News and Articles Related to Department of Community and Economic Development

My Journey as a Weatherization Technician

October 25, 2021

Oct. 30 marks National Weatherization Day, a day focusing local, state, and national attention on the Weatherization Assistance Program and the work being performed by dedicated members of the weatherization assistance network. In honor of this national day, we spoke to Richard Wagner, a weatherization specialist at the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) who has […]

4 PA Businesses that are Prioritizing Philanthropy

August 31, 2021

A lot has changed in the past few years, but the spirit of giving has not. Generosity is alive and well in Pennsylvania and some of our state-based companies are proving just that. Whether they are just getting started, or have decades of experience behind them, we’re seeing a variety of businesses across industries pave […]

4 Pennsylvania Brewers Spill Their Tips for Aspiring Brewers

April 7, 2021

Pennsylvania’s craft beer industry is bubbling with activity! In 2011, 88 craft breweries called the Keystone State home. Today, more than 400 have set down roots in urban, rural, and suburban communities across the commonwealth. We’re proud of our top rank as the 2nd craft beer producing state in the country, with more than 3.6 […]

Sustaining Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing Labor Force During and After the Pandemic

January 28, 2021

Northampton Community College Almost a year ago, we highlighted how Northampton Community College (NCC) was supporting its surrounding manufacturing industry through its Micro-credentials in Manufacturing program, where thanks to funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), anyone can access accelerated training for manufacturing industry job placement. And, almost a year ago, we […]

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, […]

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 […]

Community Development Block Grant CV Program Invoice – DCED-FMC-CDBG-CV-013

October 30, 2020

Community Development Block Grant CV Program Invoice DCED-FMC-CDBG-CV-013 (Rev. 04/2017) The form below is to be used for the Community Development Block Grant CV program invoice submittals. Please use the invoice instructions for any questions that you may have when filling out this invoice. Call Quality Assurance at 717.787.7402 if you need further assistance.

America’s Oldest Ice Cream Company Calls Pennsylvania Home

August 19, 2020

A fifth-generation family business in Philadelphia, Bassetts Ice Cream is proudly known as America’s oldest ice cream company. This full-service frozen dessert distributor exclusively uses Pennsylvania milk in its products, and distributes ice cream around the nation and the world. We spoke to Alex Bassett Strange, an Account Executive at Bassetts Ice Cream who is […]

Duolingo: Setting the Bar for Start-ups in the Steel City

January 7, 2020

Licorne. Enhörning. Jednorożec. Unicorn. It’s a term used in the venture capital industry to describe a privately held startup company valued at $1 billion or more. Pennsylvania’s own Duolingo recently reached unicorn status after a $30 million investment from CapitalG, Alphabet’s growth equity investment fund, making it Pittsburgh’s first venture capital-funded tech start-up company to […]

Support Local Small Businesses – Shop Small on November 30

November 20, 2019

Pennsylvania is a state of small businesses, with our one million small businesses forming the bulk (more than 99%!) of our business economy. How have so many small businesses found success here? There are a variety of factors, but it’s largely a combination of our welcoming communities, flourishing main streets, state support and assistance, robust […]

5 Steps to Building a Successful Qualified Opportunity Zone

September 25, 2019

Erie, PA The federal Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) program spurs economic development and job creation in low-income communities by offering tax incentives for investment into designated distressed census tracts. In 2018, Pennsylvania nominated 300 census tracts for QOZ designation based on their distressed economic status, recommendations from local partners, and the likelihood of private-sector investment […]

Aliquippa: Powered by Passionate People

December 24, 2018

For more than 30 years, the city of Aliquippa has been designated as financially distressed under the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act, more commonly known as Act 47. Administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Act 47 assists Pennsylvania municipalities experiencing severe financial difficulties to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their […]

Maker Monday: The Bakery Society Pittsburgh

December 17, 2018

Jami Pasquinell Occupation: Executive Director In December of 2014, Jami Pasquinelli joined Pittsburgh’s Economic Development South (EDS) community development corporation as the commercial district manager in the Mt. Oliver and Knoxville neighborhoods. She spearheaded The Bakery Society Pittsburgh (TBSP) project after she started the “Sweet Saturdays” event with EDS — an opportunity for community bakers […]

Amazon Did the Homework: 6 Reasons PA Should Be on Any Business’s Shortlist

November 27, 2018

RE 2Robotics After a yearlong public search for a North American city to claim as its second home, Amazon made its decision and instead named two locations — Long Island City, NY and the newly branded National Landing neighborhood in Northern Virginia — the winners of its HQ2 project. Amazon’s location search highlighted — on […]

