ProjectsRepresentative projects completed by Ellen Morosoff Pemrick, either as principal of E.M. Pemrick and Company or while with previous employers (denoted by a *), are listed below.
Wall Street West, northeastern PA
Workforce and Workforce Development System Gap Analysis
Wall Street West is a not-for-profit partnership of economic development agencies, technology investment groups, workforce development organizations, and educational and research institutions in northeastern Pennsylvania. In 2006, the group secured a $15 million Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The purpose of the grant is to expand and strengthen the financial services sector in a nine-county area through the development of the requisite skilled workforce.
The Wall Street West partnership contracted with E.M. Pemrick and Company and Moran, Stahl & Boyer to prepare a Workforce and Workforce Development System Gap Analysis. The project team used a combination of original research, interviews, and review of existing data to:
The final report offers a series of recommendations designed to address identified gaps and ensure that a qualified workforce is in place to attract and support the financial services sector in northeastern Pennsylvania. (A summary of the gap analysis presented at the Wall Street West regional meeting in October 2007 is available here.) As part of its ongoing commitment to building an integrated economic and workforce development system, Wall Street West has earmarked more than $2 million in WIRED funding to prepare Pennsylvania workers and students for the employment opportunities in this dynamic sector.
Greene County, NY
Comprehensive Economic Development Plan
E.M. Pemrick and Company was a key contributor to the countywide economic development plan for this predominantly rural county in the Hudson Valley of upstate New York. The plan was adopted by the Greene County Legislature in July 2007; its contents are available by chapter here.
James City County, VA Office of Economic Development
Business Climate Study
James City County is adjacent to the independent City of Williamsburg. Its current population is estimated at 58,000 with an average annual growth rate exceeding 2%, reflecting the area's high desirability as a destination for both retirees and working families.
To sustain the economic viability of the area, the County's Economic Development Authority (EDA) commissioned a Business Climate Taskforce (BCTF) to review the local climate for business retention and expansion of existing businesses, as well as recruiting outside businesses to the area. Through the James City County Office of Economic Development, the EDA and Board of Supervisors, the Business Climate Taskforce retained a consulting team comprised of Moran, Stahl & Boyer and E.M. Pemrick and Company to complete a Business Climate Study. The team conducted 40 interviews with a cross-section of local businesses, and benchmarked James City County against five peer counties to evaluate economic development policies and identify "best-in-class" approaches to land use, growth management, small business development, and other issues impacting the business climate.
One of the key findings of the study is that James City County is at a strategic point in its history. In the next 25 years, the majority of the land that is slated to be developed will be built out, and significant labor shortages are expected. Recommendations provided by the project team to improve the County's capacity for economic development included setting aside land for future office and industrial use, maintaining an inventory of 'flex' space to accommodate emerging businesses, supporting workforce housing and partnering with neighboring counties to address labor shortages, and stimulating entrepreneurial activity.
Kent County, DE
Countywide Economic Development Strategy
E.M. Pemrick and Company worked with Moran, Stahl & Boyer to develop an economic development strategy for Kent County, one of three counties in Delaware. The County's objectives were to provide direction and focus to its economic development efforts and effectively position the County for future growth. The project methodology incorporated an analysis of economic, demographic, labor and industry trends; extensive interviews with major employers, municipal leaders, educators, local and state economic development officials, chambers of commerce and other stakeholders; an employer survey; an inventory and assessment of sites available for business development and expansion; and a competitive assessment comparing Kent County with its peers in the mid-Atlantic region.
Formally adopted by the Commissioners of the Kent County Levy Court in October 2006, the strategy identifies the facilities, resources and organizational support necessary for the County to achieve its goals for economic growth. It also offers detailed recommendations to transition the existing economic development council to a more responsive and dynamic organization with a public/private board of directors, a stronger emphasis on business retention and expansion, engagement of a broad range of constituents, and focus on partnerships and collaboration with other agencies and organizations to address various economic development issues, maximize resources, and leverage market exposure. An executive summary of this report is available here.
Village of New Albany, OH
Economic Development Strategic Plan*
Contributions included an economic and industry analysis, analysis of demographic trends, a retail market study, and recommendations related to business attraction, marketing, and concepts for retail development.
Lumber City Development Corporation, City of North Tonawanda, NY
Downtown North Tonawanda Redevelopment Plan*
While with a previous employer, Ellen Pemrick produced a redevelopment plan for North Tonawanda's downtown district in partnership with a planning and engineering firm. She analyzed resident market demographics and consumer demand, assessed information on the regional
and local tourism market, conducted surveys of downtown businesses and visitors, and identified needs and opportunities, building on the
success of Gateway Harbor and related canal-based activities. She also developed recommendations with respect to business development and recruitment, marketing, anchor projects, and organizational capacity to help municipal officials foster increased economic activity in the downtown.
Subsequent to the completion of the plan, Ellen Pemrick prepared and submitted a grant application to the State of New York requesting funds for a package of activities designed to stimulate private investment in the downtown. The application resulted in an award of $650,000 to the City of North Tonawanda, leveraging $2.5 million from other sources for plan implementation.
City of Lockport, NY
Strategic Development and Marketing Plan*
While with a previous employer, Ellen Pemrick developed a strategic plan for downtown Lockport in partnership with landscape architects and planners from Wendel Duchscherer. The purpose of the project was to identify opportunities for improving the vitality of Lockport's downtown area for merchants, residents, and visitors, capitalizing on the City's heritage and unique attractions highlighting its role in the opening of the Erie Canal.
Ellen Pemrick analyzed resident and visitor markets, conducted surveys of downtown business owners and tourists, facilitated focus groups involving key regional stakeholders, and developed recommendations. The completed plan for downtown Lockport provides information and analysis regarding existing physical, socioeconomic, and retail market conditions, the identification of market opportunities, core concepts for revitalization, and recommendations for the City's physical environment and urban design, business development, interpretation, and marketing.
Ellen Pemrick also prepared a successful grant application to the State of New York that provided the City of Lockport with $500,000 for various economic development initiatives and public improvements downtown. This funding has assisted in the implementation of several key downtown redevelopment projects, including the City Centre, which is now fully occupied. In addition, the activities supported by the grant have leveraged significant private capital investment and attracted new retail, restaurant, and office businesses to the downtown commercial district.
Other Representative Projects
Niagara County (NY) Industrial Development Agency
Business Development & Commercial Revitalization Study: Villages of Lewiston, Youngstown, and Wilson*
Rockland (NY) Economic Development Corporation
Rockland County Business Survey and Economic Analysis*
City of Painesville, OH
Retail Market Analysis*
Community Planning & Environmental Associates
Putnam County (NY) Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan*
Winner of 2005 Outstanding Planning Award - NY Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association
Provided the economic analysis and recommendations related to agricultural economic development.
City of Port Jervis, NY
Downtown Port Jervis Strategic Plan*
Winner of 2004 Outstanding Planning Award - NY Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association
Contributions included commercial market analysis and related recommendations.
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