Volume 10 Issue 4 Summer 2014

Willary Foundation and UGI

IN THIS ISSUE:

Willary Foundation/UGI 1

Economy Tracker 1

Indicators Forum Recap 2

2014 Summer Intern 4

Organization 4

AAC 4

Client Services 5

Committed to

research and analysis

leading to revitalize and sustain

Pennsylvania

Quarterly Economy Tracker

The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development recently received grants from the Willary Foundation and UGI which have enabled us to complete a capital intensive data purchase which will greatly assist us in all our future projects.

For the past several years, The Institute has been producing an annual Economy Tracker, a useful compilation of economic statistics for our region. Beginning this fall, we look forward to offering an even more robust and informative quarterly publication. The revamped quarterly Economy Tracker is made possible with support from the Willary Foundation and UGI.

The new format of the Economy Tracker will include more in-depth discussion of economic trends and issues that are impacting our region in addition to data tables representing a selection of key economic indicators. We will also begin to provide data on new economic topics—a quarterly overview on the region’s labor market will also be included in the Economy Tracker.

Watch for the inaugural release of the revamped quarterly Economy Tracker in early September. Special topics in this issue will include an examination of the distribution and e-commerce industry cluster in our area, a discussion of worker commuting patterns, and a brief overview of the labor force participation rate as an economic indicator.

Indicators Report & Regional Forum

Here are some sneak peaks from this years Indicators Report! Demographics Positive net migration into the counties is the primary reason population has been growing slightly. The new population comes primarily from New York, New Jersey, and other parts of Pennsylvania. In the two counties, older adults make up a larger portion of the population than the children compared to the Commonwealth. Lastly, over 90% of the population of the counties is Caucasian, however it has been decreasing over the past several years. The two counties have less racial diversity than the state as a whole.

Jobs & Economy The economic recession in December 2007 and the collapse of the housing bubble that peaked in July 2006 greatly affected three major areas these indicators analyze – unemployment, income, and poverty. Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties have lagged and struggled. Some professional, higher wage employment sectors are beginning to grow and the increase in exports and tourism is positively affecting the economy. One of the major issues impacting the region is the percentage of individuals living below the poverty level. Poverty levels are closely linked with unemployment. Per capita income and average annual pay have been increasing at a relatively steady rate since 2000, despite the decline in employment from 2007—2011. However, these numbers have not kept pace with the state average, the rate of inflation, or the increasing cost of living.

Education The portion of students in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties enrolled in public schools is down for the 2012-2013 school year, and the percentage of students enrolled in local private schools has increased. However, given the fluctuation in these numbers over the last several years, it is difficult to say if this will be a continuing trend. Both counties demonstrated small decreases in the 2012-2013 school year compared with the prior year, but attendance has generally followed an upward trend across all years examined. Both counties also reported a decrease in its special education enrollment numbers for the 2011-2012 school year. Housing There has been a slight decrease in the total housing units in the counties, but the total number of housing units has not changed dramatically in the past several years. The region’s housing stock is predominantly older and owner-occupied. Redevelopment will need to occur in order to ensure the housing stock does not decay as it ages. Since the housing market crash, signs of recovery in the region have been mixed. Housing affordability has also changed over time. Compared with 2000, both monthly homeownership costs and rent have increased as a percentage of median household income for both counties.

Health & Healthcare The cancer rate in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties has fluctuated significantly from year to year so a definitive trend could not be identified. The rate of death by heart disease, being one of the top causes of death in the U.S., declined through 2010 in Pennsylvania as a whole as well as in the two counties examined. The rate of teen pregnancy has declined slightly over the last several years in both counties and the state. However, the percentage of expectant mothers receiving first-trimester prenatal care has decreased for both counties and the state. Lastly, the cost of health care is a top concern of both counties as well.

Public Safety Over the last several years, Lackawanna County has seen an increase in property crime. Luzerne County’s property crime totals have also increased, driven by increases in larceny theft and burglary. Between 2011-2012, violent crime in Lackawanna County increased a bit while it decreased somewhat in Luzerne County during the same period, Statewide violent crime has been on a downward trend since 2006. Domestic violence is unfortunately quite prevalent within the study region. The level of police presence has remained somewhat steady.

You can read more about the Indicators findings within Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties on our website at the following link: http://www.institutepa.org/PDF/Indicators/2014/indicator14.pdf

Indicators Report & Regional Forum (continued)

Summer Interns 2014

The Institute would like to thank our Summer 2014 intern for all of his hard work throughout the semester. We wish you the best in all of your future endeavors!

Wilkes University– Kyle Romm

If you are interested in a competitive internship, please contact Research Assistant Nimita Patel for eligibility criteria at patel@institutepa.org or via phone at 570-408-9850

We would like to welcome our newest member of The Institute’s Advisory Board Wico van Genderen. Wico represents the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business & Industry on the board.

We would also like to thank Richard Beasley for his years of service and commitment to The Institute. Rich has retired from PPL Electric.

The Academic Advisory Council (AAC) is comprised of educators from The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development’s nine partner institutions. The AAC convenes to discuss key academic planning and developing, as

well as to examine economic prospective of academic policies and initiatives. The AAC actively analyzes and sponsors research programs and objectives.

The AAC was formed in 2005 and is incorporated under The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development, a collaborative applied research center.

