Pennsylvania Economy: Rendell Signs Bill Expanded Economic Opportunity Zones

Governor Rendell signed an expansion of the State’s Keystone Economic Opportunity Zone (KOZ) program on July 10th.  The bill could add 15 new KOZ’s to the existing 10 throughout the state.  KOZ’s were established to reduce the tax burden on new businesses in areas that were deemed in high need.  KOZ’s are located in economically depressed areas or on industrial sites that were environmentally damaged or in urgent need of re-development.  One such site was the Philadelphia Shipyard that was vacated a number of years ago and sat vacant and in ruin in a high need area of Philadephia.  Since the KOZ status was applied, new businesses have relocated to the ship yard.  Tasty Kake established a new operations center in the ship yard as Urban Outfitters as well as many other companies.  The KOZ program has been labeled a $1billion investment in Pennsylvania’s economy.

Pennsylvania Economy: PA Budget Includes Incentives for Renewable Energy & Conservation

It would could be a huge boom for the solar industry in Pennsylvania, the latest Pennsylvania budget includes $650 million for tax incentives for energy conservation and use of alternative energy.  Governor Rendell pushed hard for the legislation, citing the fact that energy rate caps are set to expire in parts of Pennsylvania by 2011 - increasing the cost of electricity by $4 billion.  Such incentives have been labeled as critical to making solar energy an attractive investment for home owners - who stand to benefit from “selling electricity back to the utility companies.”  Such projects generally have a long horizon before a home owner or business sees a return on their initial cash outlay.  With the cost of electricity projected to increase substantially, such projects become a lot more desireable when coupled with a rebate, grant, or loan.

Yipee! Pennsylvania joins the small crowd of states offering such incentives

Details on Funding 

• $100 million in loans, grants and rebates that will cover the cost of installing solar technology on homes and small businesses.
• $165 million for businesses and local government to promote renewable energy projects
• $40 billion to promote the development of alternative energy businesses
• $80 million in grants and loans for economic development projects in the solar sector
• $25 million for wind and geothermal projects
• $25 million to promote pollution controls

These incentives in ther form of grants, loans, and rebates should stimulate demand for energy conservation and renewable energy technologies - promoting the development of new industry and small businesses, while reducing energy consumption and pollution.

Pennsylvania Economy: Pennyslvania Unveils State Funding for Investment Managers

Pennsylvania’s Treasurer, Robin Wiessmann, unveiled $400 million fund-of-funds aimed at investing in state-based emerging & minority money managers.  This is part of the Treasury’s ongoing effort to increase returns to its portfolio, reduce management costs, while investing in Pennsylvania businesses.  Fund-of-funds are massive investment portfolios that invest in smaller money managers and venture capital funds.  The initiative could result in a infusion of capital into local Pennsylvania businesses.  

Link to Article

 

Made in Pennsylvania: Twizzlers

Twizzlers was originally a product of Y&S Confectionary dating way back to 1845.  The company merged with several others and became the National Licorice company in 1902 and then was renamed back to Y&S in 1968 - finally, they were acquired by Hershey’s in 1968.  Twizzlers were not a traditional Hershey product for many years.  They are based out of Lancaster and have made those chewy treats dating back to prior to the Civil War.  Perhaps, Gettysburg was rife with AWOL soldiers off on midnight runs to get the Candy. 

Pennsylvania Environment: Reliant Energy to Install Mercury Emissions Controls on PA Power Plants

Reliant Energy announced in mid-June that it would invest $50 million to install mercury emissions controls on 5 of its 19 power plants in the state.  The initiative is part of an effort to meet state mandated mercury reduction targets of 80% by 2010 and 90% by 2015.  Reliant Energy has planned investments to reduce mercury pollution of $375 million on all 19 of its PA based power plants.  In total, there are over 30 power plants in Pennsylvania - resulting in 80% of the mercury emissions in the state.  Pennsylvania is the 2nd highest mercury polluter in the country because of its reliance on plentiful coal resources to generate energy.  This is a positive step forward that will (according to Pennsylvania press release) have a negligible impact on energy producers in the state.

Link to Source Article - Link to PA Press Release

 

Made in Pennsylvania: Peeps

Peeps - the marshmellowly, soft, chewy candy that Americans associate with Easter as much as the Easter Bunny is produced by Bethlehem’s own Just Born.  Just Born acquired the original producer of Peeps, Lancaster based Rodda Candy Company, in 1953.  Today - Just Born produces over 1 billion Peeps per year and sells the product in 50 countries - worth close to $50 million in sales to Just Born.  The company also produces the movie theatre favorite - Mike and Ikes as well as Hot Tamales.  The Bethlehem company employees 560 employees.  The company just announced

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be at Hershey Park on August 19th

Bruce Springsteen - the all-American singer - with his all-American band will be at Hershey Park on August 19th.  Tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10am at the Giant Center Box Office, Livenation.com, and Ticketmaster locations. 

