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North Central Pennsylvania Regional

Planning and Development Commission

Semi-Annual Report July—December 2016

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Table of Contents

Community Development/Regional Planning 4

Enterprise Development Program 13

Human Resource Department 21

Information Technology Program 23

Workforce Development Board 25

Workforce Development Operations 29

WIC Program 31

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MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE

The Department has been charged with developing integrated strategies and policies for

community development and regional planning activities that are consistent with the

organizations Regional Action Strategy and Strategic Plan.

ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOALS

Promote cooperative efforts among community (county, city and municipal

governments) and economic development agencies that advance individual and

common interests in targeting commercial, industrial and infrastructure development

that is data driven and supported

Promote quality of life initiatives while safeguarding the region’s assets

Assess and inventory regional infrastructure needs, including water, sewer,

transportation, energy, utilities, recreation, education, healthcare, housing and site

remediation

Expand community outreach and engagement in a range of regional planning and

development topics

Establish and implement a communication plan to update stakeholders and the general

public, share success stories, and promote community and regional planning

Collect, compile, organize, analyze and disseminate data and data procedures needed

for regional policy-setting and decision-making using the evolving capabilities of GIS

Provide a desirable work environment and promote employee excellence

PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES

Appalachia Regional Commission/Economic Development Administration (ARC/

EDA) - Provides assistance and support to public infrastructure such as water and

wastewater system improvements, industrial parks, industrial multi-tenant buildings,

access roads to industrial areas, and other similar projects that promote community/

economic development and job creation.

Energy Program – Provides assistance to business, local government agencies and

communities to help reduce pollution and save energy.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/REGIONAL PLANNING

NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

July - December 2016

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Municipal Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) – Assists local governmental agencies

with information technology, software and related training services.

Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) – Promotes transportation technology

through training, technical assistance and other customer services to elected municipal

officials and their staff.

• Transportation Planning – Provides a forum where federal, state, regional and local

decision makers identify issues/opportunities, conduct studies and make informed

recommendations regarding the programming and implementation of transportation

projects.

Geographic Information System (GIS) – Collaborates with governmental agencies,

community and business leaders as well as internal North Central departments to

provide access to high quality geographic information.

Community Development/Regional Planning – Encourages the exchange of meaningful

strategies on how communities can soundly manage growth and development to

efficiently and effectively link land use, transportation, and economic development

decision making at a regional level (Greenway Planning, PA Wilds, etc.).

KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS PERIOD

The Community Development Department remains extremely active and during the past six

months, staff continued to promote cooperative efforts between community and economic

development agencies throughout the region. As the progress report will indicate, outreach and

engagement in a range of regional planning, tourism, and municipal assistance took precedence,

including the continued monitoring and participation in activities related to the Community

Development, Municipal Assistance and infrastructure impacts.

Below you will find additional core program activities for this period:

A. Appalachian Regional Commission

During the July through December 2016 reporting period, staff were involved with four

funding previously submitted, one approved application and ten new projects seeking Fiscal

Year 2017 funding consideration. Funding applications submitted:

• Sandy Township Industrial Drive Interconnect Access Road -This project is a 2,580 foot

log access road in Sandy Township, Clearfield County, to connect Industrial Drive with

Shaffer Road. (ARC request: $880,000, other local funds $220,000. Total cost:

$1,100,000.) This project was approved in late August 2016.

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• Elk County Community Recycling Center Equipment Project - This project sought

funding for new equipment at the new recycling facility in St. Marys, Elk County.

(ARC request: $140,240, other funds $163,194. Total project cost: $303,444.) This

project was not approved by September 30, 2016 and a request for reconsideration was

submitted.

• Bradford Historic Streetscape Project - Funding was requested for engineering services

for infrastructure improvements serving the downtown historic district in the City of

Bradford, McKean County. (ARC request: $200,000, other funds $225,000. Total

cost: $425,000.) This project is part of an estimated $5,400,000 total project cost for

downtown infrastructure. This project was approved in September 2016.

• North Central Workforce Skill Gap Project - This project would provide funding for

wages for disadvantaged youth introducing them to the world of work in

approximately 10 communities in the region and six businesses. (ARC request:

$65,000, other funds $140,000. Total project cost: $205,000.) This project was

approved in September 2016.

• Potential new projects seeking fiscal year 2017 funding consideration:

• Beaver Meadow Industrial Park Access Road Upgrades - The project is located in the

City of DuBois, Clearfield County, and would add a .6 mile third lane at the east end of

the existing road in the Beaver Meadow Industrial Park. The project’s estimated cost is

$1,937,750 and the ARC funding request is $755,700.

• Bradford Regional Medical Center Patient Centric Equipment Enhancements - The

project is located in the City of Bradford, McKean County, and would provide new

high technology equipment to serve patients in a best of breed capacity. Total project

cost is estimated to be $207,935 and the ARC funding request is $103,967.50.

• Brockway Access Road Project - The project is located in Brockway Borough,

Jefferson County, and would build a new 700 foot long access road in a northerly

direction off the intersection of Pennsylvania Route 28 and US Route 219 as part of

a $3.3 million intersection reconstruction. The ARC request is for 100% funding in

the amount of $300,000.

• Curwensville Streetscape Master Plan - The project is located in Curwensville Borough,

Clearfield County, and would involve the hiring of a consultant to prepare a master plan

for developing local community assets and improved features for a more attractive

downtown/central business district. Total project cost is estimated at $220,000 and the

ARC request is $60,000.

• Driftwood Water System Plant Well Reconstruction - This project is located in

Driftwood Borough, Cameron County. The project consists of drilling a new water

supply well 10 to 15 feet from the existing well and the necessary pumping

equipment. Estimated cost is $150,000 and the ARC request is $75,000.

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• Galeton’s Berger Lake and Dam Feasibility Study - The project is located in Galeton

Borough, Potter County, and funding will pay for a feasibility study to address issues

and potions facing Berger Lake, the centerpiece asset of Galeton Borough that

provides recreation, water and tourism activities. The estimated cost is $230,000 and

the ARC request is for $115,000.

• Lewis Run Borough Main Street Project - The project is located in Lewis Run

Borough, McKean County, and would add 1,800 feet of access road serving an

industrial area committed to a 20,000 square foot business expansion, 28 new jobs,

and $10 million in private investment within three years. The ARC request is for

$690,023 in 100% access road program funding.

• North Central Partnership for Regional Economic Performance - This project

provides funding for the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and

Development Commission and its regional partners in a six county area that will

improve the business climate of the region. Some of the initiatives include creating

employment opportunities, encouraging capital formation, facilitating access to

technology, accessing new market opportunities, creating new business opportunities

and increasing tourism opportunities. Total estimated cost is $570,000 and the ARC

request is for $285,000.

