The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Advisory board.” The Ben Franklin/IRC Partnership Advisory Board.

“Ben Franklin technology center.” A nonprofit corporation, incorporated for the purposes of identifying and generating technology innovation opportunities among Commonwealth businesses.

“Centers.” The Ben Franklin technology centers and the industrial resource centers.

“Department.” The Department of Commerce¹ of the Commonwealth.

“Industrial resource center.” A nonprofit corporation, incorporated for the purposes of enhancing and supporting the competitive ability of Commonwealth manufacturers by helping them take advantage of and benefit from the transmission of production techniques and technologies.

“Manufacturing.” The giving of new shapes, new qualities or new combinations to matter by the application of skill and labor thereto.

“Partnership.” The Ben Franklin/IRC Partnership.

“Partnership board.” The board of directors of the Ben Franklin/IRC Partnership.

“Private sector funds.” Monetary or in-kind support from private businesses, corporations, individuals, trade associations, foundations and federally and locally supported grant programs.

“Secretary.” The Secretary of Commerce of the Commonwealth.

“Small-to-medium-sized Commonwealth manufacturing company.” A Pennsylvania manufacturing company which meets the small business size standards established by the United States Small Business Administration.