CAN DO, the economic development organization serving Greater Hazleton and beyond, announced updated interest rate options for Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loans for the 2015 second quarter.

PIDA provides low-interest loans and lines of credit for eligible businesses that commit to creating and retaining full-time jobs and for the development of industrial parks and multi-tenant facilities. Loan applications are packaged and underwritten by certified economic development organizations that partner with PIDA to administer the program.

Related articles:
Hydrodynamics gets loans
Susquehanna Brewing
DHD Realty and GT Fabrication

The new rates will be in effect for loan applications received through June 30, 2015.

CAN-DO-HydrodynamicsWorking to help small businesses grow, the CAN DO economic development corporation recently assisted a Hazle Township plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractor to secure low-interest loans for purchasing an industrial building to house its operations.

Hydrodynamics was founded in 1994 as a home-based plumbing contractor and operated in Weston, outside Hazle Township, for several years before moving into a garage in Hazleton where it was housed until its recent move into a 5,500 square-foot building in the Milnesville section of Hazle Township.

When founder David Popiak needed help securing funding for the purchase of the new building, he turned to the CAN DO finance department, which assisted him in securing a $56,250 low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. CAN DO then teamed up with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA Alliance) to secure an additional $56,250 in low-interest funding through the Economic Development Administration.

Hundreds of children and adults enjoyed a festive kickoff to the holiday season during the 22nd annual CAN DO Community Christmas on Wednesday evening.

CAN DO_ChristmasCAN DO Community Christmas “Come Celebrate the Arts” featured music from several school groups performing at Christ Lutheran Church in downtown Hazleton. The theme of this year’s event was “Nutcracker Ballet.”

CAN DO Community Christmas is coordinated by CAN DO’s Student Action Committee, made up of local high school students who plan and assist with special community projects throughout the year. Committee members Samantha Hartz of Weatherly Area High School and Haylee Kirschner of MMI Preparatory School served as this year’s co-chairs for CAN DO Community Christmas.