Community Revitalization – Page 6 – SEDA Council of Governments

International Economic Development Council Announces 2022 Entrepreneurship Development Professional Credential Recipients

Posted on November 30, 2022June 1, 2026 by

WASHINGTON – November 30, 2022 – WASHINGTON – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is pleased to announce the 2022 Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) credential recipients.

The EDP designation requires candidates to have two years of full-time experience in economic development, complete the necessary education requirements and pass the certification examination. It is designed for professionals who work with entrepreneurs and small businesses as well as those that support them via programs, networks and approaches that foster small business and entrepreneurial growth. The 2022 program courses and examination were presented in an entirely virtual format.

“IEDC’s EDP credential has prepared this next class of professionals to serve and advance their communities. They have demonstrated great dedication and hard work though the completion of the program. This sets the foundation for great success in the future,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.

“Entrepreneurship and economic development go hand-in-hand,” added Penny Lewandowski, Principal at Change at the Edges, and a creator and proponent of the EDP credential. “This program teaches individuals new ways to think about economic development, encouraging a grow-from-within strategy that will lead to thriving and sustainable economies.”

The EDP credential and new courses were developed with the support of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation the U.S. Economic Development Administration and partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City SourceLink.

“Entrepreneur-focused economic development is one of the most powerful ways to spur growth. We are happy to continue supporting this initiative and look forward to seeing this next group of credentialed professionals use their skills to spring their communities forward,” said Philip Gaskin, Vice President of Entrepreneurship at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Congratulations to the 2022 EDP credential recipients:

• Dianna Cameron, EDP – Management Analyst, City of Sierra Vista (Sierra Vista, AZ)

• Kevin Crowder, CEcD, EDP – Principal/Owner, BusinessFlare Economic Development Solutions (North Miami, FL)

• Monica Delores Hooks, MBA, EDP – Executive Director, Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (Atlanta, GA)

• Timothy Fox, CEcD, EDP – Executive Director, Charles City Area Development Corp. (Charles City, IA)

• Diana Goss, EDP – Executive Director, DeKalb Entrepreneurial Center (Rainsville, AL)

• Eric Heimbecker, EDP – Senior Program Manager, Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ)

• Adam Henry, CEcD, EDP – Senior Business Development Manager, Arlington Economic Development (Arlington, VA)

• Heidi Knoblauch, EDP – Sr. Director of Entrepreneurship Development, Empire State Development (Albany, NY)

• Betsy Kramer, EDP – Revitalization Coordinator, SEDA – Council of Governments (Lewisburg, PA)

• Katherine Long, EDP – Small Business/Information Manager, Ponca City Development Authority (Ponca City, OK)

• Melissa Meschke, EDP – Economic Development Outreach Manager, Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship (Madison, WI)

• Daniel Mitchell, EDP – SMARTstart Program Director, Pasco Economic Development Council (Lutz, FL)

• April Needham, EDP – Director, Washington State University-Innovate Inland, (Spokane, WA)

• Terri Peters, EDP – Small Business Developer, Claremore Industrial & Economic Development Authority (Claremore, OK)

• Bill Sabo, EDP – Regional Director Arkansas Small Business and Technology Center, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (Fort Smith, AR)

• Kristin Slice, EDP – Senior Program Manager, Arizona State University (Scottsdale, AZ)

• Will Warren, CEcD, EDP – Consultant, Vita Nuova (Chagrin Falls, OH)

• Xiaoyu Zhao, EDP – Director of Small Business Initiatives and Support, City of Hartford (Hartford, CT)

The EDP credential is the second certification offered by IEDC, after the Certified Economic

Developer (CEcD) certification. The CecD credential is a comprehensive designation that tests applicants’ general proficiency regarding economic development. IEDC has certified more than 1,100 CEcD and over 30 EDP practitioners.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world’s largest membership organization

for economic development professionals. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life in their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, our members represent the entire range of economic development. Learn more at iedconline.org.

Shamokin to Receive $2.6 Million in Revitalization Funds

Posted on March 24, 2022June 1, 2026 by

Congressman Dan Meuser has announced that Shamokin is receiving $2.675 million in federal funding for Revitalizing Independence Street. The funds, which are derived from H.R.2471 – Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, will allow Shamokin to execute their GoShamokin plan to improve the appearance and safety of Downtown Shamokin.

In total, Pennsylvania will receive $14.2 million in funds, which will be distributed to communities throughout the commonwealth.

The revitalizing Independence Street project is focused on complete street improvements that will greatly enhance the pedestrian-oriented and aesthetic appeal of the city of Shamokin’s “Main Street.”

The proposed improvements will be:
• Hardscape Improvement plans that focus on replacing the existing unit accent pavers, repairing any damaged concrete sidewalks, and upgrading ADA ramps and crosswalks.
• New crosswalk marking plans or crosswalk treatments (i.e. texture paving) will be prepared.
• A street tree planting plan will be developed.
• A streetscape amenities plan that includes replacing light fixtures, benches, trash/recycling receptacles, and vertical planters to provide additional greenery in place and in addition to street trees, depending on the location.