Maker Monday: Panther Boards

November 26, 2018

Panther Boards is a student-run company at William Tennent High School that produces fully custom, high-performance skis. The business offers student employees a unique way to gain experience as entrepreneurs through taking on executive positions in marketing, finance, technology, human resources, product design, graphic design, supply chain management, and hands-on production. Panther Boards creates each […]

Small Business Spotlight: ConnexiCore

November 9, 2018

November 11 marks Veterans Day, a time to celebrate the brave military personnel who have served in the United States Armed Forces. According to a 2017 report from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the country for the total number of veteran-owned businesses (97,969). This number includes Pike County’s ConnexiCore, a drone […]

Cheers to October, Pennsylvania Wine Month

October 24, 2018

October is Pennsylvania Wine Month, when we celebrate the impressive wineries, wine trails, and wine-inspired events throughout the Keystone State. Not only do they serve as tourist attractions and a fun date or group retreat – wineries also have an incredible economic impact on the families running them and the Pennsylvania citizens who reap the […]

Maker Monday: Acutec Precision Aerospace

October 12, 2018

Elisabeth Smith Occupation: President and CEO Owned by Elisabeth Smith, Acutec Precision Aerospace is a forward-thinking, data-driven machining and subassembly supplier partner serving the aerospace industry. In June 2018, Acutec announced the expansion of its manufacturing facility, which will create 60 new manufacturing jobs. For almost five years, Smith has managed operations at Acutec, and […]

Cultivating Community in Southeast PA: Generating Creativity (Part 2 of 2)

October 1, 2018

Lansdowne Borough is a success story in the making: a small town that has completed several community revitalization projects with support from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Keystone Communities Program. For part two of this story, we followed up with Deborah Brodeur, Executive Director of the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), to […]

Small Business Spotlight : Ashland Technologies

August 22, 2018

Ashland Technologies, Inc. (Ash-Tec) is a leading contract manufacturer of machined and fabricated parts with a mission to become the first national chain of machine shops in locations throughout the United States. The company, headquartered in Schuylkill County, is known for manufacturing roller coaster cars and other items for amusement parks and arcades. Most recently, […]

Maker Monday: Southern Tioga Makerspaces

August 20, 2018

Sarah Murray Occupation: Librarian Employer: Blossburg Elementary School and Liberty Elementary School Blossburg Elementary School and Liberty Elementary School, both part of the Southern Tioga School District, transformed portions of their respective libraries into makerspaces, enabling students to tinker, explore, and creatively involve themselves in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics […]

Maker Monday: Fox Meadows Creamery

July 30, 2018

Krista Fox Occupation: Research and Development Employer: Fox Meadows Creamery The Fox family started their dairy farm in the 1950s in Lancaster County, developing it into a leader in milk quality, animal husbandry, and milk production. Today, Fox Meadows Creamery offers a true cow-to-cone experience, creating hand-crafted ice cream with milk straight from their dairy […]

Small Business Spotlight : Four-Zag Hill

July 25, 2018

Four-Zag Hill is a family owned and operated dairy farm that supplies high-quality milk for the fluid market from its dairy farm in Columbia County. We spoke to owner Rosalie Zaginaylo to learn more about her story and how funding through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) program helped jumpstart her small business. The PIDA […]

HOME Investment Partnerships Program Invoice DCED-FMC-HOME-012

July 11, 2018

HOME Investment Partnerships Program Invoice DCED-FMC-HOME-012 (Rev. 04/2017) The form below is to be used for the Home Investment Partnership program invoice submittals. Please use the invoice instructions for any questions that you may have when filling out this invoice. Call Quality Assurance at 717.787.7402 if you need further assistance.

The Community Action Committee of Lehigh Valley is a Champion for its Residents

July 9, 2018

On a mission to improve quality of life and provide economic opportunity for residents, the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV) has been an active neighbor to the citizens of the Lehigh Valley since December 1965. We caught up with Lynette Praster, director of the Center for Community Services at the PA Department […]

Community Development Block Grant Program Invoice – DCED-FMC-CDBG-013

July 2, 2018

Community Development Block Grant Program Invoice DCED-FMC-CDBG-013 (Rev. 04/2017) The form below is to be used for the Community Development Block Grant program invoice submittals. Please use the invoice instructions for any questions that you may have when filling out this invoice. Call Quality Assurance at 717.787.7402 if you need further assistance.