• Port Allegany Flood Protection: Easement Acquisition and Sponsor Adjustment -The

project is located in Port Allegany Borough, McKean County, and will require 40

easement agreements, moving 33 wooden power/communications poles,

demolishing two buildings, and relocating various municipal utilities for the

construction of a roughly $22 million flood control dam in the community. Total

project cost is estimated at $2,800,000 and the ARC request is for $250,000.

• St. Marys Airport Industrial Park Access Road Improvement - The project is located in

the City of St. Marys, Elk County, and involves the construction of 1,550 feet of road-

way to serve an industrial park and open up 36 acres of undeveloped land. Total

project cost is estimated to be $316,000 and the ARC request is for $250,000.

Other Technical Assistance.

Assistance was provided to several communities inquiring about possible ARC grant

funding for infrastructure projects in the region. Information about funding

requirements, matching funds, project eligibility, and implementation timetables was

provided to these inquiries.

B. Economic Development Administration During the July - December 2016 reporting period three Comprehensive Economic

Development Strategy (CEDS) committee meeting was held, follow-up work and

assistance was provided on one possible Economic Development Administration

funding application (Port Allegany Flood Protection: Easement Acquisition and

Sponsor Adjustment), follow-up on the EDA approved Jefferson County Business Park,

implementation of the Five-Year CEDS Plan, and other technical assistance.

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• July 20, 2016 CEDS Meeting The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the status and marketing of the Jefferson

County Business Park, projects seeking fiscal year 2017 Appalachian Regional Commission and other funding, and the CEDS work plan for fiscal year 2016-17. State

Representative Matt Gabler was the guest speaker and his topic was the status of the FY

2016-17 Pennsylvania State Budget, future issues facing the state and community and

economic development programs offered by the state.

• September 21, 2016 CEDS Meeting

The purpose of this meeting was to discuss current economic development projects

under consideration and a presentation by Neil Hoffman, Senior Vice President,

Manager of Commercial Lending, Northwest Savings Bank. Mr. Hoffman discussed

current economic conditions in the region from a banking perspective and an overview

of what to expect in 2017.

• November 4, 2016 CEDS Meeting

At this meeting a discussion was held to review the Five Year CEDS Plan and updating

it in 2017 for submission to EDA in 2018. New CEDS committee membership for a

two-year term beginning in 2017 was also discussed. Douglas Skowron of DJS Ventures was the meeting’s guest speaker. He gave a Power Point presentation on FY

2017 guidelines for the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Assessment Grants Program. Project eligibility, eligible applicants, funding amounts

available, matching requirements, application process, and submission deadline were

some of the items Mr. Skowron discussed in his presentation.

• Implementing the Five Year CEDS Plan

During the past six months efforts continued to implement the plan that was approved in

March 2013. Meetings were attended and discussions were held to familiarize local officials with the plan and its purpose. Continued coordination with the Commission’s

Workforce Development Plan also occurred. Further coordination with the Commission’s Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) for transportation

continued as an attempt to integrate economic development planning with transportation planning. Efforts will be directed to updating the plan in 2017 for submission to EDA in 2018.

Other Technical Assistance

Additional technical assistance was provided to various inquiries for state and federal

funding programs for municipal economic development projects. Updated US Census

information and other pertinent regional data were provided to individuals, government

institutions, non-profit organizations, and businesses during the period.

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C. Energy During the July - December 2016 reporting period, North Central continued to offer

energy-related services to public and private sector companies, within the scope of

program guidelines and programmatic capabilities.

• Discussed North Central Energy Program at various venues including:

Cameron County Township Association Meeting

Clearfield County Township Association Meeting

Elk County Township Association Meeting

Jefferson County Township Association Meeting

McKean County Township Association Meeting

Various Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) trainings held

throughout the region during this timeframe

• North Central worked with two private companies regarding hydronic systems in

flooring to identify hydronic loops and for purposes necessary to the companies.

Work with these two companies occurred during July 1, through December 31,

2016. Investment by these two companies in setting new equipment and/or

upgrading energy systems totaled approximately $385,000.00.

• In addition, various technical assistance and/or referrals for further information and

clarification was offered to various companies throughout the sectors served by North

Central including private, public and non-profit. Referrals were made to various state

and federal agencies including:

PA Department of Environmental Protection

PA Department of Transportation

PA Department of Community and Economic Development

USDA

US Environmental Protection Agency

US Department of Energy

• Staff also continued follow-up with previous North Central Energy Program users

regarding status of recommendations, etc.

D. MTAP/LTAP

During the July - December 2016 reporting period, various MTAP and LTAP training and

technical assistance activities took place:

MTAP

• North Central continues to offer reimbursement of limited funds to help offset

municipal technology upgrades through this program. During the first six months,

nine inquiries have been received by North Central, with one municipality submitting

required documentation for reimbursement. North Central has continued to promote

this program to eligible applicants at various venues throughout the region.

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LTAP:

Provides local government officials and employee’s technology transfer and technical

assistance opportunities regarding safety and maintenance issues for their local road

programs. Activities this past quarter included:

• North Central continues to partner with the Pennsylvania Department of

Transportation, Federal Highways and others for this program to bring local

municipal officials and employees the opportunity to attend training and technology

training opportunities in our region. In addition to the classroom training aspect

offered by LTAP, one-on-one and small group technical assistance is also available

for safety and maintenance related issues. During the first six months of this

program year, North Central has worked with federal, state and our local partners to

offer seven training opportunities. 129 local government officials and employees

registered for the various trainings held throughout the region, with 97 attending the

trainings. Trainings included:

Traffic Safety Development Plans for Local Roads (2 classes)

Conducting Sign Retroreflectivity Inspections (3 classes)

Stormwater Facility Operations

Salt and Snow Management

• As indicated previously, technical assistance is also provided to local governments

requesting information regarding safety and maintenance related issues. Technical

assistance is provided through on-site visitations, via telephone, email and/or

mailings. In addition, LTAP sends out a quarterly review of news and information

about Pennsylvania local roads. During the past six months, local governments in

the North Central region requested technical assistance 13 times with seven being

safety related and six being maintenance related. Eight technical assistance requests

have been closed to date, with five still pending (due to budgetary limitations).

• In addition to the training and technical assistance, North Central staff also provided

average daily traffic (ADTs) counts for five local roads at the request of township

officials.

• North Central continued promoting the LTAP programs and benefits throughout the

region at previously noted township association meetings, onsite trainings and other

venues.

E. Transportation

During the July - December 2016 reporting period, primary activities for the

Transportation Program involved working with PennDOT and the Rural Planning

Organization’s Transportation Committee regarding the FY 2015 and 17

Transportation Improvement Program and Long Range Transportation Plan.

