Latest news with #ErieCountyGamingRevenueAuthority
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ECGRA, Erie County invest nearly $1 million to address shortage of early childhood educators
The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority awarded nearly $1 million in grants May 22 to help 59 child care providers recruit and retain qualified educators. ECGRA Executive Director Perry Wood said the grants ― the Early Childhood Educator Retention Awards ― serve to boost a vital sector in Erie County that's long been underfunded and understaffed. 'According to Start Strong PA, there are currently 93 unfilled early childhood educator positions in Erie County. If filled, these roles could serve 744 more children,' Wood said at a check presentation Thursday at St. Martin Early Learning Center. 'That's why these grants are so important. They represent a crucial step forward in supporting the dedicated professionals who care for and educate our young learners.' The $991,785 in grants were funded by a $2.5 million investment of American Rescue Plan funds from Erie County government. ECGRA has also provided a $2.5 million match in gaming revenue for a collective $5 million child care investment. 'An investment in child care is an investment in workforce development ― that is economic development,' said Erie County Executive Brenton Davis. 'Without parents being able to become dual income families, we're unable to lift our community up the economic mobility ladder.' Thursday's investment represents the first phase of a broader, multi-step initiative to strengthen Erie County's early learning infrastructure, according to ECGRA. Kenya Johnson, owner of Learning Ladder Early Child Care, said the grants will have a 'real and meaningful' impact on her center, both in terms of retaining quality teachers and giving them some much-needed recognition. 'For many of them, this extra income will make a difference in their personal lives ― paying bills, putting gas in their car, covering groceries and that all matters,' she said. 'But beyond the money, it's the message that came with it. That message says: We see you, we appreciate you and we want to keep you here doing what you do best.' Asha Graeb, director of the St. Martin Early Learning Center, added that early childhood educators often have limited support and resources despite the crucial role they play in a child's life. 'Our teachers work every day to create safe, nurturing environments where children can build confidence, spark curiosity and learn compassion,' she said. A Child's World Daycare & Learning; $23,683 Annie's Bubble Care; $6,459 Barb's Care A Lot; $19,377 Barbs Family Learning Group Daycare LLC; $6,459 Boro Babies Child Care Center; $9,689 Bright Horizons at Erie; $29,066 Corry Alliance Childcare Learning Center; $8,074 Creative Learning Childcare – iRock; $35,525 Cuddle Time Daycare; $1,077 Dr Gertrude Barber Corry; $12,918 Dr Gertrude Barber Happy Hearts; $46,290 Eagles Nest Group Daycare; $6,459 Early Connections City Center; $16,148 Early Connections Harbor Homes Early Learning Center; $6,459 Early Connections North East; $6,459 Early Connections Union City; $23,683 Early Learning Center; $19,377 Early Learning University; $24,760 Eastside YMCA; $33,372 Elk Valley Elementary YMCA; $9,689 EPS Pennbriar Childcare LLC; $16,417 Erie First Early Education Center; $11,303 Fit Kids; $10,227 Glenwood YMCA; $17,224 Growing and Learning Center; $43,060 Handled with Care; $37,678 I Love It Daycare Learning Center; $15,071 Javonne Beason; $1,077 Jumpstart Early Learning Center LLC; $6,459 KinderCare 1279; $8,612 Learning Ladder; $18,301 Little Explorers Christian Academy; $5,378 Lollipop U Daycare; $8,612 McKean Elementary YMCA; $2,153 Milestones Early Learning Academy; $13,995 Milestones Early Learning Center; $21,530 Miss Julies Childcare; $11,842 Miss Rose's Learning Center; $8,612 Montessori in the Woods; $9,150 My Terra Village; $4,844 New Horizons Early Learning Center; $10,750 Northwestern YMCA; $8,612 Playway Loving Childcare Center LLC; $5,383 Saint Benedict Center; $52,749 Saint Vincent Child Care Center; $34,448 South Hills Child Development Center; $37,139 St. Martin Early Learning Center; $76,432 St. Paul's Child Development Center; $24,760 Summit YMCA; $6,459 Teresa Jordan; $6,000 The International Institute of Erie; $10,765 Tracy Heutsche; $4,844 Twinkle Time Child Care Center; $5,921 Waterford YMCA; $10,765 Wattsburg Elementary YMCA; $9,688 World of Care; $12,918 YMCA Camp Sherwin; $2,153 YMCA of Corry Daycare; $47,366 Young Environment; $20,992 A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@ Follow him on X @ETNRao. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: 59 Erie County child care providers receive $1 million in grants
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What are top priorities for Erie County executive candidates ahead of the primary?
