Month: May 2025

Annual Centre County Spring Job Fair Connects Over 275 Job Seekers with more than 75 Local Employers

Posted on by Jules Slater

Event strengthens regional workforce, offering more than 1,000 open positions in key industries.

State College, PA – May 21, 2025 – More than 275 job seekers from Centre and surrounding counties gathered at C3 Sports on Wednesday, May 14, for the Centre County Spring Job Fair. The event, hosted by PA CareerLink® Centre County in partnership with the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC), connected job seekers with over 75 employers seeking to fill more than 1,000 open positions.

Job opportunities spanned a wide range of industries including healthcare, education, public safety, skilled trades, manufacturing, retail, banking, technology, and more. Positions ranged from entry-level to experienced, with employment options including full-time, part-time, seasonal, hybrid, and remote roles.

“The goal of this partnership and event was to strengthen our regional economy by connecting residents with meaningful employment opportunities close to home,” said Greg Scott, President and CEO of CBICC. “Bringing together Centre County employers and job seekers from across central Pennsylvania not only helps fill critical workforce needs but also lays the foundation for sustained economic growth in our communities.”

The partnership between PA CareerLink® and CBICC is expected to continue in future years, creating a sustained platform to connect job seekers with employers, address regional workforce challenges, and support long-term economic growth across central Pennsylvania.

“These types of partnerships and events are essential to the success of our regional workforce system,” said Erica Mulberger, Advance Central PA Executive Director. “The job fair created opportunities for job seekers to find meaningful employment and for businesses to find the talent they need. We are proud to support events like this that drive economic success in our region.”

Missed the Job Fair? PA CareerLink ® Has You Covered!

Whether you’re growing your team or advancing your career, you don’t have to wait for the next event to take the next step! PA CareerLink ® offers no-cost personalized career support year-round to help job seekers and businesses succeed. From resume help and interview prep to job matching and training programs, we’re here to help you reach your goals. Visit centralpacareerlink.org to learn more.

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About PA CareerLink®

Launched in July 2012, PA CareerLink® is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s initiative to transform the landscape of how jobseekers find family sustaining jobs and how employers find the skilled candidates that they need. Through this initiative, a user-friendly, premiere job-matching system has been created to help bridge the gap that currently exists between jobseekers and employers.

PA CareerLink® is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Program funded with federal dollars. For more information, visit: https://advancecentralpa.org/about-us/public-notices/.

About CBICC

The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) is a dynamic membership organization that champions the interests of private and public organizations. As the region’s leading economic development entity, the CBICC is committed to cultivating a vibrant business landscape by driving economic development, stimulating job creation, and fostering innovation. For more information, visit: www.cbicc.org.

honeygrow Brings Wholesome, Customizable Meals to State College

Posted on by Jules Slater

Founder & CEO Returns to His Alma Mater with New State College Location

Philadelpiha, May 9, 2025 — honeygrow, the fast-casual restaurant known for its fresh, wholesome, and made-to-order stir-fry, salad, and honeybars, is excited to announce the lease signing of its newest location in State College, PA. The new honeygrow will open later this year at Pugh Centre, located at 170 East Beaver Avenue, just one block from Penn State University. The Pugh Centre is a brand-new luxury housing community managed by Associated Realty Property Management, offering a prime location for students.

Founded by Penn State alumnus Justin Rosenberg, honeygrow’s new location in State College marks an exciting move for the brand to a place that holds personal significance for the CEO. Nearing 60 locations, honeygrow has established itself as a go-to destination for fresh, healthy meals that can be personalized to fit any dietary preference.

“Opening in State College is a full-circle moment for me,” said Justin Rosenberg, Founder & CEO of honeygrow. “My time at Penn State was a major and influential part of my life, and I’m incredibly excited to bring our brand back to a place that means so much to me. We’re proud to serve this community with food that’s fresh, wholesome, and actually tastes really good!”

The honeygrow State College location will offer its signature open-kitchen experience, allowing guests to enjoy watching their meals come together using high-quality ingredients. The menu will include fan favorite customizable stir-fry, fresh salads, and the delicious honeybar, a dish loaded with fresh fruit, a variety of sweet toppings, and drizzled with one of three honeys. As honeygrow expands further into new markets, this new opening brings the brand’s commitment to nutritious, delicious meals to the heart of the Penn State community, where healthy dining options are in high demand.

