2016 Riverwalk Project FY 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Cherry Springs Dark Skies:

A Stargazer’s Paradise

2016 Riverwalk Project

FY 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission

49 Ridgmont Drive, Ridgway, PA 15853

Phone: 814-773-3162 / Fax: 814-772-7045

Email: [email protected] / Website: www.ncentral.com

Cherry Springs: Route 44

Highway to the Stars

Table of Contents

Remarks from Board Chairman Doug Morley __________________________________________________________ 1

Financial Summary _______________________________________________________________________________________ 2

Our Region ________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

Community Development & Regional Planning ________________________________________________________ 4

Transportation Planning _______________________________________________________________________________ 10

Economic Development ________________________________________________________________________________ 13

Human Resources ______________________________________________________________________________________ 21

Information Systems ___________________________________________________________________________________ 22

North Central Workforce Operations ____________________________________________________________________ 24

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) __________________________________________________________________ 25

North Central Board of Directors ______________________________________________________________________ 27

North Central Staff ______________________________________________________________________________________ 28

Contact Information ____________________________________________________________________________________ 29

Cover picture by Curt Weinhold, Dark Skies at Cherry Springs State Park

and provided by:

Jennifer Rossman

Community Development Director

Potter County, PA

I would like to thank Tina and Ed of our IT Department for their help on the cover of this report.

REMARKS FROM BOARD CHAIRMAN DOUG MORLEY

Page 1

Remarks from Board Chairman Doug Morley

Dear Friends:

It is my pleasure to present to you the North Central Pennsylvania

Regional Planning and Development Commission Annual Report for fiscal

year 2018.

Though not without its challenges, this year’s annual letter has proven to

be a difficult one for me to write both personally and professionally.

Unlike previous years and the funding cutbacks, cost saving plans and

service delivery challenges we typically face, those were not the greatest

issues facing the organization.

North Central has certainly undergone an interesting year of evolution and

transition due in part to significant changes in services that, for decades, were provided by the

Commission. As of July 1, 2018, the Title 1 Adult, Youth and Dislocated Worker programs, as well as

the E.A.R.N. program, would no longer be core programs offered by the staff of the Commission. This

loss of workforce training programs and staff reductions, in addition to losing its Executive Director, has

brought several new challenges as well as opportunities that we, as a Board and staff, must address

moving ahead.

What I can say is that North Central is alive and well and we are not going anywhere! The

Management Team at the Commission continues to function as a leadership team, and working

alongside the Board, is moving full steam ahead to deliver quality programs and services to the entire

region. It has positioned itself to collaborate with regional partners and to once again be a strong

advocate for community development, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, the delivery

of regional economic development services, rural broadband and transportation planning across the

entire six-county region. The staff of this agency has once again proven that they have the experience,

tenacity and an attitude that serves them, and the Board, well during these times of transition and

uncertainty.

The future for North Central and the six county region is collectively in our hands; and together I

promise you that we will succeed and come out stronger than ever before. The value of the services

provided has not been diminished by these events and we are poised to move forward into the future

with optimistic views and a commitment to all those served by North Central.

Thank you.

Douglas C. Morley

Potter County Commissioner

Chairman, North Central Board of Directors

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Page 2

Financial Summary

Statement of Revenues and Expenditures – July 1, 2017 – June 30, 201

Current Year Actual

Revenues

Total Revenues 9,233,944.55

Expenses

Total Expenses 8,901,785.86

Net Revenue/Expense 332,158.69

Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2018

Current Year

Assets

Total Assets 11,797,287.74

Liabilities

Total Liabilities 5,972,766.81

Fund Balance

Prior Year

FUND BALANCE 30000 4,875,933.78

NCBD FUND BALANCE 30001 616,428.46

Total Prior Year 5,492,362.24

Current Year

Total Current Year 332,158.69

Total Fund Balance 5,824,520.93

Fund Balance/Liabilities 11,797,287.74

OUR REGION

Page 3

Our Region

The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission headquartered in

Ridgway, Pennsylvania, takes great efforts to promote the area in order to foster community and

economic development within the Commonwealth.

The region includes the six counties of Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter. These

counties are rich in industrial sites, are well known for the quality of their workforce and provide

excellent opportunities for businesses to relocate or expand their current operations here.

North Central works cooperatively with each community to streamline state, federal and regional

services including community, economic development and transportation planning. Funding support is

available for community infrastructure projects, customized job training, exporting, government

procurement and redevelopment. Our vast network of partners work together to take maximum

advantage of the numerous opportunities that exist, in order to benefit everyone.

•North Central will exceed the expectations of our customers and stakeholders by committing to organizational excellence, helping to build vibrant communities, aiding in the preparation of a first-class workforce, stimulating economic vitality through collaboration, and partnering to build the infrastructure and technology necessary for regional growth

Mission

•North Central will be recognized and respected as a premier regional development organization by providing first class services to our customers Vision

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & REGIONAL PLANNING

Page 4

Community Development & Regional Planning

APPALCHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION North Central submitted six applications for Fiscal Year 2018

funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

After committee review of these applications, North Central

submitted the following projects for $509,500:

ARC PROJECT PROFILES

PROJECT NAME COUNTY

ARC

FUNDS

OTHER

FUNDS

TOTAL

COSTS

PROJECT

STATUS

BFA

ATTAINED

NCPRPDC

Partnership for

Regional Economic

Performance (PREP)

