2020 Investments Represent Commitment to PA Workforce and a Brighter Economic Future

January 11, 2021
A Year-End Recap of Activity by the Department of Community and Economic Development Harrisburg, PA – While 2020 presented incredible challenges for Pennsylvania and the world, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin today offered a message of hope for the coming year — Pennsylvania is resilient, and the investments we made […]

Development of New Multi-Use Office Tower in Pittsburgh Will Create Hundreds of Jobs, Spur Economic Growth in Western Pennsylvania

January 11, 2021
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that F.N.B. Corporation will enter into a joint venture with Pittsburgh Arena Real Estate Development LP and the Buccini/Pollen Group to develop the FNB Financial Center, a 26-story, 547,888-square-foot office tower in Pittsburgh, which will create 160 new, high-paying jobs. The company has committed to investing more […]

New Funding for Workforce Training in Southwestern PA Will Prepare Students for In-Demand Manufacturing Careers

January 8, 2021
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that the Western Area Career & Technology Center (WACTC) in Washington County was approved for $112,262 in funding through Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing Training-to-Career program, a program that helps companies identify and train a skilled workforce through targeted programs and services. “Our manufacturing industry has established itself as a […]

Governor Wolf Announces $1.28 Million to Support Business Expansion, Job Retention and Creation

January 6, 2021
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced $1.28 million in low-interest loans through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) that will help companies in three counties improve their operations, expand their facilities, and create and retain jobs. “Despite navigating the challenges of the past year, Pennsylvania has remained committed to investing in companies that […]

Wolf Administration Highlights Innovative Healthcare Technology Company’s Revolutionary Air Filtration System for COVID-19 Mitigation

January 5, 2021
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Technology and Innovation Steve D’Ettorre joined the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/NEP) and LifeAire Systems to highlight how the healthcare technology company’s revolutionary air purification technology is supporting the mitigation of COVID-19. “Through the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, […]

Reminder: Restaurant Indoor Dining Capacity May Increase Jan. 4 to 25 Percent, or 50 Percent if Self-Certified

January 4, 2021
Harrisburg, PA – Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin today reminded restaurants that as of Monday, January 4, 2021 at 8:00 AM, they may once again open at 50 percent capacity for indoor dining if they have completed the online self-certification process. Municipalities that have implemented more restrictive mitigation efforts remain […]

New Virtual Campaign Encourages Pennsylvanians to Celebrate the Holidays at Home

December 23, 2020
Holi-Stay PA’s virtual experiences allow Pennsylvanians to safely enjoy holiday cheer Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)’s Pennsylvania Tourism Office announced a new virtual experience, Holi-stay PA, to encourage Pennsylvanians to stay home and stay safe this holiday season by taking advantage of virtual activities to explore Pennsylvania safely. […]

New Funding for Student Workforce Training Will Create Meaningful Connections to Manufacturing Industry

December 22, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that The Challenge Program, Inc. (TCP) in Cambria County was approved for $143,000 in funding through Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing Training-to-Career program, a program that helps companies identify and train a skilled workforce through targeted programs and services. “Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry powers our economy, and provides stable, good-paying jobs […]

DCED Highlights New “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” Video Library to Support the Future of Manufacturing in Pennsylvania

December 21, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin highlighted the new resources available to support the future of manufacturing here in Pennsylvania through the “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” (WSCM) program, hosted by the Manufacturers Resource Center. “The ‘What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?’ program has for years connected Pennsylvania’s […]

Wolf Administration Highlights Innovative Healthcare Transportation Solution for Pennsylvania Health Organizations During COVID-19

December 16, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary Steve D’Ettorre joined Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Roundtrip to highlight how the healthcare technology company ensures healthcare organizations can get their patients, members, and caregivers to and from care during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we continue to live […]

Wolf Administration Announces Nearly $4 Million in Funding to Communities Struggling Amidst COVID-19

December 15, 2020
Harrisburg, PA — Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin announced more than $3.7 million in Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funding to help communities address challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. “More than ever before, Pennsylvania’s communities are facing incredible challenges as they work to protect their residents and businesses […]

Wolf Administration Highlights Development of Promising New Drug Candidate to Treat COVID-19

December 9, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary Steve D’Ettorre and Ben Franklin Technology Partners Innovation Works CEO Richard Lunak joined Teresa Whalen, CEO of Pittsburgh-based CytoAgents, to highlight the development of a new COVID-19 treatment. “This exciting new development was made possible by the strong partnerships the Wolf Administration […]

Smart Indoor Vertical Farm to Open in Pennsylvania, Bringing New Jobs, Sustainability, and Food Security

December 8, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that New York City-based Bowery Farming, Inc., the largest vertical farming company in the country, has selected Pennsylvania as the best place to expand its operations. The new facility will be the fourth vertical farm operation in the U.S. and first in the commonwealth. “Pennsylvania welcomes Bowery […]

