Good job by the Erie Times-News breaking the story that Ron Sertz will be part of the National Basketball Development League franchise in Erie. Sertz will be President. With his involvement with the basketball team and being one of the owners of the Erie Otters, scheduling at the Tullio Arena where both teams will play won’t be a big issue. Sertz ran the McDonald’s Classic basketball tournament for years and knows basketball. He was also athletic director, assistant athletic director and coached at Erie Cathedral Prep. Sertz coached four separate sports at Prep and had an incredible record – 261 wins and only 23 losses (.919 winning percentage). Sertz has degrees from John Carroll and Gannon.
The Cafaro Company announced a multimillion-dollar renovation project at the 2.6 million sq ft Millcreek Mall in Erie, PA. The Cafaro spokesman said that planning process just started with the Millcreek Mall, “We’re still engaged with discussions with local officials about permitting issues. We have big plans for that mall.” Improvements will include items such as interior work, adding skylights, a new ceiling, and floor treatments. Other properties Cafaro owns in Erie include Millcreek Pavilion, Millcreek Plaza, Millcreek Square, Millcreek Marketplace and Summit Towne Centre.
VCHI Acquisition Company, owners of Value City Department Stores, announced Friday the Meadville, PA and Pottsville, PA stores will remain open. They were among 37 Value City stores scheduled to close nationwide. Stores in Erie, Chambersburg, Pittsburgh and York will still close.
Seven Edinboro University students joined by staff members of McLane Church helped build a home in Danville, VA this week as part of Habitat for Humanity’s “Collegiate Challenge.”
Erie PA based GE Transportation welcomed the new Tier 3 and 4 emission regulations issued by the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The new rules govern the emissions of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) generated by new diesel engines in rail and marine applications starting in 2012. Tier 3 emission standards will take effect in 2012 followed by Tier 4 in 2015. Tier 4 locomotive emission standards will start two years earlier than outlined in previous proposals and thereby lead to significant environmental benefits sooner.
“GE Transportation welcomes the new and well-conceived Tier 3 and 4 emissions standards,” said John M. Dineen, President and CEO of GE- Transportation, a leading manufacturer of diesel locomotives and marine engines. “The EPA set ambitious targets to lower emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. We value the EPA’s comprehensive and balanced approach which represents wins for all stakeholders involved.” Added Dineen: “The EPA’s new and tough emission standards will drive technological innovation in our industry to significantly lower emissions.”
GE’s transportation business joined an inclusive stakeholder group consisting of government and industry, as well as environmental and community organizations to assist in the development of the new Tier 3 and 4 emission standards. GE Transportation expects that the EPA’s new emission standards will spawn innovation and benefit its railroad customers and communities worldwide – as much as past regulatory efforts have. In response to the EPA’s Tier 0 through Tier 2 regulations, GE’s transportation business invested approximately $400 million to develop the Evolution Series locomotive over an eight-year period. Entering the market in 2005, the Evolution Series locomotive is now the most technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and eco-friendly diesel-electric locomotive in history. It delivers up to 5 percent higher fuel efficiency and a 40 percent reduction in emissions over its predecessor. If every freight locomotive in North America were as clean as GE’s Evolution, the annual reduction of emissions would compare to removing 48 million cars from the road each year.
With sales in excess of $4.5 billion, GE Transportation is headquartered in Erie, PA, and employs approximately 10,000 employees worldwide.
Gannon, ranked 18th in NCAA Division II, brings a 25-4 record into Saturday’s (March 15) NCAA Tournament first-round match-up with Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) champion Drury (Mo.). The Panthers are ranked 11th nationally with a 25-5 record. Game time is scheduled for today at 2:30 pm at GVSU’s Fieldhouse Arena. Gannon will be making its 21st NCAA Tournament appearance and seventh in the last nine seasons.
For the third-straight postseason game, Mercyhurst junior goalie Matt Lundin held the opponent to just one goal and for the third-straight postseason game, the Laker men’s hockey team earned a victory. Friday night in Rochester, NY, at the Blue Cross Arena, the Lakers punched their ticket to the Atlantic Hockey Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2006 with a 4-1 victory over fourth-seed Sacred Heart. The Lakers will take on top-seeded Army Saturday afternoon at 4:05 pm.