Multi $285,000 $285,000 $570,000 Approved N/A

What’s so Cool About

Manufacturing Video Multi $20,000 $20,000 $40,000 Approved N/A

Bradford Regional

Airport Business and

Recruitment Strategy

McKean $29,500 $29,500 $59,000 Approved N/A

Rixford Waterworks

Association Tank

Replacement

McKean $125,000 $125,000 $250,000 Approved USDA

Electronic Health

Record (HER) Project McKean $50,000 $50,000 $100,000

Not

Approved N/A

TOTALS $509,500 $509,500 $1,019,000

Projects seeking Fiscal Year 2019 Funding

PROJECT NAME COUNTY

ARC

FUNDS

OTHER

FUNDS

TOTAL

COSTS

PROJECT

STATUS

BFA

ATTAINED

NCPRPDC Partnership for Regional Economic Performance (PREP)

Multi $285,000 $285,000 $570,000 Ready to

Go N/A

Essential Emergency Support Training Certification Program

Multi $215,050 $409,950 $625,000 Ready to

Go N/A

Destination Gobbler’s

Knob Visitor Center

Interactive Learning

Jefferson $60,000 $60,000 $120,000 Ready to

Go N/A

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & REGIONAL PLANNING

Page 5

UPB Instructional

Equipment for

Engineering

Technology Physical

Therapy and

Occupational Therapy

Programs

McKean $300,000 $300,000 $600,000 Ready to

Go N/A

Penn Highlands Mobile

Low-Dose Computed

Tomographic (LDCT)

Program

Clearfield $300,000 $300,000 $600,000 Ready to

Go N/A

Brookville Municipal

Authority Water &

Wastewater Relocation

Project

Jefferson $118,750 $118,750 $237,500 Applied for

Funding USDA

Penn Highlands DuBois

Behavioral Health

Expansion Entrance

Clearfield $850,000 $150,000 $1,000,000 Ready to

Go

FHWA/

PennDOT

TOTALS $2,128,800 $1,623,700 $3,752,500

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

A new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

(CEDS) Five Year Plan was undertaken in Fiscal Year

2017/2018. Various adjustments to regional strategies to

guide regional development were revised, added, or

modified in the preparation of this document.

NCPRPDC intends to use this document to guide future

development efforts and performance measures have

been added to evaluate results and actions pursued by

NCPRPDC. Some of the work elements include the

following:

Regional Background.

Summary Observations (demographics, transportation, economic conditions, resiliency,

tourism, healthcare, education, and oil and gas extraction).

SWOT Analysis.

Outreach.

Targeted Investment Strategy & Action Plan.

Short and Long-term Goals.

Project development efforts continued and efforts were made at looking into the possibilities of

downtown re-development in Punxsutawney (Pantal Hotel Project) as well as possible POWER grant

opportunities. These efforts are ongoing throughout the six-county region, but action by potential

applicants to pursue EDA grant funding have been put on hold due to local fund matching difficulties,

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & REGIONAL PLANNING

Page 6

differing projected outcomes anticipated, and timeliness issues. Efforts in 2018 will continue to support

development of economic-oriented projects that will include significant private investment and job

creation where applicable. A key issue among CEDS Committee members was pursuing land for more

industrial/commerce parks as existing parks are almost completely occupied and available land with

utilities available on-site is becoming scare.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)

North Central Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has continued to advance the utilization and

integration of GIS at the Local level by facilitating the spatial component to local assets.

Numerous local governments and authorities have embraced adding a “where” element to their various

resources. Now not only do they know the location of any particular asset, but they can reference the

“what” about it directly from the field. This initiative will continue at the direction of these various

agencies ensuring that their pace and priorities are being met.

Another large initiative GIS has been

applied is with PEMA’s nine county-

wide Emergency Management

Dispatching program. Nine Northern

Pennsylvania counties have been

developing a consistent and seamless

geographic dataset to be integrated

into common Computer Aided

Dispatching software that will allow

the participating counties to look

across their borders and assist

wherever an incident may occur. At

the base of this capability, is a

standardized spatial dataset that

facilitates a common operating

picture. Enabling dispatchers from

any county to assist another and

ultimately be able to act as a backup if

the need arises.

GREENWAYS IMPLEMENTATION

Greenways Projects

During the Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, a total of nine projects were

awarded through the North Central Greenways mini-grant program.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & REGIONAL PLANNING

Page 7

COUNTY

PROJECTS

COMPLETED DOLLAR AMOUNT

Cameron 0 $0

Clearfield 0 $0

Elk 3 $33,249.61

Jefferson 1 $14.582.50

McKean 3 $40,523.17

Potter 2 $25,000

TOTALS 9 $113,355.28

Grants were awarded for implementation of the strategies outlined in the North Central Greenways Plan.

Represented on the selection committee were designees from each of the regions six counties, along

with the representatives from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Projects are

underway with more selections to be announced in the future. The current projects that were selected

are focused on:

DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

TECHNICAL

ASSISTANCE

Trail Development Trail Town Planning Engineering

Trailhead Development Trail Design Site Development

Community Park Development Trail Plans Educational Programs

Watershed, Conservation Development Community Outreach Master Site Plans

Signage Feasibility Studies

MJ2KB Trail Club Kayak Launch at Hamlin Lake

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & REGIONAL PLANNING

Page 8

FLOOD RESILIENCY

Flood Resiliency Initiative

During the Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, North Central utilized funding from the

Keystone Communities Program (KCP) to implement a Flood Resiliency Initiative in the region. The

Flood Resiliency Initiative is a program that is designed to help raise awareness and educate residents

on the short and long term impacts of the Flood Insurance Reform.

