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Ben Franklin Approves $1.37 Million for Seven Early-Stage Area Companies
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania recently approved $1,375,000 in funding for seven local companies, including two right here in the 143rd District. Brad’s Raw Chips, LLC, located in Pipersville, was approved for a $100,000 investment, and S4 Worldwide, LLC, located in Doylestown, was approved for a $250,000 investment. Click here to read more information on the funding – and a special congrats goes out to these local companies!
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DEP Again Offers Small Business Advantage Grants
 Good news for area small businesses – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)’s Small Business Advantage Grant Program is again accepting applications. Under the program, businesses can apply for a 50 percent matching grant of up to $9,500 for taking actions to promote implementation of pollution prevention and energy efficiency practices. Applicants may be manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining operators or agricultural businesses.
Grant money can be used for projects such as:
• HVAC and boiler upgrades
• High-efficiency lighting
• Solvent recovery systems
• Waste recycling systems and
• Auxiliary power units deployed as anti-idling technology for trucks.
The grant-supported program project must be in a Pennsylvania facility owned by the applicant and must save the business at least 25 percent, plus $750 annually as a direct result of implementing the grant supported project. The application deadline is Sept. 26. Eligible applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. All grant projects must be completed by June 30, 2013.
For more information on this program or instructions on how to apply, visit www.RepQuinn.net.
New Economic Brief Available
The numbers are in and the General Fund revenue collections for June 2012 was $2.783 billion, which was above Department of Revenue expectations for the month by $170 million. My most recent economic brief, which includes employment statistics, and reports explaining Pennsylvania’s current overall revenue collection is now available on my website.
Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Detected Early in Pennsylvania
 The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced on Monday, Aug. 6, that the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) of 2012 has been confirmed in Franklin County. The Department of Health is urging people to minimize their exposure to mosquitoes, due to an unprecedented level of mosquitoes carrying the virus.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Eli N. Avila said that, “Pennsylvanians should take steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their homes and prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellents. This is even more important for older Pennsylvanians and people with weakened immune systems, since they are at the greatest risk of severe illness -- including encephalitis -- if they develop West Nile virus infection.”
Last year, six people were reported to have contracted West Nile virus in Pennsylvania. In 2012, infected mosquitoes have been found in Berks, Dauphin and Luzerne counties, an infected bird in Erie County, and a horse in Northampton County. Though Franklin County is located a few hours west of us, Northampton and Lehigh counties both border Bucks County, so it is important that we are aware of this concern.
For more information about West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, please visit http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/.
Area Sports Update
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On Monday evening, I was invited to visit the Doylestown American Legion Post 210, where the legion’s 2012 baseball team (that last week won the state championship) presented the trophies that they won this year to the Legion. I was happy to present the team with a Pennsylvania state flag to take with them as they advance in play representing Pennsylvania. Special thanks to Coach Steve Ruane for his wonderful work with the team. Way to go boys! |
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Recently, the Keystone State Games were held in State College, and the Bucks County Junior Boys All Stars won the silver medal at the event. Bucks County had a perfect record until the gold medal round against the Chester County team, where they lost with a score of 6-2. Great job team and special thanks to the coaches. Keep up the great work |
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