News

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Erie County Redevelopment Authority Announces New Round of StARTup Business Development Grants

Tuesday May 2nd, 2023

Erie, PA – The Erie County Redevelopment Authority is now accepting applications for its StARTup Creative Business Development Grant Program; grants up to $5000 will be awarded to eligible creative for-profit entrepreneurs to support business formation and growth.

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EMI Demolition Project in Erie is a Rumbling, Crumbling Sight for West 12th Street Drivers

Monday Apr 24th, 2023

The former campus of Erie Malleable Iron Co. seems to get larger by the day as beams come down and walls are reduced to rubble and hauled away.

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ECRDA Posts Strong First Quarter

Monday Apr 10th, 2023

Erie, PA – Today, Tina Mengine, CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA), announced the ECRDA’s 2023 first-quarter lending report which breaks previous ECRDA lending records.

EMI Liquid Light

Sculpture Fuses Foundational Elements of Art & Technology

Wednesday Apr 5th, 2023

Erie, PA – Liquid Light Factory, an Erie-based Extended Reality (XR) technology firm, has been awarded the Erie County Redevelopment Authority’s contract for a high-tech sculptural installation at the former Erie Malleable Iron (EMI) building; Liquid Light Factory’s sculpture installation was selected among 12 proposals for the new business park renamed Ironworks Square.

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A Wealth of Water: Why Erie's a Natural Choice

Tuesday Apr 4th, 2023

Look at a map of Pennsylvania. That swath of blue in the top left corner, isn't just Lake Erie, the state's only Great Lake border. It's also the lifeblood of Erie County.

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ECRDA Receives Leadership Award from Erie Arts & Culture

Wednesday Feb 15th, 2023

For more than three decades, the Erie Arts and Culture Appreciation Awards have recognized and honored those individuals, businesses, and organizations who use arts-based disciplines or deliver cultural programming to positively impact the Erie community.

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ECRDA Vice President Chris Groner Named to Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Advisory Council

Monday Feb 13th, 2023

The Cleveland Fed engages with a diverse range of business, civic, and community leaders to collect information on current regional economic and business conditions. Advisory councils’ near-real time observations complement Bank research, enabling the Cleveland Fed to get a better picture of economic conditions in the Fourth District.

ECRDA Vice President Chris Groner was named to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland's Bank Advisory Council.

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ECRDA Has Breakthrough Year

Saturday Feb 11th, 2023

ECRDA shares its record-breaking year at its annual meeting held at the UPMC Park Stadium Club on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023

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Stefanelli’s Candies Opens New Harborcreek Location

Monday Feb 6th, 2023

Erie, PA – Stefanelli’s Candies cut the ceremonial ribbon at its new Harborcreek location, 4500 Buffalo Road, on Monday, Feb. 6. The Erie County Redevelopment Authority, using the Harborcreek Township Revolving Loan Fund, provided a $30,000 loan toward the renovation of the former Wine & Spirits property located within the Price Rite Plaza.

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Agriculture Secretary Announces $520,000 To Eliminate Food Deserts And Grow Urban Ag Infrastructure

Tuesday Jan 10th, 2023

Harrisburg, PA – At the 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the recipients of $520,219 for the 2022-23 PA Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Grants. The Erie County Redevelopment Authority received $50,000 for the Savocchio Park Aquaponics project, Erie Grows.  

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Erie County Redevelopment Authority Closes 100th Loan Under its One-Stop Shop

Monday Dec 12th, 2022

The Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) announced today that it closed its 100th loan since the creation of its new one-stop shop for public financing.

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Grant Funds Available for Creative & Cultural Professionals

Monday Nov 21st, 2022

Erie, PA – The Erie County Redevelopment Authority is now accepting applications for its stART Up Creative Business Development Grant Program; grants up to $5000 will be awarded to eligible creative for-profit entrepreneurs to support business formation and growth.

 

Another $8 million in RACP money coming for 2 notable Erie redevelopment projects

Friday Nov 4th, 2022

Two highly visible Erie projects received a big financial boost Monday with the latest round of funding announcements from Pennsylvania's RACP or Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program.

Erie leads the way in Workforce Development

Thursday Nov 3rd, 2022

Read about it in the Autumn Interactive Issue from FDI Alliance International.

Erie’s bustling construction projects

Tuesday Nov 1st, 2022

Read more about construction projects happening in our region in the November 2022 Issue of Business Magazine.

Tina Mengine Appointed to Pennsylvania Transportation Advisory Committee

Tuesday Nov 1st, 2022

Tina Mengine, CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA), was recently appointed to the Pennsylvania State Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Board by Governor Tom Wolf.

