Member Spotlight - The Dime Bank

This month’s Membership Spotlight is The Dime Bank. NEPA spoke with Mick Dennis, Vice President.

The Dime Bank believes in creating amazing customer experiences. As a community bank based in Northeast PA with branches in Wayne, Pike, and Lackawanna counties, they work hard to offer their customers the very best in community banking. The Dime Bank's focus is on their customers. They know that each individual and each business is unique. They take the time to understand individual needs and create a financial plan specific to each person or business. Since 1905, they have been making a difference in the lives of those who choose them as their total financial partner. They want the communities they live and work in to remain strong and prosperous by offering better banking, both in person and online.

The Dime Bank is a full-service financial institution offering a complete range of checking accounts, including free checking with rewards, savings accounts, loan products, and investment services to both individuals and businesses. They offer innovative digital banking services with access to accounts 24/7 both online and with a mobile banking app to make managing money easy. Customers can pay bills, transfer funds, deposit checks, set notifications, plus more, all with a few swipes on their mobile device. Customers can open an account online in minutes. If customers prefer to come into their branches, The Dime Bank staff offer the personal attention of employees who care about their customers and the community. The Dime Bank provides financial education to help customers grow their money and keep their finances secure.

Customers value The Dime Bank for both the personal attention they give them and the different types of accounts and digital products they offer. This sets The Dime Bank apart, enabling customers to focus on what is important in their lives and get their banking done easily and securely by trusting them to assist them in making informed financial.

The Dime Bank supports organizations in the area with hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial donations each year to help enrich the lives of everyone. The Dime Bank employees participate in many fundraising events and volunteer their time to support wildlife sanctuaries, educational programs for students, and non-profits through United Way, to name a few. Supporting the local communities so they remain a place where people can start businesses, grow with their families, and neighbors who care about each other is integral to The Dime Bank's mission.

Mick Dennis stated, “NEPA Alliance strengthens our communities with their grant funding, economic development, and assistance programs for the community and businesses in our counties. Our customers are able to grow their businesses which in turn keeps them viable to partner with The Dime Bank.”

To learn more about The Dime Bank, visit their website at www.thedimebank.com

NEPA Alliance is conducting its annual membership campaign.

The NEPA Alliance values the opportunity to work with all stakeholders in our seven-county region. Our goal is to provide the best possible community and economic development services to create and retain jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Membership Benefits

• FREE Networking Reception Invite for One Person ($125 Value)
• FREE Use of Meeting Space
• FREE Member Spotlight
• Discount on NEPA Event Costs
• Discount on Business Loan (.5%)
• Discounted Economic Impact Analysis/Research
• Sponsorship & Marketing Opportunities

NEPA Alliance serves businesses, communities, and governments throughout seven counties and we need your assistance!

Our general annual membership starts at $295.

You can complete your membership online, including payment by clicking the button below.

Need more information? Visit our membership hub, or contact Donna Hritz at dhritz@nepa-alliance.org or call 570-891-4666.

NEPA Alliance has several loan programs available for small businesses located in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne counties.

These low cost, low interest loans offer reduced down payments and standard loan term maturities for machinery and equipment, land and building acquisition, construction and renovation. Loan rates are fixed and generally below the prime lending rate.

Eligible businesses include Manufacturers, Industrial, Agriculture/Agribusiness, Hospitality & Tourism Related Enterprises, Recyclers, Day Cares, Computer Related Services, Advanced Technology, and Retail and Service Related Businesses. Other business sectors may also qualify.

To learn more about these loan programs, contact Stephen Ursich, Dave Nat, Donovan Klem, Ken Doolittle, James Urso, or Kristie Miller at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

Recently Funded Loans

Specialty Contractors - Scranton

• This NEPA BFC SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with The Dime Bank for the purchase and improvement of commercial real estate and equipment.

Brewery – Pittston

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed to provide the borrower funds for leasehold improvements, equipment and working capital.

Construction Contractors – Wilkes Barre

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed to provide the borrower funds for leasehold improvements, equipment and working capital.

NEPA Alliance Business Finance Corporation is a state-wide CDC allowing for NEPA BFC to lend SBA 504 Loans to eligible small businesses located in Pennsylvania.

Financing Structure

A bank or other lender finances 50% of the project cost and takes a first lien position on the assets financed. The SBA 504 loan finances 40% of the project cost, up to $5.5 million, and takes a second lien position. The borrower then contributes a down payment of as little as 10%.

