National Penn Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq:NPBC) reported adjusted net income of $9.8 million or $0.08 per diluted common share for the second quarter of 2010 compared to adjusted net income of $4.0 million or $0.03 per diluted common share for the first quarter 2010.

Adjusted net income excludes the impact of the previously announced charges related to the pending sale of Christiana Bank & Trust Company (Christiana) and the redemption of separate account bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) which resulted in a goodwill impairment charge of $8.3 million and increase in income tax expense of $8.1 million, respectively.

Including the impact of these two items,  the second quarter resulted in a net loss available to common shareholders of $5.5 million or $0.04 per diluted common share compared to income of $1.9 million or $0.02 per diluted common share for the first quarter of 2010.

“We continue to deliver strong fundamental performance with improved adjusted net income and an expanding net interest margin. Asset quality improved during the quarter with a decline in classified and non-performing
loans, which resulted in a reduced loan loss provision,” commented Scott Fainor, President and CEO of National Penn. “We remain focused on maximizing long-term shareholder value and have taken steps during the second quarter with the announced sale of Christiana and redemption of the separate account BOLI. We expect these transactions to result in improved capital ratios, increased holding company liquidity, and increased future earnings when completed.”

Loan quality trends improved during the quarter as classified loans declined by 3.7% and non-performing assets declined by 11.9%. These trends increased the loan loss reserve coverage from 128% to 155% of non-performing loans. Non-performing assets trended downward due to the decrease in non-performing loans and totaled $108.2 million at June 30, 2010 as compared to $122.8 million at March 31, 2010.

The provision for loan losses declined to $25.0 million in the second quarter from $32.5 million in the first quarter. The allowance for loan and lease losses remained relatively unchanged from the prior quarter and totaled $154.0 million at June 30, 2010.

Net interest margin expanded to 3.50% for the second quarter from 3.44% in the first quarter of 2010 as a result of improvements in deposit mix and sustained discipline for deposit pricing. Operating expenses remained well
controlled in the quarter as the efficiency ratio remained stable at 57.7% and fee-based income, which includes wealth management, service charges on deposits, insurance commissions and fees, and cash management and electronic banking fees, provided a stable contribution to earnings at $20.9 million for the second quarter compared to $20.4 million for the first quarter of 2010.

During the second quarter National Penn continued to assist borrowers though its voluntary mortgage loan modification program. Also during the second quarter, National Penn made loans to new and existing customers of
approximately $225 million. Despite some signs of economic recovery, average loans declined during the quarter by $129 million which National Penn believes demonstrates the reluctance of businesses and consumers to borrow.

National Penn’s Board of Directors approved a third quarter cash dividend of $0.01 per share, payable on August 17, 2010 to shareholders of record on August 7, 2010, consistent with the $0.01 per share paid in the previous quarter

“The current environment continues to be challenging, and our goal remains enhancing long-term shareholder value. We continue to execute on our short-term and long-term initiatives to improve earnings, manage risk, and maintain the strength of our balance sheet. I am proud of the contribution of all of our employees in achieving the second quarter results in a difficult economic environment,” said Mr. Fainor.

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BCW Associates (BCW) has filled more than 250,000 SF of space at at the Tri-County Commerce Park, a 750,000 SF warehouse/distribution facility at 1000 Armand Hammer Boulevard in Pottstown.

The CB Richard Ellis brokerage team of First Vice President Len Redeyoff and Vice President Paul Touhey represent BCW at the park, which has been repositioned as the top warehousing and distribution opportunity along the Route 422 corridor.

Recently completed capital improvements have contributed to the park’s occupancy levels, which were hovering around 40% before the reconfiguration and repositioning. Since completion of the work in the first quarter of 2010, CBRE has closed 250,000 SF of new transactions, and the brokers say another promising deal is in the works that would bring the park’s occupancy slightly over 80%.

“Although BCW took a risk in embarking on extensive renovations in a down economy, that risk is now paying off and allowing us to capitalize on the appeal of smaller national and local warehouse users,” said Jeffrey D. McLellan, President of Cornerstone Realty, Inc., the Waterbury, Connecticut company that manages the property for BCW.

