Augustine Die & Mold, Inc. Among the Region’s First to Achieve AS9100 Rev. D Certification

Congratulations to Augustine Die & Mold, Inc. (ADM) on their achievement of the AS9100 Rev. D certification in Somerset County!

AS9100 Rev. D is the most recent Quality Management System (QMS) standard for the aviation, space, and defense industry.  AS9100 is based on the ISO 9001 quality management system and supported by the International Aerospace Quality Group.

ADM offers precision machining, specializing in aerospace and defense applications in addition to design, manufacturing, and repair services of tooling in the plastics industry. ADM is one of the region’s first to attain the AS9100 Rev. D certification after an extensive analysis of its Quality Systems by BSI Group America, one of the industry’s premiere certification bodies.

7 Types of Advertising That Don’t Cost an Arm and a Leg

Recently the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) published an article on various ways that businesses can advertise without breaking the bank.

Advertising can be a powerful way to deal with marketing challenges such as low brand awareness, a declining customer base or heavy competition. Or perhaps you simply have a desire to drive more foot traffic to your business and think advertising can help.

There are many more affordable and cost effective techniques available if you choose wisely.  Here are 7 types of advertising that needn’t cost a lot, and can fit within a small business budget:

  • Social Media Ads
  • Classified Ads
  • Event and Charity Sponsorships
  • Sign Spinners
  • Every Door Direct Mail
  • Local TV Ads
  • Local Deal Vouchers

Finally, remember that the most benefit comes from combining advertising with other marketing. Click here to read the full article from the SBA.

If you’re interested in starting your own business or expanding your current business, please contact Michele Clapper at  or by phone at (814) 262-8368.

Legal Structures for Business…The Pros and Cons

On Tuesday, December 19th, Attorney George Gvozdich, will be discussing the pros and cons of various legal structures for businesses. Attendees will also learn about the liabilities and benefits, as well as discuss the tax implications of each.

This Lunch & Learn will be held at JARI Center (160 Jari Drive, Johnstown, PA) from 12 PM to 1:15 PM. The cost to register is $5 per person and lunch will be provided.

If you are interested in attending, please fill out the registration form. Registrations are due by December 18th. No shows on the day of the event will be billed.

JARI Funds Second Bedford County Business

JARI and the Bedford County Development Association (BCDA) are pleased to announce funding for a second Microloan business in Bedford County. Manor Meadows Farm, a Land of Lakes approved dairy farm, is owned and operated by Kenneth Stanton.

Manor Meadows Farm began approximately five years ago when Stanton was deeded a piece of his parent’s property. He is purchasing an additional herd of dairy cows in order to increase his production. “I’m very excited that I will be able to grow my business with the assistance of JARI,” noted Stanton. Linda Thomson, JARI President, commented “JARI is very excited to be working with an agricultural business in Bedford County that has an opportunity to grow production. This is great for our region.”

If you would like assistance in starting your own business please contact Michele Clapper, VP of Economic Development, at (814) 262-8368 or via e-mail at .

TRAC Community Resource & Job Fair

The Transitional Re-entry Advisory Committee (TRAC) hosted a Community Resource & Job Fair on Friday, November 17th in Johnstown.

Nearly 115 people attended the event in hopes of gaining useful information and leads on potential job opportunities. The fair hosted 32 agencies, 4 schools and 12 employers.

The purpose of the fair was to provide pertinent information on resources and jobs available to individuals wanting a second chance in life and to those who are struggling to find employment in our area.

For more information on the TRAC program, contact Debi Balog, JARI Workforce Development Director, at  or (814) 262-8366.

Area Residents Gain Information at Community Resource & Job Fair

Greater Johnstown United Neighborhoods and Vision2025 hosted a Community Resource & Job Fair on Wednesday, November 8th at the Christ Centered Community Church in downtown Johnstown.

Many area residents attended the job fair in hopes of gaining useful information and leads on potential job opportunities. There were approximately 140 available job openings featured at the fair as well as representatives from various agencies that provided information on a variety of topics such as education assistance, job seeker services and more.