 

 

Made in Pennsylvania: Ashers Chocolates

Asher’s Chocolate was started by a Canadian/Scottish immigrant in Center City Philadelphia in 1892.  The company located to the historic Germantown section and expanded their product line to include jams, jellies, ice cream, and a number of other treats.  Today - Ashers Chocolates is still being run by the Asher family - it has a warehouse in Montgomeryville and a 125,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and executive office facility in Souderton.  Despite the relocation - the company still takes a van to Germantown every day to pick-up some of the employees that still live in the historic area and were part of the early days of the company.  Ashers also purchased another chocolate factory in Lewistown, Pa - a town sitting between State College and Harrisburg on the Juniata River.  Ashers is currently the oldest, continuously operated, family own candy company in the world.  Link to company website.

Pennsylvania Biofuels: Promising new biofuel source being grown in northwestern Pennsylvania

From an article in Gantdaily.com (link).  In Northwestern Pennsylvania, farmers have formed a co-op in conjuntion with Penn State Cooperative Extension to grow a promising source of biofuels - Camelina.  Camelina is a flower that produces a seed that consists of 40% oil compared to soybeans, which are only 20% oil.  A dozen farms have planted 300 acres of the flower, which has a 85-105 day growing cycle - allowing for 2 growing cycles in a year.  Once the crop was proven to be viable in Pennsylvania’s climate - interest was so high amongst farmers that they had to turn people away at the door according to the article.  Montana is the only state with significant acreage with over 10,000 acres planted last year - up from a few hundred acres just a few years ago.  The advantage of Camelina is that it requires relatively little rain (less than 20″/year) and low soil nutrient.  It also has a very low break even cost for a farmer (~$1.23 bushel) compared to similar oil seeds like rapseed/canola, which is 3-4x more expensive to produce.  Roughly - a gallon of oil from Camelina costs $1.00 to produce.  What is even nicer about the product is that it works nicely with existing crop rotations. 

Pennsylvania Gardening & Farming: Pennsylvania produces more mushrooms than any other state

Pennsylvania produces roughly 55% of the Nation’s crop of fresh mushrooms every year and 78% of those used in processing.  The revenue from button mushrooms is close to $250 million and that doesn’t include the more valuable selection of portabellas, shittakes, and oyster mushrooms.  Amazingly, mushrooms add close to $391 million to Pennsylvania’s economy - with Chester County being the highest producer and garnering the designation as the mushroom capital of the world.  Interestingly, mushroom farms are also a major contributor to composting.  Each year, a half million tons of mulch hay, poultry manure, and other farming byproducts are used as bedding medium for mushrooms.  Article Link, Other Sources.

Grown in Pennsylvania

Do you know where your fruit and vegetables are grown? Do you know if pesticides cover your fruits and vegetables? In Boyertown, PA, on Saturday mornings, shoppers can find in season fresh fruit and vegetables at the Boyertown Farmers Market located on W. Reading Ave in the parking lot of the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. The produce and meats come from the local farms so you can actually talk to the people that are providing the food. Some of the items that can be purchased at the Boyertown Farmers Market are in season fruits and vegetables, cage free chicken, grass-fed beef and woodlot pork. All the poultry and meat products are anti-biotic and additional hormone free which means that the meat is tastier and juicier and healthier then factory farm meat products. Since a clean environment is necessary in order to raise healthy animals, the risk of e-coli infection is extremely low. Also, small farmers can’t afford to have “downer cows” or sick animals on their premises because of possible cross contamination with healthy animals. With that in mind, there is no risk of “mad cow disease”. There’s another benefit to buying from local farmers which is less fuel is needed to transport the food. And then there’s the taste… yum… nothing like fresh from the garden. Support your local farmer.

Some “Buy Local” resources:

PASA

Rodale Institute

Rodale Institute Farm Locator

So if you find yourself in the Boyertown area on a Saturday morning, stop by the Boyertown Farmers Market.

Made in Pennsylvania: TastyKake

TastyKake is well-known in at least half of the State as the ultimate Pennsylvania company.  The company is as synomous with Philadelphia as cheesesteaks and pretzels.  TastyKake - known for its sweet, frosted cakes - was established in 1914.  The founder sold 280 cakes on his first day of business and over 3,000 in the first week.  At the end of the year, he had sold close to 3 million.  Today, the company grosses close to $250 millon a year selling favorities such as Kreamies, KoffeeKakes, KandyKakes, Krimpets, and Cupcakes.  By any standard, TastyKakes are tasty, which fits there age old jingle - “no one bakes a cake as tasty as a TastyKake.”  Decades of  Philadelphians agree - Marvin Harrison of the Indianapolis Colts is claimed to receive a shipment of the cakes once a week.  Although, he probably exercises enough to wear of the extra calories.  Company Website.

