“These types of investment make an area more attractive," Sen. Browne tells LVEDC as to the importance of grants to a region's economic development.

While the subject of municipal grant writing may not exactly be perceived as exciting, it is nevertheless important. And Pennsylvania Sen. Patrick Browne (R-16th) is hosting a workshop on Thursday, September 11th at the Lehigh County Government Center, 17 S. Seventh St., Allentown, to assist municipalities in successfully navigating the process. And lest you think the workshop is strictly an intellectual or bureaucratic process, think again.

“State grants are strategic tools for municipalities to enhance local infrastructure and services, invest in transportation, create training and education programs to improve the local workforce, help areas undertake local beautification projects and allow municipalities to acquire land or obtain financing," Sen. Browne told LVEDC when asked about how the event impacts job creation. "All of these types of investment make an area more attractive, improve the workforce, reduce commuting time and create lasting value.”

For more information or to register, please contact Sen. Browne's office at 610-821-8468 or visit www.senatorbrowne.com

TENTATIVE AGENDA

9:00–9:30A.M.9:30–9:40A.M.	RegistrationWelcome Remarks from Senator Browne Introduction of State Agency Representatives
9:40–9:50A.M.	Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic DevelopmentJames Rose, Local Government Policy Specialist Northeast Regional Office
9:50–10:00A.M.	Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Silas Chamberlin, Ph.D., Regional Advisor
10:00–10:10A.M.	Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) Rebecca Hayden Kennedy, Region IV Project Specialist
10:10–10:20A.M.	Pennsylvania Department of Transportation James R. McGee, P.E., Acting Assistant District Executive-Design
10:20–10:30A.M.	Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Karen Arnold, Keystone Grant Manager, Bureau for Historic Preservation
10:30–10:40A.M.	Pennsylvania Department of General Services Bruce Beardsley, Marketing Manager for COSTARS
10:40–10:50A.M.	Lehigh County Community and Economic Development Frank Kane, Director of Community & Economic Development
10:50–11:15A.M.	CLOSING REMARKS BY SENATOR BROWNE, GENERAL DISCUSSION, QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
11:15–12:00P.M.	THE REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUAL QUESTIONS