Pictured from left: Eric Lowry, Pennoni Associates Inc.; Kurt Bauman, NEPA Alliance; Scott Brown, Pennoni Associates Inc. and Bharat Patel, PADEP, Northeast Region Office.

PITTSTON, PA, June 1, 2009

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center (NCAC) recently held its 2009 Community Awards Program at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Scranton. The event was sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation, PPL Utilities, Pennstar Bank, The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Lackawanna County Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Verizon Foundation, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc./Ocean Logistics, First Federal Charitable Foundation, Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald, LLP, The Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, Howell Benefits, First Liberty Bank & Trust, The Luzerne Foundation, Summit Research Associates, The Lackawanna Heritage Valley, Parente Randolph, LLC, Highlights for Children, Bon Ton and PDQ Print Center.

     The awards event highlighted the under-recognized nonprofit organizations that make an extraordinary impact within NCAC’s seven-county region, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne.

Full Press Release         PITTSTON, PA, May 4, 2009

Ocean Logistics, LLC, a subsidiary of C&S Wholesale Grocers, Keene, N.H., recently awarded a $500 mini-grant to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center (NCAC) in support of the 2009 NCAC Community Awards Program. This year’s Community Awards Program will honor 12 local nonprofit organizations and community groups who make an extraordinary impact on the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Through its mini-grant program, C&S Wholesale Grocers is able to fund many important projects and programs in communities throughout the United States.

Full Press Release         PITTSTON, PA, April 24, 2009

Trade Advisors from Beijing, China; Singapore/Vietnam; Russia and the United Arab Emirates will visit NEPA and the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, April 23 from 9:00am-Noon to hold  one-on-one meetings with area companies. Flyer is attached.  

Click for Flyer          PITTSTON, PA, April 20, 2009

Officials gathered recently to present a check for $100,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grant Funds to Ray Angeli, President, Lackawanna College, Scranton to support a two (2) year Physical Therapist Assistant Certification Program.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance recently hosted industry briefings and one-on-one meetings for regional businesses with PA Authorized Trade Representatives from Australia/New Zealand; Brazil; Canada; Chile; Eastern Mediterranean Region; Saudi Arabia; Shanghai, China and South Africa.

Officials gathered recently to present a check for $50,000 in loan funds to Nancy Nealon, Concrete Step Units, Inc., Scranton for machinery & equipment.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) is conducting a CLOSEOUT of the 2008 Municipal Technology Assistance Program (MTAP). New desktop computer systems and online computer training courses are available for municipal and county governments throughout NEPA's region consisting of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne counties. NEPA is utilizing funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to help underwrite this program.

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) is the only PTAC covering Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill & Wayne counties. The center has been in existence for twenty-five years and serves as a liaison to help local companies, usually small businesses increase sales and growth for our regional economy. NEPA's PTAC staff provides marketing and technical assistance to qualified, competitive companies who wish to bid on government contracts and also works with government agencies to help locate suppliers in the region. The tools available from NEPA's PTAC can help companies market their products and qualify their business to be a leading contender in winning a contract with a state or federal agency.

Through help from NEPA’s PTAC, Linda Thomas, Cosmetologist & Owner, Linda's Full Service Salon & Tanning, Inc., Pocono Blvd., Mt. Pocono was awarded a contract with the PA Department of Public Welfare to perform beautician services for female and African American female individuals residing at the Hamburg Center, Hamburg, PA. The services include shampooing, conditioning, cutting, styling, curling, color and chemical treatments. Thanks to Representative Mario Scavello, when the computer in Linda’s Salon went down, Representative Scavello graciously offered Linda and NEPA PTAC staff the use of his office and a computer which allowed Linda to solicit for and win the contract.

Full Press Release         

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance in Pittston, Pennsylvania has been awarded a 2008 Excellence in Regional Transportation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the Focus 81 Committee.

NADO is a Washington, DC-based association that promotes programs and policies to strengthen local governments, communities and economies through regional cooperation, program delivery and comprehensive strategies. The Excellence in Regional Transportation Awards showcase organizations for noteworthy projects and practices in rural and small metropolitan transportation planning, program delivery and special initiatives. Award winners received national recognition at the 2008 National Rural Transportation Peer Learning Conference, August 17 – 19 in Duluth, Minnesota.

The 10th Annual "Bringing the World to Northeastern Pennsylvania" is coming to Wilkes-Barre. Spin the International Wheel of Opportunity to meet with Foreign Trade Advisors on Thursday, September 18, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Woodlands Inn & Resort.

This no cost annual event, sponsored by NEPA Alliance and the PA Department of Community & Economic Development Center for Trade Development, brings Pennsylvania Foreign Trade Advisors to the commonwealth to meet with businesses interested in developing international markets. The Trade Advisors can provide international marketing & sales advice, product marketability assessments, market entry strategies, support at overseas events, perform agent/distributor searches and much more! Pennsylvania offers a large network of offices and overseas representatives to assist you in finding success in international business.

Officials gathered recently to present a check for $120,000 in loan funds to Steve Somers, President, Vigon International, Inc., East Stroudsburg for the purchase of machinery and equipment.

