Institutions & Civil Society

This section catalogs organizations in the community that have influence over the decision-makers or public opinion. Rarely do officials make decisions in a vacuum, without perspective and input from peers or pressure from interest groups. Developers are walking into a local policy environment filled with existing relationships, economic realities, and perhaps different political and cultural values.

As relationships are strained with some local economic organizations at the production of this report, we provide ancillary organizations from neighboring communities for message validation and alternative avenues for reaching into the community’s business network. This region is heavily agricultural with a legacy of industry as well. Building constructive relationships with the local business, labor, and ag communities will be essential to developing the Firefly project. To achieve the first objective of removing the bar on developing solar in agricultural zones, build a supportive coalition of local farmers and regional agricultural organizations, such as the Beaver/Lawrence County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Enhance the coalition with conservation-minded environmental groups that can speak to soil health, hydrological drainage, and potential pollinator benefits. While the business community is important and Vesper should continue to find avenues to educate business leaders on the economic investments, jobs, and workforce opportunities, winning over farmers is the most important element of civic engagement for this project. Help residents feel comfortable that the solar panels will not change the character of the community but will help keep farm plots intact and productive for future generations. Local universities can be leverage for data analysis, and Vesper can support local workforce development.

Lawrence County Regional Chamber of Commerce (LCRCC): The LCRCC is a local economic development organization and business network aimed at creating and retaining “family sustaining” jobs, expanding the local tax base, and improving services and civic institutions. It is currently being rebranded as “Forward Lawrence.” In 2017, the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, the Lawrence County Chamber Foundation, and the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation merged to create the LCRCC and the missions and functions of those entities were adopted by the greater organization.

• The LCRCC offers a monthly Lunch & Learn series as well as special ad hoc workshop programing to bring the community together for discussion on topics ranging from economic and community development and other various topics of interest to the community. 
• Take note that the LCRCC’s vision statement mentions “family-sustaining” jobs - this is usually code for unionized or otherwise high-wage jobs. Renewables tend to struggle to be accepted as falling in this category because the renewable energy workforce is largely not unionized and wages tend towards the median. 
• Linda D. Nitch, Director of Economic Development nitch@lawrencecounty.com | Diane Lynn Richardson, Assistant Director of Economic Development richardson@lawrencecounty.com. A full staff directory can be found here.

New Visions for Lawrence County: New Visions is a 501(c)3 non-profit, grassroots movement that seeks community growth through the engagement of volunteers and community partners. They host events and projects that increase foot traffic downtown, build local relationships, beautify the community. The group views itself as a catalyst of community conversations, revitalization, and community pride. 

• New Visions current initiatives include supporting the New Castle Riverwalk project, attracting more foot traffic to downtown New Castle, and greater New Castle beautification efforts with support from Greater New Castle Beautification Fund and the Ecolab Foundation.  

Butler County Chamber of Commerce (BCCC): The BCCC is a local chamber of commerce that serves Butler County, which abuts Lawrence County to the south. The chamber’s stated mission is to “enhance the economic prosperity of our members and to promote free enterprise and growth in Butler County.”

• While Firefly is not located in Butler County, the business community and networks overlap. If Vesper is struggling to make traction with the Lawrence County business community, there could be opportunities to leverage the BCCC to reenter the conversation in Lawrence County and use other (more removed) business voices as message validators. 

Slippery Rock Business Association (SRBA): Based in Slippery Rock, PA, the Business Association is a consortium of businesses and individuals to cultivate a positive business environment and network in the region surrounding Slippery Rock. The consortium is based on the other side of New Castle from North Beaver Township, but is integrated into the larger Lawrence County business community. A list of board members can be found here, which include members from the Lions Club and the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. 

Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce: While this Chamber is centered around the Youngstown area in Ohio, it views its mission as a regional one that include parts of western Pennsylvania and is listed as a partner on the LCRCC’s website. 

• Shea MacMillan, Vice President, Economic Development shea@regionalchamber.com | Melissa Maiorano, Director of Workforce Development melissa@regionalchamber.com 
• The organization also has a Chamber Foundation that funds much of the Regional Chamber’s non-profit programming. 

• Michael McGiffin, Foundation President Michael@RegionalChamber.com | 

• If outreach to the LCRCC is hitting a dead-end, the Youngstown Chamber may be an alternative validator that can help build Vesper’s credibility with the local business and economic development community.  

