Pennsylvania DCED Deputy Secretary Collins Talks Entrepreneurs, Small Businesses at 'Jobs that Pay' event at Bucknell University Small Business Development Center's Celebration of Small Businesses

News provided by

Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

Jul 17, 2015, 05:25 ET

LEWISBURG, Pa., July 17, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary Sheri Collins today continued the "Jobs that Pay" tour at Bucknell University Small Business Development Center's Celebration of Small Businesses, providing remarks on Governor Wolf's commitment to support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and increase technology investments.

"Today's celebration is another reminder of the successes we share statewide when state government works in collaboration with entrepreneurs and academic institutions," said Collins. "The significant reforms proposed in Governor Wolf's budget will continue to move Pennsylvania forward by creating a pro-business climate that continues to support Pennsylvania's entrepreneurs and start-up companies through strategic investments."

The "Celebration of Small Businesses" is an annual event hosted by Bucknell University's Small Business Development Center to recognize the achievements of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial leaders.

During the celebration, Deputy Secretary Collins presented the "Innovation in New Product Development Award," to Gilson Boards, a Winfield-based snowboard manufacturer, in recognition of innovation in new product development and exemplary collaboration with Bucknell University's College of Engineering.

Gilson Boards was recently approved for funding through the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority to encourage investments that advance the competitiveness of commonwealth companies in the global economy.

Governor Wolf's 2015-16 budget will provide $100 million in technology investments to support entrepreneurs, established companies, and manufacturing innovation through revenue from a commonsense severance tax on gas drilling.

The Bucknell University Small Business Development Center serves entrepreneurs in Union, Northumberland, Juniata, Montour, Perry, and Snyder counties as a member of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers network. Over the past five years, businesses assisted by the Bucknell SBDC have increased their sales by almost $40 million and created more than 400 local jobs.

"The SBDC is pleased to welcome partners and colleagues from throughout Pennsylvania to celebrate small businesses and the entrepreneurial leaders who help them thrive. Small businesses are vital, engaged, and exciting contributors to job creation and the economy, and are vital to the future of our communities," said Steven Stumbris, Director of the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center.

For more information about Governor Wolf's commitment to supporting Jobs that Pay, visit www.pa.gov/jobs-that-pay.

MEDIA CONTACT: Dan Carrigan - 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development