HERMITAGE, Pa. – Economic development doesn’t stop at attracting new companies. Jake Rickert, Penn-Northwest Development Corporation’s associate executive director, says helping local businesses grow is just as important.
Rickert explains how the economic development agency works to strengthen Mercer County’s economy by supporting existing businesses, attracting new investment and connecting companies with the resources they need to expand.
Rickert says Penn-Northwest was established in 1985 following the loss of manufacturing jobs, with a mission to rebuild the local economy through public-private partnerships. Today, the organization works with approximately 170 member businesses while helping companies secure financing, workforce assistance and state funding for expansion projects.
Rather than focusing only on recruiting large employers, Rickert says Penn-Northwest also measures success by helping local companies grow one project at a time. Through its revolving loan fund and partnerships with workforce organizations, the nonprofit supports business expansion, equipment purchases, hiring initiatives and site development throughout Mercer County.
Rickert says the organization’s long-term strategy centers on four pillars – live, learn, work and play – to create a stronger community and improve quality of life while supporting continued economic growth across the region.
Read more in Denise Dick’s story HERE.