Pittston, Luzerne County, PA -
John Augustine is named the “Pennsylvania Economic Developer of the Year” as well as one of the “Top 50” most influential leaders across Pennsylvania.
Penn’s Northeast is proud to announce that John L. Augustine III has been recognized with two distinguished honors for his professional achievements and contributions to economic development in Pennsylvania: the Pennsylvania Economic Developer of the Year Award given by the PA Economic Development Association (PEDA) and also from City & State Pennsylvania’s 50 Over 50 list, which highlights the top influential leaders, public servants, and executives across the State.
The recognitions highlight Augustine’s leadership, dedication, and impact on economic development throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth.
“John Augustine exemplifies the very best of economic development leadership in Pennsylvania. His commitment to collaboration, innovative thinking, and capacity to build meaningful partnerships has helped transform Penn’s Northeast into a powerful regional economic development organization,” said Robert A. Swales, President of PEDA. “John’s proven ability to unite communities around a shared vision for economic growth, while delivering measurable results in private investment and job creation, makes him truly deserving of this award. On behalf of the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association, we congratulate John on this well-earned honor.”
PEDA’s Economic Developer of the Year Award recognizes an economic development professional’s innovation, implementation, and economic impact, while considering their leadership, length of service, contributions to their community and region, and special achievements. City & State Pennsylvania’s 50 Over 50 Award celebrates experienced leaders whose decades of work have helped shape Pennsylvania’s communities, industries, and quality of life.
As the President and CEO at Penn’s Northeast, Augustine has helped advance the organization’s mission to promote Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Wayne, and Wyoming counties as premier destinations for business investment and expansion. Through regional collaboration, relationship-building, and strategic economic development marketing, Penn’s Northeast works to attract new businesses, encourage investment, and generate opportunities throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“John’s recognition by both organizations speaks to the impact he has made throughout his career and his dedication to Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Tommy Grimes, chairman of Penn’s Northeast. “His leadership, commitment to regional collaboration, and passion for economic development make him an invaluable advocate for our region. We are proud to see his work recognized at the state level.”
Together, these honors underscore the importance of Augustine’s work in advancing economic opportunity and strengthening Northeastern Pennsylvania’s position as a competitive location for business growth. His recognition also reflects the collaborative efforts of the regional partners, businesses, and community leaders working to build a stronger economic future for the nine-county region.
“On behalf of the board of directors and members of Penn’s Northeast, we congratulate John on these well-deserved honors,” Grimes added. Michelle Bisbing, President of Pocono Mountain Economic Development Corporation, added, “Northeast PA should be immensely proud to have an economic developer leader from our region selected for this prestigious award. It is truly an honor to be given this recognition by your peers across the Commonwealth, and I am so pleased that John was selected as this year’s awardee.”
Penn’s Northeast is the regional economic development marketing organization dedicated to promoting the region as an ideal location for business investment and expansion. The goal of the organization is to attract quality employers to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Representing nine counties, the organization works collaboratively with economic development partners, businesses, government, and community leaders to attract investment, support job creation, and strengthen the region’s economic future.
Learn more about Penn’s Northeast at www.pennsnortheast.com
