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Month: September 2025

Keller Engineers Hires Two Transportation Construction Inspectors

Posted on by Jules Slater

September 4, 2025, Hollidaysburg, PA – Keller Engineers, Inc., with locations in Hollidaysburg, State College, and Gettysburg, PA and Haddonfield, NJ is a full-service engineering firm providing client-focused civil and structural engineering, and surveying services.


Keller Engineers, Inc. is pleased to announce two new transportation construction inspectors, Ron Coffman and Garrett Smith!


Ron has over 20 years of construction related experience, including working as an equipment operator for many Pennsylvania Department of Transportation projects. He also holds certification as a Concrete Finisher from the American Concrete Institute and completed the 12 TA-TCI Modules.


Garrett is a graduate of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management. His prior experience includes operating construction machinery. Garrett was also an elected public official on Vintondale Borough Council, serving as Vice President for two years. In preparation for this role, he also completed the 12 TA-TCI Modules.

Penn Highlands State College Offers Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic

Posted on by Jules Slater

(September 9, 2025, DuBois, Pennsylvania)  – Penn Highlands State College is making it even easier for you and your family to get a flu shot this year. A Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the hospital which is located at 239 Colonnade Boulevard in State College.

Adults and teens ages 14 and older can roll up their sleeves and receive the vaccine from the comfort of their vehicle.

Most insurance plans cover annual flu shots so be sure to bring your insurance card.

“Everyone over the age of 6 months should get the annual flu vaccine – especially those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease,” said Trina Abla, DO, MBA, System Chief Medical Officer of Penn Highlands Healthcare. “Although the vaccine doesn’t provide 100% protection, it is still the best defense against contracting the flu and developing serious complications.”

Dr. Abla added, “By getting the flu vaccine, you are not only protecting yourself, you are reducing the risk of spreading the virus to your loved ones – it is a responsible act.”

Penn Highlands State College provides expert care for the entire family. The hospital offers a 24/7 emergency department, inpatient care, surgical department, imaging services and a pulmonary function lab. The adjacent medical office building provides outpatient services ranging from walk-in care for to advanced specialty services and a drive-thru pharmacy.

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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.

Leadership Centre County Names Denise Sullivan as Executive Director

Posted on by Jules Slater

Welcomes Newly Elected Board Officers and Celebrates Class of 2025

State College, PA (September 3, 2025)—Leadership Centre County has announced Denise Sullivan as its new executive director after serving as interim director that past year. The organization also installed new board officers, celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025, and completed enrollment for the incoming Class of 2026.

Sullivan is founder and CEO of Sullivan Point Strategies and previously held executive, development and event production roles with Flyers Charities, the charitable arm of the Philadelphia Flyers, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, Emily Whitehead Foundation, The Franklin Institute, and the Philadelphia 76ers. A 2022 graduate of Leadership Centre County graduate and 2019 Leadership Philadelphia Fellow, she is also a proud Penn State alumna and member of the Centre County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association.

“It is an absolute honor to serve as Executive Director of Leadership Centre County, “ Sullivan said.  “I look forward to working alongside our committed board of directors, our community partners and sponsors, and our alumni. The Class of 2025 is a shining example of what the program is meant to be, and I am thrilled to continue inspiring and nurturing the servant leaders making a difference throughout our community.”

Kendra Kielbasa, Leadership Centre County (2023) and Leadership Prince William (2010) alumna, has been named board president. Kielbasa also serves as retail and commercial business advocate for Downtown State College Improvement District.

“This is an exciting time for Leadership Centre County,” said Kielbasa. “Denise Sullivan is a proven leader who brings energy, vision and strategy. With her at the helm, we’re building on a strong foundation and moving forward with fresh momentum to develop future leaders who will shape the Centre Region.”

LEADERSHIP Board officers include:

  • President—Kendra Kielbasa (2023), retail and commercial business advocate, Downtown State College Improvement District
  • Immediate Past President—Tara Shaffer (2018), senior vice president, AmeriServ Financial
  • Vice President—Keri (Miller) Kenepp (2024), executive director, College Township Industrial Development Authority
  • Secretary—Danyell Bundy (2022), system fund development executive director, Penn Highlands Healthcare
  • Treasurer—Kate Tosto (2018), broker/co-owner, RE/MAX Centre Realty

The 2025 Community Leadership Program (CLP) class celebrated its graduation event June 11 along with alumni, friends, sponsors, and community partners who attended in record numbers. Class speaker Jenie Ellenberger provided a powerful recap about the personal and collective growth experienced by this year’s group, sharing poignant and fun moments from the year-long LEADERSHIP program rooted in active service learning.  

