With myriad, ongoing positive accomplishments in Indiana County, the Foundation for Indiana University of Pennsylvania and IUP managed to take center stage when they broke ground for Phase 1 of the Residential Revival project. This project begins with the demolition of Wahr Hall, the administrative annex building and the greenhouse. The Indiana County Chamber of Commerce (ICOC) reports that, “Two new residence facilities will be built in this space offering 734 beds for fall, 2007. The due-diligence process for the Kovalchick property purchase along Wayne Avenue continues to proceed with the expected groundbreaking for the IUP Regional Development Complex to occur during 2007.”

The IUP Foundation Board feels that if IUP’s Gateways to Opportunity campaign were in a race to the finish line, “the IUP team would be circling the track for its victory laps.”
The campaign officially closes on June 30 with gifts and pledges totaling $20,301,961– significantly ahead of its $14 million goal. Included in that total is $7,078,561 for student scholarships and $5,277,721 for the Student Opportunity Fund.

“Any comprehensive capital campaign for a university is not just about the total funds raised,” said IUP President, Tony Atwater, Ph.D. “It is also about successfully conveying a vision and a message about the future of the institution. It also raises the awareness of the need for continued philanthropic support for public higher education.”

Atwater was quick to point out, “Students are at the heart of all that we do at IUP, and the initiatives of this campaign are deliberately designed to meet that priority. I continue to be impressed with the generosity of our alumni and friends who believe in our students and the future of this university, especially in the category of scholarships and enhanced opportunities for academic success and achievement.”

Additional campaign fund raising targets include special projects, including support for the Allegheny Arboretum, $1,566,954; IUP regional campuses at Punxsutawney and Northpointe, $989,482; IUP libraries, $983,502; and science and technology, $773,618.

Other Indiana County economic development cannot be ignored:
• C.Q. Inc. and C.Q. Hardwood Finishers Inc. held their open house on April 6.
• On April 24 Dietrich Industries Inc. moved into a 30,000-square-foot multi-tenant facility.
• In late June, 2006, Wyoming Technical Institute (WyoTech) plans to open its new 95,000-square-foot diesel mechanics’ building.
• Construction began on a 63,000-square-foot high-tech office building at 28 Indian Springs Road.
• 3-Ring Realty announced the purchase of the former 191,400-square-foot Fisher Scientific Co. building.
• The Indiana County Center for Economic Operations continues to support the runway extension/expansion project at the Indiana County Jimmy Stewart Airport and the expansion/improvement of Route 422 from Indiana to Kittanning (eventually from Indiana to Ebensburg).
“Indiana County is definitely on the move, thanks to the hard work of many dedicated volunteers, legislators and economic development practitioners as well as those county leaders in the past who planned the vision and then executed on the plan,” said Dana P. Henry, ICOC president.
• Tourism in Indiana County got a boost from Gov. Ed Rendell in the form of a $3,000 grant to further promote the Thunder Mountain Lenape’ Nation’s Native American Festival. This was part of a $500,000 investment by the Rendell administration to further promote various festivals and programs statewide.

Penny Perman, executive director of the Indiana County Tourist Bureau said, “We are excited to have the Lenape’ Nation Native American Festival be recognized through the Heritage Tourism Department. This is a great opportunity to attract visitors and showcase Indiana County.”
• Superior Well Services went public in July, 2005 – and reports its 2006 first quarter profits as having reached record levels. Revenue for the three months ended March 31 was $47.7 million compared to $26.0 million for the same period in 2005, an increase of $21.7 million or 83.2 percent.

In the May 12-25 issue of PBC, ICOC was featured on page six for their award-wining logo.
Community, county, and business leaders also deserve an award for their cooperation and ingenuity which planned and ensured the swift, sustainable economic growth now evident in the region.