The corner building at Seventh Street and Fifth Avenue in the city of New Kensington will become a business incubator for Penn State New Kensington and local community innovation.
GREENSBURG, Pa. — The Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation (WCIDC) board of directors, Gina Cerilli, Ted Kopas, and Charles W. Anderson, approved today (March 31) a lease agreement between the WCIDC and Penn State New Kensington.
The New Kensington campus will be leasing 4,725 square feet at 701 Fifth Ave. in New Kensington from the WCIDC. This space will be home to the new entrepreneurial center set to open in fall 2017.
“The county has developed a strong partnership with Penn State New Kensington, and I’m excited we can work together developing the entrepreneurial center. This center will be the first of its kind in Westmoreland County, and it will be an asset for not only the people using it but the entire community,” said Gina Cerilli, chairman of the WCIDC.
“Innovation and entrepreneurship drive the economy. But it takes vision, commitment and partnership to bring it into communities. This entrepreneurial center will support ideas that create business and jobs for Westmoreland County. I applaud the county commissioners for their dedication and willingness to partner in this project. We see the center bringing new energy into the area and spurring development along New Kensington’s Fifth Avenue,” said Kevin Snider, chancellor of Penn State New Kensington.
During the day the center will stimulate economic growth by bringing a steady flow of people into the city by offering a high-quality co-working space. In the evening it will be a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs. Providing support and entrepreneurial programs to students from Penn State New Kensington, the local community college and local high schools, and small businesses looking to expand.
“The WCIDC has been known for making large investments in industrial parks. We envisioned this unique project as an opportunity to invest in downtown New Kensington with the goal of spurring additional investment in the community,” said WCIDC executive director Jason Rigone.
The WCIDC is currently in the process of purchasing the building and property at 701 Fifth Ave. from Swank Young Developers.
Founded in 1983 by the Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners, WCIDC implements a comprehensive economic development strategy to promote growth in terms of job creation, economic output and a stable tax base for Westmoreland County. Through the development of a county-wide industrial park system, a responsive Business Calling Program and involvement in public/private partnerships, WCIDC strives to foster business growth, resulting in job opportunities for the citizens of Westmoreland County.
For additional information, contact Rigone at 724-830-3061.