During the 10-month program, class members immerse themselves in an intensive exploration of current socio-economic issues, work collaboratively with organizations and volunteers, and engage in real-time community projects, all of which provide the foundation for a lifelong commitment to civic engagement. 

Leadership Centre County will welcome the Class of 2026 at a reception on September 10, 5–7 p.m., at Mountain View Country Club. All are welcome. Visit the Leadership Centre County website to register for the event.

Leadership Centre County was founded in 1991 as a 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the development of qualified leaders within the community. A self-sustaining organization, it is one of hundreds of similar leadership development and community impact programs across the country. Since its founding, the program has graduated 1,167 class members from its flagship Community Leadership Program who now serve as volunteers, committee chairs, and board members of more than 600 Centre County organizations.

For more information about Leadership Centre County, how to volunteer, or donate, email us at executivedirector@leadershipcentrecounty.org.

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CTIDA Announces 2nd Round of Small Business Grant Program

Posted on by Jules Slater

COLLEGE TOWNSHIP, PA – August 29, 2025– The College Township Industrial Development Authority (CTIDA) is excited to announce the opening of applications for the Fall 2025 Small Business Grant Program, a reinvestment initiative designed to strengthen the small business community along the Gateway Corridor of East College Avenue.


With $25,000 in available funding, the program will provide grants of up to $5,000 (with a required 50/50 match) to eligible small businesses to support façade improvements, landscaping, signage, lighting, and other beautification projects that enhance the corridor’s visual appeal.


Earlier this year, the CTIDA awarded the first two grants through the program to Your Building Center and Bonfire Old Fashioned BBQ. Each business received $5,000 to make impactful enhancements to their properties, including façade upgrades, sidewalk improvements, and new digital signage. These projects mark the beginning of the CTIDA’s strategic investment in the Gateway Corridor and highlight the program’s potential to boost economic vibrancy, attract customers, and create a more welcoming entryway to the State College area.


“Our small business community is the foundation of the Gateway Corridor,” said Keri Kenepp, Executive Director of the CTIDA. “By investing in visible improvements like updated facades and signage, we’re not only helping businesses attract new customers but also strengthening the overall character and vitality of this important gateway into our region.”


Applications for the Fall 2025 grant cycle will open on Monday, September 1, 2025, and close on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Applicants will be notified of awards on or after Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
To be eligible, businesses must be located in the Gateway Corridor of East College Avenue with street frontage. Priority will be given to locally owned, independently operated businesses, and collaborative projects between neighboring businesses will be looked upon favorably.


Applications are available both in paper form at the College Township Municipal Building (1481 E. College Avenue, Attn: Keri Kenepp) and digitally through the CTIDA website or the QR code provided on promotional materials.


For more information about the program, eligibility requirements, or to apply, please visit www.ctida.com or contact the CTIDA at admin@ctida.com or (814) 208-4124.

2025 Dr. Billie Willits Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Campbell Park

Posted on by Jules Slater
Skills of Central PA CEO Val Barner (left) presents Ross (right) with $4,000 toward her freshman year at PSU.
Skills of Central PA CEO Val Barner (left) presents Ross (right) with $4,000 toward her freshman year at PSU.

(State College, PA)  Campbell Park, a graduate of Central Mountain High School, was awarded the 2025 Dr. Billie Willits Memorial Scholarship from the Skills Foundation. Now a freshman at Penn State University – University Park, she received $4,000 toward her education from a scholarship fund to benefit the children of employees of Skills of Central PA. The annual presentation honors the memory of long-time Skills Board Member Dr. Billie Willits.

Park was eligible for the scholarship because her mother, Jillian Park, works as a Regional Director for Skills of Central PA in Clinton and Lycoming Counties. Jillian has worked for Skills for 13 years.  Campbell’s application and essay were selected by the scholarship committee of the Skills Foundation, all of whom determined her to be a deserving recipient.

The Dr. Billie S. Willits Memorial Scholarship is presented in honor and memory of Dr. Willits who was a member of the Skills of Central PA Board of Directors for 20 years, including two terms as board chair. Dr. Willits passed away in 2019 and has truly left a void. She was a dedicated supporter of the Skills mission as well as the Centre County communities.

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