Pennsylvania Economy: Liberty Property Trust Announces First Leed Registered Industrial Complex in the Lehigh Valley

In what might be a very positive sign of good things to come, one of the Philadelphia areas major commercial & industrial real estate companies, Liberty Property Trust, announced this week that it is opening the first LEED registered industrial complex in the Lehigh Valley.  The facility is located in Breinigsville and is the regions “first sustainable-design industrial property.”  The design allows for a 30% reduction in water use and uses natural ventilation for cooling and solar power for hot water.  The facility also has extra recycling dumpsters to promote appropriate disposal of materials.  Liberty Property Trust is based in Malvern, PA and manages over 700 properties across 12 states, with a high concentration of properties in Pennsylvania.  They manage 73 million sq. ft. of commercial and industrial space - if they are dedicated to making more of their facilities sustainable, it will attract high end tenants and cut waste, pollution, water, and energy.  Company Website.

Pennsylvania Economy: BMW to Invest in Parts Distribution Facility in Pennsylvania

It was announced today that BMW is going to invest $170 million in 2 distribution facilities in Pennsylvania and Illinois (article link).  BMW is also investing $100 million in its U.S. headquarters in New Jersey and its South Carolina manufacturing facility.  The distribution facility in Pennsylvania will be based in Lower Nazareth and create 118 new jobs.  BMW’s vice president of aftersales, Alan Harris, said that BMW is “very proud that this new distribution center in Lower Nazareth will incorporate state-of-the-art, energy efficient and environmentally friendly features and technologies.”  Link to State of Pennsylvania article.

Pennsylvania Wine: Chaddsford Winery

Chaddsford Winery, Pennsylvania’s largest and most acclaimed vineyard, is nestled in the picturesque Brandywine Valley in the outer reaches of the Philadelphia suburbs.  The winery produces European style wines - specializing in dry whites, including a decent Pinot Grigio.  Many of their wines place highly at international wine competitions.  Last year, the 2002 Merican received a silver metal at the 2007 San Francisco International Wine Competition and the 2005 Pinot Noir, Barrel Select received a bronze metal.  The 2005 Merlot was also well received at the various competitions.  The winery is well worth visiting - it is a come-one, come-all type of outfit, with tastings between 12 and 6 every day.  The best time to visit is during the Summer Nights Under The Stars - a Friday night wine and music concert that runs all summer and is well worth the trip. 

Made in Pennsylvania: A-Treat Sodas

Since 1918, A-Treat Sodas has been making its original recipe for Pennsylvanians to enjoy.  The company was started by Joe Egizio, who expanded his traditional neighbor fountain soda shop to include bottled sodas.  The company is based in Allentown and carries over 16 different flavors.  The sodas are made from essential oils and is one of the few soda companies using cane sugar rather than less expensive high-fructose corn syrup.  That’s right - A-Treat uses the raw ingredients that it originally did in 1918 - the birch beer is still made with real birch tree extract.  The company is a pure Pennsylvania company with distribution mainly throughout the State and some distribution in Maryland, New Jersey, and sunny Bermuda.

Made in Pennsylvania: Bollman Hat

Adamstown, Pa based Bollman Hat has been a Pennsylvanian company for 140 years and is the United States oldest hat company - selling high-end hats and doing its part to fight skin cancer. Whether its the sustained trend of fewer people wearing hats, the economy, or competition from the far east - Bollman has fallen on hard times. Recently, the company had to release 135 workers - most of them from their Adamstown headquarters. The company has a lean manufacturing strategy and has also purchased several international brands in an effort to expand into the niches in the hat industry that might make it immune to the trend cycles. The company purchased succesful Ignite brands in 2008 - a snowboard, surfing, and skating hat company known as a garage brand. In 2007, the company purchased Pantropic - a Panama Hat company. The company has a wide range of hat brands under its umbrella, including Bailey®, Betmar®, Country Gentleman®, Eddy Bros.®, Helen Kaminski®, Ignite®, KANGOL®, PANTROPIC® Plaza Suite®, and Timberland®.

UPDATE:  Link to Bollman Hat Company.  Check out their website.  These are some really great looking hats.

Made in Pennsylvania: Lycoming Engines

Williamsport, Pa based Lycoming Engines started as a sewing machine manufacturer in 1845 when the lumber industry ruled the town.  By 1907, the automobile was making headlines and fast becoming a way of life for Americans - driving the shift for Lycoming Engines from sewing machines to automobile engines.  In 1929, Lycoming Engines successfully produced its first aircraft engine to power a beech wood bi-plane.  By the 1930’s - LycomingEngines became the world’s preeminent manufacturer of piston aircraft engines.  After World War II - Lycoming Engines was award the prestigious E-Award for its contributions to the war.  The company eventually would fall on difficult times in the 1980s because of a slow aircraft engine market, nearly going out of business - but, by 1997 - over 85% of new general aviation aircraft were powered by Lycoming Engines.  Today, over 50% of all general aviation aircraft use a Lycoming Engine. 