“We’re excited to welcome honeygrow to Downtown State College,” said Greg Scott, President & CEO of the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County. “This is more than just a new dining option, it’s a sign of growing interest from high-quality, purpose-driven brands in investing in our local economy. It speaks to the energy and opportunity here in Centre County.”

“We think honeygrow is an ideal addition for our residents and the neighborhood,” said Ara Kervandjian, CEO of PrimeCore, co-developer of The Pugh Centre. “We’re proud to help bring this concept to life in a location that means so much to Penn Staters and State College residents alike.”

“honeygrow’s decision to open in Downtown State College reflects the continued momentum and appeal of our downtown,” said Tom Fountaine, State College Borough Manager. “It’s encouraging to see investment from thoughtful, forward-looking brands that contribute to the vitality and walkability of our borough.”

PHOTOS: Press Kit

About honeygrow
honeygrow is on a mission to bring people together through wholesome and simple foods. Founded in 2012, the Philadelphia-based company specializes in freshly made-to-order stir-fry, salads, and honeybars. Using only the highest quality ingredients, honeygrow provides a robust variety of nutrition-forward options for customers across a wide range of lifestyles. honeygrow has 59 locations across the Northeast and Midwest in DE, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA and OH. For more information about honeygrow, please visit www.honeygrow.com and follow honeygrow on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Why Your Team Isn’t Getting It (Even When You Think You’re Crystal Clear)

Posted on by Jules Slater
    • Many leaders mistake communication for clarity—assuming once it’s said, it’s understood.
    • Misalignment often stems from inconsistent messaging, assumptions, and cultural “static.”
    • True clarity requires shared understanding, structured communication, and leadership presence.
    • Clear communication systems—not just repeated messages—drive alignment and trust.

     615 words ~ 3 min. read

    You’ve said it in a meeting, sent it in an email, and even dropped it into a slide deck. The message seemed clear: here’s the direction, here’s what matters, and here’s how we’ll get there.

    So why does your team still seem misaligned?

    This is one of the most persistent frustrations for leaders. Not because they aren’t communicating, but because they believe they are doing it well—and often, they are. The words are clear. The logic is sound. The intent is positive. But the outcome doesn’t match. Team members are unclear on priorities. Execution falters. Morale dips. And the leader wonders: what am I missing?

    The answer isn’t more communication. It’s deeper clarity.

    The Illusion of Communication

    Most breakdowns in alignment are not due to a lack of effort, but due to a false sense of completion. Leaders assume that once something is said, it’s been heard. That if it’s repeated, it’s been understood. And if no one asks questions, it must mean everyone’s on board.

    But communication isn’t a one-way act. It’s a shared experience—subject to the filters, biases, emotions, and workload of every individual on the receiving end.

    In many teams, what derails clarity isn’t confusion, but collision: between different versions of the message, between unspoken assumptions, and between what’s emphasized and what’s actually practiced. When team members sense these gaps, they fill them with their own interpretations. That’s where misalignment begins.

    Where Leaders Lose the Thread

    There are some common patterns, though they may show up in subtle forms. A strategic shift is announced, but day-to-day processes remain unchanged. A new priority is introduced, but older metrics are still tracked more closely. A bold vision is shared, but frontline managers aren’t equipped to translate it into next steps.

    Over time, these inconsistencies create what might be called “cultural static”—background noise that makes even the clearest message hard to tune into. In some organizations, this leads to paralysis. In others, it leads to fragmented execution, where everyone is moving—just not together.

    What Clarity Actually Requires

    Clarity isn’t just about reducing confusion. It’s about aligning interpretation. That means leaders must think not only about what they say, but how it’s heard. It’s less about repeating a message, and more about shaping a shared understanding.

    This begins with structure. Communication that connects typically follows a clear arc: what’s happening, why it matters, what we’re doing, and how each person contributes. It continues with consistency—ensuring every leader and channel reinforces the same priorities. And it deepens with reflection—creating space for questions, doubts, and honest feedback.

    Importantly, clarity requires presence. It’s not enough to deliver a message and move on. Teams need to see that their leaders are still in it, still listening, still reinforcing what matters. Without that, even the best message fades quickly.

    The Leadership Opportunity

    The good news? Most communication gaps aren’t permanent—they’re just unexamined. When leaders become more intentional about clarity, alignment becomes more natural. It starts to show up not only in what’s said, but in how people behave, how they decide, and how they lead one another.

