In The News

School Board Approves Shohola Tax Abatement Plan

Pike County Dispatch , Thursday April 25, 2013 By Lisa Mickles

SHOHOLA — Delaware Valley School Board voted last Thursday to participate in the Pike County Tax Abatement Program for Shohola Township only. Eight of the nine board members were present when the question was called. Director Chuck Pike voted no with Director Pam Lutfy abstaining. Director Sue Casey was pessimistic that the tax abatement program would work but voted yes with regret. Remaining directors President Bill Greenlaw, Directors Sue Schor, John Wroblewski, Zachary Pearce, and Bob Goldsack voted in favor of allowing the five-year tax abatement program on new commercial development or expanding existing businesses within Shohola Township. Director Jack Fisher, who has been an opponent of approving any type of tax abatement program, was not present. The board has been discussing the Pike County Tax Abatement Program that exempts assessed valuation of improvements on new construction of industrial, commercial, and other business properties within the boundaries of Shohola Township. DVSD can vote to approve other municipalities’ requests on a case by case basis. Wallenpaupack Area School District (WASD) already approved participating, and Lackawaxen and Blooming Grove townships, which are located within WASD, already showed interest.

IN OUR OPINION- Pike Economy Needs a Boost

Pike County Dispatch , Thursday March 21, 2013

The economy is stuck in Pike County. Parking lots at Lowe’s Home Depot and Luhr’s sit empty because builders are not throwing up new houses. The county’s’ unemployment rate hovers around 11 percent, among the highest in the state. Now comes word that the population of Pike, long one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S. , dropped by about 700 over the past two years. Gone are the days when urban refugees in the aftermath of 9-11 spiked the local economy. Not only did they seek to settle here and build new houses, but they also increased the demand for sophisticated products and services and brought entrepreneurial and professional skills that altogether boosted our economy. But those shots of adrenalin have long since worn off.

Besides, in the aftermath of 9-11, financial wizards, seeking to get a shocked economy moving again, loosened up the credit supply, which was partly responsible for the real estate boom and bust here and elsewhere. That too has evaporated. Mortgage rates are at a long-term low, but qualifying is much harder, and many homeowners’ are underwater on their existing mortgages. One regional real estate broker says what growth there is stems from local people buying first homes, not from potential exurbanites, who can’t unload their existing homes for the asking price. Another trend identified in the new regional demographic in that people are increasingly less willing to endure long commutes to get to work. They want jobs here, not 75 miles from here.

One ray of hope for economic growth is the tax abatement plan proposed by Mike Sullivan, Director of the Pike County Economic Development Authority. In an effort to create more local jobs, the EDA offers a tax abatement plan for new construction or improvements of property in designated commercial areas. The problem with this concept is in getting three school districts, 13 municipalities and the county itself-all separate taxing authorities- to work together to make the five-year abatement profitable for investors. Overregulation, a militant conservation ethic and an entrenched NIMBY ( not in my backyard) attitude all militate against business development in Pike beyond its mainstay of tourism, but when entrenched interest begin realizing the impacts of shrinking school enrollments and a dwindling work force, hopefully change will come.

Supervisors Show Support For Tax Abatement Program

The Pike County Dispatch By Ken Baumel, Thursday, March 21, 2013

SHOHOLA — Last Thursday night, Shohola Township became the first Pike County local-government body to enact the tax-abatement for businesses seeking to site or expand in the community. Township supervisors passed Ordinance 75, which authorized the abatement, at the regular township meeting held last week at the township building on Twin Lakes Road. Supervisors took action after the township Planning Commission advised approving the ordinance to cover the entire township, not just the two business districts. Supervisors could have selected any part of the township or the entire township, according to Pike County Economic Development Authority Director Mike Sullivan, who requested supervisors adopt the ordinance. The ordinance supports state legislation enabling Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act (LERTA). Sullivan, who had spoken at two previous Shohola regular meetings, asked supervisors to support his proposal for a five-year tax abatement, an incentive for companies that provide jobs to sites in Shohola. New York State and New Jersey provide up to 20-year incentives to companies seeking to relocate there. Sullivan said that EDA is competing with New York and New Jersey. He is proposing a five-year abatement proposal be adopted or supported by every taxing entity in Pike. According to Sullivan, his five-year abatement plan gives a company a more attractive tax break than the 20-year plan. In answer to a previous question from Shohola supervisors, if Shohola adopts the abatement, Shohola would lose no tax revenue on existing business property.A business owner can benefit from the abatement only on improved property, not on an existing facility that is already taxed. Sullivan said on Monday that he had already spoken to a Shohola business owner who is interested in expanding their plant to another location in Shohola. The tax abatement is attractive enough that the employer plans to stay in Shohola rather than go to New York State. Sullivan said that another company is now interested in siting in Pike (not in Shohola). He said that he is very optimistic that with Shohola on board, other Pike government bodies would follow suit. Sullivan said, “My intent is to get full support from Pike County commissioners, the three school districts, and all 13 municipalities to support the abatement. “I think that getting municipal support is most important. However, the county and school districts could opt out even if municipalities opt in. The school tax is about 60 percent of the total tax. So, if a school district opts out, it would make it less appealing for a business to site in Pike... for complete story, get this week's issue

Relief comes for Dingman businesses Supervisors say businesses help pay for all township services, keep expenses down

Pike County Courrier , Published Mar 8, 2013 at 11:10 am By Jerry Goldberg

DINGMAN — Dingman Township is on board for real estate tax relief incentives for new or expanding business. At the March 5 township supervisors meeting, Executive Director Michael Sullivan of the Pike County Development Authority (PCEDA), along with Vice-Chairman Marcia Guberman, presented an outline of the Pike County Tax Abatement Program for Dingman Township. Township Supervisor Tom Mincer told Sullivan they were very interested to learn about the program, and were in favor of it too. The five-year abatement program was developed to assist industries and businesses locate or expand in Pike County. The abatement incentive would apply only to real property improvements and not to their existing tax rate. In Dingman Township there are only two areas that would be subject to the tax incentive abatement.

The following incentive reductions would apply on improvements and new commercial developments only:

Year 1 — 90 percent reduction collection

Year 2 — 80 percent reduction collection

Year 3 — 60 percent reduction collection

Year 4 — 40 percent reduction collection

Year 5 — 20 percent reduction collection

Year 6 — zero percent reduction collection, which will be full assessment

The reduction would apply to real estate taxes, which comprise the town tax and the school tax. The school tax amounts to 60 percent to 70 percent of the total tax bill. Sullivan has already met with the Delaware Valley School Board twice and believes a majority of the board might be in favor of the program. “I am meeting with the school board again and ask them to be in favor of the program because there would not be much of an abatement reduction incentive without their approval,” he said. “The school tax is the biggest part of taxes collected and we need incentives to attract new business and to offer current business a reason to expand," said Mincer. "If the school board is for this it will make it easier to put into place a new ordinance for this purpose. It would be good to set up a meeting with school board, the county, and the township." Sullivan said he'd like to get the process started but is running into some reluctance. Everyone involved wants others to be the first to sign on to the incentive program, he said. Sullivan quoted a study made by the American Farmland Trust on community services: for every dollar in real estate taxes collected by a municipality, it costs $1.19 for services to residential tax payers but only 28 cents for commercial tax payers. Mincer made it clear by attracting new businesses and having others expand their existing businesses would increase the overall tax rate, add no additional children to the school roster, and create an increase in local area jobs. Sullivan asked the supervisors if it meant he could go to the school board and say Dingman Township is in favor of the Tax Abatement Program. Mincer told him they are on board for the 2013 Tax Abatement Program.

For every dollar in real estate taxes collected by a municipality, it costs $1.19 for services to residential tax payers but only 28 cents for commercial taxpayers.

Lackawaxen Discusses Tax Abatement Program

Pike County Dispatch, By Preston Ehrler on Friday February 20th 2013
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Seminar to give insight into new health care law

By Beth Brelje Pocono Record Writer February 17, 2013

Full implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 is just 10 months away. Most businesses don't know much about it, yet the implications could be huge, says Mike Sullivan, head of the Pike County Economic Development Authority. "Information is coming out in dribs and drabs," Sullivan said. The Internal Revenue Service recently released figures for a "bronze" health care policy, the most moderate plan, which could cost $20,000 in 2016 for a family of four or five. Who pays for it? "That is still a mystery," Sullivan said. "We think this is one of the most important issues businesses are facing." Business owners don't know what the plan will cost but some are concerned that they do not have a profit margin wide enough to cover it. Others are considering the financial penalties that come with growth. Businesses with more than 50 full-time employees must provide insurance. One Pike County business considering expanding from 38 to 70 employees would move into the coverage bracket, making expansion more costly than expected. The plan is one of the most sweeping changes since the enactment of Social Security that is about to descend on American business and yet, little is known about it, Sullivan said.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is offering a 90-minute seminar on the issue Feb. 28. The seminar will feature three speakers: Joseph Sileo is an attorney with McNees, Wallace & Nurick in Scranton, which specializes in this new law and other labor and management issues. He and his colleagues, Jennifer LaPorta Baker and Jennifer Walsh, will be on hand to address issues facing small and medium-sized businesses. Also presenting will be Jeff Haudenschield, co-founder of The Benefits Group. A representative from the certified public accounting firm Judelson, Giardino & Siegel, will address the fiscal implications of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. This session is designed to educate businesses about the practical steps they should be taking now in order to stay on top of compliance in 2013 and 2014. Topics will include the definition and importance of full-time employment status under the act; an update on Pennsylvania's approach to establishing a health care exchange; and a review of important deadlines over the next few years.

Chamber president: Law will have huge impact

By Wayne Witkowski Pocono Record Business Editor February 17, 2013

Businesses are taking the "Chicken Little" approach that the sky will be falling in the months ahead for the upcoming federally mandated business health insurance coverage for all employees. Philomena "Philly" Viscardo, agent/owner of Dingman Delaware Insurance on Route 739 in Dingmans Ferry, recently began her second one-year term as re-elected president of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and has helped plan a 90-minute seminar Feb. 28 on the latest health care developments for businesses as part of the monthly breakfast meetings at the Best Western In Matamoras. "I suspect this will have a huge impact on businesses, and they're struggling as it is and have a hard enough time meeting monthly expenses," Viscardo said. Viscardo said that she has heard from lawmakers that the fine for non-compliance would be less than the cost of health insurance coverage. "So what's the incentive there? People will go with what's cheaper," Viscardo said. The Pike Chamber of Commerce also has a business health insurance policy called Chamber Choice. "A small percentage (of members) are involved now," Viscardo said. "It used to be that members joined the chamber to get access to this plan that they could afford. But rates got higher and we lost members and they changed the rules. They're no longer writing policies for businesses with one employee." With those changes, some members dropped out, especially very small businesses. She said that includes entrepreneurs who were laid off from long-term jobs and became self-employed out of their own homes as a contractor, handyman or in the field of technology, for example.

