From Industry Roots to Resilient Growth
Cambria County is rich in tradition and has developed a work force known for its high precision, dependability, strong work ethic, and strength.
Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, coal mining and iron and steel production were the keystone of Cambria County’s economic base. Over time, like most of the northeast and United States, the manufacturing base was slowly replaced by service, service-related, and high-tech businesses.
How Johnstown Became “Flood City”
A Closer Look at Cambria County
Cambria County is located in Southwestern Pennsylvania and was created on March 26th, 1804. The largest city in Cambria County is Johnstown, home of the famous Inclined Plane. Johnstown was settled in 1770. The city is infamous for the three major floods which ravaged the city between 1889 and 1977. Johnstown was formally organized as a town in 1800 by the Swiss German immigrant Joseph Johns.
From Steel to Strength: The Evolution of Cambria County
Strategically located in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, Cambria County has evolved from a manufacturing powerhouse into a hub for technology, education, and innovation.
By the late 1800s, Johnstown was well known for its production of iron, coal, and steel. In May of 1889, however, the city suffered a horrific disaster when the South Fork Dam collapsed, sending a deluge of water into Johnstown, leveling the city in minutes.
Johnstown rebuilt and prospered with the steel mills supporting many families in the county. Today there has been a shift in Cambria County, with Johnstown becoming a technology hub making it attractive to business owners for the low cost of living.
Cambria County is home to several medical, manufacturing, educational, and cultural organizations. Healthcare providers and several defense contractors continue to be major employers in the City of Johnstown.
Johnstown and the surrounding region is home to several universities and community colleges, as well as newly-formed arts and cultural organizations.
WAYS WE HELP
CCIDC provides hands-on support for your business development needs and, when necessary, connects you with trusted partners. We ensure every detail is covered so your company has the resources to grow.
Whether your business is expanding, relocating, or upgrading an existing facility, CCIDC can help you find the ideal location anywhere in Cambria County. With our site selection expertise and strong local partnerships, we ensure your project has the resources it needs to succeed.
Whether you're new to the area or ready to relocate, CCIDA helps small businesses secure loans, find the right location, and coordinate every step of the process. With decades of experience and a strong network of partners, we make sure nothing is overlooked.
CCIDA helps businesses access low-interest loans and financing through state and local programs. We’ve supported job creation, business growth, and over $1 billion in funding for Cambria County through IDA loans and bond issues that have helped launch and expand businesses across the region.
Reach 130,000 Potential Customers in Cambria County
From a strong local workforce to pro-business resources, everything you need to succeed is here.
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