ECRDA Lending 3rd Quarter Lending Tops $2.2 Million

Friday Sep 30th, 2022

Today, Chris Groner, Vice President of Capital & Lending at Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA), announced the 2022 third quarter lending report, which included the following key figures: 

Coalition Launches $2 Million Diverse Small Business Loan Fund

Tuesday Aug 30th, 2022

In support of a key initiative in Erie’s Inclusive Playbook, Diverse Erie, the Erie Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission, leveraged $500,000 to launch a $2 million fund that will support the creation and growth of BIPOC-owned businesses in Erie County.

Erie Organizes (Again) for Success. Insights from Bruce Katz and Florian Schalliol, The New Localism.

Thursday Jul 14th, 2022

Erie, Pennsylvania is on a roll. Like many communities in the Midwest, this city and county experienced the harsh effects of deindustrialization, decline and disinvestment.

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DCED Secretary Weaver Highlights Investment in former Erie Malleable Iron Complex

Tuesday Jul 12th, 2022

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf's administration came to Erie Tuesday morning to highlight state investment in the former Erie Malleable Iron (EMI) complex in the W. 12th St. corridor.

Congressman Kelly awards $3 million in funding for EMI project

Wednesday Jul 6th, 2022

The Erie County Redevelopment Authority's plan to transform the former Erie Malleable Iron property into a modern business park has received a big financial boost.

IRG awarded loan to move plastic recycling plant forward

Tuesday Jun 21st, 2022

International Recycling Group (IRG), a local company committed to tackling the plastic waste crisis, has furthered its commitment to Erie County by securing a $307,657 loan from the Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA).

StartUp Grant Awardees Spring 2022

Erie County Redevelopment Authority Announces StARTup Business Development Awards

Wednesday May 25th, 2022

In its fourth round of StARTup Business Development Awards, the ECRDA announced grant awards totaling $20,000 to three applicants.

Erie County Industrial Development Authority Awarded $500,000 EPA Brownfield Grant

Tuesday May 17th, 2022

The Erie County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA) was awarded a $500,000 Brownfield Assessment Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Erie’s $100 Million Corridor!

Tuesday May 10th, 2022

If the City of Erie is the engine of northwestern Pennsylvania's economy, then 12th Street is its main fuel line. 

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Erie's EMI project wins $4 million state grant

Monday May 2nd, 2022

The Erie County Redevelopment Authority says its plan to reinvent the former Erie Malleable Iron Co. complex could provide an important economic boost and give a new look to one of the city's key gateways.

Demolition to Begin on Former Quin-T Paper Manufacturer Property

Thursday Apr 21st, 2022

NEWS Demolition to Begin on Former Quin-T Paper Manufacturer Property Thursday, April 21st 2022, 5:37 PM EDT By Jamison Hixenbaugh Play Video For decades, Paul Gambill has watched the former Quin-T Paper Manufacturer building fall into a state of decay. “This has been 20 years coming,” said Gambill. “Not only is it an eyesore, it's a safety factor.”

Local blighted property scheduled for demolition

Thursday Apr 21st, 2022

The former Quin-T Tech Paper building has stood at 16th and French Street for many years. It will soon be demolished within the next two to three months. “We are excited to finally launch the demolition of this building and attached smoke stack. It’s been a long time coming but it’s coming down,” said Tina Mengine, Erie County Redevelopment Authority.

Snack manufacturer expansion benefits Erie community

Wednesday Apr 20th, 2022

Shearer’s Foods is in the process of expanding their facility in Waterford to increase their production efforts. “Working with the Commonwealth, we were able to put together a package that allowed them to choose Erie or Waterford as the site, so it’s about a 90,000 square foot expansion.

1st Quarter Lending Report: A Focus on Small Business

Friday Apr 8th, 2022

Chris Groner, VP of Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA), announced the ECRDA’s 2022 first quarter lending report...

ECRDA and Harborcreek Township Create Harborcreek Township Business Development Revolving Loan Fund

Thursday Feb 24th, 2022

Harborcreek Township and ECRDA are excited to announce the creation of the Harborcreek Township Business Development Revolving Loan Fund. This new resource aims to provide flexible financing options for businesses investing in or seeking to locate in Harborcreek Township. 

ECRDA 2021 Annual Report

Thursday Feb 24th, 2022

The Erie County Redevelopment Authority announces its 2021 Annual Report...

