WEDCO – Wayne Economic Development Corporation

WEDCO incorporated over 58 years ago as a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to creating jobs and improving the prosperity of the citizens of Wayne County, Pennsylvania. The Board of Directors meets monthly to oversee operations, and daily management is provided by the Executive Director and staff. WEDCO is comprised of businesses in partnership with state, county, and municipal government that realize a bright economic future depends on investing and planning today. Click here to learn more about WEDCO membership.

WEDCO is a Certified Provider as designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and has membership in the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) and Northeast Economic Developers Association (NEDA).

Recent Projects

A Brief History

Professional Affiliations

Recent Projects

Sterling Business & Technology Park

WEDCO completed Phase 1 of a 252-acre, mixed-use business park approximately 1/2 mile from Exit 17 on I-84. The park is approved for light manufacturing, professional office, and distribution.  The location provides excellent access to the NY, NJ, and New England markets. WEDCO has garnered nearly $8.5 million in public/private investment for Phase 1.  Final subdivision approval has been received and the first tenant leasing space in the park begins operations in the summer of 2013.

Hawley Silk Mill

Adaptive reuse of 60,000 former industrial facility. WEDCO was applicant for $6 million in bond financing from the Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority to match significant private investment. Located in the Borough of Hawley, the Silk Mill is the new location for Lackawanna College’s Lake Region Center.

Central Wayne Regional Authority

WEDCO garnered grant funds and facilitated start-up of regional authority to manage 2.2 MGD wastewater treatment plant under construction in Honesdale. Bethany Borough, Cherry Ridge Township, Dyberry Township, Honesdale Borough, and Texas Township are joint signers of Intermunicipal Agreement, with Cherry Ridge, Honesdale, and Texas being the original incorporators.

Workforce Wayne

Applicant on behalf of the Workforce Wayne partnership for $300,000 in grant funds to develop innovative workforce delivery system for Wayne County.  WEDCO worked to help gain Community Education Council statusfor Workforce Wayne, which is now a regional organization known as the Northeast Innovation Alliance.

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Brief WEDCO History

       Early WEDCO documents show that a small number of community leaders began to meet informally in the early 1950s to address the need for business expansion within Wayne County. The first recorded minutes were of a meeting held on May 20, 1954 at the home of W. Burr Bennett. Those present included Mr. Bennett, Bernard Polt, Aramis Van Deusen, Donald Van Gorder, and Leslie Walter.

       Within a few months, this core group expanded. Dean Fowler, Dr. K.A. Gillespie, Lynn Highhouse, Frank Hiris, Emerson Howell, Don James, Walter Jennings, Atty. John J. Koehler III, Ray Leet, Irving Newman, Robert Korb, and Bill Rummetsch were a few whose names were prominent in meeting records. 

       In January 1955, Wayne Industrial Development Corporation (WIDCO) – now known as WEDCO – was formally incorporated. Over 200 individuals representing numerous businesses signed on as incorporators and contributed the sum of $20 to the new corporation. The list of original incorporators is a veritable who’s who in Wayne County business and community leadership during the 1950s.

       WEDCO staff quickly involved themselves with activities typical of any of today’s economic development organizations. One of their primary concerns was aiding the retention of the former Hussco Shoe Company, which was then located on Maple Avenue in Honesdale and employed 325. WEDCO representatives also contacted potential prospects – including a visit to Corning Glass Works in July 28, 1955 – with the idea of bringing new business to Wayne County.

       Half a century later, WEDCO continues as Wayne County’s lead economic development organization, providing the services needed to bring new business to the county, support business that is already here, improve the local tax base, and enhance the quality of life of area residents. 

       WEDCO is a non-profit corporation comprised of businesses in partnership with state, county, and municipal government that realize a bright economic future depends on investing and planning today. Current membership totals 205.

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Professional Affiliations

WEDCO represents Wayne County on the following Boards:

Ben Franklin NEP Regional Advisory Board

Lackawaxen-Honesdale Shippers Association                        

MetroAction, Board & Loan Review Committee                     

Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, Executive Committee           

PennDOT Customer Advisory Board

Penn’s Northeast, Inc.

Pocono Counties Workforce Investment Board

Northeast Innovation Alliance (formerly Workforce Wayne, Inc.)

WEDCO is a member of the following organizations:

National Business Incubator Association

Northeast Pennsylvanian Regional BioScience Initiative

Pennsylvania Film & Media Alliance

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