Click here to subscribe today or Login.
BERWICK — The Berwick Industrial Development Association — (BIDA) —has been a catalyst for growth in Berwick and beyond for many years.
BIDA is a 501(c)(6) designated non-profit, economic development organization, whose focus is improving the economy of the region through marketing and managing its industrial assets, the retention, expansion and recruitment of business and industry; and contributing to community revitalization efforts.
BIDA believes that in order for it to truly make a difference and stay in line with its mission statement, it must collaborate and engage in community development in order to improve the quality of life for all citizens in the North Central Pennsylvania region.
Currently, BIDA is the owner/operator of the BIDA Industrial Complex, one of the few industrial complexes located and woven into the actual borough of Berwick. The complex is truly in walking distance to the downtown, located in the center of a highly residential area. This makes getting to work and getting access to downtown restaurants, shops and more easy for the employees of our many businesses.
BIDA’s complex was originally the home of American Car and Foundry Co (ACF), where they manufactured tanker cars, the first all steel passenger car for the rail system and the infamous Stuart Tank in 1939. In 1962, BIDA purchased the complex from ACF, and a new era of industrial development began.
The industrial evolution started with the decline of locally owned and operated companies in Berwick selling their life’s work to national companies that took ownership, making them nationally recognized brands. However, it also lends for the challenge of now having to fill buildings with multiple companies that used to be home to one large business.
BIDA Complex is now home to a several businesses which differ in product lines and their workforce needs. The following companies call Berwick home:
Cheetah Chassis
CSS Industries, LLC (Berwick Offray)
Deluxe Modular
Eagle Warehousing
G & B Specialties
Homestead Furniture
Ingredion
Ultra-poly, LLC
What makes BIDA different than that of a traditional economic development organization is the relationships we have with our Complex resident businesses and those that do not reside directly in our complex. BIDA works with all industry sectors and can provide free needs assessments for the companies, access to financial incentive programs, access to other economic development partners that specialize in other areas of development/financing/strategic planning and even research and development of new product lines.
BIDA is tied in closely with the community development aspect. BIDA has a scholarship program for students in the Berwick Area School district; which includes Berwick students that attend the Columbia-Montour Vocational Technical School to cover costs of materials/equipment/books, etc. in the amount of $2,000/year. In order to encourage retention in post-secondary education, we release the funds for students by providing them with $500 for the first semester and then $500 for the second semester following proof of enrollment.
BIDA has donated, sponsored and contributed to many non-profit community based charities and volunteer groups throughout the Berwick Area School District geography and beyond.
Our largest in-kind gift, is the facility at our Eagle Building located in downtown Berwick that is utilized by Luzerne County Community College(LCCC). BIDA provides approximately 10,000 square feet to LCCC at no cost for Columbia County residents to receive the Luzerne County residential tuition rate.
When you think of BIDA, think of an organization that not only manages property, but cares for the people and the community that we belong to and that surrounds us.
For more information on BIDA you can visit their website at: www.bida.com or e-mail Kelly O’Brien, Executive Director at 570-752-3612, [email protected].