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Month: June 2023

Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County Opposes Adoption of Centre County’s Proposed Responsible Contractor Ordinance

Posted on by Chamber of Business & Industry Centre County

The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County firmly opposes the adoption of the Responsible Contractor Ordinance (RCO) currently under consideration by the Centre County Board of Commissioners. The RCO, intended to ensure the hiring of responsible contractors for County-funded infrastructure and public works projects exceeding $250,000, poses significant challenges for local contractors and ancillary businesses.

During today’s commissioner meeting, Greg Scott, President and CEO of the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County, made a public statement. In his statement, he highlighted the Chamber’s concerns, which reflect the collective sentiment of the Chamber’s board and membership.

Scott stated, “While the Chamber supports the County’s aim to ensure accountability, this ordinance imposes excessive restrictions that will negatively impact our local contractors and ancillary businesses. The Chamber believes in fostering a competitive and inclusive business environment that benefits our entire community. The Chamber urges the Centre County Board of Commissioners to reconsider this ordinance and seek alternative solutions that uphold quality and safety while preserving access for our local contractors.”

The Chamber recognizes and appreciates the County’s objective of promoting accountability, quality, and safety in public projects. However, the RCO’s requirements, such as the mandate that 70 percent of the craft labor workforce have completed a formally registered apprenticeship training program, and the adherence to the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act, 43 for offsite custom fabrication work, will impose unnecessary and burdensome restrictions on local contractors.

If the RCO is adopted, this ordinance will effectively exclude many of our local contractors and business, potentially in favor of out of County entities, from participating in County projects exceeding $250,000, limiting their ability to contribute to the growth and development of our region.

The Chamber also extends its gratitude to the Centre County Commissioners for their continued dedication to the well-being of our community. While we respectfully disagree on this particular issue, we remain committed to working collaboratively with the Commissioners and other stakeholders to explore solutions that support the growth and success of Centre County’s businesses.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration for New Ownership of Eyes on the Diamond, a Member of Vision Source

Posted on by Jeannine Lozier

Eyes on the Diamond, a proud member of Vision Source, recently hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration to commemorate its new ownership.

The event showcased the expertise of esteemed eye care providers Dr. Whitney Territo, O.D., and Dr. Scott Bauer, O.D. Their clinical interests encompass a broad spectrum, including primary care optometry for patients of all ages and the management and treatment of diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome.

The ribbon-cutting celebration provided attendees with the opportunity to network, meet the dedicated staff of Eyes on the Diamond, and explore the comprehensive eyecare services offered by the clinic.

“I am excited to celebrate the new ownership of Eyes on the Diamond and our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional eye care services,” said Dr. Territo. “Our team is dedicated to meeting the vision needs of the community with expertise, compassion, and cutting-edge technology. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome both existing and new patients to our clinic.”

To learn more about the comprehensive eyecare services provided by Eyes on the Diamond or to make an appointment, please visit https://eyesonthediamond.com/ or call 814-466-2020.

About Eyes on the Diamond

A leading provider of quality vision care products and personalized optometric services in Centre County, since 2010, Eyes on the Diamond has been the leader and preferred provider of quality vision care products and personalized optometric services to patients in State College and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to provide the best eye care services possible, using advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and eye care products. We are committed to educating our patients and providing personalized eye care services.

Taking Centre County Global

Posted on by Jeannine Lozier

Centre County is a vibrant and promising destination for businesses, offering a diverse economy, a skilled workforce, and a supportive business environment. The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County has been working diligently to help Centre County “go global” by attracting international businesses to our region and connecting our local companies with regional export assistance partners. In our ongoing endeavors to promote investment in Centre County, we actively partner with several key organizations to propel Centre County onto the global stage.

Learn more about the Chamber’s economic development partners and their specific focus as they collaborate with us to showcase Centre County and attract organizations that align with our community’s vision for sustainable growth.

International Business Attraction

PA Office of International Business Development (OIBD):

The Chamber recognizes the immense value international businesses bring to our community, including job creation, innovation, and the diversification of industries. To foster global connections, the Chamber actively collaborates with the State of Pennsylvania’s Office of International Business Development. This partnership facilitates networking opportunities, trade missions, and connections with foreign consulates, promoting Centre County as a prime investment destination.

Leveraging the Governor’s Action Team:

The Governor’s Action Team (GAT), an initiative by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, plays a pivotal role in attracting businesses to the state. The Chamber works closely with the GAT to showcase the unique advantages Centre County offers to international companies. The GAT’s expertise in site selection, financing options, and navigating government procedures provides valuable support to The Chamber’s efforts.