$8 million warehouse to be built in Erie's Little Italy neighborhood

Monday Feb 14th, 2022

Enterprise Development Center of Erie County (EDCEC) seeks bids for new warehouse building that will consolidate Berry Plastics into one Erie location

ECRDA seeks qualifications from artists or artist teams to commission 2 sculptural pieces for the future EMI business park

Friday Jan 28th, 2022

“We are looking for artists (or artist teams) with strong portfolios of past work who can demonstrate experience delivering innovative large-scale sculptural projects”, said Tina Mengine, CEO of ECRDA.

 

ECRDA Hits Record High Annual Lending

Friday Jan 28th, 2022

Tina Mengine, ECRDA CEO, announced the 2021 4th quarter lending report...

Erie County and ECRDA announce the beginning of ARPA funding disbursement

Thursday Jan 6th, 2022

Erie County businesses are being awarded grants made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic and to help stimulate the county's economy... 

Innovation, Partnership Build Rising Tide of Opportunity for Erie Business Community

Thursday Jan 6th, 2022

In Economic Development, timing is everything - and Erie's time is now

ECRDA to Retain Parts of Former EMI Complex for Renovation

Thursday Jan 6th, 2022

The former EMI complex on the 600 block of West 12th St is slated for demo, but not every building at the site will be leveled...

ECRDA Recognized for Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Tuesday Dec 7th, 2021

"Equitable development is a positive development strategy that ensures everyone participates in and benefits from the region's economic transformation," writes Court Gould, M.P.A., in his Jefferson Education Society publication: "How to Put Equitable Development to Work for Erie, Pennsylvania.

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Silicon Valley....or Erie, PA?

Friday Nov 12th, 2021


The Silicon Review
recently called Erie, PA, "an appealing destination for tech startups." 

According to their article "Starting a Software Business? Silicon Valley or Pennsylvania," "[Erie] has a strong sense of community that has motivated the creation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Erie has everything that a startup needs to succeed..." 

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Erie County Redevelopment Authority Announces StARTup Business Development Awards

Saturday Oct 30th, 2021

In its third round of StARTup Business Development Awards, ECRDA announced grant awards totaling $25,000 to seven applicants. 

Erie County launches grant applications for two American Rescue Plan programs: New Small Business Startup and Local Shuttered Venue

Saturday Oct 30th, 2021

Erie County, in partnership with the Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA), announces the launch of grant applications (beginning Nov 1, 2021) for the American Rescue Plan New Small Business program and the Local Shuttered Venue program. The New Small Business Grant is designed to provide necessary relief to new Erie County small businesses...

ECRDA Releases 3rd Quarter Lending Report

Monday Oct 18th, 2021

Tina Mengine, CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA), announced the ECRDA’s 2021 third quarter Lending Report, which included the following key figures: 

• $2,656,168 in new loans 
• 14 Erie County businesses assisted
• 25 new jobs created, and 167 jobs retained
• Total Lending through 9.30.21:  $8,131,619

Gov. Wolf Announces OH-based Food Manufacturer Selects PA for Business Expansion, Creating Dozens of New Jobs

Monday Sep 20th, 2021

Snack manufacturer Shearer's Foods has chosen to expand its company in Erie, PA...

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ECRDA Now Accepting StARTup Business Development Applications

Wednesday Sep 8th, 2021

Effective September 8, 2021, ECRDA will begin accepting grant applications for its latest round of the StARTup Business Development grant program. StARTup grants offer funding of up to $5000 to new businesses or new business ventures of existing for-profit companies in Erie County that are creative in nature.

ECRDA Releases 2nd Quarter Lending Report More than $2 Million Lent to Local Businesses

Friday Jul 16th, 2021

Today, Tina Mengine, CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA), announced the ECRDA’s 2021 second quarter Lending Report, which included the following key figures:

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Erie County Redevelopment Authority Announces New Diversity Loan Program

Wednesday Jun 9th, 2021

Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) is excited and pleased to announce the creation of a new minority Diversity Loan Program. The Diversity Loan Program offers micro-loans, ranging from $5000 to $35,000 for small businesses owned by a minority or woman.

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Erie County Redevelopment Authority Donates More Than 200 Wooden Crates To Area Non-profits For Community Gardens

Monday May 24th, 2021

Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) recently began inventory of the contents of the former Erie Malleable Iron building at 12th & Cherry Streets. Among the many items left at the site were hundreds of wooden crates.