Made in Pennsylvania: Equinox Outdoor Gear

With over 83,000 miles of streams & rivers, a 232 mile section of the Appalachian Trail, at least 6 other trails exceed 100 miles and a $3 billion hunting and fishing industry - Pennsylvania is a ripe ecosystem for outdoor gear & equipment companies.  This is why the reknown Cabelas opened one of its few East Coast stores in Hamburg, Pa.  It is also why Williamsport based EQUINOX has grown immensely since opening production in 1986.  The company has 40 employees who take care of everything from product design to sewing and marketing.  If you’ve shopped for a lightweight backpack or climbing gear - you’ve seen this brand with “Made in the U.S.A.” proudly stamped on most of its products.  The company sells backpacks, bags, tarps, hiking poles, gators, outdoor apparel, blankets, pillows and many other gadgets.  You can browse their selection at Campmor or check out their website for more information on the great little Pennsylvania company. Company Website.

Made in Pennsylvania: Crayola

Crayola - the name we all associate with Crayons - has remained in Pennsylvania for 108 years.  Formerly known as the Binney & Smith Company, Crayola is headquartered in Easton, Pa and has its main manufacturing facility down the road in Bethlehem where it produces Crayons, markers, paints, and clay among other things.  The company’s was first major product was dustless chaulk that won a gold medal for at the 1902 St. Louis World Fair.  A year later, the company produced a wax-based product - the Crayola Crayon, meant for children.  Crayola was a brand to represent their children’s line of products, which was considered the first non-toxic marketing utensils for the age-category.  The company has been a sibsidiary of Hallmark since 1984 and also is known for Silly Putty and wshable markers.  Also, check out their Easton Visitors Center for kids (and adults) - a 20,000 sq. ft. creative & visitors centers dubbed the “cornerstone of the revitalization of Easton”).  Company Website.

Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Company doing well since 2007 IPO

State College-based Rex Energy earned $390k in 2002 and few would have thought that it could be closing in on $80 million in revenue within 6 years.  The company does oil and gas exploration in the Illinois Basin (Illinois and Indiana) and in Texas and New Mexico, but has also made some headlines because of successful exploration in West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania.  There is alot of buzz around the company because many people are wondering if its sitting in a prime position to take advantage of the natural gas boom in Pennsylvania.  Perhaps, this is a perfect storm for the company.  Rex Energy had $18M in 1Q08 - a 40% increase over last year with a helping hand from $130 per barrel oil and skyrocketing natural gas costs.  The company had an IPO last year at around $10 per share and the stock has shot-up to $25 per share and Wall Street is pegging the target price at $33.

Pennsylvania Outdoors: Hiking Trails in Pennsylvania

There’s a great resource that you can tap into if you want to go for a hike this weekend.  Visit the PA Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources and you can click on you region and they website will tell you of all the hiking trails on your region (within 1 hr. drive approximately).  Link to Map. This is a nice resource because it can be a real pain finding a nice place to hike.  There just aren’t that many great, centralized resources for day hikers.  The website was put together for Hiking Week (ended June 1) - but, you still get the benefit of the map they put together.  Also - heck out the Pennsylvania Trails Association - they, have maps of the major trails, lists of the hiking clubs around the state. 

Pennsylvania Website Feature: PA County Fairs

If you would like to take a weekend this summer to visit a regional county fair - take a few minutes to check out pafairs.org.  The website is a state-wide association that has dates and locations of over 117 county fairs.  The biggest fairs are the Allentown Fair,  Bloomburg Fair, and York County Fair with each surpassing 500,000 in attendance per year.  The York County Fair is in early September and will feature Brooks & Dunn, ZZ Top, Larry the Cable Guy and Daughtry.  The Allentown Fair is the week before York and will feature Brooks & Dunn, ZZ Top and Toby Keith.  This year’s Bloomsburg Fair its 153rd and will kick-off on Sept. 20th - the entertainment is still not set - but, will feature similar oustanding artists.  Other large fairs that are excellent at the Ephrata Fair and the West End Fair.

Pennsylvania Environment: Peregrines Return to Cliffs in Pennsylvania

There was an article in Earth Times today (link) that highlights the progress in the re-establishment of Peregrine falcons to Pennsylvania.  The falcons were wiped out in the 1950’s largely because of DDT.  The return of the falcon has been very difficult in part because the young falcons are easy prey for owls.  Since the 1990’s, 2 dozen or so nests were successfully established on bridges and buildings - out of the reach of owls, but only 3 nests have been established on cliffs - a more hospitable and natural environment for the birds.  All 3 nests are in Lycoming County in north-central Pennsylvania in the Susquehanna area.  In edition to the falcons, the Game Commission also re-introduced the Fisher - which had been erased from PA in the early 1900’s because of large-stand timber cutting and unregulated trapping.  The fishers were reintroduced in the 1990s and have established a sustainable, breeding population. 

