Calendar of Events

Selling to the Government
September 12, 2023   |   Virtual   |   Free   |   10:00 am

While doing business with the government can be a little daunting, selling to the Government can be a lucrative marketplace for a company looking to expand. Join Robyn Rowan, NW Commission APEX Accelerator’s Program Manager, and Gannon University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for an introduction to “Selling to the Government”. Attendees will gain knowledge on what & how the government buys, determining if your company is ready for the government market, small business programs/certifications, how to find bidding opportunities, and more.

TO REGISTER:  https://www.sbdcgannon.org/events/selling-to-the-government-2


Understanding the DoD & SBA Mentor Protégé Programs for Government Contracting
September 26, 2023   |   Virtual   |   Free   |   10:00 am

This FREE virtual session will provide attendees with a better understanding of the Dept. of Defense (DoD) and Small Business Administration's (SBA) respective Mentor Protege Programs (MPPs) and the advantages they provide government contractors. Join Mercedes Thurston, Dept. of the Navy's MPP Program Manager, and the NWC APEX Accelerator as they cover: Advantages of the SBA & DoD's MPPs; Eligibility requirements; Differences between the programs.

TO REGISTER:  Sign up via https://nwpaptac.ecenterdirect.com/events/4473 or by emailing aaronr@northwestpa.org


LTAP Training- Winter Maintenance
September 28, 2023  |   Vernon Township Municipal Building, 16678 McMath Avenue, Meadville  |  8:00 am - Noon

This course covers the basics of an effective and efficient winter maintenance program. Best Practices for winter maintenance operations will be emphasized. Topics will include an overview of the various materials available for treating the roadways, as well as, the latest techniques in pre-wetting and anti-icing practices. Other topics will include spreader calibration, material application rates, basic plowing techniques and environmental awareness. Intended Audience: All public works employees engaged in winter maintenance operations including: Street supervisors, public works directors, roadmasters, crew foremen and equipment operators.


OPEI Advisory Committee Meeting
October 4, 2023   |   Rickenbacker International Airport, 2241 John Circle Dr, Columbus, OH   |   10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Located in the middle of the North American International Freight Center, Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) is one of the only cargo-focused airports in the world.  The event will include a tour of Rickenbacker Airport followed by a working lunch with committee updates. 

If you are interested in becoming an active participant of the OPEI and wish to join the tour, please contact Dorte Heffernan at dorteh@northwestpa.org or by calling (814) 677-4800 x110.


Understanding Woman-Owned Small Business Certifications for Government Contracting
October 4, 2023   |   Virtual   |   Free   |   10:00 am

This free session will provide attendees with a better understanding of Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) certifications as they apply in the government marketplace. We’ll discuss aspects of WOSB & WBE to help businesses determine if certification is right for them, including eligibility requirements, how these certifications fit into state and federal contracting, and the options for certifying. Co-sponsored by NW Commission APEX, North Central PA APEX, and PennWest Clarion SBDC.

TO REGISTER: https://nwpaptac.ecenterdirect.com/events/4471


LTAP Training- Winter Maintenance
October 6, 2023  |   Summit Township Municipal Building, 1230 Townhall Road W, Suite 100, Erie  |  8:00 am - Noon

This course covers the basics of an effective and efficient winter maintenance program. Best Practices for winter maintenance operations will be emphasized. Topics will include an overview of the various materials available for treating the roadways, as well as, the latest techniques in pre-wetting and anti-icing practices. Other topics will include spreader calibration, material application rates, basic plowing techniques and environmental awareness. Intended Audience: All public works employees engaged in winter maintenance operations including: Street supervisors, public works directors, roadmasters, crew foremen and equipment operators.


LTAP Training- Drainage: The Key to Roads That Last
October 12, 2023  |   Vernon Township Municipal Building, 16678 McMath Avenue, Meadville  |  8:00 am - 3:00 pm  |  Lunch Provided

This course covers the affect water has on roadways. Emphasis is on problems caused by poor drainage with discussion on various ways to handle these problems. Basic roadway drainage systems and their usage are reviewed. Industry standard procedures for replacing cross pipes are presented in detail. Regulatory agency policies and permit requirements are presented. The importance of performing routine inspection of drainage system assets is discussed with emphasis on the relationship to planning and Federal Aid reimbursement in the case of a disaster. Intended Audience: Individuals who are involved in the planning and execution of maintenance work on asphalt pavements, including: street superintendents, roadmasters, public works directors, crew foremen, and select crew members.


Using Foreign-Trade Zones & Drawback to Reduce Supply Chain Costs
October 12, 2023   |   William J. Douglass, Jr. Conference Center   |   764 Bessemer Street, Meadville, PA 16335   |   8:30 am – 11:30 am

Join us for an in-person training event on October 12 in Meadville. Sean Lydon, President of ISCM, Inc will present during this half-day training on Foreign Trade Zones and the U.S. Drawback Program. Cost is $30 per person. A light breakfast and materials will be provided.

Deadline to register is October 5. To register, please click here.


LTAP Training- Bridge & Culvert Inspection for Municipalities
October 19, 2023  |   Harborcreek Township Municipal Building, 5601 Buffalo Road, Harborcreek  |  8:00 am - 3:00 pm  |  Lunch Provided

The Federal Highway Administration requires the inspection of structures over 20 feet in length. This course discusses why the requirements for inspection were established and ownership responsibilities. As an introductory level course, components and terminology of smaller span structures are discussed to aid in reading bridge inspection reports. Components of different bridges, including the approach roadway, deck, superstructure, and substructure are discussed as well as culverts. The course discusses common (and uncommon) failure mechanisms typically encountered on smaller span structures. Three sample bridge inspection reports are reviewed, to familiarize municipal officials and employees with the importance of understanding these reports. Intended Audience: Individuals who are involved in the maintenance of locally owned bridges (particularly spans less than 20 feet), including: elected officials, public works directors, roadmasters and bridge foremen/crew leaders.