North Central used in house geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze the 155 municipalities in

the region to identify a pilot community. Considerations were given to factors such as:

Number of Structures in the Flood Zone

Percentage of Tax Base in Flood Zone

Population Density

Total Value of Structures

NFIP Paid Premiums

Severe Repetitive Loss Properties

Existing Flood Controls

Historic Flooding Events

Pilot Community

In May of 2018 the pilot project kicked off in the highest scoring community, Ridgway Borough. Over

200 homeowner surveys were sent out to property owners in the 100-year flood plain as part of the

public participation process. The questionnaires were used to evaluate the residents’ current

understanding of the national flood insurance program, flood legislative acts, cost of compliance, flood

preparedness, and overall interest in mitigation and/or cost saving initiatives.

Pilot Community Public Meeting Historic Flooding in Ridgway Borough

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & REGIONAL PLANNING

Page 9

Elevation Certificate Program

North Central issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) and contracted with a local surveying firm in order

to provide residents with a bulk rate for interested property owners in the 100-year floodplain. The state

average per certificates is $1,500. North Central negotiated a fee of $750 for services provided in

Ridgway Borough. FEMA elevation certificates are vital because property owners will continually face

annual premium rate increases unless elevation data, supplied on an Elevation Certificate, indicates that

the structure does not necessitate a full risk premium.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

Page 10

Transportation Planning

North Central is one of seven Local Development Districts (LDDs) designated by the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania as a Rural Planning Organization (RPO) or Metropolitan Planning Organization

(MPO). The MPO/RPO provides a forum where federal, state, regional and local decision-makers

identify issues/opportunities, conduct studies and make informed recommendations regarding the

programming and implementation of transportation projects.

THE SIX “CORE FUNCTIONS” OF AN RPO

Establish a regional setting for effective decision-making

Identify and evaluate alternative transportation improvement options

Prepare & maintain a Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

Develop a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

Identify performance measure targets

Involve the public

TRANSPORTATION (TIP) PROJECTS LET FOR CONSTRUCTION

During the Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, a total of 30 projects were “Let for Construction”

throughout the six-county region totaling $90,435,027.37 with many more under design.

COUNTY PROJECTS LET

DOLLAR

AMOUNT

Cameron County 5 $28,102,206.52

Clearfield County* 7 $10,851,042.89

Elk County 1 $7,585,665.97

Jefferson County 8 $11,147,331.00

McKean County 6 $18,190,291.24

Potter County 3 $14,558,489.75

TOTALS: 30 $90,435,027.37

*Note: Several projects listed under Clearfield County were projects completed throughout the Region

2045 LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

In 2017-18, the RPO finalized an update of the region's 2045 Long Range

Transportation Plan (LRTP). The LRTP, approved in July 2017, also received a

2018 NADO Innovation Award in recognition of work on the 2045 Long

Range Transportation Plan Story Journal. The Story Journal provides a

summary of the 2045 LRTP using interactive tools that outlines how the region

will address a range of transportation needs with the ultimate goal of fostering

an efficient, safe, reliable, and secure transportation system. Recipients of

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

Page 11

NADO’s Innovation Awardees are honored for making significant impacts to their communities through

creative approaches in advancing community and economic development and quality of life. The 2018

awardees includes 87 projects across 24 states.

REGIONAL PLANNING STUDIES

The Traffic and Transportation Study for the Village of Benezette was

conducted to determine how this small village can manage a large

influx of tourist traffic that is drawn to the area to view the wild elk

herd. The volume of tourists and traffic associated with them has

impacted local infrastructure, strained Benezette Township’s resources,

and created safety hazards. Winslow Hill Road, a major feature within

the study area, is a locally-owned road that leads to the Elk Country

Visitor’s Center. Traffic on this roadway can become extremely

congested during peak tourist times (September/October) when the elk

are most active. This congestion makes it extremely difficult for

emergency service vehicles to get through the area. This road was not

built to maintain the volume of traffic it receives and requires much

more maintenance than it would under normal traffic conditions.

Through the North Central Pennsylvania Coordinated Public Transit-

Human Services Transportation Plan, a transportation need was identified

for veterans, especially those seeking medical care. Veterans in the region

must commonly travel to larger metropolitan areas, such as Altoona or

Pittsburgh, to obtain medical care through VA Hospitals. VA Clinics are

located in the North Central region, however these facilities are largely

not permitted to offer care outside of routine medical appointments.

When transportation is unavailable for veterans to these larger hospitals,

they may have to take costly ambulance service or delay necessary

medical procedures. Using Jefferson County as a pilot, we facilitated a

regional discussion to identify solutions to the veteran’s transportation

problem.

The City of St. Marys worked with North Central on a Strategic

Multimodal Planning Study to identify local highways, bicycle and

pedestrian, transit and utility infrastructure improvements. In particular,

the traffic study focused on community impacts on main corridors which

are Routes 255 and 120 from rerouting traffic or changing traffic patterns

around the “diamond”. In addition, the Study addressed Multimodal

Enhancements to make the downtown “safely” walkable on a daily basis

and during community events. The study focused on the Depot Street

area where the Area Transportation Authority (ATA) is located and the

potential to open up the Depot and Brusselles Street areas with possible

pedestrian access bridges.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

Page 12

LOCAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LTAP)

The Local Technical Assistance Program is designed to help North Central municipalities make the best

use of their maintenance dollars. This fiscal year, LTAP provided technical information and technologies

sessions dealing with roadway maintenance and safety methods to meet the growing needs of

municipalities:

COUNTY

LTAP

CLASSES

HELD

LTAP

TRAINING

REGISTERED

VS/ATTEND

LTAP

TECHNICAL

ASSISTANCE

Cameron 2 28/20 0

Clearfield 4 80/46 4

Elk 0 N/A 2

Jefferson 0 N/A 1

McKean 1 *8/0 5

Potter 2 8/6 1

Outside 0 0 0

TOTALS 9 124/72 13

*Class was cancelled

NOTE: All LTAP Training Attendance reflects multi-county attendance.

