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04-17-07
Greater Erie Industrial Development Corporation Presented PA Economic Development Association Award
The Greater Erie Industrial Development Corporation, an affiliated agency of the Economic Development Corporation of Erie County, was awarded the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association’s 2006 Large Agency of the Year Award today. Monica Brower, President & CEO of the Economic Development Corporation and Dave Pascale, Chair of the GEIDC Board of Directors accepted the award at PEDA’s spring conference recognition luncheon at the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers. “We are honored to receive the award and be recognized for the innovative work our agency has done in meeting the needs of the Erie community,” noted Monica Brower.
GEIDC received the award for its overall commitment to excellence in environmental stewardship and innovation in 2006. Nominations for the award were judged on three key elements: Innovation, Implementation and Economic Impact.
Special recognition was noted at the awards ceremony for GEIDC's remediation of the 200 acre former International Paper Mill property. GEIDC partnered with Erie Management Group as well as numerous local, state, and federal agencies to bring this high-profile community project to fruition. Specifically, GEIDC invested over $11.8 million into the three areas of the site for infrastructure improvements, environmental assessment and remediation work, utility construction, access roads, building renovations, and site development, the majority of which was spent in 2006 to enable EMG’s development projects.
To date, EMG has invested in seven new firms employing over 100 people. Most of these companies and jobs are located in the former IP Administration Building on the now renamed SB3 Industrial Park. The company has pledged to create at least 300 jobs on the site and invest over $40 million within the next three years. Construction is currently underway on the new Lake Erie Biofuels facility that will employ at least 30.
In addition to the commitment of EMG to the site, GEIDC has an agreement in place with Erie Renewable Energy to purchase the remaining 67 acres of the site. Erie Renewable Energy has plans to construct an alternative fuel, ‘tire-to-energy’ facility that will initially create an additional 80 jobs on the site. Ultimately, the return of 200 acres to the tax rolls is a huge benefit for the Erie region.
“I am very pleased to accept this award on behalf of the entire board. Also, I feel this recognition is a testament to the dedicated hard working staff of the EDCEC who work so hard every day to improve the business climate and quality of life in Erie County,” noted GEIDC Board Chair Dave Pascale. |
