Econonmic Growth Connection

Westmoreland County Planning Department Introduces Website With Information On Marcellus Operation

2012-05-01T18:08:46Z

The introduction of a new website from the Westmoreland County Planning Department will allow access for an in depth look at Marcellus Shale operations, answering popular questions about the industry. Read the Tribune Review's article on the website for more information on the website's creation. {extended}

“Cuts Defy Founders,” Article from Ex-Officio Member Dr. Sharon P. Smith

2012-03-26T16:21:47Z

Read Dr. Sharon P. Smith's article on the importance of higher education, published by the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.
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Latrobe Specialty Metals Sells for $726 Million

2012-03-05T13:36:48Z

Follow this link below to read news on Latrobe Specialty Metals from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.

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Tribune Review “Polyurethane Manufacturer to Move to Hempfield”

2012-02-29T06:20:14Z

Follow this link to read more on Polyurethane Process Industries LLC's move to Hempfield Township in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. {extended}

Tribune Review “California Firm to Move Window Production to Vandergrift Site”

2012-02-28T23:57:20Z

Follow the link to read Kim Leonard's article on Serious Energy Inc.'s plans to move from a plant in Chicago to Vandergrift:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/westmoreland/s_783475.html {extended}

Tribune Review “Weather Delays Work on District Court Office in Export”

2012-02-28T23:42:15Z

Follow the link to read Renatta Signorini's article on District Judge Charles Conway's new office building in Export:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/westmoreland/s_783726.html
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Governor Corbett Announces State Investment in 16 Rail Projects

2012-02-27T23:20:30Z

Follow the link to read more on the $23 million state investment that will fund 16 freight-rail improvement projects statewide:

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=18&objID=1225692&mode=2

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Governor Corbett: Family-Owned Manufacturer Will Expand in Latrobe, Create 60 New Jobs

2012-02-16T16:39:11Z

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett announced today that Aggressive Grinding Services in Latrobe, Westmoreland County will create 60 new jobs to help meet increased demand for its services.

“My administration is committed to creating a business climate in Pennsylvania that supports companies like Aggressive Grinding and the jobs they create,” Corbett said. “This company is a Pennsylvania-grown, family-owned business that has built itself from the ground up and is continuing to expand and create jobs. This project will undoubtedly have a positive economic impact on the region and the state.”

The family-owned company will construct an 11,000-square-foot addition to its existing building to increase manufacturing capacity to keep up with rising customer demand. The project will create at least 60 jobs within three years, and retain its existing 74 employees.

Aggressive Grinding Services received a $1.67 million funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), including a $1 million loan from the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund, $525,000 loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, $27,000 in job training assistance, $60,000 in job creation tax credits and a $60,000 Pennsylvania First grant.

“Support provided by the commonwealth was a very important part of our expansion project,” Aggressive Grinding President & CEO Lester Sutton said. “The funds provided by DCED and the Governor's Action Team will help to ensure that our company is competitive in the global market place by assisting us to invest in the latest, most innovative equipment, train our employees and expand our facility. We would like to thank Governor Corbett and the Governor's Action Team for their support of our project.”

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, or GAT, a group of economic development professionals who work directly with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania. The Governor’s Action Team worked with the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland, a private, non-profit economic development agency, to assist Aggressive Grinding’s efforts to expand.

“State support for these types of projects is crucial for Pennsylvania's continued economic vitality,” said John Skiavo, President & CEO of the Economic Growth Connection. “Manufacturing companies not only supply a true living wage for our residents, but also create a greater economic impact than other industries because of the supply chain that they require. Through the leadership of Governor Corbett and DCED Secretary C. Alan Walker, Pennsylvania is leading this economic recovery thanks to projects like this.”

Founded in 1988, Aggressive Grinding Services specializes in precision grinding of super-hard materials such as carbide, alloy metals and ceramics; materials that are used in the aerospace, oil and gas, automotive and machine tool industries. Due to an increase in customer orders and product demand the company is expanding into the ceramics industry.

For more information on Aggressive Grinding Services, visit www.ags-fast.com.

