Your point of entry into Northeastern Pennsylvania may be regional, county, local or by way of an industrial park contact, State agency, or business associate. It could even be this Web site. Regardless, here is a concise primer on the players.
State Department of Community and Economic DevelopmentThe State of Pennsylvania has a large number of programs which offer incentives to industries and small businesses. From the Industrial Development Authority (1956) to the most recent Team Pennsylvania initiative (1996) the state has taken steps to attract, maintain, and enhance business and industry.
There is a balance of competition and cooperation among the regional and local agencies which administer the many incentive and development programs. This is favorable to companies who wish to locate here because it allows them to "shop around" for the best deal while being able to receive comprehensive services from each agency.
Local Development Districts (LDD) are regional economic and industrial development agencies. They work with the counties in their region and administer State and often Federal loan and incentive programs. The region covered by the MAP Center includes one LDD entirely and one county from each of two others.
Each of the nine counties covered by the MAP Center has an industrial development corporation (IDC). These agencies offer a full range of services, including the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan program, site location and financing for companies new to our area. In addition, they provide assistance to entrepreneurs who wish to start new businesses, as well as help for small business product development and commercialization. Some areas have established Industrial or Economic Development Agencies to supplement county agencies and provide services focused on particular industrial areas within counties.
Chambers of Commerce have a local focus but are served by and work with county and regional development agencies. In some cases, the Chambers of Commerce also administer Industrial Development Authority loans. They are expert in the sites they maintain and have excellent connections with the bankers, realtors and local government officials in their area.
Industrial and commercial parks are an important component of the region's economy. The agencies that manage these parks have access to the services of local, county and regional economic development agencies.
There are a number of organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania which provide services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Depending on the organization, one can get help in strategic planning, product development, marketing, seed funding, technology transfer, manufacturing strategies, training, labor management, and peer contacts. These services are professional, extensive, and available for little or no cost.