This week, our local area received praise from a reputable economic development magazine.
The president/CEO of Penn’s Northeast, John L. Augustine III, stated that more and more companies are choosing Northeast Pennsylvania for new business development.
Northeast Pennsylvania was acknowledged for its excellence in economic development projects, marking the first time it has received this recognition in the United States.
As the famous Yankee broadcaster Mel Allen would say, "How about that!"
Augustine mentioned:
Our location remains a strong selling point. From Northeastern Pennsylvania, companies can reach one-third of the United States and half of Canada within a day's drive. This is crucial for getting products to market and consumers quickly.
This has been true for decades, but now the message is reaching major employers, thanks to influential figures like Augustine.
Augustine explained that the Governor’s Cup Awards, presented annually by Site Selection Magazine, recognizes the top locations for completed economic development projects in the United States.
This year, NEPA ranked in the Top 10 Tier 2 Metros for both the total number of projects and per capita.
Augustine also added enthusiastically:
This impressive ranking showcases the exceptional work done by economic developers in collaboration with local, regional, and state partners. In addition to our strategic location, reliable utilities, and dedicated workforce, our region stands out due to its strong education network.
Moreover, Augustine mentioned the results indicate that NEPA remains a top location in the United States for companies seeking business growth. He noted the unprecedented growth in warehouse distribution and manufacturing in the region.
Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo described it as "Some positive news!"
This is indeed positive news. This region has long been an ideal area for economic development, and it appears that we are experiencing a surge of interest which is likely to attract many more companies and jobs that offer sustainable wages.
More than 20 years ago, Augustine stated that community leaders recognized the need for a more effective approach to economic development. They sought ways to attract new employers.
According to Augustine, the task was daunting. The goal was to unite groups of 'competitors' to combine regional resources and create a strong outward image to promote Northeastern PA.
In 2022, Penn’s Northeast assisted in defining needs, identifying potential sites, providing demographic and salary information, and connecting them with other economic development groups and chambers of commerce in specific areas of interest.
Augustine mentioned that this collaboration among the local areas was effective and is still achieving success.
According to the annual report by the Governor’s Action Team, Northeastern PA was the leader in job creation in 2021, not only in ecommerce and distribution, but also in manufacturing and regional and national headquarters.
Augustine expressed appreciation for the diverse, affordable, and reliable energy portfolio, as well as the excellent education system. He mentioned intentions to continue strengthening these aspects by expanding the necessary skills for the workforce and introducing new industrial opportunities for businesses looking to expand in Northeastern PA.
Furthermore, Augustine emphasized the importance of ensuring that our region remains an excellent place for residence, employment, and recreation.
Augustine highlighted that the Annual Report of the Governor’s Action Team for Fiscal Year 2020-21 indicated Northeastern Pennsylvania as the leader in job creation for the entire Commonwealth, as well as in the manufacturing industry and regional and national headquarters sectors.
Augustine was very happy upon learning about the findings of the GAT report. He had long been championing a regional approach to economic development, and the effort is now yielding significant benefits.
Augustine remarked, “Our regional approach to economic development is clearly effective. This would not have been possible if one community was in competition with another. It truly demonstrates the best that Northeastern Pennsylvania has to offer.”
The GAT report indicated that our region created more new jobs than any other area in the state, with the majority being in the manufacturing and other sectors.
The GAT report presented a positive outlook that continues to benefit the entire region. Augustine stated that the report reaffirms what was already known — our region is highly desirable and sought after in the U.S.
The latest ranking validates this.
