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SEDA-COG Financing Assists Masonry Preservation Services Expansion in Bloomsburg

Posted on by DNS Admin

Lewisburg, Pa. – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) recently assisted Masonry Preservation Services, Inc. (MPS) with financing through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), helping the company purchase and renovate a property in Bloomsburg for its new headquarters.

Working in partnership with Journey Bank, SEDA-COG provided financing that enabled MPS owners Erik Valentino and Scott Siegfried to acquire and improve the property to meet the company’s operational needs.

Founded in 1985, MPS specializes in the restoration and preservation of historic and architecturally significant buildings throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The company has completed projects at Geisinger Medical Center’s Danville campus, the F.M. Kirby Center, the Pennsylvania State Capitol, as well as numerous museums, churches, courthouses, and universities. MPS has earned a reputation for quality restoration, façade maintenance, and building envelope diagnostics.

“SEDA-COG was proud to work alongside Journey Bank to deliver financing that supports Masonry Preservation Services’ expansion in Bloomsburg,” said SEDA-COG Business Finance Relationship Manager John Reichard. “By combining resources, we helped position MPS for continued growth while strengthening its presence in the region. We appreciate the partnership with Journey Bank and congratulate the MPS team on this exciting achievement.”

“Journey Bank is always ready to assist our customers in the best way possible,” said David Utt, AVP Commercial Lender at Journey Bank. “When Masonry Preservation Services was ready to expand, purchasing property and renovations were needed to accommodate their corporate plan. Partnering with SEDA-COG through the SSBCI program was the best financing solution for this project. MPS is now well-positioned to operate more effectively from its new headquarters for years to come.”

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

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

Building a Stronger Future for the Mount Carmel Area

Posted on by DNS Admin

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  

Request for Quotations: Professional Engineering Services

Request for Quotations: Professional Engineering Services

Posted on by DNS Admin

Austin Borough has been awarded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to complete electrical and control system upgrades at the Austin Borough Water Treatment Plant. The project is intended to address aging and obsolete equipment that has created operational and reliability concerns within the facility.

The existing control and monitoring infrastructure no longer provides the level of performance necessary to support efficient plant operations and reliable system monitoring. The proposed improvements will modernize the plant’s electrical and automation systems, including upgrades to remote telemetry, process controls, data collection, alarm notification, and operator interface capabilities. The project will improve the Borough’s ability to monitor critical treatment processes, track operational data, respond to system alarms, and maintain reliable water service.

Improvements are anticipated to include replacement and upgrade of remote telemetry units (RTUs), programmable logic controller (PLC) equipment, associated electrical components, communication infrastructure, backup power components, and operator interface equipment. These upgrades will provide enhanced monitoring and control of treatment system operating conditions, including process performance, equipment status, and alarm conditions.

The selected engineering consultant will be responsible for providing professional services necessary to complete the project from design through final inspection. The scope of work outlined in this RFQ identifies major project responsibilities; however, respondents should recognize that additional incidental engineering services may be required to successfully complete the project.

Quotations shall include the attached “Standard Engineering Estimate” and be submitted to:

Michelle Koslap, Project Coordinator
SEDA-COG
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837

All quotations shall be sealed and clearly marked on the outside, “Engineering Services Quotation,” and must be received by 3:00 PM, prevailing time, Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at which time they will be publicly opened at the SEDA-COG Main Office in Lewisburg, PA.

Questions regarding this quotation should be directed to:

Michelle Koslap, Project Coordinator
SEDA-COG
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
570-524-4491 │ mkoslap@seda-cog.org

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Liberty Township Unveils Website Redesign with Modern Look and Improved Accessibility

Liberty Township Unveils Website Redesign with Modern Look and Improved Accessibility

Posted on by DNS Admin

Lewisburg, PA — Liberty Township, Montour County, has launched a redesigned municipal website featuring a fresh, modern appearance and improved access to township information and resources.

The website redesign was completed in partnership with the SEDA-COG Information Technology Group (ITG) and reflects the township’s ongoing commitment to enhancing communication with residents. The updated site introduces a cleaner design, streamlined navigation, and a mobile-friendly experience, making it easier for residents to find important information from any device.

The website serves as a centralized resource for township news, meeting information, ordinances, forms, and contact information. By modernizing its online presence, Liberty Township has made it more convenient for residents to access information and stay informed about local government activities.

“We are pleased to offer residents a website that is easier to navigate, more accessible, and better equipped to share important township information,” said Liberty Township’s Board of Supervisors.

“The redesigned site provides residents with better access to important information while presenting a professional and welcoming image of our community.”

The project focused not only on visual improvements but also on enhancing the overall user experience. Residents can now more easily locate township documents, review meeting agendas and minutes, and find answers to common questions through a streamlined website structure.

As part of the project, SEDA-COG ITG provided website design services, technical support, and training to ensure township officials can efficiently manage and maintain website content moving forward.

“Our goal is to help local governments strengthen communication and public engagement through effective technology solutions,” SEDA-COG ITG Principal Program Analyst, Scott Kramer said. “This redesigned website gives Liberty Township a modern platform that will help residents stay informed and connected with township services and activities.”

While the redesign introduces a contemporary look and improved functionality, township officials view it as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen community engagement and increase transparency. Future updates and additional features may be incorporated as township needs evolve.

Residents are encouraged to visit the redesigned website at https://libertytwsp.com/ and explore the enhanced features and resources available online.

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.