Viscardo said her chamber is developing a separate category they hope to implement by March in which entrepreneurs and "mompreneurs" — women working on sales out of their homes for national companies — can join the chamber for less than the $195 annual membership rate. "Small businesses is what makes keeps this country going and we're getting the shaft all the time," Viscardo said. "It's increasingly difficult. The smaller the business, the harder it is to keep it afloat." Viscardo pointed out that membership is what drives the chamber and it's been a churn, with rising overhead forcing some businesses to drop out while some new ones have come on board the past year as the enrollment holds to about 200 businesses. Add to that the recent development that the IRS does not have forms available for business tax filings for 2012 with the changes governing those 2012 filings that took effect in Jan. 1, 2013.Viscardo said the wait has been "very frustrating" for her and other business owners she has spoken to about it. Pocono Record Business columnist Erin Baehr said as of Thursday about the business tax forms "they're coming online a little at a time. For instance, in my software, personal returns claiming the education credit are being accepted as of today, and the Pennsylvania corporate report, RCT-101 as far as I know, is not available yet. Business returns were accepted as of last Friday. So, yes, it's very frustrating." Viscardo said advertising and marketing are important to the future of its business and are considered operating overhead. Members get a listing in the guidebook and a full page on the web site. And the chamber also has a Women in Business group headed by Viscardo that addresses different issues concerning female business owners as well as networking events scheduled regularly throughout the year. Opportunities for exposure like membership for the chamber is "a part of the budget that is of utmost importance like electricity and operating expenses. "Mike Sullivan (head of the Pike Economic Development Authority that formed an alliance with the chamber last March with Sullivan as executive director of both groups) showed me a survey of businesses back in the recession of the 1980s that showed that for businesses that increased or maintained their marketing during the recession, once the recession was over, they saw a 260 percent increase in revenue," Viscardo said. "If that doesn't show how important it is to keep marketing and advertising in place during these tough times, I don't know what does." And although Viscardo said she sees little change in the business climate around Pike County from a year ago, she said there is a "glimmer of hope" with more favorable activity in other economic indicators in the area.

Successful Winter LIghts Fest is put on ice for another year

Times Herald Record, By Jessica Cohen on Friday February 8th 2013
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Changing business park setback not so easy

By Jan. 26, 2013 4:35 pm Peter Becker Managing Editor The News Eagle, Hawley PA

Pike County Economic Development Authority (EDA) would need to seek an amendment to restrictive covenants placed on vacant business park land on Well Road (SR 434), if the applicant wishes relief from the 150 setback from the road.

G. Davis Inc., which operates a fleet of 25 school buses charted by the Wallenpaupack Area School District, is interested in a piece of property in the park to serve as a depot. Rich Davis, General Manager, said they have been located in Shohola Township since they started 45 years ago, but their business has grown. He said the Pike County Business Park in Blooming Grove Township would better serve their needs. They take about 150 children a day to school and back. The bus company made an offer to the EDA, but before pursuing the purchase, Davis said that the present 150 foot setback would need to be changed. The setback line passes through a pre-existing building that the bus company would want to renovate, and the useable acreage that is left beyond the setback would not give them enough room. He said that they would utilize about four to five acres between two wetland areas, should the setback be relieved. A fence and buffer of trees would be proposed to block the view of the buses, in lieu of the deep setback. Davis suggested that a 30 to 50 foot setback would be more reasonable.

Michael Sullivan, Executive Director of the EDA, met with the Blooming Grove Supervisors on Dec. 17 asking if the setback requirement could be waived. Sullivan noted that the business park has not had any tenants, and allowing the bus company would provide a tax-paying entity. The EDA serves to seek and market potential business sites. The business park on Well Road is owned by the Pike County Business Development Corporation, Sullivan said. The 150 foot setback was put in place to protect the residential properties in Camelot Forest across the road. Randy Schmalzle, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, said that no formal request was ever made to the Township. He said the Supervisors had no position until a submission is made by the applicant. Sullivan was informed that a process would have to be undertaken to request that the setback be changed. This would require a public hearing, giving the residents a chance to give testimony. Then it would be up to the Supervisors to vote on whether or not to allow the change. The chairman said it was a long, negotiated process to establish the restrictive covenants for the business park, and in the end, all parties agreed to the setback of 150 feet. Sullivan stated, however, that the EDA lacked the financial resources for the engineer and legal counsel, to apply and request an amendment to the restrictive covenants.

Land swap proposed for business park Palmyra doesn't want repeat of empty investment

By Jan. 24, 2013 4:35 pm Peter Becker Managing Editor The News Eagle, Hawley PA

Citing a pressing need to expand business development in Pike County, Palmyra Township (Pike) Supervisors have been asked to consider a piece of Delaware State Forest land for a new business park.

Michael J. Sullivan, Executive Director for the Pike County Economic Development Authority (EDA) met with the Supervisors Jan. 22nd. His proposal is to ask the state to swap the parcel for a portion of the existing business park set aside in Blooming Grove Township, that has never been developed. The tract he is looking in Palmyra is a big, rough triangle, containing 154 acres, at the corner with Interstate 84 on the north, and Route 390 on the east. Shiney Mountain Road borders on the west. Old Greentown Road cuts through the middle. The triangle's southern tip is where Shiney Mountain Road meets Route 390. Sullivan told the Palmyra Supervisors that there are issues with the Blooming Grove business park that make it largely unbuildable. The land includes an "enormous ice age bog" with about 200 acres of wetlands. The EDA has been searching for alternative sites in Pike, which are few, he said. The urgency of the matter, Sullivan explained, are the troubling economic statistics Pike County faces. Information compiled by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce from US Census and IRS data show that after a long growth period, Pike is now losing population. From April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011, the population is estimated to have decreased by .9 percent (515 people). Unemployment rate in Pike has been among the highest in Pennsylvania for almost two years. Sullivan said that the total number of businesses in Pike decreased by about 10 percent between 2008 and 2010.

EDA would like to trade about 500 acres of the park in Blooming Grove Township, with the 154 acres in Palmyra, as well as a few other building lots EDA hopes to identify. The section he wants to trade is mostly wetland, which the state may want to preserve. There is also an endangered species of salamander on the Blooming Grove tract, but no endangered species identified at the Palmyra site. The empty business park totals 600 acres. The tract under discussion in Palmyra appears to be quite suitable, with no known wetlands, no slopes greater than 25 percent, and good soils. There are no streams, which would be problematic given the required buffer zones. A septic system would be required. There is no water service at present but there is hope suitable well water could be drilled. An electrical transmission line passes through, which they hope could provide electrical service. Lots could be developed along Old Greentown Road with reasonable buffers from the business development, he added. Sullivan said this was still exploratory, and nothing would happen if the state did not agree to the swap. He first wanted to know how the Township would feel, and if they did not agree, EDA would accept that.

Two of the supervisors voiced concerns. Ken Coutts said he favored business development but was concerned that a great deal of money and work went into preparing the site in Blooming Grove Township, and now it is "deemed unusable." He said that they don't want the same thing to happen in Palmyra Township. Eric Ehrhardt noted that the Sterling Business Park, off of I-84 in Sterling Township, Wayne County, is not far away. No tenants have been announced there. Sullivan stated that the Pike County EDA works closely with the Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO). The Sterling site, which offers a centralized sewer and water system, has considerably more expensive rates than he said the Palmyra site would be able to set. Given that the Palmyra site would only have a septic system, "we could sell for $15,000 an acre," Sullivan sated. Ehrhardt described the I-84 exit in Palmyra serves as an "entry way" for their residents. He said that if the forest land were to be "torn up," the Supervisors would be getting "feedback." Sullivan noted that nothing would be done to the land unless they had a tenant.

The EDA recently obtained a two-year forbearance for the loan to develop the Pike County Business Park. Pike County Business Development Corporation, which has the title to the park, has at least $2.5 million debt from purchasing the land and getting it ready. The plan was to pay back the debts as plots were sold to companies, which failed to happen. The two-year forbearance gives the EDA time to arrange the land swap and sell parcels to businesses. This in turn would settle past debts and bring in needed jobs. In an interview later, Sullivan said that the Supervisors' concerns are legitimate, and it is not his wish to impose anything. "The towns hold all the cards," he said, and now he will wait and see. Sullivan stressed that there are about 350,000 acres in Pike County, and if only about 300 would be available, "that would be terrific for business." He said there are many voices for the environment but not many speak for business development. He said that he, as well as the EDA, wishes to champion "thoughtful" economic development that would be suitable for Pike County.

Aging population slowing Pike's economic growth

By Beth Brelje From the Pocono Record January 11, 2013

Pike County's population is aging and that has a negative effect on economic growth, Pike County Economic Development Authority Chief Mike Sullivan recently said. Pike is generally more older and less younger that the rest of the country. In Pike, 16.5 percent of the population is age 65, and older, that is 3.2 percent more than the national average. And with 4.6 percent of the population under age 5, Pike has 1.9 percent fewer young children than the national average. The numbers are from the U.S. Census Bureau and are collected because they have implications for school districts, Sullivan said. But they also show there is a difference between Pike and the rest of the country in some way, Sullivan, 66, said. During Pike's building boom, in the early 2000s, people who moved to the area from New York and New Jersey were seeking cheaper housing. They were either retired or had children in school. Many of those students have graduated and their parents are aging. The original retirees are still here, too. These transplants are sometimes heard at public meetings reminding elected officials why they moved away from the city. "In Pike you see a general anti-development feeling. People say 'I moved here because of its natural character and I don't want development inside of Pike.' I hear that a lot," Sullivan said. "That is characteristic of people who want a certain lifestyle. They tend not to be as interested in the needs of younger people still in the workforce." Sullivan says he is not being critical, that "it is what it is," but, he says, "Without growth you start to stagnate. That is what is happening in the U.S. right now, and that is what happens when people say, 'I don't want growth here.'"

Pike has had some of the highest unemployment numbers in the state in 2011 and '12, most recently reported at 11.7 percent. "That is the reason that philosophy is bad. If you say no to everything, it has ramifications," Sullivan said. Older Pike residents represent a strong voting population and elected officials are going to support their positions, he said. An economy must increase by three percent a year to absorb graduating students entering the workforce and to support salary increases for workers, according to Sullivan. "This high unemployment in Pike County is a direct result of not planning. I think the government has a responsibility to protect the environment and plan for development," Sullivan said. He is not suggesting everything be blacktopped and is a proponent of thoughtful economic development that is sensitive to the environment.

Township denies business park request

By Tom Kane, The River Reporter, January 9, 2013

A request by Michael Sullivan, the director of the Pike County Economic Development Authority for a reduction of the setback rule that applies at the Pike County Business Park from 150 feet to 10 feet was turned down by the Blooming Grove Township Board. Sullivan was attempting to accommodate a new employer who wanted to park large buses at the site. The Davis Company has a fleet of 25 school buses that would need room for a garage and parking area. Sullivan had argued that the company was a non-manufacturing business and would not cause a lot of industrial noise. He said that they would plant a natural screen of trees and erect a fence to camouflage the buses from public view. “The council said they want the setback and that the houses across from the park on Route 434 would be less disturbed if the setback was observed,” Sullivan said.

Shohola To Hold Hearing On Tax-Abatement Law

By Ken Baumel, Pike County Dispatch, December 20, 2012
SHOHOLA — Township supervisors approved advertising for a public hearing for a proposed local tax-abatement law. The law would give Shohola a fighting chance to compete for businesses (seeking to site in the Tri-state area and specifically in Shohola) by giving such companies a tax break.

Supervisors approved advertising the hearing scheduled at a regular township meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 14. Supervisors took action at their regular meeting last week held at the township building on Twin Lakes Road. Township Solicitor Jason Ohliger explained that Pennsylvania enabling legislation for abatement is covered in the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act (LERTA).

