Lewisburg, PA — A coalition of local, regional, state, and national partners has launched the Mount Carmel Revitalization Initiative, a long-term effort focused on strengthening the Mount Carmel Area through investment in people, community assets, workforce development, and economic opportunity.
The initiative brings together organizations that share a commitment to helping the community build on its existing strengths while creating new opportunities for residents and future generations.
Like many rural communities, Mount Carmel has a strong history, dedicated residents, and a deep sense of pride. This effort is designed to support local priorities, encourage collaboration, and help community partners work together to address challenges and pursue opportunities throughout the region.
The initiative was made possible through support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, whose investment helped partners build the relationships and shared vision that laid the groundwork for this collaborative effort. By investing in partnerships, Bloomberg helped create the conditions for long-term community growth.
Coalition partners include Coalfield Development, Partners for Rural Impact (PRI), Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO), the Mount Carmel Area Community Center, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU), H&P Construction, Inc. (HPCI), Bucknell University, the Borough of Mount Carmel, and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG).
“One of the strengths of this initiative is the range of experience and resources each partner brings to the table,” said Betsy Kramer, Director of Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG. “By working together, we can pursue funding, support local leadership, and help turn community ideas into projects that make a meaningful difference for the Mount Carmel Area.”
Together, the partners will coordinate resources, pursue funding opportunities, support community-led projects, and advance efforts related to workforce development, economic growth, education, and neighborhood improvement.
First Project Focuses on Workforce Development and Community Investment
The initiative’s first project will begin this summer at the Mount Carmel Area Community Center.
“We are honored that the Community Center will serve as the starting point for this initiative,” said Cathy Besser of the Mount Carmel Area Community Center. “While the first project begins here, the vision reaches far beyond our walls. This effort is about creating opportunities for residents, strengthening partnerships, and helping build a brighter future for the entire Mount Carmel Area.”
Four workforce trainees will participate in a hands-on pilot program led by H&P Construction, Inc., with support and oversight from Mayor Bing Cimino. Trainees will complete landscaping and site improvement projects around the Community Center while gaining valuable work experience and job skills.
“This pilot project demonstrates exactly what this collaboration is all about: bringing people together to invest in our community while creating opportunities for residents to learn valuable skills,” Cimino said. “It’s the first step in what we believe will become a long-term revitalization effort benefiting the entire Mount Carmel Area.”
The project reflects a simple goal: creating opportunities for residents while making visible investments in community assets that benefit everyone. As funding opportunities arise, the initiative will continue supporting projects throughout the Mount Carmel Area.
Planning for the Future
In addition to launching its first project, partners are preparing for a long-term community planning process.
SEDA-COG will pursue funding for the development of the GoMountCarmel! Plan, a community-driven strategy that will help identify priorities and future projects across the Mount Carmel Area. The planning effort will engage residents, businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and community partners in shaping a shared vision for the future.
Potential focus areas include housing, workforce development, economic growth, downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship, recreation, infrastructure, and neighborhood investment.
About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Amanda Owens
Chief Human Resources Officer, SEDA-COG
570-524-4491
aowens@seda-cog.org
