Navigating International Markets: Free Business Seminar Hosted by SEDA-COG and Smeal College of Business

Lewisburg, PA– The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is proud to partner with Penn State Smeal College of Business, Center for Global Business Studies to bring you a great opportunity to network, learn, and have meaningful conversations centered around international business.

Date: April 17, 2025
Time: 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: 217 Business Building, Penn State

The event is free to attend but registration is required by Tuesday, April 1. To register, visit https://bit.ly/ConfApr17.

“The SEDA-COG Export Program is proud to once again partner with Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, Center for Global Business Studies,” stated Program Director Noelle Long. “Our past collaboration was highly successful, and we look forward to the insights and opportunities this year’s half-day program will bring.”

The conference, Navigating a Complex Global Business Environment, will look at federal resources, navigating ports, global supply chains, employment trends, and success stories.

Professor Terrence Guay, director of the Center for Global Business Studies, suggests “This is a great opportunity for Penn State’s Smeal College of Business and SEDA-COG to give back to the central Pennsylvania business community, and to highlight the College’s and SEDA-COG’s international business expertise.”

For more information or questions regarding the event, please contact Noelle at nlong@seda-cog.org or 570-412-4072.

SEDA-COG’s Export Development Program is the state’s Regional Export Network (REN) partner, providing export assistance throughout the 11 central counties of Pennsylvania. Export staff is ready to assist companies with technical assistance on various topics such as product compliance, export licensing, documentation, shipping, and much more. Since 2006, the Export Program has assisted 736 companies.  One hundred and twelve companies have reported over $1.2 billion in export sales to 153 countries.

SEDA-COG Hires New Deputy Director

Lewisburg, PA- SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is pleased to announce that Angela Grieco has been selected as the new Deputy Director.

SEDA-COG Executive Director Kim Wheeler said Grieco’s alignment with the needs of the organization is undeniable. She brings skillsets and expertise that complement the current SEDA-COG management team.

“I am excited to welcome our new Deputy Director Angela Grieco to SEDA-COG. We searched high and low for someone who has a passion for public sector leadership, sees themselves as a public servant, enjoys identifying and tackling challenges—someone who will help us continue to think differently, entrepreneurially, and foster innovation with others,” said Wheeler. “I am thrilled that Grieco is that person who will bring the full package to SEDA-COG.”

Grieco brings years of private sector experience at leading management consulting firms, including Deloitte Consulting and Guidehouse, as a project management leader supporting public sector clients. She has a proven track record of building high-performing, cross-functional teams and excels at guiding clients to uncover root challenges and develop innovative, practical solutions. Her expertise spans project planning and implementation in key areas, including strategic planning, grant program design, stakeholder engagement and analysis, organizational analysis, change management and transformation, and technology project management support.

“I was drawn to the impressive breadth and depth of public services and expertise SEDA-COG provides and its strong footprint in the communities it serves,” said Grieco. “The dedication and tenacity that SEDA-COG leadership and staff bring to their communities is truly inspiring. For these reasons, I knew that SEDA-COG was the right fit for me and am honored to serve and work alongside such a talented organization.”

Grieco continued “In my new role, I hope to grow as a public service leader and contribute to the organization’s existing talent by bringing new perspectives and practical solutions to the challenges our region and organization face as they transition for future generations to come.”

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program Webinars

Presented by the USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service, these webinars will cover the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.

These webinars will include:

  • A high-level overview of the DLT program
  • An overview of the FY2025 DLT Program NOFP
  • Information on how to apply via grants.gov
  • Important Dates and next steps

Slides, transcript and a recording of the webinar will be posted on the DLT website after the session.

Webinar Dates and Times:

  • Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. EST |Register Here
  • Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. EST |Register Here

USDA will present this webinar twice. The second presentation will provide the same information as the first one; no new information will be added to the second session. Please register for the session that’s most convenient for you.

Please submit any questions using the USDA Contact Us Form.

SEDA-COG Assists New Perry County Business

Lewisburg, PA – The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Business Finance Program recently assisted Albright Wellness Center LLC with a SEDA-COG Team loan to purchase a property for the newly established practice in Loysville, Perry County.

Albright Wellness Center LLC aims to establish itself as a leading medical spa in Perry County, offering innovative solutions for weight loss and overall wellness. With a focus on cutting-edge medications and holistic approaches, Albright Wellness Center is well-positioned to cater to the needs of their patients while providing a unique experience that sets them apart from traditional spas.

Carolyn Albright, owner of Albright Wellness Center, has built an impressive career in healthcare, beginning as an EMT in 1996. Over the years, she has earned multiple certifications and licenses and holds a Master of Science degree in Nursing.

For the past nine years, she has worked as a nurse practitioner, bringing extensive experience and a deep commitment to patient care to every aspect of her work at Albright Wellness Center.

SEDA-COG and Pennian Bank partnered on the financing for this project.

“SEDA-COG is pleased to be able to assist Carolyn and Pennian Bank with the financing needed to start her wellness center that will benefit the citizens of Loysville and Perry County,” said SEDA-COG Business Finance Relationship Manager John Reichard. “The 25-year fixed rate loan from SEDA-COG will help to reduce and stabilize her monthly payments and create jobs in the local community.”

The Center provides a comprehensive range of services designed to support health and wellness, including medical weight loss programs, IV hydration, wellness injections, and red light therapy. Clients can also benefit from wellness consultations and assessments, lifestyle coaching, and nutritional counseling, as well as medical-grade skin care treatments. Additional offerings include school and sports physicals, express appointments, and personalized treatment plans to meet individual needs.

You can call 717-789-9077 to schedule an appointment. While their website is coming soon, you can connect with them now on Facebook and Instagram.

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.