The Indiana County Center for Economic Operations (CEO) is a county-wide public-private partnership dedicated to furthering the economic prosperity of the communities in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The CEO provides assistance with site selection, business and industrial parks, multi-tenant and flex buildings, small business consulting, business planning, financial and tax incentives, education and training centers, conferencing, and visitor and tourism opportunities.
WINTER 2022
INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CEO Newsletter A Publication of the Indiana County Center for Economic Operations.
Indiana County A PEOPLE. PLACE. PROGRESS.
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Westmoreland County Community College Cuts the Ribbon onits Westmoreland-Indiana County Center VV estmoreland County Community College (WCCC) cut the ribbon onits newest campusfacility, adjacent to the Indiana County Technology Center in White Township, on October 13. “This day has been long awaited to celebrate this new state-of-the-art facility andall thatit offers with quality educational pro- grams and workforce development skills training,” said Dr. William Kerr, Chair- man of the WCCC Board of Trustees. WCCC has conducted classesin Indiana County since April 2000, whenit first utilized various high schools in the County as well as the technology center, before moving to a former Pennsyivania State Police barracks near the Indiana County/Jimmy Stewart Airport. The site did not offer adequate space to house science labs — nor wasit near the IndiGO
Experiential Learning By Julie Pittman Experiential learning. or the process of learning by doing.is vital in today’s education and work- force. Hands-on learning is beneficial to many peop aoe a wanstbonfom —
ceiened
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periential learning exist, such as internships, study abroad, student teaching. and shadow- ing. These opportunities provide students with a broader view of their scope of interest and foster the development of practical skills. Businesses also benefit by receiving new per- spectives from students and will often hire them after the internship is complete. Experi- ential learning opportunities help students build their resumes, making them more desirable by prospective employers. Robin Gorman, Indiana County Commissioner, adds, “Experiential
(Indiana County Transit Au- thority) bus lines so,WCCC President Dr. Tuesday Stanley told those gathered for Thurs- day’s ceremony, “maybe six years ago we had a meeting" at the Airport Road center and
started planning for a center
er onctowonle A, more wn life"
that has state-of-the-art class- rooms and labs for computers,
and what it means to not only lear from your- self but through and with a team of other peo-
biology, chemistry, phlebotomy and nursing. “A whole lot of people had a whole ot of reasons to walk away fromthis,” said former State Rep. Dave Reed of Indi- ana, now an executive with First Commonwealth Bank. “It went through many hurdies, many obstacles,” said State Senator Joe Pittman, R-indiana, whose dis- trict includes WCCC campuses in White Township and in New Kensington WCCC also has centers in Youngwood, Murrysville, Latrobe, and Uniontown. “It is truly a blessing when a vision becomes reality,” said State Representative Jim Struzzi, R-indiana. | am proud to have been a very small part of this project,” said former State Senator Don White, R-Iindiana. “We wouldn't be hereif you hadn't helped us in 2000,” Stanley told the former senator. “It is nice to see eve- ryone working toward the same, ultimate goal,” Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Sean Kertes said. “Regionally, we all have the same issues.” “In westem Pennsylvania we havegrit, and we get things done,” Indiana County Commissioner Sherene Hess said. She also quoted Nelson Mandela “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Indi- ana County Commissioner Robin A. Gorman said some issues are statewide in nature, including “eds and meds." Gorman formerly was executive assistant to IUP President Dr. Michael A. Driscoll, who was in Alaska and could not attend
ple”
Lori Lombard, Chair of Communication Disor- ders, Special Education & Disability Services
at IUP, reports that IUP is
itted to
-
ing experiential learning opportunities to every student. “From basic skills to complex problem solving. we are scaffolding our academics to provide engaging experiences in the continu- um of the college degree from introductory courses to the advanced discipline-specific coursework to credentialing and internships.“ The Tri-County Workforce Investment Board has had college level interns in the pastfor IT, according to Executive Director Mary Salony. “These interns have been extremely success- mart, we vdve been thinking about employing interns with public relations, webpage develop- ment and updates, accounting, and business relations.” For the full article visit, https:// ful. Al we have surit devatl-
Forthe full article visit, https//tinyurl.convem9cz6ka
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www.indianaCountyCEO.com * Facebook @indianacountyceo ° Twitter @indianaCoCEO
INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
WINTER 2022
Sustainable Economic Development Summit V
IUP Secures Fundingfor Full-Tuition Doctoral Cybersecurity Scholarship
On Saturday, October Sth. the Indiana County Sustainable Economic Develop- ment Task Force held its annual Summit. Experts and local leaders shared how our small communities are making big chang- es to create a sustainable economy. You can now access the Summit V (2022) re- cordings. as well as recordings from past Summits, at sustainableindianacounty.org or on YouTube by searching “ICSED Task Force”. Feel free to contact sustainablein- dianacounty@gnail.com with speaker nominations for Summit V1 (2023) or for more information about sustainability events and activities in Indiana County Presentation titles and speakers were: Broadband in Indiana County Byron G. Stau“fer, Jr.. Executive Director of the indiana County Office of Planning & Development (ICOPD)
IUP has received $203,130 from the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program, managed by the National Security Agency. to support a qualified student seeking a doc- toral degree (Ph.D.) in cybersecurity.
