Reminder! 2006 Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center (NCAC) Community Awards - June 7, 2006!
Mr. John Cosgrove, Executive Director of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas, will be the keynote speaker at the 2006 NCAC Community Awards Program on June 7, 2006 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, Wilkes-Barre. The NCAC Community Awards highlight the programs and projects that are making a positive impact on the communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Entries may be submitted by non-profit organizations political subdivisions, chambers of commerce, industrial development groups, school districts, colleges or universities, social clubs, business or industry, media organizations and other organizations involved in community improvement. For more information on attending the 2006 NCAC Community Awards, please contact John Dawe at 570- 655-5581 ext. 263 or e-mail ncac@nepa-alliance.org.

Furniture China 2006 & Furniture Manufacturing & Supply China 2006 - September 11-14, 2006

NEPA's Data Workshop is a Great Success!
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA), PA State Data Center and Penn State Worthington Scranton held a Data Workshop on Thursday, May 11, 2006 at the Penn State Worthington Campus, Dunmore, PA. The workshop ran from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The instructor for the Workshop was Dennis Pickeral from the Pennsylvania State Data Center. Dennis joined the Pennsylvania State Data Center (PaSDC) in January 2005, splitting time between the PaSDC and the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center. He began working full-time in the State Capital Office of the Data Center in August 2005. In his current capacity, Dennis provides data services to Pennsylvania's Congressional Delegation, state legislators, executive agencies and the media.

Microloans Available For Start-up and Expanding Small Businesses
NEPA has three microloan programs designed to help entrepreneurs, start-up and expanding small businesses and nonprofit organizations with affordable financing that may not be available through traditional financing sources. Although each program has varying requirements, NEPA has streamlined the review process with an objective of making microloan financing affordable andaccessible. Eligible small businesses and entrepreneurs can borrow between $5,000 and $25,000at an interest rate of 8.75%, which is fixed throughout the loan term. Loan proceeds can be used for machinery and/or equipment purchases, working capital needs and facility renovations.However, microloan funds can not be used to pay off or refinance existing debt. Microloans haverepayment terms ranging from three to five years depending on fund use. For additional information about NEPA and the microloan program, contact Bob Maximowicz at 570-655-5581ext. 230 or e-mail rmaximowicz@nepa-alliance.org.

---

Get to Know NEPA - Donna Brdaric
Donna Brdaric is the Administrative Assistant to the Enterprise Development staff since 1998 and provides assistance to 8 staff members in the Enterprise Development Division. Donna is responsible for projects relating to the Business Financing Center, Business Development Program, Procurement Technical Assistance Program, International Trade Program and PA SourceNet. In recognition of Donna's dedication and hard work, Donna was awarded "NEPA's Employee of the Year" for 02-03 and 04-05. To read more about Donna Brdaric, visit: http://www.nepa-alliance.org/Docs/Staff%20Bios/brdaric.htm.