Author: RiverAdmin
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Agrivoltaics, what’s that?
Whenever solar comes up in conversation, something that I often hear is the concern about putting solar arrays on land that could be used for other things, particularly farm land. Sure, we can avoid this by putting solar panels on roofs, but is that the only way? Enter agrivoltaics (or agrisolar, agrophotovoltaics, dual-use solar). Agrivoltaics… Read more
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Ben Franklin Technology Partners
A Catalyst for Regional Innovation By: Selina Pedi-Smith, Founder, Pellere Foundationwww.linkedin.com/in/selinapedismithGuest Writer Building on the importance of partnerships in community redevelopment that we explored last week, I’d like to shine a spotlight on one of our longest-standing and most impactful collaborators, Ben Franklin Technology Partners. A driving force in Pennsylvania’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for nearly 40… Read more
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Partnerships in Community Redevelopment
The Key to Sustainable Success By: Selina Pedi-Smith, Founder, Pellere Foundationwww.linkedin.com/in/selinapedismithGuest Writer Community redevelopment is a multifaceted undertaking requiring a robust blend of vision, dedication, and collaboration. One ongoing model of such collaboration is our very own LEAP (Local Energy Action Program) project, spearheaded by the Department of Energy and involving numerous stakeholders, including our… Read more
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Community Coffee Chats on Tour
Summer is flying by and there has been a lot going on behind the scenes that we are hoping to be able to share soon! Hint: think large-scale 3D printers, agrivoltaics, and new business opportunities. During the month of June, we took a break from Foxburg Fridays at Divani. But now, Community Coffee Chats are… Read more
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Kickoff Meeting for Communities LEAP Initiative: Paving the Way for Energy Resilience and Job Creation in Venango County
On Wednesday, July 10th, at 3 PM, a pivotal kickoff meeting was held to mark the commencement of a groundbreaking project under the Department of Energy’s Communities Local Energy Action Program (Communities LEAP). The meeting brought together an impressive array of representatives from the Pellere Foundation, the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), Venango County, DBS… Read more
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Local Foundation Selected for DOE Local Energy Action Program (LEAP)
Oil City, Pennsylvania – [3/27/24] – The Pellere Foundation is proud to announce its selection into the second cohort of the federal Local Energy Action Program (LEAP). This marks a significant opportunity for Oil City, a designated LEAP Eligible Community. A LEAP Eligible Community, as defined by the Department of Energy (DOE), is one that… Read more
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Ecological Buffers
Ecological or riparian buffers or greenways are the areas along the edge of a development project that are put in place to protect sensitive surrounding areas like wetlands or nesting sites. Their purpose is to lessen the impacts of the project on these critical areas. They are also used to mitigate negative impacts on watershed… Read more
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The Power of a Destination Brand
– Jarred Heuer, Executive Director, Clarion County Economic Development Corporation “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” If you were to mention this phrase to any stranger on the street, it is likely that they would recognize it, whether they have ever visited Las Vegas or not. Although it may seem that this phrase has… Read more
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The Role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Redevelopment
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are collaborative endeavors between government or public entities and private-sector entities. Over the past few decades, PPPs have gained considerable traction as a preferred mechanism for redevelopment initiatives. While traditional models of development can often face bureaucratic red tape, limited financial resources, and inefficient coordination, PPPs have emerged with public and private… Read more
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Community Engagement in Redevelopment
In redevelopment, community engagement plays a pivotal role in ensuring a successful result, and it benefits both the community and the developers. One of the primary reasons for involving residents in the decision-making process is to safeguard the interests of the community. By including the community in the redevelopment plans, development organizations make sure that… Read more
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Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve
Let’s start the new year with an example of how one community has worked to reduce the negative impacts humans have had on the environment. Just north of Philadelphia, in Ambler, Pennsylvania, you can find the Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve, but right next door, you’ll see a large odd mound. Both are located within a 32-acre… Read more
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Year-end wrap up
As the year draws to a close, I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to stop in at Divani in Foxburg for a coffee chat or to let me know that this column is being read. Over the past year, as I have stepped into this new role as a writer, I’ve… Read more