Focus Central PA

Focus Central PA is a non-profit economic development organization that works to attract and retain businesses in the Central Pennsylvania region. Their primary goal is to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. The Chamber and Focus Central PA work together to identify potential business prospects, leverage resources, and promote the unique advantages of Centre County as an attractive business destination. Through joint marketing efforts, networking events, and business attraction initiatives, The Chamber and Focus Central PA combine their expertise and resources to drive economic development, foster business growth, and create a thriving business environment in Centre County.

Export Assistance

In Centre County, Pennsylvania, there are several export assistance programs available to support businesses in their international expansion efforts. These programs include the following:

SEDA-COG Export Development Program

SEDA-COG (Susquehanna Economic Development Association – Council of Governments) offers an export assistance program that provides training, counseling, and market research to help businesses explore and enter global markets. Their services include export readiness assessments, export training workshops, export plan development, and assistance with identifying potential overseas markets and buyers.

Office of International Business Development (OIBD): In addition to business attraction, OIBD works closely with businesses across the state, including those in Centre County. OIBD provides various services to support companies in their export endeavors, such as export counseling, market research, trade mission support, and assistance with export regulations and documentation. They help businesses identify international opportunities and navigate the complexities of global trade.

Penn State University’s Centre for Global Business Studies

Penn State University’s Centre for Global Business Studies offers resources and expertise to businesses interested in expanding their presence in international markets. They provide research and analysis on global business trends, host events and conferences related to international business, offer educational programs and training, and connect businesses with faculty and students who have knowledge and experience in global markets.

The Chamber collaborates with our regional partners to harness the collective strength of these resources; we are well-positioned to not only attract new businesses but also support the growth and expansion of our local enterprises.

To discover the wide range of resources and dedicated support available to international businesses interested in our region, we encourage you to get in touch with Todd Dolbin, Vice President of Economic Development, Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County. 

We look forward to connecting with you and helping you explore the exciting opportunities our region offers.

Todd Dolbin, VP Economic Development

SEDA-COG’s Betsy Kramer Receives Designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council

Posted on by Jeannine Lozier

Betsy Kramer, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Revitalization Coordinator, earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. The CEcD Certification Program is the most prestigious designation in the economic development profession. Kramer was 1 of 32 economic development professionals nationwide who earned the designation. Additionally, in 2022, Kramer earned the Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) accreditation, also from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The IEDC administered the written CEcD Exam on May 8, 2023, and notified candidates of their results on May 17, 2023. Working in economic development for over 6 years, Kramer is currently assisting the city of Shamokin with economic revitalization and community resiliency. She has extensive experience in facilitating communication and collaboration with volunteer organizations, non-profits, elected officials, business community and investors to achieve a unified revitalization mission.

The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive examination, which has three parts and spans two days. The exam tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency, and judgment in the following key areas of economic development:

  • business retention and expansion
  •  finance & credit analysis
  • marketing and attraction
  • strategic planning
  • entrepreneurial & small business development
  • managing economic development organizations
  • neighborhood development strategies
  • real estate development & reuse
  • technology-led economic development
  • workforce development strategies
  • foreign direct investment & exporting

As highly competent economic development professionals, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector. Excellence in the economic development profession improves wellbeing, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently over 1,200 active CEcDs in the United States.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. www.iedcONLINE.org.

SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

 

Intrada Technologies Announces Jennifer Daniel’s Promotion to Tier 2 Web Developer

Posted on by Jeannine Lozier

Intrada Technologies is proud to announce the promotion of Jennifer Daniel to Tier 2 Web Developer. Jennifer was initially hired as a Tier 1 Web Developer in January 2021.

As a Tier 2 Web Developer, the Penn Tech College graduate responsibilities include the development, troubleshooting, and maintenance of web applications, along with SEO management, Google/Bing ad management, and reporting. In addition, Jennifer has numerous certifications, including – SEO Toolkit Exam for Advanced Semrush Users, Semrush SEO Toolkit Course, Google Analytics for Power Users, Advanced Google Analytics, and Google Ads Search Certification.

“Working for a small business like Intrada allows me to connect with clients, see projects through from start to finish, and learn a lot,” Daniel said. “Our team works so well together, always willing to lend a hand and join forces when needed. Everyone is friendly and genuinely cares about one another.”

David Steele, co-founder of Intrada Technologies, added, “As an IT company, we take pride in fostering a culture of growth and development. We’re thrilled to announce Jennifer’s promotion to Tier 2 Web Developer. We’re confident that her skills, hard work, dedication, and experience will help us continue to provide top-notch services to our clients. Congratulations, Jennifer, on this well-deserved promotion!”

Intrada Technologies
Intrada Technologies is a full-service web development and network management company focusing on creating ongoing, trusted partnerships with each of our clients. We ensure our clients have what they require to run their businesses with maximum efficiency and reliability, as many of their needs are mission-critical. Our unique, collaborative partnerships allow us to assure our clients that we will be there when they need us.