Pike County Economic Development Authority (EDA) Director Mike Sullivan, at the previous regular township meeting in November, proposed Shohola approve implementing an abatement. Ohliger said that EDA’s proposal is justified under LERTA legislation because of Shohola’s high unemployment, over 9 percent, among the highest in Pennsylvania. LERTA standards include communities with high unemployment. The question facing Shohola supervisors is whether to include the whole town as a LERTA zone or to narrow the zone down to Route 6 and Route 434 commercial zones, the most active commercial zones. Ohliger noted that a few other areas zoned for commercial development, such as near Walker Lake on Twin Lakes Road could also be included. Ohliger advised that after advertising the hearing, supervisors should ask the township Planning Commission to review, prior to the hearing, the EDA proposal. The commission would then recommend whether the whole township or specific commercial corridors should be included. Supervisors approved referring LERTA to the Planning Commission.

At the previous meeting, Sullivan said that the township needs to provide five-year tax abatement as an incentive for companies that provide jobs to site in Shohola. He noted that New York State and New Jersey provide up to 20-year incentives. If adopted, Shohola should lose no tax revenue on existing business property. Only the improved areas of a facility would get abatement... for complete story, get this week's issue.

EDA Wants Biz Park Setback Eased For Bus Company

By Lisa Mickles, Pike County Dispatch, December 20, 2012

BLOOMING GROVE — Now that the potential buyer for a parcel in the Pike County Business Park has purchased property elsewhere off Route 6 in Shohola Township, Pike County Economic Development Authority (PCEDA) Executive Director Michael Sullivan approached the supervisors regarding another possible tenant. At Monday night’s meeting, Sullivan requested that the township consider reducing their 150-foot setback restriction to 10 feet to allow for a bus garage and parking area for G. Davis Bus Company’s fleet of 25 school buses.

The 17-acre property located off Route 434 would be part of a 100-acre parcel that the PCEDA is looking to keep and not include as a swap for 154 acres of state forest lands in Palmyra and Greene Township. PCEDA is looking to trade 500 acres of the Pike County Business Park, which consists mostly of wetlands and bog for the property since it would better attract potential clients since it sits at the intersection of Interstate 84 and Route 390 and already has road access. Sullivan urged the supervisors to reconsider the setback restrictions since it is a non-manufacturing business. He said that they would plant a natural screen and erect fencing to camouflage the buses from the public.
Township Supervisor Randy Schmalzle said that the township’s zoning ordinance and the Business Park’s covenants and restrictions were set in place through a multi-year process that was contingent on keeping the setback restrictions in place to protect private homeowners once the business park was constructed. Sullivan reminded Schmalzle that the homeowners of Camelot Forest would be happier with the fact that they plan on swapping 500 acres of the business park with the state to keep it in its natural state, which would substantially reduce future impact of large businesses moving into the area. The supervisors said they must follow their zoning ordinance regulations but said attorneys from both sides can discuss possible options that would protect the public while also helping with economic development in the area... for complete story, get this week's story.

Search widens for land suitable for Pike County business

By Beth Brelje Pocono Record Writer October 05, 2012

The Pike County Economic Development Authority is considering various options in its search for land suitable for development. The empty business park in Blooming Grove Township, owned by the county since 1997, is largely unbuildable. LP Cylinder Service of Shohola plans to buy nearly 36 acres of the business park for $536,000, plus a never-used sewage treatment plant for $40,000. The remaining 570 acres of the park has too many environmental limitations, including a habitat for an endangered salamander, and recently expanded setbacks from wetlands, leaving little space for building. The authority is looking into swapping the unusable land for a 285-acre parcel owned by the state located along Route 6 in Blooming Grove Township, less than a mile west from the intersection of Route 739 and abutting Blooming Grove Hunting Club property. The pursuit of land for business development is still in the early stages. And the swap is only one option. Another idea would be to obtain a few small parcels in several locations throughout the county, or find another large plot of land elsewhere. Pike County has much preserved open space but needs a place set aside for economic development, said Mike Sullivan, executive director of the Pike Economic Development Authority. "When it is all said and done, I just want a location that I can show developers. Right now I have nothing to show except the business park, and that doesn't show well," Sullivan said.

Land swap may save floundering Pike County business park

By Beth Brelje Pocono Record Writer October 03, 2012

Pike County economic developers hope to swap part of the long-dormant business park in Blooming Grove Township for state gamelands. The goal? Put a new business park at the current gamelands site near the intersection of routes 6 and 739. Salamanders, setbacks and a pending sale have spurred consideration of the land exchange. Here's the background: LP Cylinder Service of Shohola plans to buy nearly 36 acres of the business park for $536,000, plus a never-used sewage treatment plant for $40,000. It is part of a business expansion in which LP Cylinder expects to double its current workforce of 40 at the business park. The rest of the park is undevelopable due to a number of environmental limitations, said Mike Sullivan, executive director of the Pike Economic Development Authority. Endangered salamanders are living there. The land has large rock croppings that are hard to build on. In addition, there are 300 acres of wetlands, plus smaller pockets of wetlands throughout the business park. Wetland setback rules have become more restrictive since the land was purchased in 1997. The modern setbacks squeeze out building space on the site. "I hate being held up because we don't have a place to put people," Sullivan said. "We need 250 acres of developable land set aside." That is why the development authority is pursuing a land swap with the state, trading the remaining 570 acres of the business park to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in exchange for 285 acres of state game land along Route 6 in Blooming Grove Township. The gamelands are less than a mile west from the intersection of Route 739 and abut Blooming Grove Hunting Club property. A state program allows land swaps like this. The current, empty business park has racked up at least $2.5 million in debt to obtain the land and prepare it for use. The debt was incurred with the plan of paying it back as plots of land were sold. That didn't happen. Now the Pike County Business Development Corporation, which has title to the park, is in default of a $982,000 loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, and accruing interest of 5 percent on the loan. Sullivan is negotiating with the state to get a two-year forbearance of the loan. This would give Pike time to complete the land swap, sell the land to businesses and settle the old debts.

Tax abatement asked to develop business.

By Peter Becker The News Eagle September 13. 2012 4:02PM

In an effort to counter a loss of Pike County businesses and attract more jobs, Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Pike County Economic Development Authority is seeking a tax abatement for new or expanding business. He is asking for cooperation from the county, school districts and municipalities to offer companies a tax break. Michael J. Sullivan, Executive Director for both organizations, approached the Wallenpaupack Area School Board Monday night with the proposal. He said he would be talking with the Delaware Valley School Board the following week, and already has the support of the Pike County Commissioners.

Businesses leaving Pike

Striking an urgent note, Sullivan stressed that Pike County has high unemployment and increasing number of companies departing for other areas where it costs less to do business. Currently he said there is no site in Pike County to offer new companies that is already served by water, sewer and gas utilities. “It doesn’t exist,” he said. He cited an example of a company in Shohola Township that is doing so well, they are about to double in size. They have been offered, however, a 20-year tax abatement in New York State to encourage the business to move there.?The proposal being offered in Pike County, he said, was more modest. This is a five year program, where only the improvements on the land would get a tax break, less with each successive year. “You will gain money, not lose,” Sullivan told the School Board. “I need this in order to attract business” he said. “It’s very difficult.” sharing Census statistics, he noted that in 2008 Pike County has 917 businesses. In 2009 there were only 887. He noted how people in Pike County are willing to commute long distances for a job- as far as eastern Long Island- because the jobs aren’t here. Unemployment in Pike County is the second highest of the 67 counties statewide. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics set the rate at 11.2% in July. The rate was 10.7% a year before. Philadelphia County was on top in July, at 11.6%. By contrast, Wayne County’s jobless rate was 6.8%; Monroe County, 10.%. The average in Pennsylvania was 7.9%; nationally, 8.3.%.

How the program works

The incentive program would apply to existing as well as new business activity in Pike County, PA. Sullivan described it as a modest tax abatement designed to keep Pike competitive with neighboring states and counties in order to attract new business activity. “This program is designed to work with Pennsylvania’s competitive situation as desirable place to do business,” the written summary states. Taxing authorities such as townships or school districts can choose to participate or not. The proposed program offer a five year tax abatement. Real estate taxes would be reduced on three conditions: 1. On new building construction and/or, 2. Major restoration to existing real estate and 3. Municipalities must designate the area where tax abatement applies.?Application must be made before the Pike County Commissioners and the participating municipality and school district for each individual development project. Initial contact would be through the Pike County Economic Development Authority. The proposed abatement apples to following percentages on real estate improvements only. The tax on the land would not be affected. Year 1, 90% reduction of taxes. 10% collected. Year 2, 80% reduction of taxes. 20% collected. Year 3, 60% reduction of taxes. 40% collected. Year 4, 40% reduction of taxes. 60% collected. Year 5, 20% reduction of taxes. 80% collected. Year 6, Full real estate assessment; 100% collected.

School districts’ help critical

Participation by the school districts is critical, Sullivan said, as school taxes represent about 60 percent of the tax bill.?Sullivan noted that a generous tax abatement program is not needed in Pennsylvania. The Tax Foundation ranked the state 19th in the country for how favorable a state’s tax system is for business. New Jersey was the worst, with a rank of 50; New York was in 49th place. “With a modest tax abatement program in Pennsylvania, we can do wonders,” Sullivan said.?The School Board did not take any action. Sullivan offered to come back next month to discuss the plan further.

Toomey touts small business bill to Pike Chamber

By Katie Collins The News Eagle reporter September 10. 2012 4:03PM

Pike County Chamber of Commerce recently invited Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) to Woodloch Pines to hear what the people of Pike County had to say. Arriving late to the gathering, Toomey said it was good to be back in Pike County. Toomey said being at the resort was a “valuable opportunity” to hear what he should be “focusing on in Washington to help encourage job security for economic growth.”?Toomey said he was aware that the unemployment rate in Pike County was high and the “recovery is terrible.” He added there, “really is a lack of recovery” and with the economy being weak overall, the economy is “particularly weak in this part of Pennsylvania.”

Pleased to get the JOBS Act bill recently passed, Toomey said there is not “a lot of bipartisan cooperation in Washington, unfortunately this was.” Toomey said he wrote most of the bill and that it was “designed to allow small and growing companies to allow capital more affordable.” The new bill will allow companies to privately raise money, which will enable companies to grow and hire new workers. Toomey said the bill will not “change the economy overnight,” but the bill will help and he was glad to get it done and that the President Barrack Obama signed the bill into law.?With the federal transportation budget, Toomey said a two-year bill has been passed that reauthorizes transportation funding. He said “we” should be doing things to make transportation authorization bills longer than two years, so people will be able to make plans. Toomey called this a “problem with the dysfunctional government that we have” because moving in the current small steps is bad because there are “bigger things” that need to be done. He was pleased that a two-year bill was at least signed.?With the new bill, Toomey said infrastructure is possible in the Pocono region because there's substantial funding in the bill, but the state of Pennsylvania will have to “allocate” the money in “ways that make sense.”?As for the Republic presidential candidate, Toomey said he thinks Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are the “ideal men for the time that we face” because they understand how to get the economy moving again. He said Romney and Ryan will get “our fiscal house in order” and allow people to have “economic growth and prosperity” that is needed that “can only come from a free enterprise system from the private sector.” Toomey added that Romney and Paul “are the clear choice” to get the “economy moving again.”

