The Tobyhanna Defense Technology Partnership is a partnership of business, community and government leaders whose mission is to provide community-based support for Tobyhanna Army Depot, the largest industrial employer in the region.

In response to the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, which evaluates every military facility in the country as a means of eliminating excess infrastructure, the Blue Ribbon Task Force was organized in 1992 by the NEPA Alliance in order to provide regional community support for the preservation and protection of Tobyhanna Army Depot. The Blue Ribbon Task Force, with the NEPA Alliance as its leadership coordinator and convener, worked to tell the remarkable story of Tobyhanna Army Depot and its invaluable contribution to the nation’s defense and the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. It worked closely with local, regional, state and federal agencies; the regional business community; development authorities and other key stakeholders to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of Tobyhanna Army Depot as a regional economic engine.

The Tobyhanna Defense Technology Partnership works to tell the remarkable story of Tobyhanna Army Depot and its invaluable contribution to our nation’s defense and our region. We work closely with local, regional, state and federal agencies, the regional business community, development authorities, and other key stakeholders to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of Tobyhanna Army Depot as an economic engine throughout the region. The NEPA Alliance, a regional community and economic development agency, serves as the leadership coordinator and convener of the Tobyhanna Defense Technology Partnership in the seven counties of northeastern Pennsylvania including Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne. NEPA Alliance services include Federal and State grant assistance, Business Financing, Government Contracting Assistance, International Trade Assistance, Nonprofit Assistance, Transportation Planning and Research and Information. Learn more about the NEPA Alliance by visiting www.nepa-alliance.org.

Committee Co-Chairs

Kevin Toolan
Tobyhanna Army Depot
(Retired)

Jeffrey Box
President & CEO, NEPA Alliance

Committee Members

Carl R. Beardsley, Jr.
Executive Director, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport

Jon Cadman
General Manager, WOLF/WSWB/WQMY

Philip Condron
CEO, Condron Sweda Advertising

Vince Galko
Senior Vice President, Mercury

Ned George
President, AFGE Local 1647, Tobyhanna Army Depot

Robert Durkin
President, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

Charles Leonard
Executive Director, Pocono Mts Economic Development Corp

Jack McNulty
PA Department of Labor
(Retired)

Dr. Jill Murray
President, Lackawanna College

Garry Wentz
Pocono Counties WIB
(Retired)

Mary Beth Wood
Executive Director, WEDCO

NEPA is a modern, progressive area, offering a low cost of living and a high quality of life. The region also superior educational and healthcare systems, strong work ethics and family traditions. Countless cultural amenities, combined with short commute times and affordable, safe and clean neighborhoods make northeastern PA a location of choice to live, visit and do business in.

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The Tobyhanna Defense Technology Partnership started as the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) in 1992 and was organized by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance to provide regional community support for the preservation and protection of the Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) in response to the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

Through the years the BRTF coordinated successful regional efforts and activities in support of TYAD.

• Creation of the “Keep the Best” marketing campaign
• Coordinated the public support effort during a BRAC Commission visit by lining the entire route from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport to the Depot
• Received a top national award, “Army Community of Excellence,” from the U.S. Department of Defense
• Increased employment levels
• NEPA officially transfers 42 acres of land that was purchased from a developer to the Department of the Army. The land was purchased to prevent encroachment at Tobyhanna Army Depot