Pennsylvania Economy: Church & Dwight to move facility to Pennsylvania

Church & Dwight, the manufacturer of Arm & Hammer branded products, Oxi-Clean, and a wide variety of other consumer products, announced yesterday that it will re-locate a detergent manufacturing operation to York County Pennsylvania.  The move to PA was decided after a year long search of trying to find a cost-effective and strategic location - York County fit the bill with access to highways and close proximity to major markets.  Construction will start on the 1.1 sq. ft. facility in Sept. 2008 and be finished in 2009.  Church & Dwight has announced that the new facility will reflect its commitment to sustainability - The site design reflects Church & Dwight’s long-standing concern for the environment - the facility will use 30% less energy, produce 50% less solid waste and use renewable energy sources for on-site processing needs.  The company is offering transition plans for some of the N.J. work-force and they are going to hire a substantial number of Pennsylvanians - perhaps, numbering in the hundreds.  Church & Dwight is a $2.2B company and says that its detergent divison is its most important in terms of future growth.

Made in Pennsylvania : Tröegs Brewing Company

Pennsylvanians love small companies who produce quality, hand-crafted products and Troegs is just one of those places.  The added benefit is that the product is beer - so, we’re biased.  Harrisburg, Pa based Troegs is one of the breweries that sprouted up during the microbrewery boom in the 1990’s and has continue to expand ever since.  Troegs was started in 1997 by the Trogner brothers (Chris and John) who were enamoured with the craft and quit their day jobs to go off on their own.  You have to admire their gumption.  Troegs distributes their product in a 3 hr radius from Harrisburg because of freshness concerns - just far enough to cover every corner of the State.  If you want a weekend job - they have a beer tasting greeter position open.   Also - try there Mad Elf Holiday Ale - it has a 11% ABV - almost enough for the Government to start asking questions.  Tours are free on Saturday if you swing by at 2pm.  check out their website to find out where you can buy the beer Company Website - also, the have a fun interview on Good Morning America that you should watch.

Made in Pennsylvania: RADIUS Toothbrush

Two architects in Bermuda, stuck on the idea that toothbrushes needn’t be ugly, hard-bristled, and awkward, launched RADIUS toothbrush in 1982.  The two men relocated to New York for better access to the right talent and resources and officially started producing a one-of-a-kind product that would soon develop an avid following. Their perfect toothbrush has 4x more bristles than an Oral B that were 2/3rd the thickness.  It had the first ever round head and bristle alignment that cut down on gum wear and tear.  The unique and attractive toothbrush was awarded the Accent on Design award on 1984 for having the most innovative use of design.  The company soon grew out of its New York facility and relocated to Kutztown, Pa, purchasing and restoring a historical 20,000 sq. ft. brick mill built in 1863.  The company remains in Kutztown and has a dedicated following that has included Robert Redford, Sting, Whoopi Goldberg and Cher.  Check out their website to order the orginal RADIUS toohbrush and support your fellow Pennsylvanian businesses,

Pennsylvania Beers: Victory Prima Pils

I was reading the latest edition of Forbes Life magazine…browsing through exotic, mainly European products, that I couldn’t possibly afford.  I was admiring a $10,000 oak table and a gallery of Chris Craft style wooden boats and…behold, on Page 50 to be precise, there was an article featuring Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown.  The article was talking about “cold beers you could love,” something I could both appreciate and afford.  True-to-form, most were European, but what caught my eye was that Victory’s Prima Pils was proudly displayed front and center.  Pretty neat considering this is a internationally distributed magazine.  This isnt’t the first time this particular beer garnered international attention, the Prima Pils was also ranked the top worldwide lager in 2005 (July issue) by Men’s Journal and has received the Grand Champion ratings in the U.S. Beer Tasting Championship 2002-2005.  Whoa - pretty good for a local brewery.  Victory Brewing Company was started in 1996 and quickly expanded after receiving the type of attention normally relegated for old world beers you’ve never seen on tap before.  The company could be missed if you’re driving a bit too fast through Downingtown - but, they brew close to 35,000 barrels a year and distribute all over the country.  Victory is a great place to stop by and grab some food and drinks - their brew hall is wide open and has a warm ambiance - a great place to enjoy a pint of beer and to caulk out grand plans on the back of a napkin.  Take a moment to browse their website to see where you can find their beer.  Company Website.

Made in Pennsylvania: Knoll Office Furniture

East Greenville, Pa (south of Allentown) based Knoll is one of the preeminent office furniture companies in the world, receiving accolades for its modern designs and very high quality products.  The company moved to Pennsylvania from New York in 1940 and has had a large East Greenville manufacturing facility ever since, in addition to 3 other facilities in the U.S. and several in Europe.  The company believes “good design is good business” - that principle has guided them through the years and is why over 40 of their pieces are permanently on display in the Museum of Modern Art.  Perhaps, it is also why the company surpassed a $1B in revenue in 2007 as it continues to flex its international reputation and demand for beautiful, timeless office furniture.  Knoll has also built a reputation as a sustainable company - there website lists a litany of certifications and awards for energy efficiency and environmentally friendly manufacturing.  This is just the type of company that we are proud to have headquartered in Pennsylvania. 

Made in Pennsylvania: Double-H Boots

You would think that with 12.5 million pairs of feet roaming our State that there would be several dozen shoe or boot manufacturers dotting the countryside.  We’ve grown to accept globalization and realize that some things will come from other places, but its nice to find a local manufacturer still selling wares in Pennsylvania.  Womelsdorf (near Reading) based Double-H Boots is just that kind of company.  They make high-end leather, handcrafted…work, cycle, and western boots that you would be proud to own.  I was particularly impressed with their craftsmanship and the number of celebrities and musicians that own a pair.   Sheryl Crow owns a pair and you should too Consider investing in a pair if you’re in the market for a locally made, leather boot.  Company Website.

Made in Pennsylvania: Shop-Vac

If you’re the type of person that runs into some dirty situations and has called upon your vacuum cleaner to do do some outrageous jobs - then you are most likely a customer of Williamsport, Pa based Shop-Vac. Shop-Vac is the industry leading brand because of its 40 years of experience putting long-lasting, strong suctioning, quality, American made products into the hands of consumers and industry professionals to do ultra dirty work. Shop-Vac is the duct tape of power tools…a product that is so darn useful for so many different and unusual things that everyone should consider owning one.  If you browse some of the product stories on the company’s website, you will get a chuckle out of some of the stories about using Shop Vac vacuums…anything from using the vacuum as a snow blower to using it to remove yellow jackets from a ground nest or even using the vacuum to remove loose dirt when digging post holes.  What a great product for Pennsylvanians…made by Pennsylvanians.

Made in Pennsylvania: Cannondale Bikes

If you’re a cyclist, Cannondale will be one of the few brands you’re likely to list if asked which company sits atop of the industry in reputation and quality.  Connecticut (headquarters) based Cannondale was first known for clothing and gear, but blossomed into a global phenomenon when it released a line of mountain bikes at the front-end of the global mountain biking craze.  Despite the number of competitors that sprang from every corner of the globe to take advantage of the trend,  Cannondale made a name for itself by producing well-built, lightweight and innovative bikes that both the expert and weekend warrior could appreciate and afford.  The industry came on hard times when mountain biking waned and it boxed Cannondale into a corner.  Today, the company has switched ownership several times and now produces some bikes over seas - but, the original Bedford, Pa manufacturing facility is still producing hand-crafted bikes.  Company Website. 

Made in Pennsylvania: All-Clad Cookware

All-Clad began producing artisan cookware in the 1970’s after discovering that bonding (cladding) different metals together gave the resulting product heating qualities not found in individual metals.  The cladded products proved to be ideal for cooking and the company began marketing professional quality cookware products.  All-Clad developed a strong following amongst professional chefs and other avid cookers because of the cookware’s “extraordinary qualities, striking aesthetics and exemplary cooking performance of this revolutionary bonded cookware.”  Today, the company enjoys the reputation of manufacturing the finest pieces of cookware in the world.  It is the only bonded cookware that is made in the United States and is manufactured with all American made materials.  Company Website. 

Pennsylvania Dirt Roads Database

Do you enjoy biking, hiking, walking or running? There’s a database that is available that has dirt and gravel trails mapped. Currently there are only a few States that have the trails marked and Pennsylvania is one of these States. So far, Center County and Berks County are the only two places in Pennsylvania that have mapped trails.

This website, Dirt Roads Database, is a “wiki” type database so members can map trails as they are discovered. You can even add comments about the trail that you mapped. If you find yourself on some interesting trail that you want to share with others, you can map it at Dirt Roads Database.

“Happy trails to you.”

Made in Pennsylvania: W.R. Case Knives

In a day and age where you are more likely to find a iPod, cell phone, and USB drive in someone’s jeans pocket than a knife, W.R. Case still manages to produce and sell the same high quality, handcrafted knives that made it a famous at the turn of the previous century.  The Case brothers originally started selling handcrafted knives off of the back of wagon in upstate New York in 1889.  By 1905, the company was recognized as the premier knife company in the U.S. when the relocated their company to Bradford, Pa.  Soon after, the company was called upon by the Government to produce knives for servicemen and women during World War I.  According the company’s website, Dwight D. Eisenhower was one of the many famous avid collectors of Case knives.  Perhaps, on one of his many fishing trips to Pennsylvania or on a visit to his brother at Penn State is where the former President became enamoured with Case knives.  Case knives are a great piece of Americana and a great piece of Pennsylvania history.  W.R. Case knives are manufactured primarily in Bradford and are 100% American made.