Incentive program proposed for Pike to attract business

By Kelly Waters GateHouse News Service Posted Jul 23, 2012 @ 05:05 PM

Pike County, Pa. — Five year tax break on expansions

During the July 18 meeting of the Pike County Commissioners, Michael Sullivan, Executive Director of Pike County Economic Development Authority, proposed a plan for an incentive program for Pike County. The proposal is meant to develop an incentive program that would encourage new economic development activity in the county. It applies to existing as well as new business activity. Called a ‘modest proposal,’ the program involves tax abatements and is designed to keep Pike County competitive with neighboring states and counties in the region, in attracting new business activity. Commissioners Osterberg and Wagner went out to Tioga County with Sullivan. They also contacted several other counties in Pa., most notably Butler and Erie counties. Sullivan says they are proposing a mimic of what is offered by Tioga County.

Five year tax break
“We also wanted to give some idea to how it compares to other states,” says Sullivan. “For example, in New York State, you can go to the IDA [Industrial Development Agnecy] and get a 20 year tax abatement. The one we are proposing is a five year. You can also provide sales tax relief on both building materials and also equipment purchased for that particular project. In this case we are asking for none of that. New York gives property transfer taxes, and we are not asking for that either. New York freezes tax assessments and again we aren’t asking for that. There are no payments being made to any company and there is no money given to anyone. The incentive is for prospective improvements on the property and a tax abatement that will last five years. This relates not to the land; it will always be taxed as it is today. A municipality will never be in position to lose money; they will always gain money from taxable improvements on property that is new or sufficient to increase the tax abatement.” The recollection plan will be 90% for the first year, 80% for the second, 60% for the third, 40% for the fourth, and 20% for the fifth. Sullivan explains that each year municipalities and school districts will receive an increased volume of money that’s introduced to them. Even though year one and two are quite generous still making additional monies, existing taxes on buildings and land that are in existence will not be abated. “If somebody does something with an existing building that increase taxes, the difference between the old and new taxes will be abated at these rates,” he says. “Municipalities and school districts can opt out of the program. It’s their choice.” According to the proposal that Sullivan passed around, the program is designed to work with Pennsylvania’s competitive situation as a desirable place to do business. It provides for no current loss of revenue for any municipality, provides no local monitory funding for new business activities, but does provide for substantial prospective real property tax abatements on improvements for a period of five years after a new enterprise expands or builds new. The five year abatement program was developed to assist industries and businesses locating or expanding in Pike County and is structured to reduce the real estate taxes based on the following conditions: 1. on new building construction and/or 2. major restoration to existing real estate, which will result in an increased real estate assessment; and 3. municipalities must designate the area where tax abatement applies.

Application process
Applications must be made before the Pike County Commissioners and the participating municipality and school district for each individual development project. The Pike County Economic Development Authority encourages companies to utilize the Pike County Preferential Tax Assessment Plan and is available to assist in securing the benefits of the program. The Pike County Economic Development Authority administers the tax abatement program and initial contact should be with the authority. The program extends to municipality and school districts in which the project is located. Approval of each of the following tax bodies is required: 1. a request in writing to the Pike County Commissioners, 2. a request in writing to the municipality in which the project is located and 3. request in writing to the school district in which the project is located. The same information submitted to the Pike County Commissioners is to be used for municipality and school district approval, as well as a copy of the letter to the Commissioners and Municipality/School District is available.

Keep youth in area
“I think it’s important we move forward with this,” says Commissioner Osterberg. “When you read this and see that Pike County is second in state of unemployment, we need to do something to help offset that. We need some way to keep our youth here, because once they graduate from college, they’re gone. There’s nothing here for them to come back to at this moment. We need to at least investigate all of this and let Michael take it out to the other townships. The county passes this, but the municipalities have to buy into this. We don’t force them to do it. They must pass an ordinance on their own to take part in this.” “We’re just giving them the opportunity to take part,” says Commissioner Harry Wagner. “I think it’s something we have to do, but mainly with the school districts. The big tax you pay is the school district tax. If the school districts don’t opt into this then the business moving in isn’t going to save any taxes. Remember it’s just on the improvements, not the land or building that’s there. If an entity moves in and expands a building, they have an abatement on the expansion. Hopefully the school districts will opt into this because in the long run they’ll be getting more taxes. Once the entity moves in there, the improvement will, eventually after five years, be on the tax rolls. And it’s going to produce jobs, which is the main thing. If it’s utilized by the municipalities and school districts, I know the county will, I think it will attract businesses without a doubt.” Chairman Rich Caridi was absent.

Business tax abatements sought Five-year program for new and expanding businesses

Pike County Courrier

Published Jul 19, 2012 at 6:01 am (Updated Jul 19, 2012)

MILFORD — A tax abatement incentive plan, to bring in new business and help existing businesses grow, was presented to Pike County Commissioners Wednesday by Michael Sullivan, executive director of Pike County Economic Development Authority.

The five year plan proposed would: reduce the real estate taxes on new or existing businesses that build a new construction and perform major restoration to existing real estate (that would normally result in an increased tax assessment). Specifically, if a business wants to move into the county, or an existing business wants to expand, the proposal offers a five year tax abatement. In the first year, it would receive a 90% reduction in taxes, 80% in the next year, 60% in the third year, 40% in the fourth year and 20% in the fifth year. Thereafter, they would pay their full assessment.

According to the plan, municipalities would be responsible for designating areas within their boundaries where the tax abatement would apply. The plan will require a buy-in by the school districts and municipalities, before whom Sullivan will be appearing and explaining both the plan and why it would be beneficial. Each school district and municipality could opt in or out of the plan anytime. Sullivan hopes he can convince them of the benefits.

“The big benefit is to make Pike County competitive with our neighbors,” says Sullivan. “It's very difficult for us to attract businesses in Pike County, when across the river on both sides [New York and New Jersey] are offering incentives.” The obvious benefit of bringing new business or expanding existing businesses is the growth in jobs. The long term benefit is that once the abatement ends, it will grow the tax rolls. “Inherently, the way we do business [in Pennsylvania]” is more attractive, according to The Tax Foundation 2012 Business Climate Report. “The state of Pennsylvania is in a very strong position,” says Sullivan. “We don't have to do as big a tax abatement as they do in New York.” According to the report, Pennsylvania is at number 19 on the list compared to other states' tax systems, and is often a gauge businesses use in considering location. “I don't want to give away the farm,” explains Sullivan of the modesty of the plan. “Nothing of what I am proposing here is radical. It is very understated. I am tying this proposal to our superior rating [according to the Climate Report].”

The growth of new jobs is important as Pike County at 9.8% unemployment, has the third highest unemployment rate in the state, close behind Cameron and Philadelphia Counties, as of May 2012. Also, the proposed plan shows how far current residents in Pike County have to go in order to be employed – west to Columbia County, south to Philadelphia and Ocean County, N.J., east to Suffolk County, N.Y. and north to Utica County, N.Y. According to the 2000 Census figures large portions of Pike residents often must travel to Monroe, Wayne, Sussex and Orange Counties to find jobs. The commissioners were supportive of the idea. Commissioner Matt Osterberg called the idea, "a very important program that will help with economic revitalization of the county." The commissioners would pass a county-wide resolution if and when the school districts and municipalities accept the idea of the plan and pass resolutions making the abatement available. Sullivan brought up a case in point for the incentive programs. There was an area in Greer, S.C. which was an “economic wasteland.” But after instituting a business incentive program , a BMW plant moved in, bringing with it jobs and eventually an addition to the tax rolls. Since 1992, the plant has invested over $6 billion in the Spartanburg County area. At the time of original investment, BMW expected to bring in about $1 billion and 4,000 jobs. Recently BMW has announced another $900 million investment over the next several years and another 300 jobs to be added.

— Charles Reynolds

Census data tell the story in Pike County

Pocono Record

May 29, 2012

Pike County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Michael Sullivan can crunch numbers like they're an empty can of soda. He's mined data to make the case for why Delaware Township is need of a supermarket. And at a recent Pike Chamber of Commerce breakfast, he detailed how the Pike population is getting older.

According to U.S. Census data, 6.5 percent of the national population is under the age of 5. In contrast, in Pike, 4.9 percent of the population is under 5, which explains the shrinking enrollment at Delaware Valley Elementary School. While there are fewer young children in Pike than the national average, there are more seniors than the national average. Nationally, 13 percent of Americans are over age 65. In Pike, 16.2 percent are over 65. It means the county needs services that appeal to seniors.

The Pike Chamber of Commerce breakfast was attended by 37 people. Many have contacted Sullivan seeking more information on the numbers behind Pike business. The next chamber breakfast will focus on advertising, Sullivan said. Details on that seminar will be announced.

Pa. bid to woo grocer cites $31M market

By Beth Brelje

Recordonline

05/25/12

Michael Sullivan has 31 million reasons to plant a grocery store on Route 739 in Pike County. The executive director of the Pike County Economic Development Authority is drawing on all of them to woo grocery store developers to Delaware Township, where residents now have to drive 8 to 10 miles to buy food.

Having combed through Pike County statistics, Sullivan has found that a grocery store in Delaware Township could tap into a market of about 6,500 homes in developments along the Route 739 corridor. The federal government releases estimates of monthly retail and food sales broken down by type of business. From those numbers, Sullivan found that in 2011, the average household in the United States spent $4,824 on grocery store sales. Having multiplied $4,824 in grocery sales by 6,500 homes, Sullivan calculates an enticing $31 million market for grocery sales in Delaware Township. "I am talking to grocery developers right now. These are the factors I give them," Sullivan said. Township Supervisor Tom Ryan met with Sullivan a few months ago and asked him to try to bring a grocery store to the township. "We are in an isolated pocket," Ryan said. "You have to go to Lords Valley or Milford to get groceries." It would be better if residents could get groceries locally, plus a grocery store would create jobs and be an anchor to other businesses, Ryan said. When talking with developers, Sullivan uses another, equally stunning set of numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau. Per capita retail sales in 2007 were $13,000 in the United States and in Pennsylvania, but in Pike County, per capita retail sales were $6,800. It shows that Pike residents are leaving the county to shop. "There is not enough investment in retail sales in Pike County. One of the strongest cases I can make to developers is these unbalanced numbers," Sullivan said.

There are at least five suitable locations on Route 739 in Delaware Township for a grocery store. A lot of supermarkets will ask what competition is in 5-mile radius, Sullivan said. While the market is lucrative, infrastructure challenges must be addressed by any business settling in Pike. It is tough to find a site in Pike with water, sewer and gas already in place, Sullivan said. Ryan notes that there is a market to serve that goes beyond local homeowners. Hundreds of visitors drive over the Dingmans Ferry Bridge and go straight up Route 739, perhaps on their way to Wayne County. These are people who would stop on a Friday night for dinner or goods. He would also like to see more family-style restaurants and other businesses along the corridor. "A state liquor store would be a home run," Ryan said.

Pike County wants to go on the offensive in attracting business

By Beth Brelje

Pocono Record Writer

May 03, 2012 12:00 AM

Pike County is at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to wooing companies but the Pike County Economic Development Authority has a plan to change that. The disadvantages boil down to three obstacles: a lack of land or buildings with existing infrastructure such as sewer, electric, or gas; difficulty getting timely approvals from local planning boards; and no financial incentives for companies facing the expense of a move, Authority Executive Director Michael Sullivan said..

