Mercer County has 28 economic-development agencies, including development authorities, chambers of commerce and business resource centers. For an aspiring business owner, that’s a lot to navigate.
It might seem counterintuitive, but boosters think hiring another person will enhance the business climate in this county on the Ohio border. That’s why the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce and Penn-Northwest Development Corp. are perusing applications from people who want to implement a plan to streamline these agencies’ efforts.
The successful applicant will become CEO of something called the Mercer County Growth Alliance, which will give various economic-development groups a chance to work as one.
About two months ago Penn-Northwest put together a plan to bring in new businesses and help existing businesses grow, and the CEO will be in charge of implementing it. The plan includes encouraging startups, marketing Mercer County as a great place to live and work, identifying possible sites for new businesses and connecting companies to sources of funding.
Penn-Northwest board member Lew Kachulis says the group also hopes to entice businesses that are taking advantage of the Marcellus Shale natural-gas formation. The vision for Mercer County also involves reaching out to local colleges as a way to encourage entrepreneurship.
Source: Lew Kachulis, Penn-Northwest Development Corp.
Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen