Pocono News Section

Economic Development

Economic Development - Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 9:37PM EST

Reported by: WBRE News
Saturday, Sep 15, 2007 @09:37pm EST
LUZERNE & LACKAWANNA COUNTIES –

Governor Ed Rendell visited Northeast Pennsylvania on Saturday and with him, he brought a lot of money.

The Governor takes a great deal of pride in the progress our area is making, “No question when I come to Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, it's two of the best examples of turnaround cities in Pennsylvania over the last four years.

Makes me feel great.” He gave checks to eight companies in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties, saying the multi-million dollar development projects are expected to create hundreds of new jobs.

One of the lucky recipients was Oxford Management Services.

Accepting the check was owner Charles Harris, “One of the reasons we chose to grow our company within the area of Scranton is the work ethic and level of personnel we are able to recruit and retain.”

The Commonwealth money will also help Two Chefs On A Roll to establish its’ first east coast manufacturing operation in Jessup.

Owner Lori Daniel says this money means a lot, “This is a dream we've had for a long time and the state of Pennsylvania has helped make it a reality. We are so proud to be here.”

Lowes, Medico Industries and Solid Cactus in Luzerne County also received checks.

Elected officials say the funding assistance packages for Luzerne and Lackawanna counties will help contribute to the economic growth of the region by helping to expand local firms and bring in new companies.

The total state investment was about $7.5 million but it leveraged $120 million in addition to 1,500 new jobs.

Senators Mellow and Musto in Harrisburg helped in part to get the money here, as did the governor's plan to revitalize the state's third class cities.