A year ago the Edinboro wheelchair basketball team played in the NIWBT national championship game. This season head coach Jim Glatch’s team hopes to come home from Oklahoma City, OK with a fifth place finish. The Fighting Scots played twice on Friday. In their opener they suffered a 67-37 defeat to Texas-Arlington. The Fighting Scots moved into the consolation bracket and posted a 65-42 win over Alabama. Edinboro will meet Southwest Minnesota State in the fifth place game on Saturday at 11 am.
Mercyhurst College junior Breanna Haggerty scored six goals but the Lakers could not find much offense to complement her as No 1 CW Post won a battle of ranked women’s lacrosse teams 16-8 Friday. The Lakers entered the contest ranked No 8 in the country.
With 1:12 left in Friday’s University of Michigan Invitational contest against Cal Lutheran, Mercyhurst freshman Rachel Griepsma snapped a tie and gave the Lakers women’s water polo team an 8-7 win.
Gannon women’s water polo coach Don Sherman became one win closer to 100 career victories after the Lady Knights defeated Utica College 12-1 at the Second Annual Snowy Seven Tournament, hosted by Utica, Friday evening. Sherman has 98 wins as Gannon’s women’s water polo coach.
Edinboro University senior Brooke Heath picked up her second All-American certificate on Friday night at the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving National Championships. The national championships are taking place at the Mizzou Aquatic Center in Columbia, MO. It marked the tenth time she has earned All-American honors during her illustrious career.
In an extremely face-paced national championship, Gannon’s Paul Musille (Canton, Ohio/Glen Oak) broke a second school record in as many days at the NCAA Division II Swimming Championships at the Mizzou Aquatic Center in Columbia, Missouri, but failed to advance to the finals for the second consecutive day. One day after setting a school record in the 50-yard freestyle (20.87), Musille broke the school record in the 200-yard freestyle, finishing the prelim event Thursday morning in 1:41.35. The senior finished 21st out of 41 swimmers. The top 16 moved into tonight’s finals. The Canton, Ohio native has more chance to advance to the national finals Saturday, March 15 in the 100-yard freestyle.
Edinboro University sophomore Samantha Reimer (Altoona, PA/Altoona) has been named to the 2008 Daktronics All-East Region Women’s Basketball second team. She averaged 19.9 ppg, added 143 assists, and had 40 steals.
Phil Varone and Jadran Beljo each scored a goal and three assists to lead the London Knights to a 7-0 win over the Erie Otters in an Ontario Hockey League game played last night in front of 9,090 at the John Labatt Centre. The Otters close out the 2007-08 season tonight at 7:30 pm when the Guelph Storm visit the Tullio Arena. It’s Fan Appreciation Night presented by Erie Business Center with great prize giveaways throughout the game. A loss means a better draft pick for the Otters.
John Faulkner signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The Erie Otters hold the Junior A rights to the goaltender.
The Gannon University Theater Department presents Jane Austen’s Love and Friendship March 14-15 at the Gannon Schuster Theatre. Adapted for the stage by Fr Shawn Clerkin, this collection of letters by Jane Austen will be performed at the Schuster Theatre in conjunction with the Alex Clemente Fund for Performing and Related Arts. With music by Andrew Rainbow, this world premier promises to be a charming theatrical event. Performances will begin at 8 pm both nights, and tickets are $15. For tickets, call the box office at (814) 871-7261. Proceeds will benefit the Clemente Fund for Performing and Related Arts at Gannon University.
Did you know that a child is accidentally poisoned every 30 seconds and that 90 percent of accidental poisonings happen in the home? March is Poison Prevention Month and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and School of Pharmacy students along with the Pennsylvania Society of Health-System Pharmacists (PSHP) encourage children and parents to come learn about Poison Prevention on Saturday, March 15. From 10 am – 2 pm, LECOM students and members of PSHP will be at the Millcreek Mall Main Stage, informing families about the danger of many common household items and the risk of accidental poisoning. Informational brochures and Mr. Yuk stickers will be provided. The Easter Bunny will also be at the Millcreek Mall main stage on Saturday.
