Pennsylvania DCED Secretary Davin and Deputy Secretary Collins Continue 'Jobs That Pay' tour at 'Startup Lewisburg' Ribbon Cuttings

News provided by

Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

Aug 20, 2015, 03:47 ET

LEWISBURG, Pa., Aug. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin and Deputy Secretary Sheri Collins today continued the "Jobs that Pay" tour in downtown Lewisburg at 'Startup Lewisburg' by attending a ribbon-cutting tour to mark five new and expanded businesses and providing remarks on Governor Wolf's commitment to support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and increase technology investments.

"Today's ribbon-cuttings show state-supported synergy between entrepreneurs and academic institutions helps create a pro-business climate throughout Pennsylvania," said Davin. "Supporting small business growth is imperative, and the significant reforms proposed in Governor Wolf's budget will give small businesses the tools needed to succeed."

The walking tour consisted of ribbon-cutting ceremonies at five small businesses supported by DCED's strategic partners, Lewisburg Downtown Partnership and the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center. The event featured the grand opening of a locally-owned community pharmacy, an expansion of a popular downtown restaurant, and the launch of a jewelry studio, as well as two rapidly growing technology-based firms launched from Bucknell University's Entrepreneurs Incubator.

"Innovation and entrepreneurship are part of Lewisburg's core, and these themes are being played out in countless homes and offices throughout this town," said Steven Stumbris, Director of the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center. "Lewisburg continues to diversify its start-up ventures, many of whom prosper through collaborations with faculty, staff, and students at Bucknell."

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 severance tax on gas drilling will also provide critical access to capital for small businesses by infusing $100 million into the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority.

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Lyndsay Kensinger - 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development