HIGHWAY OCCUPANCY PERMIT REVIEWS

During the Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, a total of 164 reviews of Highway

Occupancy Permits (HOPs) that were received through the PennDOT e-permitting process. Reviews

included both commercial and residential HOP applications and resubmissions. Of the 164 reviews the

breakdown of commercial versus apparent residential HOP’s entering onto state highways is as follows:

Commercial Reviews – 139

Residential Reviews - 35

Figure 1Cameron County LTAP Class

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Page 13

Economic Development

BUSINESS FINANCE

The Business Finance Program supports economic growth by providing access to low-interest capital to

small businesses within the six-county region by leveraging private and other public sector financing

which will result in the creation or retention of jobs. Loan funds are available to for-profit entities

including agriculture, manufacturing, industrial, research and development, hospitality, defense

conversion, recycling, computer-related services, construction, child daycare, mining, retail and service

enterprises and developers. Financing is available to both start-up and existing businesses and can be

used for land and building acquisitions, construction and renovation costs, machinery and equipment

purchases and working capital.

The sources which have provided funding to the Commission for the pool of revolving loan funds

include the Economic Development Administration, Appalachian Regional Commission and USDA

Rural Development.

North Central also serves as a Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) for the

Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan program which is administered through the

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This designation

enables North Central to expand the access to low-interest loans and lines of credit to businesses in the

region that will create and retain full-time jobs, as well as for the development of industrial parks and

multi-tenant facilities.

As of June 30, 2018, the Commission’s total loan portfolio consists of 178 active loans with an

outstanding principal balance of $20,466,855.58.

Lending Impact

July 2017 – June 2018

9 Loans Closed

$2,859,500 In North Central

Financing Provided

$7,771,795 In Other Leveraged

Funds

12 Jobs Created

383 Jobs Retained

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Page 14

LOAN REVIEW COMMITTEE

Mark Breakey CNB Bank, Chairman

Joseph Haines St. Marys Redevelopment Authority, Vice Chairman

Sara Andrews City of Bradford, Office of Economic & Community

Development

Edward Andrulonis Community First Bank

Courtney Cole Citizens and Northern Bank

Michael Haines Elk County Redevelopment Authority

Joseph Kelly Clearfield Bank & Trust

Tina Kennemuth Jefferson County Development Council

Padraic McGrath, CPA McGrath CPA, LLC

John Malizia Northwest Savings Bank

Andrew Nedzinski St. Marys Economic Development Corporation

Kevin Oknefski Ridgway Industrial Development Corporation

Jamie Straub First Commonwealth Bank

Norm Strotman Bradford Economic Development Corporation

Rob Swales Clearfield County Industrial Development Authority

Kimberlea Whiting Cameron County Industrial Development Authority

Thomas G.G. Coppolo, Esquire Solicitor

MICROLOAN REVIEW COMMITTEE

Darlene Buttery CNB Bank

Jodi Foster Elk County Planning Department

Brad Lashinsky Jefferson County Development Corporation

John Paul MacDonald Northwest Bank

Heather Serafini CNB Bank

Rob Swales Clearfield County Industrial Development Authority

Valerie Weis St. Marys Economic Development Corporation

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Page 15

EXPORT MARKETING ASSISTANCE

The North Central Export Marketing Program through the coordination of funds and program metrics

under PREP and Office of International Business Development served 89 companies during Program

Year 2016-2017. Assistance encompassed a continuum of services from one-to-one counseling to the

preparation of companies for travel to market. The 131 Work Orders convey the requests submitted on

behalf of North Central Companies to the Commonwealth’s Overseas Office Network for activities

related to market development. The 151 Export Actions highlight the counseling successes achieved by

companies to include: traveling to market, award of Global Access (GAP) market development grants,

participation in overseas trade shows or missions, meeting with prospective customers overseas and in

the US, or signing an agent or distributor.

Program Year 2017-2018 Highlights

The Export Program logged 430 direct company counseling sessions during the 2017-2018

Program Year.

Twenty Companies participated in 57 Trade Events within the markets of Australia, Austria,

Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy,

Japan, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, Vietnam, the United Arab

Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

Seven companies received funding under the Global Access Program (GAP). Funds are

available to Pennsylvania companies meeting SBA small business guidelines. GAP provides up

to $5,000.00 per award period to qualifying PA companies reimbursing 75% of eligible

expenses associated with specific export promotion activities. A total of $21,654 in GAP funds

were awarded during Program year 2017-2018. GAP activities included the markets of the

Brazil, Chile, Dubai, Czech Republic, Germany, India, and Peru. GAP also supported an

international event in Las Vegas and the internationalization of a company’s website.

North Central partnered with the PREP Partners Clarion SBDC and USDOC Pittsburgh for two

Seminars.

o “Why Export?” Included presentations by Aleshia Marshall of the Clarion SBDC,

Christine Perneski, North Central, and Ryan Russell of USDOC – Pittsburgh.

Seventeen individuals from 15 companies participated.

o “Incoterms 2010 in Practice” hosted speaker Bob Imbriani of Team World Wide.

Twenty individuals, representing 16 companies participated.