ECRDA Releases First Quarter Lending Report

Monday Apr 26th, 2021

Today, Tina Mengine, CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA), announced the ECRDA’s 2021 first quarter Lending Report, which included the following key figures:

  • $3,345,401 in loans
  • 19 Erie County businesses
  • 74 new jobs and 156 jobs retained

Erie County Redevelopment Authority Unveils New Branding: A Change of ScenErie

Monday Apr 26th, 2021

At its news conference today on the Quin-T site, ECRDA unveiled its new branding for its property development projects. Bright, bold and positive, the fence banners and signage sport the phrase, “A Change of ScenErie”. Each new property project will be marked with the new branding while under development.

Erie County Redevelopment Authority Announces StARTup Business Development Awards

Monday Apr 26th, 2021

In its second round of StARTup Business Development Awards, the ECRDA announced grant awards totaling $32,000 to ten applicants.

“We’re thrilled to be able to announce the latest round of StARTup grant winners. The StARTup grants are designed to fund new businesses or new business ventures of existing for-profit companies in Erie County that are creative in nature,” said Mengine, CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority.

ECRDA Releases 1st Quarter Lending Report

Friday Apr 16th, 2021

Today, Tina Mengine, CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA), announced the ECRDA’s 2021 first quarter Lending Report, which included the following key figures:

  • $3,345,401 in loans
  • 19 Erie County businesses
  • 74 new jobs and 156 jobs retained

Governor Announces Lift of Some Business Restrictions and Increases of Gathering Maximums

Monday Mar 15th, 2021

As COVID-19 cases have declined and vaccination rates are climbing, Governor Tom Wolf today announced the lifting of some targeted restrictions on restaurants and other businesses, as well as increased gathering limits.

Erie County to Launch Grant Applications for CHIRP

Wednesday Mar 3rd, 2021

Erie County in partnership with the Erie County Redevelopment Authority announces the launch of grant applications for the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP). The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded the County of Erie with $3,055,038 to help support the hospitality industry. Individual grants will be between $5,000 and $50,000. Applications will open Monday, March 8.

ECRDA Purchases Former Quin T Property

Wednesday Feb 10th, 2021

The Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA), through its' affiliate the Enterprise Development Center of Erie County (EDCEC), has entered into an agreement to purchase the former Quin T Tech Paper and Boards property at 140 East 16th St. Covering more than four acres between French and Holland Streets, the Quin T property encompasses a complex of buildings abandoned more than 15 years ago.

Erie County Redevelopment Authority Purchases from Former EMI Property

Wednesday Feb 10th, 2021

The Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA), through its affiliate the Enterprise Development Center of Erie County (EDCEC), has entered into an agreement to purchase the former Erie Malleable Iron (EMI) property at 12th & Cherry Streets from Modern Industries.

EMI, long a cornerstone of Erie's industrial past, permanently closed its doors the summer of 2001. The Sweny family, owners of Modern Industries (located across from the EMI property), purchased the property in 1984 and utilized it for warehousing and light manufacturing through 2014.

Amazon to Create 100 New Jobs in Erie as it Moves Into Former Steris Corp Building

Monday Jan 4th, 2021

Through a collaborative effort from the City of Erie’s Community and Economic Development Department, the Erie County Redevelopment Authority and Millcreek Township, the fulfillment center will be located the former AMSCO-Steris property on W. 23rd St.

The Second Round of ECRDA Artist Entrepreneurial Fund Opens

Monday Jan 4th, 2021

Artists who live in Erie County and devote a majority of their time to practicing, performing or teaching an arts discipline are eligible for grants of up to $5,000.

Speaker Series Looks at COVID Effect on Erie County Small Businesses

Friday Jan 1st, 2021

The event will feature Chris Groner, president of capital, finance and lending at ECRDA and Rebecca Styn, director of special initiatives for the Erie County Redevelopment Authority.

Erie County Cares Announces Small Business Grant Open to Businesses with 1-100 Empolyees

Monday Aug 31st, 2020

Beginning Monday, August 31st, eligible Erie County Businesses may start applying for the Erie County CARES Small Business Grant. Through this initiative, the Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) will administer up to $5 million in funds on behalf of the County of Erie to eligible businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19.

ECRDA and Startup Incubator to Launch Artist Entrepreneurial Fund

Monday Aug 10th, 2020

Launching in September 2020, the Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) will begin providing grants of up to $5k to creative startup applicants through its new Artist Entrepreneurial Fund initiative.

The Artist Entrepreneurial fund will be supported by a major gift from the StARTup Incubator. The ECRDA will match the funds. The purpose of this fund is to support opportunities that will benefit artists' careers, including the development of business skills, participation in programs to raise the level and quality of art, and participation in programs that will bring their art to market in order to aid in commercial success. The fund will provide up to a total $25k annually, through a bi-annual application process.

