HARRISBURG (June 24, 2005 )- In a show of commitment to the
Cumberland County business community, and to regional economic
development, the CREDC (Capital Region Economic Development
Corporation) Board voted unanimously yesterday to continue to deliver
services for businesses and job creation in Cumberland County, even
though the Cumberland County Commissioners have decided to financially
withdraw from the long standing partnership. At last month's CREDC
Board meeting, Cumberland County Commissioners announced that they had
officially withdrawn financial support for the organization, as they
have for other regional economic-development initiatives, such as the
Corridor One Regional Rail project and the Hershey Capital Region
Visitors Bureau.
"CREDC's commitment is to business and job growth in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties." said H. Glenn "Bub" Manning, Vice President of The Quandel Group and CREDC Board Chair. Manning added, "The action by the CREDC Board is simply to assure Cumberland County businesses that CREDC is still there for them, despite the withdrawal of funding from Cumberland County. CREDC will continue to provide small business lending through a variety of programs; start up business assistance through the Murata Business Center in Carlisle; and assist with other types of economic development assistance wherever and whenever it is needed."
Over the past four years, CREDC has been directly involved with businesses to help them create and retain over 4,100 jobs with a total economic impact in the region of over $80M in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties. Approximately 20% of CREDC's non-fee funding comes from the public sector. The remainder is received from the regional business community.
Manning said the CREDC board also voted unanimously to run targeted advertising in Cumberland County, to make certain businesses are aware of the Board's ongoing commitment to their growth.
"Our board has made a strong statement with this vote, and we want to communicate that commitment to Cumberland County's businesses, and make certain there is no confusion," said Manning who, like many CREDC Board members' companies, has a physical presence in Cumberland County. "Political leaders will make political decisions.
At CREDC, we are about business - and that commitment transcends both politics and political boundaries."
Larry Kluger, President of Journal Publications and CREDC Vice Chair noted, "Given the record contributions to CREDC from private sector companies in the past 12 months it was important that the Board reassure our stakeholders that our mission remains unchanged. We will continue to make low interest loans and other business services available to companies in the tri-county region, including Cumberland County."
David Black, President and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC added, "Our mission is simple; to retain businesses and jobs, help businesses expand and create more jobs, help to start new companies to create new jobs and help businesses wishing to locate, expand or relocate into our region. Our number is 717-232-4099, website is: www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org. In Carlisle, we can be reached at the Murata Business Center, 453 Lincoln Street, phone 717-249-2356. If you are considering expanding your business or starting a new business please give us a call."
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties by providing a unique blend of business, community and economic development and advocacy services under one roof to boost our economic vitality and livability as a region. HRC/CREDC was named 2004 Economic Development Agency of the Year by the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA).
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