West Central Job Partnership (WCJP): A 501(c)3 non-profit established to enhance workforce training and development in Lawrence and Mercer counties. The governing board is made up of County Commissioners from Lawrence and Mercer counties. Their staff directory can be found here.   

• WCJP released a 2021-24 Local Workforce Plan which provides an analysis of the local economic and workforce landscape, and the different skills gaps that exist.   
• Consider becoming a PA CareerLink partner for Lawrence County. 

IBEW 712: A local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The IBEW 712 was the recipient of over $1 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant to support its Western Central Pennsylvania Electricians' Training Center. The training center will use the grant to fund equipment for solar and other clean energy technology trainings. 

• Western Central Pennsylvania Electricians' Training Center: an apprenticeship program aimed at preparing students for careers as licensed electricians with on-the-job (OTJ) experience and curriculum that includes solar energy. | Greg Hojdila, Training Director, 724-775-6920
• Electrical Training Alliance (IBEW/NECA): An alliance between the IBEW and the National Electrical Contractors Association aimed at developing a workforce pipeline for careers in electric, including solar. “With our instructor training resources, regionalized curriculum and advanced learning technologies, we bring a new level of education to the classroom and can train students better than any other curriculum available.” NECA Western PA also has a website. 
• Creating a relationship with IBEW 712 and the solar training center could help develop Firefly’s workforce message and the union may see local employment potentials in the Firefly project that align with their goals for the training center. 

Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum (PennCEF): “The Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum (PennCEF) was created August, 2018 by conservatives, for conservatives who want the Commonwealth to adopt an all-of-the-above diversified energy portfolio that includes an emphasis on moving to clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.” PennCEF is helping run the “Right to Farm” campaign with the state AG’s office.

Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC): The PEC is an environmental organization that “protects and restores the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy.” Much of their public-facing work is focused on executive and legislative initiatives in Harrisburg, but they are broadly interested in reducing emissions and air pollution from power generation. They support RGGI entry, avoid that issue with your core audiences, but they will likely be generally supportive of Firefly and can help Vesper navigate the environmental space in the state. View the full staff directory here.  

PennEnvironment: A local chapter of Environment America, a 501(c)3 non-profit aimed at improving air and water quality, promoting clean energy, and other urban livability issues. They support 100% renewable energy and recently have had a focus on protecting bees and other pollinators from pesticides. View the full staff directory here.  

• The environmental message needs to be very targeted to the right audiences in western PA, however, if Vesper intends to include pollinator-friendly designs into the Firefly project, PennEnvironment activists could likely be cultivated into environmental message validators.
• Johanna Neumann, Senior Director, Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy 413-256-6434 | Olivia Ross Perfetti, Western Pennsylvania Field Organizer 

PennFuture: A statewide environmental advocacy organiation primariliy focused on environmental litigation at the state level and advocates for policies that will spur more renewable energy in the state, including solar. PennFuture supports RGGI entry, avoid that issue with your core audiences, but has a network of grassroots activities who support community and grid-scale solar. 

• Rob Altenburg, Senior Director for Energy and Climate altenburg@pennfuture.org 717-214-7933 | Jess Cadorette, Field Director cadorette@pennfuture.org 610-717-6680 | Emily Gale, Director of Civic Engagement gale@pennfuture.org 717-674-3457. View the full staff directory here.  

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC): A non-profit organization “dedicated to protecting and restoring the region’s exceptional natural places since 1932.” The organization does not appear to have deep roots in energy work, but it is a known entity on water and land protection in the western part of the state. Still, the organization appears to be tacitly supportive of “properly sited” renewable energy. View staff directory here.  

• The WPC is engaged in conservation efforts in Lawrence County (not specifically on the proposed footprint of Firefly), including developing watershed plans, agricultural best practices, and even owns some properties in the eastern parts of the county. Consider partnering with this group to develop mitigation plans, best practices for farmers co-existing with solar, and earn the group’s buy-in. However, this group also has options for supporting landowners and even purchasing properties to protect them from development, so it would be vital to assure the group that Firefly advances their conservation interests rather than hurting them–proper siting, drainage, and pollinator plans will likely help with this.  

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau: an organization representing farming and agricultural interests in Pennsylvania. PFB is a member of the national Farm Bureau and engages in lobbying and grassroots advocacy in the state. Their stated goal is to “preserve the state’s agricultural heritage and ensure that family farms can continue to produce local food, grow their communities and promote responsible stewardship of the land and natural resources.” 