Brad Messner, from New Stanton, a current doctoral student at IUP in the Business PhD program has been selected by the project team as the successful applicant for the pilot program.
The project team is Dr. Waleed Farag. Director of IUP’s Institute for Cybersecurity, who authored the grant proposal; his co-authors are professor of management Dr. Prashanth Bharadwaj and professor of economics Dr. David Yerger from the Eberly College of Business. The team selected Messner for this pilot program following a competitive application process. Messner eamed his MBA with a concertration in information systems from IUPin 2015. As the successful applicant, Messner will receive full cost of tuition and fees, funding for books, a stipend for living expenses for two years of study, and funds to attend one cyber-related conference and complete a cyber-related certificate. The initiative. spanning September 2022 through September 2024,is designed to ad- dress the national shortage of qualified cybersecurity instructors at National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity colleges and universities, “to bridge the gap of qualified cybersecurity instructors at NCAE-C institutions,” Farag said. IUP is one of the first institutions in the nation to receive the Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation by the National Security Agency. and has held this designation since2002, one of only 16 universities in Pennsylvania to hold this designation. IUP also offers a Ph.D. program in business, one of the only universities in Pennsylvania to offer this part-time pro- gram, designed for working professionals. Around 60 students are currently studying in this pro- gram. For the full ardcle visit, https:/Ainyurl.comv7t3z2ken
For the full article visit, httos// tnyurl.com/3x3n86c5
it was an event that took six weeks plan- ning to showcase detailed work that’s been two years in the making at the Indiana County Court House. County residents were invited to an open house Thursday evening October 20 that showed what county agencies do, and what has hap- pened to transform the inside of the half- century-old courthouse. “The floors were done with a purpose,” County Board of Commissioners Chairman R. Michael Keith said, as he showed the work already done on three of five floors of the courthouse along Philadelphia Street * Thefirst floor has walls decorated by vanous maps and designs that represent both local and natonal history, including the nation’s founding documents and em- blems of actor James Maitland (Jimmy) Stewart's ties to his hometown * The third floor is painted blue. symbolic of law enforcement agencies found on that floor, including the sheriff's office and that of the county's district attomey
This fall, homeowners, commercial property owners, and nonprofits have new opportunities to power their residences orfacilities with solar thanksto the Indiana County Solar Co-Op and the GET Solar Communities Program. Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is partnering with The Indiana County Sustainable Economic Development Task Force, the Indiana County Farm Bureau, and the indiana County Conservation District to form the third round of the Solar Co-Op. Co-Ops take advantage of collective purchasing power to make it easier and cheaper for people to install solar systems. Participants select a single installer on behalf of the entire group through an open and competitive bidding process. The chosen installer then provides personal proposals for all co-op members at a discounted rate. For the full article visit, https~/Ainyurl.com/3ym42ed5
Indiana County Decathion Planning Team 2023
The Indiana County Decathion Planning Team has been working hard to put together an exciting senes of programs for 2023. Now entering its 7th year, the Indiana County Decathion provides a series of in-person and self-guided walking tours and other active programs from February 11. when they host their kickoff event at Blue Spruce Park, through June 3, when the program wraps up at the Children’s Advisory Commission's Nature Palooza evert, also held at Blue Spruce. The kickoff event, Hot Chocolate Walk, will take place on February 11, 2023 at 10:00 am at Pavilion #1. Other scheduling details are being finalized and will be made available on the Indiana County Of- fice of Planning & Development website at https-//icopd.org/indiana-county-walkworks- program.htmi. Information about the Indiana County WalkWorks Program and an archive of self- guided walking tours are available.
