2007 Archives

Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC Has another Great Year

HARRISBURG (January 24, 2007 ) -- The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (HRC/CREDC) serving Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties experienced very positive growth in 2006.

During 2006, HRC/CREDC referred member businesses over 144,000 times; held over 80 events; experienced an 82% member retention rate; helped create 286 new jobs and retain 463 jobs; and handled over $10M in grants and loans to businesses and the region, leveraging $26.5M in private equity and bank financing. Major economic development projects for the year were the Hershey Center for Applied Research project, which is being erected near the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center , and the CTS Reeves Building Project in conjunction with Dickinson College. HRC/CREDC helped to secure funding for both projects.

2006 also marked the first "Start Me Up" Business Plan Competition, created to raise the level of awareness that our region is a great place to start and grow a business, recognize that small and emerging businesses are the job and wealth creators in the community and to spur the economic vitality in South Central Pennsylvania. One of the competitions, our CREDC Fab 5, involved a selection process in which the winners became the organization's "Poster Businesses" for the year. Collectively, the Fab 5 received over $50,000 of free products and services including human resource and marketing consulting, a group of advisors, and advertising opportunities.

Murata Business Center housed 14 businesses and 54 employees and continued its First Monday Program, which administers marketing, financing and management advice to entrepreneurs wanting to start a business. Red Bug Technologies won the Murata Great Business Challenge, including help from other local businesses and the Murata Business Center, to start their technology business.

Over the past five years HRC/CREDC has seen a 20% growth in membership. In the last five years, the organization has made a $120M economic impact on the region and assisted in the creation/retention of over 8,000 jobs.

"HRC/CREDC had an exceptional year in 2006," stated, Dave Black , President & CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. "We could not do what we do without the financial support of the business community and key governmental partners, along with the many hours our volunteers spend serving on one of our many committees or boards. I would especially like to thank 2006 Chamber Chair, Rick Atkinson, and 2006 CREDC Chair, Lawrence Kluger, for their time and dedicated service to the organization and the region. We continue to strive to be the catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in the region and as our tagline line states - Everything we do IS about tomorrow."

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in Cumberland , Dauphin and Perry Counties by providing a unique blend of business, community and economic development and advocacy services under one roof to boost our economic vitality and livability as a region. HRC/CREDC has been accredited with four stars from the United States Chamber of Commerce.