• Participated on numerous PennDOT Work Group activities

• Continued outreach to PennDOT District and project sponsors on the Knox Kane

TAP project. Numerous phone and conference calls between project sponsor,

PennDOT staff and FHWA

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• Reviewed 119 epermitting requests during the past six months

• Functional classification meetings with Centre County and SEDA-COG

• Attended ATA and DuFAST Public Transit Board Meetings

• Participated in Route 6 Statewide Bicycle Pedestrian Corridor Plan

• Continued working with Brookville Equipment and Jefferson County Department of

Development as well as Brockway Borough on DCED Multimodal Funding

Application

• Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council; reviewed new grant application

and met with Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) on possible partnership

opportunities

• Continued development of Draft 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

• Met and conducted an LRTP Agency Coordination Meetings (ACM) Presentation

• Continued refinement of LRTP Draft Open Data Portal website. Open data

coordination call with consulting team and correspondence for maps & app

development

• Participated in numerous TIS and E&E Project Scoping field views throughout the

region

• Attended the US 119 Improvement Committee meeting

• Attended 2016 PA Safety Symposium

F. GIS During the July - December 2016 reporting period, various work activities that took

place for the GIS program involved the following:

• Continued GIS support for McKean and Cameron County (Asset Management)

• Local Asset Data Coordination for Port Allegany and Bradford Township in McKean

County

• Met with McKean County, Mt. Jewett, Bradford Township, Kane and Foster

Township to continue standardized online zoning and land use mapping

• Reviewed Ridgway Township, Elk County Municipal Property Mapping with Tax

Parcel lines for internal land utilization planning

• McKean County Planning Website Application development for tax parcel base for

Land Use

• Participated in Northwest PA GIS Conference in Clarion

• Participated and supported GIS Day at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (UPB)

G. Community Development/Regional Planning During the July - December 2016 reporting period, various activities took place in regard

to community outreach and engagement in a range of regional planning, tourism and

municipal assistance:

• Continued regional discussion regarding integrating regional Land Use,

Transportation and Economic Development strategies and project prioritization into

regional planning processes

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• Continued Implementation of the North Central Greenways Mini-Grant Program,

including maintenance of Greenway website

• Attended meetings and held discussions with various stakeholders regarding potential

Greenway projects, to include project closeout field views

• Continued coordination with Headwaters RC & D staff regarding proposal to develop

the Knox and Kane Railroad. Numerous follow up telephone conversations on possible

future grant applications through Multi-modal Fund, TAP and DCED/ARC

• Safe Routes to School (SRTS) webinars

• Continued Assistance with Elk County Recycling Center

• Met with the City of St Marys, Brockway Borough, Lewis Run and Sandy Township

regarding ARC Access Roads and Community Development planning

• Attended Bradford for Tourism and Recreation conference

• Attended PA Wilds Share the Trail Summit

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ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT



SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT



The mission of the North Central Enterprise Development Program is to foster economic

vitality of the six-county area through a comprehensive regional economic development

strategy – a strategy that focuses upon needs and potential opportunities that will result in

improving the existing economic base and creating opportunities for new growth to enhance the

overall quality of life in the region.

To achieve this mission, a private sector-oriented program was developed to provide the

opportunities for growth by way of direct assistance in increasing market share, low-interest

loans, access to space, and access to technologies.


Promote the resources and assistance available to encourage and sustain economic

growth

Meet and exceed specific program compliance goals as identified in the various program

contracts

Collaborate and coordinate program activities with local and regional economic

development entities

Identify and pursue opportunities that will expand and/or enhance current programs to

benefit growth

Respond to private sector needs that encourage the creation or retention of family-

sustaining jobs

Disseminate information, provide training/education information and promote seminars

to keep industry sectors current on relative data

Provide a desirable work environment and promote employee excellence to address the

goals and objectives of the Regional Action Strategy and Strategic Plan

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PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES

Loan Assistance Program – Provide access to low-interest loans and packaging loan

assistance to address capitalization requirements.

Export Program – Provide assistance to companies that are new to exporting and new

to export markets and access to overseas markets to expand customer base of

existing businesses within the region.

Procurement Program – Provide assistance to companies to capitalize on

opportunities to sell goods and services to the Department of Defense, Federal and

State governments.


Loan/Finance Assistance – Supports economic growth by providing low-interest financing to

small businesses in the six-county region that will result in the creation or retention of jobs.

As an economic development lender, our loan programs are not intended to compete with

banks or replace conventional financing, but are designed to leverage private financing and fill

the gap when bank financing and equity are not able to completely finance a business project.

• Loan portfolio includes 197 active loans representing $21,034,277.91 in financing

from all loan funds as of December 31

7 loans closed

10 loans satisfied

• Loan Application Approvals:

Graham’s Greenhouse & Landscaping, LLC, Bradford, McKean County -

$77,000 IRP

Label.Com, Inc., Bradford, McKean County - $125,000 ARC/EDA

Hominy Ridge Lodge & Cabins, Cooksburg, Jefferson County - $20,000 IRP

Microloan

NetShape Technologies Falls Creek, Inc., Falls Creek, Jefferson County -

$380,000 ARC/EDA/IRP

• 15 site visits conducted with existing borrowers

• 10 pre-application interviews conducted with potential borrowers

• “At Risk” Business Program:

Technical assistance provided to two participating businesses in Elk County

• Legal Actions:

Continue to monitor foreclosure action on a defaulted loan in Potter County

Proof of claim filed with U.S. Bankruptcy Court on a defaulted loan in

Clearfield County that has filed for Chapter 11 Reorganization

Initiated legal action on a defaulted loan in Elk County

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• Staff Training/Professional Development:

Kristi Wendel attended Credit Analysis training in Philadelphia, from August 22

- 26 through the National Development Council. This is the second of four

courses to earn certification as an economic development finance professional as

a requirement to maintain certified provider status to administer state loan

programs.

Jennifer Hibbard and Kristi Wendel attended the Pennsylvania Economic

Development Association Fall Conference in Pocono Manor from October 31 -

November 2.

Jennifer and Kristi participated in an informational webinar on the proposed

regulatory changes to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program on November 15.

Jennifer, Kristi and Katie Geci, Loan Accounting staff, participated in Portfol

loan servicing/accounting software training from November 16-17. The training

was provided on-site by a representative from Portfol as part of the transition to

merge loan accounting with loan servicing into one system.

Jennifer and Kristi attended “Collection Law from Start to Finish” provided by

the National Business Institute in Philadelphia on December 19.

• Meetings/Outreach:

Attended Bringing the World to PA/Pennsylvania International Week held at the

Red Fern in Kersey on September 16. Jennifer Hibbard, Loan Program Director, provided a presentation on North

Central’s Business Financing Program at the Resources for Small Businesses

co-hosted by the Clarion Small Business Development Center and the

Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce held at the IUP Campus in

Punxsutawney on September 20. Attended a meeting of the State’s seven Local Development Districts’ Loan

Program Directors in State College on September 23. Attended the Jefferson County Development Council Annual Luncheon in Falls

Creek on October 14. Staff participated in PREP sponsored Seminars: Classification Under the US

Harmonized Tariff and Schedule B and Using Free Trade Agreements to Your

Advantage held at the Red Fern in Kersey on October 20. Michael Richards, Area Specialist from the Meadville Office of the USDA

Rural Development, conducted an annual site visit with staff on December 1. Attended the Clearly Ahead Annual Meeting in Clearfield on December 15.

