Steve Brady, Covation Center executive director and Gamble Township supervisor, is seeking the Republican party nomination for Lycoming County commissioner in the May 21 primary.

Brady, who holds a doctorate in business administration from the Penn State Smeal College of Business, wants to focus on sustainable economic growth and broadband internet access in rural areas.

“From timber to natural gas, we have seen significant economic success, but our county must begin to cultivate sustained economic growth,” Brady said. “We have a tendency to become far too reliant on a single industry or small group of industries to hold up our economy. This has given us the appearance of having economic growth without creating the kinds of jobs and opportunities that help sustain the economy and lift people in our own community out of poverty.”

To help spur economic growth, Brady hopes to fulfill the need for broadband internet services across rural areas.

Likewise, he hopes to continue to provide support and tools for success to small businesses.

“I look for tools that are enablers for people,” he said. “What I want to see us do is invest more in people than buildings, and infrastructure when it’s enabling. I want to teach people to fish.”

Encouraging passions for small businesses and the services those businesses provide will help grow the economy, he said.

Other areas of focus for Brady are zoning and encouraging conversation and transparency between local government, businesses and community members.

Better communication and collaboration can help diminish FUD — fear, uncertainty and doubt, he said.

He used the example of someone wanting to open a special events venue in a quiet neighborhood. By “springing the change” on people, folks are more likely to focus on the negatives — noise, traffic, or other things they perceive as problems.

But talking with them and asking their input could make them more open to finding a solution that allows the event venue without sacrifice, he said.

“With economic growth comes change,” Brady said. “Being communicative and collaborative can achieve a lot of positive change.”

Brady is a 20-year veteran and retired Air Force Lt. Colonel.

His years in 4-H and Future Farmers of America combined with his military, scholastic and business experience have taught him the value of hard work and dedication, he said.

With over 30 years of experience as a logistics and supply chain professional, researcher, educator and consultant, Brady is “a recognized thought-leader in the areas of business processes, supply chain, technology and driving innovation,” he said.

“I believe in the power of entrepreneurs,” Brady said. “We can unleash the potential of small businesses in our region to drive healthy, sustained economic development, but we must be willing to do the hard work of clearing obstacles in our region that hinder innovation and growth.”