Regional Board Staff:
Executive Director: Jen Gregory
Secretary: Lolene Cornish
Regional Development Analyst II: Dot Richter
Water Quality Coordinator: George Basila
Part-time Intern: Evan Maslin
& Contracted Assistance:
VSBO Kowalik & Associates
Peretore Accounting LLC
Hue creative
The Opportunity Exchange
Insero &CO CPAs
Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness
In 2020, the Board adapted under pandemic operations:
On March 16, 2020, Southern Tier 8 transitioned to remote work with modified operations utilizing the server capabilities and online meeting platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Additional modifications:
- Live grant-writing sessions were transitioned to a virtual platform service (3 Q&A sessions, and in addition, a 5-session grant-writing class was offered to assist those pursuing a FY2021 Area Development request).
- Increased project development time 600% with Planning Directors & Economic Developers to discuss the rapidly changing need for resources and pandemic response (CEDS Sync-Up Sessions & Broadband Strategy & Opportunity Zones Portfolio).
- Southern Tier 8 Regional Board was selected as 1 of 4 LDDs to participate in Development District Association of Appalachian (DDAA) Learning Academy with Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness to support the Substance Use Disorder Recovery-to-Work Ecosystem.
- The Appalachian Regional Commission invited the Executive Director to speak at “Economic Innovation + Ingenuity During COVID” discussing Appalachia's dual pandemics - substance abuse and COVID-19.
See full report under Resources…