New Chairman Excited About County’s Expanded Education Prospects

I’ve been involved in community activities for a long time and education is one of my main passions. So I’m excited by some of the key developments you’ll read about in the latest issue of our InSite newsletter.

First and foremost is the county commissioners’ decision to submit a Local Share Account gaming funds application in support of Northampton Community College’s (NCC) plans to develop a new 175,000 square foot campus in Pocono Township.

NCC’s student body in Monroe County has more than doubled in the past five years and could reach nearly 6,000 within the next five, meaning that NCC will play a critical role in the Poconos future economic development. I’m thrilled that commissioners have cast their unanimous support behind the project.

The good news at NCC goes along with the dual developments at East Stroudsburg University, the opening of ESU’s $40 million Science and Technology Center and the continued development of ESU’s Computer Security Center and Research and Technology Park.

When we market the Poconos as a home for key target industries, one obstacle we often face is the lack of a trained and qualified labor force. This is especially important in the growing biotechnology and computer industries. The development of the Science and Technology Center reflects both ESU’s awareness of the need and its commitment to provide programs that will best serve the community and its students, while the Computer Security Center and Research Park will further the Poconos’ burgeoning reputation as a leader in computer security education and development.

Working together, ESU and NCC have already linked many of their curriculums into the “2 +2” program, giving students the opportunity to coordinate their courses through graduation.

The effects of these three projects on our region’s economy will not be felt immediately, but I can assure you that the intermediate- to long-term effect will be profound.

Kudos to the administrations at ESU and NCC for their dedication to our community and to the county commissioners for their insight in supporting these important projects

I’d like to close by reflecting on Paul Canevari’s leadership. In his eight years as Chairman, the PMEDC has developed raw, county-owned land into two vital commercial/industrial parks, attracted a number of major employers to Monroe County, and – through land sales – confirmed the wisdom of past boards of county commissioners when they purchased the Coolbaugh Township properties with an eye towards improving the county’s competitive position. On behalf of my fellow board members and our professional staff, thanks Paul. And thanks for sticking around to serve as vice-chair.

As you can see, there are exciting developments here in Monroe County. Keep an eye on our Web site or keep an eye out for future editions of InSite to stay on top of the latest happenings.

Chuck Hannig
PMEDC Chairman