Pennsylvanians have paid $1.17 billion in import taxes on products subject to the Trump administration’s tariffs in its ongoing trade dispute with China, according to the latest Tariff Tracker produced by Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, a nonprofit coalition of trade advocacy groups.
Read More »
Manufacturing
State announces application period for 2020 hemp program
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is preparing for the state’s second year of commercial-scale hemp production, and will begin accepting applications from growers and processors to participate in the 2020 hemp program. Last year was the first that Pennsylvania’s farmers could grow and process hemp commercially, following passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which allowed ...
Read More »USDA pilot program makes hemp crops eligible for insurance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that hemp farmers in 21 states will be eligible for crop insurance next year, including some in Pennsylvania.
Read More »$80M recycling plant set to open in Berks County, could create more than 130 jobs
CarbonLITE Holdings LLC, a California-based manufacturer, plans to open an $80 million, 270,000-square-foot recycling plant in Berks County early this year that should bring more than 130 jobs to the region.
Read More »PIDA funds new industrial park in Berks County
A new industrial park will soon be built in Ontelaunee Township. Two loans, provided by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, will fund the purchase and development of land for an industrial park at the southeast intersection of Routes 61 and 73.
Read More »Seven Sirens Brewing Company to open in Bethlehem soon
Bethlehem’s newest brewery, Seven Sirens Brewing Company, is on track to open in the next few months on Broad Street. Founded by partners Josh Divers and Jordan Serulneck, a U.S. Navy veteran, the brewery will feature a variety of flagship and specialty beers.
Read More »NYC’s ball drop? Nope, try Bethlehem’s PEEPS drop for NYE
Just Born Quality Confections, the candy manufacturer headquartered in Bethlehem, widely known for its PEEPS chick, a glittery candy-coated marshmallow confection, will descend a bright yellow illuminated PEEPS chick for the new year's countdown.
Read More »Federal safety regulators blasted for letting companies call the shots in report
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission was excoriated by overseers in the Senate for allegedly failing to adequately protect U.S. consumers from unsafe and defective products.
Read More »It’s 2020, do you know where your operating plan is?
Fresh from the holidays, batteries recharged, you’re all ready to start a new year of business. Twelve new months, 52 new weeks stretch out before you. Do you and your team have a coherent plan for this New Year? I’ll bet many of you don’t.
Read More »Workforce plan expects growth in health care, construction jobs; decline in manufacturing
From now until Jan. 21, state officials are accepting comments for Gov. Tom Wolf’s federally mandated four-year workforce development plan, which seeks to coordinate the efforts of the state's educational institutions, economic development programs and employers of the region’s major industries to create a pathway to optimal employment.
Read More »