Renovations at the park included demolishing an 80,000 SF portion of the building which allowed for new loading to be created in multiple sections of the property and developing a road plan that allowed trucks and cars 360-degree access. Before the extensive reconfiguration, there was only a single path for ingress and egress and all truck loading was on one side of the building with other areas only accessible by rail.

“The new access and loading has allowed us to reposition the building and appeal to smaller tenants whereas the prior loading restricted much of the building to large users of 100,000 SF or more. Now we can still lease space to those tenants of 100,000 SF of more, but we can also cater to those who need 25,000 SF,” explained Redeyoff.

Tri-County Commerce Park is a versatile and modern one-story, warehouse/distribution facility located at the interchange of Armand Hammer Boulevard and Route 422 in Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The facility, which is fully sprinklered, has 68 tailgate loading docks with exterior dock seals and ample parking. Tri-County Commerce Park currently has several blocks of space available from 25,000 SF up to 100,000 SF and larger.

With so many Americans out of work right now, it is more important than ever that employers are playing by the rules and ensuring that the jobs they have are going to Americans who do the same.

In recent discussions with members of the Building Trades community, Manan Trivedi, the Democratic candidate for PA’s 6th Congressional District, became aware of a situation in which a company from Malvern, PA has been questioned regarding the citizenship status of a number of its workers.

Trivedi publicly called attention to this case to encourage proper handling by the authorities and ensure that we continue to crack down on all employers that breaks the law by hiring undocumented workers.

The company, Forcine Concrete and Construction, is currently contracted onto a project in Abington, PA.  The majority of Forcine’s jobs are in construction, a field hit hard by the recession, and exactly the type of jobs that should be going to one of the many skilled and trained American workers currently unemployed.

“If the allegations about this company are true, then a great disservice has been done to our community,” said Trivedi. “Companies that employ undocumented workers and guide them on how to operate outside the law are only encouraging more immigrants to pursue jobs in our country illegally. And with so many in our community already
looking for job opportunities just like these, it is outrageous that any company would skirt the law by hiring undocumented workers. In any instance where there are questions regarding a company’s hiring practices, it’s imperative that the company be investigated thoroughly by the proper authorities.”

When a company hires illegally, they unfairly undercut their competition, hurting all local small businesses that do play by the rules. Illegal hiring practices also carry implications for safety and health care because employers often do not allow undocumented workers injured on the job to report the incident or seek proper medical care, threatening the safety of themselves and their fellow workers.

“A safe work environment is essential for all American workplaces. As a doctor,” said Trivedi, “I cannot tolerate companies jeopardizing their workers’ safety because they’re trying to hide their own illegal activity.”

Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (PA-13) has called on Immigration and Customs Enforcement to investigate the situation, an effort that Trivedi applauded, which will hopefully uncover the truth behind this company’s hiring practices. Yet he questioned how other current elected officials failed to notice this situation in their own
backyard.

“For the company to be operating in the 6th District and have no one looking into this concern is exactly why I am running for Congress,” Trivedi said. “I know that my neighbors need to be able to rely on their representative for oversight, and that requires someone in touch with their local community who knows what’s going on in our own
backyard.”

Trivedi is also calling for increased monitoring of suspicious hiring practices and punishment to the fullest extent of the law for any companies proven to be hiring illegally. Having been born and raised in Berks County, Trivedi has focused on representing his district, looking out for our local workers, and protecting jobs here at home.

Manan Trivedi is the Democratic nominee for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District. He is a primary care physician, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy, and an Iraq War veteran from Berks County.

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As an active member of AMTA and ABMP, Wendy Kauff will offer Swedish, relaxation, therapeutic, reiki, salt glow and chair massage at New Visions.

In addition to services for adults, she’s a firm believer in massage for children with autism and spectrum disorders, helping them relax and focus.

Wendy recently said,  “I became aware not too long ago that autism has been on the rise, but more interestingly, I also discovered that massage therapy has been shown to be very helpful. So I thought that would be a valuable addition to the other services New Visions offers.

“I’m really excited to be working in the Phoenixville area and looking forward to making people relaxed and centered.” Further information about Ms. Kauff and her business can be found at newvisionsmassage.com.

Limerick Generating Station employees walked, baked, and raffled their way to raising more than $12,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life recently held in Pottstown.