New York, New Jersey and surrounding states offer the incentives companies expect to receive, Sullivan said. For example, in Sullivan County, N.Y., just across the border from Pike, businesses get diminishing tax breaks for up to 20 years, according to the Sullivan Industrial Development Agency. "We've got to be able to have something solid to offer. It's important," Sullivan said. The authority board is researching incentives that could be offered at the county level, including freezing an appraisal on land and building improvements for 10 years; offering a tax break off that frozen appraisal for 10 years; and forgiveness of property tax transfers. Those incentives, which are still taking shape, would require feedback from Pike municipalities, school districts and approval from the county commissioners before being adopted. One incentive that will not likely be offered in Pike is sales tax forgiveness. In New York, a business may not have to pay sales tax for building construction materials or heavy equipment purchased for use in the operation of the business. Offering a similar incentive in Pennsylvania would require changes to state law. It is worth pursuing, but it would likely take years to change, Sullivan said. For now, businesses face a higher starting cost in Pike, but the long-term benefits of operating in Pennsylvania pay off in lower taxes and lower wages for workers compared to surrounding states. "The big incentive is, 'Come, be in the state,'" Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Chuck Leonard said. The corporation works to bring business to Monroe County. When it comes to incentives to attract new business, Monroe offers "nothing major," Leonard said. The county does have a revolving loan fund that some companies can borrow from to buy equipment. There are also three Keystone Opportunity Zones in Monroe, properties that offer some tax breaks through the state. Pike has no Keystone Opportunity Zones..

Sullivan County, N.Y., may not have considered Pike County an economic competitor before, but it might now. "With Mike Sullivan there, maybe I will feel more competitive with Pike. If anyone can get businesses in there, he can," said Jennifer Bryinski, executive director of the Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency.

Pike County ripe with potential, says new economic development leader

KEYSTONE EDGE, Inovation & Job News

Thursday, March 22, 2012 Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen

The new face of economic development in Pike County sees plenty of similarities between his new job in the Poconos and his previous work in upstate New York. Michael Sullivan started last month as executive director of Pike County's chamber of commerce and economic development authority. He's spent most of his career in Orange County, New York, located north of New York City. When he was working in economic development there in the 1970s, Sullivan says Orange County faced an unemployment rate of about 10 percent. But within a few years it became the fastest-growing county in the state, thanks to new businesses and proximity to New York City. Sullivan thinks Pike County, on the New York and New Jersey state lines, is similar. "It's not a depressed area, but it has a lot of potential," he says. Pike County's advantages include how close it is to New York City and the fact that Interstate 84 runs through it. He also notes the Tax Foundation's most recent rankings of the states' business tax climates. That analysis ranked New Jersey as the least business-friendly state in the country and New York was ranked No. 49. In contrast, Pennsylvania was listed as No. 19. One of Sullivan's major projects is marketing a business park. County economic leaders are strategically targeting specific industries for the park near I-84, but he won't identify them. He also hopes to bring more stores to the county, including a supermarket.

A new dawn for Pike County Chamber of Commerce

Straight-talking Sullivan, new executive director, outlines changes to boost region's economy

By Beth Brelje Pocono Record Published: 2:00 AM - 03/24/12

Pike County's newest executive, straight-talking Michael Sullivan, might be the voice of reality that county businesses have needed. Sullivan, 65, was hired last month to lead the Pike County Economic Development Authority and the Pike Chamber of Commerce. The two groups have formed the Pike County Economic Alliance, made up of representatives from both. Sullivan is executive director of the alliance. He's had an earful in his first few weeks on the job. "I've met with critics and supporters of this chamber. Some say 'You're not doing enough,'" he said. He promises the operation will change substantially. "The economy has wreaked havoc on most businesses in Pike County," Sullivan said. "The root of the criticism is money is tight, and they had expectations that the chamber was going to help them." Can the chamber really help local business thrive? "You betcha, the chamber can help!" Sullivan said. "We are going to be what people expect of us." Sullivan draws on a diverse background in economic development. He's the former head of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development. He was most recently tasked with selling the Middletown and Goshen campuses of Orange Regional Medical Center following the construction of its new hospital.

Promoting empty business park

Sullivan explained how small retailers can grow their businesses by developing an Internet clientele. It is something he talks about often and the subject of seminars he is leading. "Critics are also perceiving that we are losing economic activity in Pike County," Sullivan said. The chamber has adopted a vigorous economic development plan. There will be outreach to recruit businesses to the area and to the empty business park in Blooming Grove. "We're under substantial pressure to aggressively market the business park so it is not a strain on county finances," Sullivan said. The park will be introduced to industrial brokers who can earn a commission from a sale. Sullivan will solicit people with high net worth and a known interest in real estate. And he will actively seek selected companies that don't need a lot of infrastructure — such as order-fulfillment houses, similar to Amazon.com.

Economically attractive

Pike faces some challenges in efforts to quickly attract employers — all under the heading of infrastructure. It is hard to find a site in Pike with water, sewer, gas and electric already installed. Even the business park lacks these basics. "Without that, vast areas cannot really be developed," Sullivan said. "None of these deficiencies are insurmountable, but they do limit the options we can offer to companies who are looking to relocate." But Pike is attractive in some important ways. Land costs less, taxes and regulations are less of a burden compared to neighboring states, and proximity to Interstate 84 is a plus. The moderate cost of labor is an attraction, though the goal is to increase wages through competition between employers. Sullivan believes that despite the economy, local businesses can succeed. "I would ask any business in Pike County to re-evaluate themselves. Don't listen to negativity," he said. "Take a chance on learning new technology and new best practices. That is the future for them.".

Pike seminars will teach retailers how to find new revenue streams

By Beth Brelje | Published: March 2, 2012

A little innovation can turn a struggling business around. For realistic advice on how to grow a retail business, attend one of two seminars being offered by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce: “Building Additional Revenue Streams for Retailers.” The seminar will be presented by Michael Sullivan, the new Executive Director of the Pike County Economic Alliance. Sullivan says retailers live in an era where they can expand and develop clients through technology. In the seminars, retailers will learn how to use a classic retail store as a base for additional sales. This strategy is especially important when the economy is slow and walk-in customers are few, Sullivan says. He will discuss the following topics: quarterly e-commerce report from the US Census Department, where to find new opportunities, how to calculate and understand the importance of “per household retail sales” based on monthly government statistics, IRS migration tables; the comings and goings of Pike County, and more. Attendees will learn how to build their own website in 30 minutes, the costs involved, and how to position a business for on-line customers. Reservations are required for both seminars that will cover the exact same subject with a maximum seating of 15 persons for each session. One will be on March 15, from 7:30a.m. to 9:00a.m. and the second will be on March 22, from 5:30p.m. to 7:00p.m. Both will be held at the Pike County Chamber offices at 209 East Harford Street in Milford. The fee is $10 for Pike Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Call Tammy to make your reservation at 570-296-8700.

Pike economic group plans new marketing program

By Pocono Record

Published: 2:00 AM - 03/13/12

The Pike County Economic Development Authority will soon launch a marketing initiative aimed at increasing jobs, trade and commerce in the county. The program will include specialized solicitations for targeted industries. It will rely on a partnership with the Pike County real estate community in providing suitable parcels and expertise on land use and other options. Michael Sullivan, the new executive director of the authority, will hold a meeting with real estate agents from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. March 26 in the Commissioners' Meeting Room at the Pike County Administration Building. For reservations, call 570-296-8700.

New Executive Director Hired

The Pike County Economic Alliance Committee, a committee of both the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the Pike County Economic Development Authority, is pleased to announce the hiring of their new Executive Director, Michael Sullivan. The committee chose Sullivan after culling through over 75 resumes submitted for the position. Twelve individuals meeting the strict requirements of both an economic development background as well as Chamber of Commerce experience were interviewed. Mr. Sullivan, with extensive background in Sullivan County’s Partnership for Economic Development and Orange County’s Chamber of Commerce, will be instrumental in helping to bring economic growth to Pike County. His most recent experience in facilitating the sale of Arden & Horton Hospitals in Orange County will be of great benefit to Pike County. Outreach to existing as well as past Chamber of Commerce members to determine how the Chamber can be of benefit to them holds a high priority on Mr. Sullivan’s to do list. According to the Economic Alliance Committee Co-Chairperson, Marcia Guberman, “Mr. Sullivan’s hiring is the culmination of 8 months of work to bring the best candidate forward to lead the economic growth of the County by bringing new business to the County and helping to grow existing business, thereby following the missions of both organizations.” Mr. Sullivan is expected to begin work on Monday, February 13. A reception is planned to introduce Mr. Sullivan to the all of the Boards of Directors of both organizations, neighboring Chamber of Commerce Executive Directors, State Economic Development Directors and County elected officials on Tuesday, February 21.

Local business owner published in new book for women

Pike County Courier January 19, 2012

Productivity coach helps 'get it all done,' co-authors book.

MILFORD — Local business owner Cena Block of Sane Spaces, LLC, specializes in working with professional women and businesses challenged with productivity, time and people management. Her chapter titled "Getting it All Done" is featured in a new book out this year titled "The Unstoppable Woman's Guide to Emotional Well-Being," by Erika Gilchrist. The book is written by 24 authors, and is a wonderful resource for all unstoppable women. As women have evolved to represent 49 percent of the workforce over the past forty years, many still are required to provide the lion's share of childcare, errands and domicile responsibilities. Because of this, women have experienced the effects of stress in their lives, relationships and health. "So many women I speak with in both professional and personal relationships struggle with everything they need to accomplish on a daily basis" says Block. "A major reason women constantly feel stressed and overwhelmed is because many have a hard time balancing their commitments and obligations. Most often, those who struggle most have a habit of prioritizing everyone else's needs ahead of their own." In her chapter, "Getting it All Done", Block offers self-reflective exercises designed for unstoppable women to explore. "Investing the time to re-evaluate your current day-to-day actions can make a world of difference in your level of stress and mental mindset. Managing your internal factors make all the difference in the world between an unstoppable woman who is happy while accomplishing it all, and one who is miserable." Block introduces five key ways to get it all done and be well at the same time: Understanding your perspective and whether it serves you. Here, her perspective inquiries guide you to explore the "meaning" you place on experiences and things in your life. Knowing what is most important to you. Here she helps you identify and define your core values and why you are drawn to do what you do. Understanding what motivates you, repeatedly. In this segment of her chapter, Block introduces the idea that to get motivated, you must focus on eliminating dissatisfaction in your life. Minimizing your personal barriers and limitations. This segment talks about making the best of your strengths and talents, and getting assistance with your gaps. The final piece of advice on how to be unstoppable and get it all done, centers around making a contribution and giving back. In addition, the book has 23 other chapters to motivate unstoppable women. Block says that "If you're in need of a great way to jump-start your year, get a copy today." It is available in print on her site, (www.sanespaces.com

NJ newspaper notes property tax rates are driving outmigration to Pennsylvania and other areas

Sunday Jan 22, 2012 NJ.com

by Star-Ledger Guest Columnist Mark Magyar

Property tax, not income tax is NJ's real problem.
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POSITION AVAILABLE: Executive Director Economic Development Authority/Chamber of Commerce:

As the Chief Administrator for the Pike County Economic Development Alliance Management Board, the incumbent is responsible for providing administrative and professional assistance to the Alliance Management Board and, as required to the Chamber Board and Economic Development Authority Board, in the implementation of the strategic plan adopted by each Board. Primary duties are the development of new business/industry in Pike County, and the retention and expansion of existing business thereby creating job opportunities, strengthening the tax base and establishing diversity in the economic foundation of the county, and other duties as deemed necessary by the Alliance Board of Directors. Salary dependent upon experience. All resumes should be sent to: mguberman@thedimebank.com

Local Physical Therapy Practice Opens New Location

Milford, PA ( November 16, 2011)

Access Physical Therapy & Wellness is excited to announce the opening of its newest office in Milford, PA. Access’ latest effort to provide even more communities with convenient and exceptional physical therapy services.
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Advance Auto Parts store will open in Matamoras, Pa.