Academic Advisory Council

Beth Admiraal, Ph.D., Chair 2013-2014– King’s College Terry Clemente, M.B.A.– Penn State/Wilkes-Barre Alexander Dawoody, Ph.D.– Marywood University Joseph Dreisbach, Ph.D.– University of Scranton

Thea Harrington, Ph.D.– Keystone College Gary Mrozinski, Ph.D.– Luzerne County Community College Sonia Planey, Ph.D.– The Commonwealth Medical College

Bernadette Rushmer, M.B.A.– Misericordia University Anne Skleder, Ph.D.– Wilkes University

Our Seventh Annual Faculty Research Symposium was held at King’s College in April. Over 20 faculty and faculty/

student teams presented their research on a wide range of subjects. You can access this years Symposium Abstract at this link: http://institutepa.org/PDF/FacultyResearch/abstract14.pdf

Academic Advisory Council

Board Notes

Did you know The Institute works on proprietary projects for all types of clients?

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter http://www.facebook.com/institutepa https://twitter.com/institutePA

Market and Feasibility Analyses Indicators – Indexes

Community Health Assessments HUD Al Studies

Economic Development Strategies Economic and Tax Impact Studies

Industry Studies Workforce Studies Education Studies

Economic and Demographic Profiles Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation Support

Research Validation and Peer Review Site Selection Research

Stimulus Project Analyses and Monitoring Arts & Culture Studies

Tourism Strategic Plans Comprehensive Plans

Asset Maps

The Institute prepares the following products:

Arts & Culture Luzerne County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Luzerne County Cultural Council

Corporate Borton Lawson

Facility Design & Development, Ltd. Transcontinental Pipeline Company, LLC

Ufberg Law Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Economic Development Carbon Cty Chamber and Economic Development Corp.

Forum for Pennsylvania’s Heartland Great Valley Technology Alliance

Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce South Valley Partnership

Education & Workforce Development Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

King’s College Lackawanna County Workforce Investment Board

Luzerne Schuylkill Workforce Investment Board Wall Street West/WIRED

Wayne/Pike Workforce Alliance Wilkes University

Government Appalachian Regional Commission

Borough of Factoryville

City of Nanticoke City of Scranton

Civic Research Alliance Columbia & Montour Counties

Lackawanna County Local Government Commission

Luzerne County Luzerne County Municipal Cooperation Commission

Wilkes-Barre City Wyoming County

Health & Healthcare Healthy Northeast Pennsylvania Initiative

Moses Taylor Hospital The Commonwealth Medical College

The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Volunteers in Medicine Clinic

Non-Profit Organization Arbor Housing & Development

Carbondale YMCA Central Susquehanna Community Foundation

Jewish Community Center Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation

Municipal Cooperation Commission Nicholson Heritage Association Pennsylvania Economy League

United way of Susquehanna County United Way Wyoming Valley

Client List

If you or anyone from your firm is interested in becoming our next client, please contact us at info@institutepa.org.

Advisory Board

www.institutepa.org

Teri Ooms

Executive Director

ooms@institutepa.org

Nimita Patel

Research Assistant patel@institutepa.org

The opinions or findings in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the sponsoring organization, individuals,

or institutions, their officers or boards, or The Institute’s Advisory Board.

The Institute provides research, technical assistance, and facilitation and convening services to the

private and public sector to:

analyze components for regional prosperity

create state and local government development strategies

market studies

feasibility studies

impact reports

Mailing address:

85 South Main Street

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

Locations in Scranton & Wilkes-Barre, PA

Staff:

Patrick Leahy, Ed. D

Chairman

Wilkes University

William P. Montague

Founder

Montague Family Foundation

Frank Joanlanne

Vice Chairman

Borton Lawson

Patrick A. Fricchione Jr.

Simplex Industries Inc.

Terry Casey

Chancellor Financial Group

Robert Durkin

Greater Scranton Chamber of

Commerce

David Coppola, Ph.D.

Keystone College

Brian Grove

Department of Community & Natu-

ral Resources

John Cefaly

Cushman & Wakefield

Research areas include:

demographics

economic development projects and planning

community development education workforce development

health and healthcare best practices innovation indicators economic indicators tourism and arts & culture

Thomas Leary

Luzerne County Community College

Robert Luciani

Prudential Retirement Services

Thomas Botzman, Ph.D.

Misericordia University

Maureen McLeod, Ph.D.

The Commonwealth Medical College

Mary Ellen Monacelli

Sanofi Pasteur

Anne Munley, IHM, Ph.D.

Marywood University

John Ryan, C.S.C., Ph.D.

King’s College

Steven Scheinman, M.D.

The Commonwealth Medical College

Conrad Schintz

Geisinger Health System

Matthew Sordoni

Upland Corporation

Wico van Genderen

Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of

Business & Industry

Emeritus: William B. Sordoni

Sordoni Construction

Kevin P. Quinn, S.J.

University of Scranton

Andrew Chew

Research Analyst

chew@institutepa.org

Heather Acker

Gentex Corp

Charles Davis, Ph.D.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre

Richard Beasley

PPL Electric Thomas Romanowski

GreenSpace Properties, LLC

Thomas Lawson

Borton Lawson

Charles Kasko

Wyoming Valley Motors

Eugene Roth

Rosenn, Jenkins, & Greenwald