Mar. 22—U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser on Tuesday said the Northern Tier has much to offer its residents in terms of educational choices, employment opportunities with cutting edge companies, and partnerships within the region, contributing to a wonderful quality of life.

Meuser, R-Dallas, was joined by Pa. Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, to tour businesses and an educational facility in Bradford and Susquehanna counties, highlighting the benefits and community partnerships they have established.

Stops on the tour included Global Tungsten & Powders of Towanda; Susquehanna Career & Technology Center, Springville; Community Foundation/Commonwealth Charitable Management in Montrose, and C2G, Montrose.

"The innovation, cooperation, and dedication I observed demonstrate a promising future for the region, and I am thankful to represent those who live within our 9th Congressional District," Meuser said. "I am encouraged by the progress we are witnessing, and I look forward to outreach on the federal level to help ensure their endeavors are highly successful."

Garrity said she was thrilled that Rep. Meuser visited Global Tungsten & Powders, the largest tungsten smelter in the western world.

"As a former Vice President of GTP, I know first-hand the hard work and dedication each employee gives to make GTP so successful," Garrity said. "I am proud that Bradford County's new congressman took time out of his busy schedule to tour the facility."

Baker said one of the best aspects of serving as state senator is seeing how many professionals are engaged in training workers and preparing them for the vital jobs in our local economy.

"Small manufacturing, energy production, waste reduction and reclamation, and health care are all key sectors in the local economy," Baker said. "On such visits, I always gain better perspective on ideas for how state government can assist our communities in realizing local priorities, whether it be through law, regulation, funding, or some combination. The same is true for the groups outside government underwriting crucial services and programs, such as the Community Foundation."

Garrity joined Meuser at Global Tungsten & Powders, where she was employed as a vice president before winning election to office. Company officials provided an overview of their operations, while explaining some of the challenges they face in the global market, with China producing 80% of the tungsten worldwide, which is used in production and defense manufacturing.

A plant tour highlighted an area where GTP plans to construct a new facility to streamline its operation and save resources.

Sen. Baker joined Meuser at Susquehanna Career & Technology Center in Springville, Susquehanna County. Dr. Ken Cuomo, superintendent and John Gazzillo, director, discussed the role the school is playing in preparing students to enter in-demand jobs in the workforce, including as CDL drivers, welders, health, and food management professionals.

The students of the food management program served lunch for the group on the tour.

A stop at Community Foundation/Commonwealth Charitable Management in Montrose highlighted the many residents who were assisted by the organizations, especially during the pandemic. Meuser and Baker were updated by Cristine Clayton, executive director and CEO, on some projects that impact residents, including students and senior citizens, during the visit.

The tour concluded at C2G, a company in Montrose that offers innovative solutions for the treatment of water from the fracking process, as well as the reuse of products related to this procedure.

Meuser also praised Bill desRosiers, external affairs manager for Coterra Energy, for his involvement, coordinating efforts with Susquehanna Career & Technology Center and local employers in creating a workforce with skills to be prepared for in-demand job opportunities.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.