Limerick’s maintenance department also donated their time and expertise to ensure the event had the electricity it needed to be a success. “The efforts of Limerick Generating Station and its employees have truly demonstrated their commitment to the community,” said Maddie DeGennaro, Pottstown Relay for Life coordinator,“We are grateful for the continued support we receive from Exelon.”

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 20 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

“Limerick employees do a great job of banding together, especially for such an important cause as raising money for the Relay for Life,” said Bill Maguire, site vice president. “The American Cancer Society does a wonderful job in helping lead the battle against cancer.”

Exelon and the employees of Limerick Generating Station contributed more than $750,000 in the
past two years to local charities and public service organizations in a continued effort to be a leader
in the community.

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A Rhode Island home security alarm company, a Florida-based septic system company and a New York porcelain company must pay investigation costs and fines to resolve complaints from consumers who received solicitation calls while enrolled on Pennsylvania’s Do Not Call list.

Attorney General Tom Corbett said that the Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP) entered into legal agreements in Commonwealth Court with Versatile Marketing Solutions, Inc., doing business as VMS Alarms, 316 Pocasset Ave., Suite 205, Providence, Rhode Island; FBK Products, LLC, 3020 High Ridge Road, Suite 200, Boynton Beach, Florida; and Dynasty French Porcelain, Ltd., 104 West 40th St., New York, NY.

Corbett said that under the agreements, each business must pay civil penalties and investigative costs. Ten percent of the civil penalties must be paid to consumers who filed complaints that led to legal action.

In addition, both the owners and businesses must fully comply with Pennsylvania law while conducting any future business in the Commonwealth.

Versatile Marketing Solutions Inc. aka VMS Alarms

Corbett said that the agreement with VMS Alarms ends an investigation into claims that the company violated the Telemarketing Registration Act by soliciting business from consumers who were enrolled in Pennsylvania’s Do Not Call registry.

Additionally, the company allegedly continued to make telemarketing calls to consumers who indicated that they no longer wanted to receive calls from the company and violated the Telemarketer Registration Act by telemarketing in Pennsylvania prior to registering with the Attorney General’s Office, as required by law.

Corbett said that the company registered as a telemarketer in February 2009, after receiving a warning letter from the Bureau of Consumer Protection. However, consumer complaints against the company continued to be filed.

Corbett said that VMS Alarms called and offered consumers free home security systems manufactured by General Electric, if the consumer purchased monitoring services. In some instances, the company stated that the consumer had “won” or “been selected to receive” the security systems.

Investigators found that in many cases the company continued to call consumers even after being asked to stop.

Corbett said that Versatile Marketing Solutions is required to pay $28,000 in civil penalties and costs.

FBK Products, LLC

Corbett said that the agreement with FBK Products, LLC resolves an investigation into complaints that the company repeatedly called and solicited business from consumers who were enrolled in Pennsylvania’s Do Not Call registry.

The company allegedly continued to make telemarketing calls to consumers who indicated that they no longer wanted to receive calls from the company.

Corbett said that FBK Products sells household maintenance products for homes with septic systems.

FBK Products is required to pay $15,000 in civil penalties and costs.

Dynasty French Porcelain

Corbett said that the investigation into Dynasty French Porcelain resolves complaints that the company solicited business from consumers who were enrolled on the Do Not Call list and conducted business in Pennsylvania without obtaining a certificate of authority.

According to investigators, the company allegedly used misleading claims that they produced French porcelain, when in reality they purchased the products and resold them.

Corbett said that the company called consumers to invite them to sales presentations held at various hotels, where they sold porcelain tableware manufactured in Limoges, France.

Additionally, Dynasty French Porcelain used a contract that did not contain notices of the buyer’s right to cancel the contract, which is required by the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule.

Corbett said that approximately 226 consumers who are entitled to payments as part of this settlement will be contacted directly by the Attorney General’s Office.

The settlements were negotiated by Deputy Attorney General Michael Gerdes of the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Consumers may register their telephone number online at www.attorneygeneral.gov, by calling the Do Not Call hotline at 1-888-777-3406, or by mailing their name, mailing address, telephone number and signature to the Attorney General’s Office.

Corbett said that there is an added registration feature that is only available on the website, which allows consumers to verify their enrollment. Online registrants will also be able to read Frequently Asked Questions, which explain the Do Not Call list and its functions.

