Member News- August 19, 2020
Danville School District Receives Funds for Head Start Program
Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) announced that the Danville Area School District has been awarded a $1,011,753 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through their Head Start program. Head Start programs promote school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by supporting the development of the whole child. They strive to promote children’s growth in a positive learning environment through a variety of services, focusing on early learning, health, and family well-being.
“I have been a longtime, strong supporter of the Head Start Program,” said Rep. Meuser. “Every child deserves an equal opportunity to pursue the American Dream. Head Start helps give many underprivileged children this opportunity.”
The GSKIZ – Now in Berwick
The Rural Business Innovation Corporation (RBI) has received the approval from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development to expand the geographic footprint of the Greater Susquehanna Keystone Innovation Zone or KIZ program. The KIZ brings more opportunities for entrepreneurs and start-ups to set up and grow their businesses in Berwick.
The KIZ program must have a University/Research Partner in order to qualify an area for a zone. B.I.D.A. and RBI could not have accomplished this zone expansion project without the support and involvement of Bloomsburg University.
B.I.D.A. and Berwick Next Steps assisted in the designation of a new zone in Berwick that offers innovative entrepreneurs manufacturing space and contains a variety of office spaces within the main hub of activity in the heart of Berwick.
There are eligibility requirements to become a KIZ designated business: business must be less than eight (8) years old; located in a designated zone and working in an approved industry sector. Qualifying businesses have the potential to be awarded up to $100,000 in tax credits during their third year in the program. Entrepreneurs also gain access to the intellectual capital in the higher education network which includes Bloomsburg and Bucknell Universities as well as Lackawanna College, to develop their products or business with guidance in commercialization and tech transfer.
“This program was developed to provide start-ups with a financial incentive. You get what you put into it. The program only benefits companies who have proven themselves through success,” says Ms. Craig.
With backing from the educational partners and additional support from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeast Pennsylvania, Berwick Industrial Development Association (B.I.D.A.), First Columbia Bank & Trust, First Keystone Community Bank, Northumberland County Industrial Development Authority, Service 1st Federal Credit Union and local State Representatives David Millard, Kurt Masser and Lynda Schlegel Culver, the resources are in place to assist entrepreneurs and business start-ups.
B.I.D.A. is proud to be a part of this program and our ability to assist in the support and sustainability of the program for our region and Berwick in particular.
“B.I.D.A. currently supports existing business and industry through retention and recruitment efforts, this partnership gives B.I.D.A. a greater opportunity to work on a grassroots level. Our community deserves to have the support system in place to develop and grow their ideas in order to create local ventures,” states Ms. O’Brien
For more information or access to the KIZ program, business consulting services and other financial incentive programs do not hesitate to contact B.I.D.A. by calling 570-752-3612 or by e-mail at info@bida.com.
To see if your business qualifies for the KIZ program contact RBI at 570-245-0096 or by e-mailing info@ruralbusinessinnovation.org.
Knoebels Named #1 Park in Northeast
Knoebels once again continues to top the U.S. amusement park leader boards. The ultimate fun, food and fantasy experience is just a car ride away.
2020 USA Today Readers’ Choice 10 Best Amusement Parks:
- #7 Best Amusement Park in the U.S.
Voted #1 Park in PA and #1 Park in the Northeast. - #1 Amusement Park Restaurant in the U.S.: Cesari’s Pizza
- #3 Best Roller Coaster in the U.S.: Phoenix
The highest-rated wooden coaster on the list – and the oldest!
Susquehanna Nuclear to Test Emergency Notification Sirens on Thursday, August 20
Sirens will sound at 11 a.m. for approximately three minutes; no public action required
Susquehanna Nuclear will test all sirens that are part of Susquehanna Steam Electric Station’s (“SSES”) Emergency Notification System on Thursday, August 20 at 11 a.m. During the test, all sirens within a 10-mile radius of SSES will sound in a steady tone for approximately three minutes.
“We test sirens periodically, with a full-scale test conducted annually, to ensure that the Station’s Emergency Notification System is working properly,” said James Gorman, Manager – Security and Emergency Planning. “The sirens are an important part of our Emergency Notification System, signaling the public to tune in to local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television stations for information and instructions.”
After the sirens sound, local EAS radio and television stations will carry a message about the test. Emergency notification features on mobile devices also may be activated during this test. No public action is required during this test.
In addition to notifying the public of SSES events, county emergency management agencies also can use these sirens during other events including floods, chemical spills or severe weather. In all cases, the sirens sounding is not a signal to evacuate, but rather a way to alert individuals to tune in to an EAS television or radio station for information and instructions.
A list of EAS stations can be found in SSES’ Emergency Preparedness Guide, mailed annually to households and businesses in the Station’s 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone, or online at www.susquehannanuclear.com/emergency-planning/