WASHINGTON, Pa. - Two Washington County economic development agencies have formed an alliance.
Under an agreement signed Monday, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce will administer and manage The Washington County Industrial Development Authority.
Authority Chairman John Artuso also said the agency has joined an economic development partnership formed five years ago by the Washington County commissioners, the chamber and the Washington Industrial Development Corp.
The industrial authority is a public agency comprising a board of directors appointed by the county commissioners. The authority helps businesses by securing state bond loans.
The industrial development corporation is a private group governed by a board of directors that helps businesses to secure loans.
Artuso said the agreement will allow the industrial development authority to reduce its administrative costs by sharing staff and other resources with the chamber. Longtime authority Director Lou Falbo recently retired.
Artuso said Jeff Kotula will take over as the authority's executive director.
Kotula serves as executive director of the county chamber and the industrial development corporation, and is the county's economic development director.
He serves as the "point person" for economic development efforts in the county.
"By bringing the public and private sectors together, we will be able to work together as a team to bring jobs and development to the county," Kotula said during a press conference at the George Washington Hotel in Washington.
Commission co-chairmen Bracken Burns and Larry Maggi applauded the partnership.
Burns said that in the past the economic development process featured "too many players." He said such agencies needed to quit competing against each other, which is why the economic partnership was formed.
"And now we've done that," Burns said. "Our commitment is to tomorrow and creating jobs."
Maggi said the partnership will foster success.
Chamber President Dr. John Gregor said the agreement is a sign the economic development partnership is working for the business community and county taxpayers.
"Today, this innovative concept has not only expanded our economy, but is growing itself with the addition of our newest member, the WCIDA," Gregor said.