Independence Street is the city’s main commercial corridor and is located 2 blocks from the Sunbury Street/Route 61. The downtown benefits from not being a heavily trafficked through-put arterial roadway, making it more pedestrian-oriented and suitable for main street-type development.

The biggest barrier to pedestrian mobility in the downtown is the intersection crossings. Performing a makeover of Independence Street (which is located in a Federal Opportunity Zone and eligible Historic District) is an imperative initiative in the community to upgrade the downtown with a focus on ADA/safety and aesthetic improvements such as architectural lighting, planters, banners, etc. which will all have a major impact in supporting the influx of tourists, attracting new business to the downtown and creating better livability for the nearly 7,000 citizens of Shamokin.

This project is an implementation initiative based upon the GoShamokin Revitalization Plan, funded by a Keystone Community Grant, created by Stromberg Garrigan and Associates and adopted by Shamokin City Council October 2020.

The GoShamokin Revitalization Project responds to a special Shamokin community driven desire to proactively invent itself with fresh initiatives that will enable community members to revitalize itself with fresh initiatives by harnessing new opportunities, such as the recent influx in tourism through the introduction of over 8,500 acres of former coal lands in the Shamokin Area which now comprise the Northumberland County Anthracite Outdoor Recreation Area (AOAA). The AOAA is a family-friendly motorized and non-motorized recreation facility that attracts 30,000 visitors annually.

SEDA-COG’s Betsy Kramer, Revitalization Coordinator, said, “This is a much needed and appreciated influx of funds by Congressman Meuser to assist the City of Shamokin’s efforts to revitalize and create a safe, pedestrian-friendly downtown for its businesses, citizens, and visitors.”

“I first want to thank Congressman Meuser, Betsy Kramer, and former Mayor John Brown on behalf of everyone in Shamokin. I am truly grateful Congressman Meuser cares about Shamokin the way he does. These funds will go a long way in making our downtown more accessible for everyone with the ADA improvements, as well as beautifying the City,” said Shamokin Mayor Richard Ulrich.

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.

For more information, please contact Elaine Stauder, communications coordinator, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-522-7249 or estauder@seda-cog.org

Plan GoShamokin Recognized by 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania

Posted on January 10, 2022June 1, 2026 by

During the 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania Commonwealth Awards, held virtually on December 15, 2021, the Plan GoShamokin project received the 2020 & 2021 Plans and Policy Initiative Award.

As stated on the 10,000 Friends website, the Commonwealth Awards honor projects, plans and initiatives that demonstrate smart growth, community resilience, and equity principles in action. The awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations with the vision to find new uses for vacant and underutilized land, increase opportunities and access for all in communities on the rise, and breathe new life into older neighborhoods.

According to The Shamokin Area Implementation Plan, “GoShamokin responds to a community driven desire to proactively reinvent itself. The plan focuses on a combination on of public/civic realm investments in infrastructure and public spaces combined with programs and resources that can be tapped to partner with the private sector to stimulate building rehabilitation and business expansion. This layered approach to economic development emphasizing ‘placemaking’ fosters the greatest potential for creating jobs, reducing crime, enhancing community pride, and elevating the overall quality-of-life for all of Shamokin’s residents.”

Sean Garrigan, the Principal with Stromberg Garrigan and Associates (SGA) – the lead firm contracted with the City to prepare the plan, submitted the plan for consideration of an award. “SGA was honored that 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania awarded our Plan GoShamokin project a Commonwealth Award. SGA was supported by Urban Partners and the KSA Group on the effort; Plan GoShamokin was completed in October 2020 for SEDA-COG on behalf of the City of Shamokin and provided a 5-year implementation plan for economic revitalization in downtown Shamokin. SGA is currently working to create a pocket park in Shamokin called Illumination Station, a direct result of the recommendations in the plan. Thank you to 10,000 Friends for the honor,” said Garrigan.

“The GoShamokin plan has provided direction for the momentum of many different organizations at work in the city. The recognition is a huge honor and it’s exciting to see so many aspects from the GoShamokin Plan happening – including the Illumination Station Pocket Park, Hydrology & Hydraulic (H&H) Study, U.S. EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant, Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Book Rewrite, and more,” said Betsy Kramer, Revitalization Coordinator at SEDA-COG.

For more information, please contact Elaine Stauder, communications coordinator, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-522-7429 or estauder@seda-cog.org

Shamokin restaurants: We’re open – eat local

Posted on August 14, 2020 by DNS Admin

Shamokin restaurants and breweries want the public to know that even with the pandemic’s restrictions, they are open with outdoor and indoor dining options.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), a community and economic development agency, has an office in Shamokin to coordinate revitalization efforts. SEDA-COG Revitalization Coordinator Betsy Kramer reviewed some restaurants’ outdoor seating expansion plans for the city to help ensure the aesthetics meet a revitalization plan that is being finalized.

HERITAGE RESTAURANT

Heritage Restaurant’s outdoor expansion fits with the revitalization plan and adds 13 outdoor tables at 52 N. Market St. and live music every Saturday night.

