The president of Tamaqua Industrial Development Enterprises (TIDE) reports that the local industrial park is near capacity, prompting the TIDE board to focus on expansion.

"We need to find a new site," announced Dr. Joseph Urenovitch during his progress report offered at Wednesday's Tamaqua Community Dinner. He said a potential site has been identified and is being investigated.Urenovitch said seven companies currently operate in TIDE Industrial Park, employing 470 workers with an increase of 10 jobs since 2010.Another major announcement is the possible arrival of a new company. Although details weren't revealed, the company is interested in purchasing lots numbered 16-20, otherwise identified as 14.7 acres on TIDE Road across from the Fox Transportation facility.The lots are cleared and have KOZ designation and NPDES storm water permits.The company already has paid a down payment for the lots, according to Urenovitch.If plans work out the company would construct a 40,000-square-foot building which it could expand to 100,000 square-foot. The investment in plant and equipment would total between $7-$8 million and it would start by employing 15 to 20 workers, which would increase as it expands.Construction could start as soon as January, 2012.That development would result in lots 22-24 being the last ones available for sale, said Urenovitch. Those lots on Progress Avenue comprise 8.6 acres.TIDE hopes to create a pad-ready site on the final lots for a 54,000-square-foot building for industrial development.Grand Prix Excavating, Tamaqua, is expected to start site work in May with a completion timetable of 180 days.Urenovitch also reported on the unveiling of a new TIDE logo, along with a TIDE Park beautification project, plans for additional lighting, website pages update, road repairs, and continuing work with the chamber and Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation.Todd Miller, president, Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce, announced that the chamber has begun to utilize various social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter to provide information on the area and chamber members, their events and local businesses.In addition, the chamber will institute the Joseph M. Plasko Journalism Award to be presented to a deserving senior student at both Tamaqua Area and Marian high schools.Miller indicated that the winner of the chamber logo design competition was Sarah DeBenedict, a Tamaqua Area High School student who created a design that incorporates a theme of 'turning a new leaf,' using a maple leaf, its veins denoting the Five Points intersection.Similarly, the winner of the slogan contest is Ann Gangwer, for coming up with the phrase 'Growth - Progress- Tradition,' to provide inspiration as the area moves forward.