Economic Development in Carbon County began in the 1950’s with the establishment of the Bureau of Economic Development.  Since inception, there have been two staff members, the Director, and an Administrative Assistant. The primary functions of the Department (Bureau) have been providing access to financing, participation in the State Business Retention and Expansion Program, and providing business consulting services through regional partners.

There is no one-size fits all approach to economic development.  Successful organizations realize that identifying community assets and then creating programs to grow these is the key.

There are many definitions of economic development but the one that seems the most relevant at the local level is: The mobilization of land, labor, and capital resources for the creation of wealth in a community.

The current approach for economic development activities in Carbon County fall within three main areas:

1. Assisting existing businesses in Carbon County with access to low interest loans.
2. The attraction of businesses from outside Carbon County to move, expand or relocate to any of our existing, new, or future industrial parks.
3. To support the development of new business by developing a culture of entrepreneurship where if someone wants to start a business in Carbon County they have access to resources that can help them.

CCEDC Executive Director Dawn FerranteWhile Carbon County has participated at the regional level in development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), the county CEDS has not been updated since 1994.  Starting in 2011, the corporation will begin the process of developing a new County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.  It will be important in this process to include a broad spectrum of participants from our community.

In addition to developing a Carbon County CEDS, there are other critical pieces of research that the organization must develop in order to truly build programs and services for Carbon County businesses.  This research will serve as a catalyst for applying for grants.  If we understand our business community and economic climate, we can apply to programs to support those efforts.  Right now, there is grant monies available for the development of entrepreneurship programs, incubators, and the development of specific industry clusters.

In 1982, the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation was established.  The staff of the County Department began providing services to the Corporation, primarily for the maintenance and management of the industrial building located at 600 Industrial Road in Nesquehoning.  Other duties have included keeping the books for the Corporation, conducting board meetings, and coordinating the annual meeting and dinner.

The other primary responsibility of the Corporation has been to participate in Pennsylvania Industrial Development Association (PIDA) loan program and partner with manufacturers and industrial businesses to develop or expand.  To date, the Corporation has completed 10 projects, totaling more than $3 million dollars in lending, representing the addition of 182 new jobs and the retention of 123 existing jobs.