Month: June 2025

Mid-Year Reset: 5 Smart Moves to Strengthen Your Small Business

Posted on by Jules Slater

597 Words ~ 3 minute read

The midpoint of the year often hits like a reality check: goals half-met, momentum lagging, and a to-do list that keeps growing. But this moment is also a strategic gift: a reset button that can set you up for a stronger, smarter second half.

Here are five high-impact moves to help you reset with intention and finish the year with confidence:

1. Run the Numbers, Then Rewrite the Playbook
Take a hard look at your financials. Are you ahead, behind, or coasting? Scrutinize revenue trends, margins, and expenses. Identify what’s draining resources and double down on what’s driving growth. Use the insights to reshape your financial strategy for the next six months, because winging it isn’t a plan.

2. Reboot Your Marketing Before the Fall Rush
If your marketing has lost steam, this is your window to revive it. Launch a seasonal promotion, refine your messaging, or test new channels to re-engage your audience. And don’t wait to prep for fall. Holiday planning starts now. Review your content calendar, track past performance, and align campaigns with your business goals.

3. Clear the Roadblocks Slowing Your Team
Small inefficiencies become big headaches by year’s end. What processes are wasting time? Where’s the communication breaking down? Invite your team to flag friction points and co-create solutions. Even modest upgrades, such as automating reports, streamlining meetings and clarifying roles, can drive major gains. 

4. Recalibrate Your Goals and Reset Priorities
It’s okay if the goals you set in January don’t fit anymore. Priorities evolve. What matters is focus. Reassess your KPIs and trim anything that’s distracting from your top objectives. Reset your team’s focus around fewer, clearer targets so execution becomes simpler and more powerful.

5. Reconnect with Your Why
Amid the grind, your original mission can get blurry. Take a step back to reflect: Why did you start this business? Who do you serve, and how do you want to show up for them? Realigning with your purpose energizes your leadership and clarifies your brand. 

Bottom Line:
A mid-year reset isn’t just a productivity hack, it’s a strategic imperative. It gives you space to pause, zoom out, and ask the critical questions that get lost in day-to-day urgency. By evaluating your numbers, refreshing your marketing, streamlining operations, focusing your goals, and reigniting your purpose, you give your business the fuel it needs to finish the year not just intact, but thriving. This isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most with greater clarity, consistency, and conviction.

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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. 

McCartney’s Workplace Solutions Named Steelcase Premier Partner

Posted on by Jules Slater

Altoona, PA – McCartney’s Workplace Solutions is proud to be named a Steelcase Premier Partner, a top honor given to select dealers who go above and beyond in customer service, community involvement, and business excellence.


This award puts McCartney’s among a small group of dealers across North America who meet high standards in areas like customer satisfaction, showroom quality, community impact, and business growth.


“For over 135 years, McCartney’s has been dedicated to providing high-quality products and personalized service to our clients,” said Randy Green, President and CEO of McCartney’s. “Being named a Steelcase Premier Partner is a testament to our team’s hard work, our loyal customers, and our continued commitment to making Central Pennsylvania a great place to work and do business.”


As the only Steelcase dealer in West-Central Pennsylvania, McCartney’s combines Steelcase’s global insight with local expertise to create workplaces that improve productivity, comfort, and well-being. Along with Steelcase, McCartney’s offers furniture from hundreds of other manufacturers, meeting a wide range of styles and budgets with the same attention to design, research, and customer needs. The company also now offers floor and window coverings, helping clients design complete, people-centered environments.

McCartney’s is more than just a furniture provider. With strong departments in copiers and supplies as well, the company is a full-service workplace partner for businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities. From personalized delivery of office and janitorial supplies to expert copier service, McCartney’s makes doing business easier and more efficient.


This award also highlights McCartney’s broader mission to support the local economy and give back to the community. Through charitable giving, local partnerships, and sustainable practices, McCartney’s is proud to make a positive difference in the region it calls home.


To learn more, visit www.mccartneys.com.

Flour & Stone Expands to Five Days a Week with Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner—and a Summer Walk-Up Window!

Posted on by Jules Slater

PINE GROVE MILLS, PA – Big changes are brewing (and scooping!) at Flour & Stone this week. Beginning
Wednesday, June 4, the buzzed-about Pine Grove Mills restaurant will be open five days a week Wednesday through Sunday—for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Here’s what’s new:

  • Dinner Hours Expanded: Now serving dinner Wednesday–Sunday from 5 PM to 9 PM (8 PM on
    Sunday).
  • Breakfast & Lunch Available Wednesday–Sunday: Start your day or take a midday break with
    thoughtfully crafted dishes, 8 AM to 2 PM.
  • Summer Walk-Up Window Debuts: Open Wednesday–Sunday, 8 AM to 4 PM, featuring:
    • Iced drinks and lattes featuring Alabaster Coffee (Williamsport, PA)
    • Hand-dipped ice cream from Vale Wood Farms (Loretto, PA) with flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry Rhubarb, Key Lime Pie, Blueberry Lavender, and the bold Cucumber Serrano
    • Fresh grab-and-go items—perfect for busy mornings or a quick snack on the go
      To celebrate this milestone, Flour & Stone is running weekly specials the month of June. This week, from 2 PM to 4 PM at the walk-up window, guests can enjoy
  • $2 off any iced coffees
  • $1 ice cream scoops

“Expanding our service to five days a week is a big moment for us,” said owner Liz Grove. “We’ve been so
grateful for the support from our community—and we’re excited to offer more ways for folks to enjoy what we’re
creating at Flour & Stone.”