Economic development. Emergency medical services. Child care. Erie County's executive will face a number of issues in the next four years. And on May 20, voters will decide which two candidates should compete for the job in November to ultimately address them. One candidate is already locked in: Brenton Davis, 42, is the Republican incumbent and running unopposed for a second term. On the Democratic side, Donatos Pizza franchisee Christina Vogel, 48, will compete against Perry Wood, 46, the executive director of the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority. The Erie Times-News posed the following questions to all three candidates. Their answers were edited for length and clarity. Davis: My administration has a proven track record of delivering results. I took office at the height of COVID and immediately reopened our economy, trusting residents to make their own health choices. We partnered with local health systems to stand up emergency clinics and not a single life was lost under our watch. Since then, we've faced windstorms, floods, 38 wildfires, historic snowstorms and a measles outbreak ― and no lives were lost in any of these disasters. That's the result of pre-planned responses, trained volunteers, community partnerships and even inmate work crews stepping up to help. My background ― 23 years in military leadership, nearly two decades as a private business owner and a master's in economic development and an undergraduate in psychology — has prepared me to lead in times of crisis. Plus, my established ties with the White House, the governor's, U.S. and state Senate and House offices along with national appointed leadership positions give Erie County leverage that neither of my opponents can match. Please enable Javascript to view this content. Vogel: I have managed budgets that are millions of dollars. That means earning every dollar that comes into my business and dealing with the real-world consequences if there is a shortfall. In my business, which I created from nothing, I have had to make tough choices. I know I can find efficiencies and savings in the county budget because I've already done it in my own business after COVID and on a much larger scale in Illinois in the Office of Management and Budget, which is billions of dollars. When you're facing the kind of fiscal cliff that we are in, you want someone who has managed large budgets, who has had to make payroll when things are tough and who respects their employees. The simple truth is I am the only candidate who has created actual jobs. My MBA and my direct experience at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Office of Management and Budget for the State of Illinois and in my businesses make me uniquely qualified to dig deep into the budget, rein in spending and ensure every single dollar is impactful and spent legally and to improve Erie County for all residents. Additionally, I put in an untold number of hours with the rest of the inaugural board of trustees to create the Erie County Community College. It is this real experience as a business owner and community college inaugural board member and community advocate that allows me to bring a perspective to the office that no one else can. Wood: I believe I'm the most viable candidate for county executive because I bring both the experience to govern effectively and the relationships to win across party lines. I've spent my career working with Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike to deliver real results for Erie County. This includes building the Keystone Innovation Zone, helping launch the Erie County Community College and overseeing over $88 million in investments through the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority. These weren't solo projects, they were partnerships with local governments, businesses and community leaders. That's what sets me apart. I already have strong working relationships with local elected officials, County Council and other regional leaders. Where the current administration has burned bridges, I've prioritized building them. That collaborative spirit is essential, not just for winning elections, but for governing effectively. I also bring deep knowledge of the county's economic development system. I've led efforts to make it more accountable and transparent, replacing dysfunction with trust and stability. Erie County residents deserve a county government that works and I've proven I can deliver that. In contrast, the incumbent's administration has been marked by lawsuits, infighting and a top-down leadership style that has alienated even members of his own party. Erie County doesn't need more chaos, it needs a unifier, a coach, someone who listens, collaborates and follows through. Direct primaries didn't always exist: The first was held in Crawford County in 1842. Davis: When I took office, Erie County didn't even track 911 data, let alone recognize the severity of our EMS crisis. In 2022, we had 1,267 dropped EMS calls, an 18% drop rate. Today, that rate is below 2%, and response times have improved dramatically. We've invested millions in EMS scholarships, adding 80-plus EMTs and paramedics to our workforce and regionalized providers for faster, more cost-effective service. But the crisis isn't over: 40% of Erie County still lacks reliable ambulance coverage. That's why I've proposed $2.5 million in county gaming revenue for the 2025 budget: To save lives, strengthen public safety and lower taxes. We must invest in infrastructure to attract the opportunities which pass Erie County by each week. We now have large shovel-ready sites with the business park investment. However, most companies want to be in operation within six months of signing. We must have infrastructure in the ground to support industry, have a nimble workforce development pipeline being built at the Community College and clear span structures capable of being modified quickly to allow a company to purchase/lease and build to suit their needs in a short time frame. No zoning hurdles, no waiting on government and inspection delays -- truly moving at the speed of business. My administration will continue to identify pathways to keep our taxes low and look for alternatives to property taxes. I firmly believe no one should work their whole life, pay for a home and never truly own it. We need to look at property tax levies similar to Ohio which allow for tax abatement for our senior citizens. This is something which my administration is currently researching the possibilities under PA law to do similar in Erie County. Vogel: The most important issue is the budget. This is essential for several key reasons. First, we cannot afford another tax increase and since so much of the county revenue comes from the state and federal government, we must ensure we are efficient and smart with your tax dollars to survive the pressure being put on federal dollars. I plan to explore zero based budgeting to better manage spending. I will also look for efficiencies and eliminate duplication of services. Second, county government is about people. We don't pave streets we take care of people and I want to get back to supporting essential social services. The Office of Children and Youth, the Health Department and Library Services are all critically important. Again, the funds for these programs are in jeopardy and we must not let them be negatively impacted. By finding savings elsewhere, we will be in a stronger position to shore up these and other critical services. Finally, I will make transparency, open communication and accountability a priority. The infighting, the lawsuits, the settlements ― all of this takes away from the purpose of the Erie County executive and wastes precious time and money. Wood: If elected, I will prioritize three key areas: Expanding access to childcare, supporting small businesses and restoring real economic development across Erie County. First, childcare. This is one of the biggest barriers to workforce participation and we're tackling it head-on. In my current role with ECGRA, I've helped launch an initiative to create 2,500 high-quality childcare slots across the county to build new daycare centers, renovate existing ones and help providers expand capacity. This isn't just good for families, it's essential for our economy. Second, I'll focus on supporting new and existing businesses. Erie County is full of potential, but bureaucracy and a lack of coordination hold too many people back. I've worked with small businesses for years through the NWPA Technology Council and ECGRA and I'll keep doing it by strengthening our small business ecosystem and with a goal to launch 500 new startups across the county. Third, I'll bring back a serious, coordinated economic development strategy. Through initiatives like Mission Main Street and Empower Erie, we've shown that when we align government, business, and community partners, we can create real opportunity. On day one, I'll rejoin Infinite Erie and make sure the county government is no longer operating in isolation. That means working with public and private stakeholders to drive investment, cutting red tape and deliver the results our county deserves. A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@ Follow him on X @ETNRao. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County executive: Davis runs for reelection, two Dems compete
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ECGRA gives out nearly $200K to local organizations through Special Events Grants
The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) has announced it's giving out nearly $200,000 to its 2025 Special Events Grant recipients, and there are 44 organizations that will use the funding to ensure Erie's well-known activities flourish and grow. Erie residents and visitors look forward to the region's summer months all year long. The season includes several fairs, festivals and special events that promote a sense of community. Many of these activities wouldn't be able to exist without a little financial boost, which is where ECGRA steps in. Erie Insurance announces new $100 million charitable foundation The authority is awarding nearly $200,000 to 44 organizations that arrange hundreds of events around the county. 'Special events create a sense of vibrancy in the community but they're also great leadership positions. The majority of these organizations are run by volunteers,' said Perry Wood, executive director of ECGRA. The grants range from $425 all the way up to $15,000. Two organizations that received the largest grants are Cafe for CelebrateErie and Lights Over Lake Erie, as well as the Jefferson Education Society for their programming and global summit. Most of these special events are traditions for Erie residents, like the Italian Festival. This funding is one way to help keep their heritage alive. 'Everyone awarded today is helping to maintain the foundation of what it means to live in Erie,' said Brian Ferraro, with St. Paul Church's Italian Festival. 'Leading up to this year's festival on the 8, 9, and 10 of August, our community will come together and prepare for the celebration of the assumption of the Blessed Mother Mary.' According to the authority, the special events grants fund up to 5% of events that take place within Erie County. These events are open to the general public and promote the region economically and culturally. Splash Lagoon offering free admission for firefighters on May 4 The funding also provides a variety of possibilities — Young Artist Debut Orchestra (YADO) will be able to participate in their organization's 16th annual Independence Day performance at the Erie SeaWolves. 'This event is considered a prime performance opportunity for any music performing arts group,' said Jessie Collura, executive director of YADO. Wood said that some residents' most visceral memories are tied to Erie's events and festivals. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Erie County officials announce major $5 million childcare investment