They offer “great food” like Bangin’ Shrimp, scallops, poutine, steaks, seafood, and more, said owner Kathy Vetovich.

“It’s a really cool vibe outside with plenty of atmosphere on our patio including signs from old Shamokin businesses,” Vetovich said. “It’s a destination.”

On display inside are vintage artifacts of days gone by of Shamokin like posters of a theater and a faux brick wall of the Fun Shop, a building that burned down several years ago.

She’s “born and bred” in Shamokin and a mural of her grandfather and her husband’s grandfather – both miners – is painted on her restaurant.

Vetovich started “rebuilding Shamokin one ugly building at a time” in 2014. She’s rejuvenated six buildings so far. The Heritage Restaurant was dilapidated, but she saw its potential in its tin ceilings and size. “It was an eyesore, but it had to be a gorgeous restaurant,” she said.

“I saw the demise of my hometown and I really couldn’t stand it,” she said. She wanted to stay and reinvest in the area where she knew people and people knew her.

One of the buildings she bought was the former Trinity Episcopal Church at 150 E. Liberty St. One of several offerings it will house is BAMSE Coffee and Roasters, a dog-friendly coffee shop. Its grand opening is 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. this weekend, Aug. 15 and 16. Regular hours will be 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

“This dog-friendly coffee shop is another opportunity for Shamokin to be a little distinct,” she said.

MAURER’S DAIRY AND ICE CREAM SHOPPE

Maurer’s Dairy and Ice Cream Shoppe at 34 S. Market St. offers daily outdoor barbeques of smoked chicken wings with picnic table seating.

“We put the wings on the grill, and they taste like no one else’s,” said owner Ken Bethge.

Besides the bar inside, they offer a pared down menu of freshly made sandwiches, burgers, soups, baked beans, coleslaw, and more.

Their ice cream features unique flavors like Bittersweet, their version of chocolate chip. They top it with a decadent 14% butter fat.

“We melt chocolates together and dump them into the hopper. When it splatters into the hopper, it gets into little pieces and you get a lot of chocolate in every bite. It’s a unique chocolate with a unique taste and it’s delicious and rich,” Bethge said.

Their ice cream cake sales have increased because of people celebrating more at home, he said.

From March to June, he offered free breakfast to serve the people of Shamokin. He started by delivering milk to schools, then expanded it to serving food to anyone in need thanks to donations.

“I always knew there was good people in this town, but it really hit home when we did the free breakfast here when people came out of the woodwork and dropped food and cash off – including other businesses,” Bethge said. “I’m totally shocked what the Coal region and people out of the area did.

“I want to keep thanking everybody who has kept helping us throughout this. They keep coming here – we’ll deliver curbside or outside. People are still supporting us and I’m thankful and without people, we wouldn’t be in business,” Bethge said.

Love drew Bethge to the area. Originally from the Bronx, he met a Shamokin woman and moved to Trevorton. He bought Maurer’s in 1993.

LOST MINED BREWING COMPANY & RESTAURANT

Dennis Kaleta has poured himself and his family’s mining heritage into his business, the Lost Mined Brewing Company & Restaurant at 100 S. Market St.

His grandfather worked in the Shamokin mines and was a bootlegger. Some artifacts in the restaurant are from his family with many others from the area.

“Nothing is fake; it’s all actual items that were used in the area,” Kaleta said. “Some are from ruins; others were given by customers.”

His outdoor dining seating has a planter made with an old tin roof he found in the area. They offer live music every Sunday night, supporting local artists.

They have a 30-tap system they made themselves and plan on putting 20 of their own beers on tap starting before year’s end. They have freshly cut French fries and homemade sauces and dressings to complement their full restaurant menu.

He started out in the home-brewing business 18 years ago and wanted to add variety to the local market. Now, he wants to add to the city.

“I believe in rebuilding this city,” Kaleta said.

COVERED BRIDGE BREWHAUS & TAPROOM

Covered Bridge Brewhaus & Taproom at 506 N. 8th St. also has outdoor and indoor dining. They offer about 25 new original beers a year like strubarb, a strawberry rhubarb beer; bragot made with local honey; cherry triple; and their flagship beer, coconut porter. They have 12 beers on tap along with wine from Kulpmont Winery, local spirits, and mixed drinks. Customers can take out beer in growlers, cans, and bottles.

“It’s my passion for beer and to try to create a European setting,” said owner Eric Kuijpers, who is originally from Holland. “My favorite beer is the next one; I always like to experiment.”

The Brewhaus has about 10 rotating food trucks that come and offer a variety of food like burgers, grilled cheese, BBQ, Mexican, and more.

It has three connected storefronts made into a taproom, a Speak Easy, and a parlor.

Originally from Neeritter in southern Holland, coming to Shamokin was “just a little adventure that turned into a longer stay,” Kuijpers said. “I started with some friends in the PA-Alers, a local homebrew club, maybe 15 years ago. I enjoy making different beers and sharing it with people.”