    At its best, communication isn’t a script—it’s a system. A shared rhythm that keeps everyone moving to the same beat, even as the tempo changes.

    And clarity, done right, isn’t just about being understood. It’s about being believed, trusted, and followed.

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    The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC. 

    Brian Bell Joins Kish Bank’s Blair-Centre Commercial Team

    Posted on by Jules Slater

    STATE COLLEGE, PA – May 12, 2025 – Kish Bank has announced the appointment of Brian Bell to the position of Vice President, Middle Market Relationship Manager. Bell is based primarily out of Kish Bank’s Pleasant Valley Boulevard branch in Altoona, serving both the Blair and Centre County markets.

    Robert Bilger, SVP, Senior Lending Officer for Kish Bank, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Brian Bell to the Kish Bank team. Brian brings a wealth of experience in banking and commercial lending, and his deep understanding of the industry will be invaluable as we continue to support key relationships in Central Pennsylvania. His expertise and commitment to our community banking model align perfectly with our mission at Kish Bank, and we look forward to the impact Brian will make for our clients.”

    Bell brings over 25 years of community banking, business development, and lending experience to Kish Bank. He is well known in the community, having previously served in key business banking, commercial lending, and branch management positions. In his new role, Bell will procure and expand opportunities with emerging local businesses by developing and enhancing relationships among Kish, its clients, and the community. Bell is a graduate of Mt. Aloysius College and resides in Hollidaysburg with his wife, Joy, and their three children.

    About Kish Bank

    Kish Bank is a $1.8 billion regional community bank that operates 19 locations serving Centre, Mifflin, Huntingdon, Blair, and Juniata counties, and northeastern Ohio. Other business units of Kish Bank include Kish Insurance, Kish Financial Solutions, Kish Benefits Consulting, and Kish Travel.Kish Bank is a subsidiary of Kish Bancorp, Inc., trading under the OTCQX stock ticker symbol of KISB. For additional information, please visit MyKish.com.

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    Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser Returns to Discovery Garden May 17th in Silver Anniversary Year

    Posted on by Jules Slater

    (Hollidaysburg, PA)   The Discovery Garden, located at Legion Memorial Park in Hollidaysburg, will hold a fun, fundraising event on Saturday May 17th, from 9am until 12 noon.  The annual Spring Plant Sale will offer plants, vegetables, flowers, and herbs to the public at very reasonable prices.  Many local businesses, greenhouses, and individual gardeners donate the merchandise for this annual event. There will also be a selection of native plants along with homegrown items. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Discovery Garden and Skills of Central Pa’s horticultural therapy programs. The Discovery Garden was founded in 2000, so this year’s sale launches the 25th anniversary planting season.

    On hand to staff the plant sale will be many of the volunteers who maintain the garden throughout the year.  These experts in all types of gardening will be available to answer questions, and give valuable advice on keeping your plants healthy.  Also, anyone interested in becoming a part of garden’s team of volunteers can learn more about serving in any capacity, on May 17th, during the sale.

    Raffles, prizes, and drawings are all a part of this yearly event to kick-off the gardening season.  The event takes place rain or shine, at 1501 N. Juniata St., Hollidaysburg, PA (known as Legion Park).  Among the raffle prizes are high-value items such as a complete Aqua Garden Mini Pond Kit, gift cards, prize baskets, event tickets, and more.  A 50/50 drawing will also be conducted.

    The Discovery Garden was founded in 2000 in memory of a Skills program participant, Courtney Claton, in partnership with her family. The beauty and atmosphere of the Discovery Garden make it a place for community members to spend time with friends and family, to gather and take photos for special occasions, or to simply sit quietly and enjoy nature in its splendor. Additionally, the Discovery Garden provides an ideal setting for Skills of Central PA to provide therapeutic programming for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those recovering from mental health challenges. These individuals benefit deeply from this program, learning both how to care for a garden and how to enjoy the beauty and purpose of the plants. Learn more at www.discoverygardenpa.com. 

    Skills of Central PA is a non-profit health and human services organization that provides support for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those recovering from mental health challenges. The organization was founded in 1960 in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, as a small day program to provide people with opportunities to have paid work, gain social skills, and become more independent in the community. Today, Skills is one of the largest human service providers in central Pennsylvania, offering services in 17 counties throughout the region and employing nearly 1,000 people in a variety of professional, clinical, and direct support roles. Learn more about Skills of Central PA at www.skillsofcentralpa.org.