Student Action Committee holds first meetingThe CAN DO Student Action Committee, a group of high school juniors and seniors from throughout Greater Hazleton who serve as non-voting members on the CAN DO Board of Directors, recently marked its 40th anniversary and held an initial meeting for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.

During the meeting, the group of eight seniors and eight juniors focused on learning their roles and responsibilities as Student Action Committee members, including attending CAN DO’s bi-monthly board of directors meetings. The group also began the planning process for its two signature events, “Operation: CAN DO” and CAN DO Community Christmas.

humboldt park association logo FINALState Representative Tarah Toohil discussed workforce development initiatives to ensure that today’s student population is prepared for careers in the industrial sector at the latest Humboldt Park Association meeting, which was held at American Eagle Outfitters.

Rep. Toohil spoke about having a greater focus on promoting job availability in Greater Hazleton and joining together with the Pennsylvania CareerLink® office and regional businesses to provide students with the necessary skills they need to enter the workforce. This fall, Toohil will host the annual Jobs For You career fair at the Hazleton Area High School. The event gives students a look at jobs that are available for those interested in directly entering the workforce after graduation.

CAN DO, Inc. announced a limited-time interest rate incentive for Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan applications as well as terms and conditions for current and future PIDA interest rate policies.

PIDA announced a new 2 percent interest rate policy regarding loans that apply to real estate, machinery and equipment, working capital, and pollution prevention projects. For PIDA loan applications received on or before December 31, 2017, borrowers will receive a 2 percent interest rate fixed for the full term of the loan.

Under this incentive, PIDA loans can be used under the following terms: Real Estate (15-year term), Equipment (10-year term), and Working Capital (12-month term). Eligible applicants can borrow $35,000 for every job retained and/or $50,000 for every job created within three years of closing of the loan. Applications can be submitted through CAN DO, Inc.