One way that’s achieved is through a revolving loan fund, a low-interest loan program that supports Mercer County businesses that want to expand, add a new production line or buy new equipment. Rickert says Penn-Northwest also works with elected officials to find state dollars and state programs to help make the projects planned by businesses a reality. Penn-Northwest staff pop into those businesses often, checking on them and learning about their challenges and their successes. Penn-Northwest promotes business and recruits businesses to the region, but it’s also a source of information about available resources, the commissioner adds. Rod Wilt, Penn-Northwest executive director, and his team handled communication and document submission with the state to ensure the money was reimbursed to Buhl.