Eighteen loggers and hardwood related individuals participated in an Advance Logger Rescue

Course. North Central co-sponsored this event in cooperation with the Allegheny Hardwoods

Utilization Group (AHUG) and the private sector Cox Insurance Group.

North Central, in cooperation with the Office of International Business Development, the

Hardwoods Development Council (HDC) AHUG and McKean County Planning, hosted a

potential hardwood investment company from Lithuania. The company, which manufactures

furniture for IKEA with US operations headquartered in Philadelphia, was researching potential

manufacturing sites in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

North Central, in conjunction with the Office of International Business Development hosted

representatives from the Commonwealth’s Overseas Trade Network. Individuals representing

14 of the 15 trade offices were in the region to meet with companies interested in or currently

working within the international arena. Overseas Offices represented included: Australia,

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Page 16

Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Singapore, Mexico, Netherlands, Saudi

Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The event,

marketed as “Bringing the World to Pennsylvania”, afforded local companies an opportunity to

interact with, ask questions and engage the various offices on a variety of trade and export

related issues via prescheduled appointments. Fifty-six individuals participated in the event to

include 26 representatives from 16 companies. PREP partners assisted in hosting the

companies.

Export staff participated in the NASBITE annual conference that was held in Baltimore,

Maryland, March 21-23, 2018. Participation afforded the opportunity for recertification under

the Certificated Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential.

The Export Marketing Program met or exceeded all the performance goals per the funding

contract for Program Year 2017-2018.

North Central Export Goals and Performance 2017-2018

PREP Partners Christine Perneski of

North Central, Aleshia Marshall of the

Clarion SBDC and Ryan Russell of the

U.S. Commercial Service, coordinate to

provide a seamless Export Assistance

Delivery Network within the North

Central Region.

Performance Category Goal

North Central

Performance

Active Clients 44 89

Work Order/Request 87 131

Exporting Companies 11 25

Export Actions 92 151

Export Sales $19,667,295 $99,822,729

Sales Attributed

Overseas Offices $8,063,591 $62,806,389

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Page 17

It all comes together, Mike Caruso, Matson Lumber, Chris Leslie of the PA Office Canada, Rep. Cris Dush,

Irene Tsai, PA Office Taiwan, Christine Perneski, North Central, and Jennifer Black of Office of International

Business Development DCED, connect at North Central’s Annual International Event.

Pennsylvania’s Overseas Offices at the “Bringing the

World to Pennsylvania” event hosted by North Central

Export September 21, 2017.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Page 18

PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

The purpose of the PTAC is to help regional businesses create and retain jobs by increasing sales of

goods and services to government agencies. Funded through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

under the Solicitation for Cooperative Agreement Application (SCAA) with matching funds from the PA

Partnership for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) program (federal + state), the SCAA

cooperative agreement is administered by Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development

Commission and includes Northern Tier and North Central. Through this cooperative agreement, North

Central PTAC is able to assist clients with all areas of selling to federal, state and local government (in

most cases at no cost).

Services provided through the PTAC include

Determining suitability for contracting

One-on-one counseling services

Bid match services – electronic leads for federal bid opportunities

Assistance with identifying bid opportunities and past procurement histories

Assistance with:

Registrations

o System for Award Management (federal contracting)

o PA Supplier Portal (state contracting)

o DIBBS – Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Internet Bid Board System

o ECMS – Electronic Construction Management System (working with PennDOT)

Certifications

o 8(a)

o Small Disadvantaged Business

o HUB zone

o Veteran Owned / Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business

o Woman Owned / Minority or Women Business Enterprise

Review bid proposals

Provide military specifications and standards within limitations

Developing a capabilities statement

Access to workshops and networking events

Assistance does not end with the award. Once award is received, many businesses still need assistance

in “what next”. Some of the questions, the PTAC is here to help with include: how do I receive

payment, meet performance, or keep in compliance.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Page 19

YEAR IN REVIEW

North Central Procurement Technical Assistance Center

July 1, 2017– June 30, 2018

Number of New Clients 37

Counseling Time (hours) 310:06:00

Participated Events 12

Number of Prime Awards by DoD 97

Dollar Value of Prime Awards by DoD $3,017,950.11

Number of State awards 4

Contract Awards by State and local governments $809,516.10

EVENTS

Showcase for Commerce / Johnstown, PA BAE Supplier Briefing / Johnstown, PA

DYNET Erie Gov’t Contracting Event C3 Pittsburgh Gov’t Networking Event

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Page 20

WEDnetPA TRAINING PROGRAM MAKES PA COMPANIES MORE COMPETITIVE AND PRODUCTIVE

Many employers and employees in our region have benefited from training dollars made available by

the Department of Community and Economic Development. Developed specifically for manufacturing

and technology based businesses, employers utilize these dollars to train new and existing employees

for skills sets needed to be successful in the workplace.

