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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker FFA Week in February The Future Farmers of America organization provides young people across the country with opportunities to become leaders in all areas of the agriculture industry. To recognize FFA and its members, I have introduced a Senate resolution designating February 16 through 23 as FFA Week in Pennsylvania. FFA membership has reached a record high, with more than 500,000 young people involved in the organization across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Pennsylvania boasts a membership of 7,888, and the largest FFA Chapter in the state at Walter Biddle Saul High School in Philadelphia. Students from all backgrounds are welcome to join the FFA ranks. In fact, members who live in rural areas now represent 27 percent of the national organization, while females comprise 37 percent of total membership and nearly 50 percent of all FFA officer teams. The FFA motto, "One Emblem – Endless Opportunities," is an excellent representation of the work done by students in the organization. Even though many members now live far from working farms, they are cultivating an interest in related fields like food science, turf management and horticulture. I want to congratulate all members, leaders, and parents involved in this exemplary youth organization on their service to their communities, their Commonwealth and their country. Local company receives state economic development assistance I was very pleased to learn that Kalas Manufacturing Inc. will be utilizing the Commonwealth's economic development programs to expand its manufacturing operations in Denver. This project was coordinated through the Governor's Action Team, economic development professionals who serve as a single point-of-contact to react immediately to major opportunities, such as business locations, relocations, expansions or potential dislocations that require multi-department involvement. The team also utilizes a number of tools to help new businesses get established and current businesses to grow. Kalas Manufacturing received a $500,000 funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development, including an opportunity grant, customized job training funds and job creation tax credits. As a result, this company, which produces wire and cable products, is purchasing equipment and expanding production capacity as part of its $8.5 million project. This will create 100 new jobs within three years and retain 347 existing positions. The Commonwealth receives a significant return on the investment it makes in economic development, and I am happy to see businesses in the 36th District take advantage of this investment to keep improving the quality of life in our region. Recycling grants available to municipalities In 2005, Pennsylvanians recycled a record 4.86 million tons of municipal waste, saving consumers and industries nearly $263 million in disposal costs and providing businesses with materials valued at $577. Further, more than 10 million citizens are served by local recycling programs. Recently, the state Department of Environmental Protection announced that grants are available to keep those programs strong. To be eligible for recycling development and implementation grants of up to $500,000, applicants must submit a plan that includes actions and strategies for optimizing a program's self-sufficiency, as well as provisions for establishing waste reduction and recycling incentives and mechanisms for public outreach. More information on the grant program is available by visiting www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Recycling, then click on "Grants" for a copy of the application. Deadline to submit applications is June 20, 2008.
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