News

With PEDA's spring conferences annually held in the state capital of Harrisburg, we continue the practice of holding our fall conferences in various locations around the state, allowing our members and their communities to be highlighted for all they have to offer.  This October 6th through 8th, PEDA will hold the 2014 Fall Conference at the Hershey® Lodge*!       

 

The Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau reports that Hershey Harrisburg recently placed 5th in Forbes magazine's rankings of "America's Most Livable Cities".  Additionally, the region ranked 13th in RelocateAmerica's "Top 100 Places to Live" and 3rd in last year's rankings of top minor league sports markets by Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal.  And these awards are only the tip of the iceburg.  We hope you'll join us this October and learn more at the conference website!     

 

SPONSOR BENEFITS

 

Recent PEDA conferences have focused on current issues, industries and trends pertinent to economic development and to the regions selected for these events.  As our Conference committee and leadership strive to provide high quality content and venues, we also turn our attention to our members and partners whose participation as sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers allows us to continually improve the experience being offered.

 

As you read about available sponsorship, exhibitor, and advertiser opportunities associated with the 2014 Fall Conference, I encourage you to also consider partners in your own communities who may benefit from sponsoring this or future conferences or from reserving an exhibit booth at one of PEDA's events.  As the statewide association for economic developers, we believe these venues present ideal opportunities to receive continuing education, make new connections, and share best practices.  Please consider raising your own profile or that of a partner by participating as a sponsor for the 2014 Fall Conference.  The registration brochure hits the streets next month, so make your commitment today in order to maximize the benefits you receive!

 

COMMITTED SPONSORS

 

Please join our sponsors who have already committed, including: 

 

 

WELCOME RECEPTION SPONSOR

 

 

 

SILVER SPONSORS

 

      

 

 

BRONZE SPONSORS

 

      

 

TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR

 

 

 

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

 

Room rates for this conference have been negotiated to a discounted rate of $179/night for single or double accommodations and parking is included. To make a reservation, please contact the Hershey® Lodge* directly at (717) 533-3311 or (800) 533-3131 on or before July 27, 2014 or when the room block reaches capacity - whichever comes first - and identify yourself as an attendee of the 2014 Pennsylvania Economic Development Association Fall Conference room block.  Reservations may be made at the discounted rate by July 27th or until our room block has reached capacity, whichever comes first.  Reservations after such time will be accepted upon availability at prevailing hotel rates.

  

*Hershey® Lodge is a trademark used with permission.

Pennsylvania. Built to Advance.

At PEDA's 2014 Spring Legislative Conference, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) unveiled it's brand new "Pennsylvania. Built to Advance." video.  If you missed it or would like to see it again, please choose one of the following links.

Direct Link HD  /  Direct Link SD /  Download

 

PEDA's 2014 Spring Legislative Conference includes several panel discussions and, as we've done in recent years, we'd like to solicit questions in advance.  By using the following links, you may submit your questions (anonymously if you so wish) for consideration by the presenters.  These surveys will remain open until the week prior to the conference and your feedback is appreciated! 

 

On March 20^th, the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved guidelines for nine grant programs and began accepting applications on March 21^st. These programs provide grants for transportation improvements, greenways, trails and parks, small water and sewer projects, and a variety of other environmental improvement projects.  Guidelines for the following program – as well as the CFA’s Application and Approval schedule – can be accessed by visiting www.newpa.com or the CFA website.    

• Baseline Water Quality Data Program

• Multimodal Transportation Fund

• Sewage Facilities Program

• Watershed Restoration Protection Program

• Orphan or Abandon Well Plugging Program

• PA Small Water and Sewer Program

• Greenways, Trails & Recreation Program

• Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment Program

• Flood Mitigation Program

 

Don't miss your last opportunities to earn PDUs this fiscal year! Register today for:

 

• March 31^st Webinar – Bridging the Gap Between Economic Development, Academia & Business    
• April 28^th – 30^th Spring Conference - 2014 PEDA Spring Legislative Conference
• April 28^th Preconference Session – Best Practices in Lender Negotiations & Client Management
• April 28^th Preconference Session – Strategies for Social Media Success in Economic Development
• May 7^th Webinar – Fostering Leadership Competencies

