Eastern Driller's Manufacturing Co. is the first business to locate in a new tax-incentive zone in Columbia, Pa. Hoping to spur economic development in the community, officials recently approved the addition of 25 acres to Columbia's existing tax-incentive zone established in 1999.

Eastern Driller's Manufacturing was founded in 1987 and manufactures down-the-hole hammers and drill bits for water well drilling, mining and other operations. It currently employs 31 and hopes to expand its operations.

Since 1999, Columbia's incentive zone has created 14,000 jobs, saved 8,000 and generated $1.5 billion in new investment in the state. Business Facilities magazine rated it the best economic development strategy in the nation.