• Other:

A total of $456,000 has been received to date on a per project basis of the new

$750,000 USDA Rural Development Intermediary Relending Program (IRP)

contract. The balance of $294,000 is available for future project loans with two

years remaining to request funds.

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A request has been submitted to the USDA by the Glendale Industrial

Development Authority to transfer a $99,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant

(RBEG) used as a revolving loan fund to North Central. Pending completion

of the transfer, North Central will use the RBEG to expand the lending capacity

within the Microloan Program to businesses located in the six-county region.

Loans Closed from July 1 through December 31, 2016:

Pending Loan Commitments at December 31, 2016:

Borrower/Location

North

Central

Financing Fund

Private

Funds

Leveraged

Public

Funds

Leveraged

Jobs

Created/

Retained

Cutting Edge Machining

Solutions, Inc., Drifting,

Clearfield County $ 65,000 ARC $79,000 $65,000 5/26

Stanton Dynamics, Inc.,

Brookville, Jefferson County $150,000 IRP $50,000 - 0/15

Hominy Ridge Lodge &

Cabins, Cooksburg,

Jefferson County

$ 20,000

IRP

Micro-

loan

- - 0/2

Graham’s Greenhouse &

Landscaping, LLC,

Bradford, McKean County

$ 77,000 IRP $148,000 $154,000 5/10

Label.Com, Inc., Bradford,

McKean County

$100,000

$ 25,000

ARC

EDA $25,000 $100,000 0/8

Preen Pets Corporation,

Eldred, McKean County $150,000 IRP $341,000 $25,000 8/0

Total $587,000 $643,000 $344,000 18/61

Borrower/Location

North

Central

Financing Fund

Private

Funds

Leveraged

Public

Funds

Leveraged

Jobs

Created/

Retained

NetShape Technologies

Falls Creek, Inc., Falls

Creek, Jefferson County

$100,000

$100,000

$180,000

ARC

EDA

IRP

$286,800 $100,000 15/169

Total $380,000 $286,800 $100,000 15/169

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Export Marketing Program – Provides value-added assistance to North Central clients who

are interested or engaged in international trade. Reflective of the strategic goals established by

North Central, the major objective of the Export Marketing Assistance Program is to assist in

job and business creation through an economic development defined program that promotes

diversification and advancement in regional growth at the international level.

• Active export companies for this reporting period – 88, five of which are new to the

program.

• Work Orders for this reporting period totaled 118. Work Orders capture the counseling

assistance that includes the services of the 15 Overseas Offices located in: Australia,

Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands,

Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and the United

Kingdom, Each request to an overseas office is tracked separately so a company may

have multiple work orders.

• Export Actions were tracked at 63. Export Actions are defined as counseling

successes: traveling to market, participation in overseas trade shows or missions,

meeting with prospective customers overseas and signing an agent or distributor.

Export Actions for this reporting included: Trade Show participation (46), trade

mission (1), company meeting with a PA Overseas Office Representative in-county

(2), signing of a distributor agreement (1) and company meeting with potential

partners (13).

• Conducted 219 counseling sessions including new client outreach regarding export

assistance services, Export Compliance and Audit Procedures, export documentation,

Incoterms for shipping, export finance, follow-up of work orders/market research

reports, trade show participation and international travel assistance.

• Export Staff attended Ag. Progress Days which was held on August 17 in

Pennsylvania Furnace outside of State College, PA. Participation was in support of the

Allegheny Hardwoods Association (AHUG) and the Hardwoods Development Council

(HDC). The itinerary for the day included a meeting with Fred Strathemeyer, Deputy

Secretary of PA Agriculture, support of the HDC Wood Mobile presentation and

participation in the Legislative Luncheon.

• The Export Program coordinated with the Clarion SBDC, the Northwest Commission and

the US Department of Commerce Pittsburgh for an Intro to Exporting Workshop that was

held on Thursday, August 25, in Clarion, PA. Seventeen individuals representing 11

companies participated in the half-day event.

• North Central Export was part of a Business Resource Presentation organized by the

Clarion SBDC and co-hosted by the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce. Targeting

Jefferson County businesses, the half-day event, Regional Resources For Small Businesses,

was scheduled for the morning of September 20, at IUP Punxsutawney Campus. In

addition to North Central Enterprise Development and Workforce Staff, the PREP Partners

of Clarion SBDC, Jefferson County Development Council and the Northwest IRC

presented. Four current or potential Export Clients participated in this event.

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• On Friday, September 16, 2016, North Central, in conjunction with the Office of

International Business Development, hosted representatives from the Commonwealth’s

Overseas Trade Network. Individuals representing 14 of the 15 trade offices were in the

region to meet with companies interested in or currently working within the international

arena. The event was held at the Red Fern Banquet and Conference Center in Kersey.

Overseas Offices represented included: Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, India,

Singapore/Indonesia/Philippines, Eastern Mediterranean, Mexico, Netherlands, Saudi

Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Fifty-nine individuals participated

in the event to include 21 representatives from 20 companies. PREP Partners assisted in

hosting the companies and included: Clearfield EDC, Clarion SBDC, Northwest IRC, North

Central Workforce Development, Procurement, WEDnet, and Loan Programs, and the

Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce. North Central IT provided assistance to the Offices

regarding accessing and navigating the encryption challenges of traveling internationally

with electronic devices.

• Make It In America Investment activities continued to support the processing and follow-up

of leads developed under Core PA Global and included the support of Clearly Ahead in

hosting Mr. Jeffrey Haworth, Executive Director of the Department of Mines and Petroleum

from the Government of Western Australia, on October 5, 2016. Mr. Haworth spent the day

in Clearfield County learning about best practices relating to unconventional shale gas

development and investment opportunities within Clearfield County. Mr. Haworth’s travel

to Pennsylvania was a direct result of the Core PA Presentation at the Australasian Oil and

Gas Show that was held in February 2016 and organized by the North Central, Northern

Tier and Northeastern LDDs in cooperation with ATR Australia.

• Export staff attended the Jefferson County Development Council Annual Luncheon on

October 14.

• Twenty-six individuals representing 12 companies participated in the PREP sponsored

Seminars: Classification Under the US Harmonized Tariff and Schedule B and Using Free

Trade Agreements to Your Advantage which was held on Thursday, October 20, 2016.

• North Central Export is assisting the Allegheny Hardwoods Utilization Group (AHUG) and

the Northern Tier Hardwood Association in organizing exhibition space at INTERZUM

scheduled for May of 2017 in Cologne, Germany. The Hardwoods Development Council

(HDC) has been identified as the funding source for this event, North Central and Northern

Tier; the LDDs associated with the aforementioned HUGs participated in INTERZUM 2013

and have offered to assist in the organization of the show and marketing activities.

