wfrank@altoonamirror.com
The Organic Snack Co., which makes Kate’s Real Food protein bars, opened its 20,000-square-foot production facility last summer. Former Altoona dentist, developer Bruce Thaler, is co-owner of Kate’s Real Food.
Courtesy photo / Photo illustration by Nick Anna
By Walt Frank
Economic development in the region was another victim of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
Starting in March, the staff and board members of the Altoona Blair County Development Corp. could only react to the crisis, managing emergency grant programs, forgiving loans, deferring rents and referring unemployment claims, said President and CEO Stephen McKnight.
Nevertheless, in 2020, ABCD Corp. facilitated 52 business financing projects that represented nearly $17 million in total capital investment and nearly $6.3 million in program funding. These projects led to the creation of 25 new jobs and retention of 210, McKnight said.
Governor calls for $145 million to help small businesses like restaurants, bars
The Governor called on the General Assembly Wednesday to push through a plan that would make $145 million available for struggling businesses Author: Jamie Bittner (FOX43) Updated: 4:14 PM EST December 23, 2020
Governor Tom Wolf has unveiled a proposal that would free up $145 million in funds to help struggling businesses, with an emphasis on bars, restaurants, and even gyms.
Wednesday he announced a plan that would transfer the $145 million out of the Workers’ Compensation Security Fund at the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and instead appropriate it for grants for businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.