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Scarnati – Tri-County KIZ Receives $87,500 State Grant to Promote Economic Development(HARRISBURG) -- The Tri-County Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) has been awarded an $87,500 grant from the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority Board to continue its efforts to create jobs and encourage economic development, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). Scarnati said the Tri-County KIZ, which includes Jefferson, Elk and Clearfield counties, will match the funding with $107,180. The grant will enable the KIZ to create 35 jobs and retain an additional 40 positions. The funding is awarded through the Keystone Innovation Zone Program, which provides funds to community/university partnerships to generate job growth through technology transfer and entrepreneurship. "This funding will go a long way toward continuing the great work that the Tri-County KIZ has done in fostering innovation and creating job opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses," Scarnati said. "This investment is crucial to helping this area during the current economic downturn and positioning us for strong growth once our economy improves." Scarnati said the Tri-County KIZ will use the funding for a variety of programs and services, including establishing a local entrepreneurs' club designed to foster and cultivate opportunities for area companies and entrepreneurs. It will also promote the importance of technology-based economic development through workshops and informational sessions, marketing and community partnerships. The KIZ will continue to develop links between industry and educational institutions, such as Penn State-DuBois, to find new opportunities for growth. "By joining the combined resources of educational institutions, private businesses, business support organizations, and other groups, the Tri-County KIZ works to create jobs and keep good jobs in this area," Scarnati said. "It also helps to make an investment in innovation and technology so they can be used to create new economic development opportunities."
TIM NYQUIST (814) 726-7201 |
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