LTAP Training- Public Works  Safety
October 20, 2023  |   Franklin Industrial & Commercial Development Authority (FICDA), 191 Howard Street, Franklin |  8:00 am - Noon

This course provides a basic understanding of common safety factors and practices associated with public works road maintenance operations. Specific operations discussed include trench excavation, crack sealing with hot asphalt, mowing and chain saw use, as well as winter maintenance. It provides and overview of why accidents happen and how to protect personnel through the use of personal protective equipment. Workplace awareness is stressed with emphasis on chemical safety, environmental hazards, and vehicle and equipment safety issues. The importance of having a formal safety program in place and how to establish an effective program is discussed. Intended Audience: Individuals who are performing maintenance or construction activities for or on municipal roadways including: roadmasters, crew foremen, equipment operators, and laborers. Others who would benefit from this course include municipal managers and elected officials to understand the importance and for budgeting purposes.


LTAP Training- Winter Maintenance
October 25, 2023  |   Training & Workforce Development Center @LindenPointe, 3050 Prosperity Place, Hermitage   |  8:00 am - Noon

This course covers the basics of an effective and efficient winter maintenance program. Best Practices for winter maintenance operations will be emphasized. Topics will include an overview of the various materials available for treating the roadways, as well as, the latest techniques in pre-wetting and anti-icing practices. Other topics will include spreader calibration, material application rates, basic plowing techniques and environmental awareness. Intended Audience: All public works employees engaged in winter maintenance operations including: Street supervisors, public works directors, roadmasters, crew foremen and equipment operators.


LTAP Training- Bridge & Culvert Inspection for Municipalities
November 2, 2023  |   Youngsville Borough Building, 40 Railroad Street, Youngsville  |  8:00 am - 3:00 pm  |  Lunch Provided

The Federal Highway Administration requires the inspection of structures over 20 feet in length. This course discusses why the requirements for inspection were established and ownership responsibilities. As an introductory level course, components and terminology of smaller span structures are discussed to aid in reading bridge inspection reports. Components of different bridges, including the approach roadway, deck, superstructure, and substructure are discussed as well as culverts. The course discusses common (and uncommon) failure mechanisms typically encountered on smaller span structures. Three sample bridge inspection reports are reviewed, to familiarize municipal officials and employees with the importance of understanding these reports. Intended Audience: Individuals who are involved in the maintenance of locally owned bridges (particularly spans less than 20 feet), including: elected officials, public works directors, roadmasters and bridge foremen/crew leaders.


LTAP Training- Bridge & Culvert Inspection for Municipalities
November 9, 2023  |  Training & Workforce Development Center @LindenPointe, 3050 Prosperity Place, Hermitage  |  8:00 am - 3:00 pm  |  Lunch Provided

The Federal Highway Administration requires the inspection of structures over 20 feet in length. This course discusses why the requirements for inspection were established and ownership responsibilities. As an introductory level course, components and terminology of smaller span structures are discussed to aid in reading bridge inspection reports. Components of different bridges, including the approach roadway, deck, superstructure, and substructure are discussed as well as culverts. The course discusses common (and uncommon) failure mechanisms typically encountered on smaller span structures. Three sample bridge inspection reports are reviewed, to familiarize municipal officials and employees with the importance of understanding these reports. Intended Audience: Individuals who are involved in the maintenance of locally owned bridges (particularly spans less than 20 feet), including: elected officials, public works directors, roadmasters and bridge foremen/crew leaders.


LTAP Training- Unpaved & Gravel Roads Common Maintenance Practices
November 14, 2023  |  Clarion Township Building, 17382 Rt. 322, Strattanville  |  8:00 am - Noon

This course addresses basic maintenance techniques for unpaved and gravel roads. Topics include the importance of good drainage, surface aggregate and dust control materials, and operational techniques. These techniques include blading, reshaping, regraveling and dust control. Driving Surface Aggregate (DSA) specifications and use are reviewed. Factors used to determine when to upgrade a gravel road by paving or seal coating the roadway are discussed. Intended Audience: Individuals involved in the maintenance of unpaved or gravel roadways such as: Street supervisors, roadmasters, crew foremen, and equipment operators. This class does not qualify a municipality to obtain dirt and gravel road funds, but rather teaches them how to better use such funds.


OH, NY & PA APEX Accelerators’ Tri-State Mega Matchmaker 2023
December 5 & 6, 2023  |  Virtual  |  Free

Our online training & matchmaking event will be held again this year on December 5 & 6.  An opportunity to join training webinars and schedule one-on-one meetings with government agencies, prime contractors, and business resources.

Stay tuned for more announcements and event info to be posted in the coming weeks:  https://nwpaptac.ecenterdirect.com/events 


Bringing the World to PA 
March 14, 2024  |  Ambassador Center, Hemingway Ballroom,  7794 Peach Street, Erie |  8:00 am - 3:00 pm  |  Free

Mark your calendar for this incredible international event!  Pennsylvania's Authorized Trade Representatives will meet with northwest PA regional companies to discuss export opportunities in the 44 countries they represent around the world!  More details to follow!

 BTW Rescheduled                                                                             



For additional information about our Calendar of Events, please contact:

Jessica Carroll, Outreach Specialist
jessicac@northwestpa.org
P: (814) 677-4800 x109