Vigon International, Inc. is a certified manufacturer and supplier of high quality flavors, fragrances and ingredients. The company also develops and maintains partnerships with larger ingredient suppliers providing ingredients and servicing customers in flavor and fragrance market segments. Vigon’s products encompass over 1,700 items including essential oils, oleoresins, botanical extracts and natural and synthetic aroma chemicals. Their comprehensive manufacturing capabilities coupled with their ability to successfully partner with major multinational flavor and fragrance houses has firmly established Vigon as one of the most progressive companies in the industry.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center (NCAC) recently held its 2008 Community Awards Program and is pleased to announce this year’s Community Award winners. The winners have made an extraordinary impact within NCAC’s seven county region, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne.

Awards were presented in 6 categories including Theodore “Ted” G. Daniels Community Development, Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Education, Environmental Action & Animal Welfare and Health & Human Services.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center (NCAC) is honored to announce that The Honorable Lisa Baker, State Senator, 20th Senatorial District, served 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.

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

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center (NCAC) is pleased to announce the 2009 Community Awards finalists. This year’s finalists have made an extraordinary impact within our seven-county region, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne counties. Categories include: Arts & Culture, Community Development & Improvement, Children & Youth, Education, Environmental Action & Animal Welfare and Health & Human Services.

Full Press Release          PITTSTON, PA, April 6, 2009

Officials gathered recently to present a check for $100,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grant Funds to Ray Angeli, President, Lackawanna College, Scranton to support a two (2) year Physical Therapist Assistant Certification Program.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance recently hosted industry briefings and one-on-one meetings for regional businesses with PA Authorized Trade Representatives from Australia/New Zealand; Brazil; Canada; Chile; Eastern Mediterranean Region; Saudi Arabia; Shanghai, China and South Africa.

Officials gathered recently to present a check for $50,000 in loan funds to Nancy Nealon, Concrete Step Units, Inc., Scranton for machinery & equipment.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) is conducting a CLOSEOUT of the 2008 Municipal Technology Assistance Program (MTAP). New desktop computer systems and online computer training courses are available for municipal and county governments throughout NEPA's region consisting of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne counties. NEPA is utilizing funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to help underwrite this program.

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) is the only PTAC covering Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill & Wayne counties. The center has been in existence for twenty-five years and serves as a liaison to help local companies, usually small businesses increase sales and growth for our regional economy. NEPA's PTAC staff provides marketing and technical assistance to qualified, competitive companies who wish to bid on government contracts and also works with government agencies to help locate suppliers in the region. The tools available from NEPA's PTAC can help companies market their products and qualify their business to be a leading contender in winning a contract with a state or federal agency.

Through help from NEPA’s PTAC, Linda Thomas, Cosmetologist & Owner, Linda's Full Service Salon & Tanning, Inc., Pocono Blvd., Mt. Pocono was awarded a contract with the PA Department of Public Welfare to perform beautician services for female and African American female individuals residing at the Hamburg Center, Hamburg, PA. The services include shampooing, conditioning, cutting, styling, curling, color and chemical treatments. Thanks to Representative Mario Scavello, when the computer in Linda’s Salon went down, Representative Scavello graciously offered Linda and NEPA PTAC staff the use of his office and a computer which allowed Linda to solicit for and win the contract.

Full Press Release         

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance in Pittston, Pennsylvania has been awarded a 2008 Excellence in Regional Transportation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the Focus 81 Committee.

NADO is a Washington, DC-based association that promotes programs and policies to strengthen local governments, communities and economies through regional cooperation, program delivery and comprehensive strategies. The Excellence in Regional Transportation Awards showcase organizations for noteworthy projects and practices in rural and small metropolitan transportation planning, program delivery and special initiatives. Award winners received national recognition at the 2008 National Rural Transportation Peer Learning Conference, August 17 – 19 in Duluth, Minnesota.

The 10th Annual "Bringing the World to Northeastern Pennsylvania" is coming to Wilkes-Barre. Spin the International Wheel of Opportunity to meet with Foreign Trade Advisors on Thursday, September 18, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Woodlands Inn & Resort.

This no cost annual event, sponsored by NEPA Alliance and the PA Department of Community & Economic Development Center for Trade Development, brings Pennsylvania Foreign Trade Advisors to the commonwealth to meet with businesses interested in developing international markets. The Trade Advisors can provide international marketing & sales advice, product marketability assessments, market entry strategies, support at overseas events, perform agent/distributor searches and much more! Pennsylvania offers a large network of offices and overseas representatives to assist you in finding success in international business.

Officials gathered recently to present a check for $120,000 in loan funds to Steve Somers, President, Vigon International, Inc., East Stroudsburg for the purchase of machinery and equipment.

Vigon International, Inc. is a certified manufacturer and supplier of high quality flavors, fragrances and ingredients. The company also develops and maintains partnerships with larger ingredient suppliers providing ingredients and servicing customers in flavor and fragrance market segments. Vigon’s products encompass over 1,700 items including essential oils, oleoresins, botanical extracts and natural and synthetic aroma chemicals. Their comprehensive manufacturing capabilities coupled with their ability to successfully partner with major multinational flavor and fragrance houses has firmly established Vigon as one of the most progressive companies in the industry.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center (NCAC) recently held its 2008 Community Awards Program and is pleased to announce this year’s Community Award winners. The winners have made an extraordinary impact within NCAC’s seven county region, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne.

Awards were presented in 6 categories including Theodore “Ted” G. Daniels Community Development, Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Education, Environmental Action & Animal Welfare and Health & Human Services.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center (NCAC) is honored to announce that The Honorable Lisa Baker, State Senator, 20th Senatorial District, served 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.

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