Economic Impact Analysis of Highridge Improvement District
A recently released analysis (Fourth Quarter - 2023) of the economic impact of the Highridge Improvement District has revealed that one of the district's major economic benefits is the $416.2 million in labor income derived with 7,187 jobs. Expressed as…
PIDA at a Glance
Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) provides low-interest loans and lines of credit for eligible businesses that commit to creating and retaining full-time jobs and for the development of industrial parks and multi-tenant facilities. Loan…
EMD Electronics Announcement
Pictured left to right are SEDCO Director Marty Brophy, Corporate Assistant Secretary Letitia Reiser, Vice Chair Christine Verdier, President Frank Zukas, Economic Development Manager Mark Minnig, Chair Ken Huebner, and Immediate Past Chair Karen Kenderdine.
As part of its investment, EMD Electronics will build a new 96,500-square-foot facility, creating the largest integrated specialty gases facility in the world. The additional capacity will allow EMD Electronics to meet surging demand in the electronics and semiconductor industries.
The company has committed to creating 68 new jobs and retaining 289 existing, full-time jobs at its Schuylkill County location within the next five years. Approximately 120 jobs will be created to help with the construction of the new facility.
SEDCO Board welcomes new members
Four county business leaders join SEDCO Board
On March 16, 2023, the board of directors of the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation announced that four Schuylkill County business leaders have joined the organization as members of the board.
Pictured, back row, left to right, are new directors Karl Nolte of EMD Group, Glenn Antz of Antz Energy Systems, and Mike Pechart with the Masser Family of Companies; front row, left to right, are Board Secretary Kirk Fanelli, Vice-chair Christine Verdier, new director Larry Wittig of Wittig & Company, CPAs, and Board Treasurer Demetrius Kasmari.
Travel Plaza Development Announced
![logo](https://www.sed-co.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/onvo_logo-300x126.jpg)
Onvo Travel Plaza – Highridge, located at exit 119 of Interstate 81, will serve travelers and truck drivers with premium fuel, food service, and a convenience store. The property is located at the Highridge Business Park, which is a 2,000-acre development covering Butler, Cass and Foster Townships. Developed by the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), the park is home to several distribution and manufacturing operations including Wegmans, Lowes, Wal-Mart, and Tyson Foods among others.
The 9,500 sq. ft. building will feature a full-sized Burger King restaurant with a drive-thru window as well as an Onvo convenience store among other amenities for travelers, commuters, and truck drivers. The property will also have 65 parking spots for cars and 34 parking spots for trucks, with the company planning to add an additional 56 truck parking spots in the future.
Construction on this project will begin in early fall 2021 with the company aiming to open the site for business by 2023. Onvo Travel Plaza – Highridge will create up to 70 full-time jobs between the convenience store and Burger King. The property also has potential for additional retail, food service, and hospitality development that will also be explored by Onvo.
UPDATE: COVID19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) in Schuylkill County
In early March, the Schuylkill County Commissioners, Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) and NEPA Alliance partnered to deliver the COVID19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) for eligible businesses in Schuylkill County. As of March 31 the NEPA Alliance reported that…
COVID19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) in Schuylkill County
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“There are so many Schuylkill County businesses that have endured closures, were subject to decreased capacity allowances and staff lay-offs during this past year,” said County Commissioner George Halcovage. “These funds will serve as much-needed lifelines to those in the hospitality and restaurant industry as these businesses press on to continue operations. Again, it is imperative that we support our local business community. We look forward to the success of this program that will be professionally managed by NEPA Alliance.”
Industrial Revenue Bonds
PURPOSE Benefits manufacturing companies by providing low cost capital for land, acquisition, construction, and renovation of facilities and equipment. The Schuylkill County Industrial Development Authority was created to provide a vehicle for securing tax exempt financing through private sector sources.…
Opportunity Fund
PURPOSE Provides grant funds to companies or on behalf of companies that will create or preserve jobs within the Commonwealth. The program is intended to deal with significant projects that offer substantial economic impact either for the Commonwealth as a…