Ridgway, PA:  The North Central Pennsylvania Planning and Development Commissionis delighted to announce the approval of an EDA Tech Hub Strategy Development Grant, marking a significant milestone in the North Central Pressed Materials Strategy Development Consortium’s journey towards fostering innovation and excellence in the Pressed Materials Industries. This grant will propel the rural region into a new era of industry growth, further establishing North Central Pennsylvania as a premier hub for advanced pressed materials technology and research.

EDA awarded 29 Strategy Development Grants (SDG) to help communities significantly increase local coordination and planning activities.   “President Biden’s ‘Investing in America’ agenda is rooted in policies that will empower the United States to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. Our Tech Hubs Program is fundamental to that mission and will supercharge innovation across the nation by spurring cutting-edge technological investments and creating 21st-century job opportunities in people’s backyards,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Each of these consortia will help us ensure the industries of the future—and their good-paying jobs—start, grow, and remain in the United States.”

Jim Chorney, Executive Director of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to have been awarded the EDA Tech Hub Strategy Development Grant, which will propel our rural region into a new era of innovation and industry excellence. The current announcement highlights our commitment to fostering regional collaboration, forging partnerships, and furthering our ascent as a premier center for advanced pressed materials technology and research. With the support of our regional public and private collaborators, we are committed to accelerating advancements in the pressed materials sector, establishing North Central PA as a formidable presence in pioneering research and development within an industry that significantly contributes to our economy.”

The EDA Tech Hub Strategy Development Grant will allocate funding to three key projects that will drive growth and innovation in the Pressed Materials Industries:

• Market Research Project: This project will identify fast-growing new markets for the Pressed Materials Industries, enabling the consortium to strategically target opportunities for expansion and diversification.
• Assessment of Consortium Member Companies: An in-depth analysis of consortium member companies will be conducted to identify areas of potential research and development and new technology adoption. This assessment aims to enhance the competitiveness of these companies in the global marketplace.

• Workforce Development Strategy: A workforce development strategy will be implemented to cultivate skilled workers tailored to the newly identified markets. This strategy will also investigate recruitment and retention initiatives within and outside the region and establish partnerships with industries that can benefit from the materials and processes used in the local sectors.

These initiatives signify a bold commitment to regional development, innovation, and competitiveness, all of which will play a vital role in the growth and success of North Central Pennsylvania.

The North Central Pressed Materials Strategy Development Consortium is eager to embark on this transformative journey with the support of the EDA Tech Hub Strategy Development Grant. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and skill development, the consortium is poised to make significant contributions to the regional economy and the wider Pressed Materials Industries.

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The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission serves the public and private sectors through planning and implementation of Community, Economic, and Transportation Development throughout the six-county region of Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter Counties.

About North Central Pressed Materials Strategy Development Consortium: The North Central Pressed Materials Strategy Development Consortium is a collaborative effort committed to advancing the Pressed Materials Industries in North Central Pennsylvania. The consortium brings together public and private partners to drive innovation, research, and development in the region, positioning it as a leading center for advanced pressed materials technology.

About the EDA Tech Hub Strategy Development Grant: The EDA Tech Hub Strategy Development Grant, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, is awarded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and is designed to support projects that drive innovation, strengthen regional economies, and foster collaborative partnerships in technology-focused industries.

For more information about this award-winning project, contact Amy Kessler at amy@ncentral.com or 814-773-3162.