News

Window Opens for Award Nominations

It's been said there is no greater honor than to be recognized by one's peers. The window for submitting 2021 PEDA Membership Award nominations is now open and we've made it easier than ever to showcase successful projects, initiatives and individuals, using the following categories.

• Economic Developer of the Year Award
• Young Professional 'To Watch' Award
• Economic Development Project of the Year Award
• Economic Development Marketing Innovation Award
• Economic Development Program of the Year Award

Showcasing key accomplishments at the statewide level not only benefits those being honored, but also shines a light on the meaningful work being done by our peers in the economic development profession. Please take this opportunity to publicly recognize those who are most deserving.

Decisions on winners are expected to be made in early September and awardees will be notified as soon as possible in advance of PEDA's 2021 Fall Conference, where recipients will be recognized.

2021 PEDA Membership Award nominations must be submitted electronically to pedastaff@peda.org by COB on August 25, 2021.

Additional details are available here.

Additional details are available here.

The April 26, 2021 Advocacy report, provided by Alex Rahn of Wanner Associates, is now available on the Members Only Advocacy Reports page of PEDA’s website. Please use your membership credentials to gain access.

It is with deep sympathy that PEDA informs you of the untimely passing of longtime member and friend, Lue Ann Pawlick.

Lue Ann was successful in many endeavors throughout her professional career, though many of us knew her through the many years she spent in the economic development industry, representing communities in the Mon Valley during her time with the Middle Monongahela Industrial Development Association.

Lue Ann was a passionate economic development professional, whose dedication to her family, friends and community and whose positive energy will be deeply missed. We ask that you keep her family in your thoughts during this very difficult time.

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission are committed to understanding the additional impact that COVID-19 has on businesses and their working families. With this in mind, they are conducting a survey on the Impact of Childcare on Business and the Workforce that they hope will demonstrate what strategies are being implemented to support childcare needs, and importantly, what resources are needed to help businesses navigate workforce childcare options.

Your responses are instrumental to guiding regional and statewide solutions and both the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission appreciate your participation in this survey by April 22, 2021.

Erie County Redevelopment Authority is currently seeking qualified applicants for two openings. Additional details are available here.

Bedford County Development Association seeks a Vice President. Additional details are available here.

Thank you to everyone who has played a role in the development of PEDA’s priorities for the 2021-2022 legislative session. With the long-term viability of the Commonwealth’s small business community hanging in the balance, a continued focus on economic development recovery is critical. The following are PEDA’s advocacy priorities:

1. Safely Re-Open the Commonwealth
2. Allocate New Funds to Offset the Economic Damage Created by COVID-19
3. Increase Existing State Budget Lines to Help with Recovery
4. Establish a Dedicated Funding Stream for EDCs
5. Fund Economic Development Training Initiatives
6. Improve the Regulatory Climate in Pennsylvania
7. Promote Legislation and Policies that Support Economic Development

The full document can be accessed here and please utilize this link to contact your local legislators in support of PEDA.

The March 15, 2021 Advocacy report, provided by Alex Rahn of Wanner Associates, is now available on the Members Only Advocacy Reports page of PEDA’s website. Please use your membership credentials to gain access.