Nancy Osborn – Page 2 – SEDA Council of Governments

SEDA-COG Assists Snyder County Business with Loan

Posted on December 12, 2024December 12, 2024 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Business Finance Program recently helped Fly II, Incorporated., doing business as McFly’s Diner, with a State Small Business Credit initiative (SSBCI) loan to purchase the property formerly known as Lauver’s Family Traditions Restaurant in Port Trevorton.

The loan was completed in partnership with Turbotville National Bank and bank Vice President Matt Carson.

“SEDA-COG was pleased to assist the owners of McFly’s Diner in securing the property for their restaurant,” said John Reichard, senior relationship manager at SEDA-COG. “By purchasing the property, they can ensure that they will be able to serve the people of Port Trevorton, Snyder County, and travelers along Route 15 for years to come.”

Lauver’s Family Traditions Restaurant closed in July 2022. McFly’s Diner began operating in November 2022 and is run by brothers Larry and Frank Yearick, who have owned and operated Larry’s Pizza & Subs in Mifflinburg since 2005. Mandy Cotner, the diner’s manager, is another key member of the team and is known for her excellent cooking.

McFly’s Diner offers fresh menu items, including classic pizzas and sandwiches, making it one of the most popular restaurants in Port Trevorton. The restaurant is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with both dine-in and takeout options available. Customers can view the menu and order online at McFlysDinerMenu.com or call 570-374-2840 to place an order.

For more information about SEDA-COG’s loans and financing options, contact John Reichard at jreichard@seda-cog.org or Brooks Luzier at bluzier@seda-cog.org.

SEDA-COG Helps Spring Mills Entrepreneurs Launch New Timber Business in Union County

Posted on December 6, 2024December 6, 2024 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Business Finance Program recently assisted Northeast Softwoods LLC with a SEDA-COG EDA COVID loan to acquire the former Kuhn’s Lumber property, including its sawmill and kiln drying equipment. The facility is located at 203 Kuhns Lane in Lewisburg.

Northeast Softwoods LLC, owned by entrepreneurial couple Jere and Sasha McCarthy, is a new venture for the McCarthys. They also own Pennsylvania Sawmill Company, located in Spring Mills, PA, which has supplied custom timber accent material to builders throughout the mid-Atlantic region for the last decade.

“The new Northeast Softwoods sawmill facility has helped solidify our supply chain and has allowed us to expand into new markets,” said Sasha McCarthy. “We appreciate SEDA-COG’s assistance, which has allowed us to take advantage of this growth opportunity and continue to utilize the robust resources of central Pennsylvania.”

Brooks Luzier, SEDA-COG Business Finance relationship manager, partnered with Donald E. Rhodes III, senior vice president of First National Bank in Hollidaysburg, to secure the financing package for the purchase.

“We were proud to partner with First National Bank to help Northeast Softwoods, LLC expand their business into Union County,” Luzier said. “Jere and Sasha have a thriving timber business in Centre County, and we wish them the best of luck at their Lewisburg location.”

Rhodes echoed those sentiments. “It was a pleasure assisting long time clients Jere and Sasha McCarthy with the growth and expansion of their successful business,” he said. “First National Bank has a rich history of growing with their business customers, and this is a true testament to that. Partnering with Brooks and SEDA-COG provided flexible lending options to accent bank financing, resulting in a positive client experience. We wish Jere and Sasha all the best!”

The couple leased the equipment beginning in 2021 and used the loans from First National Bank and SEDA-COG to purchase it outright. This marks a significant milestone for Northeast Softwoods, allowing Jere and Sasha McCarthy to expand their venture.

Northeast Softwoods, LLC specializes in supplying high-quality Eastern White Pine and Eastern Hemlock for log home manufacturers, builders, and retailers. In addition, they offer lumber sales, custom sawing, and kiln-drying services to local customers in Union County and beyond.

For more information about Northeast Softwoods, visit www.nesoftwoods.com or email info@NESoftwoods.com.

For more information about SEDA-COG’s loans and financing options, contact John Reichard at jreichard@seda-cog.org or Brooks Luzier at bluzier@seda-cog.org.

