Amazon Seller 101 Tour

Ben Franklin Technology Partners has arranged to have training made available in the region. There is a real advantage for start-up businesses getting their products included in the offerings at Amazon.

The session fee is $99 for 3.5 hours which includes a comprehensive handout, coffee and snacks. There is a special offer of a 15% discount using this code: AMZN101JOHNSTOWN. This brings the per person cost down to $84.15.

For more information, click here. If you would like to register, click here.

Bringing the World to PA, Upcoming Seminar Sessions

Landed Cost and Import Operations and Compliance Seminar

Join us for two ½ day seminars on Tuesday, September 12. The cost to attend this event is free and registration is required by September 6!

Bringing the World to PA

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with 14 of our Pennsylvania Authorized Trade Reps covering over 46 countries for one-on-one appointments to explore, expand or develop new international markets! This event will be held on Monday, September 18.

For registration information, click the corresponding links. If you have any questions, please contact Tina Taylor via email at  or (814) 949-6517.

Healthcare Specialists Available for Work

Congratulations to six individuals who participated in a 270-hour HealthCare Specialist Course at Penn Highlands Community College.  Four individuals received certificates of completion and two moved on to full-time employment.

Graduates of the program are qualified for employment in entry level healthcare billing departments. The course included topics on legal compliance, medical billing and coding, anatomy and physiology and the revenue cycle.

This opportunity would not be possible without the funding provided by the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Local Workforce Initiative.

JARI Congratulates PCT

JARI would like to offer congratulations to Para-Coat Technologies, a long standing client, on their new building and expansion. PCT hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, August 29 to celebrate the milestone.

PCT purchased the former FreightCar America building along Johns Street in downtown Johnstown earlier this year after outgrowing their original location in JARI’s facility. They have relocated their headquarters and manufacturing facilities into a larger space in order to continue growth and production in the Johnstown area. Congratulations and best wishes!

Use Your Tax Dollars to Invest in Your Community

JARI is proposing to utilize tax credits to provide training programs in Welding and Industrial Maintenance for individuals residing in neighborhoods located in the City of Johnstown. Companies with state tax liability can make a donation to the JARI Workforce Program and receive 55% in tax credits through the state Neighborhood Assistance (NAP) Program. Upon completion of the programs, participants will acquire the skills needed to obtain employment in the energy, manufacturing, distribution and construction industries.

Over the past 3 years, JARI has used tax credit donations to fund short term training programs that placed 24 unemployed workers into full time employment offering family sustaining wages with benefit packages.  Please help keep the momentum going by considering a donation to the program in exchange for tax credits. Click here for program details. Any business willing to contribute would need to provide JARI with a commitment letter by September 5, 2017.

If you are interested in helping JARI provide educational opportunities for people in our community, please contact Joette Watson, CFO at 814.262.8372 or via email .

Safety Conference Keynote Announcement

JARI and members of the JARI Safety Industry Partnership are pleased to announce that the keynote presentation for the 15th Annual Alleghenies Regional Safety Conference will be on the Medical Marijuana Act and the Effect on Employers. Panelists include: Attorney Robert Brierton; Judge Norman Krumenacker III, P.J.; Johnstown Chief of Police, Robert Johnson; and Dr. Patrick Gray, M.D., FACP. Attendees will hear a brief overview about the Medical Marijuana Act, as well as the impact it has on criminal law, criminal activity, driving skills, future drug use and the use and limitations for treatment.

The conference will be held on Tuesday, October 3 from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center located in downtown Johnstown.

For the list of workshop topics, conference information and registration, please click the links below or contact Debi Balog at 814.262.8366 or via e-mail at .

Microloan Client Expands Catering

JARI is pleased to announce that Melissa Kreutzberger, Firehouse Subs Franchisee and JARI Microloan client, is expanding her catering efforts in the Johnstown area. Firehouse Subs offers a catering menu for a variety of different platters such as subs, salads, snacks and desserts for any occasion. Kreutzberger is hoping to reach out to new and existing customers in order to provide a simple and hassle free option for those planning their next event.

If you are interested in a Firehouse Subs catering coupon or would like to see their catering menu click the corresponding links. For more information regarding the JARI Microloan Program, contact Michele Clapper at (814) 262-8368.

Team Better Block, Johnstown

Tuesday, August 29, Andrew Howard, Texas based and internationally-renowned urban planner, will be in Johnstown to present ideas on “How to Build a Better Block.”

Team Better Block is dedicated to enhancing single commercial blocks in underused urban corridors through quick, cheap and creative placemaking techniques that design for community, connection and commerce from the ground up.

Andrew will be leading us in thinking about how to Build Better Blocks in Johnstown, focused on Gazebo Park and other downtown blocks as first case studies.

Click here to view the agenda. If you are interested in joining a Vision2025 Capture Team or would like more information, visit the Vision2025 website.

Ben Franklin’s Big Idea Contest Now Open

Have you been thinking about developing or commercializing an innovative product, process or new software application? Ben Franklin Technology Partners are looking for budding entrepreneurs, researchers, software developers or even small existing businesses. The risk-free BIG IDEA contests have been helping folks start or grow their businesses for nearly 20 years.

A simple online application could be the first step in taking you from Start UP to UP and running. Visit the Ben Franklin website for more information and to apply. The application deadline is October 2, 2017 at 5:00 PM.

Click here to find out if you qualify! For questions, contact Jill Edwards at  or phone (717) 948-6625.

HUBZone Program Map Update

Somerset County businesses may now be eligible for the Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program. The HUBZone program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. To qualify for the program, a business must meet the following criteria:

  • It must be a small business by SBA standards
  • It must be owned and controlled at least 51% by U.S. citizens, or a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, or an Indian tribe
  • Its principal office must be located within a “Historically Underutilized Business Zone,” which includes lands considered “Indian Country” and military facilities closed by the Base Realignment and Closure Act
  • At least 35% of its employees must reside in a HUBZone

The July 2017 update of HUBZone maps include Somerset County entirely. There are several reasons being HUBZone certified is beneficial for a company, including:

  • Competitive and sole source contracting
  • 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions, as well as subcontracting opportunities
  • 3% Federal Procurement goal for prime contracts

If you would like to learn more about the HUBZone Program, contact us at (814) 254-4022 or (814) 254-4023 or via email at .