Microloan Client Offering On-Site Fittings to Police and Military

JARI is pleased to announce that Brenda Sprow, BK Alterations Owner and JARI Microloan client, is expanding her efforts in the Hollidaysburg area. BK Alterations will be offering on-site fittings, pick up and delivery to Military Bases, Reserve Centers and Police Barracks. Sprow is hoping to reach out to new clients in order to provide a simple and hassle free way to have uniform fittings and alterations done.

For more information regarding the JARI Microloan Program, contact Michele Clapper at (814) 262-8368.

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:

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!

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.

Calling All Vendors, Sponsors and Participants!

We are back again this year for the 15th Annual Alleghenies Regional Safety Conference. This year’s event is scheduled for October 3, 2017 and will once again be held at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in downtown Johnstown. Our keynote speaker will be Wylie Davidson from Dival Safety with a presentation, “Safe 4 the Right Reasons”.

Vendors, sponsors and participants help to keep the conference strong year after year. It has proven to be a good opportunity for companies to display products, make new contacts with local businesses and visit with existing clientele. Vendors are able to connect with new and existing customers while participants can gain useful information on the latest resources to keep the workplace safe and secure.

Below you will find more information as well as the vendor/exhibitor registration form, the sponsorship form and the participant form.

If you have any questions or would like more information on the Safety Conference, contact Debi Balog at  or at 814-262-8366.

PIDA Offers 2% Interest Rate Through End of 2017

Effective now through December 31, 2017, the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) is offering qualifying businesses loans at a 2% interest rate, fixed for the full term of the loan.

Uses of this program includes land and building acquisitions, construction and renovation costs, machinery and equipment purchases, working capital and accounts receivable lines of credit, multi-tenant facility projects and industrial park projects.

For more information about the PIDA program, contact Michele Clapper at (814) 262-8368 or via email at .

Preparing Your Personal Financial Statement

Tuesday, July 18th, Patti Hudson, CPA of Wessel & Company and Jeff Cramer of 1st Summit Bank, will present Preparing Your Personal Financial Statement. Attendees will be able to learn how to complete a personal financial statement, understand what the bank is looking for to get a loan and how to meet their bank’s individual reporting compliance requirements. This financial statement would include the proper reporting of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.

The event will be held from 12 PM to 1:15 PM at JARI Center for Business Development. The cost to register is $5 per person and lunch will be provided.

If you are interested in attended, please fill out the registration formand email it to Lauren Brewer at .

JARI PTAC Receives Outstanding Rating

Congratulations to the JARI Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) program on receiving an outstanding rating during the most recent annual review. Each year the PTAC program is evaluated by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) in four core categories including Performance, Management, Technical and Financial. The rating of “Outstanding” is the highest possible rating and is defined as “The recipient has an exemplary program that complies with the cooperative agreement’s terms and conditions and contains multiple strengths. The PTAC could serve as a model for other recipients.”  The JARI PTAC received the outstanding rating in each category as well as overall.

Congratulations once again to Lenora Leasure, PTAC Program Manager, and the entire JARI PTAC team.

If you are interested in doing business with the government, contact Lenora Leasure at (814) 254-4022 or via email at .

15th Annual Alleghenies Regional Safety Conference

The 15th Annual Alleghenies Regional Safety Conference will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center, Johnstown, PA.

This year’s opening session, Safe 4 the Right Reasons, will be presented by Wylie Davidson, Motivational Speaker and Trainer with Dival Safety. Safe 4 the Right Reasons breaks down basic human nature, wiring and instincts and delivers a personal motivation to each attendee to value their own safety. It is personal for every attendee and can be incorporated into all of your safety messages.

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit the vendor booths and take part in the workshops that will be going on throughout the day.

Workshop topics, keynote speaker and registration information will be released soon.

If you are looking for more information about the Safety Conference contact Debi Balog, Director of Workforce Development, at (814) 262-8366 or via email at .

Congratulations Elmer!

Congratulations to Elmer C. Laslo on the occasion of his 40th Anniversary as CEO of 1st Summit Bank! Elmer currently serves in many distinguished volunteer roles throughout the community. We are proud to have Elmer serve on the JARI Board of Directors, where he formerly served as Chairman for three years. We also work with Elmer in his role as Chairman of the Enterprise Venture Capital Corporation among others. We wish you all the best, Elmer!