• The Export Program joined the Enterprise Development Department staff in representing

North Central at the Clearly Ahead Annual Luncheon on December 15, 2016.

Procurement Technical Assistance Program – The Procurement Technical Assistance

Center’s mission is to maximize the number of capable companies participating in the

government marketplace by determining contracting readiness and assisting business become

contract ready. Services offered by the PTAC include: one-on-one counseling, free bid-match

services, assistance with registrations and socio-economic certifications, solicitation/proposal

and documentation reviews; provision of military specifications and standards, and the offering

of training/workshops.

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Procurement Program operates on calendar year – January through December 2016. Below is

our third and fourth (July through December) report:

• Professional development training:

Donna attended 29.5 hours of professional development training including:

August 3: Understanding Small Business Subcontracting Plans; SBA webinar

with Stephanie Lewis

August 11: Great Layout & Design: Tips, Tricks and the Latest Trends webinar;

Fred Pryor Seminars

September 1: Becoming a Premier Subcontractor; Thompson Information

Services; Aronson LLC webinar

October 13: Decoding Budgeted Indirect Rates; Thompson Information

Services; Aronson LLC webinar

October 19: DBE Goal Setting; Federal Transit Administration webinar

October 20: CLC 132 Organizational Conflict of Interest; Defense Acquisition

University (DAU)

November 1: How to do Business with LetterKenny/Tobyhanna Army Depots;

Industry Day; Mechanicsburg

November 2: Empowered Market Research through FPDS and DSBS; SBA

webinar

November 7-9: APTAC Fall Conference; various sessions; Washington, DC

Eighteen new clients added:

2 clients – July

3 clients – August

2 clients – September

4 clients – October

2 clients – November

5 clients – December

Working with 59 active clients

Provided 84:33 hours of counseling services to 53 businesses / 223 sessions

Counseling Highlights

CVE Certification

Capabilities Statements

SAM Expiration updates

Costars

DBE certification

Sponsored 10 training events

July 12: NAICS: The Code of the Road; webinar co-sponsored with JARI PTAC

and the SBA Pittsburgh District Office; 52 attendees

August 9: Break for 15: Accelerate Your Business – SAM: All Systems Go; eChat

series with JARI PTAC and the SBA Pittsburgh District Office; 25 attendees

September 13: SAM: All Systems Go; webinar co-sponsored with JARI PTAC

and the SBA Pittsburgh District Office; 47 attendees

20

September 14: 3rd Annual COSTARS Connection: Training and Networking event;

co-sponsored by the Northwest PA and Southern Alleghenies PTACs and the

Clarion Small Business Development Center; 44 attendees

September 20: Regional Resources for Small Businesses – Jefferson County;

review of programs and services through North Central PA Regional Planning and

Development Commission; 21 attendees

October 12: Doing Business with the US Forest Service; co-sponsored by the

Northwest PA PTAC; 13 attendees

October 13: Elk County Employer Consortium: Everything you do is Marketing;

guest speaker Tim Piccirillo; 12 attendees

October 25: Veterans! Start or Expand Your Business (fall); co-sponsored by the

Northwest PA PTAC and Clarion Small Business Development Center; 8

attendees

November 15: Break for 15: Accelerate Your Business – It’s a Seller’s Market;

guest speaker Gloria Larkin/TargetGov; eChat series with JARI PTAC and the

SBA Pittsburgh District office; 24 attendees

December 13: Marketing Yourself to the Government – It’s a Seller’s Market

webinar co-sponsored with the JARI PTAC and the SBA Pittsburgh District

Office; 55 attendees

• Events Attended

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) joined the Enterprise

Development Department staff in representing North Central at the Clearly

Ahead Annual Luncheon on December 15, 2016.

• Upcoming Events

January 10: Break for 15: Accelerate Your Business: Understanding the FAR

eChat with JARI PTAC and the SBA Pittsburgh District office

January 24: Marketing Yourself to the Government – It’s a Seller’s Market

webinar co-sponsored with the JARI PTAC and the SBA Pittsburgh District

Office

February 14: Understanding the FAR webinar, cos-sponsored with the

Northwest PA PTAC

February 22: Wide Area Workflow with Tobyhanna Army Depot – sponsored

by Southern Alleghenies PTAC

March 14: Break for 15: Accelerate Your Business: Bonding eChat with JARI

PTAC and the Small Business Administration/Pittsburgh District Office

• Awards

Contract awards by federal agencies – 61 awards totaling $1,222,076.16

Contract awards by state and local governments – 4 awards totaling $208,587.71

Subcontract awards – 34 awards totaling $216,192.87

21

HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT



SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT



To provide quality services, and support in employment, training, employee relations,

benefits, compensation and safety. Create and maintain a foundation which will enable North

Central to promote the development, the involvement, and the retention of its employees to

ensure customer satisfaction.

ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOAL

Make quality a part of the way we work

Improve efficiency and effectiveness and employ technology and methods which

enhance service, communications and productivity

Help make North Central a great place to work - professionally and personally


• All General Appraisals have been completed for North Central’s Performance Plan for

the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016.

• We hired six temporary part-time “Summer Youth Leaders” for the six county region.

They worked for approximately eight weeks through Workforce Development.

• Baker Tilly completed the audit for North Central’s Retirement Plan for the calendar

year 2015. An Application for Extension, Form 5558, was filed with the IRS on July

27, 2016.

• Our Dental Insurance was renewed on September 1, 2016. After going out for quotes, we decided to stay with Highmark Blue Edge Dental who has given us a rate hold for

the upcoming year. Two other carriers declined to quote because they could not offer

competitive rates.

• Harry Price retired on August 12, 2016, from our Workforce Department. He worked

in the Clearfield CareerLink as an Adult Employability Counselor for more than 23

years.

• North Central reviewed all employee Position Profiles against the criteria required

under the Fair Labor Standards Act and reclassified any employee that was determined to be covered under the protections of FLSA. Letters to each reclassified

employee were sent out on August 1, 2016.

22

• Performance Planning began in August for FY- 2017. Supervisors met with their

employees to review their Position Profiles and draft their SMART goals for the year.

• The audit on North Central’s retirement plan has been finalized. The Form 5500 was

submitted to the DOL on October 13, 2016.

• We furloughed two employees due to lack of funding effective November 30, 2016.

Jim Stockdale worked for the Workforce Development Board for 32 years as Director

of Monitoring and Quality Assurance and Barb Wells worked for the Workforce

Development Board as the Executive Secretary for 24 years. We appreciate the work

that they performed and wish them both the best.

• North Central is soliciting Requests for Proposals for auditing services on our 403b

Defined Contribution Plan. The RFP for auditing services may be obtained from North

Central on or after Friday, December 2, 2016, by written, e-mail, or fax request.

