Small Tube Products was founded in 1947 and is a leading North American producer of precision drawn, small diameter, thin wall copper and specialty alloy tubes, serving over 750 customers worldwide.  Due to its unmatched quality, service and delivery times, Small Tube Products maintains leading shares in its industry and a long-standing preferred source to the vast majority of its customers. 

Over the course of the past year the Altoona Blair County Development Corp. (ABCD Corp.) has worked closely with Wolverine Tube, Inc., Standish Capital, local investors and the Governor’s Action Team (GAT) with the objective of retaining the jobs and business operations in Blair County.  “Keeping Small Tube Products here in Blair County is exciting and provides the preservation of a substantial number of excellent paying jobs and a quality local company in the area.” said Marty Marasco, President/CEO of ABCD Corp. 

Secretary Yablonsky leads the Rendell Administration’s proactive efforts to revitalize Pennsylvania’s economy by investing in growth.  He works to achieve a balance between community development and economic development, responds effectively to the needs of our large urban centers and our small to medium sized cities and boroughs, and fully develops the potential of Pennsylvania’s many diverse industry sectors.

Secretary Yablonsky played a lead role in the formation and implementation of the Governor’s Economic Stimulus Package, which has invested $2.5 billion into Pennsylvania’s infrastructure, core communities and job producing businesses over the past three years.

“It is indeed a pleasure to have the trust and loyalty of my family as our organization continues to grow and evolve.” states Mr. Degol.”  I look forward to working with all our employees to build upon the foundation that my parents, brothers, and sister have developed over the past 57 years.”

In addition to his new responsibilities, he will continue to serve as Managing Partner of Seven D Industries, LP (Huntingdon, Altoona, Patton) and Seven D Truss, LP (Tyrone). Bruno also oversees operations of DeGol Aviation, Inc., DeGol Jet Center (Montoursville, PA) and the Organization’s newest acquisition, D Holdings, Inc. (the former Hollidaysburg Car Shops). 

The DeGol Organization, LP was founded by Bruno DeGol, Sr. and his wife Lena in 1950.  Since its inception , the organization has grown into a diversified group of 8 companies operating from 18 locations throughout the eastern United States retaining its corporate headquarters in Blair County.

Joe will officially receive his award during a presentation ceremony on April 22, in Washington DC.  At that time the winner of the 2008 National Small Business Person of the Year will be announced.

The notification letter states "Your hard work, innovative ideas, and dedication to your community have made you a success in your business.  The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to be able to recognize you for these achievements." 

Please join us in congratulating Joe on this prestigious award and to wishing him the best of luck in winning the national award. 

During this time period we were also pleased to welcome 2 new members to our Board of Directors.  Jane Sheffield of Allegheny Ridge Corporation and GAEDC President has been appointed to a 3 year term and Mike Settimio of S&T Bank was appointed for a 1 year term. 

Our Board of Directors are a vital part of our organization and serve as a shining example of companies that share ABCD’s vision of establishing “Foundations for the Future” of Blair County.

The total investment on the project is estimated at over $5 million and is anticipated to create 50-75 jobs for the area.  “With a group of local owners and developers committed to the revitalization of our community through projects such as this, the future of Blair County has a sure foundation on which to build.” said Pat Miller, Vice President of ABCD Corp.

Matthew brings with him over 10 years of experience in the marketing and communications field.  His most recent position was as Vice President of Client Services for a marketing company in Northern Virginia where he was involved with all aspects of various marketing and communications campaigns for government, association and private-sector clients including; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, International Community Bankers Association and George Washington University Hospital.

“We are excited to have Matthew on board in this key position where he will play a vital role in advancing ABCD’s economic development initiatives.  We are confident that his expertise will be an invaluable asset in our mission of business growth and wealth creation throughout Blair County and the I-99 Innovation Corridor.” said Marty Marasco, President/CEO of ABCD Corp. 

“This award is a direct reflection of the quality individuals that we have working for our organization from management on down.  Without their dedication to excellence we would not be where we are today.” said Rocco Alianiello, President, U.S. Foodservice’s Western PA Group.

Mr. Alianiello received the reward during KAPE’s 2nd Annual Conference held in Harrisburg, PA.  U.S. Foodservice was one of only 5 organizations throughout the entire state to receive this honor.  The organizations were selected after an extensive assessment process that is modeled after the U.S. Department of Commerce’s proven Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award criteria.

During the time period of the PEDA Report, the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD Corp.) has been able to work on over 200 projects leveraging $256.4 million in investments, creating or retaining 6,190 jobs, and creating a payroll impact of $165.9 million.  Through its services ABCD Corp. has been involved in projects for all levels of Blair County companies both small and large alike including:

     ♦ Shirley’s Cookies (expansion and new construction)
     ♦ McIntyre’s Candies (equipment)
     ♦ Park Audio & Video (new construction)
     ♦ Sheetz Distribution Center (new construction and equipment)
     ♦ American Eagle Paper Mill (re-opening of facility)
     ♦ ORX Manufacturing (expansion, new construction and facility upgrades)
     ♦ Hollidaysburg Car Shop (acquisition and development)

“The results are clear – PEDA, through its member economic and industrial development corporations are making a dramatic difference in communities all across the state,” said ABCD Corp.’s President/CEO, Marty Marasco.  “We are getting results.”

Students must be enrolled in one of the following 5 institutions; Penn State-Altoona, Juniata College, Saint Francis University, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College or Mount Aloysius College.  They must also make their own connections to perform their internship in one of the following 6 counties; Blair, Bedford, Cambria, Somerset, Huntingdon or Fulton.  For students accepted to the program, they will receive a $1,000 scholarship following successful completion of the internship as well as other benefits for their education and job seeking networking.

For a complete brochure outlining all of the program’s requirements and details, please visit the link to download the PDF.  Students may also contact their individual university or college to obtain a copy of the brochure and application.

If your business would be interested in having an intern please contact Nicole Hite at ABCD Corp. for further information.