This event was coordinated by JARI and the PA CareerLink – Cambria County. A special thank you to our exhibitors in attendance: JARI, Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies, PA CareerLink – Cambria County, Lifepoint, Shared Business Services, JWF Industries, Veteran’s Community Initiatives, Inc., United Way of the Laurel Highlands, The Learning Lamp, Qualfon, Firehouse Subs, Alleghenies Unlimited Care Providers, Peerstar LLC and Crown American Associates.

If you are interested in participating in future resource and job fairs, please contact Debi Balog, JARI Workforce Development Director, at  or (814) 262-8366.

SBA 8(a) Application Process Changes

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is launching a new initial application process for the 8(a) Business Development Program.  New applicants for the 8(a) program will need to submit the initial application through the SBA.gov website starting November 15, 2017.  Eligible small, disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to attend one of the two webinars the SBA is holding to learn how to navigate the new website application process.  The identical webinars are scheduled to be held on Thursday, November 9th from 2 PM to 3 PM EST and Monday, November 13th from 10 AM to 11 AM EST.  Pre-registration is not required for either session.

The SBA’s 8(a) Business development program was created to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the government marketplace.  Businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals may be eligible to apply for this program.

Please contact us to learn more about the SBA’s 8(a) program or any of your government contracting assistance needs at (814) 254-4022 or (814) 254-4023 or via email at .

Big Idea Contest Winner to be Chosen November 16th!

The ten finalists in Ben Franklin’s 2017 BIG IDEA Contest will be making presentations to a panel of area judges beginning at 1:35 PM on Thursday, November 16, 2017.

If you know any of the finalists listed below, or if you are just excited about the Startup Alleghenies initiative in general, please stop by the Bottle Works, located at 411 Third Avenue in Johnstown, to hear the presentations:

  • Joseph DiGangi with AssureTech
  • Justin Capouellez with Boomerang Beacon
  • Heather Moyer with Crossroads Consulting
  • Mark Kasterko with MT Arms
  • Adam Stokes with muonSoft
  • Donald Nixon with Nixon’s Technical Service
  • Hunter Swisher with Phospholutions
  • Ryan Kieta with Real Design
  • James Wang with SimplrTechnologies
  • Anthony Biddle with Siterite

The finalists’ presentations will conclude at 5:00 PM, and a catered reception will immediately follow.  While the judges deliberate, you are invited to enjoy the refreshments and network with the finalists.  This will allow you to learn more about all of them in preparation for casting your vote for the People’s Choice Award which will close at 6:15 PM.  All of the winners will be announced at 6:30 PM.

This year’s cash prizes will be awarded to four winners:
First Place: $25,000; Second Place: $15,000; Third Place: $7,500; and a People’s Choice Award: $2,500.

In addition to the $25,000, the first place winner will also receive:

Behavioral Analytics for Small Business

Corey Christman, Predictive Synergistic Systems, will discuss behavioral analytics within the workplace on Thursday, November 30. Participants will hear a brief overview of behavioral analytics and understand the relationship between drives, motivating needs and behaviors. Attendees will also learn about self-awareness and the key to longevity in business and life. Registered attendees will be asked to complete a brief assessment prior to the event. Results will be shared on the 30th.

This Lunch & Learn will be held at JARI Center (160 Jari Drive, Johnstown, PA) from 12 PM to 1:15 PM. The cost to register is $5 per person and lunch will be provided. Click here to register. Please register by November 28. No shows on the day of the event will be billed.

Field to Fork Agricultural Incubator Workshop for Food Entrepreneurs

Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission (SAP&DC) and the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center (GJCTC) will be holding an informational workshop for the Field to Fork Agricultural Incubator on November 8th, 2017 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The workshop will be held at GJCTC and will educate interested parties about the benefits of the shared-use kitchen and the processes required to utilize the space.

The Agricultural Incubator provides an opportunity for value-added producers to create their products in a shared-use facility with access to a variety of kitchen equipment and ample storage space. The workshop will assist potential users in the processes required to use the kitchen, including a review of the paperwork required by the Department of Agriculture. Business ideas, comparative cost analyses, and other useful information will also be covered at the workshop. Come prepared to learn more about this wonderful community resource, get help filling out your proper paperwork, and talk with the professionals!

If you have any questions or are interested in registering, please contact Karen Wilwol, SAP&DC’s Community Development Planner, by phone at (814) 949-6532 or by email at .