CLEARFIELD – On Sept. 23, Clearly Ahead Development hosted a delegation from China Petroleum and Petrochemical Energy Institute (CPPEI) of Beijing, China.
The delegation consisted of seven entrepreneurs, representing various companies that specialize in manufacturing sectors from petrochemical and energy industries.
“The CPPEI visit was among the short-term impacts that have resulted from Clearfield County’s visit to Beijing and Lanling County, China this past April, Rob Swales, chief executive officer of Clearly Ahead Development, expressed.
“In the past 12 months, this has been the third face-to-face meeting we have had with members of CPPEI and their second site visit to Clearfield County and central Pennsylvania.” The visits included site tours, meeting with local businesses and educational institutions.
Clearly Ahead Development hosted a luncheon and meetings with the Delegation comprised of a local Clearfield County business and entrepreneurs, Penn State University Marcellus Center of Outreach and Research (MCOR) and Clearfield County Commissioners, John Sobel and Tony Scotto.
Clearfield County Commissioners formally welcomed the delegation on their second visit to Clearfield County. A presentation by Paul McCloskey, vice president of Energy and Business Development, showcased the assets and key businesses of Clearfield County to be useful for CPPEI.
Tom Murphy, MCOR, showcased Clearfield County’s close proximity to Penn State University’s research institute, specializing in Marcellus Shale activity and research. Discussions continued with private industry representatives to explore local development opportunities for energy-intense investment projects in the region.
“What encouraged me was that our guests from CPPEI were sincerely interested in business investment opportunities in Clearfield County and in this area of Pennsylvania. I do believe it was a positive, productive meeting”, said Sobel.
The delegation spent the night in Clearfield County before continuing their trip to Pittsburgh the following morning.
Scotto expressed, “The Chinese Delegation was very interested in doing business here in Clearfield County. I am hopeful local businesses that want to expand their production and export opportunities to China to please contact us.
“There are serious opportunities domestically and abroad. Clearly Ahead and the county can connect you to interested parties from China with opportunities.”
As part of Clearfield County’s business recruitment strategy with foreign direct investment, Clearly Ahead Development has reached out to over in 11 different countries and have hosted nine site visits from six specific countries in 2016. Delegation visits include China, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, India, and Nigeria.
Clearly Ahead Development is a private, non-profit, membership organization proudly serving the community to create growth and opportunity in Clearfield County.