Matric Group Embarks on a New, Exciting Chapter

June 20, 2018

Matric, Group Seneca-based Matric Group provides world-class electronic manufacturing services for commercial, industrial, medical equipment, and aerospace markets. We spoke with president and chief executive officer Rick Turner to learn how the fast-growing, innovative company utilized the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) program to continually invest in its future with upgraded machinery and job training. […]

Maker Monday: DuraEdge Products

June 18, 2018

Kurt Mershimer Occupation: Project Engineer/Operations Manager Employer: DuraEdge Products DuraEdge specializes in the production of top-quality engineered soil products for the baseball and softball field industry. They provide long-term soil solutions — not just seasonal quick fixes — to clients at every level of play, from community parks to professional stadiums. How did you get […]

Small Business Spotlight: Tröegs Brews Success in Hershey

April 12, 2018

Tröegs Brewsery, Hershey Started in 1997 by brothers Chris and John Trogner, Tröegs Independent Brewing has made a name for itself in the Central Pennsylvania community for its signature brews and commitment to its neighbors. We caught up with John to learn more about their story and success in Pennsylvania. How did you get started […]

Cultivating Community in Southeast PA (Part 1)

March 28, 2018

Lansdowne Borough is a success story in the making, a small town that has completed several community revitalization projects with support from DCED’s Keystone Communities program as part of the Elm Street designation. We spoke with Deborah Brodeur, Executive Director of the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation, to learn how DCED’s programs and resources have helped […]

Pennsylvania Family-owned Plastic Company Earns Recognition

March 27, 2018

Plastek Group, Erie Plastek Group is a world-class manufacturer of plastics packaging for the personal care, home care, food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Headquartered in Erie, Pa., Plastek also has facilities in North Carolina, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico offering industrial design, product and packaging development, mold design and injection, assembly, and […]

Tourism’s $43B Impact Drives PA’s Economy and Quality of Life

March 20, 2018

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square Pennsylvania offers a myriad of activities for visitors and residents year-round, but spring decidedly marks the beginning of a more active season when the flowers start to bloom, birds sing, and those of us who patiently waited out the frostier months enthusiastically shake off our cabin fever. As we approach warmer […]

New Report Highlights Three Resilient Pennsylvania Communities

March 19, 2018

Erie’s Bayfront As Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), I have the distinct privilege to travel the state and meet people from all industries and walks of life. In addition to our legendary can-do spirit and incredible work ethic, we possess a relentless commitment to making our communities the best they […]

Small Business Spotlight: Simcoach Games

March 9, 2018

Simcoach Games, along with other Pennsylvania gaming companies, is taking game development to the next level. Originally created as a spinoff from Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) by founder Jessica Trybus, Simcoach is making games that drive learning and behavior change; currently, their focus is on workforce development. We caught up with Jessica […]

Fayette County Community Action Agency: A Model for Community Development

February 28, 2018

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) administers the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program for community-based organizations. The CSBG program aims to revitalize low-income communities across the state by funding various initiatives, including job training, housing, drug counseling, education, and more. We spoke to Jim Stark, CEO of Fayette County Community Action Agency, […]

Pennsylvania Biotech: Combating Rare Diseases Worldwide

February 27, 2018

CSL Behring may be the best-kept secret in the biopharmaceutical industry today. In advance of Rare Disease Day 2018 (February 28), we spoke to Karen Etchberger, the King of Prussia site leader and EVP of Quality and Business Services at CSL Behring, to find out why her company chose Pennsylvania and how their work contributes […]

Small Business Spotlight: Lampire Biological Laboratories, Inc.

February 20, 2018

Lampire Biological Laboratories, Inc. Lampire Biological Laboratories, Inc., is a biotechnology company that has several locations across Pennsylvania. We spoke to Gregory F. Krug, CEO of Lampire, about his contributions to the life sciences industry and how recent funding through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) will help his business continue to grow. How did […]

Altoona: A Journey from Distress to Recovery

January 18, 2018

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) administers the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act, Act of 1987, P.L. 246, No. 47. Under Act 47, DCED has a responsibility to assist Pennsylvania municipalities that are experiencing severe financial difficulties in order to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their citizens. Altoona was designated as financially […]

Small Business Spotlight: Eleven Oak Farms LLC

January 12, 2018

Eleven Oak Farms LLC is a family owned and operated farm in Cumberland County that produces some of the finest beef in the nation. We spoke to Jim Shuster of Eleven Oaks about his farming philosophy and how recent funding through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) will help his business continue to grow. Why […]

Top 5 Resources to Get Your PA Small Business Up and Running

January 9, 2018

Home to 1 million small businesses employing 2.5 million individuals, Pennsylvania’s entrepreneurs and innovators play a huge role in the communities in which they operate. Have a great business concept but intimidated by the idea of starting your own business? We’ve got you covered. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has compiled the […]

News and Articles Related to DCED

UPCOMING EVENTS