 

Pennsylvania: a new hotbed for filmmaking

According to an article on Innovation Philadelphia, there are over $500 million in film projects planned in the Philadelphia area over the next 3 years.  Pennsylvania boosted tax incentives for film making last year and mega movies have responded by sending more business to Pennsylvania.  Local resident and favorite M. Night Shyamalan is currently filming The Last Airbender in the region.  The comedy, Tenure, set to star Luke Wlson and Gretchen Mol, started filming on the Main Line in April.  In Old City, The Dream of the Romans is being shot, starring Jeff Daniels and Lauren Graham.  To add to the list, the drama Happy Tears, starring Demi Moore and Parker Posey, also started filming in the area and the move Transformers 2 is set to kick-off filming later this year.  Philadelphia offers a colorful back drop for movies without some of the hassles of filming in New York or other popular cities.  The city has “old” charm and has the attractive everyday hustle of a vibrant community.  Having Pennsylvania as the background in movies and TV shows boosts the local economy - local talent is called upon to create sets, fill in as extras, run equipment, and work with local businesses to facilitate operations.  It is also a great driver of tourism among other things.

Made in Pennsylvania: Bills Khakis

It isn’t everyday that you see someone starting a Khaki company - but that exactly what Bill Thomas set out to do in 1990 after peddling 250 pairs from the “back of his car.”  The story goes that when Bill was in college in the 1980’s - he purchased a thick, well-built, deep pocketed pair of khakis from an army surplus store.  He loved them so much that he went back for a second pair, but they were out.  That is when and where Bill Thomas became passionate about this piece of Americana.  After working with large corporations for a few years, he believed he had a handle on how to build a world-class brand on his own.  Bill headed back home to Reading, Pa and borrowed $10,000 from his Mom, Marge (who he now employees to edit Bills Khakis Free Press newsletter) and started Bills Khakis.  Bills Khakis is now close to $10 million in revenue and still believes at its core that Bills Khakis - a small slice of American history - should be made in the U.S.A.  Bills Khakis is a testament to quality and what you can do if you put your mind to it.  Check out their website and consider adding a pair to your wardrobe. 

Note:  Bills Khakis was founded in Reading, Pa where it is headquartered and their products are American made, but I can’t guarantee that they have a large manufacturing base in Pennsylvania as the company does not reveal what State the clothes are made in.

Made in Pennsylvania: FesslerUSA Apparel

Orwigsburg, Pa based FesslerUSA is in a unique position - a lot of its competition was shipped offshore and the Pennsylvania clothing manufacturer sees that as an advantage.  Either the company is crazy or brilliant.  “No matter what you do in China, It takes 3 or 4 weeks to get it acrossed the ocean” said CEO Walter Meck in an article in the Reading Eagle newspaper.  He follows with explaining that speed can be a competitive advantage in the fashion industry.  I imagine that there are also more than a few companies who would like  to advertise “Made in the USA” on their label as FesslerUSA enables them to do with 100% of its fabric and knitting being done in the U.S.  Meck may be more brilliant than crazy after all- the company shows all the signs of having found a prosperous niche - Meck tripled the company’s Reading employment to close to 300, expanded the capacity from 34,000 sq. ft. to 150,000 according to the article, the company offers paid vacations and matching 401k contributions.  Not too bad.  Take a moment to browse the article on the company’s website.

Made in Pennsylvania: Zippo Lighters

Perhaps, most famous for the distinctive clicking noise it makes when being opened, the Zippo lighter is still being made in Bradford, Pennsylvania. The company was established in the 1930’s and still stands by its lifetime guarantee.  In a time when flimsy plastic products have edged out built-to-last products - Zippo still manufacturers its click style, last-a-lifetime, metal plated lighters.  The lighters are still made with flint and wicks, but the company has also created a butane line to keep pace with the industry.  According to the company’s website, the Zippo lighter was named as one of the top 100 products.  Its easy to see why Pennsylvanians are proud of this company.  Take a moment to browse the company website or visit the very popular museum.  Company Website.

Made in Pennsylvania: BlueStar Stoves

If you’re in the market for a restaurant quality stove for your home, perhaps a custom colored, hand-crafted, gas stove with both the ability to cook at very high and very low temperatures - your first stop should be Reading based Prizer Painter to take a look at BlueStar stoves.  Prizer Painter has been in business since that 1880’s and is still manufacturing stoves in Reading.  The company has adapted over the years, originally selling coal ranges and furnaces, later it focused on restaurants and businesses, now the company sells high-end residential stoves with the helping hand of celebrity chefs.  The company has a cult-like following and describes itself as a small company, but folks from all over the country and world fly to test out the stoves in the Reading showroom.  Company Website.

Made in Pennsylvania: K’NEX Toys

If you loved Legos, you’ll certainly love K’NEX.  Hatfield based K’NEX makes plastic injection molded construction/connector toys that will inevitably inspire another generations of builders and engineers.  The company also operates the distribution of the original Lincoln Logs - licensed through Hasboro.  Check out the multi-story particle accelerator built with K’NEX (photo).  K’NEX proclaims on its website that it believes in being environmentally and socially responsible, while providing a safe and meaningful work environment for its employees.  Be sure to look out for products from this ”Made in Pennsylvania” toy company and certainly consider them for your children this Christmas.  Company Website.