Telemarketers who violate the provisions of the law could face a civil penalty of $1,000 per violation. The penalty could increase to $3,000 in the call is placed to a person age 60 or older who is registered on the Do Not Call list.

Consumers who are on the Do Not Call list and feel that they have received a telemarketing call that is not exempt can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling 1-888-777-3406.

# # #

Agents from the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit have arrested a Northampton County man accused of arranging a sexual meeting in the Allentown area with what he believed was a 13-year old girl, along with an Allegheny County man charged with sending sexually explicit photos and webcam videos to 13 and 14-year old “girls” from central Pennsylvania.

The men were actually communicating with undercover agents from the Child Predator Unit who were using the online profiles of young teens.

Attorney General Tom Corbett identified the defendants as Jeffrey C. Cressman Sr., 46, 1659 Washington Ave., Northampton and Eric Devin Brindle, 24,  3396 Altherton Drive, Bethel Park.

Corbett said that these arrests, along with other recent cases involving the Child Predator Unit, demonstrate the increased dangers posed by online predators during summer months.

“Summer vacation season typically triggers a jump in the number of incidents involving Internet predators, who have greater access to kids for longer periods during the day,” Corbett said. “It is important for every parent to understand that electronic predators are a regular presence on the Internet and a very real threat to child safety, highlighting the need to regularly discuss online security with their kids.”

Jeffrey C. Cressman Sr.

Corbett said that Cressman allegedly used an Internet chat room to approach an undercover agent who was using the online profile of 13-year old girl.  During their initial online chat Cressman is accused of sending a webcam video that showed him nude and masturbating in front of his computer.

According to the criminal complaint, Cressman continued to send sexually explicit videos to the “girl,” and also discussed meeting her in-person for sex, telling her, “I would make love to you,” and, “I can teach you everything I know about sex.”

Corbett said Cressman urged the girl to have her mother take her to the mall or other locations, commenting, “we could meet there, sneak out to my car,” later adding, “need to find a safe place,” and, “can we be alone with no one to bother us?”

According to the criminal complaint, during July Cressman pressed for a face-to-face meeting with the girl and described in graphic detail the sex acts he wished to perform.  Cressman allegedly proposed meeting the girl and bringing her back to his house, explaining, “I’m dropping you off behind there in the alley and I’m going to park in front then come back to get you so no one sees.”

On July 21st Cressman was arrested by agents from the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit, assisted by officers from the South Whitehall Township Police Department, when he arrived at a predetermined meeting location in Lehigh County.  At the time, Cressman was driving a purple colored car that he had described during online chats about the meeting.

Cressman is charged with one count of unlawful contact with a minor (related to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse), a first-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.  He is also charged with one count of unlawful contact with a minor (related to statutory sexual assault), a second-degree felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Additionally, Cressman is charged with eight counts of unlawful contact with a minor (related to obscene or sexual performances) and one count of criminal use of a computer, all third-degree felonies which are each punishable by up to seven years in prison and $15,000 fines.

Cressman was preliminarily arraigned before Allentown Magisterial District Judge Jacob Hammond and lodged in the Lehigh County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail.  Cressman is also prohibited from using the Internet and may not have any unsupervised contact with minors.  A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28th, at 2:15 p.m.

Cressman will be prosecuted in Lehigh County by Deputy Attorney General Christopher Jones of the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit.

Corbett thanked the South Whitehall Township Police Department for their cooperation and assistance with this investigation.

Eric Devin Brindle

Corbett said that Brindle allegedly used an Internet chat room to contact an undercover agent from the Child Predator Unit who was using the online profile of a 13-year old girl from Lancaster County.

According to the criminal complaint, Brindle asked for photos of the “girl” during their first online conversation, telling her he was collecting pictures of girls he met online.  During that same conversation, Brindle allegedly asked, “u ever seen a guy naked?” and later activated his webcam, showing him nude and masturbating in front of his computer.

Corbett said that Brindle allegedly communicated with a second undercover agent, believing she was a 14-year old friend of the first girl.  Brindle allegedly sent nude webcam videos to both “girls,” asking, “would you like to see what I show her,” and, “u want to watch too?”

Brindle was arrested on July 21st by agents from the Child Predator Unit, assisted by officers from the Upper Saint Clair and Bethel Park Police Departments.

