Tony Siliano

The Advisory Board meeting included discussions on the CONNECT program, financial stability, correspondence, personnel matters, development plans for the 40th anniversary, and a review of the by-laws. Staff reports highlighted the ARC award for clean energy projects, recruitment efforts, meetings with DL&I, and the Summer Fellowship program. SEWN's activities, including consultant contributions and the Vital Leader program, were reviewed, along with challenges in engaging with bankers and companies. Updates were provided on the PA Business Resource website and recruitment for a Heartland Outreach Coordinator and board members. The 2024 SVA Budget was approved.

The meeting included discussions on the need for additional members and a Chair for the Development Committee, with recommendations made for the existing Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary to remain in their positions. Updates were provided on meetings with DL&I, the SEWN Directors, Senator Costa, Lt Governor Davis, and Senator Robinson, with discussion focusing on engaging with the Pitt Institute of Politics around policy items. An overview of the financials was presented, acknowledging a loss for January 2023. Negotiations were completed, and contracts were ratified and signed by the Personnel Committee. Resolution 23-01 was approved, acknowledging the contract for Jay Hornack as solicitor through June 30, 2023, with the Executive Committee set to discuss a replacement. The Executive Director Report highlighted requests for company assistance and a proposal submitted to ARC for their ARISE grant program. Updates on SEWN included the number of active and monitor companies, a report on bank delinquencies, and an increase in Chapter 11 filings.

The meeting included a review of proxy votes and approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Rebecca Kiernan, the former Director of Sustainability at the City of Pittsburgh, was a guest speaker. The Finance Committee provided an overview of the financials, highlighting the transition to electronic payments. Discussion also involved changing disability insurance for SVA employees. The SVA will consider hosting a welcome event for the new offices and has postponed an event with Lt Governor Davis. Resolutions have been received from all municipalities, and Mike Healey will review the articles for needed changes. Tom Croft provided the Executive Director Report, noting the Heartland partners for 2023, the growth of the Fellowship program, and the progress of the ARC ARISE grant. Bob Value highlighted the SEWN program, including the number of companies and jobs saved. Resolution 23-03 was approved, acknowledging changes to the 2023 budget.

The meeting included updates on the Appalachian Sustainable Finance Hub grant, with SVA encouraged to apply for implementation funding. A field trip to Athens, Ohio, was planned to learn about best practices. The Finance Committee reported good liquidity in the books and discussed new lease costs. There was also discussion about the ad hoc committee celebrating SVA's 40th Anniversary in 2025. The Executive Director reported on the Hub project, a proposal to the Department of Energy, and the completion of the Fellowship program's 9th year. SEWN's year-end statistics were reviewed, highlighting the number of SMEs contacted, companies engaged, and jobs saved. A new Regional Director in Northeast PA was hired. A press conference was hosted with Senator Summer Lee and others around the Sustainable Finance Hub project. A SEWN client evaluation was conducted, and meetings were planned with companies across the state.

The meeting included a review of proxy votes and approval of the February 2024 meeting minutes. The Finance Committee provided an overview of the financials, noting good liquidity and a recommendation for audit approval. Updates were given on staff evaluations, the upcoming 40th Anniversary event in 2025, and the Finance Hub project. The Executive Director reported on the Heartland Governing Board meeting, participation in a White House convening on clean energy, and the hiring of a new coordinator. SEWN updates included increased client activity and changes in regional directors. Information was shared about the PA Business Resource website.