For the full article vis#t, https.// tinyurl.com/2hudb3em
www.indianaCountyCEO.com * Facebook @indianacountyceo * Twitter @indianaCoCEO
WINTER 2022
INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Helping Businesses Start, Grow, and Prosper
Pitt SBDC — IUP Outreach Office The University of Pittsburgh and Indiana University of Pennsylvania have formed a strategic partnership merging the Small Business Develop- ment Centers. The IUP Outreach Office has a dedicated management consultant on the IUP campus at 108 Eberly Hall. Please contact our of- fice at 724.357.5729 to schedule an appointment or to discuss how the SBDC can assist. The University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center (SBDC), as part of Pitt's Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, provides busi- ness owners with the information and tools necessary to build successful businesses. The SBDC’s mission is to develop and strengthen the businesses of Southwestern PA by imparting knowledge and expertise via professional consulting and education.
What We Do... New Business Services
The S8OC offers one-on-one consulting and guided workshops to help you explore if opening a new business or buying an existing business is right for you. Moving forward, consultants provide guidance on all aspects of your business launch, including your business plan, a thorough feasibility analysis, and even take into consideration environmental regulatory requirements. Receive referrals to investors and banks, review financial management practices, and discuss loan package preparation with a trusted consultant. Growth Services Grow your business's online presence through software training, e-Commerce, social media and website optimization. The SBDC will also assist in the exploration of new markets domestically and abroad, online or with government contracts. Lear what it takes to sell internationally through market research and analysis, locating new supply chains, and diversifying operations.
Map out options for resiliency, expansion, sale, succession strategies, and business valuations. Consultants can assist in boosting your busi- ness’s productivity whether it be by improving processes through greening strategies or tackling human resource issues.
TO U 4 LS) M For a comprehensive list of events happening in Indiana County visit the ICTB website at:
Indiana County PENNSYLVANIA The Chaitnas Tree Capitalofthe Wheld
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www_visitindianacountypa.org or call 724-463-7505
With Indiana County being well-known as the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World” and the birthplace of Jimmy Stewart, the holiday season brings about special opportunities for celebration. ICTB along with the CEO affiliates, were proud to once again be supportive of the Lucy Don- nelly Memorial Fund Light-up Night & Holiday Parade and First Commonwealth Bank's It's A Wonderful Life Festival. This year, downtown area information into an easy-to-read document, highlighting the weekend festivities and including a map of the participant's locations. Many of the specials will continue throughout the holiday season. Another new feature this yearwas Jimmy Stewart impersonator, Brian Rohan. Mirroring Jimmy Stewart with both appearance and mannerisms, Brian entertained locals both as George Bailey as well as Jimmy Stewart. Look for Brian to retum as his presence was a big hit around town. There is still time to visit IRMC Park, enjoy the special holiday ambiance and marvel at the beautiful, larger-than-life concolor fir Christmas tree, donated by Gregg Van Hom. ICTB is thankful to the team of community members who collaborate to make this celebration happen and we are thankful that we can say “It's A Wonderful Life” in Indiana County! The Indiana County Tourist Bureau is excited for the debut of the new 2023 Wall Calendar, highlighting the 60" anniversary of when the tourist bureau was proudly designated as the county's official tourist promotion agency. in 1963. The calendar. which announces upcoming annual events, takes you on a twelve-month journey illustrating various aspects of Indiana County from years past to the present. All are encouraged to leam more about Indiana County's rich history by visiting and supporting local histoncal societies, including: Histoncal & Genealogical Society of Indiana County, Historical Society of the Blairsville Area (HSBA), Homer-Center Historical Society. John G. Schmick Hentage Center, Rebecca B. Hadden Stone House MuseumSaltsburg Area Historical Society. Strongstown Homecoming & Historical Society and the Blairsville Under- ground Railroad History Center. These wall calendars will be mailed to each tourist bureau member and there will be a limited supply available at the ICTB office, located in the Indiana Mall. in efforts to further promote ICTB member events and entice visitors to Indiana County, ICTB has revamped the annual event rack card that has traditionally been distnbuted in January and featured events throughout the entire year. Instead, the rack card will be replaced with a seasonal flyer. which will enable the inclusion of new and developing events as they come into fruition. As a result, ICTB will be able to adapt to the ever- changing world dynamics and adjust the promotional efforts as necessary. ICTB membership renewals for 2023 were recently issued to all current members. As an added perk, when renewing for 2023, members can also opt to renew their membership for 2024, at a 50% discounted rate. This is an exciting opportunity for renewing members to be included in the upcoming visitor guide, which will debut in late Spring 2023. Please note. that this offer also applies to new members. Additional information about member listings in the visitor guide, as well as low-cost advertising options, will be distributed soon.