Brindle was transported to Dauphin County where he was preliminarily arraigned before Harrisburg Magisterial District Judge Barbara Pianka and lodged in the Dauphin County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 8th, at 9 a.m., before Harrisburg Magisterial District Judge Joseph S. Solomon.

Brindle will be prosecuted in Dauphin County by Deputy Attorney General Christopher Jones of the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit.

Corbett thanked the Upper Saint Clair and Bethel Park Police Departments for their cooperation and assistance with this investigation.

Summer Internet Safety
Corbett urged parents and children to take added steps to guard against online predators, especially during the summer months when more young teens are home alone or unsupervised for greater lengths of time.

Corbett noted that the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit has arrested 268 online predators since it was created in January 2005, including residents from every corner of Pennsylvania along with individuals who traveled to Pennsylvania from as far away as Texas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey and Ohio, all hoping to sexually victimize children. To date, the Child Predator Unit has a 100% conviction rate.

“Online predators do not care how far they must travel if they find a vulnerable victim,” Corbett said.  “Online safety and security should be a regular topic of discussion in every home, and we urge parents to emphasize that children should always tell a trusted adult if an online stranger says or does something inappropriate or sexual in nature.”

Corbett said that many Internet predators will initiate sexual conversations or send nude photos or videos during their first online chats with children, and a large number will quickly suggest face-to-face meetings for sex.

Corbett added that parents should emphasize that kids should not share personal information online, like full names, ages, addresses, phone numbers and school information, and should be especially cautious about strangers who approach them online.

Corbett recommended that parents and other caregivers should also monitor how kids are using the Internet, including:
” Checking the websites they use frequently.
” Searching the social networking sites they visit.
” Reviewing their online profiles on FaceBook, MySpace and other websites.
” Discussing the items they post online.

Additionally, Corbett said parents and teens also need to understand that safety concerns now extend beyond home computers.

“Many cell phones and game systems can be used to send and receive messages or photos and can also be used to access websites,” Corbett said.  “The same safety rules need to be applied to all of these devices.”

Suspected internet predators can be reported to the Attorney General’s Office by clicking on the “Report a Predator” link, located on the front page of the Attorney General’s website, at www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling the toll-free Child Predator Hotline at
1-800-385-1044.

(A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.)
# # #

“Every year, homeowners across the state spend millions of dollars on home repair and home improvement projects,” Attorney General Tom Corbett today said.  “Unfortunately, some of those consumers fall victim to businesses that are allegedly more interested in taking money than they are in providing quality service.”

Corbett said consumer protection lawsuits have been filed against seven contractors accused of failing to start work, collecting excessive down-payments, not finishing projects, performing work in a shoddy manner, failing to pay refunds, not honoring warranties and other violations of the state’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.

“Complaints about home improvement projects ‘gone bad’ are typically one of the top reasons for consumers to contact the Attorney General’s Office and we work vigorously to investigate these complaints and prosecute violators,” Corbett said. “Home improvement rip-offs impact every community across our state, taking money out of the pockets of homeowners and also victimizing the honest, hard-working businesses who could have performed the work.”

Corbett said the lawsuits filed this week include:

*BCM Landscaping / BCM Hardscapes / Pro Walls and Patio, jointly operated by Wayne “Butch” Kapalka and Joseph Kapalka, both of Tarentum, Allegheny County – accused of failing to start work, performing work in a shoddy or unworkmanlike manner, using contracts that do not comply with the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, failing to provide the required Notice of Cancellation for consumers, not registering as a home improvement contractor and failing to register a fictitious business name with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
*CHRC Contracting, Inc., owned and operated by Larry Harrison, 2841 West Girard Ave., Philadelphia – accused of failing to perform work, collecting excessive down payments, failing to register as a home improvement contractor with the Attorney General’s Office and using contracts that do not include the required Notice of Cancellation for consumers.
*David Slaughter General Contractor, along with owner David Slaughter, 4229 North 15th St., Philadelphia – accused of failing to start work, not completing contracted projects, using inferior materials, failing to register as a home improvement contractor and using contracts that do not include the required Notice of Cancellation for consumers.
*Empire Electrical, owned and operated by Scott J. Ohanian, 5126 Cassidy Drive, Schnecksville, Lehigh County – accused of failing to complete contracted work, accepting down payments without beginning projects, not obtaining necessary licenses and permits from municipalities and failing to provide the required Notice of Cancellation to consumers.