North Central Impact

July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018

Expenditures Companies/Contracts # of Employees Trained

$198,914.90 ES 35 Companies 1,862Trained ES

$124,157.20 AT 53 Contracts 230 Trained AT

$323,072.10 Total 30 ES / 23 AT 2,092 Total*

* Number may be duplicated

Types of Training Completed

Essential Skills (ES) Advanced Technology (AT)

AED/First Aid/CPR Access 2013

ARC Flash Training CNC / CAD Programming

Basic Assembly Crystal Report Writing

Blueprint Reading Die Setter Module 3

Basic Math Electrical Discharge Machine Programming

Communications Electrical Troubleshooting

Die Setter Module 1, 2 and 3 Esprit Programming

Electrical Training Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Furnace Training Macola ERP

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Managing CREO

Manufacturing Fundamentals MasterCAM Training

Harassment, Bullying and Intimidation Minitab Training

Hazard Communications NX CAM

Hydraulics PC-DMIS for CMM

IATF 16949 Auditor Training Shoptec 2

Leadership Solid Edge/Solid Works

Microsoft Office Products SPEL Language Programming

Quality Control

Root Cause Analysis

Safety Training

Supervisor Training

Welding

*Snapshot of trainings, not all inclusive

HUMAN RESOURCES

Page 21

Human Resources

The mission of the Human Resource Department is to provide quality services and support in

employment, training, employee relations, benefits, compensation and safety. Create and maintain a

foundation which will enable North Central to promote the development, the involvement, and the

retention of its employees to ensure customer satisfaction.

The Human Resource Department of North Central is responsible for and oversees employee relations

for 51 full time staff, plus additional part-time staff as well as the Stackpole Hall/PHEAA Program.

The Department continues to update all policies and procedures in accordance with the constant changes

in Governmental policies.

COMMITTEE OBJECTIVES

Periodic review and as necessary, revising of personnel policies for Board approval

Assist in the development and review of job descriptions

Initiate the design for the establishment of an employee recruitment system

Review (evaluate) the Commission’s salary structure and compensation system with

recommendations for Board review

Provide direction and oversight on an on-going basis to the Executive Director and appropriate

staff regarding human resources issues

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Dan Freeburg, Elk County Commissioner/Board Member; Jeff Pisarcik, Jefferson County

Commissioner/Board Member; Eric M. Bridges, NC Staff; Jim Swanson, NC Staff; Cheryl

DePanfilis, NC Staff.

HIGHLIGHTS

Continued research of North Central’s Handbook and the policies implemented

Continued enhancement to the Employee Management Process

Attended webinars and training pertaining to the Opioid Crisis in PA & Elk County, Creating a

Drug Free Workplace, MIP User Group – Human Resource Management Suite

Consulted with broker on most cost effective hospitalization, vision, dental, and life insurance

plans

Successful completion of the annual Performance Reviews

Compiled information for Baker Tilly, auditors of North Central’s Retirement Plan, and filed

Form 5500

Implementation of new payroll system

Due to lack of funding for Workforce Operations eighteen employees were furloughed

The Human Resource Department maintains representation at the administrative level on the North

Central Management Team, and other committees as appropriate.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Page 22

Information Systems

The Technology Department at North Central had a very productive fiscal year. Numerous advances

were made in our internal network infrastructure. Data flow was enhanced by upgrading our network

backbone to fiber. The State Broadband Middle Mile System continues to rely on NCP to support last

mile clients throughout northern Pennsylvania. Listed are some of the higher profile accomplishments

performed during the year. The department also provided technical support to all North Central staff.

With the loss of the Workforce contract, Jim Swanson was part of the agency layoffs. We would like to

thank Jim for his many years of service. He will be missed.

PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES

Security and Disaster backups; continue to add new files and monitor daily for successful

completion.

Replaced lightning damaged radios in Clinton County, Jefferson County, and Lycoming County.

Ed Matts met with Clarion tech group to assist in their “Cool and Connected” project.

Provide technology and telecommunication infrastructure support to outside entities.

Maintain and support Internet service.

Provide Telecommunication and Media support.

KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS PERIOD

Upgraded the WiFi System and security camera for the PA Game Commission at the new Elk

Viewing site at Winslow Hill in Benezette.

Made substantial changes to our time reporting system to do quarterly payroll accruals.

Procure and install a wildcard SSL Security Certificate that will allow for secure access to GIS

domains. The wildcard feature allows all sub-domains of ncentral.com the ability to utilize SSL.

As part of the partnership with the PA Game Commission, North Central has installed the Elk

Camera at the Dents Run Viewing Area again this season.

The Elk Camera at the Dents Run Viewing will remain active all year. It will only be shut down

for hunting season.

Another camera was installed at the Winslow Hill viewing area for the PA Game Commission.

This camera was used for security and monitoring activity at the parking area.

Four security cameras were installed at the main entrance to North Central.

Replaced all network equipment at Macbeth’s Cabins do to lightning damage.

The Pennsylvania State Police Ridgway Barracks and Elk County 911 are now sharing CAD

location data and voice-over IP phones. North Central installed a wireless link directly from

the 911 site to the State Police site.

I.T. staff has replaced our in-house network backbone link to our servers with fiber. This will

eliminate the traffic bottlenecks that were beginning to occur.

We established a partnership with PA Great Outdoors and installed two cameras for them. One

at the Pale Whale in Cook Forest and the second is at the Allegheny Grille in Foxburg. Both

cameras can be viewed on the PAGO you tube page.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Page 23

Added new Broadband customer this year.

o Two new customers in the Phillipsburg area.

o Clearfield Metal Technologies in Clearfield.

o One new customer in Cook Forest

o Center County HAM Club

o Cactus Wellhead at the DuBois Airport.

o Supplied internet to the airplane hangar to allow them to remotely turn on the oil

heaters on the planes.

We have been getting good leads from the ENGAGE program through the Enterprise

Development staff.

Install new software to monitor the microwave radio on the WAN.

Replaced the security cameras at the 911.

Installed Raspberry Pie computers at the 911 to monitor the camera system.

Worked with Elk and McKean county 911 to share radio resources

Worked with workforce Solutions to prepare all workforce equipment to be turned over to them.

.

