Current News
For Immediate Release

Harrisburg, PA - April 7, 2003 - Approximately 250 economic development professionals gathered at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania during last week's Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) 2003 Spring Conference for a luncheon honoring the winners of PEDA's annual awards for the 2002 calendar year. PEDA President Martin Marasco presented awards for Large Economic Development Agency of the Year, Small Economic Development Agency of the Year, and Economic Development Partner of the Year; as well as two special recognitions, during the ceremony, which immediately followed an address by Governor Edward Rendell.

One of the special recognitions was bestowed upon Ben Franklin Technology Partners in recognition of the organization's twenty years of working with state and local economic developers and technology-oriented companies in an effort to create quality jobs in the new economy. Director of Statewide Affairs, Terry Singer accepted the award.

“Technology-driven entrepreneurship requires varied and special resources, however the time and effort invested in such endeavors leads to companies that provide some of the highest-quality employment for Pennsylvanians,” David B. Carver, Executive Director of PEDA said; “in its two decades, the Ben Franklin Technology Partners have helped technology-based companies and economic developers working with the companies gain access to capital, expertise, strategies and other specialize resources as demanded by these companies. Ben Franklin has been a valuable tool in making Pennsylvania a player in today's technological economy.”

Ben Franklin Technology Partners, through four strategically-located centers in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, State College and Pittsburgh, has provided twenty years of service to the Commonwealth in helping to create high-skill, high-wage jobs through the linking of entrepreneurs with funding, business expertise, skilled management and other resources. The organization has enjoyed the support of three consecutive administrations and the General Assembly, evolving into an integral part of Pennsylvania's economic development landscape.

Other award recipients included Large Agency of the Year, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation; Small Agency of the Year, Penn-Northwest Development Corporation; Economic Development Partner of the Year, FirstEnergy Corporation; and a Special Recognition Citation presented to Carol Kilko of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for her dedication to the economic development community and the association.

PEDA is Pennsylvania's premier economic development association representing over 330 professionals in local, state, utility, private and railroad economic development across the Commonwealth.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP) is dedicated to growing the region through science, technology and entrepreneurship. Now commemorating 20 years of innovation excellence, Ben Franklin provides entrepreneurs and established businesses the capital, talent, and expertise they need to compete. Like its namesake, Ben Franklin invests in, builds upon and delivers solutions that grow communities and create new wealth by supporting today's technological ideas and tomorrow's scientific discovery.