For more information on the Governor’s Action Team and other economic development initiatives in Pennsylvania, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contacts:

Kelli Roberts, Governor’s Office; 717-783-1116

Steven Kratz, DCED; 717-783-1132

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Community Meeting-Porcelain Park Borough of Derry

2011-11-08T20:21:02Z

The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Westmoreland is applying for a FY 12 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup Grant for the former Porcelain Park site in the Borough of Derry. A community meeting will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 6:00 PM in the Derry Station Community Room, 100 West Second Street, Derry, PA 15627 for a public review and comment period of the “Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA)” and EPA grant proposal. Copies of the application will be available for viewing at our office, the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Westmoreland office, and the Borough of Derry offices during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday until November 23, 2011. Public Comment can be directed to Hallie Chatfield, RACW Revitalization Coordinator at 724-830-3050 or hchatfie@co.westmoreland.pa.us by November 23rd. {extended}

Expanding your Market into the Marcellus Shale Industry

2011-08-24T15:05:52Z

The Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland (EGC), the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation, the Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners, Pennsylvania Representative Eli Evankovich, and Penn State New Kensington all collaborated to hold a Marcellus Shale procurement fair on August 4, 2011.

Committed to helping the local business community capitalize on opportunities in the Marcellus industry, the purpose of the procurement fair was to educate local companies. The fair provided insight on issues related to the Marcellus industry, including securing contracts, and even allowed attendees to meet Marcellus industry representatives.

Speakers at this event included representatives for the Southpoint Energy Resource Group, Range Resources, EQT, and the Pennsylvania Department of General Services. More than 140 representatives from local companies attended the event.

The EGC, along with other partners, also participated in two additional procurement fairs that were held in 2010. Featured speakers for the fairs have included the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA), Atlas Energy, Baker Hughes, XTO and Universal Well Service.

“The economic activity that is being generated from the Marcellus Shale industry is an opportunity for Western Pennsylvania businesses to capitalize on,” Procurement and Program Director, Donna Bates, stated. “Supply chain development is a necessary step to the success of the industry in our county. These types of procurement fairs bring opportunities for local companies to find their niche in the market.”

For information on future events, please contact the Economic Growth Connection at egc@egcw.org.
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Downtown Destinations

2011-04-20T13:56:19Z

The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Westmoreland today unveiled a new website designed to promote business development in the county's core communities. "Downtown Destinations" showcases marketable properties in the county's cities and boroughs that are available for business expansions or new enterprise.
To read more: http://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/westmoreland/cwp/view.asp?a=7&q=634147

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Marcellus gas firms courted by Westmoreland

2011-04-20T13:36:43Z

Westmoreland County economic development officials want to attract more Marcellus shale drilling and service companies that would create jobs.

The county will solicit proposals from companies to lease part of the former Sony Corp. television plant near New Stanton, which closed last year, to house a plant for treatment of wastewater from drilling, a move officials say could lead to Westmoreland serving as a hub for the industry.

Read more: Marcellus gas firms courted by Westmoreland to spur jobs - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_718613.html#ixzz1K4Q22Qpk {extended}

New Strategy eyed for ex-Sony site

2011-04-20T13:33:15Z

On a recent wintry afternoon, Doug Orbin stood near the center of the cavernous former Sony Corp. television plant and remembered the glory days.

Read more: New strategy eyed for ex-Sony site in Westmoreland County - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/westmoreland/s_723776.html#ixzz1K4PPxPu6

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Survey

2010-08-12T20:36:43Z

We are conducting a survey, and your response would be appreciated.

The hottest natural gas boom in the world is right here. The Marcellus Shale formation is driving energy firms to Pennsylvania and Westmoreland County, and the influx of dollars is creating business opportunities with natural gas and service companies, supporting businesses and worker spending. As a business operating in Westmoreland County, you may be taking advantage of the opportunities with the emerging natural gas industry. In many cases, those opportunities are being missed.

In order to best serve the business community of Westmoreland County, the Westmoreland Development Council, in conjunction with the Chambers of Commerce, is asking for businesses to participate in a brief survey. As you will see, the surveys ask for very general information relating to interest, involvement and assistant sought in the industry. Once the surveys are completed and submitted and the information is compiled, the County organizations will have a good understanding of the current status of our business community and make the necessary steps to assist those wanting to take advantage of the many opportunities in this emerging industry.

The Economic Growth Connection, Westmoreland Development Council and county Chambers of Commerce thank you for your participation!

If you cannot see the survey below, click here to take survey.

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Arnold-to-Pittsburgh rail project picks up speed

2010-05-13T00:55:14Z

Backers of a proposed commuter rail line that would run between northern Westmoreland County and Pittsburgh say the project is on the fast track and could begin operations in mid-2013.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_680001.html

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