Press Release – May 16, 2008

Small Businesses Confirm Benefits of Assistance from Small Business Development Centers at State Capitol
Small Firms Evidence “The Right Direction” at Harrisburg Expo

HARRISBURG, PA – Twenty-five small businesses from across Pennsylvania participated in “The Right Direction,” an exposition held at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg on Tuesday, May 13. The annual event, now its 14th year, is coordinated by the statewide network of Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) to feature companies that exemplify small firms’ social and economic impact throughout the Commonwealth.

“In turbulent economic times likes these, assistance for small businesses is more important than ever,” said Christian Conroy, interim state director of the Pennsylvania SBDC network. “The SBDCs have proven results for helping small businesses succeed, and the businesses here today represent just some of the thousands across the state this program has helped to create jobs, increase sales, export products – all of which brings revenue back to Pennsylvania.”

Examples of companies exhibiting at this year’s event included:

• Brookville Equipment Corporation, a train and underground mining equipment manufacturer that increased export sales by 160 percent;
• Engineered Plastics, Inc., a plastic injection molding company that obtained a $500,000 Department of Environmental Protection grant to purchase equipment which converts trash into recycled consumer products;
• Kuchera Defense Systems, a manufacturer for the defense industry that expanded sales globally;
• Verefi Technologies, Inc., a software development company that obtained $793,000 in government grants;
• Tea Country, a minority-owned business that expanded from internet-based sales into two new retail locations.

Approximately 200 lawmakers and government officials attended the event, including Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, Representative Sam Smith, Representative Jerry Stern, Senator Michael O’Pake, and Senator Constance Williams among others. Several exhibiting clients also received citations from state legislators in recognition of their achievements.

By providing high-quality consulting, training and information to entrepreneurs and small business owners the Pennsylvania SBDCs have helped thousands of businesses open and grow successful operations throughout the state. In the past year alone, the SBDCs have helped clients reach over $613.3 million in sales, open 2,147 new businesses and obtain over $204.9 million in start-up and expansion financing.

As the largest statewide provider of entrepreneurial services, the Pennsylvania SBDCs play a unique and vital role in the Commonwealth's economic development initiatives. By utilizing the expertise and resources of 18 of the best colleges and universities in the state, the SBDCs are able to assist entrepreneurs in all stages of business across all industry sectors. Funding support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the SBDC host institutions enables consulting services to be provided at no charge to the client. For more information on the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers' services and impact, visit www.pasbdc.org.