ClearWater Conservancy Receives $2M from Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative

Posted on November 6, 2024November 6, 2024 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – ClearWater Conservancy has been awarded $2,000,000 by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for the ClearWater Community Conservation Center Ecotourism, Agritourism, and Agribusiness Hub project.

The project includes construction of a new, 9,350-square-foot community center in Centre County, which will serve as a community space and hub for visitor information and local conservation efforts. This new center aims to foster community engagement and support local conservation, while contributing to economic growth by creating five new jobs and drawing thousands of visitors by 2029.

“ClearWater staff are so excited to move into this new, permanent home in the heart of the Spring Creek Watershed, where we can continue to grow in service to the community while building our volunteer base and providing a center for on-the-ground conservation education,” said ClearWater Conservancy Executive Director Elizabeth Crisfield.

The center will include a visitor information kiosk, training opportunities for businesses in agritourism and conservation best practices, guided tours for visitors to local natural sites, mine land reclamation and acid mine drainage remediation efforts, and development of local trails through the Conservancy’s Rothrock Trail Alliance.

ClearWater Conservancy applied for the grant last summer with assistance from Dane Higbee, principal at Delta Development Group, Inc and Betsy Lockwood, director of project development and grants at SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG). The grant was awarded in October.

This award is part of a recently announced $68.2 million award package supporting 65 projects in 188 coal-impacted counties through ARC’s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, which directs federal resources to economic diversification projects in Appalachian communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments including Pennsylvania. PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) partners with ARC and the SEDA-COG Local Development District to identify and support projects that will build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania to reach socioeconomic parity with the nation.

“ARC’s POWER initiative supports coal-impacted communities’ preparation for the next phase of Appalachia’s economy, while ensuring that residents have a say in the course of their own futures” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “The investments announced in this round of POWER will help train workers, advance new industries, and build upon the progress already being made toward a brighter future full of economic opportunity for our region.”

Including today’s award package, ARC has invested over $484.7 million in 564 projects impacting 365 coal-impacted counties since POWER was established in 2015. ARC’s investments have helped create or retain nearly 54,000 jobs and prepare nearly 170,000 workers and students for new opportunities in entrepreneurship, broadband, tourism, and other growing industries.

ClearWater Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and conservation organization ensuring central Pennsylvania is beautiful, healthy and vibrant. They work alongside the community to connect, protect, restore and steward our natural resources.

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.

Boost for Penn Highlands Community College Centre County Expansion: Secures Grant for Equipment and Furniture

Posted on October 29, 2024November 6, 2024 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – Penn Highland’s Community College expanded into Centre County, opening a 5,500 sq. ft. educational facility in Bellefonte Borough last August.

Earlier this month, the college was awarded a $49,537 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to support this expansion. The funds will be used to purchase equipment and furniture, enhancing the educational experience for 300-400 students. Additionally, the college aims to train 100 incumbent workers, enhancing their skill sets, over the next three years.

“We want to emphasize the positive impact this grant will have as we work to provide new types of quality, affordable educational opportunities to students in and around Centre County,” stated Omar Strohm, Associate Vice President of Finance. “We want our students to have the most impactful resources available at their disposal.”

The Appalachian Region Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments including Pennsylvania. PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) partners with ARC and the SEDA-COG Local Development District to identify and support projects that will build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania to reach socioeconomic parity with the nation.

The expansion of Penn Highlands into Centre County is a unique opportunity to improve access to higher education, particularly for economically disadvantaged individuals, first-generation students, working adults, parents, and those needing academic support. Penn Highlands’ mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and quality educational opportunities to the communities it serves. While other postsecondary institutions exist in Centre County, Penn Highlands complements—not competes with—them by offering unique programs and affordable pathways to degrees and certificates.

Penn Highlands Centre County emphasizes a select range of courses and academic programs, some designated as High Priority Occupations for Centre County, ensuring students are equipped for in-demand careers that align with local employers’ needs and boost the region’s economic growth.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is committed to delivering accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population, promoting both personal and professional development. Penn Highlands offers over 40 associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas to its entire service area and beyond. With options for in-person, blended, and online classes, students enjoy the flexibility needed to transition smoothly into the workforce or continue their education. Beyond credit programs, Penn Highlands provides various certificates, non-credit courses, and customized workforce development training, supporting workforce expansion.

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.