About
What is a CEDS?
The Economic Development Administration defines the CEDS as a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development. A CEDS is the result of a regionally-owned planning process designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. It is a key component in establishing and maintaining a robust economic ecosystem by helping to build regional capacity (through hard and soft infrastructure) that contributes to individual, firm, and community success. The CEDS provides a vehicle for individuals, organizations, local governments, institutes of learning, and private industry to engage in a meaningful conversation and debate about what capacity building efforts would best serve economic development in the region.
- Executive Summary
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Background & SWOT Analysis
- Action Plan
- Performance Measures
- Appendices
An approved CEDS is necessary for The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission to retain its designation as an Economic Development District and for regional projects to be eligible for US Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding to build infrastructure, support planning and technical assistance, and establish revolving loan funds. The CEDS framework also allows economic development stakeholders to better leverage limited regional resources and funding by identifying priorities and aligning efforts to maximize impact, avoid duplication, and create synergies that support sustainable economic growth and resilience.
What is Recovery & Resiliency?
The US EDA notes that economic resilience includes “three primary attributes: the ability to recover quickly from a shock, the ability to withstand a shock, and the ability to avoid the shock altogether.” Resilience is achieved through planning with the intent to prevent loss and evaluate unavoidable impacts; anticipate and build capacity to withstand change; recover from disruptions quickly; and ultimately improve overall economic conditions.
CEDS Committee
Planning Representative: Cliff Clark, Cameron County IDA
Economic Development Representative: David Greene, Northern Tier Community Action Corporation
Industry Representative: Tina Johns-Solak, Cameron County Chamber of Commerce
Planning Representative: Jodi Brennan, Clearfield County Planning
Economic Development Representative: Janie French, Headwaters Charitable Trust
Industry Representative: Paul McCloskey, Clearly Ahead Development
Planning Representative: Tracy Gerber, Elk County Planning
Economic Development Representative: Matt Pfeufer, City of St. Marys
Industry Representative: Tom Jesberger, Abbott Furnace (Retired)
Planning Representative: Katie Donald, Punxsutawney Area Hospital
Economic Development Representative: Jessica Funk Seary, Jefferson County Department of Economic Development
Industry Representative: Dr. Jill Martin-Rend, BC3@Brockway
Planning Representative: Richard Fry (Chair), McKean County Planning Commission
Economic Development Representative: Ann Robinson, McKean County Economic Development
Industry Representative: Anita Holman, McKean County Development & Housing Authority
Planning Representative: Will Hunt (Vice Chair), Potter County Planning Commission
Economic Development Representative: Vacant
Industry Representative: C. Robert Wicker, Potter County Education Council
- Department of Environmental Protection: Kimberly Yeakle, Local Government Liaison
- Governor’s Northwest Regional Office: Michael Ferritto, Northwest Regional Director
- PA Department of Community + Economic Development:
- Christina Martone, Northwest Regional Director
- Joy Fronzoli, Local Government Planning Specialist
- John McGranor, Local Government Planning Specialist
- PA State Representatives:
- Victoria Stanish, Office of the Honorable Mike Armanini (R- District 75)
- Jill Grosch, Office of the Honorable Martin Causer (R-District 67)
- Tracy Clark, Office of the Honorable Brian Smith (R- District 66)
- Kristen Natalie, Office of the Honorable Dallas Kephart (R- District 73)
- State Senator: Zachary Ankeny, Office of the Honorable Cris Dush (R-District 25) United States
- Department of Agriculture: Gary Reed, Area Director (Western Region)
- Workforce Solutions for North Central PA: Pamela Streich, Executive Director
- Lumber Heritage Region: Holly Komonczi, Executive Director
- McKean County Economic Development: Robert Veilleux, Economic Development Liaison
- North Central PA LaunchBox: Bradley Lashinsky, Program Director
- PA Wilds Center: Brittany Madera, Communications Manager
- Ridgway Borough: Michael Handley, Borough Manager
- Ridgway Township: Michelle Bogacki, RIDC Secretary
The makeup of the North Central Board of Directors is in full compliance with EDA Regulations regarding Board Composition according to Section 304.2(c) and includes representatives of private sector, public officials, community leaders, private individuals, representatives of workforce development boards, institutions of higher education.