/ By Lauren Thompson / Cambria County • Entrepreneurship • Event • Somerset County • Workforce Development/ 0 Comments

2017 Youth Conference

The Human Resources Association of the Alleghenies (HRAA) and JARI are pleased to host the 6th Annual Success is Intentional Youth Professional Development Conference (YPDC) on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown.

Students in grades 10-12 from multiple local school districts will be in attendance. This event highlights career preparation for both college-bound and trade-focused students by providing educational workshops to prepare students for their future.

How to Get Involved and Support Our Future Workforce

  • Become a Program Sponsor and feature your company at this event
  • Donate company branded items or gift cards for prize giveaways

There are limited seats available for school districts. If your school has not registered and would like to attend, click here.

For more information and the sponsorship form click the links or contact Debi Balog at (814) 262-8366 or via e-mail at .

/ By Lauren Thompson / Cambria County • Entrepreneurship • Financing & incentives • New business • Somerset County/ 0 Comments

2017 Small Business Advantage Grant

On behalf of Governor Wolf and DEP Secretary McDonnell, the Department of Environmental Protection is pleased to announce the opening of the 14th round of the Small Business Advantage Grant.

The program is designed to assist small businesses in deploying pollution prevention or energy efficiency measures into their operations.  Pennsylvania-based small businesses with less than 100 employees are eligible. Businesses are able to receive a 50% reimbursement match on new equipment or processes which save a minimum of $500 and reduce their energy or waste by 25% per year. The grant maximum is $9,500 for energy efficiency or pollution projects or $7,000 for lighting-only upgrades.

New this year is an on-line application process, making it easier to apply and allowing grants to get into the hands of small businesses faster. Paper applications will no longer be accepted. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The full 2017 Grant Guidance, including all requirements, step-by-step instructions and other necessary forms can be found on the DEP’s Small Business Advantage Grant webpage. Applicants are advised to carefully review the guidance document, which has been updated for 2017.

If you have questions regarding your application submission, please contact Ed Boito, Small Business Ombudsman, at (717) 783-0909.

/ By Lauren Thompson / PTAC/ 0 Comments

PA DGS Hosting Procurement Expo & Forum

On September 6 and 7, 2017, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services will be hosting a Procurement Expo & Forum at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA. The Expo will be a premier networking & educational event for public procurement decision-makers and suppliers. Public purchasing decision makers, end-users and elected officials will have the opportunity to meet vendors, learn about trends in public procurement and can attend more than 50 educational workshops.

Exhibit opportunities are available for vendors wishing to showcase their products and services to local, school district, non-profit, educational and state procurement decision makers.

Contact Lenora Leasure, PTAC Program Manager, at  or (814) 254-4022 for more information. For the agenda, attendee and exhibitor registration, educational sessions and hotel accommodations visit www.paprocurementexpo.com.