Although the funding of programs initiated under the Enterprise Community will end in December 2004, the Lock Haven Enterprise Community is experiencing growth and expansion throughout the majority of the benchmark strategies outlined in the community’s strategic plan.

Under the Economic Development strategy, the primary focus for 2003 has been to continue programs and services designed to create jobs and to assist new and existing small businesses. Toward this end, the City completed the construction of a roadway at Airport Business Park in 2003 and began efforts to market the site for development (Benchmark 1). The City’s Commercial Revolving Loan and Grant Program continued to assist new and existing small businesses to expand or locate in the City. In 2003, one new and one existing business secured funding under this program which resulted in the creation of 2 jobs and the retention of 6 jobs. (Benchmark 2).

In 2003, the Lock Haven University Small Business Development Center provided 4,376 hours of consulting to 215 clients. The total consulting hours in 2003 increased 19% over the same period in 2002. Forty-two training seminars were held with 532 attendees. The seminars and presenters were evaluated using the SBA Participant Questionnaires and Course Evaluations forms. All Seminars and presenter received positive evaluations. The center responded to 5,735 phone calls, 278 e-mails, and received 1,774 hits to their web page for small business information. The Lock Haven University SBDC provided business plan development consulting support to 55 clients who were successful in obtaining loan financing in the amount of $5,278,335 during the period from January 1, through December 31, 2003. (Benchmark 4)

Under the Housing strategy, the primary focus for 2003 has been to continue our efforts to combat housing deterioration and provide homeownership opportunities. The City’s Closing Cost Assistance Program provided financial assistance to 6 low and moderate income families to help purchase a home in the city. (Benchmark 12). The City also began exploring state funding opportunities with SEDA Council of Governments of Lewisburg to develop a new housing rehabilitation program for low and moderate income families in the city. SEDA COG would provide technical assistance, contractor training, intake services, rehabilitation management, and lead based paint management. (Benchmark 11) This past year marked the seventh year of the City’s rental property inspection program. A total of 92 rental properties in the Second Ward were due for inspection; of which 91 properties were inspected. (Benchmark 13).

Under the Community Development strategy, the primary focus for 2003 was to continue its efforts to improve the City’s public and community facilities (street improvements, recreation improvements and activities), as well as implement a Main Street approach for downtown Lock Haven . Toward this goal, the City was successful in securing $76,000 in funding through the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for new playground equipment and the creation of a skate park at Hoberman Park. An additional $95,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds will also be used for this project. (Benchmark 17). In 2003, the City was awarded $500,000 from PennDOT under the Transportation Enhancement Program for Phase III Streetscape Improvements along two blocks of Vesper Street, from East Church to East Water Streets. Improvements will include: 9 foot brick sidewalks, concrete curbing, low mount ornamental street lights, parking meters, trees and tree grates, and mill and pave Grove Street. Design of the project is currently underway. (Benchmark 17).

The Lock Haven Summer Concert Series continued in 2003 at the J. Doyle Corman Amphitheater every Sunday evening from the end of May through the end of August and at Triangle Park on most Friday during the summer beginning in June and concluding in September. (Benchmark 7).

The Lock Haven Vitalization Team, with Enterprise Community funding, hired a new program director to update and implement the downtown master plan created in 1998. The membership of the organization more than doubled in size as businesses and community members joined to show their support of downtown Lock Haven. Four promotions were held during the year attracting local residents and visitors to the area. The Lock Haven Vitalization Team started the process to become a Main Street community once again. (Benchmark 36).

Under the Education strategy, Keystone Community Network, a local nonprofit community internet service provider recorded an estimated 5,000 subscribers to its Internet service. (Benchmark 8). Renovations to the front hall and entrance to the West Branch Technology Center began in the fall of 2003. (Benchmark 31). The West Branch Technology Center (WBTC) was established in 1994 with federal, state, and local support to meet the information technology training needs of rural North-Central Pennsylvania. Currently, WBTC provides training and technical support, database and web site design and development services, and continuing education opportunities. Technology center staff specializes in designing customized training packages for educators, businesses, and organizations, either in our facilities, over the Internet, or on-site. (Benchmark 30). Design of the Annie Halenbake Ross Library Roof Replacement project began in 2003 to replace the flat membrane roof with an elevated membrane roof to provide a safe and favorable environment for the patrons of the library. (Benchmark 35)

Under the Health and Human Services strategy, the Parents and Children Together (PACT) Parenting Program of the Infant Development Program continued to provide parent education and support services to parents. Services were provided to pregnant mothers, pregnant and parenting teens, and parents of children from birth to adolescent. These classes are provided in the Infant Development Program center and the families’ homes. (Benchmark 23). The Clinton County Women's Center’s Safe Child / Legal Advocate Program continued to serve victims from our local communities. During 2003 they served 81 sexual assault victims with 1,659 hours counseling and 327 domestic violence victims with 3,115 hours counseling. They provided 58 adults and 28 children with shelter. (Benchmark 28). The Lock Haven Child Care Center’s HeadStart partnership that was established in July of 2002 continues to be very successful currently serving 10 children determined to be HeadStart eligible. The program continues to work on NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accreditation. The Program was awarded a one star rating by the Keystone Stars program and is currently working on a two star rating. The school-age program continues to operate at the Lock Haven Child Care Center however the programs located in the elementary schools are now administered and managed by the Lock Haven YMCA. Enrollment at the Lock Haven Child Care Center is 89 children. (Benchmark 25).

STEP’s Social Service Assistance Program (SSAP) continues to utilize strategies gained from the successful Intensive Case Management Program (ICMP) in addressing demonstrated barriers to individual/family self-sufficiency. Staff continues to partner with other social service and workforce development agencies to address emerging self-sufficiency needs of the community. SSAP is utilizing the ICMP model to address the comprehensive needs expressed by Program participants in Western Clinton County. (Benchmark 24). The Health Literacy Initiative administered by the Central Intermediate Unit Development Center for Adults was developed in the fall of 2002 and several Continuing Education courses were offered in 2003. (Benchmark 37).

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