23

INFORMATION SYSTEMS



SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT



The Information Systems Department serves three major functions at North Central; Internet

Service Provider, Information Technology (IT) development, and IT support. Each function is

essential in enabling North Central to provide services to our six county region. Our goal is

to maintain and enhance our current technology infrastructure, equipment, and software while

continuing to develop improved processes for North Central staff and clients.


• Provide Help Desk, networking, and training support for North Central staff

• Maintain and support Internet service

• Develop and maintain North Central software and data files

• Maintain and enhance Wireless Wide Area Network

• Provide Telecommunication and Media support

• Provide technology and telecommunication infrastructure support to outside entities

• Provide videoconferencing capacity for all North Central departments

PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES

• GIS Deliverables – Map Books and Municipal Maps are complete for Cameron and

McKean Counties.

• Security and Disaster backups; continue to add new files and monitor daily for

successful completion.

• Replaced lightning damaged radios in Centre County.

• Received training on new Accounting Software.


• Installed UniFi wireless equipment and Mikrotik routers in the DuBois and Elk County

CareerLinks. This configuration will allow North Central IT staff to remotely manage,

troubleshoot and upgrade all PCs at these sites. This will eliminate the many support

trips needed each year.

• Installed a WiFi System and security camera for the PA Game Commission at the new

Elk Viewing site at Winslow Hill in Benezette.

24

• The conversion to cloud-based videoconferencing is now complete. This was done to

eliminate the cost of purchasing and maintaining hardware.

• Installed UniFi wireless equipment and Mikrotik routers in the McKean County

CareerLink. This configuration will allow North Central IT staff to remotely manage,

troubleshoot and upgrade all PCs at this site. This will eliminate the many support

trips needed each year.

• Made substantial changes to our time reporting system per FLSA standards.

• Set up email encryption technology for WIC program. All “ncentral.com” users will

now have that ability.

• Procure and install a wildcard SSL Security Certificate that will allow for secure

access to GIS domains. The wildcard feature allows all sub-domains of ncentral.com

the ability to utilize SSL.

• As part of the partnership with the PA Game Commission, North Central installed the

Elk Camera at the Dents Run Viewing Area again this season.

• The internet link at the St. Marys CareerLink office is back on Zito Media. The

video-conferencing unit has been isolated and uses the North Central link. This

scenario has eliminated the intermittent outages during online training sessions.

• The Elk Camera at the Dents Run Viewing Area has been shut down for the year.

Feedback from the PA Game Commission states it was another successful season.

• Another camera was installed at the Winslow Hill viewing area for the PA Game

Commission. This camera was used for security and monitoring activity at the parking

area.

• Two security cameras were installed at the main entrance to North Central.

• Added Magnum Broadcasting in Wallaceton, PA, to our Wireless Wide-Area-

Network.

• Assisted the Workforce Development Board staff in their relocation. All their files,

emails, and backups were transitioned to their PCs. On-site support was provided to

set up all PCs, printers, etc.

25

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD



SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT


VISION STATMENT

The North Central Workforce Development Board will be a strategic workforce development

leader focused on promoting economic prosperity and self-sufficiency of individuals by

creating a workforce that is competitive in the global marketplace.

MISSION STATEMENT

The North Central Workforce Development Board serves as the premier facilitator of an

innovative workforce development system that meets the changing human capital needs of our

employers and provides resources for our job seekers that maximizes their career potential

and focuses on the customers’ needs.

GOALS

• Enhance public-private partnerships through better connectivity and communication in

order to increase investment in our workforce system leading to greater economic

vitality for our region.

• Engage in Sector Strategies of our growth industries identifying current skill gaps of

both the incumbent and entry-level worker that will result in skill upgrades through

customized training and partnerships.

• Design innovative workforce development strategies to reach young adults and keep

them engaged through the identification of best practices and development of new

programs utilizing the Customer Centered Design Method.

• Identify Career Pathways in major industry sectors to enhance career counselling that

will result in training opportunities for our customers through skill, credential and

degree attainment.

• Ensure that our customers, both employers and job seekers, remain in the center of our

design of all services and encourage our partners to do the same.

PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES

• At the Workforce Development Board meeting on June 29, Board members continued

26

their strategic planning by establishing action steps for two of their goals approved

earlier this year. Using the Customer Centered Design process, members broke

into groups and brainstormed ideas on how the board will succeed in our new

vision, mission, and goals (please see the quarterly report). Following a brief

brainstorming session, board members were challenged to prototype an

idea. Members enjoyed the experience and commented that it was a fun, creative

way to brainstorm solutions.

• The Workforce Development Board (WDB) and Chief Elected Officials (CEO),

based on a mandate by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry,

formed a separate non-profit entity, Workforce Solutions for North Central

Pennsylvania. This new entity will be responsible for all activities of the WDB

and CEO and will include procurement of services for the PA CareerLink®

Operator, Title I Youth, Title I Adult and Dislocated Worker and EARN. The

collaboration and partnership established with North Central will continue.

• Joe, Susie and Pam assisted with and attended the 3rd Annual Appalachian Higher

Education Network Conference in Kingsport, Tennessee. Education, workforce

and economic development agencies from throughout the Appalachian states

gathered to discuss how to increase Postsecondary Attainment in Appalachia using

the 4 Pillars of Success – Family, Community, Institutions and Self. Susie and

Pam facilitated a workshop at the conference entitled introducing those in

attendance to the Customer Centered Design Process.

• At the request of CareerLink Site Administrators, Linda facilitated a meeting with

the Site Administrators and the Operator to discuss plans for the implementation of

a customer centered welcome and referral process in our PA CareerLink® Centers.

• Joe and Amy assisted with implementation of the summer youth work experience

program.

• Staff prepared for and completed our BWDA’s (Bureau of Workforce

Development Administration) review of our fiscal, procurement, and monitoring

procedures for program year 2015. Our State Monitor, Jennifer Reams, spent the

week of June 27 in our office completing this review. Many thanks to everyone

involved for a great review. Ms. Reams will be scheduling an exit review within

the next two weeks.

• Workforce Development Board staff are currently working with area schools,

employers and other partners including several PREP partners to implement a

Dream It Do It (DIDI) PA Initiative in our region. DIDI is a partnership directed

by the Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) in Allentown, PA, and is dedicated

to changing perceptions and attitudes in the Keystone State about advanced

manufacturing careers. A video contest is being implemented with area 7th and 8th

graders and Manufacturing companies from throughout the region and will end

with an awards ceremony in March 2017.

• Linda continues to work with the LMC to research and gather ideas for the best use

of EARN performance funds to address the transportation barriers many EARN

customers are facing, in addition to other options that will better help our

Customers find gainful employment

27

• Staff continues to work with our partners in our Community Based, Sector Initiative,

and Strategic Innovation Grants. We were fortunate over this past year to be awarded

part of these competitive grants and look forward to the opportunities to better serve

our customers.

