For over 35 years, the Steel Valley Authority (SVA) has helped Pennsylvania businesses, their workers and families, and the communities in which they are located survive global economic change. SVA does this through a program it administers called the Strategic Early Warning Network, or SEWN program. The SEWN program has been recognized as the most cost-effective layoff aversion program in the country.
Steel Valley Authority is based in the Pittsburgh area, but has five regional offices across the state, including one in the NW PA and Oil Region area.
According to Deb Lutz, SEWN’s northwest regional director since 2016, the program continues to be effective. Traveling throughout north-west and north-central PA, Lutz assists small to medium sized businesses, primarily in the manufacturing sector, with a variety of free confidential consulting services.
“Workforce continues to be the greatest challenge our businesses face,” said Lutz.
SEWN staff respond to those challenges by offering customized solutions based in a variety of areas, including operational flexibility, tech-skilling and high-performance workplace strategies.
For the fiscal year 2023-2024 SEWN worked with 194 companies, saving over 1300 Pennsylvania jobs at a cost of roughly $1,140 per job saved or retained.
The Steel Valley Authority and the SEWN program work to meet the needs of layoff aversion through:
• Participation in ongoing engagement and building relationships with businesses.
• Establishment of partnerships with economic development and workforce development at all government levels.
• Partnerships or contracts with business-focused organizations.
• Engagement in proactive measures to identify needs in growing sectors or expansion of businesses.
The nationally acclaimed model has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the National Governor’s Association and numerous other federal and state agencies.