www.indianaCountyCEO.com * Facebook @indianacountyceo * Twitter @indianaCoCEO
WINTER 2022
INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
IUP and IRMC Continue Collaboration on Rural Health Care
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) celebrated National Rural Health Day on Nov. 17 with the launch of a podcast, “Rural Health Pulse.” The podcast, which will be available for free from the IRMC website, will have monthly episodes.It includes professionals from IRMC and from IUP and is recorded by students in the IUP Department of Communications Media. It is produced by Christina Koren, UP Director of Strategic Partnerships. Dr. Jim Kinneer, Chief Human Resources Officer, will serve as the “host” for the shows. The podcasts are part of a continued collaboration between IUP and IRMC on the topic of rural health care, focusing on issues and stories im- pacting the health of the region and programs and initiatives designed to improve healthcare and wellness. “The podcast episodes cover an array of initiatives focused on advancing rural health care,” Dr. Kinneer said. “The interviews are designed to help to shine a light on these important efforts and vital contributors. It has been inspiring to hear firsthand about these endeavors while further- ing our ongoing partnership with IUP,” he said. For the full article visit, https:/Atinyurl.conv/ht4f333z
U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Jr. Convenes Roundtable Discussion at IUP
U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Jr. recently convened a roundtable discussion at IUP to address rural healthcare workforce and economic needs — and opportunities - in western Pennsylvania, specifically connected to IUP and to Indiana Regional Medical Center. The discussion provided an op- portunity for leaders from both organizations to share and offer expertise for workforce and development needs, priorities. and opportunities. “This very timely discussion recognized the ongoing changes in the regional hospital and health care systems and how it impacts IUP in prepar- ing our students for careers in this critically important field,” |UP President Dr. Michael Driscoll said. “It was a very fruitful discussion that included exciting and innovative ideas highlighting our successes and identifying opportunities for us to help to generate more graduates in health-related fields.” President Driscoll praised Senator Casey for his foresight and commitment to this important issue, and for conveying the roundtable discussion. “Supporting growth in health care education and workforce development, along with innovation and equipment enhancements are key to the health of our communities, and we appreciate our legislative leaders, like Senator Casey, for the ongoing work and focus on this issue,” Presi- dent Driscoll said. For the full article visit, https://tinyurl.com/47ekurSh
CED indiana County Center for Economic Operations
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE UPDATE
801 Water Street Indiana, PA 15701-1705 724-465-2662
Detailed information about the following business parks and buildings are available on the CEO Website, IndianaCountvCEO.com
The Indiana County Center for Economic Operations (CEO)is a partnership organization dedicated to promoting the County as a great place to invest, work, live, learn, and play. The CEO's missionis to foster the right environment for job creation, capital investment and professional success through business services, site selection,financing, and workforce development.
- Corporate Campus Business Park - Corporate Campus Office Building
* Interchange Center - 119 Business Park
- Windy Ridge Business & Technology Park
Indiana County Board of Commissioners indiana County Chamber of Commerce indiana County Development Corporation
- CDP Complex
WyPREP = Penneene fs moped Gane Pherae
* TROIKA
indiana County Tourist Bureau indiana University of Pennsylvania
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CEO SERVICES
Indiana County's Revolving Loan Fund programsfill the “gap” between the business's equity and the amountthe lender is willing to extend for a project. The County administers the Indiana County Revolving Loan Fund and the Greater Indiana Enterprise Zone Loan Fund. These two financing programsoffer a low-interest rate, flexible loan terms and in . . . . retum, the business must either create employment opportunities or re- tain existing jobs. Loans may be usedfor land and building acquisition, purchase of machinery and equipment, and/or working capital. To leam more, contact the Indiana County Office of Planning & Developmentor visit, www.indianacountyceo.com. . .
Business / Industrial Parks Multi-Tenant | Flex Buildings Small Business Consulting Business Plan Assistance creel lita loneniionsa
Education / Training Centers
Conferencing
Visitor / Tourism information Site Selection Assistance Export Assistance
4 Connect With Us
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www.indianaCountyCEO.com * Facebook @indianacountyceo * Twitter @indianaCoCEO
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