Despite a year dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation says it has had some success.
CCED President Jason Hansford, during the organization’s annual meeting on Thursday, noted three new companies came to Clarion County, which created 10 temporary jobs and will create 130 permanent jobs over the next two years.
“There was $85,000 in direct grant moneys already awarded, and there is $6.75 million in grant moneys awaiting award decisions,” he said.
CCED Executive Director Shannon Barrios said the pandemic has not stopped the organization from broadening its scope of services and outreach.
The CCED, she said, has augmented financial investment in the county, created jobs and begun to implement a long-term strategy toward Clarion County’s economic growth and prosperity.
Hansford said the CCEDC was the first organization in the county to create a COVID-19 resource page on its website, providing up-to-the minute information on local effects of the pandemic, as well as tools and resources to help local businesses.