Four agencies unite in plan to draw jobs

SHARON, Pa. -- Economic development agencies in four western Pennsylvania counties have banded together to market industrial land in hopes of attracting new businesses and jobs to the region.
Penn-Northwest Development Corp. of Mercer County, the Lawrence County Economic Development Corp., The Venango (County) Industrial Development Corp. and the Meadville Area Industrial Commission (Crawford County) have formed Team Pennsylvania West to promote the economic advantages of the four-county area.
Penn Power is assisting the effort by providing financial support to launch the program. The four groups will share leads, prospects, data base information and staff support where needed to support development projects of regional impact.
"The [Interstate] 79 and 80 corridors, the similarity of our demographics and existing economic base, as well as a commitment to regional cooperation makes this a unique combination of resources to support regional development activity," said Larry Reichard, executive director of Penn-Northwest, designated by Mercer County commissioners as the lead development agency in the county.
Team Pennsylvania West was formally launched at the FabTech Trade Show in Chicago in November where local development groups contacted more than 100 machinery and equipment manufacturers.