SEDCO Closes on First Industries - Ag Loan
The Small Enterprise Development Company (SEDCO) closed a $200,000 First Industries - Ag loan to John Marsteller, Jr. on February 14. The loan will finance a portion of construction costs for a 2,200 head swine finishing barn in Stewartstown.

The purpose of a First Industries - Ag loan is to stimulate the expansion of qualifying agricultural enterprises and producers via grants, loans and loan guarantees. For more information on the First Industries - Ag loan program and other loan programs, please contact Jill Rexroth.

Interest Rates Lowered on State Programs
In order to stimulate economic activity throughout the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, interest rates for an array of state economic development loan programs have been reduced.   Until further notice, the interest rate for the Pennsylvania industrial Development Authority (PIDA), Small Business First (SBF), Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund (MELF) and First Industries- Ag and Tourism programs will be 4% (four percent).  For further information on any of these programs, contact Kenetha Hansen or Jill Rexroth of the YCEDC staff.

York Keystone Innovation Zone Secures Funding
On January 24, 2008 the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority voted unanimously to approve second year administrative funding for the York Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ).  Year one of the York KIZ was marked by three new business start-ups, three new patent applications, 11 interns placed and over 130 entrepreneurs receiving training.  Second year funding will lead to the development of a Micro-Grant program, business plan competition and additional training workshops and seminars.

York KIZ to Co-Sponsor Titan Challenge
The Junior Achievement of South Central PA Titan Challenge is being co-sponsored by the York Keystone Innovation Zone.  The JA Titan Challenge is a business strategy competition that brings together teams of 2 high school students and 1 business volunteer to form companies. The companies market and manufacture a fictional technology product through an interactive computer simulation. As a team, the business executives make decisions in the marketplace by adjusting the price, marketing, inventory, and research & development.

For more information, please visit http://www.jascpa.org/new_JATitanChallenge.htm

KIZ Welcomes New Intern
Christine Lohne began an internship with the Keystone Innovation Zone in February 2008. Christine will graduate from Messiah College in May 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. During her time with the KIZ she will be working on event planning, research development, assist in marketing various events and coordinate projects that further develop the York area.

New Members Welcomed to Boards
The following entities welcomed new members to their boards in 2008.

ATAYC
- Fred Houch
- Steve Nagorny

RACY
- Elizabeth Dellinger, Commerce Bank
- Thomas Englerth, C.S. Davidson
- Phillip Briddell, Susquehanna Real Estate

SEDCO
- Neil Fortier, York Revolution Baseball Club
- Jeffrey Dice, Community First Fund
- John Lloyd, MANTEC

YCEDC Board Of Directors Committee Participation
YCEDC board members are encouraged to participate in a committee as presented at the board orientation on February 7. Interested board members should contact Kacie Longenberger at klongenberger@ycedc.org or 846.8879 x3055.

Business Retention and Expansion Program
The purpose of a BREP meeting is to identify needs and concerns of York County businesses.  The program offers an extensive service provider network to respond to problems upon request.  If you are aware of a company that would benefit from a BREP visit please contact Ellie Lamison.

Recycling Grants available to Support Local Collection Programs
Municipal recycling programs that boost Pennsylvania’s economy and protect its environment are invited to apply for the latest round of recycling development and implementation grants.

Free Money Toward Energy Assessment
PennTAP has received funding from the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to offer a limited number of grants to cover a portion of the cost of performing a pollution prevention / energy efficiency (P2/E2) assessment of manufacturing facilities. With this funding, PennTAP has established a program to distribute these funds to worthy small and medium-sized Pennsylvania manufacturing facilities. The program enables PennTAP to equally share the assessment costs of a P2/E2 assessment with the client.

If you are interested in applying for one of these grants please e-mail Warren Weaver.

E-Filing Options Expand
More small-business owners can use Pennsylvania's free electronic tax-filing service to file their personal income-tax returns this year, according to the state Department of Revenue.

Prints of Sovereign Bank Stadium Now On Sale
Prints of York Revolution - The Scorekeeper's View are now on sale! Prints are available at three price points and make a great gift for employees, the boss, clients, family and friends or buy one for the office! To order your print today, please fill out an order form and fax it to 717-843-8837 or email it to walessi@ycedc.org.

All profits benefit the York City Little League!

YCEDC Member News

Doing Business With the Commonwealth
Where: Millersville University, 1 South George Street, Millersville PA 
When: March 14, 2008 8am-2pm
Register: Pat DiDominico, 717-872-3014

Learn how your small business can pursue contract opportunities with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This timely information and networking opportunity is a must for any small business owner.

Read More

HR Policies, Procedures and Guidelines for Companies Involved in Global Trade
Where: TBA. 
When: April 3, 2008
Register: www.wtccentralpa.org or 717-843-1090

Course Description: a half day seminar geared toward human resource professionals in small and mid-sized companies that are involved in international commerce.  Topics to be addressed include:

• Developing policies for staff traveling abroad for sales or installation
• Considerations for offering necessary professional development
• Policies for gift giving and entertainment of international clients
• Compliance with Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

All recipients will receive a checklist for HR departments to use as guidance for developing or modifying necessary policies

Reaching Your Global Customers
Where: Radisson Penn Harris, Camp Hill, PA
When: April 29, 2008
Register: www.wtccentralpa.org or 717-843-1090

This flagship event features Rick Andrews, VP for International Marketing
for Hershey International for our morning keynote and IBM's Mike Moran will present the luncheon keynote address: "Internet Marketing: Where it is and where it's going".  In addition, there will be numerous breakout sessions including international marketing and branding, research,
web site globalization, localization, and more.  Also invited are Embassy
and Consulate officials from Washington and New York to display cultural and business information focusing on their respective countries. The cost is $75 for members and $95 for non-members. Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are available. For information and registration, www.wtccentralpa.org or 717-843-1090.

12th Annual York County Cooperative Job Fair
Where: York Expo Center - Memorial Hall East
When: Tuesday, April 22 from 11am - 4pm
Register: By February 15, 2008 www.yorkjobfair.org

Don't miss this opportunity to meet your hiring needs and to showcase your business! This is also a chance for graduates and students of high schools, colleges, trade/technical schools, as well as the general population to learn about area employers and local employment opportunities.  Early Bird registration is open through February 15, 2008, details at www.yorkjobfair.org.

YCEDC Publications

Wage & Salary Survey Available on Web
The Wage & Salary Survey provides an overview of the occupational wages for local workers within the York County Labor Market Area. The Wage & Salary Survey is available under Publications on our web site, www.ycedc.org.

York County Industrial Parks Available on Web
A comprehensive listing of Industrial Parks in York County is available on the web. The Industrial Parks Directory is available under Publications on our web site, www.ycedc.org.

York County Community & Economic Profile Available on Web
The Community and Economic Profile provides an overview of the demographic/statistical data for York County and its many municipalities. This information is a useful tool to local businesses and business looking to relocate to the area. The Community and Economic Profile is available under Publications on our web site, www.ycedc.org.

2006-2007 York County Directory of Business & Industry Now Available for Purchase
The 2006-2007 edition of the York County Directory of Business & Industry is now available for purchase. The Directory lists over 1,150 York County companies. The Directory is available in a bound book for $55 and a searchable CD-Rom for $75. To order your copy, please call 717-846-8879 x3021, stop by our offices at 144 Roosevelt Ave., York, or download an order form on our web site at www.ycedc.org.