Growing Your Region
Mark Pasquerilla Roast Update
Last Wednesday, on January 9th, nearly 400 individuals came together to celebrate one of Johnstown’s most recognizable businessmen and raise money for Vision2025.
The Roast of Mark Pasquerilla saw over $50,000 raised to support Vision2025, while poking fun in a lighthearted manner at Pasquerilla. Local business and community leaders including Bill Polacek, Johnstown Councilwoman Marie Mock, and Dr. Richard Kastelic told jokes and reminisced about Pasquerilla’s contributions to the region.
See photos from the event at: Vision2025’s Facebook Page
Commercial Driving Training Opportunity
JARI is offering a 240-hour Commercial Driver training program at no cost to eligible individuals residing in the Woodvale, Old Conemaugh Borough, Prospect, and Kernville Neighborhoods of Johnstown.
The program will be conducted by the Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center (GJC&TC) and will offer the option to earn industry based credentials that will enable participants to seek employment in Transportation, Distribution, Construction and related industries. Classes are scheduled to begin spring 2019. The deadline for inquiries is Friday, January 31.
Seating is limited. Individuals who meet the requirements will be enrolled in the course on a first come basis. An information session is scheduled for 10:00am, Wednesday, February 6 at the GJCTC. If you are interested in learning more about the program and registering for the information session, please contact Debi Balog, Workforce Development Director via e-mail at or by calling (814) 262-8366.
Showcase for Commerce 2019 – Join Us!
Please plan to join us at Showcase for Commerce 2019 — May 29 through May 31. Registration is now open.
Showcase brings local, regional, national and international businesses together to expand business opportunities. Join us to learn the latest news from acquisition, legislative and business leadership.
As always, there will be great opportunities for networking, education and training and to learn about the capabilities of other businesses.
Stay tuned for updates regarding the agenda and speakers.
For more information or to register, please visit www.showcaseforcommerce.com.
What contractors can expect during the government shutdown
Contractors are certainly concerned about what the government shutdown means to them. Georgia Tech, a fellow Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), has put together a brief article with resources you may find helpful. You can view this article at gtpac.org.
Startup Alleghenies & Innovate PGH Appear on TECHVibe Radio
Happy New Year! In 2018 the collaboration between various agencies within the entrepreneurial ecosystem grew stronger and deeper. On December 18, 2018 ETAL Transfer Authority, Bridge to Pittsburgh and Startup Alleghenies participated with Pitt Tech Council on TECHVibe Radio.
Right around minute 30 is where you can hear our section, but if you want more information and resources, the entire podcast will be a true delight.
Our local economy is growing due to the rising interest of entrepreneurship and the resources available to those that are seeking them. Let’s continue the momentum of collaboration to continue to build our economy into a prosperous new year.
Follow this LINK to listen right now!
Over $5 Million Awarded in Tax Credits!
JARI is pleased to announce that $5,243,851 in tax credits have been awarded to local companies through the Greater Johnstown Keystone Innovation Zone (GJKIZ) since the inception of the program in 2005. In 2018, $118,190 in tax credits were awarded to four companies. The Commonwealth has a total annual pool of up to $15 million available to eligible companies.
KIZs are designed to foster innovation and create entrepreneurial opportunities. To qualify for the GJKIZ program, a company must be a for-profit located within the territory of the GJKIZ, be fewer than eight years old, and have its primary business within one or more of the following industry sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Environmental/Renewable Energy Technology
- Information Systems Technology
- Life Sciences
A KIZ company must have an innovative process or have patents, licensing agreements, trademarks and/or copyrights on products or processes created in-house. A company may receive up to $100,000 in tax credits annually if they meet the criteria. If there is no tax liability for the company, the credits may be sold for cash.
JARI’s Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program Approved!
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has approved JARI’s Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit (NAP) application for $67,000. Contributions from four businesses will be used to provide Class A, Commercial Driver training to 10 eligible individuals. First priority will be given to residents of the Woodvale, Old Conemaugh Borough, Prospect, and Kernville sections of the City of Johnstown.
The NAP tax credit program provides businesses with state tax liability the option to make a donation to the JARI Workforce Program and receive 55% tax credits in exchange for their donation.
This is the fourth year of the program. Serving residents of the City of Johnstown. Collectively, the program has placed 60 individuals in full-time employment.
Special thanks to the following business contributors whose tax dollars will be "put to work" supporting residents of our local community: 1st Summit Bank, First National Bank, Northwest Bank and Somerset Trust Company.