ECRDA Announces Creation of the Office of Capital, Finance & Lending

Thursday Jul 16th, 2020

Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) moved forward with strategic economic development efforts today, announcing the creation of the Office of Capital Finance & Lending. The new office is a collaboration between the City of Erie and the Erie County Redevelopment Authority that will serve new and existing businesses in a cohesive and direct manner.

ECGA Meeting

Wednesday May 27th, 2020

A special meeting of the Erie County General Authority will be held via Zoom meeting on Friday, May 29th at 10:00 A.M.

Erie County Redevelopment Authority Enhances Team, Strengthens Erie County Economic Development

Wednesday May 13th, 2020

Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) pushed ahead with strategic economic development efforts today, announcing the addition of key personnel with deep expertise. The new hires will ensure ECRDA has the expertise and tools it needs to meet the challenges of Erie County businesses and revitalization efforts.

DCED Updates FAQS to Address Yellow Phase of Reopening

Friday May 8th, 2020

As we enter the Yellow Phase of reopening parts of Pennsylvania, the ECRDA will provide continued guidance and support for businesses in the midst of adapting to the new normal of operations. We're in this together for the long haul. To remain up-to-date on PA guidelines for reopening, please regularly check DCED's business FAQs.

ECRDA COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Loan Fund Helps 28 Local Businesses, Board Ups Available Funds

Wednesday Apr 22nd, 2020

The Erie County Redevelopment Authority Board approved an increase of $375,000 to the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Fund, created to help small businesses survive COVID-19 closures.

“The rapid onslaught of requests showed the remarkable stress facing local businesses as they worked to avoid permanent closure," said Tine Mengine, Chief Executive Officer, ECRDA. “With the support of the Board, we have been able to provide businesses from retail and food service to manufacturing and service providers with more than one-million-dollars in emergency capital."

Save Small Business Fund Opportunity – Us Chamber Of Commerce Foundation

Friday Apr 17th, 2020

Starting April 20, 2020, small businesses can submit an application to apply for a $5,000 grant to be used toward business expenses. The application should take about 10 minutes to complete and will only require your business’s W-9 form and basic supporting information about your business.

 

Wolf Administration Announces Loan Deferrals For Businesses Impacted By Covid-19

Wednesday Apr 15th, 2020

“This pandemic has presented new and unforeseen challenges to Pennsylvania’s businesses, and the Wolf Administration has been committed to supporting our business community to the fullest extent every step of the way,” said Sec. Davin. “This extended deferral will help ease the burden on small businesses and enable them to focus and prioritize their efforts as we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the commonwealth.”

Out Of Crisis Comes Innovation In Erie

Tuesday Apr 7th, 2020

Port Erie Plastics, Munot Plastics, and Bliley Technologies partner with Penn State Behrend with the goal of producing 5,000 plastic face masks per week.

In The Wake Of Covid-19, Senator Casey Offers An Easy Guide For Businesses

Monday Mar 30th, 2020

There's no shortage of Covid-19 information bouncing about the net right now. To help you catch the news and updates your businesses and families need the most, Senator Bob Casey and his staff are continually updating a Covid-19 Resource Guide for Pennsylvanians.

Advice For Business Owners On Handling The Current Covid State Of Flux

Saturday Mar 28th, 2020

The arrival of Covid-19 to the U.S. caused a serious rift in how we conduct our lives and do business. To adapt, we all made a lot of changes in a very short time period. But even after all those adjustments, we're certain of one thing: more change is coming.

Erie County Redevelopment Authority Launches Covid-19 Small Business Emergency Loan Fund

Saturday Mar 28th, 2020

The Erie County Redevelopment Authority Board approved a $1,000,000 COVID-19 Emergency Loan Fund to help small businesses with more than 25 employees survive in the face of mounting financial challenges as a result of COVID-19 closures.

A Little Local Help From Unexpected Places

Saturday Mar 28th, 2020

The coming together of a community to get the job done...read about how local distillers are providing hand sanitizer at a crucial time.

Tina Mengine Named Ceo Of Erie County Redevelopment Authority

Friday Mar 27th, 2020

Mengine moves from the Governor's Action Team to lead the Erie County Redevelopment Team.

Tina Mengine Uses A Visionary Approach To Redevelop Erie

Friday Mar 27th, 2020

After two chief-of-staff stints, a V.P. position at a local University, and serving on the regional Governor's Action Team, Mengine leads with a fresh perspective at the Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA).

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