By James Walsh Published: 2:00 AM - 11/24/11 Recordonline.com

MATAMORAS, Pa. - Advance Auto Parts will open a store Monday at 106 Wenlock Road. As general manager, Ryan Edmonds, an Advance Auto Parts team member for five years, will be in charge of the store. Advance will be employing eight people at this location, which will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Information about employment opportunities, customer services and online shopping can be found at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.

Ribbon cut at new Dunkin’ Donuts.

By Peter Becker The News Eagle Posted Nov 17, 2011

Palmyra Twp. (Pike) — Dunkin’ Donuts is open on Route 6 Lake Wallenpaupack, ready to satisfy your taste buds with savory coffee, donuts, muffins and more. A ribbon cutting was held Thursday morning Nov. 17, with refreshments on the house. The franchise opened for business the week before. “This will be a real asset,” said Tom Simons, Chairman, Palmyra Township (Pike) Board of Supervisors. “People have been asking me, ‘When’s it coming? When’s it coming?’” He said it was talked about for years and there was skepticism it wouldn’t happen. “I personally love the coffee,” Alvin Myers, a Hawley Councilman said. He’d love to see peanut sticks offered, but added the Bavarian creams are really good too. “I think they’ll do well,” he said. Owner Mrs. Mittal Patel cut the ribbon. She also operates franchises in Port Jervis, Matamoras, Lords Valley and Milford, and has plans to expand in 2012. Patel said she first opened in Port Jervis 14 years. Her brothers and sisters-in-law help her in the business, which she said is why they are so successful. Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru is open 24 hours and the interior is open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Patel plans to become involved in developing outreach programs to schools, churches and similar civic organizations. Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce issued a statement congratulating Patel for her achievements and noting there have been many positive remarks about the business addition. Palmyra Township was instrumental in the process of opening the franchise. George Irish, real estate developer, said that he arranged for the purchase of the property from local dentist Dr. John Evanish, to Scandale Associated, Dickson City. Patel has a 20 year lease with Scandale. Dr. Evanish had purchased the property after a fire destroyed the Route 6 Professional Building on the site, on April 21, 2008. The new restaurant employs 25 people. Dunkin’ Donuts is located just south of Wallenpaupack Area High School, on the east side of Route 6.

Press Release from Pike County Economic Development Authority and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday November 1st 2011 The Pike County Economic Development Authority and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the formation of the Pike County Economic Alliance, bringing the two organizations together in a collaborative working enterprise structure.

The formation of the Pike County Economic Alliance was spearheaded by the Alliance Taskforce Committee whose members were appointed by each organization. The Alliance Taskforce Committee conducted an investigation of economic support organizations in comparable counties throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Drawing upon examples of other successful working alliances in these counties, the Committee developed a plan which will focus on Pike County’s economic stimulus. The Economic Development Authority is principally charged with bringing new business to the County and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce is charged with strengthening existing County business. Each organization will continue to maintain its individual mission, objectives, Board of Directors and Committees. “The Taskforce has done an outstanding job in moving this project forward. We are very excited to see their long hours of research, deliberation and planning come to completion in the formation of the Alliance. This effort will greatly enhance our ability to support the local economy,” commented Dave Farrington, Board Chairman of the Economic Development Authority. As a working alliance, together the organizations will accomplish their shared objectives of utilizing a more efficient use of resources and a united management effort under a joint Executive Director. This alliance will enhance financial efficiencies within each organization, resulting in a stronger economic environment through cost saving benefits. A search for one Executive Director to head the Alliance and manage both the Chamber and the Economic Development Authority is underway. Job description information may be found on both the Chamber’s website www.pikechamber.com and the EDA’s website www.edapikepa.org.

Pike County EDA seeking grant dollars

Monday October 24th 2011 Pocononews.net

MILFORD - The Pike County Economic Development Authority is working to bring grant dollars to Pike County. This fall, the EDA Board of Directors approved sponsoring applications through the Monroe County Local Share Account Gaming Grant Program for the Delaware Valley Foundation / DV School District and the Pike County Business Park. Additionally, the EDA staff assisted Milford Borough with developing its application. The Monroe County Local Share Account program is funded by tax revenue generated from gambling at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Monroe County. Those promoting eligible projects in Monroe County or contiguous counties can apply for funding through an eligible applicant such as the EDA. More information on the program can be found online at www.newpa.com. Past projects the EDA has also facilitated grant funding for include the visitor’s center at Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, the Mountain Laurel Center for the Performing Arts and the Pike County Public Library. The EDA receives information on grant programs through a weekly grants newsletter and has made that information accessible to municipalities, community organizations and local businesses. “Attracting financial resources to Pike County is an important aspect of economic development,” stated Rachel Hendricks, Deputy Director for Economic Development at the EDA. To obtain information on grants or public financing opportunities for your organization, check out the EDA’s website at www.edapikepa.org.

Shohola businessman buying Altec-Lansing property

Renewed manufacturing planned as Altec remains as a leasee, By David Hulse Pike County Courier
MILFORD — Maurice Ryman, the owner LP Cylinder Service Inc. in Shohola on Monday won township approval of his plans to renew manufacturing at the 193,000 square-foot Altec-Lansing facility, which he is purchasing. Altec Director of Operations Mary O'Neill said her company, which is relocating corporate offices to the West Coast, plans to lease back a portion of the property and maintain offices, storage and some repair facilities, employing 12 full-time and up to 30 temporary workers. Ryman who services LP gas tank users around the northeast, said he had built out his Shohola property and new directions in the business would require additional space. Changes in his business involve production of patented plastic covers and bases for tanks of all sizes. Both the covers and plastic formula are patented, he said. The demand for them has outstripped his ability to make them in Shohola and he said he plans on occupying the 80,000 square-foot northerly warehouse space on the 20-acre parcel for manufacturing. Ryman's plastics division would start with some six employees, and he said demand would dictate its expansion. He said the snap-together base units have found other applications in what seems to be a growing market. In addition, Ryman also is planning to reintroduce American-made valves for LP tanks, which had been replaced by cheaper foreign made valves. Those valves Ryman said have proved to have high failure rates. He is aquiring the original American design, and wants to assemble the new valves in Milford. Ryman noted that Altec has contracted for a five-year lease, While their plans appear to be fluid, he said that other industries have made inquiries to Altec about locating in the space in past and he anticipates their will be other leasees on the property. The supervisors approved a conditional zoning use permit for a change of use, noting that other business activities beyond Ryman's and Altec will need additional approvals.

Workforce Wayne gets $53000 grant for phase 2 of CTC project

By Josh Wengler Wayne Independent

Honesdale, Pa. — After years of feasibility studies and preliminary planning, Workforce Wayne’s key project — getting a Career and Technical Center (CTC) built in the area to train Wayne and Pike County students — has moved into its second phase, thanks to a $53,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
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Preparing to go to bid, new Pike County Library

By Kelly Waters The News Eagle Posted Aug 02, 2011 @ 12:41 PM
Milford, Pa. — Pike County Commissioners on July 27 heard an update about the Pike County Public Library. President of the Library Board, Rob Rohner, talked about some of the progress towards starting the library construction. “The one million dollar grants are secure and the engineer is in the process of completing the bid documents,” says Rohner. He says that if all goes well there should be groundbreaking by October. He also says that the community room will be named the Tom and Jean Hoff Community Room. Members of the Friends of the Pike County Library spoke up as well. They mentioned that they are selling T-shirts for $15 in support of the library, and they will also be hosting a two day book and bake sale on the weekend of Sept. 17-18. The sale will run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sept. 17, and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sept. 18. It will take place at the American Legion building on Water Street in Milford. All proceeds from each of these sales will go towards helping the library. Earlier this year the Library Board approved plans for a $2.5 million facility to be built on property that the library owns on East Harford Street in Milford. The building will consist of a 5,900 square foot main level, with a lower of 5,000 square feet of usable space for future expansion..

Final Rt. 6 Heritage Communities Report on Milford Released

Milford, July 28, 2011: The Pike County Economic Development Authority hosted the presentation of the final Rt. 6 Heritage Communities Study for Milford on July 26th. An overview of the study was presented by Rt. 6 Alliance Executive Director Terri Dennison to a packed room including representatives of Milford Borough Council, the Pike County Board of Commissioners, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Milford Business Council, Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Pike County Light & Power, and the Milford Enhancement Committee. The study is the culmination of an eighteen month process involving approximately seventy members of the community, several focus groups and a survey of Milford area businesses. Funding for the study was provided by the Rt. 6 Alliance with local sponsorship from the Milford Enhancement Committee supported by Pike County Light & Power. Jim Pedranti, Co-Chair of the study committee and a member of the Milford Enhancement Committee reminded those present, “This does not mean the process is over, it’s just beginning.” The study will be analyzed by the various groups over the next several weeks following which implementation of the highest priority recommendations will begin. The nearly 150 page study contains recommendations on planning and zoning, business practices and tourism strategies, even physical improvements to boost tourism. Milford Borough recently committed to applying for a grant which would fund several initiatives relevant to the study’s recommendations. The study can be referenced to bolster funding applications. The Northeast Pennsylvania Alliance which acts as the coordinator for the Heritage Communities Program in Northeast PA presented the group with an initial overview of grant opportunities to facilitate the various recommendations.
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Altec Lansing is keeping Milford, PA, warehouse

Recordonline.com - By Beth Brelje
July 21 2011 Altec Lansing has clarified its future plans for its Milford, PA facility as it moves part of its operations to San Diego.
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Milford Borough partners with EDA and business community to attract grant dollars

EDA point of contact for energy efficient and historically appropriate window replacement projects
Milford, July 15 2011 The Milford Borough Concil is applying for Monroe County Local Share Gaming Grant for revitalization of the downtown with the assistance of the Pike County EDA and the Milford Business Council..
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Pike County Economic Development Authority available to facilitate Local Share Gaming Grant applications for Pike projects

Subject: Next round of Gaming grant program opens for applications on July 1
Milford, June 23 2011 Massive state budget cuts do not affect the availability of funds through the Local Share Gaming Grant Program so the Pike County EDA is again soliciting high quality projects to sponsor for this very competitive program ..
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Pike County Economic Development Authority now on Facebook

Milford, May 25 2011: The Pike County EDA is pleased to announce a new Facebook page.
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600-acre business park accelerated in PikeRealtor Davis Chant tasked with marketing, selling land

