swoyersville for a building expansion project.

PITTSTON, PA, October 4, 2007

 The Annual "Bringing the World to Northeastern Pennsylvania" - Your Ticket to Export Success is coming to Wilkes-Barre on Monday, September 17, 2007 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Woodlands Inn & Resort. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served.

PITTSTON, PA, September 10, 2007

 PITTSTON, PA, August 29, 2007 Officials gathered recently to present a check for $160,000 in Loan Funds to the Hepler Family, Pitman, Schuylkill County for a building and equipment expansion project costing over $400,000. Funding was secured from the First Industries Agricultural Program.

PITTSTON, PA, August 29, 2007

A free workshop for small business owners interested in learning about contracting opportunities with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 from 9:00am-Noon at Convention Hall, Pittston. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, the University of Scranton SBDC, Wilkes University SBDC and the PA Bureau of Minority & Women Business Opportunities (BMWBO) are sponsoring the workshop. Pre-registration is required.

PITTSTON, PA, August 30, 2007

 Penn State Worthington Scranton Campus, in partnership with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) is sponsoring a summer camp, Dream Machines for Girls from June 25th-29th.

PITTSTON, PA, June 19, 2007

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) is excited to announce the launch of the Government Mapping Assistance Program (GMAP). GMAP is a joint venture with National Geomatica (NatGeo), a web-services company that provides web-based municipal automation software complete with a custom built Geographic Information System (GIS).

PITTSTON, PA, June 8, 2007

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) in partnership with Pennstar Bank will announce the formation of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Loan Fund (PILF). PILF is designed to provide financing and technical assistance to municipalities seeking a cooperative intergovernmental approach to meet the municipal services needs of its citizens. Over 300 local government entities in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuykill, Susquehanna and Monroe counties will be eligible for this program. Pennstar Bank's Government Financial Services Division has allocated up to $10 million in loans.

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From left to right, standing, Alan Baranski, Vice President, Community & Government Services, NEPA Alliance; seated, John Jablowski, Jr., Vice President, Manager, Government Financial Services Division, Pennstar Bank; David Raven, President & CEO, Pennstar Bank; Jeffrey Box, President & CEO, NEPA Alliance and standing Kenneth Doolittle, Senior Vice President & Senior Lender, Pennstar Bank.

PITTSTON, PA, June 6, 2007

It has been one year since the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Investment Board received a $150,000 Industry Partnership Grant from the PA Department of Labor to create a regional Electronics Industry Partnership in collaboration with the Lackawanna, Pocono Counties and Northern Tier Workforce Investment Boards. This 12 county partnership expanded the existing efforts of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance led Tobyhanna Training Consortium.

The aggregated training needs of existing workers will be addressed through the July submission of a $400,000 Industry Partnership Worker Training Grant. To showcase the successes of the partnership, a Report to the Community: “A Year in Review” will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Genetti Hotel and Convention Center, Wilkes-Barre.

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PITTSTON, PA, May 8, 2007

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA)
recently assisted the Boroughs of Milford and Matamoras with grant writing and general technical assistance in securing grant funds through the Shared Municipal Services Program administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Through our local government technical assistance program, NEPA is working with local communities to build capacity and assist them in more effectively providing services to their residents.

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PITTSTON, PA, April 30, 2007