NORTH CENTRAL WORKFORCE OPERATIONS

Page 24

North Central Workforce Operations

Due to lack of funding, June 30, 2018 was the last day for North Central Workforce Operations. We

wish to thank those staff, who for many years, worked to help clients find sustaining jobs, thus helping

to better their lives and benefit their communities.

We wish those listed below good luck in their future endeavors.

WORKFORCE OPERATIONS STAFF

Susan Basile - Employability Counselor – 17 years

Blythe Brunner - Workforce Development Systems Director – 26 years

Tom Bundy - Employability Counselor – 16 years

Annette Campbell - Business Service Representative – 14 years

Diane Corey - Business Service Representative – 19 years

Ann Dixon - Instructor – 28 years

Shawn Evans - Business Service Representative – 20 years

Pattie Fitzsimmons - Business Service Representative – 16 years

Joe Fritz - Employability Counselor – 2 years

Judy Galsick - Employability Counselor – 11 years

Larry Horning - Director of Workforce Operations – 34 years

Troy Johnson - Employability Counselor – 12 years

Russ Krise - Employability Counselor – 8 months

Kathleen Margle - Employability Counselor – 18 years

Brenda McGarvey - Employability Counselor – 8 months

Teresa Neal - Business Service Representative – 22 years

Lisa Springer - Financial Assistant/Administrative Assistant – 21 years

WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC)

Page 25

65676971737577798183858789

May

-…

Oct

-13

Mar

-14

Au

g-1

4

Jan

-15

Jun

-15

No

v-1

5

Ap

r-1

6

Sep

-16

Feb

-17

Jul-

17

Dec

-17

May

-…

North Central(WIC enrolledwomen whofully breastfeed)

State WICAgency(WICenrolled womenacross PA whofully breastfeed)

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

May

-…

Sep

-…

Jan

-15

May

-…

Sep

-…

Jan

-16

May

-…

Sep

-…

Jan

-17

May

-…

Sep

-…

Jan

-18

May

-…

North CentralBreastfeedingDuration Rate(weeks)

State WICAgencyBreastfeedingDuration Rate(weeks)

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission’s Women, Infants, and

Children Program staff members strive to promote and support healthy eating and activity habits.

Healthy eating begins at birth. One major decision that every pregnant woman faces is whether to

breastfeed or formula feed her baby. Many facets come into play while this choice is being made, such

as: How did other family members feed their babies? Will the new mother have support in the home?

What do the pregnant mother and her significant other know about the benefits of breastfeeding? Is

there a medical condition or other contraindication to breastfeeding? How does the individual feel

about the idea of breastfeeding? WIC Program staff members are charged with educating pregnant

women about the benefits of breastfeeding and supporting each woman’s decision on how she will feed

her baby. Breastfeeding support is an integral part in helping our breastfeeding mothers succeed! As we

near the year 2020, North Central continues to evaluate our local agency success at helping our nation

meet the Healthy People 2020 Objectives. This document includes several objectives related to infant

health. Two objectives are to increase the proportion of infants who are breastfed and to reduce the

proportion of breastfed infants who receive formula supplementation within the first two days of life.

Early and exclusive breastfeeding with the introduction of appropriate complementary foods around six

months of age ensures that both mom and baby will receive the maximum health benefits of

breastfeeding. The graphs below indicate the breastfeeding duration rates and fully breastfeeding rates

over the past five years.

.

This graph shows how

many WIC enrolled

women fully breastfeed

(receive NO supplemental

formula through the WIC

Program).

This graph shows how many

WIC enrolled women fully

breastfeed (receive NO

supplemental formula through

the WIC Program).

This graph shows how long

women in the WIC Program

continue breastfeeding (in

weeks).

.

WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC)

Page 26

The Pennsylvania WIC Program has a “no formula for the first month” rule in place for current

breastfeeding mothers. Each breastfeeding woman and her infant are thoroughly evaluated at the WIC

clinic by a professional staff member. The initial assessment includes evaluation of the infant (including

weight gain/loss and number of wet/soiled diapers) and a review of the dietary questionnaire/nutritional

status. If the initial assessment identifies areas of concern, a detailed breastfeeding assessment is

completed. Individuals may be referred to his/her physician and follow-up at the WIC clinic is

scheduled as deemed necessary (daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly).

In addition to the support provided by the professional WIC Program staff, North Central employs two

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors to provide basic breastfeeding promotion and support. From July 1,

2017 through June 30, 2018, Breastfeeding Peer Counselors reached out to program participants on

2,117 different occasions. These contacts consisted primarily of phone conversations and text messages.

Breastfeeding support is available during non-traditional working hours through our peer counselors or

through the WIC Breastfeeding Warm-line. North Central WIC employs two individuals with the CLC

(Certified Lactation Counselor) credentials. Each Certified Lactation Counselor must complete

continuing education credits and re-apply for certification every three years.

On August 1, 2016, North Central WIC was recognized by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service for

our efforts in providing exceptional breastfeeding support. North Central WIC received the “Gold:

WIC Loving Support Award of Excellence for Exemplary Breastfeeding Support and Practice” award. This distinguished award is in effect for 3 years from the date of issuance and was presented to

Local WIC Programs across the Mid-Atlantic Region (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New

Jersey, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia). North Central WIC was

one of two Pennsylvania Local WIC Agencies to receive the award. We will be eligible to apply for

continued recognition with the release of the 2019 application.

Here is what some of our moms have to say about our breastfeeding support program:

The hard work and dedication of the North Central WIC Program staff is changing lives! Small, subtle

changes in an individual’s lifestyle choices can have everlasting effects for years to come.

