PADCO, Alvernia team up to support economic development south of the mountain
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE - An overview of downtown Pottsville in 2020.
POTTSVILLE – A new partnership between Alvernia University and the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) will nearly triple the latter’s service area, straight south to the county line.
Alvernia’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship plans to provide numerous services, including business plan writing services, technical assistance, and access to revolving loan funding to support new and existing businesses in central and southern Schuylkill County.
“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership with Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute will bring to the community. This collaboration will help local entrepreneurs access the resources they need to succeed, contributing to a stronger, more vibrant regional economy,” PADCO President David Young, executive director of Schuylkill Community Action, said.
“This partnership with Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute marks an exciting new chapter for PADCO and Schuylkill County,” said Savas Logothetides, Executive Director of PADCO. “By combining our resources and expertise, we can significantly expand our footprint and provide the support necessary to foster a thriving business community and drive economic value across the region.”
“Alvernia and O’Pake’s mission is to serve those in the communities that we reside, and we are thrilled to be able to support PADCO in strengthening Pottsville and Schuylkill County’s entrepreneurial community by providing our student-powered business services and resources,” said Alvernia University Vice President of Research, Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives and Chief Operating Officer of the O’Pake Institute Rodney S. Ridley, Ph.D., RTTP. “PADCO is the natural home for critical economic development activity, aspiring and existing entrepreneurs and community outreach in Pottsville and Schuylkill County, making them integral to this venture.”
Through the O’Pake’s Institute collaboration with PADCO, the Institute says it aims to deepen its engagement in Schuylkill County while more than tripling its service area and playing an integral role in unlocking the area’s full economic potential.
They say the partnership will have a positive impact on fostering job creation, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the overall economic vitality of Schuylkill County. PADCO and the O’Pake Institute are united in their vision of a vibrant, prosperous future for the region.
According to a map provided by PADCO, the service area now includes most of Greater Pottsville and the Route 61 corridor from Saint Clair south, including Norwegian and East Norwegian Township and Saint Clair to the north, and points south to the county line including Schuylkill Haven, Orwigsburg, Landingville, Deer Lake, Auburn, and Port Clinton.
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