Photo by Heather Tressler
Executive Director, Eric M. Bridges, left, discussed the collaboration between North Central and PMI at yesterday's meeting. At right is Jefferson County Commissioner Paul Corbin.

Lease approved, classes scheduled to begin in June.

By Heather Tressler

Staff Writer

Eric Bridges, executive director of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, reported at the executive committee meeting yesterday that they have finally agreed to complete a business plan with the Precision Manufacturing Institute and Clarion University. Bridges also urged the executive committee to approve a petition to get a license to operate PMI.
“We are putting together the final pieces,” Bridges said. “Timing is tight. Our application for licensing has to be submitted by June 5.”
Bridges said the Venango Campus and PMI lease agreement for PMI is specific for the summer programs. Bridges said PMI will provide technical training for Clarion for three programs – Electronics, Welding and CNC. The three programs are slated to begin Monday, June 8. And currently, Bridges said approximately 27 students are enrolled.
Bridges also gave a report about the summer staff hirings. Heather Smith has been hired for the previously approved position of part-time Competent Professional Authority for the Women, Infants and Children program effective May 18. Lacey Meholick, a Sociology major at Indiana University of Pennsylvania began her 12-week internship in the WIC department effective May 11. Along with these hires, Larry Horning, Director of Operations: Workforce Development, stated approximately 314 other students were hired for the summer workforce.
Along with their duties in the summer workforce program, Horning said the students will also be trained with work  readiness skills.
North Central approved four loans during the meeting. The first loan was for the Reynoldsville Casket Company Inc., located in Reynoldsville. The loan is to purchase an oxidizer. As a result of the loan, 92 employees will be retained.
The second loan was for Mary and Chong Jin doing business as ChinAmerican Palace Restaurant in St. Marys. The restaurant wants to move their location to the old Rax Restaurant and renovate. Total project cost is $400,000. As a result of the loan, seven employees will be retained and two new jobs will be created.
The third loan was for Vision Quality Components, Inc., located in Clearfield. Vision Quality Components Inc., is a powdered metal company requesting funds for working capital, relocation of the building and to eliminate debt. As a result of this loan, 15 employees will be retained.
The final loan was for Kevro Precision Components Inc., located in St. Marys. Kevro Precision is a small parts, metal manufacturer that produces screws. The loan requested is to purchase a new machine that will produce screws. As a result of the loan, two jobs will be retained.
The committee also discussed the six region fiber optic project.  Bridges said the fiber optic project continues, involving the six counties that North Central reaches out to as well as other counties throughout Pennsylvania and New York.
“We are trying to position ourselves and concentrate on our part,” Bridges said. “It is potentially a 15 county project. We have counterparts in New York. The backbone imprint is in our region.”