Governor Wolf Announces $36 Million in New Funding to Support Community Revitalization Projects

December 7, 2020
Harrisburg, PA –Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of $36 million in funding through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) to support 214 community revitalization projects across the commonwealth. “The Neighborhood Assistance Program has historically been a valued resource for communities across Pennsylvania, and that is true now more than ever,” said Gov. Wolf. “This […]

Tobyhanna Army Depot Develops Critical PPE Parts and Power Supplies, Designs Masks to Support Employees Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

December 7, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin applauded Tobyhanna Army Depot for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). The Army depot partnered with its local Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Luzerne County to make parts for Power […]

Governor Wolf Announces Life Sciences Partnership to Create Jobs, Develop COVID-19 Vaccine

December 3, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that U.S. Specialty Formulations (USSF), LLC, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company, will expand its operations in Allentown, Lehigh County to continue its work developing a COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with VaxForm, LLC. This project will create at least 97 new, high-paying positions at the site. “There will be […]

Wolf Administration Awards Funding to Support Business Expansion, Facility Enhancement in Three Counties

December 2, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced three new low-interest loan approvals through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) that will help companies in three counties expand their operations, enhance services and improve facilities, and create and retain jobs. “As 2020 draws to a close, we reflect on the challenges faced by Pennsylvania’s critical […]

Wolf Administration Awards $3 Million in Funding to Protect Pennsylvanians Experiencing Homelessness This Winter

November 30, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that $3 million in grant funding has been awarded to 15 municipalities and organizations spanning 20 counties to assist Pennsylvanians currently experiencing homelessness. “All Pennsylvanians are entitled to safe shelter, and that is never more important than in the cold winter months,” said Gov. Wolf. “This funding […]

Pennsylvanians Encouraged To Shop Virtual, Curbside This Holiday Season

November 25, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community of Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin encouraged Pennsylvanians to support local businesses safely this year by only shopping virtually and utilizing curbside pickup options. “Black Friday is enjoyed by both consumers and retailers alike and is a tradition that we encourage people to celebrate in the safest […]

Wolf Administration Highlights Partnership Between Letterkenny Army Depot and WellSpan Health to Protect Medical Professionals, Community

November 25, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin highlighted the efforts of Letterkenny Army Depot for its pivot to produce 120,000 protective medical gowns for WellSpan Health through a Public Private Partnership in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the ability for medical professionals to acquire personal protective […]

Wolf Administration Applauds Veteran-Owned Lehigh Valley Distillery for Response to PPE Call to Action

November 20, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin highlighted the efforts of Eight Oaks Farm Distillery—a veteran-owned, family-run, farm distillery in New Tripoli—for its pivot to begin making hand sanitizer in response to the state’s critical need for personal protective equipment (PPE). Eight Oaks Farm Distillery is listed on […]

Office of International Business and Development Recognized for Efforts to Link Community, Commerce Across the Atlantic

November 19, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin celebrated the nomination of Deputy Secretary of the Office of International Business and Development (OIBD) Joseph Burke for a Golden Bridges Award at the 12th annual Golden Bridges Conference and Awards sponsored by The Irish Echo and Ireland Northwest. Deputy Secretary […]

Gov. Wolf Announces Funding to Support Agricultural Projects in Berks, Lebanon, Lancaster Counties

November 17, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the approval of seven agricultural projects being funded through the First Industries Fund (FIF). These projects, located in three counties, will help existing farms expand their operations, bring in additional revenue, and transition agribusinesses to the next generation of farmers. “Pennsylvania’s economy is powered by its agriculture industry, so […]
Starting Own Business 2021

8 Tips for Starting Your Own Business in 2021

November 16, 2020
The thought of launching a business can be daunting — it requires grit, motivation, and determination to turn an idea into a living, breathing, sustainable business. However, we’re here to help you finally take the plunge and develop that business concept you’ve been considering with the assistance of the PA Business One Stop Shop, which […]

Wolf Administration Highlights Pittsburgh-Based Sports Apparel Business for Supplying PPE, Safety from the Sidelines

November 13, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin highlighted the efforts of Little Earth Productions—a family-owned, Pittsburgh-based manufacturer of licensed fashion accessories and apparel for professional and college sports teams—for its pivot to begin supplying disposable masks, KN95 masks, and medical gowns in response to the state’s critical need […]

Wolf Administration Boosts Downtown Wilkes-Barre Revitalization Efforts through ‘Keystone Communities Main Street’ Designation

November 12, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin announced that Downtown Wilkes-Barre has officially been designated as a Keystone Communities Main Street, allowing for funding that supports targeted investment and development to address community needs. The Diamond City Partnership will be the administering agency responsible for implementing the revitalization […]