The Roadhouse Theatre presents Being Bukowski March 14-15 and March 20-21. All show times 8 pm. Doors open at 7:15 pm. Tickets are $8 for General Seating with no reservations necessary. Limited VIP seating is available at $12, reservations required phone (814) 459-8215. Tickets for Student night March 20 – $5 are General Seating no reservations necessary.
Mannheim Steamroller is performing a concert at the Warner Theatre Saturday March 15 at 8 pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com.
The Presque Isle Parrothead Club will hold a St Patrick’s Day Bash on Saturday March 15 at the Cathedral Center, 160 West 11th Street. Free parking behind Cathedral Center on West 10th. Music 8-midnight by DJ Michael John. Doors open at 7 pm. Ticket price includes beer, pop and snacks. BYOB, if you don’t want beer. $10 advance ticket, $12 at door. Prize for best dressed St Patty’s Day Attire. Basket of Cheer, raffle for an iPod Touch, raffle – $5/chance, 50/50 and more. For tickets call Heidi Grumblatt at 384-0741 or via email her at heidi_grum@yahoo.com.
The Erie Civic Music Association presents Lost in the 50′s at the Warner Theatre on Sunday March 16 at 3 pm.
Brought back by popular demand from our community are the New Chordettes and the Crew Cuts. Some of their top hits included classics like “Eddie My Love”, “Lollypop”, “Never on Sunday” and large selection from The Supremes, The McGuire sisters, The Shirelles and a selection of Doo Wop songs with blended harmony. Remember the Crew Cuts with “Til Then”, “Shangri-La”, “PS I Love You” and many more.
CNN special correspondent Soledad O’Brien will speak “From the Special Investigations Unit” at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, on Tuesday, March 18. O’Brien appears as part of the college’s annual Speaker Series. Her presentation begins at 7:30 pm in the McGarvey Commons of the Reed Union Building; admission is FREE and open to the public.
The Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania will host an economic development forum featuring members of Erie’s lead economic development team during the monthly Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing, starting at 8 am on Wednesday, March 19 at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. Guests will include: Jake Rouch, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership; Rick Novotny, Erie County Redevelopment Authority; Monica Brower, Economic Development Corporation of Erie County; Bob Spaulding, Erie County; and Kim Green, City of Erie. These leaders will discuss how the economic development system works, the importance of teamwork, review success stories, highlight special programs and need for collaboration. “Economic development is clearly a vital part of our future,” said Manufacturers’ Association President Ralph Pontillo. “This forum will provide our members with an opportunity to learn about the programs and resources available in Erie County.” To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at (814) 833-3200 or (800) 815-2660. Cost is $30 for members, $60 for nonmembers.
Cure those winter doldrums by learning to throw a pot at the Erie Art Museum’s ClaySpace Open Studio at 1505 State Street, 3rd floor, on Friday, March 21. Instruction is $6 per person and is on a first come first served basis. Complimentary pizza will be served. Demonstration and workshop sessions are at 6:30, 7:15 and 8 pm. Erie Art Museum instructors will introduce participants to the art of wheel throwing. Stop by and try the wheel, wear old clothes and shoes, and be prepared to get a little messy. All ages are welcome.
The Allegheny College Art Department will present its annual Student Show, an exhibition open to all Allegheny College students, in the Bowman, Penelec and Megahan Galleries from Tuesday, March 25 through Wednesday, April 16. The opening of the exhibit will be celebrated with a public reception in the Art Galleries on Tuesday, March 25 from 7 to 9 pm. The Doane Prize awards will be presented at 8 pm. The Student Show, featuring works in a variety of media, is juried by a professional artist and educator. This year’s juror is Mark Franchino, gallery director and assistant professor of art at Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Given that current trends in higher education reflect enrollment numbers that skew in favor of women, it can be surprising, especially for today’s students, to learn that as late as the 1950s experts fretted about the wisdom of permitting women on college campuses. Author Lynn Peril, whose writing takes a witty look at women’s history through popular culture and advertising from the turn of the century through the 1970s and beyond, will visit Allegheny College to help the women’s studies department celebrate 25 years at the college. In addition to talking to students in a number of classes during her campus visit, Peril will present on Wednesday, March 26 a FREE public lecture based on her most recent book, “College Girls: Bluestockings, Sex Kittens, and Coeds, Then and Now.” The talk will be held at 7:30 pm in Quigley Auditorium and will be followed by a book signing and reception.
