April 2024

RIDGWAY – The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission (North Central) announces a new series “Fostering Economic Prosperity: Programs and Success Stories.” The series aims to highlight the significant contributions of the organization to the economic growth and community development in the six-county region it serves.

North Central serves Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter counties, and for more than five decades the commission has played an integral role in advancing the region toward a prosperous future marked by growth, innovation, and improved quality of life.

Established in 1966, the commission has dedicated itself to supporting local businesses, planning for the future, and initiating projects and programs with our federal, state, and local partners that bring widespread benefits to the region.

Headquartered in Ridgway, the commission is dedicated to creating sustainable development and progress through comprehensive planning, economic, and community development initiatives. The commission has been a cornerstone for regional collaboration by providing invaluable support to local businesses and communities.

North Central was created after Congress passed the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, a significant piece of legislation that led to the creation of a nationwide network of Economic Development Districts (EDDs). The legislation laid the groundwork for locally rooted, regionally coordinated economic development strategies across rural America.

The legislation created approximately 400 EDDs across the country who have played key roles in fostering collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit sectors of business while creating a comprehensive, strategic roadmap for regional growth.

North Central is also one of seven Local Development Districts (LDDs) in Pennsylvania and falls under the umbrella of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which encompasses 423 counties across 13 states stretching from southern New York to northern Mississippi. The region covers 206,000 square-miles and is home to 26.3 million people.

The ARC represents a collaborative economic development effort between the federal government and its 13 member states, including Pennsylvania. At the state level, the Department of Community and Economic Development works in partnership with the ARC and LDDs to identify and promote projects aimed at enhancing community capacity and driving economic growth, striving to achieve socioeconomic parity with the rest of the country.

North Central is funded through a combination of federal, state, local, and private dollars, and services, which enables the commission to carry out is mission to promote economic growth and development across the six-county region.

North Central fosters collaborations among public, private, and nonprofit sectors of business while creating a comprehensive, strategic roadmap for regional growth, with a focus on business and industry, transportation, planning, human services, broadband, and more.

Executive Director Jim Chorney, who took on the role in 2018, said the organization is dedicated to strengthening the six-county region.

“I want people to know there is no wrong door here at North Central,” Chorney said. “We are here to partner with business and industry, individuals, and local municipal governments in a collaborative effort to make the entire region stronger.”

North Central Board Chairman Dave Glass, who also serves as a commissioner for Clearfield County, said the organization is primed to improve the quality of life in the region.

“North Central is helping businesses and residents in these six counties to move ahead from an economic development and community infrastructure perspective,” Glass said.

North Central’s unwavering commitment to the region’s growth, resilience, and collective success is a hallmark of decades of dedicated service, planning, and collaborative efforts, and is a testament of what can be achieved when communities come together and envision a brighter future.

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The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is a premier regional development organization that serves the public and private sector through a wide range of economic, community, infrastructure, human services, and technology programs for Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter Counties.

WELLSBORO/COUDERSPORT, Pa., April 17, 2024 — After 45 years of esteemed service and leadership, Janie Hilfiger, president, UPMC Cole and UPMC Wellsboro, has announced her retirement. Her official last day with UPMC is April 30. Effective May 1, Dan Glunk, MD, will serve as interim president, UPMC Cole and UPMC Wellsboro.

“Janie has been an exceptional leader, partner, and community advocate, and under her leadership, UPMC Cole and UPMC Wellsboro have made a significant impact on the health of all of the communities we serve in Potter and Tioga Counties,” said Patti Jackson-Gehris, president, UPMC in North Central Pa. “Janie has dedicated her entire life to caring for people – first as a nurse and then in various leadership roles, and her passion for nursing and supporting rural health care were evident in everything she did. We wish her well as she embraces her next chapter.”

Dr. Glunk, who is also an internal medicine physician, will continue to serve as regional chief quality officer, UPMC in North Central Pa., in addition to providing interim leadership to UPMC Cole and UPMC Wellsboro.

“I am grateful that Dr. Glunk will be serving in this new capacity. He has deep roots in this region and a history with Wellsboro, Coudersport, and the surrounding communities. Through his role as chief quality officer, he’s become very familiar with UPMC Cole and UPMC Wellsboro and I am confident his leadership skills and expertise will ensure we remain focused on providing quality care with an exceptional experience at our hospitals and facilities in the northern tier,” said Jackson-Gehris.

Joan Christine Stiver, 84, born on June 10, 1939, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. She was the cherished wife of Tom Stiver for 53 years and a devoted mother to four children. Born to loving parents, Harold “Copey” and Rose Anderson, who preceded her in death along with an infant brother, Arthur.  Joan grew up in a close-knit and fun family of seven siblings, along with their loving spouses, and many nieces and nephews. Together, they shared countless cherished memories, forming unbreakable bonds within both the Anderson and Stiver families. She leaves behind a legacy of closeness and care that defined her family’s bond.

Her eldest son, Ron, who passed just 10 months ago, remained especially endeared to her heart. Ron’s wife, Sharon, has been a guardian angel on earth, providing comfort and support along with their beautiful son and Joan’s grandson, Josh.  Her daughters, Robin (Carmen) DeStevens and Bunny Comilla have always been her unwavering pillars of support, overflowing with boundless love and affection.  Her grandchildren, Angie (Dave) Sheeley and Nick Comilla along with her great-grandchildren Cami & Ellie Sheeley, were all constant sources of laughter and joy, infusing her life with vibrant energy and happy moments. Son, Jim Stiver and granddaughter Sydney were also loved members of her family.

Family was the cornerstone of Joan’s life, and she treasured every moment spent with her loved ones. She took immense pride in her children and found strength in raising them to be resilient and independent individuals. Her love knew no bounds, extending to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy into her life.