Benefits of an HCBI Membership

As a member of HCBI, you are an investor in the economic growth of our community.  Your membership will help HCBI tackle tough issues affecting the area's economy.  When HCBI is able to assist companies and entrepreneurs locating here, or existing businesses and entrepreneurs looking to expand, it means more jobs and a stronger economy.

HCBI strives to positively represent the business community through outreach and advocacy.  HCBI does collectively what none of us can do alone!

HCBI is designated as the lead economic development agency in Huntingdon County. As such, HCBI represents economic development in our county to local (Huntingdon County Commissioners), regional (Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission), and state (PA Department of Community and Economic Development) authorities. The most important benefit of membership in HCBI is a clear demonstration that your organization is a partner in responsible economic and industrial development in Huntingdon County.

HCBI is the gateway to state and federal level funding programs for start-up and growth companies in the county. HCBI acts as liaison to, and assists business in applying for local, regional, state and federal financing programs.

Members are entitled to the following membership benefits:

• Individualized business assistance
  All HCBI members are entitled to free business assistance including business plan writing, marketing assistance, mentor referral, and regional, state, and federal financing application assistance.
• Reduced financial application processing fees
  For non-members, 1% of the loan amount (minus the $250.00 application fee) is due at closing. For HCBI members who remains a member in good standing for three (3) years, the project will receive a 25% discount on the processing fee. Members of HCBI in good standing requiring additional existing loan administration (i.e. collateral adjustments, assumptions, workouts, etc) after closing will receive this service FREE of charge. A $100.00 servicing fee will be charged to non-members of HCBI.
• Personal introduction to local, regional, state and federal partners
  Members can take advantage of HCBI’s extensive network of partner organizations who offer support services from capital needs to product prototype production to specialized assistance. Please consult with a member of the HCBI staff to discuss your specific needs.
• Links from HCBI’s website to your website
  A link is provided from www.hcbi.com to your site for all tier members (Diamond through Emerald).
• Searchable membership database
  When you join HCBI, your business is listed in our searchable membership database. The database is sorted and searchable by NAICS codes.
• Free listings in commercial property database
  HCBI maintains a database of commercial properties in Huntingdon County for sale, lease, or rent. Members are invited and encouraged to submit their listings for inclusion in the database. Non-members are charged $25 yearly for this listing service.
• Members are preferred service providers
  When HCBI requires goods or services, we look to our members to fulfill our needs. Your membership provides you preferred status.
• Business Update Newsletter published by Huntingdon County Business and Industry
  The newsletter contains information on current and new financial programs available to expand or start a business, announcements of new business openings, and updates on the progress of HCBI projects.
• Reduced cost billboard rental
  Located along Route 22; across from Wal-Mart (beside the Pennsylvania State Game Commission), the billboard can be rented for up to three months. Cost to non-members is $400; $350 for members with a $50 discount for multiple months (ie - $350 month one, $300/month for additional months).
• Reduced ticket price for Annual Meeting
  Members receive reduced ticket fees for the Annual Meeting held in May.
• Reciprocal partner event pricing
  Members of HCBI who are not members of the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce or the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau may attend their events at their member rates through a reciprocal agreement with HCBI.
• Member attendance at HCBI monthly Board of Directors meetings
  These meetings are held at 11:45 a.m. on the fourth Monday of every month (except when conflicting with holidays) at the Huntingdon Country Club. Please phone us at 814-641-6697 if you wish to attend so that appropriate lunch arrangements can be made.
• Ability to serve on a committee
  All members of HCBI are encouraged to have a voice in Huntingdon County’s economic development by joining a committee. Committees meet monthly. See www.hcbi.com for list of committees and meeting dates and times.