*James Gorman Roofing and Painting, owned and operated by James Gorman, 268 Old Route 22, Kutztown, Berks County – accused of failing to complete work, performing work in a shoddy manner, not honoring warranties and failing to provide the required Notice of Cancellation.
*KAR Contracting, owned and operated by Keith Ruppel, 6230 Chestnut Hill Road, Coopersburg, Lehigh County (formerly operating from Lansdale, Montgomery County) – accused of failing to provide services in a workmanlike manner, not honoring warranties, failing to provide refunds, not registering a fictitious business name with the Pennsylvania Department of State and failing to register as a home improvement contractor.
*Mucci Construction / Mucci Concrete & Paving, along with owner James Mucci, 607 First Ave., Croydon, Bucks County (formerly operating from Morrisville, Bucks County) – accused of failing to perform work, not obtaining required permits, collecting excessive down payments and failing to provide the required Notice of Cancellation for consumers.

“The lawsuits we have filed this week against these businesses and their owners seek restitution for all consumers who have been harmed, along with fines and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation or up to $3,000 for each violation involving a senior citizen,” Corbett said.

Corbett encouraged homeowners to contact the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection if they have experienced problems with these businesses but have not yet filed formal complaints.

Consumers can call the Attorney General’s toll-free Consumer Protection Hotline, at 1-800-441-2555, or visit the Attorney General’s website, at www.attorneygeneral.gov, to access online complaint forms (Click on the “Complaints” button on the front page of the website and select the “Consumer Complaint Form”).

In addition to the lawsuits filed this week, the Bureau of Consumer Protection has reached voluntary settlements with ten other home improvement businesses.  These contractors are accused of operating without properly registering with the Attorney General’s Office or using contracts that did not comply with state law.

“The registration system for home improvement contractors is intended to provide consumers with clear information about the businesses they are dealing with, while also giving the Attorney General’s Office and law enforcement agencies the details needed to identify and locate business owners in the event of problems or complaints,” Corbett said. “This law exists to protect consumers, contractors and communities, and it is important that everyone comply with the registration and contract requirements.”

The settlements, known as an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC), require these businesses to fully comply with all the terms of the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act and the state’s Consumer Protection Law, including all requirements related to registration, advertising and contracts.  Each of the AVC’s also includes civil penalties and costs of $1,250.

The Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection has reached settlement agreements with the following home improvement contractors:

*Louis A. D’Albora, doing business as L.A. D’Albora Builders and Remodelers, of Erie.
*Walter Dianese, doing business as Walter Dianese Masonry, of Hazleton.

*Larry Gingerich, doing business as Gingerich Concrete, of Bedford.
*John Maclay, Joseph Bennett and David Bayer, operating as Bennett & Bayer Inc. and doing business as The Flooring Emporium, of Erie.
*Fred Moore, doing business as Moore’s Remodeling, of North East.

*Paul Shesterenko, doing business as P & D International Inc. and Paul Shesterenko Plastering Services, of Edinboro.
*Thomas A. Rabb, doing business as Classic Asphalt, of Pittsburgh.
*David A. Thomas, doing business as Dave Thomas Handyman, of Altoona.
*Robert J. Walker, owner and president of Walker’s Tree and Ground Services, Inc., of North East.
*Richard G. Winston, owner and president of George Winston Co. Inc., of Erie.

Corbett encouraged any consumer considering a home improvement project to verify that their contractor is properly registered with the Attorney General’s Office.

“Since July of last year, when Pennsylvania’s new Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act went into effect, a total of 70,135 home improvement businesses across the state have registered with our office,” Corbett said.  “Information about those contractors, including the ability to search for registered professionals in your community, is available in the ‘Home Improvement’ section of our website.”

Corbett also recommended that consumers review additional information about home improvement projects included on the Attorney General’s website, for details about consumer rights and tips for selecting contractors. The list of registered contractors and more information about the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act is available by clicking on the large blue “Home Improvement” button, located on the front page of www.attorneygeneral.gov.

Consumers who do not have Internet access can call the Attorney General’s toll-free Contractor Hotline, at 1-888-520-6680, to verify the registration status of a home improvement business.

