WILKES-BARRE — Northeast Pennsylvania continues to be a region of choice for companies looking to grow, says John Augustine III, president/CEO of Penn’s Northeast.
Augustine made the comment after it was announced that for the sixth consecutive year, the region has been recognized among the nation’s top-performing regions for economic development in the 2025 Governor’s Cup Awards, produced annually by Site Selection Magazine.
Augustine said the Governor’s Cup rankings measure completed economic development projects across the United States and serve as one of the most respected benchmarks in the industry.
Penn’s Northeast compiled and submitted a list of all projects that met the criteria as outlined by the publication. This year, the region moved up in the rankings.
Augustine said this continued Top 10 recognition underscores the region’s sustained momentum and competitiveness in attracting new investment and business expansion.
“These rankings demonstrate the sustained strength and competitiveness of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Augustine said. “Maintaining a Top 10 metro presence for six consecutive years and advancing to sixth in the category reflects the coordinated efforts of our economic development partners across the region.”
Augustine said NEPA’s strategic location remains one of the region’s strongest assets.
“Businesses can reach one-third of the U.S. population and half of Canada’s population within a one-day drive,” Augustine said. “That logistical advantage — combined with reliable utilities, available sites, and a skilled workforce — keeps us highly competitive.”
Augustine said NEPA also ranked #7 in the Northeast region of the U.S. for economic development.
In addition to the region’s strategic location, reliable utilities, and dedicated workforce, coupled with an amazing education network, NEPA continues to stand out among many other areas of the country. Augustine said the results show that Northeastern Pennsylvania remains a top location in the United States for companies looking to grow their businesses.
“Our continued recognition in the Governor’s Cup rankings reinforces that Northeastern Pennsylvania is not just growing, we’re growing strategically,” Augustine said. “With ongoing infrastructure investment, strong public-private collaboration, and proactive regional planning, we are well-positioned to sustain this momentum well into the future.”
Site Selection Magazine — produced by Conway Data — is a bi-monthly publication widely recognized as a leading source for corporate real estate, facility planning, location strategy, and foreign direct investment. The Governor’s Cup Awards are regarded as a national benchmark for economic development performance.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.