Whether you’re grabbing a scoop in the afternoon sun, picking up a fresh bite on your lunch break, or settling in
for a relaxed dinner on the patio, there’s something new to enjoy every day. Stop by, taste what’s new, and help
Flour & Stone celebrate all month long.


Flour & Stone is located at 125 E Pine Grove Rd. in Pine Grove Mills, PA. For menus, reservations, and updates,
visit flourandstone.com or follow @flour_and_stone

Am I becoming more forgetful or could I have Alzheimer’s?

Posted on by Jules Slater

(June 2, 2025, DuBois, PA) Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and it is the leading cause of dementia, a broad term for significant memory loss and cognitive decline that disrupts daily life. While forgetfulness can become more common as we age, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of the aging process. Unlike typical age-related memory issues, Alzheimer’s slowly destroys memory and cognitive skills, eventually leading to the inability to carry out simple tasks.

What is Alzheimer’s?

“Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder marked by the buildup of specific proteins, leading to brain cell damage and shrinkage,” said James Pacelli, MD, a neurologist with Penn Highlands Neurology in DuBois. “While the exact causes of Alzheimer’s are not fully understood, in most people it is likely the result of a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain over time.”

Scientists believe that it begins with changes in the brain that can occur a decade or more before symptoms appear. Toxic buildups of proteins, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, cause neurons to stop functioning, lose connections and die. Early damage occurs in memory-related areas like the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, but as the disease progresses, it spreads to other brain regions, leading to significant brain shrinkage by the final stages.

What are the symptoms?

Memory loss is the primary symptom of Alzheimer’s. It is a progressive disease in which dementia symptoms worsen gradually over several years. In the early stages, memory loss is mild. Early signs include difficulty recalling recent events or conversations. As the disease advances, memory problems worsen, individuals lose the ability to engage in conversation or respond to their surroundings and it begins to interfere with daily functioning.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s may include:

  • Repeat statements and questions frequently
  • Forget conversations, appointments or events
  • Misplace items, often in illogical places
  • Become disoriented in familiar locations
  • Forget the names of family members and common objects
  • Struggle to find the right words, express their thoughts or engage in conversations

“While people with normal age-related memory issues may occasionally have trouble finding the right word, those with Alzheimer’s often find it challenging to follow or participate in conversations,” said Dr. Pacelli. “They may repeat themselves or pause in the middle of a discussion and be unsure how to continue. They may struggle with vocabulary, have difficulty naming familiar objects or use incorrect names.”

In addition, many individuals with Alzheimer’s may experience mood and personality changes, such as confusion, paranoia, depression, fear or anxiety.

When should you see a provider?

Several conditions can cause memory loss or other dementia-like symptoms, and some are treatable. If you are worried about your memory or cognitive abilities, it is important to consult a healthcare professional who can conduct tests to determine the degree of memory loss and diagnose the cause. If you become concerned about the memory and cognitive skills of a family member or friend, consider discussing your concerns with them and suggest visiting a healthcare professional together.

Penn Highlands’ expert neurology specialists help improve the quality of life for patients suffering from disorders of the brain and nervous system, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain injuries, sleep disorders, migraines and much more. To learn more, visit www.phhealthcare.org/neurology.

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Penn Highlands Healthcare was officially formed in 2011 and is comprised of nine hospitals. Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, Penn Highlands Tyrone have served area communities for the past 100+ years. Penn Highlands State College is a new state-of-the-art hospital that opened in 2024. The health system’s business continuum also includes a home care agency, long-term care facilities and residential senior living communities, as well as durable medical equipment companies and retail pharmacies.

Penn Highlands Healthcare has evolved into an organization with approximately 6,200 employees in 150+ locations throughout 26 counties in Pennsylvania that include community medical buildings, outpatient facilities, surgery centers and physician practices. The facilities have a total of 1,396 inpatient, skilled nursing and personal care beds.  The system, which has 849 physicians and 427 advanced practice providers on staff, offers a wide range of care and treatments with specialty units for cancer, cardiovascular/thoracic, neurosurgery, pulmonology, neonatal and high-risk pregnancy patients. Being focused on what is important – patients and families – makes Penn Highlands Healthcare a great choice for healthcare in the region.

Geisinger Lewistown Hospital earns “straight A” recognition as top national hospital

Posted on by Jules Slater

LEWISTOWN, Pa – The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit dedicated to patient safety, has released its Spring 2025 Hospital Safety Grade. Geisinger Lewistown Hospital has been recognized as a “straight A” facility, maintaining an “A” grade for at least five consecutive grading cycles. Out of all eligible hospitals nationwide, just 12% made the cut for straight A’s.

“This prestigious recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of care to our patients,” Sabrina Sumner, D.O., chief medical officer of Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. “Our dedicated team is one of only 346 other hospitals across the nation to receive this honor. Their tireless efforts ensure that patient safety remains our top priority. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication and the collaborative spirit that drives Geisinger Lewistown Hospital forward. We’re grateful to our patients for their trust and support, and we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and care.”

The biannual safety report assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to all general hospitals in the United States based on their ability to protect patients from medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections.

About Geisinger

Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 126 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,700 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $15 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.