By Beth Brelje Pocono Record Writer June 09, 2011

New efforts to sell the Pike County Business Park in Blooming Grove Township are aimed at bringing more jobs to the county. The Pike County Business Development Corporation signed a nine-month contract with Davis R. Chant Realty in March to market the 613-acre property to be sold as a single parcel or as 36 individual lots ranging from three to 35 acres. The land, which currently has no businesses, is being offered at $20,000 an acre. The business park, on Route 434, is near the Route 6 intersection across from the entrance to the private community of Camelot Forest. It is 3.5 miles from Interstate 84 and five minutes from the Lords Valley exit. The land has a sewage treatment facility with limited capacity. More capacity could be added, Davis Chant said. "You can drive from the business park to any area in Orange County, N.Y., in about an hour," Chant said. "Orange County has 23 business parks. There are companies there looking to expand outside Orange County." Some of the companies have inquired about the Pike Business Park, Chant said. Chant will soon show the land to a group from the Hudson Valley that is interested in buying parcels. After showing the business park, he will give them a tour of Hemlock Farms, a gated community with homes ranging from $150,000 to more than $1 million, Chant said. He is pushing the idea of living five minutes away from work. A short commute is a luxury many Pike County residents dream of. "In Pike, over 60 percent of the workforce commutes out of the county, giving up a huge chunk of their life. This demonstrates a need for more local job opportunities," said Rachel Hendricks, deputy director for the Pike Economic Development Authority. This commuting population is one obstacle the authority faces when courting new businesses. When workers leave the state for work, the authority does not know what kind of jobs they commute to. "Demonstrating a skilled labor force can be a challenge," Hendricks said. The authority is exploring the possibility of doing a study that will define the skill sets of Pike County commuters. The Pike County Business Development Corporation board of directors bought the land for the business park in 1997 and completed sewage and road improvements in 2003. It had a contract to sell the entire business park to developer John Herman in 2008. Herman wanted to swap the existing site for a portion of state game lands between I-84 and the Pike County concrete quarry off Route 739. The proposal had to meet approvals from federal and state government agencies to proceed. After a long process, the contract to buy the land expired, Hendricks said. The corporation negotiated with Herman but did not reach an agreement to extend it. That is why the business park is again on the market.

Majestic Westfall cinema set to debut Friday

By Beth Brelje Pocono Record Writer May 17, 2011

The long-awaited, seven-screen Majestic Cinemas theater in Westfall is expected to open Friday evening, Majestic-Star Entertainment President Nelson Page said. Workers still have plenty of tasks to finish transforming the former Grand Union grocery store into a 1,300-seat theater at the Westfall Town Center. Wild purple carpet with a popcorn-and-movie-reel pattern goes down today. New, high-back rocking seats, still covered in protective plastic, give off a sort of new-car smell in each auditorium. The cinema has been under construction for the last six months. Page and partner Tom Ferrie signed a deal in late 2010 to take on the $3 million project, which includes full digital 3-D projection and sound and wall-to-wall screens. Majestic-Star has headquarters in Teaneck, N.J., and operates several theaters in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The idea of building in Pike County came after two previous attempts to locate a theater in Matamoras failed to materialize, Page said. The new cinema will be the only theater in a 20-mile radius and is expected to draw a large audience, Page said. Films expected to open at the theater are the latest installment of "Pirates of the Carribean" on multiple screens, "Bridesmaids," and "Thor." Films coming soon include; "Kung Fu Panda 2," "Super 8," "Transformers," the final "Harry Potter" installment, "Cowboys and Aliens" and "Captain America." Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for kids under 12. Event pricing for 3-D movies is $13 for adults and $11 for kids under 12. For information, visit the cinema website, bigscreenclassics.com, or call the theater for show times, 570-491-2900.

New employer seeking qualified individuals to staff Pike location

Pike EDA assists new employer with locating qualified workers

Milford, May 11, 2011: The Pike County Economic Development Authority is spreading the word on job opportunities with a new employer to Pike County. The company is hiring for two positions at this time, Customer Service Representative and Manager. Descriptions of the opportunities are: • Fulltime customer service representative in personal and commercial insurance. Experience needed. Computer skills, people skills, ability to get licensed and trained to ensure clients receive the highest level of service. New employer to the area with a 50 year history in NY metro area. Ability to process endorsements, check policies, work with underwriters Experience with Sagitta system Insurance preferred • Full time manager for insurance office - must demonstrate proficiency in training and managing employees and handling day to day operations. Insurance experience necessary. Report directly to agency owners. New employer in the area with 50 year history in NY metro area. Must demonstrate the ability to have a relationship with our company underwriters and managers and understand audits. Management experience required. Individuals meeting these descriptions interested in these positions should email resumes to Rachel Hendricks at the EDA at Rachel@edapikepa.org. Mrs. Hendricks stated, “We cannot give out further information at this time for the confidentiality of the business.” Hendricks expounded by indicating that the level of interest and availability of skilled labor is the most critical factor to ensure this employer’s commitment to the area. The EDA has been working with this business for the past few weeks to meet their needs in starting a local operation. Candidates will be contacted by the company principals for interviews as appropriate.
The mission of the Pike County Economic Development Authority is to strengthen the economic vitality of Pike County by implementing strategies and managing programs to attract, promote and sustain businesses and employment. For additional information on the EDA check out our website at www.edapikepa.org or contact the office at 570-296-7332.

Mountain Laurel Pocono Mountains Performing Arts Center Set to Reopen After Four Year Absence. The Music is Back in the Pocono Mountains with a Summer Concert Series Featuring Some of the Top Musical Acts in the World

(Bushkill, PA) April 19, 2011 – For the first time since August of 2007, the Mountain Laurel Pocono Mountains Performing Arts Center (www.mtlaurelpac.com) will open its gates for a summer concert series. Pennsylvania real estate company, Wolfington and O’Neil Property Group, is proud to be bringing entertainment back to the Pocono Mountains’ premier outdoor amphitheater in a big way with a summer lineup featuring both music and comedy. “The Pocono Mountains have long been known for its entertainment offerings,” said John Wolfington, CEO, Wolfington and O’Neil Property Group. “However there has been a music void for nearly four years, but with the reopening of Mountain Laurel, the music is truly back in the Pocono Mountains.” The 2011 summer concert series will kick off in July, and feature such top acts as Kiss, ZZ Top, Larry the Cable Guy, Frankie Valli and the Beach Boys. Additional acts will be added over the coming weeks. Tickets go on-sale, through Ticketmaster, on April 21. There will be entertainment for everyone and every age group-- from timeless classics to Rock and Roll. Since its first concert in June 2003, the Mountain Laurel Pocono Mountains Performing Arts Center has been a favorite concert destination for local residents and vacationers. Located minutes from the Delaware Water Gap, off Route 80, and only 75 minutes from New York City, the Mountain Laurel Pocono Mountains Performing Arts Center draws concert-goers from three states. It offers world class artists as an affordable alternative in the backyard of the Pocono Mountains, free from the inconvenience of city or shore traffic. “The Mountain Laurel summer concert series is a must for the full Pocono Mountain experience,” added Wolfington. “We hope people will come for the concert and stay for the hiking, hotels, racetrack, casinos and so much more. When you come early and stay late, you’ll see that Mountain Laurel makes a concert more than just a show.” To ensure the success of the reopening of The Mountain Laurel Pocono Mountains Performing Arts Center, Wolfington and O’Neil Property Group brought in The Total Concert Team to manage the facility. With strong community roots, linked with nationally regarded booking and promotional expertise, the new management group boasts nearly a century of venue and entertainment success. But while, their primary focus will be bringing world-class entertainment back to the Pocono Mountains, they also understand the importance of the PAC to Pike County. “Revitalization of the PAC offers greater tourism opportunities as a gathering space, not only for individuals and families on vacation, but also industry groups who pick the Poconos as a convention site,” said David Rodriguez, Total Concert Team. “The financial impact to the region from visitors should be significant, as many concert-goers will spend multiple days in the region.” The Mountain Laurel Pocono Mountain Performing Arts Center will also be giving back to the local community in other ways. A group of East Stroudsburg North High School parents, called The Band Group will act as ushers and assist in parking. Instead of compensating the individuals for their work, the PAC will make the payment to the Band Parents Association. This program not only supports local music, but fosters the goal of keeping music alive and vibrant in the Pocono Mountains. So, not only is the PAC bringing music back to the Pocono Mountains, they are looking to make sure it never goes away again. Current Summer Concert Schedule: Concert Date Performer Wednesday, July 13th KISS Saturday, August 6th Larry the Cable Guy Saturday, August 20th ZZ Top Thursday, August 25th Frankie Valli and Beach Boys *** For complete ticket pricing and on-sale dates please visit www.mtlaurelpac.com About The Mountain Laurel Pocono Mountains Performing Arts Center The Mountain Laurel Pocono Mountains Performing Arts Center is the premier outdoor amphitheater in eastern Pennsylvania. Since its first concert in June, 2003, Mountain Laurel has been the home to performances from some of the top entertainers in the world. A state-of-the-art amphitheater, the Mountain Laurel Pocono Mountains Performing Arts Center seats 2,500 under cover, and another 7,500 people on its luscious lawn area. You can remain connected to Mountain Laurel Pocono Mountains PAC performance updates by following us on Twitter via twitter.com/mtlaurelpac or become a fan of the official Facebook page facebook.com/mtlaurelpac. For artwork, interview requests or more information, contact: Rob Bailey Deborah Bailey Rob Bailey Communications Bailey Design & Advertising 201-760-0200 x101 570-251-1512 201-819-1134 (cell) 570-228-6513 rbailey@rbcpr.com baileyd@ptd.net .

Milford Theatre set for rebirth. Owners start renovations for May opening

MILFORD, Pa. — Jerry Beaver set the closing date for his purchase of the Milford Theatre on April Fools' Day because he thought it was unlikely to happen. But Beaver was the one who was fooled. "The closing went very smoothly," he said, a little astonished. Beaver, a casting director in Manhattan, longtime Pike County resident, and founder of Milford's Black Bear Film Festival, bought the Milford landmark with his business partner, Dru Whitaker, who owns two technically oriented companies in the New York City metro area. On Monday a crew arrived to start repairs. Beaver and Whitaker hope to open the theater in May. While some might see the theater as a disaster of an old building, Beaver sees a space for live theater, lectures, music, dance and screenings of classic films and art house films. "Everybody deserves a bit of entertainment," he said. "And (Pike County) deserves a place where the community can come together." The historic Milford Theatre has seen better days. It was built for summer touring companies in Milford's heyday. But the theater closed two years ago because of disrepair. After that, countless people were linked with ambitious plans to revitalize the old live theater-turned-never-quite-profitable first-run-movie-house-turned-boarded-up building. Ironically, Beaver wasn't associated with any of these plans. But when the owner of the building made him an offer, he decided to just do it. On Tuesday Beaver and several workers were on their second day of assessing the renovations. "I can't tell you how much it will cost," he said. "It keeps changing." In his role as a casting director, however, Beaver is used to seeing potential. He was one of the first to see potential in actor Edward Norton and was instrumental in getting him cast in the movie "Primal Fear," his breakout film. He also was one of a group of people who helped to form the Signature Theater Company in Manhattan, where he worked with distinguished American playwrights like Arthur Miller, Edward Albee and Romulus Linney. But "his baby" is Milford's Black Bear Film Festival, which he founded and ran for a number of years. The festival used to center on the Milford Theatre but after it closed, it had to move its screenings to Delaware Valley High School. That took the festival out of the main business district, much to the chagrin of business owners. "There are really two reasons to do this," said Beaver, standing in the middle of the theater's stage. "There's economic development and there's enriching the cultural life of the community." He paused and looked around. "And I want people in Pike County to be able to see the same films I see in Manhattan.".