Two branches of county government have joined forces to support parents and child care providers in Erie County. County council and the gaming revenue authority announced a $5 million project Tuesday. This investment is expected to have a major impact on local families and childcare providers. Something that the county executive said is a dire issue in the region right now. 'It started prior to COVID, nobody really paid attention,' said Tiffany LaVette, the CEO of ABC 24 Hour Child Care. Protesters take to Erie Federal Building amid potential cuts to Medicare, Medicaid 'People had the opportunity to see how valuable and important early childhood education was when we had to have a waiver from the governor to remain open,' she said. Tiffany LaVette has been in the childcare industry since 2016. She's the CEO of ABC 24 Hour Child Care which has been on the corner on State and East 14th Streets for nearly nine years. Her center is one of many across the country that have faced barriers in providing affordable and high-quality services. The Erie County administration and Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) announced Tuesday an investment to address this need in the region. Roof collapses after fire breaks out at Crawford Co. home 'Child care is something that faces all of us. It inhibits folks from being able to work, it inhibits parents from being able to climb the economic mobility ladder,' said Erie County Executive Brenton Davis. The administration called it Erie County Investing in Families, $2.5 million has been voted by county government to improve access to child care services. The county money will be distributed through ECGRA who will match that amount, making it a total of $5 million. While government officials are still not clear on exactly how businesses will qualify for this money, they said they will implement an application process to find the best use for the funds. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Talks have already been in the works with local child care centers to make guidelines on how to best serve the community. 'We've had two meetings so far over 70 participants to help give us input and then I'll bring it back to the ECGRA board of directors,' said Perry Wood, executive director of ECGRA. 'Early childhood development is economic development.' 'The main things that we've discussed so far is wage retaining staff and also being able to grow and renovate our spaces,' LaVette said. ABC Child Care is currently at capacity. LaVette said this initiative could give them to opportunity to not only hire more people but to renovate and expand. State Street, Bayfront Parkway closure extended due to utility work 'The next phase to this would be to have our community engagement component. We'll get the opportunity to see and hear from the community in what you guys would like to see in early child care as well,' she went on to say. The administration said this is part of an ongoing commitment to improving community infrastructure and supporting local initiatives that foster growth and opportunity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Perry Wood announces candidacy for Erie County executive
The race for Erie County executive is heating up. The executive director of the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, Perry Wood, has thrown his hat in the ring. Wood will be running on the Democratic ticket and said he's hoping to bring needed leadership to the position. Jeremy Lightner announces candidacy for Erie Co. Common Pleas Court Judge Wood has led the ECGRA since 2011 and by running for county executive, he said he's looking to be able to implement his ideas for growth on a larger scale Perry Wood will be running on the Democratic ticket in the upcoming primary election. And if he wins that bid, he'll face off against incumbent Republican Brenton Davis, elected in 2021. 'It's been an honor to serve as executive director of ECGRA. I get to work with leaders from all over Erie County to make revitalization projects successful. It's really rewarding, but I want to take it to the next level and the platform of the County is a place where I can make an even bigger difference,' Wood said. Some of his priorities would include fixing the county's EMS system, holding the line on taxes, working with and supporting childcare initiatives, and economic development. Emily Merski announces candidacy for Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas judge Wood said economic development is the most important driver of Erie County's future, but said he has a very different idea as to what that means compared to the current administration. Davis shared his reaction to his potential opponent's announcement. 'It makes not a bit of difference to me who is on the other side. At the end of the day, we've shown the residents of Erie County what three years under my administration looks like,' he said. In a time where Erie County Government appears to receive some controversy, Wood hopes to provide some stability. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'It's okay for council to to disagree with the county executive and vice versa, but we've got to get to a point where we're talking about ideas on how to move the community forward. The current administration just doesn't have the temperament to do that. I've proven over the last 20 years that I know how to collaborate. I know how to work with civic leaders, private business owners, and other elected officials,' Wood said. Davis has similar goals and is leaning on his resume of work and how he says he's able to get things done. 'I joke that they call me the recycling man. I'm walking around picking the cans up that other folks kick down the road, and that's what governance is about. It's not ignoring the problems, it's addressing them head-on. EMS, homelessness, economic development, job creation,' he explained. 'it's all those different things that we've been able to do to really set a strong foundation for generations to come.' Mayor Joe Schember announces re-election bid For more information about both candidates click here for Perry Wood and click here for Brenton Davis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
