Bresnahan, Secretary Turner Highlight Opportunity Zones in Hazleton

HAZLETON, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) hosted U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner in Hazleton for a virtual tour of a local opportunity zone and a roundtable with elected officials, chambers of commerce leaders, and local stakeholders to discuss Opportunity Zones and housing priorities.

"When private investment flows into economically distressed communities it creates opportunity. Local businesses can expand, good-paying jobs are created, and neighborhoods have the chance to grow and thrive," said Rep. Bresnahan."Opportunity Zones give investors the certainty they need to make long-term commitments, but lasting success depends on strong partnerships between the federal government and local leaders who know their communities best. I appreciate Secretary Turner joining us in Northeastern Pennsylvania and look forward to continuing our work together to bring investment, create jobs, and strengthen our communities."

"Opportunity Zones have already lifted one million Americans out of poverty and are revitalizing communities across Hazleton and the Keystone State," said HUD Secretary Turner. "President Trump made Opportunity Zones permanent with the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to ensure this important initiative will continue to reshape the American communities that need it most. I was pleased to join Congressman Bresnahan to discuss how we can build on that momentum and expand opportunity for more American communities. The Trump Administration remains committed to advancing economic growth, strengthening neighborhoods, and increasing affordable housing opportunities."

The visit began with a virtual tour and briefing of Mericle Commercial Real Estate property, CrossRoads East Phase I, that is benefiting from the federal Opportunity Zone designation. Rep. Bresnahan and Secretary Turner also spoke with leadership of CAN DO, a private nonprofit economic development organization that has played a leading role in promoting federal Qualified Opportunity Zones in the Greater Hazleton area.

"CrossRoads East has already put its Opportunity Zone designation to work - turning it into real construction, real jobs, and real investment right here in Luzerne County," said Mericle Vice President, Growth and Strategy Kevin O'Boyle. "Renewing that designation, and being able to offer Federal tax incentives to prospective employers, is critical to attracting the high-growth businesses that need patient, lower-cost capital to invest and expand in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

"We're grateful to Secretary Turner for taking the time to visit Greater Hazleton and engage in a meaningful discussion about the impact Opportunity Zones have had on communities like ours," said CAN DO Director of Economic Development Jocelyn Sterenchock. "Sharing our experience firsthand helps illustrate how strategic public policy can leverage significant private investment, support job creation, and position regions like Greater Hazleton for continued economic growth."

Following the briefing, they sat down with local leaders to discuss the importance of Opportunity Zones for communities like Hazleton. Joining Rep. Bresnahan and Secretary Turner were (in alphabetical order):

• Jeffrey Cusat - Mayor, City of Hazleton
• Joe DeFelice - Regional Administrator, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Lindsay Griffin-Boylan - President & CEO, Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Jake Latcham - Chief Operating Officer, Mericle Commercial Real Estate
• Joseph Lettiere - President & CEO, CAN DO, Inc.
• Amy Luyster - Vice President of Business & Workforce Development, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
• Nico Makuta - Economic Development Manager, CAN DO, Inc.
• Mary Malone - President, Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce
• Michelle Mikitish - President, Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce
• Melia Molinaro - District Office Manager for Representative Dane Watro, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
• Larry Newman - Executive Director, Diamond City Partnership
• Kevin O'Boyle - Vice President, Growth & Strategy, Mericle Commercial Real Estate
• Ted Ritsick - Community Planning and Economic Development Division Head, Luzerne County
• John E. Schwear, Jr. - Chair, CAN DO, Inc.
• Jocelyn Sterenchock - Director of Economic Development, CAN DO, Inc.
• Dane Watro - State Representative, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
• Joseph Zeller III - Director of Community and Economic Development, City of Hazleton

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