Berwick, PA -
Berwick Industrial Development Association, Inc. (B.I.D.A.), a leader in economic development, has initiated a Think Tank Program for local business leaders and legislators to identify and tackle issues facing our region and affecting our local economy.
Kelly O’Brien, B.I.D.A.’s executive director, stated, “Through our regular work with employers dealing with this region’s unprecedented workforce shortage, other issues have come to the forefront, giving birth to the Business Think Tank.”
Pairing B.I.D.A.’s work with the Employer Roundtable and their monthly Legislative Roundtable calls is what gave rise to the Think Tank Initiative.
Our local legislators, by rank: Senator Bob Casey, Congressman Dan Meuser, State Senator John Gordner, State Representative David Millard, Columbia County Commissioners (David Kovach, Chris Young & Rich Ridgway) along with local municipality leaders including Briar Creek Borough Councilmember Jim Long, Salem Township Supervisor Frede Fransen and Township Manager Amy Evans, Berwick Borough Councilmembers Jay Jarrett and Bob Lewis and Borough Manager Damien Scoblink are all supporting and encouraging this project.
Regional issues that were identified and discussed as a result of the initial meet and greet this Thursday morning were:
• Infrastructure
• Vocational Career Awareness
• Industrial Site Development
• Housing – Residential Real Estate
• Government Bureaucracy
o Permitting, Zoning, Regulation, and more
• Population Decline
• Corporate Culture
• Financial Literacy
• Healthcare Access
The local business leaders in attendance: Lisa Hart, Fulton Bank and Co-Facilitator of the Think Tank; Kevin Turpin, Mickey Truck Body; Garry Hartman, Cheetah Chassis; Gina DiPippa, Berwick Hospital Center; Marc Nespoli, EXP Realty; Brandon Kotsko, Techni-Serv; Mark Lupashunski, 1847 Financial; John Augustine, Penn’s Northeast, Inc.; Taryne Williams, Talen Energy; and Becky Baker, Penn College.
The goal of this group is to identify the challenges that WE CAN CHANGE and with the aid of Mr. Turpin of Mickey Truck Body, create a strategy for change and strong implementation to bring it to fruition.
When asked their thoughts on this group and their hopes, Marc Nespoli suggested, "With the job openings we have in this community and the labor shortage what it is, I think it would be beneficial to hold an employee roundtable to identify what employees are looking for in a career - culture, pay, flexibility, etc. - does what they are looking for line up with what employers are offering, and if not, how can we bring them closer together?"
Kevin Turpin, “We need to ensure that we are fixing the RIGHT challenge and not creating new ones in the process while providing a strong strategy and smooth implementation process to see it through to fruition.”
Lisa Hart, co-facilitator for the initiative, said “This is an opportunity for local businesses to uncover shared challenges, prioritize those concerns, and together work towards solutions and affect change.”
John Augustine, President of Penn’s Northeast, Inc., a regional marketing group for commercial and industrial development, commended the group for their efforts. With Penn’s Northeast’s membership and their regional reach, they can assist with any necessary outreach or cooperative efforts with other counties and municipalities. “These concerns are regional but also present on a national level, so the more ideas, proposals, and solutions we can present the better the chances our region has to grow and prosper.
The next step for the Business Think Tank is beginning the analysis and creating the first strategic plan.
For more information on B.I.D.A. do not hesitate to contact our offices at 570-752-3612 or by email at info@bida.com.
