“This is a great place to live, work and play,” says Benjamin Bush, Executive Director of Forward Lawrence, the organization overseeing both the Lawrence County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Corporation. “We are well positioned to anybody who wants to be within a short drive to Pittsburgh,Youngstown,Akron, Cleveland, Erie.There’s plenty to do on the weekends, if you stretch out and get out to some of those areas, and there is plenty to do if you just want to stay around here.” INDUSTRY AND INVESTMENT Lawrence County’s economic roots are tied to industrial manufacturing, and while times have changed, that foundation remains strong.Alongside manufacturing, Bush says the county’s economy thrives on agriculture, tourism, and healthcare.“The great thing about Lawrence County is there’s a lot of high paying wages in the sectors that we do have, and with a lower cost of living, you can have a better quality of life,” he stresses. On the business development front, Forward Lawrence is collaborating with La Carte Development on Stonecrest Business Park, in the community of New Beaver Borough.The park includes four lots and the potential for approximately 1.5 million square feet of industrial space. Lot sizes range from 80,000 square feet to a million. “There is a 10-year 100 percent LERTA, which is significant,” Bush adds.“Even if you’re not going to own the building, you still don’t have to worry about the tax portion of a triple net lease. So that is a significant incentive to help draw in business from throughout the region or help our local folks be able to expand.” TOURISM, TRAILS, AND TRAVEL SPORTS Tourism is another primary part of Lawrence County’s economy, from indoor sports to agritourism.“We have a facility here in the western part of the county called RAW,” says Bush. “It’s an indoor sports complex that definitely draws sports tourism to the county.” The area also offers natural assets like McConnells Mill State Park, the Stavich Bike Trail and access to the North Country Trail, a designated National Scenic Trail.The Lawrence County Fairgrounds hosts a range of popular events, including one of the largest dog 139 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 LAWRENCE COUNTY, PA
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