SVA Highlights Success of Job Retention Program and PA Business Resource Website

Strategic Early Warning Network Saves Over 1,300 Jobs in 2023-2024, Drives Over $1 Billion in Economic Impact for Pennsylvania, and Expands Access to Essential Business Resources

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, October 2024 - The Steel Valley Authority (SVA) has unveiled its latest report detailing the achievements of the Strategic Early Warning Network (SEWN) program for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. This comprehensive assessment highlights SEWN’s successful layoff aversion efforts, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, in supporting small and mid-sized manufacturing businesses across all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.

From July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, SEWN provided no-cost operational and financial consulting to 49 companies across 34 Pennsylvania counties. These services—focused on preventing job losses through financial restructuring, operational improvements, and market diversification—helped avert 1,333 potential layoffs, achieving an average cost of just $1,140 per job saved.

At the core of SEWN's mission is the Pennsylvania Business Resource website, a comprehensive platform designed to connect businesses with essential public and nonprofit programs, grants, loans, and incentives. This resource offers business-friendly filter tools, enabling companies to easily find opportunities that align with their specific needs and goals. By providing streamlined access to support, SEWN helps companies pursue growth and operational transformation, equipping them with the tools to navigate their future with confidence.

“The Pennsylvania Business Resource website provides businesses with an organized way to discover valuable programs and opportunities,” said Carrie Mihalko, Statewide Development Director, Steel Valley Authority. “It’s designed to take the complexity out of finding the right resources, so companies can focus on growth and innovation. This tool opens doors for businesses to access the support they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”

SEWN's impact extends far beyond job retention. In the 2023-2024 program year, SEWN not only saved over 1,300 direct jobs, but when factoring in indirect and induced employment, safeguarded more than 3,400 total jobs. This generated over $1 billion in economic output for Pennsylvania and more than $100 million in state and local tax revenue.

Over the past five program years, SEWN has helped retain over 5,900 manufacturing jobs, saving the Commonwealth over $38.1 million in unemployment compensation benefits. Including job and payroll multipliers, SEWN’s interventions have contributed nearly $1 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy during this period.

"SEWN's understanding of the unique challenges facing small and mid-sized manufacturers is unparalleled. Their strategic and empathetic approach has been invaluable," said Bud Tyler of E.F. Precision LLC. "They collaborate closely with company leadership to develop practical solutions that protect jobs and safeguard businesses."

Since its inception, SEWN has demonstrated the importance of early intervention in preventing layoffs and plant closures. By proactively reaching at-risk companies before they face a crisis, SEWN has played a vital role in strengthening Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector, which employs over 566,000 workers statewide.

Mihalko emphasized the program’s ongoing success: "SEWN consistently proves that targeted interventions not only save jobs but also bolster Pennsylvania’s economic stability. Over the years, we’ve protected thousands of workers and strengthened the manufacturing base across the state."

For nearly four decades, the Steel Valley Authority (SVA) and its SEWN program have partnered with Pennsylvania businesses, helping them navigate economic challenges and secure a brighter future. SVA remains a steadfast resource and a dedicated partner in their journey toward success.

About SEWN and the Steel Valley AuthorityThe Strategic Early Warning Network (SEWN) is an initiative of the Steel Valley Authority (SVA), a multi-municipality organization focused on preventing layoffs and supporting the manufacturing sector. SEWN provides financial restructuring, operational improvement, market positioning, and workforce strategies to small and mid-sized manufacturers throughout Pennsylvania. Since its inception, SEWN has helped save more than 35,000 jobs, making it one of the most cost-effective job retention programs in the Commonwealth. To learn more, please visit www.savingpajobs.org.