Pennsylvania Natural Resources: Natural Gas Boom

There’s an article in State College based Centre Daily Times (link) that points out some of the developments in natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania.  Since 2000 - the number of wells drilled has gone from 1,350 to 4,180 in 2006.  According to the article - there was a 21% increase in the number of gas and oil drilling permits processed in 2006 over the year.  A lot of the drilling is a result of high natural gas prices making it sensible to shell out more money to drill through the Marcellus layer of shell that runs through Pennsylvania into New York and Ohio.  The shale layer has created a type of seal - trapping vast amounts of natural gas below it (almost 200 trillion cubic feet by some estimates), but also creating a formidable barrier (in both cost and difficulty) for drillers as it is hundreds of feet thick.  Pennsylvania may regain its reputation for being a key energy producing state that was partially lost with the rise of oil as the key energy commodity in the U.S.  Individual land owners are already taking phone calls from gas companies - some offering as much as $2k per acre per year to drill on their property.  That seems like a small price, but consider that it takes anywhere from $800k to $3M to drill through the shale. With careful and considerate extraction, this could very well be a gift to Pennsylvania. 

Link to another article on Penn State Live. Link.

Made in Pennsylvania: Mack Truck

Mack Truck, the world’s leading producer of heavy-duty trucks, is still built right here in Pennsylvania. The North American headquarters are based out of Allentown and a major manufacturing operation is appropriated located in Macungie. There is also a re-manufacturing facility in Middletown where refurbished trucks are put together. In 2006, Mack Truck had a record year - selling more trucks than ever before - in part because if its global presence with sales in over 45 countries. Mack Truck is also well known for innovation having been responsible for cab air-suspension, the 5-speed transmission (in trucks), and a recently introduced low-emissions truck that has 15% better fuel efficiency than traditional models.  The company has a museum and tour if you have a weekend free.   Company Website.

Artists of Pennsylvania: Wood Working. Lee Stoetzel

Lee Stoetzel bases his studio workshop out of Chester Springs, Pa.  He is best known for his full-size wood replicas of everyday things…like a jeep or a computer.  The patience and persistenct to create one of his pieces is incredible.  Artist’s Website.

Made in Pennsylvania: Martin Guitars

Arguably the highest quality and most famous guitars in music - Martin Guitars - are made right here in Pennsylvania.  The Nazareth, Pa based Martin Guitars is still run by the Martin family - 6 generations after its beginnings in the 1800’s.  Martin Guitar has maintained its commitment to quality and innovation over its 175 history, having to adapt from folk music to the hard-edged rock style popular in the 1960’s and 70’s.  Martin Guitars have been the instrument of choice for -known guitarists such as Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Arlo Guthrie, Paul Simmon and many more of our favorites.  The company offers tours and has a museum to view the master pieces.  Company Website.

Pennsylvania Economic Development: Keystone Economic Zones Benefitting the Commonwealth

Since they were established in 2004 through Governor Ed Rendell’s PA Economic Development Program, Keystone Economic Zones have aided the creation of 187 early-stage companies according to Pittsburgh Tribune Review article.  The program was intended to promote economic development and attract technology companies and start-ups to the State of Pennsylvania.  It is also aimed at keeping college graduates within the state.  Companies who participate receive grants from the State and compete for $25M in tax incentives each year.  According to some measures - the program has resulted in over a 100%  rise in Pennsylvania start-ups.  Check out the article for more details.

Made in Pennsylvania: The Slinky

Yes - hard to believe - one of the greatest childhood toys ever made is still being produced in Holidaysburg, Pa.  The toy was dreamt up by a mechanical engineer who saw a spring fall off a table.  He put together a small amount of investment money and debuted the toy by demonstrating its “walking” capabilities in a Philadelphia department store in 1945.  The slinky is now the official toy of Pennsylvania.  Company Website.

Pennsylvania Innovation: Coskata to Build Cellulosic-Ethanol Plant in Madison, Pa

It was announced earlier this Spring that Coskata, a cellulosic-ethanol start-up, will build a 40,000 gal per year prototype in Madison, Pa.  A small, but notable win for those trying to establish Pennsylvania as a healthy location for alternative energy companies.  Coskata received an investment from an unlikely source this year - GM purchased part of the company in January.  GM obviously liked what they saw.  Coskata has an innovative technique for producing ethanol - they burn agriculture waste, wood, old tires, and other materials - the gas output is then converted to ethanol using bacteria.  What results is ethanol at about $1 per gallon - much cheaper and efficient than processes using corn.  Alternative energy companies have been booming because of the high price of oil and gas - suddenly, it is now cheaper to use alternatives.  In 2007, over $5B of venture capital money went to alternative energy companies…a huge amount that reminds you of 1999 and web start-ups.  Ed Rendell is trying to push the Pennsylvania Legislature to pass an energy independence bill, which is loaded with incentives to consumers and alternative energy companies - he certainly has ample backing from a number of peope with gas being over $4 per gallon.  Link to Article.