Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479389
62 Doing Business in Connecticut | 2014 SPONSORED REPORT Family owned and operated Penn- sylvania Globe Gaslight Company (Penn Globe) designs and manufactures efficient, energy-saving lighting for pre- mier venues' indoor and outdoor spaces. Their mission is to build environmental- ly-friendly lighting systems for greater quality of life within each community they serve. Penn Globe's need? The company required funding for a rush order placed by longtime-valued customer, the Uni- versity of Connecticut (UConn). UConn wanted 75 new light fixture assemblies to grace its Storrs campus' Hillside Avenue, home to Gampel Pavilion, Jor- gensen Auditorium and CTSBDC. Company Vice President Marcia Lafemina first approached CTSBDC in March 2012 and met business advi- sor Christopher Pisarz. Together they determined that DECD's Small Business Express Program was the best financing option. Pledging to create new jobs and provide in-kind funding, the company applied for a $100,000 matching grant from DECD. With Chris' help, Marcia prepared a new business plan, project descrip- tion and budget. They compiled Penn Globe's financial statements and completed the grant application, which Chris submitted along with a Job Expansion Tax Credit (JET ) applica- tion that entitles awardees a $500 tax credit per month based on every new, full-time job created. "With the sup- port of Christopher Pisarz and CTSBDC, Penn Globe was awarded the $100,000 DECD matching grant," Marcia stated. "The company achieved its goals, gained new equipment needed to support our business, and hired three full-time employees, one of whom was previously unemployed. Thanks to CTSBDC, Penn Globe continues to grow and flourish." Pennsylvania Globe Gaslight Company North Branford, CT 15 Employees, Up Three From 2012 Penn Globe has been recognized by the DECD and CT Workforce Alliance, and hosted the event "When Women Suc- ceed, America Succeeds" attended by guest speakers Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. Penn Globe Lighting on the UConn Campus "With the support of Christopher Pisarz and CTSBDC, Penn Globe was awarded the $100,000 DECD matching grant," Marcia stated. "The company achieved its goals, gained new equipment needed to support our business, and hired three full-time employees, one of whom was previously unemployed. Thanks to CTSBDC, Penn Globe continues to grow and flourish." "Follow your passion and go with it. Don't be afraid to take risks. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." – Christopher Pisarz, CTSBDC Business Advisor