GOP chair Hummel named to replace Forbes as Pike County commissioner

March 16, 2011 Pike County Republican Committee Chairwoman Kathy Hummel has been named as interim replacement for Pike County Commissioner Harry Forbes. President Judge Joseph Kameen chose Hummel from 13 applicants on March 8. Sitting commissioners Rich Caridi and Karl Wagner made no mention of the appointment at Wednesday's regular meeting, which Hummel did not attend because she is out of town. Hummel is a board member of several local organizations, including the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce. She will serve as commissioner through the end of the year and is not running for another term. Republican candidates aiming for the commissioner seat in the May primary are Milford Councilman Matthew Osterberg and Delaware Valley School District board member Pam Lutfy. Both applied for the interim commissioner position. Caridi a Republican and Wagner, a Democrat, are also up for re-election this year. Commissioner terms all run at the same time. In addition to Hummel, Lutfy and Osterberg, the other 10 applicants for the interim commissioner position were Milford residents Jan Hurwitz, James Price, Douglas Luhrs, Donald Quick, Randolph Gregory, Timothy Ludwig Haken and Kurt Brink; and Neal Grim of Hawley and Robert Phillips and David Farrington of Shohola.

Route 6 Heritage Alliance to present tourism plan

MILFORD — On Monday, the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Alliance will present its plan to encourage tourism across PA US Route 6, and more specifically the Milford area. The presentation will be at the First Presbyterian Church on Broad Street in Milford, on March 21, at 11 a.m. Their presentation is in conjunction with the Milford Enhancement Committee’s (MEC) 13th annual Spring Workshop, which brings allows several community organizations a platform to review and discuss important updates, as well as the MEC’s annual report. After nearly a year of planning, meetings and community feedback, the Route 6 Heritage Alliance, along with the NEPA Alliance, is ready to unveil their tourism plan for the area of Route 6 that runs through the Milford area. This plan of integration of the community and its resources is aimed at attracting additional investments, businesses and tourism, as well as boosting the local economy. The workshop will begin with a continental breakfast, followed by the meeting at 9 a.m. At approximately 11 a.m., the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance will present their plan. This program has been made possible by community input, including focus groups, and has been in the making for a year. The local organizations spearheading this undertaking are the Milford Enhancement Committee and the Pike County Economic Development Authority. Lunch will be served around 12:30pm, provided by Pike County Light & Power (PCL&P).

Pike and Monroe county populations soar

March 10, 2011: Pike and Monroe were Pennsylvania's second -and third-fastest growing counties in the past decade.
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Milford public relations director speaks to high schoolers

March 08, 2011 12:00 AM Katrina Foster, President & Founder of kkpr Marketing & Public Relations, the innovative, boutique marketing and public relations agency based in Milford, spoke to a business and marketing class at Delaware Valley High School for the third annual National Entrepreneurship Week on Feb. 24. In celebration of the National Entrepreneurship Week, business and marketing teacher Maura Angle from DVHS worked with Rachel Hendricks, the deputy director for Economic Development at the Pike County Economic Development Authority to create Entrepreneurs in the Classroom. The program brought five different entrepreneurs from the community to speak to various students involved in the business and vocational technology programs at the school. "If it wasn't for my mentor giving me a shot, teaching me the ropes and harvesting my talent, I wouldn't be where I am today," said Foster. "Because of that, I have a strong commitment to fostering and teaching young talent, whether I am speaking at a school, mentoring someone or hiring them to work on my staff." The students had the opportunity to ask any questions about opening and operating a business. For more than an hour the students of Angle's class learned all about KKPR, the marketing and communications industry and what it's like to be a young entrepreneur. "Katrina shared her story with students at Delaware Valley, along with several other local entrepreneurs," said Hendricks, an advocate of the entrepreneurial spirit. "Our students were able to glean from the entrepreneurs what it takes to be successful in business today. Expanding their awareness of the opportunity to create job opportunities for themselves by being an entrepreneur is a crucial step in building an entrepreneurial culture here and that's our long term goal. The Entrepreneurs in the Classroom program does not work without community minded business people like Katrina giving of their time." KKPR, Kconceptual Kreations, began in 2006 and has grown from a one-woman, home-based business to a burgeoning boutique agency that currently includes additional publicists, designers, and administration staff. For details, visit www.kkmpr.com or call 570.296.2333.

Pike County Economic Development Authortiy concerned about new DEP regulations

Milford, February 3, 2011: The Pike County Economic Development Authority is highly concerned about the adverse impacts of the recently adopted Pennsylvania Department of Enviromental Protection Chapter 102 regulations. The EDA is urging citizens and business owners to review information on these regulations and contact their legislators..
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Pike County celebrates National Entrepreneurship Week

Pike County Commissioners proclaim February 20-26 as Entrepreneurship Week in Pike County Milford, Milford, February 9, 2011: The Pike County Economic Development Authority is pleased to announce that today the Pike County Board of Commissioners proclaimed February 20-26 as Entrepreneurship Week, kicking off the local celebration to coincide with National Entrepreneurship Week. The proclamation indicated that entrepreneurship is vital to the county’s growth and prosperity, the creation of new jobs, and an integral part of the dreams and pursuits of many young adults. The celebration of National Entrepreneurship Week was acknowledged as “an opportunity to focus on the innovative ways in which entrepreneurship education can bring together the core academic, technical and problem solving skills essential for future entrepreneurs and successful workers in future workplaces.” Entrepreneurs are the foundation of economic development in the Pike County area and throughout the nation. “Owning and operating a business is both challenging and rewarding. Many hard working business owners make up the backbone of our local economy. We commend and celebrate these risk takers for their contributions and we encourage the development of more small businesses in Pike County,” said Commissioner Richard Caridi. Other activities being coordinated by the EDA as part of the 3rd annual Pike County celebration of National Entrepreneurship Week include Entrepreneurs in the Classroom, a program collaborating with teachers, local entrepreneurs and students in vo-tech, business and entrepreneurial classes at Delaware Valley High School and a seminar offered in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center of the University of Scranton entitled “First Steps to Opening a Business” which will be held on Tuesday, February 22nd at the offices of the EDA from 6 to 8 PM. There is a no fee to attend this event in honor of Entrepreneurship Week. To reserve your place, please pre-register with the EDA office at 570-296-7332 or Tammy@edapikepa.org. The Pike County EDA serves as an outreach location for the Small Business Development Center at the University of Scranton and partners with them to provide free small business counseling for the support of entrepreneurism in the area. The SBDC works with clients in Pike County who are pre-venture or already operational businesses and can provide assistance in a myriad of topics, not limited to but including, writing a business plan, development marketing and financial plans, accessing new markets, addressing human resource challenges, succession planning, conducting a breakeven analysis, or filing the appropriate paperwork to open a business legitimately. The SBDC has a large reference library accessible to Pike County residents at the University either directly or through their professional staff and partners with the EDA to bring educational seminars to the community. Initial information on accessing the SBDC’s services is available by contacting the EDA office. The EDA also offers a reference library of print and online resources available to the community which includes information on the national and local market, financial data on many industries, including start-up, operational costs and profit margins, basic information on many franchises and as well as access to top websites on topics such as building a business plan and marketing. Recently the EDA expanded the electronic resources available in the reference library to include access to a grants database. National Entrepreneurship Week is the brainchild of the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education in Ohio, a national membership organization supporting entrepreneurship education. Nationally, this is the 4th year of the annual celebration of entrepreneurship. All three of Pike County’s Commissioners have entrepreneurial backgrounds, understand the challenges that entrepreneurs face and the environment in which they thrive. “Fostering entrepreneurship by providing resources within the county strengthens Pike County’s economy and our future,” said Com. Harry Forbes. “We would like to thank the entrepreneurs, teachers and school officials as well as the SBDC and EDA staff members who worked to coordinate all of these activities.” The Pike County Economic Development Authority office is co-located with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at 209 East Harford Street in Milford and can be reached at 570-296-7332 or admin@pidco.com. .

EDA makes grants newsletter available to the public

Milford, December 20, 2010: Pike County EDA is expanding access to grant information for Pike County organizations. Right now interested individuals can sign up to receive the weekly GrantStation Insider e-newsletter at no cost to them. “This newsletter is available to us through our subscription to GrantStation. By distributing the newsletter, we are leveraging our subscription to provide more efficient access to timely information on available opportunities via email throughout the community.” The newsletter contains information on private and government grant opportunities as well as resources for building a grant writing program. “We are very pleased to make this opportunity available and partner with local organizations to attract additional financial resources to Pike County,” said EDA Chairman David Farrington. To sign up to receive the e- newsletter or to make an appointment to search the database for grant opportunities, please contact Tammy Savarese at Tammy@edapikepa.org or 570-296-7332. Pike County EDA is a non-profit municipal authority with the mission of strengthening the economic vitality of Pike County implementing strategies and managing programs to attract, promote, and sustain businesses and employment.

Pike County Economic Development Authority Announces Location of FloorUnltd.com to Westfall

Milford, Sept 7, 2010: Pike County Economic Development Authority today announced that FloorsUnltd.com has located their first office in the Westfall Township Building.
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Local Jobs Saved

Milford, July 28, 2010: Local garment manufacturer, Malhame Vestment Company will remain in Pike County when it relocates later this year. Malhame has secured a new location on the border of Westfall and Milford Townships, allowing the company to retain its current workforce. .
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Pike County Economic Development Authority brings over $650,000 into the community by successfully sponsoring gaming grant applications

Milford, July 3, 2010: The Pike County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is bringing over $650,000 into Pike County by successfully sponsoring two grant applications through the very competitive Monroe County Local Share Gaming Program this year. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) recently announced that the EDA has been awarded grants for the two projects in Lehman Township.
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Pike County’s celebration of National Entrepreneurship Week

Milford, March 31, 2010: Pike County’s celebration of National Entrepreneurship Week was bigger and better in its second year! The Pike County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring the celebration of Entrepreneurship Week from February 20th to 27th but inclement weather stretched the celebration throughout March!
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Pike County Economic Development Authority partners with Milford business community to publicize Milford as a Heritage Travel destination

Subject: Initiative to increase Heritage Travel to Milford
Milford, January 26, 2010: The Pike County Economic Development Authority is pleased to announce that Milford is now being promoted on the heritage travel website, Goziac.com, as a heritage travel destination! Gozaic is designed to “become the online destination of choice for cultural and heritage travelers and provide them with the tools to explore meaningful places and enrich themselves in their travels,” stated Scott Gerloff, Vice President of Partner Relations at Goziac in a recent communication with the EDA.
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PA Business Retention and Expansion Program poised to help Pike County businesses in 2010

Subject: Pike County economic development agencies to facilitate the BREP Program
Milford, January 11, 2010: The Pike County EDA is pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania Business Retention and Expansion Program (BREP) will resume in Pike County this January!
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Grants database now accessible at Pike EDA

Subject: EDA facilitates access to online grants database
Milford, December 28, 2009: The Pike County EDA, as part of its efforts to attract grant dollars to Pike County, is now offering local organizations the ability to search the GrantStation database right in their Milford office at no cost!
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