The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP-NEP) Board of Directors has approved the investment of $316,100 in support of regional economic development.

Following is information about firms in the Lehigh Valley Press circulation areas:

Ben Franklin announces the following early-stage company investments that are provided to clients in the form of loans.

Colymer Industries, LLC, Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem, Northampton County. Ben Franklin Investment: $50,000. Implement a marketing and sales strategy to commercialize a new, proprietary, non-asphalt roofing and waterproofing material, Tarzanite, a coal tar formulation that is not water-soluble and environmentally beneficial. The material is expected to outlast traditional asphalt-based materials by a factor of four.

Ben Franklin announces the following established manufacturer company investments. Ben Franklin provides 1:1 matching funding for work with a college or university partner on technology-based manufacturing innovation in established manufacturers.

Applied Separations, Inc., Allentown, Lehigh County. College Partner: Lafayette College. Ben Franklin Investment: $50,000. Develop and implement a new process and deploy equipment for the waterless dyeing of textiles for business-to-business sales to clothing manufacturers and textile companies. With the developing worldwide water shortage, the industry is seeking means to reduce water use. Applied Separations and its technical partner, Halide Group of Allentown, is employing its supercritical fluids expertise in this effort that has the potential of returning textile manufacturing jobs to the United States.

Bio Med Sciences, Inc., Allentown, Lehigh County. University Partner: Lehigh University Enterprise Systems Center. Ben Franklin Investment: $25,000. Complete implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning system at this producer of specialized materials for burn and wound care and aesthetic skin care. Expected growth over the next three to five years necessitates a robust information technology system to improve operational efficiency, provide scalability and flexibility of operation and meet customers' demands.

Effort Foundry, Inc., Bath, Northampton County. University Partner: Lehigh University Enterprise Systems Center. Ben Franklin Investment: $25,000. Implement improved production methods and product tracking capabilities at this supplier of high-integrity steel parts for the pump, power generation and military industries. Technology upgrades at Effort will enhance its ability to shorten lead times and reduce costs.

Rea.deeming Beauty, Inc., Bethlehem, Northampton County. University Partner: Lehigh University Enterprise Systems Center. Ben Franklin Investment: $25,000. Streamline manufacturing process and shipping procedures by designing and implementing new automation techniques at Rea.deeming Beauty, manufacturer of the award-winning elliptical-shaped beautyblender makeup applicator. Rea.deeming supplies high-quality products for the beauty, professional and retail markets. This work will improve the company's ability to meet a steep increase in consumer demand and enhance its production and fulfillment capabilities while maintaining industry-leading quality assurance.