Are you ready to take your company global? The Web is an opportunity to expand your market reach without ever leaving your office. Register for “Globalizing Your Web Site,” presented by eBizITPA and the Gannon University SBDC on March 27 in Erie, PA. Discover the economic benefits of reaching and selling to international markets, and take your business to the next level.
After Pluto’s discovery in 1930, astronomers began wondering if this eccentric dwarf might be a member of a large population of similar objects. Sixty-two years passed before the discovery of a second body in orbit beyond Neptune, the blandly named but fascinating 1992 QB1. Another 1,000 similar objects have been found since, forming what’s come to be called the Kuiper Belt. Keith Noll, PhD, principal investigator of the Hubble Heritage Project at the Space Telescope Science Institute, will lead a tour of this weird and wonderful addition to our solar system during the next Open House Night in Astronomy at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. “The Kuiper Belt: The Solar System’s Frigid Edge” takes place on Thursday, March 27, beginning with a talk by Noll at 7:30 pm in 101 Otto Behrend Science Building and followed by astronomical viewing from the college’s Mehalso Observatory, weather permitting. The event is FREE and open to the public.
Literary nonfiction writer Joe Mackall will read from his works at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, on Thursday, March 27. Mackall’s public reading is part of the college’s Creative Writer’s Speaker Series. The reading begins at 6 pm in the Larry and Kathryn Smith Chapel; a 4:30 pm reception for Mackall in the chapel’s first-floor meeting area precedes the reading. Both events are FREE and open to the public.
As the signature event for Young Erie Professionals (yep!), the Generation-E Leadership Awards recognize young professionals who are paving the way to the future of Erie, Pennsylvania. Yep! has honored 34 individuals over the past three years who not only have chosen to live, work, and play in the Erie area, but who have made a lasting impact on our region. The 2008 winners will be recognized the evening of Friday, March 28 at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center.
The Erie Playhouse Youtheatre presents Around the World in 80 Days March 28-30, April 4-6. Adapted from the novel by Jules Verne, Around the World in 80 Days, delightfully tells the story of Phileas Fogg’s and his servant, Passepartout’s, whistle-stop journey, as they try to satisfy a wager that they can circumnavigate the world in eighty days. Performances on March 28 and 29, as well as April 4 and 5 will begin at 7 pm. Performances on March 20 and April 6 will begin at 2 pm.
Erie Gymnastics Center is the host for the Pennsylvania Level 9 and 10 State Gymnastics Championships which will be held at Family First Sports Park, 8155 Oliver Road in Erie on March 29-30.
Allegheny College’s 7th Annual Executive Roundtable will take place on Monday, March 31, from 4 to 5:30 pm in the Tillotson Room of the Tippie Alumni Center at Cochran Hall. The event is hosted by the college’s Department of Economics and is titled “Health Care Costs: American Business Crisis.” The event is free and open to the public.
The Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is holding an informal and relaxed FREE breakfast roundtable to hear from international marketing professionals. I will be held 8-9 am on Tuesday April 1 at Knowledge Park Center, 5240 Knowledge Parkway in Erie, PA. The following 5 topics are for discussion: Attorney Jon L Woodard on Intellectual Property and Technology for patents, trademark, copyright and trade secret law; Carver International, Inc on international freight; M and T Bank on export credit insurance; Newbridge Group on marketing opportunities in doing business with Russia; and PA Center for Trade Development and Northwest Commission on Pennsylavania is the Premier State for Export Assistance on assistance available to expand your business in the international arena. Contact Lori Kenyon to register, or phone (814) 677-4800 Ext 104.
