Rural Business Innovation Introduces New Member, Don Alexander

​Bloomsburg, PA – Rural Business Innovation is proud to welcome its newest board member, Donald Alexander, Director of Planning and Economic Development for Northumberland County as well as the Director for the Northumberland Industrial Development Authority (NCIDA). Mr. Alexander comes to our board, not only presenting Northumberland County, but carries with him 20 years of experience in developing, implementing and growing marketing strategies and initiatives, with a strong network of relationships across public and private sector channels.  Mr. Alexander realizes economic development must evolve with the market and the needs of the region as a whole.

​RBI and NCIDA have a common vision of economic growth for the region which includes assisting small business, mom and pop shops but also utilizing those businesses as the assets in which to attract other businesses to the area.  “With a current business incubator and supporting services in Sunbury through RBI’s programs, we are looking at the development of additional financial resources in which to grow our Northumberland County economy,” said Mr. Alexander, “and RBI is one of the tools in our toolbox”.

“RBI is looking forward to working with Mr. Alexander and welcomes this opportunity for growth in Northumberland”, said Kelly O’Brien Gavin, RBI’s Executive Director.  RBI is looking forward to seeing activities accelerate the growth and development in the area with the help of Don Alexander, particularly in the Northumberland County Region.
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The Northumberland County Commissioners are hosting a workshop in June for local area businesses, manufacturers and CPA’s to cover Research & Development tax credit opportunities for our region.  This workshop will also allow CPA’s to receive continuing education credits towards their professional licensing requirement. 
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About RBI:
Rural Business Innovation, based in Bloomsburg, Pa., is the result of a shared vision and mission by the Board of Directors from both the Greater Susquehanna KIZ and the Rural Enterprise Development Corporation. RBI creates and fosters local job growth by aiding entrepreneurs, newly formed start-up companies, and mature companies in identifying and capitalizing on new ideas and opportunities. RBI and strategic partners are creating the environment to keep and attract talent to the Central PA region. RBI manages the Keystone Innovation Zone and the Local Enterprise Assistance Programs (LEAP). There are six business incubator locations throughout nine counties. For more information, visit www.ruralbusinessinnovation.org. Follow RBI on Facebook (www.facebook.com/GSKIZ, Twitter (www.twitter.com/RBI_Corp), and Pinterest www.pinterest.com/PAGSKIZ/)