Member Spotlight: DRIVE

“The Chamber is a vital partner in economic development. Business should have a voice in local and state government and the Chamber provides that service. DRIVE and the Chamber work collaboratively to help current businesses prosper and provide a climate for new business development.”

– Jennifer Wakeman, Executive Director, DRIVE

DRIVE stands for Driving Real Innovation for a Vibrant Economy, and was formed in 2015 by a task force from Columbia and Montour Counties. DRIVE is organized as a council of governments to take a regional approach to economic development.

DRIVE works with both established businesses in the region looking to grow their operations, and also performs a full range of services focused on business attraction – bringing new companies to the area. It does everything including but not limited to project management, site selection, assistance with zoning/planning and permitting, workforce development, networking and transportation & logistics. DRIVE is a one-stop shop for businesses in Columbia and Montour County or those looking to bring their business into the area.

DRIVE was created to take a regional approach to economic development. Businesses can choose to locate or expand here and the entire region benefits. Pooling resources allows for more to be done by working together and provides efficiency in having a single point of contact for companies looking to grow or establish operations in this area.

The DRIVE staff is doing its best to meet and learn about all the different businesses and industries in the region. If you or someone from your business or organization wants us to talk about the opportunities that may exist for your business, please contact DRIVE . It wants to hear from you about the good, the bad and the ugly so it can better assist your business here in Columbia and Montour Counties. DRIVE can be reached at 570-284-4296, via email, or visit its website. 

Member spotlights are chosen via a random drawing from members that submit their business cards at a Business After Hours event. The next Business After Hours is scheduled for Nov. 15 at Berwick Floral, 201 West 2nd St., Berwick.