The Penn State Behrend Concert Band’s upcoming “Evening of Musical Tomfoolery” will be held, appropriately, on Tuesday, April 1. The fun begins at 8 pm in the McGarvey Commons of the Reed Union Building. Admission is FREE. The concert band will perform a selection of witty, whimsical pieces under the direction of Gary Viebranz, director of instrumental music at the college. On the program are works by Leopold Mozart, PDQ Bach (“the 21st of JS Bach’s 20 children”), film composers Danny Elfman and Luis Bonfa, and percussionist Lamar Burkhalter, who also holds the title of musical director for the NFL’s Houston Texans. “We’re presenting this concert in the spirit of April Fool’s Day, so we also have several surprises in store,” Viebranz promises.
The Edinboro Film Series, in cooperation with The Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts program, Eerie Horror Film Festival, Edinboro University Student Government Association, Cinemark, and Lyons Den Productions, is pleased to announce its event for spring 2008. A special advance screening “The Ruins” will be shown on Thursday April 3 at 8 pm at the Tinseltown Theater, 1910 Rotunda Drive in Erie. Tickets are FREE for EUP students and $5 for General Public. Tickets are available at EdinboroTickets.com.
Modern rockers Third Eye Blind bring their semi-charmed musical sensibilities and monster alternative hits to Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, on Friday, April 4. The concert begins at 8 pm in the college’s Junker Center with an opening act to be announced. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets cost $20 for the public and $15 for Penn State Behrend students (two per ID) and can be purchased online, at the Reed Union Building main desk, or over the phone with a credit card by calling the Office of Student Activities, (814) 898-6171.
From the creator of “Buddy Holly: The Day The Music Died” and in association with the Roadhouse Theatre for Contemporary Art, the Great Lakes Film Association announces The Man In Black, The Johnny Cash Show. The Man In Black production was a labor of love and respect that will star local Erie celebrity Shannon Solo and was designed to celebrate the music and the man who is widely considered to be one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century. The Man In Black musical production will enjoy a short run with only eight performances with opening night being Friday April 4 at 8 pm to be followed by a reception and then continuing on Saturday April 5, Thursday April 10, Friday April 11, Saturday April 12, Thursday April 17, Friday April 18, and will close on Saturday April 19. The final performance will include a closing night party. Show times for each of the limited run performances will be 8pm with doors opening at 7:30 pm. Ticket prices will range from $10 to $15 depending on seating preference. Advance ticket sales and reservations will be available starting on Friday March 21st by visiting TheTheatre145.com or by calling (814) 879-0733 or 814-873-5069.
KaleidAScope, Inc, The Child and Family Guidance Center of Erie, the Northwestern Pennsylvania Autism Society (NWPA-ASA), and ARC of Erie County will be hosting the first annual Autism in Our Community event on April 5, 2008 at the Greene Township Building, 9333 Tate Rd in Erie. KaleidAScope, Inc is a local non-profit agency establishing services for individuals with High Functioning Autism / Asperger’s Syndrome from the ages of 15 to adulthood. Child and Family Guidance Center of Erie provides individual, group, and family therapy, specializing in families/children on the Autism Spectrum. NWPA-ASA is our local Erie chapter for the Autism Society of America and has made strides in the Erie community in establishing awareness of Autism Spectrum disorders. The Arc of Erie County is a large advocacy group that promotes community inclusion to citizens with disabilities. The focus of this event is to provide information about the goods and services available to families influenced by, and managing, autism in their lives. The event is funded by a grant from the NWPA-ASA. The event will be held from 12-4 pm. Each agency and organization will provide a table highlighting their services as related to autism. Presentations will occur by local providers every half hour beginning at 12:30 and ending at 3 pm. The event will conclude with networking opportunities for families with local providers, agencies, organizations. Light snacks and beverages will be provided, as well as opportunities for families to win gift baskets. There is no cost to families to attend this special day. For additional information and to RSVP, please contact: Jennifer Do 814-824-4515, ext 93.