Governor Wolf Announces Approval of Six Projects to Assist Local Governments with Municipal Planning and Shared Services

November 12, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of six projects through the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) to assist local governments with planning for zoning, coordinating emergency services, and creating comprehensive plans. “Pennsylvania’s municipalities and local governments rely on comprehensive planning to bring critical projects to fruition, and that planning is crucial now […]
Veterans Day 2019

Small Business Spotlight: Veterans Day Edition

November 10, 2020
With Veterans Day around the corner, we’re recognizing the contributions of our veteran workforce in Pennsylvania and those serving the veteran community. We had the opportunity to speak with Eve Baum, Founder and Designer of Military Apparel Company in Gardners, Pa., which creates custom handbags and accessories from military uniforms, as well as Scott Koons, […]

Governor Wolf Announces New Funding Available to Protect Homeless Pennsylvanians During COVID-19 Resurgence

November 5, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that nearly $20 million is now available to assist Pennsylvanians currently experiencing homelessness. The commonwealth received its second allocation of federal COVID-19 Homeless Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG-CV) funds, and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has set aside a portion of those funds to be […]

Governor Wolf Announces New Funding to Support Small Business Expansion, Job Creation in Three PA Counties

November 4, 2020
Harrisburg, PA– Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced four new low-interest loan approvals through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) that will provide for business expansion and job creation in Elk, Lancaster and Northumberland counties. “No matter the challenging circumstances our commonwealth is facing, we continue to make strategic investments in businesses and projects across Pennsylvania,” […]

Wolf Administration: Restaurants Can Safely Increase Indoor Capacity to 50 Percent with Self-Certification

November 2, 2020
Harrisburg, PA— Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding reminded Pennsylvania restaurant, bar and club owners that they may increase indoor capacity from 25 percent to 50 percent through self-certification, which will increase consumer confidence but will not lead to additional inspections or penalties. “Contrary to […]

ICYMI: Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program Calls Pennsylvania’s Hazard Pay Program a ‘Promising Model’ for Other States

November 2, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program released an analysis on the importance of hazard pay during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted Pennsylvania’s efforts to protect essential workers. The governor continues to call on the General Assembly to provide additional funding for these frontline workers, especially given the […]

Wolf Administration Applauds Lackawanna County Business for Critical PPE and Home Independence Solutions

October 30, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin highlighted the efforts of Loh Medical, an exporter of assistive technology headquartered in Clarks Summit, for its pivot in production to make thermometers and other protective items available in response to the state’s critical need for personal protective equipment (PPE). Loh […]
Women Owned Tech Businesses

Pennsylvania Women-Led Tech Businesses: Saving Money and Water

October 30, 2020
Did you know that October is National Women’s Small Business Month? There are countless female trailblazers who call Pennsylvania home, and they have made immeasurable contributions to our state, our economy, and in many cases globally. Recently, H2O Connected and Chariot Solutions partnered to save commercial property owners money and conserve water. Susan Springsteen H2O […]

Wolf Administration: United Kingdom’s Largest Kitchen Retailer Chooses Pennsylvania for North American Headquarters and First Manufacturing Facility

October 26, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that Wren Manufacturing, Inc., a manufacturer of custom kitchen cabinets, will establish its North American headquarters and a manufacturing center in the Hanover Industrial Estates in Hanover Township and Sugar Notch Borough, creating a combined 360 new jobs at both locations in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. “Wren Manufacturing’s […]

Wolf Administration Recognizes Recipients of 2020 Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence

October 26, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – On behalf of Governor Tom Wolf, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin today recognized municipalities and local government officials for their dedication and commitment to strengthen their communities and better serve their residents. “At DCED, we often say that Pennsylvania is the best place in the world to […]

Wolf Administration: Montgomery County Business Pivots to Supply Businesses, Individuals with Critical PPE

October 23, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin highlighted the efforts of BTC Envelopes & Printing, LLC, a minority-owned print and promotional products distributor of over 25 years specializing in business solutions, for its pivot in production to make reusable masks, KN95 face masks, face shields, and other protective […]

Wolf Administration Announces Funding for Tech Investments in Southeastern Pennsylvania

October 22, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin and the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) announced that $1 million has been awarded to the Global Opportunity Philadelphia Fund to invest in early stage technology companies in the Greater Philadelphia region. The Global Opportunity Philadelphia Fund was formed by […]

Governor Wolf Announces $181 Million Investment in Water Infrastructure Projects in 12 Counties

October 21, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today announced the investment of $181 million for 16 drinking water, wastewater and non-point source projects across 12 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). “As our citizens and businesses continue to adapt to an ever-changing environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our top priority must be ensuring […]
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