After checking a contractor’s registration, Corbett urged consumers to take additional steps to protect themselves from possible home improvement scams, including:

*Getting estimates from several potential contractors.
*Requesting references for recent work, and checking those references.
*Asking other customers if they were happy with the work that was performed by a particular contractor, if there were any problems with the project and if they would hire that person again.
*Avoiding high-pressure sales pitches, “special offers” or deals on “left over” materials.
*Be wary of individuals who approach you with unsolicited offers or stories of “just being in the neighborhood.”

Consumers encountering problems with contractors, or other businesses, are urged to file formal complaints with the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, either by calling the toll-free Consumer Protection Hotline, at 1-800-441-2555, or by using the online complaint forms available at www.attorneygeneral.gov (Click on the “Complaints” button on the front page of the website and select the “Consumer Complaint Form”).

# # #

State Representative Bryan Lentz, the Democratic nominee for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, held an economic town hall forum today in Wayne to discuss his plans to revive the nation’s economy and field questions from voters.

The event was attended by more than 50 people, who asked questions on a range of issues, including job creation, reducing the nation’s debt and tax policies.

During the forum, Lentz said he supported giving companies incentives to invest and expand, and providing small businesses with access to loans to bring good-paying jobs to the region.

Lentz also said he supported educational programs in fields where demand for an educated and trained workforce was increasing, like math and engineering, to
make the area attractive for prospective businesses.

“Over the past decade, too much of our country’s focus was on creating wealth through risky investments,” Lentz said. “These steps I am proposing are a foundation for creating jobs here in America in fields and industries that will support working families.”

Lentz has made saving and creating jobs the cornerstone of his campaign for Congress. He is the only candidate with a published plan to get our economy moving again and the only candidate who supports Wall Street reform and the creation of a consumer financial protection agency to ensure another collapse does not happen.

Lentz has also pledged to end tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas while his opponent Pat Meehan has signed a pledge to continue rewarding companies that outsource American jobs.

A former Airborne Ranger, criminal prosecutor and Iraq War veteran, Bryan Lentz currently serves in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from Delaware County.

He was awarded both the Bronze Star for Service and the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for his military service. He lives in Swarthmore with his wife Jennifer and
their son Thomas.

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The Department of Environmental Protection this week gave Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. 60 days to permanently fix the water supplies that were affected by the company’s natural gas drilling operations in Dimock, Susquehanna County.

The directive is part of a modified consent order and agreement between the agency and the company that requires Cabot to continue providing temporary water services until the permanent solution can be implemented.

The 60-day timetable represents an extension that was made necessary when residents in the affected area objected to the company’s previous proposal to fix the water contamination issue.

“This week’s modification to the consent order and agreement gives us more time to find a water supply solution that will address the needs and concerns of residents,” said DEP Secretary John Hanger. “Our goal is to find a permanent solution that will be agreeable to all parties.”

In April 2010, DEP and Cabot entered into a modification of the original consent order and agreement that was executed in November 2009. One of the provisions required whole-house water treatment systems to be installed in 14 homes as a permanent water supply resolution.

After the document was signed, several of those residents expressed dissatisfaction with whole-house treatment systems. DEP met with a number of them in May to discuss their concerns.

Due to the resident reaction, Cabot requested an extension of the consent order and agreement time frame to install a permanent solution. DEP agreed to delay enforcement of that provision to allow for additional discussions with residents.  Meanwhile, several residents in the affected area appealed the April modification to the consent order and agreement to the Environmental Hearing Board.

Also in April, DEP suspended its review of Cabot’s pending permit applications for new drilling activities statewide until the company fulfilled its obligations to plug and repair the wells that caused the gas migration, which caused the water contamination.

This week’s modification acknowledges Cabot’s progress to date under the earlier agreement. In particular, Cabot has plugged three gas wells, as required, and has made repairs to another well. As a result, DEP will resume reviewing Cabot applications only for permits to drill gas wells outside of the affected area in Dimock Township.

Except for the permanent water supply and permit application review provisions, all other terms and conditions of the November 2009 consent order and agreement and April 2010 modification remain in effect, including the restrictions on drilling and hydrofracturing within the affected area.

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. is headquartered in Houston, Tex. with a mailing address in Pittsburgh.

For more information on oil and gas wells, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Oil and gas.

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