Mission Statement: To safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age five

who are at nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy

eating, and referrals to health care.

“My LC is wonderful and

checks up on me at least

once/week. She answers all of

my questions. She has been a

huge help and blessing. Thank

you for having a great

program.”

“I love the WIC

Program. Thank you

for all the support!”

“Staff is very helpful and

they really seem like

they care. They made

sure all of my questions

were answered.”

“Love that this resource is

offered!”

NORTH CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Page 27

North Central Board of Directors

NAME ORGANIZATION NAME ORGANIZATION

* H. James Thomas Cameron County Commissioner * Jeffrey Pisarcik Jefferson County Commissioner

Lori Reed Cameron County Commissioner Jack Matson Jefferson County Commissioner

* William Bogart Small Business Consultant * James Sleigh ProChemTech International Inc.

Bruno Carnovale Mayor, Borough of Emporium Bradley Lashinsky Jefferson Co. Dept. of Develop.

Lynn Crosby Cameron Co, Planning Comm. Robert Cherubini Brockway School Board

David Greene Northern Tier Community Action Jill Martin-Rend BC3 @ Brockway

* Mark McCracken Clearfield County Commissioner * Al Pingie McKean County Commissioner

John Sobel Clearfield County Commissioner Carol Duffy McKean County Commissioner

Diane Bernardo DuBois City Council * Susan Zook Wilson Zook Motors Inc.

Jodi Brennan Clearfield Co. Planning Comm. Jeremy Morey McKean Co. Planning Comm.

Gary Gilbert Mayor, City of DuBois Dr. Livingston Alexander University of Pittsburgh/Bradford

Mark Breakey CNB Bank Tim Yohe Corydon Township Supervisor

* Daniel Freeburg Elk County Commissioner Thomas Riel Mayor, City of Bradford

* Matthew Quesenberry Elk County Commissioner Sara Andrews (Alt.) Office of Econ. & Com. Dev.

8Jo** John Blauser ARC Metals Corporation * Douglas Morley Potter County Commissioner

Sam MacDonald Elk County Catholic School System Paul Heimel Potter County Commissioner

Jodi Foster Elk County Planning Commission Will Hunt Potter County Planning Comm.

Laurie Storrar Jones Township Supervisor Thomas Jacoby Allegany Township Supervisor

Tim Pearson City Manager of St. Marys

* Executive Committee

Solicitor

Thomas G.G. Coppolo

NORTH CENTRAL STAFF

Page 28

North Central Staff

EXECUTIVE STAFF TITLE WOMEN, INFANTS & CHLDREN TITLE

Eric M. Bridges Executive Director Julie Kasmierski WIC Director/Registered Nurse

Mary Lou Jessop Executive Secretary Laura Wildnauer Nutritionist

Heather Bash Registered Nurse

ACCOUNTING Rebecca Brickley Nutritionist

James Chorney Director of Finance Mary DeLucia Registered Dietitian

Shelly Caggiano Financial Assistant Christina Dilts Nutrition Aide

Katie Krise Financial Assistant Denise Hetrick Registered Nurse

Bonnie Kelly Retail Store

Coor./Nutrition Aide

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Christi Jarbeck Nutrition Aide

Amy Kessler

Director of Community Development/Regional Planning

Amanda Margeson Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Kurt Barclay GIS Director Angela Martin Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Tom Buck Transportation Planning Coordinator

Kristie Sorg Competent Professional Authority (CPA)

Bob Rusiewski ARC/EDA Director Mary Thorwart Secretary/Clinic Clerk

J. Barry Mayes Systems Marketing Coor.

Rachel Wolfel Community Development Coor. WORKFORCE OPERATIONS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Larry Horning Director of Operations

Christine Perneski Director Enterprise Development

Blythe Brunner Workforce Systems Director

Jennifer Hibbard Loan Director Sue Basil Employability Counselor

Donna Hottel Director Procurement Assistance Tom Bundy Employability Counselor

Kristi Wendel Loan Portfolio Coordinator Annette Campbell Business Service Rep.

Deb Delhunty Administrative Assistant Megan Chase Business Service Rep.

FACILITIES/BLDG./GROUND Diane Corey Business Service Rep.

Dave Puncheon Director of Facilities Operations Ann Dixon Employability Counselor

Randy Main Maintenance Supervisor Shawn Evans Business Service Rep.

HUMAN RESOURCES Kate Feely Employability Counselor

Cheryl DePanfilis Human Resource Manager Patti Fitzsimmons Business Service Rep.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Joe Fritz Employability Counselor

Jim Swanson Director of Information Systems Judy Galsick Employability Counselor

Edward Matts Technology Director Troy Johnson Employability Counselor

Tina Wehler IT Coordinator Russell Krise Employability Counselor

Kathleen Margle Employability Counselor

Brenda McGarvey Employability Counselor

Teresa Neal Business Service Rep.

Lisa Springer Secretary

CONTACT INFORMATION

Page 29

Contact Information

DOUG MORLEY

BOARD CHAIRMAN

MATT QUESENBERRY 1ST VICE CHAIR

JEFF PISARCIK

2ND VICE CHAIR

Tel 814.274.8290 x202

Fax 814.274.8284

[email protected]

Tel 814.776.5312

Fax 814.776.5379

[email protected]

Tel 814.849.1600

Fax 814.849.4084

[email protected]

North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission

49 Ridgmont Drive

Ridgway, PA 15853

Tel 814.773.3162

Fax 814.772.7045

www.ncentral.com