What a difference a year makes.  In May 2008, WEDCO celebrated the groundbreaking of Sterling Business Park after awarding the first of two construction contracts for Phase 1 infrastructure development.  This phase will result in 73 saleable acres, predominately on the east side of S.R. 191.  Today, the $2.8 million site development contract is almost complete. The sewer lines, water system and water tanks are built, approximately 2,000 linear feet of interior roadway has been paved, and the stormwater controls are in place.  The right of way for the utility lines has been cleared and we have bored under S.R. 191 and installed conduit for underground utility crossings.
Work began on the wastewater treatment plant in November.  The WWTP is permitted for 35,000 gallons per day, but we will start with 12,000 GPD and phase the project based on tenant needs.  Work on this component of the project will continue for the next five months.
What’s Next  

WEDCO plans to expand the scope of Phase 1 by doing improvements to the intersections of S.R. Routes 191/196 and 3004 (Moon Road).  This work will provide safer access to the business park.  We will also be working on aspects of marketing and sales, e.g., covenants and final subdivision approval
Look for your red letters!
Workforce Wayne will launch their initial outreach campaign with Red Letter Day.  During the week of August 3, businesses should look for a red envelope that contains a Company Profile Form and Community Compact Agreement.  The Company Profile will gather information that can be used by job seekers, including the types of jobs and who to contact within a company.  This information will be put in a searchable database on www.workforcewayne.org. The website will also include a link to the company’s online job application; however, there will be no job postings.
Workforce Wayne’s goal for this project is ambitious – get as many businesses as possible into the database.  The result will be a great tool for anyone wanting to access information about businesses and occupations within the County.  A recent graduate, for example, will be able to search the database by industry, occupation, or level of education, and learn where he or she may be able to use their newly-acquired skills.
The Community Compact Agreement seeks ways to invest in Workforce Wayne, both financially or through other means, such as providing training or internship opportunities.  Your return on investment will be a future of well-trained employees, expanded career & technical education, and a bridge between education and business.
New SBA loan program
The Small Business Administration’s America’s Recovery Capital Loan Program (ARC) can provide up to $35,000 in short-term relief for viable small businesses facing immediate financial hardship.  ARC loans can be used to make payments of principal and interest, in full or in part, on one or more existing, qualifying small business loans for up to six months. These loans allow borrowers to redirect cash flow from making loan payments to investing in their businesses, to help sustain the business and retain jobs.  ARC loans are interest-free to the borrower, carry a 100 percent guaranty from the SBA to the lender, and require no fees paid to SBA.  Loan proceeds are provided over a six-month period and repayment of the ARC loan principal is deferred for 12 months after the last disbursement of the proceeds.  Repayment can extend up to five years.  ARC loans are available through SBA-approved small business lenders and have been authorized through Sept. 30, 2010, or until the appropriated funds run out, whichever comes first.  Contact WEDCO or visit http://www.sba.gov/recovery/arcloanprogram/index.html for details.
Employment news
Data from the PA Dept. of Labor & Industry shows that Wayne County had 400 more individuals in our Civilian Labor Force in May 09 compared to May 08, but 200 fewer were employed.  Our Civilian Labor Force totaled 25,600, with 23,800 employed and 1,800 unemployed.  Our unemployment rate of 7.2% was up from last year, but was again the lowest in the region. 
Welcome to WEDCO
WEDCO Board of Directors would like to welcome new members:   Ambassador Abstract Co., Gateway Communications, Mayor Jonathan Fritz, and Waymart Building Center, Inc.  Any business or individual interested in becoming a member may contact our office at (570)253-5334.
Business outreach calls
One of the best ways WEDCO can connect businesses to state and local resources is the PA Business Retention and Expansion Program (BREP).  The interview process helps us determine if a service is needed by a company, and we will follow-up with the appropriate referral.  These calls also provide WEDCO with useful data about the health of our business community.
WEDCO typically visits between 45 and 50 businesses each year.  Our most recent calls were: Aldenville Log and Lumber, A.M. Skier Insurance Agency, Century 21 Select Group, DAKAN Enterprises, Donovan and Tallman, Inc., Freedom From Calls Answering Service, Inc., Grassie and Sons, Inc., and Hooke Machine Company.
Also Koberlein Environmental Services, Krempasky Equipment Company, Northeast Med-Equip, St. Clair Graphics, Spencer Printery, The Settlers Inn, The Wayne Independent, Wallenpaupack Veterinary Clinic, Wayne Highlands School District, Wayne Memorial Health System, and Yatsonsky Farm Market.  Please contact WEDCO if you wish to participate.
To contact WEDCO
For more information, call WEDCO at (570)253-5334; e-mail  info@wedcorp.org, and visit our website at www.wedcorp.org.  Our website contains a list of members searchable by membership category or product and/or service provided.