CAN DO staff member receives national finance development certification
Mark Minnig, Business Development Specialist, has received certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) from the National Development Council (NDC), a nationally respected organization that offers community partners throughout the U.S. development assistance and professional training.
Minnig joined the business development department at CAN DO in April of 2019. Prior to coming to CAN DO he was an Economic Development Analyst for the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) in the Loan Underwriting Department.
For the past several months, Minnig has been assisting companies in obtaining funding through various programs to assist with hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
CAN DO announces round two of DCED’s Small Business Assistance Program to begin on August 10
As the COVID-19 Pandemic rages on, CAN DO remains actively engaged in current and future funding programs on the federal, state, and local level and continues to offer assistance to local businesses looking for guidance.
CAN DO has been notified by the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) and local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), MetroAction, that round one of the COVID-19 Relief PA Statewide Small Business Assistance Program is complete.
Round two, which was originally scheduled to begin on August 3, will now open on August 10 at 9 a.m. and remain open through August 28. Businesses who applied during the first round and were not approved do not need to reapply as their applications will move to round two automatically. Potential applicants should note that this is likely the last round of funding for this program.
Highwood USA sees increase in demand for its outdoor furniture products, looking to expand its workforce
Industries and businesses around the world have certainly felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but at least one company with manufacturing facilities in Hazleton and Hometown has seen increases in product demand as more and more people choose to shelter at home.
Highwood USA, a manufacturer of synthetic outdoor living products touted as a low maintenance realistic alternative to real wood, is experiencing higher demand for their outdoor furniture products. “The recent issues actually have helped us because people are staying home and demand is very high. With everyone not going out to dinner, not going to the movies, not getting their nails done, not going on vacation, everyone in the country has turned to their backyard, so our furniture sales have been extremely strong,” said John Quarmley, Highwood’s chief operating officer.