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.

SEDA-COG Assists Snyder County Business with Loan

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

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.