• Our Career Counselors, Amy and Joe, are busy working with our school districts in

Clearfield and Jefferson Counties. They are setting up their schedules to meet with

students to assist them in their career planning. Joe attended a Job Fair at DBC

Philipsburg and also taught Career Exploration at Mrs. Buell’s classes on September

20. Amy participated in the Post-Secondary Options Fair at the DuBois High School

on September 22. She is also assisting Jeff-Tech with recruiting businesses for

Co-Ops. The Dream It Do It Project is still underway and everyone is busy working

with the schools and employers who have volunteered for this exciting project.

• Pam participated in the second round of the USDOL’s Customer Centered Design

Challenge. The North Central PA Collaborating for Second Chances Team was

chosen to participate in the Learning Exchange at the White House. Prior to the event

team members Pam Streich, Teresa Wilcox, Vanessa Castano and Amber Frontino

met with President Judge Pavlock to discuss implementation of the designed program

in McKean County.

• In preparation for the transition of the Workforce Development Board to a non-profit

entity, Susie, Pam and Linda attended the PANO Conference in State College. This

organization is a wonderful resource for non-profits. Staff participated in workshops

and plenary sessions that will better prepare them for operating a new non-profit.

• Linda facilitated a TRADE Master Agreement between the state of Pennsylvania and

an Ohio based training provider in order to provide Lean Six Sigma training to a St.

Marys resident recently laid off from Graf Tech.

• Susie participated in a Board Retreat for the Rural Regional College. Much activity is

underway with a search team secured to find the best president to lead this effort. The

plan is due to the Department of Education by the end of the year.

• Susie participated in a press conference with Congressman Thompson highlighting the

“Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.” This bill

reauthorizes the Carl Perkins Act and is extremely complimentary to the Workforce

Innovation and Opportunity Act and will present much more opportunity for

collaboration with our Career and Tech Schools. Since the press conference, this bill

has been passed by the House.

• Secretary of Labor and Industry, Kathy Manderino, visited our region and toured

Zippo Manufacturing. Linda helped coordinate the information session and tour.

Both Linda and Susie joined the tour and enjoyed hearing about the rich history of the

company and their commitment to Bradford. The Secretary continues to visit

manufacturers in Pennsylvania supporting the Governor’s Jobs that Pay initiative.

• Susie, Pam and Linda attended the Pennsylvania Workforce Development

Association’s “Workforce Development Board Symposium” in State College on

October 3 – 5. This policy level symposium provided opportunity for us to learn from

the inter-agency team and their plans for implementation of the State Plan; to hear

from the USDOL Regional Office about expectations of the system and the final regultions; to participate in learning exchanges with other boards and to hear from

28

Governor Wolf his vision for workforce development in Pennsylvania. Susie and

Linda also participated in the Operator Procurement Training on October 6 in State

College. The board will have to procure for the operator after the first of the year.

• The Workforce Development Board held their quarterly meeting on October 11.

Agenda items included an update on the transition of the WDB to a separate non-profit

entity, an update on budgets and approval of the Title I budget, as well as updated

policies.

• Amy attended and presented at the DuBois Area High School Post-Secondary Options

Fair Thursday, September 22. Amy also assisted Miller Welding & Machine

Company and Jeff Tech on a successful Manufacturing Day on October 7. Jeff Tech’s

Machine and Welding Shops toured both of the Brookville locations.

• The NCWDB applied form, and was awarded, $400,000 for the Manufacturing and

Healthcare Industry Partnerships ($200,000 each). Staff will be working with our

employers over the next couple of months to set up the training that was identified in

the application.

• Joe assisted in coordinating and helping with the Career Fair at the Clearfield

CareerLink. He also attended Manufacturing Day at Penn State DuBois University.

29

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS



SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT



The Workforce Development department is focused on four areas of quality service: 1) All

customers will receive a needs assessment to determine the appropriate mix of services, 2) Job

seekers and Employers will be provided with workshop opportunities to address training or

information needs, 3) Job seekers will be provided financial aid to address technical

training needs driven by employer demands and market needs, 4) All customers will have

access to job placement services.

KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS PERIOD www.ncentral.com/workforce

• Strategic Innovation Grant-Careers That Work: Summer Work Experience component - Summer Youth, June 6 – August 19, 2016, 76 customers, 9,942.75

hours, $86,999.06, and Friday classes offered through the North Central Workforce

Development Operations staff at each PA CareerLink® site: Orientation, Career

Exploration, Job Gateway, Interviewing Skills, Financial Literacy, Job Applications,

and Portfolios.

• Overall Work Experience opportunities: 79 customers, (55 WIOA eligible), utilizing

46 worksites: 10,978.25 hours, $96,059.69

• McKean County CJAB “Barn” Project: North Central Workforce Development staff

located out of the PA CareerLink® Bradford conduct orientation and assessment services at the “Barn” in Smethport, in collaboration with the McKean County

Probation Department. Additional Job Ready workshops and Job Development

services are conducted at the PA CareerLink® for all referrals. • Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant award: North Central Workforce

Development Operations will received $65,000 to support the Skill Gap Work Experience project to provide work experience and job placement to youth with barriers

to employment. The goals are to have 6-10 projects throughout the six counties and

serve 100 youth. Funding will be leverage with WIOA youth funds and cooperation

with the McKean County Human Services Independent Living program to start the

project. • Rapid Response (Dislocated Worker) fund request: North Central Workforce

Development Operations has formally requested $300,000 in Rapid Response training

dollars to provide staff support, Occupational training and On-the-Job training to

dislocated workers in the six counties. At this time over 580 individuals have been

30

identified as recent layoffs over the past six months. Funds have been awarded and

services are being provided.

• Program Development and Regional Coordination

FIT 4 Health Care initiative meetings

PWDA Board and Committee meetings

Regional staff meetings

Local Management Committee meetings/Welfare service programs

CareerLink Operator meetings

Performance reviews

PREP Meetings

Peer to Peer Job Driven National Emergency Grant conference calls

Commissioners/WDB transition meeting

County-wide CJAB/County Probation coordination meetings

WDB/Sector grant award meeting

Elk County Direct Service team meeting

WDB/Workforce Operations meetings

• www.ncentral.com/workforce provides success stories of the youth, adults and

dislocated worker receiving training services.

WIOA Adult and Dislocated Workers Enrollment Report

* 26 are TAA (Trade funded)

WIOA Youth and Young Adults: Youth numbers, part of Youth Standing Committee Report:

North Central Workforce Development Report: July ‘16 - November ‘16

• Youth Program reports: may be reviewed at www.ncentral.com/workforce; under

Program & Initiatives; Youth Development System.

PA CareerLink®

Office:

WIOA Career Services Training Services (ITA/OJT)

Workforce

Development

Adult Dislocated

Worker

Adult Dislocated

Worker

Cameron 1 9 2 5

Clearfield 23 98 6 18

DuBois 17 64 0 17

Elk 21 78 1 29*

McKean 32 34 2

Jefferson 6 21 2 11

Potter 4 21 1 1

TOTAL 104 325 12 83

Carryovers 95 135

http://www.ncentral.com/workforce

31

WIC PROGRAM



SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT



To safeguard the health of low-income women, infants and children up to age 5 who are at

nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating

and referrals to health care.

ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOAL

Increase participant breastfeeding incidence rates and breastfeeding duration rates

Advance WIC’s mission as the premier maternal and child nutrition education

program within our communities

Increase staff expertise in the fields of maternal/child feeding, breastfeeding, and

human relations

• Increase WIC enrollment by providing outreach services to those target areas where

potential clients reside/frequent

PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES

• Breastfeeding Promotion and Support is an essential component of our Nutrition

Education Service Model. WIC Program Competent Professional Authorities

(dietitians, registered nurses, nutritionists, and other staff approved by the State WIC

Agency to serve in this role) and nutrition aides are qualified to provide breastfeeding

promotion and support to pregnant and breastfeeding women. North Central monthly

enrollment includes an average of 200 breastfeeding women and 340 pregnant women.

Breastfeeding statistics are released bi-annually (November/May). The November

report shows that a higher number of women enrolled in the North Central WIC

program breastfeed longer when compared to the Pennsylvania State WIC Agency

statistics. 62.43% of North Central WIC participants initiated breastfeeding during

this reporting period. The breastfeeding duration among North Central participants

increased from 17 weeks to 17.29 weeks. The state agency duration rate remained

unchanged at 15 weeks. The State WIC Agency breastfeeding incidence increased

from 62.43% to 63.76%.

• The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program provides additional support that is crucial

to help breastfeeding mothers overcome breastfeeding problems and barriers. Peer C

32

staff members accept client phone calls/text messages/emails outside of the regularly

scheduled work day. During this time frame, the Peer Counselors provided

breastfeeding promotion and support to enrolled participants 1,115 times. Contacts

consist of face to face conversations occurring in the clinic setting, email contacts,

phone discussions, and text messaging.

• WIC Program staff participated in the following Outreach events this reporting period:

7/14/16 WIC staff visited several partnering organizations in Jefferson county to

provide information on WIC Program eligibility and services

7/19/16 Clearfield WIC staff welcomed a dietetic intern to observe and learn

about services offered through the Pennsylvania WIC Program

8/13/16 Mary DeLucia attended the Potter County Family Fun Fair

9/9 – 9/22/16 Bonnie Kelly, Retail Store Coordinator, conducted her annual

store trainings. Trainings were held in the following communities: DuBois,

Coudersport, Ridgway, and Clearfield

9/22/16 Bonnie Kelly traveled to Potter County to complete a retail store

re-authorization

10/4/16 The WIC Director participated in the National WIC Association

webinar related to a new outreach project that will begin in the near future (Dec.

2016 - Jan. 2017) and will run for the next three years

WIC Staff participated in the October Cameron County Collaborative Board

meeting

10/21/16 Bonnie Kelly provided mandatory vendor training to a local store

10/26/16 Mary Thorwart attended the Early Learning Team meeting held at the

St. Marys Library

10/27/16 Mary Thorwart participated in the Ridgway annual downtown “Trick

or Treat” event

11/3/16 The WIC Director attended a Keystone 10 Regional meeting held in

Coudersport, PA

Becky Brickley, Nutrition Education Coordinator, developed a one page

newsletter to be distributed to local physician offices

12/2/16 Mary Thorwart visited a local physician office to provide information on

services provided and eligibility in the WIC program

• North Central WIC Staff participated in the following trainings:

7/12/16 Voter Registration training provided to the WIC Director – facilitated by

State WIC Agency

7/26/16 “Shooter in the Workplace” training organized by North Central,

facilitated by Bruce Morris from the Pennsylvania State Police

7/26/16 WIC staff participated in a “Blood-borne Pathogens” training. All staff

assigned to conduct hemoglobin testing or station clean-up are required to

complete an annual training on blood-borne pathogens

8/24/16 The WIC Director facilitated a Voter Registration Training for all staff

during a regularly scheduled staff meeting

8/24/16 Becky Brickley, Nutrition Education Coordinator, provided a

presentation on lead poisoning for all program staff

33

8/31/16 Julie Kasmierski, WIC Director (also serves as Breastfeeding Peer

Counselor Supervisor), attended a regional Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Program Manager training in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. The training

focused on the management of the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program and

identified “best practices.”

9/8/16 Julie Kasmierski, Mary Thorwart, and Christi Jarbeck participated in the

State Agency Compliance Buy training. By participating in this annual training,

staff members are permitted to conduct “compliance buys” at assigned vendors

throughout our service area.

9/22/16 Kristie Sorg attended a seminar titled “Managing Emotions Under

Pressure: How to Stay Calm and Productive in any Situation”.

9/29/16 The WIC Director participated in a webinar related to the “Zika virus”

10/25/16 WIC Program staff participated in an interactive Customer Service

Training

10/26/16 Bonnie Kelly attended an I-Pad Training held at the State WIC Agency

in Harrisburg.

• WIC Program staff participated in the following State WIC Agency meetings/

conferences:

The WIC Director participated in the state WIC agency facilitated MIS/EBT

conference call during the months of July, August, September and November

2016.

8/2/16 Amanda Margeson, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, traveled to Camp Hill,

to participate in the 3rd annual “Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Summit”

8/2/16 Mark Beall, Regional Territory Director, visited the WIC Administrative

office in Ridgway to meet program staff and discuss the duties of the Regional

Manager that directly impact North Central WIC

The WIC Director participated in the State WIC Agency Food Package

Committee conference call during the months of August, September and

November.

8/16-8/18/16 The WIC Director attended a scheduled grantee meeting held in

Grantville, PA

The WIC Director participated in a State WIC Agency facilitated General

Administration Committee conference call during the months of September and

November

10/28/16 Julie Kasmierski and Jim Chorney participated in a State WIC Agency

conference call related to some changes in allowable expenditures

11/15 -11/17/16 The WIC Director attended the State WIC Agency grantee

meeting in Camp Hill, PA


• North Central WIC is proud to accept the “Gold” WIC Loving Support Award of

Excellence for Exemplary Breastfeeding Support and Practices. North Central was one

of two Pennsylvania local WIC agencies to be chosen for this distinguished award.

34

• North Central WIC has received notification that our Ridgway WIC Clinic renovation

proposal has been chosen to be funded by the State WIC Agency. The project will not

begin until the official infrastructure grant agreement is in place and funds are

accessible.

• The National WIC Association (NWA) Recruitment and Retention Campaign has been

released. The campaign’s guiding goals are to increase recruitment, increase retention,

and improve perception of the WIC Program. This multi-year campaign will include

various media releases (digital advertisement, print advertisements, and mailings). The

campaign is set to run through the end of 2018.

• An average of 3,641 clients received WIC benefits each month between July and

December 2016.

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