Pottsville, PA, August 25th, 2010 – Empire works with Schuylkill County Industrial Development Authority to bring as many as 150 new jobs to Pottsville.
Empire Education Group has secured more than $7 million in funding to expand its current headquarters along Rt. 61 in East Norwegian Township. Construction is currently underway on the 30,000 square foot, 2-story addition, which will allow the Schuylkill County based company to bring its home office workforce close to 400 employees.
The 18 month project will be funded through a variety of sources, the largest of which is $4,872,000 in tax exempt financing made possible by the Schuylkill County Industrial Development Authority or SCIDA and funded by M&T Bank. “The ideal economic development project is one in which an existing family owned company has grown to the point where it needs to expand both its facilities and its staff.” said Tim Twardzik, Chairman of SCIDA. “Empire’s planned multi-million dollar investment is indicative of the Schoeneman family’s confidence in the county and in our people.”
Empire Education Group has 100 beauty schools located in 21 states across the country. Empire is the largest, centrally owned and operated beauty school system in North America. The company is finalizing additional locations which will bring the total to 103 schools by December 31st. “With this growth, we anticipate needing to expand our Pottsville home office by as many as 150 people.” said Franklin K. Schoeneman, Chairman and CEO of Empire Education Group. “I am thrilled that this company, which my grandfather founded more than 75 years ago, continues to thrive and offer new jobs for the people of Schuylkill County.”
Along with the new building, the project includes plans for an extension of nearby Tunnel Road. The new access road is a joint effort by Empire, McDonald’s and the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation or SEDCO. The extension will eliminate the need for U-turns at the intersection of Tunnel Road and Rt. 61 just south of Empire, as well as U-turns at Rt. 61 and Ann St. to the north. Empire moved into its current headquarters in 1985 and today is home base for about 265 workers.
“We are hoping to begin the process of moving into our new space early next year.” Said Mr. Schoeneman. “We have several phases of development, including improvements to our current building which will continue well into next summer.” Empire has secured an additional $2 million through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority. PIDA provides long term, low interest financing for new construction that leads to increased employment in Pennsylvania with a focus on job creation.
A $392,000 infrastructure grant from the Governor’s Action Team is helping to fund the Tunnel Road project. Empire’s new addition will offer co-workers a modern cafeteria, a fitness center as well as a walking trail around the facility. In keeping with Empire’s goal to create environmentally friendly schools and office space, the new building with also feature energy recovery ventilators. The ERV’s bring fresh air into the building without losing temperature, resulting in less energy usage. This combined with Empire’s current company-wide focus on recycling and energy saving practices is expanding its conservation efforts.