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Coalport council member questions GIDA board
Thursday, August 16, 2012
COALPORT - At Tuesday's Glendale Industrial Development Association meeting, the board had several questions posed by newly appointed Coalport Borough Councilman Bill Washell.
He initially posed these questions to council at its July meeting, but was advised to attend the next GIDA meeting to acquire some answers. Washell, a business owner, had been noting several comments on the Internet social page "Glendale Valley News" and stated he would also like to get the town pride back as well as a better place for businesses and families.
From the Facebook pages, several people responded with a list of 14 potential businesses and/or community recreational sites that Coalport could use - and Washell asked the board if there were any means at GIDA's disposal to help potential businesses. The board responded there is the GIDA-sponsored U.S. Department of Agriculture Revolving Loan Fund, which still has $10,000 available. Also, the Small Business Development Center from Clarion University of Pennsylvania offers mentoring to create a business plan; First Industries Fund offers grants in tourism; Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Authority has PA Wilds-sponsored grants for signage and advertising; and Moshannon Valley Economic Develop Partnership has the Revolving Loan Program.
GIDA has sponsored "outreach" programs in the past to have the SBDC representative discuss how to prepare small business plans for entrepreneurs in the area.
Washell asked about how to preserve the historical buildings in the area, to which Richard W. Snyder II, president, stated the Coalport Streetscape Committee has fought for ordinances to align with the "National Register of Historical Places" recognition that 52 local buildings earned - but it would require ordinances from the borough and acquiescence of local owners to comply.
Snyder stated perhaps the "industrial development" part of the GIDA title is a misnomer, as the organization acts more like an "economic development" agency or a regional "chamber of commerce" to promote business in the area - as the area lacks infrastructure to bring in large industry. He and the board encourage those who have questions on local economic growth to attend monthly GIDA meetings to cooperatively develop answers and assistance.
Rita Hahn, noting an overall negativity in the area, suggested a motivational speaker come in to hopefully provide positive discussion on how to work collaboratively for the benefit of all. This led to a discussion of the acknowledged importance of combined services by merging smaller communities into one entity - something the state encourages - especially in lean economic times.
The board voted to approve the certified public accountant firm of Catalano, Case, Catalano & Fannin to do the 2010 and 2011 GIDA audit, per USDA request for documentation for the rural enterprise grant requirements. In addition, the board approved both the Revolving Loan Fund budget and marketing plan for 2011 and 2012.
In other news, the board:
• noted three new businesses in the area: new owner for Barb's Restaurant (Karen Reed), Funfitness 4 Women and Mountain View Auto Detailing.
• approved a business start-up loan to Mountain View Auto Detailing in Coalport.
• approved entry fee for Snyder to participate in the North Central Golf Classic tomorrow.
The next GIDA meeting is Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Coalport community building.
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