SENATOR BOSCOLA ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO SOUTHSIDE BETHLEHEM

BETHLEHEM (OCT 23) - State Senator Lisa Boscola praised Gov. Ed Rendell’s efforts to stimulate local economies as the Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) just received $125,000 in third-round operational state funding. 

“Thanks to the economic stimulus plan passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Rendell to create and develop these zones, our economy will continue to grow and thrive,” Boscola said.  

The funding, administered by the state Department of Economic Development, will allow Southside Bethlehem KIZ to create 25 new jobs, retain at least 70 jobs, attract two early stage companies and secure at least 10 new patents for technologies developed inside the KIZ.  

“I’m proud to say that Bethlehem launched one of the state’s first Keystone Innovation Zones, and it is a catalyst for future economic growth here,” Boscola said. 

Southside Bethlehem KIZ creates and provides opportunities for entrepreneurs and graduates of Lehigh University and Northampton Community College through relationships with nearby private businesses, business support organizations, commercial lending institutions, venture capital networks and foundations.

The goal of Southside Bethlehem KIZ is to attract upcoming professionals to this area and stimulate the local economy.

From its inception in 2004, 38 patents have been issued to nine different companies located in this zone.  

The funding is part of $3.1 million in statewide investments to support companies and academic research institutions that are making advances in the biomedical, information technology and advanced manufacturing fields. 

More information is available by calling Senator Boscola’s district offices in Bethlehem 610-868-8667, Whitehall 610-266-2117 or Stroudsburg 570-420-2938.

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