For many years, the Back Mountain Business Association (BMBA) has sought to provide a conduit for business owners and professionals— a platform by which to network and thereby promote the enhancement of the quality of life and economic development of the greater community.
    In 2006, the BMBA commissioned John Sumansky, Ph.D., to conduct a business climate survey that was designed to provide the organization with critical  “base line” data. A key finding of that study stated that “quality of life” is the most valuable asset— quality that is sustained by a strong and growing business community. Therefore, tasked with providing the tools   necessary to both enhance the local business climate in the Back Mountain, as well as to entice new or expanding businesses to locate or re-locate to the region, the Back Mountain Economic Development Council (BM EDC) was formed.
     “The survey outlines the perceived strengths and weaknesses of our Back Mountain community and business climate,” said David Madeira, BM EDC committee member.  “It gives an excellent starting point for a thoughtful plan that will ensure business growth, with an eye on an even higher quality of life in our community.”
    In September of 2009, community and business leaders were invited to the first formal meeting of the BM EDC. Chaired by three community leaders— Atty. Lynn Banta, BMBA past president and owner of the Twin Stacks complex; Dr. Michael MacDowell, president of Misericordia University; and BMBA President Carl Goeringer— initial reaction to the task force was enthusiastic.
    “I believe we have brought out issues that affect the Back Mountain and have witnessed results of our activity already, based on the action of our committees,” Goeringer said.

    Following the September meeting, each sub-committee began to map out target areas to address. Key to tying together the work of all was creating a brand that captured the essence of the Back Mountain. It came in the form of a logo that graphically depicts Route 309 as it winds its way through the gateway of mountains that lead into the many small towns that are part of the region. The tagline, Experience the Back Mountain, also sets the foundation for the launch of a marketing campaign that will feature the new official website of the Back Mountain,  www.BackMountain.org, as well as plans to erect a unique new road sign welcoming visitors to the region, and residents home after a long day at the office.
    The website, designed by Jim O’Connell and Resource Media, of Kingston, features three primary areas of interest— Culture, Community & Commerce. For content to remain fluid, the BM EDC seeks active participation and cooperation from all sectors of the community, including area businesses, service clubs, churches, schools, and the private sector. Contributions are being accepted in the form of photos, announcements, advertisements, and other written materials and can now be submitted directly through the website.  
    “I’m so excited about [the website] because it has the potential to become an online community hub that brings people from the Back Mountain together,” said Madeira. “So often, online activities take us away from family and friends. BackMountain.org brings us back together and lets us share our community, culture, and commerce in a new, thoroughly modern way that feels really old fashioned, like a chat over the fence with a neighbor about what’s happening this weekend.”
    Moving forward, the website will also feature a unique commercial and residential real estate and rental space inventory— beginning with existing agents’ resources, it will be a useful tool to help entrepreneurs find a new home for their businesses and their families.
    “It’s exciting to see how far we have come from a modest beginning and the enthusiasm it has generated. The website, in my opinion, is one of the best items that has come from our activity, which we expect will become a focal point for Back Mountain news, activity, and information,” Goeringer said.

    To further define the BM EDC and its mission, a business expo will be held in Insalaco Hall (2nd floor) at Misericordia University on Thursday, April 22. Experience the Back Mountain 2010 is being designed to: encourage retail opportunity awareness among residents and university   students, promote business-to-business awareness, recruit new and growing businesses to the
Back Mountain, and expand
community awareness through BackMountain.org.
    “We are a vibrant, interdependent, small business community and therefore wish to convey our desire to enhance our state of commerce by inviting other businesses to join us,” MacDowell said.
    In addition to local retailers and restaurants, vendors will include Back Mountain community organizations and churches. Hospitality stations will showcase local restaurateurs, and small business seminars will take place throughout the day. Interested parties should contact the BM EDC via the website, www.BackMountain.org, or call (570) 675-9380.
    “The Back Mountain Region of NEPA is one of the most beautiful and friendly places in which I have ever lived. It is also a great place for small— to medium-sized businesses,” said MacDowell. “People here like to live where they work, while enjoying a lifestyle conducive to raising a family among good friends and neighbors. The BM EDC and the BMBA want to help a few more businesses come and grow in this wonderful community.  The close cooperation the BM EDC has enjoyed among local residents, businesses, educational institutions, and state and local government officials suggests that many feel that a few more good companies should ‘Experience the Back Mountain.’”