• Beaver/Lawrence County Chapter: Chip Kohser, President | 412-596-0264; Lance Medich, Organizational Director for Region 5 | lamedich@pfb.com 
• Supports HB 2104 which would establish decommissioning and financial assurance requirements for utility-scale solar and other renewable energy projects. 
• PFB posted a “Farm Focus” podcast addressing solar energy and leasing agreements. They generally suggested that solar farms offer benefits to communities and that solar leases provide gradual and consistent payments (vs. boom or bust like shale gas), but they have a set of guidelines to help farmers and landowners navigate the solar leasing process. Jacob Kiessling, an attorney at Mette, Evans & Woodside mentions the following concerns and observations:  

• Concerns about tax obligations, all increases are transferred to the company. 
• Decommission and ensuring all above ground and below grade improvements should be returned to tillable conditions. Government bonding and security agreements should exist in the case the developer or owner and operators are unable to meet decommissioning obligations. Concerns over the “net salvage value.”   
• Solar is typically significantly more valuable than other crops per acre. 

Pennsylvania State Grange: an organization “dedicated to the betterment of the American way of life through community service, education, legislation and fellowship” that engages in advocacy with a specific focus on “granges” and agricultural interests in the commonwealth. 

• Wayne Campbell, President of the PA State Grange published an op-ed in Go Erie where he says, “We believe that Pennsylvania should not pick winners and losers. Our state is blessed with multiple sources of energy…The second question — and possibly the most important — is how to decide where to put these facilities…The problem comes with the threat of the loss of productive farmland from what is in essence a solar energy factory…The Pennsylvania State Grange suggests having energy companies document why reclaimed mine land or brownfields cannot be used instead of farmland. Secondly, we feel installations should not take farmland out of production unless another type of agriculture (grazing or specialty crops) can still take place. Lastly, solar energy facilities should be installed in areas verified by conservation districts as not adding pollution to our streams.”

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): A nonprofit service organization comprised of veterans and active-duty military members. Nationally, the group advocates for veterans benefits. The local chapters or oriented towards community service and promoting patriotism. 

• Post 315 Neshannock Post: Quartermaster: Richard Stone Jr., Commander: Andrew Mc Combs, 2nd Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at 1820 E. Washington Street, New Castle, PA 16101 | 724-658-8257
• Post 2799 Triangle Post: Quartermaster: Steven Withers, Commander: David Olekshuk, Meets 1st Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at 3161 E South Range Rd., New Springfield, OH 44443 | 330-542-9928

American Legion: The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a national veterans organization dedicated to service, mentoring youth, and sponsoring community programs. The Legion helps veterans find meaningful jobs, education, health-care, and other opportunities to serve their communities.  

• PA Post 0343: Adjutant: Charles W Ellenberger, Commander: William F Schafer, Meets 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at 134 N Jefferson St New Castle, PA 16101 | americanlegion343@gmail.com | 724-658-3990
• PA Post 0638: Adjutant: Eugene Retort, Commander: James R Kursel, Meets 3rd Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at Bessemer Croation Club, 601 E. Poland Ave., Bessemer, PA 16112  

• There are no known active U.S. military installations in the region.

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Slippery Rock University: A local university located in Butler County, east of Lawrence County. Slippery Rock is a member of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. The university offers over 150 undergraduate majors and 40 graduate certificates, including expertise that could be helpful to winning community support and project O&M such as data science and sustainability. 

Westminster College: A small liberal arts unviersity located in New Wilmington, PA, north of New Castle. The university primarily caters to 4-year undergraduate students, but has some potentially relevant programing such as environmental studies. 

Youngstown State University (YSU): University located in Youngstown, Ohio, while not in PA, the university is one of the larger in the area and has strong name recognition among locals. Many college-educated locals attended YSU, such as Linda Nitch at the LCRCC. The school offers relevant programs such as Electrical Engineering. The school also has data analytics and environmental science capacity. 

Lawrence County Career & Technical Center (LCCTC): A technical education institute aimed at providing career-oriented technical education programs to the Lawrence County community. The LCCTC currently offers relevant Electrical Occupations, Oil & Gas, and Welding courses.

