Two Area Economic Development Programs Go LEAN!

Nov. 16, 2011 - PRLog -- ERIE, PA - LEAN principles can be applied to economic development programs as well as manufacturing processes.  The Northwest Industrial Resource Center, www.nwirc.org, highly recognized for their expertise in training manufacturers on how to take duplication and dollars out of any process, is showing their clients that they “walk their talk”.

This week the Erie-based staff moved from its offices on Tower Lane to 5340 Fryling Road, Suite 202, in Knowledge Park to co-locate with Ben Franklin Technology Partners.  Why Ben Franklin?  In addition to its work with entrepreneurs and start-ups, the Ben Franklin program also invests in small manufacturing companies that need funding to develop a new product or process.  Both programs will now be able to serve their shared clients from an efficient, one-stop shop perspective.

Joining forces under a single roof and mingling the expertise of each staff creates synergies that benefit the clients of both programs while achieving cost savings for Pennsylvania. Steve Brawley, CEO of Ben Franklin said, ‘This co-location effort between the NWIRC and Ben Franklin represents an innovative approach to achieving the goals of the Commonwealth.We’re hoping other business support programs will also look at space in Knowledge Park.”

B. J. Lechner, the Director of Business Growth Services for the NWIRC, commented, “Co-locating with Ben Franklin in Knowledge Park is a great opportunity for both programs. It’s a convenient location for all our respective clients, but especially for those who may need the services of the Economic Development Corporation of Erie County, which also has its offices in the Park.”  To contact the NWIRC at their new location, call 898-6893.

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About Ben Franklin:
Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP, an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development provides investment capital and operational assistance to emerging tech-based companies and small, existing manufacturers for the purpose of creating and retaining jobs in Pennsylvania. Contact the Erie office of Ben Franklin in Knowledge Park at (814) 898-6650 or see our website at www.cnp.benfranklin.org

About the NWIRC - The Resource for Manufacturers
Since 1988, the NWIRC has been the single source for consulting and support in virtually every area of manufacturing in the 13 counties of northwest Pennsylvania. The program helps manufacturers improve their bottom and top lines, as well as identify opportunities for streamlining production processes. The NWIRC connects companies with best-in-class consultants and helps make them affordable. For more information, see www.nwirc.org