State's retention program can help

Milford — Pennsylvania Business Retention and Expansion Program (BREP) will resume in Pike County this January. The program, locally led by the Pike County Business Development Corporation and the Pike County Economic Development Authority, is poised to enhance the state’s economic recovery by connecting business with available resources through face to face meetings with local economic development practitioners. “The BREP Program brings us knocking on the door of business before they may realize there are resources to help,” said Rachel Hendricks, Pike County program coordinator. BREP is a state initiative designed to gather data and measure trends, efficiently deploy economic development programs and other resources, and gather input from the business community on what will aid growth and job creation. The information gathered is confidential. “It’s a proactive tool through which local businesses have already been able to access programs for things like energy efficiency, capital, international business development, workforce development and more. While budget cutbacks may have changed the types and number of businesses we can visit through the PA BREP Program, we are still available to assist all businesses in our community.” In recent years, the EDA staff interviewed approximately twenty-five businesses annually that met the program criteria. EDA Chairman Dave Farrington said, “We are sincerely grateful for the cooperation of all of the businesses that have participated in the BREP interviews. Working to retain and expand our existing businesses is the cornerstone of economic development in Pike County and this program is integral to those efforts.” Hendricks recommended that businesses call the EDA to learn more about available resources. The BREP program was interrupted from July 1 through January 1 while awaiting final passage of the state budget and subsequently a restructuring of the program. The PCEDA office is co-located with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at 209 East Harford Street in Milford. Call 570-296-7332 or admin@pidco.com .