• Leonard Rich, Building Director (also sits on the LCRCC Board of Directors) lrich@lcvt.tec.pa.us | Michael Milanovich, Principal mmilanovich@lcvt.tec.pa.us | Pete Montini, Electrical Occupations pmontini@lcvt.tec.pa.us | 724-658-3583  

New Castle School of Trades: A local technical school aimed at providing career-oriented technical training education programs to the region and a workforce network. The school offers relevant programs such as Electrical & Industrial Maintanence, as well as Industrial Electro-Mechanical Technologies that prepare students for careers in wind and solar among other things. | 833-352-0808.

Laurel Technical Institute: A technical school with four physical locations throughout Pennsylvania and online career-oriented classes aimed at preparing students for the workforce. The closes location to Lawrence County is located a few miles north in Hermitage, PA, which offers a relevant electrical technician program.  

Lawrence Learning Center: A local organization focused on providing career opportunities and job training for individuals and businesses in the region. The Learning Center has relationships with other local organizations such as the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and PA CareerLink of Lawrence County. 

Mohawk Area School District: Mohawk Area School District operates an elementary school and a joint junior and senior high school. The district is managed by an 11-member school board and overseen by Superintendent Dr. Michael Leitera. 

• Firefly’s footprint calls entirely within the Mohawk School District. Some opposition groups have specifically called out the district for wading into the issue. In April 2022, the Mohawk Area School Board sent a letter of support for the Firefly project to North Beaver Township’s Board of Supervisors.    

• There are no major hospitals located in Lawrence County. The closest facilities are in Youngstown, OH, Hermitage, and Butler. 

Lawrence County Public Safety: Chad Strobel, Interim Director cstrobel@leoc.net | 724-202-7102

North Beaver Township Volunteer Fire Department: “North Beaver Volunteer Fire Department protects an area of 43 square miles including Pennsylvania Toll Road 376 and S.N.P.J. We provide Q.R.S. Vehicle Rescue, Haz-Mat, and Fire Suppression Services to the residents and visitors of North Beaver Township.” Facebook |  724-667-8490

• In the late summer, the North Beaver Township VFD holds an annual Golf Outing to raise money for the department. The 2022 Golf Outing is schedule for September 3rd at the Castle Hills Golf Course. This could be an opportunity to publicly support/sponsor the VFD. Questions can be directed to Paul Henry 724-333-6956 or Frank Jannetti 724-685-1143.

• Bessemer Presbyterian Church | 724-667-7255
• Church of Genesis
• Bethel United Brethren Church
• Edinburg Christian Church
• Wampum Presbyterian Church
• Enon Presbyterian Church | 724-336-4000
• First Presbyterian Church | 724-652-7706
• City Church | 724-510-7316
• Christ Lutheran Church | 724-658-8009
• Cornerstone Community Church
• Shenango Christian Church | 724-658-4011

Lions Club: A global volunteer organization aimed at improving communities through acts of service. Each Lions Club focuses on an areas of need identified by the local members.  

• New Castle Lions Club | Every 1st, 3rd Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. at the Confluence, 214 East Washington Street, New Castle, PA 16101
• Union Township Lions Club | Every 2nd Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Union Township Fire Hall, South Scotland Lane, New Castle, PA 16101
• Wampum Area Lions Club | Every 3rd Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at Hito’s, Main Street, West Pittsburg, PA 16160.

United Way of Lawrence County: The local affiliate of United Way, a 501(c)3 charity organization with the stated mission of “creating community-based and community-led solutions that strengthen the cornerstones for a good quality of life: education, financial stability and health.” The group’s board of directors list can be found here. Consider getting involved or helping sponsor one of its local events: 

• Women’s Initiative: Holds the Lawrence County Women’s Conference, an annual conference delivered by women for women to develop a network of women in the community. 
• Day of Caring: An annual event organized around community service. 

Hoyt Arts and Education Center: A local arts center with the stated mission to “expand and enrich the life of the community through participation in the arts.” 

Lawrence County Community Action Partnership: A local organization dedicated to “enhancing the quality of life” in Lawrence County and providing resources to reduce poverty, improve education, and promote self-sufficiency. The partnership host programs such as food drives, parenting classes, tax help, health services, and workforce training. Congressman Mike Kelly, Representative Chris Sainato, and Senator Elder Vogel sit on the Board of Directors. See full directory of Board here. The group also produced a 2022 Community Assessment that dives into the community’s needs.