The Progress Authority for Bradford and Susquehanna Counties held its annual breakfast meeting this week to honor individuals for outstanding achievement and dedication. This organization is tasked with fostering economic development through advocacy, funding assistance, and project facilitation. Started in 1993, the progress authority has had great success in providing attractive financing packages for business development projects, infrastructure upgrades and workforce development programs.

This year’s sponsor for the breakfast was Cabot Oil & Gas and representing the company was Janice Lobdell who gave an excellent speech about the business relationship Cabot enjoys with Bill Kelly of Taylor Rentals – one of this year‘s award recipients.

Energy in Depth has covered the macroeconomic impacts of the mighty Marcellus Shale many times but the success story that is Taylor Rentals epitomizes just how beneficial natural gas development is for Pennsylvania on a micro level.  For instances, when Bill Kelly started his Taylor Rental franchise his goal was to have three different locations; certainly a challenge for any entrepreneur.  Today, Bill operates four locations throughout the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania, thanks to natural gas.

Also, in attendance was a representative from Energy Citizens who discussed that organization’ role in helping to build consensus around energy issues.  Energy Citizens is a movement made up of tens of thousands of Americans all around the country who are committed to finding real-world solutions to our nation’s energy challenges.  Our own Campaign Director, Tom Shepstone, added his remarks, explaining the role of EID in telling the natural gas story here in our region.

Below are a few interviews taken immediately following the breakfast. Speakers included Tony Ventello (Progress Authority Executive Directory), Dennis Bunnell (Jessup Township Supervisor) and John Kameen (Chairman of the Susquehanna Economic Development Board)

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