Small Businesses can receive:

• Subordinate Financing
• Up to 90% Loan to Value
• Up to $5.5 Million in SBA Financing
• Unlimited Total Project Cost

SBA 504 Loans offer:

• As Little as 10% Equity Injection
• Terms up to 25 Years
• Guaranteed Fixed Interest Rate

*Eligibility Criteria Apply*

To learn more about these loan programs, contact Stephen Ursich, Dave Nat, Donovan Klem, Ken Doolittle, James Urso, or Kristie Miller at 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

SBA Certification Upgrade

The SBA has just announced that they will be upgrading their socio-economic certifications portal starting August 1^st. Here is what you need to know regarding the process:

• First time applications will not be accepted during the upgrade period.
• The new system should be available for new applications starting early September.
• Potential, and new applicants seeking the federal small business certification are advised to wait until the completed upgrade to submit their applications.
• The majority of certified firms will not be affected by the pause of the applications.
• Those who need to renew during the upgrade timeframe will obtain guidance from the certification program in which they’re participating.
• Applications submitted before the upgrade on August 1^st will still be processed during the upgrade timeframe in the order that they are received by the SBA.
• Any firms that are dealing with a deadline for a proposal that will affect your certification status before August 1 are to contact certifications@sba.gov and provide the contract number, agency, and bid due date.

Source: https://certify.sba.gov/upgrade

International Trade Assistance News

Have you checked your HTS/Schedule B Numbers?

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) sets out the tariff rates and statistical categories for all merchandise imported into the United States. The HTS is based on the international Harmonized System, which is the global system of nomenclature applied to most world trade in goods.

A new HTS Revision has been released and is now available:

• View current HTS
• View change record

Upcoming International Trade Shows and Missions



Medica 2024

Duesseldorf, Germany

November 11-14, 2024

Medical Equipment & Devices

Registration Deadline: August 30, 2024

Trade Mission to Spain, Portugal and Morocco

November 3-13, 2024

Multi Sector

Registration Deadline: August 20, 2024

The Global Access Program (GAP) grant will also be available to help offset the participation fees, hotels, and in-country transportation associated with these events. GAP is expected to open October 1,2024.  

For more information on export development, contact Debbie Langan at dlangan@nepa-alliance.org or 570-891-4645. 

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) has partnered with PennDOT to offer the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) training series in all seven NEPA counties: Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne. 

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Basics

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Delaware Township

116 Wilson Hill Rd,

Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

delawaretownshippa.gov

Traffic Signal Basics

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Archbald Borough Hall

400 Church Street#1

Archbald, PA 18403

archbaldboroughpa.gov

Traffic Calming

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Honesdale Borough Hall

958 Main Street

Honesdale, PA 18431

honesdaleborough.com

Winter Maintenance

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Delaware Township

116 Wilson Hill Rd,

Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

delawaretownshippa.gov

NEPA is scheduling Summer/Fall 2024 classes. Please contact Daniel Yelito, Transportation Services Manager, at 570-655-5581 ext. 264 or email dyelito@nepa-alliance.org if you are interested in holding an LTAP class in your area. 

LTAP will also continue offering online classes, webinars and virtual drop-in sessions. To learn more about upcoming virtual offerings, visit the PennDOT LTAP website.  

Economic Impact Modeling Services

The NEPA Alliance Research & Information Center utilizes IMPLAN Modeling Software to determine the economic impact of projects. Using IMPLAN, NEPA Alliance can demonstrate the economic impact of a new business, income generated by tourism, economic contribution of higher education institutions, and more. NEPA Alliance offers Economic Impact Modeling Services to the community at a fee. To learn more, click here or contact Tyler Day at (570) 891-4656.

Don’t forget that NCAC Members receive access and assistance in accessing Candid's online Foundation Directory, the most comprehensive foundation database. With access to informative profiles of over 299,000 U.S. foundations, you’ll know exactly which foundation fits your programmatic needs, how much to ask for and where to go for more information. NCAC members can receive guided access to the Foundation Directory by visiting our in-office workstation any time during normal business hours. Don’t forget that we’re here to help with all your nonprofit needs! For more information on this service, as well as membership benefits, contact Colleen Burns, Community & Economic Development Specialist.

Pennsylvania Launches Digital Connectivity Technology Program

Public facing institutions such as libraries, schools, municipalities, and other non-profit organizations can apply for laptop computers through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP). Eligible projects under this program will include the acquisition of laptop devices that facilitates broadband internet access and promotes digital literacy and skills training. These devices will be available to eligible entities for use onsite or to individuals through a lending program. Applications will be accepted until August 19, 2024. A full program overview can be found here.

Did You Know...?

Pennsylvania’s older population continues to grow. A new study released from the Pennsylvania State Data Center showed that the senior population was the fastest growing age cohort since 2020 in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania continues to be an attractive destination for retirees, with lower taxes and lower cost of living than neighboring states. Other age groups that grew since 2020 include young adults (15 – 24 year olds) and early middle aged adults (30 – 44 year olds). For more information on the importance of shopping local, contact Tyler Day at (570) 891-4656.