The Erie Art Museum will offer a henna body art workshop on Saturday, April 5, 2008 from 1-4 pm at the Erie Art Museum Annex, 20 East 5th Street. “We are so excited to offer the public an opportunity to learn about this ancient temporary tattoo tradition. Erie’s best henna practitioners from Somalia, Sudan, and India will be on hand to apply a beautiful henna tattoo or visitors can learn how to apply one themselves,” said Kelly Armor Erie Art Museum Director of Education and Folk Art. The art of henna, or mehndi, is thousands of years old. A reddish dye extracted from the henna plant is applied, often with elaborate designs, to the hands and feet. Women across Africa, the Middle East, and India paint themselves with henna as part of social celebrations. In many cultures the bride is adorned with especially intricate patterns for her wedding night. The tattoo is temporary and usually lasts two weeks. “Erie now boasts several henna experts. Gannon has a large population of Indian students including several who are adept at henna. Erie is also home to many Somali and Sudanese women who learned the art traditionally, from other women, in their native countries,” said Armor. Registration is required by calling 814.459.5477 or visiting online at www.erieartmuseum.org. Cost is $12 for non-members and $10 for Erie Art Museum Members.
Calling all artists and those who love art! A community art show, “Throughout The Spectrum: Exploring Autism Through Art,” will be sponsored by the Barber National Institute in commemoration of Autism Awareness Month. The show, which provides an exciting opportunity to come together to discover all aspects of autism through various forms of artistic expression, will be held April 4-9 at the Barber National Institute. Who can submit art work include: Children and adults with autism spectrum disorders who want to share their creative work; Family members or professionals whose lives are touched by autism; and Artists from the community who want to show their support for autism. Entries will be accepted on Friday, March 14 and Monday, March 17 from 9 am – 4 pm, and on Saturday, March 15 from 9 am – noon in the north lobby of the Barber National Institute. The art show will be open for public viewing in the north complex of the Barber National Institute on Friday, April 4, and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 7, 8, and 9, from 9 am – 4 pm, and on Sunday, April 6, from 1-4 pm. Admission is FREE – all are encouraged to attend! For more information about making a submission, including an entry form, please call (814) 878-5903, or click here.
Michael Acri Boxing Promotions presents the 2008 debut of undefeated former IBF lightweight champion “The Pittsburgh Kid” Paul Spadafora. Returning to the ring for the first time in over a year, Spadafora (40-0-1), fighting in a 10-round welterweight bout against an opponent to be named shortly, headlines a six-bout card at The Avalon Hotel in Erie, PA (16 West 10th Street) on Sunday, April 6, beginning at 2 pm. Tickets, priced at $60 (Golden Ringside), $40 (Ringside), and $20 (General Admission), go on sale Monday March 10, and can be purchased at the Avalon Hotel, Dee’s Cigar Store, Pony Express (1903 W 8th St) and the Ringside Restaurant. The card will also feature Cincinnati super middleweight Stephan Pryor (10-3-1), Erie heavyweight Rocky Mullooly (2-1), Pittsburgh middleweight Chris Archer (9-2), and the pro debut of heavyweight Andres Taylor from Johnstown, PA.
The GE (NYSE: GE) 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on April 23, 2008 in Erie, Pennsylvania at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center.
OneRepublic and Fabolous will perform an outdoor concert on April 29 at 7 pm at the Gannon University Athletic Field. In case of rain it will be moved indoors to the Gannon Hammermill Center. Tckets go on sale Monday March 17 at GannonTickets.com.
New Found Glory will perform a concert at the Edinboro University McComb Fieldhouse on Saturday May 3 at 8 pm. Tickets are available online or at the Edinboro University Pogue Student Center SGA Convenience Store.
The charity bellydance event, “Shimmy for a Cure“, will be held May 31 at the Erie Playhouse in downtown Erie, PA. This event will benefit the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation.
Head Coach John T Reilly of Gannon University will conduct three sessions of basketball camp this summer. Sessions will be held June 9-13, June 23-27 and August 4-8. His coaching staff, area high school coaches and several of his players will serve as camp instructors. The sessions are designed as teaching camps that emphasize the fundamentals of the game of basketball. The camps are for students in Grades 3-10.
There will be a Rust Belt Bloggers Summit on July 11-12 in Erie. People from Youngstown, Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and other area cities will be attendance to discuss economic development issues in the region.