Statewide Coordinator for the Ben Franklin Technology Partners

About the Role:

In this role, you will serve as the central connection point for the four Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) of Pennsylvania.  Located in Harrisburg and reporting to the four CEO’s of the Ben Franklin centers, you will be the main liaison to key stakeholders and outside groups.  The Coordinator will position BFTP as a partner with the Commonwealth of PA for pursuing its technology-based economic development agenda. You will provide leadership and visibility for Ben Franklin with key trade and advocacy groups including, but not limited to, the State Science and Technology Institute and the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association. In addition, you will oversee and manage the Innovation Partnership Program (http://innovationpartnership.net/) by sitting as its Board Chair.

You will be Responsible for:

• Coordinating communication and collaboration among the four Ben Franklin centers
• by participating in regional events, conference calls and CEO meetings.
• Maintaining productive and responsive relationships with relevant PA Department of Community and Economic Development personnel.
• Developing CEO consensus on State and Federal advocacy priorities.
• Sitting as a member of the Board of Directors of external organizations as required.
• Developing and optimizing all statewide marketing channels including, social media, publications, news coverage, sponsorships, memberships, annual reports and economic impact reports.
• Ensuring productive relationships with other economic development organizations.
• Identifying state, federal, and private sources of external funding.
• Preparing grant applications and completing the resulting reports.
• Managing and executing external service contracts.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A significant knowledge of entrepreneurship, innovation, business development, marketing/communications or debt and equity financing.
• A diverse understanding of economic development strategies.
• Experience in presenting to small groups and to senior management.
• Confident, engaging and compelling communication skills.
• A Master’s Degree or equivalent plus 5+year of related Management experience

Ben Franklin Technology Partners as an Employer:

BFTP is a great place to grow your career. As an independent subsidiary of Penn State University, your host BFTP offers staff members a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and an outstanding work environment. Apply online at http://www.psu.jobs/Search/Opportunities.html clicking on “Harrisburg Area” & “Full Time Staff Jobs”.

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA), you're invited to PEDA's annual Spring Legislative Conference coming to Harrisburg from April 28th through 30th. A strong program has been developed and we are proud to have attracted some outstanding speakers recognized throughout the commonwealth and beyond, including keynote  Dr. Terry Madonna. 

 

The Capital Region is recognized as the center of it all when it comes to government and advocacy in Pennsylvania. Our conference venue is mere blocks from the State Capitol, where attendees are encouraged to meet with their legislators or to take advantage of the walking tour option referenced in the registration brochure! To learn more about this region that's known for being a great place to live, work, and play, and how to maximize your visit, please click here.

 

You can visit the conference website to register online or to obtain information on reserving a discounted overnight room at the Hilton Harrisburg (please do so before March 26th). 

  

PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS

 

The Pennsylvania Economic Development Institute (PEDI) is also offering two pre-conference workshops focusing, respectively, on Best Practices in Lender Negotiations & Client Management and Strategies for Social Media Success in Economic Development. Separate registration is required.

 

SPONSORSHIP / EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES

 

PEDA and our valued sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers look forward to seeing you in Harrisburg this spring!  And please note that sponsorships, exhibit space and advertising options are still available!

 

Thank you to our 2014 Spring Conference sponsors, exhibitors and supporters!

   

BRONZE SPONSORS

        

  

       

   

         

  

Exhibitors & Supporters

 

FirstEnergy    PPL    PECO

 

Quandel    Journal Communications    PSECU

 

Centre County Industrial Development Corporation

 

Team Pennsylvania Foundation

 

 

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Please be sure to register for our March 31st webinar, Bridging the Gap Between Economic Development, Academia and Business, and our May 7th webinar, Fostering Leadership Competencies.

Registration is currently open for the following offerings:

 

• March 31^st Webinar – Bridging the Gap Between Economic Development, Academia & Business
• April 28^th – 30^th Spring Conference - 2014 PEDA Spring Legislative Conference
• April 28^th Preconference Session – Best Practices in Lender Negotiations & Client Management
• April 28^th Preconference Session – Strategies for Social Media Success in Economic Development
• May 7^th Webinar – Fostering Leadership Competencies

Click here to access the press release.

Click here to read more about Governor Corbett's Jobs1st PA Initiative.