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Author: Jules Slater

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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Three Central PA Business Leaders Appointed to Kish Bank Board

Posted on by Jules Slater

STATE COLLEGE, PA – August 22, 2025 – William P. Hayes, Executive Chairman of Kish Bank, has announced the appointment of three distinguished Central PA business leaders to the Kish Bank Board of Directors: Jim Foreman of Blair County, Michael Krentzman of Centre County, and John Pannizzo of Mifflin County.

In announcing the appointments, Hayes stated, “It is our pleasure to welcome Jim, Michael, and John, three highly respected local leaders, to our Board of Directors. Each of them embodies a deep commitment to the community and aligns closely with Kish’s mission of helping our region thrive, as we have for 125 years. We are confident they will be strong, engaged advocates for the communities we serve and valuable contributors to Kish’s continued success.”

Hayes added, “Our board members play a vital role in advancing Kish’s ability to serve our clients, communities, team members, and shareholders. As we continue to grow, we are intentional about ensuring our Board reflects both the geographic diversity of our footprint and the customer segments we serve.”

Jim Foreman is Partner and Director of ProCare Physical Therapy, a premier provider of physical and occupational therapy headquartered in Altoona, with nine locations across Central Pennsylvania. A lifelong resident of Blair County, Foreman serves on the board of Allegheny Broadband, Inc., which works to expand broadband access in rural Central PA. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Penn State University and resides in Duncansville with his wife.

Michael Krentzman, Co-President and Principal of Krentzman Metals Corp., brings over two decades of experience with Kish Bank, having served on its Centre County Regional Advisory Board. Krentzman Metals is a multi-generational leader in recycled materials processing and brokerage, with locations in Lewistown, Hollidaysburg, and Dubois. He serves on several regional economic development boards, including the SEDA-Council of Governments Joint Rail Authority, and is Pennsylvania Legislative Chair of the Recycled Materials Association. Krentzman earned his undergraduate degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his Juris Doctorate in Commercial Law from Temple University. He lives in State College with his wife and two daughters.

John Pannizzo, a native of Mifflin County, is a well-known entrepreneur and community advocate. He is the founder and owner of Downtown OIP, a landmark restaurant in Lewistown, and has invested in other local ventures, including JP Edwards in Lewistown and Birch Hill Events in Burnham. A graduate of Penn State University, Pannizzo is a passionate supporter of Penn State and high school athletics, having co-led the successful fundraising campaign for the Mifflin County High School Stadium Project. He resides in Lewistown with his wife and 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 in Pennsylvania, as well as 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. Kish Bank is an Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. For more information, please visit MyKish.com.

 

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CBICC Welcomes Seven New Members

Posted on by Jules Slater

At CBICC, we’re proud to support a growing network of businesses that help make Centre County a thriving place to live, work, and grow. Our newest members bring practical solutions, community spirit, and entrepreneurial energy to the table, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the CBICC community!

Brickwork Self Storage: Need more room but don’t want the stress that comes with traditional storage? Brickwork Self Storage offers a clean, modern solution right here in State College. With features like bluetooth entry, climate-controlled units (including drive-up options), and 24/7 recording cameras, you can store your belongings with confidence and convenience. Their fully fenced, keypad-access facility also offers contactless rentals, online bill pay, flexible month-to-month leases, and EZ Pay autopay options, so you can focus on what’s next without the clutter. Learn more at Brickwork Self Storage.

Centre Markets: What began as an online farmers market in 2020 has blossomed into a vibrant storefront at the Nittany Mall. Centre Markets brings together small producers from across the region, offering everything from just-picked produce and fresh flowers to pasture-raised meats, artisan baked goods, raw honey, kombucha, and chef-prepared meals (including gluten-free and vegan options). Learn more at Centre Markets. Learn more at Centre Markets.

ZenBusiness: Starting a business can be overwhelming, but ZenBusiness makes it easier. Their all-in-one platform helps new entrepreneurs form their business, stay compliant, and grow with confidence. With smart tools, real human support, and a mission to make business ownership more accessible for everyone, they’ve already helped over 850,000 people chase their dreams and build something of their own. Learn more at ZenBusiness.

Groznik Public Relations: Groznik Public Relations helps businesses tell their stories in a clear and meaningful way. From writing and messaging to events and media outreach, they work alongside clients to support communication goals with simple, practical strategies. Learn more at Groznik Public Relations.

Penn Steaks: Penn Steaks isn’t just a new cheesesteak spot downtown, it’s a tribute to a local favorite, reimagined by a team with deep Penn State roots. With fresh-baked rolls, upgraded ingredients, and late-night hours, they’ve created a space where students, alumni, and locals can grab a bite and feel right at home.

One-Stop Communications: Born from the need for better internet in Mifflin County, One-Stop Communications has grown into a trusted local provider of high-speed internet, streaming TV, and IT services. Now joined by Mifflin County Wireless and Telecentive, their team is working together under one roof to improve connectivity and technology access across the region. Learn more at One-Stop Communications.

Gunn-Mowery, LLC: Since 1985, Gunn-Mowery has been helping people and businesses across Central PA find the “Upside of Insurance.” With a customer-first mindset and a team of local agents, they bring clarity and care to personal, business, and employee benefits coverage. Whether it’s navigating a claim or planning ahead, their goal is to make the insurance experience as positive as possible, because they know it matters most when life doesn’t go as planned. Learn more at Gunn-Mowery, LLC.

We’re excited to welcome these businesses to the CBICC community and look forward to the energy, innovation, and local impact they bring to Centre County. Whether they’re serving up fresh food, providing high-speed internet, supporting small business growth, or bringing insurance guidance with heart, each of these members adds something valuable to our region.

Want to learn more about becoming a CBICC member? Connect with us here.

Silver Anniversary Celebration at Discovery Garden September 18th

Posted on by Jules Slater

(Hollidaysburg, PA)  The Discovery Garden, located at Legion Park in Hollidaysburg, invites everyone to celebrate the Garden’s 25th Anniversary at a special reception on Thursday, September 18th.  Join the Discovery Garden Executive Committee and volunteers for refreshments at 5:30pm, along with a performance by the Altoona Symphony.  A brief program of acknowledgements will begin at 6pm, followed by more music and camaraderie after. 

Don’t miss this community milestone celebration with your neighbors, Blair County leaders, and some of the founders and workers that have made the Discovery Garden the jewel of our region for a quarter of a century. 

Bring a blanket or folding chair to enjoy lawn seating during the symphony performance.  There is no charge to attend, and no need to RSVP.

About Discovery Garden

The Discovery Garden, a project of the Skills Foundation, is an award-winning public garden located, adjacent to the Kids’ Kingdom Play Park in Legion Park. Since its opening in 2000, the Garden has become a community and regional sightseeing and gathering destination. This beautiful and peaceful place is dedicated to the memory of Courtney Leigh Claton. In 2008, Discovery Garden earned the Community Greening Award presented by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Alliance; the award recognizes the creation and maintenance of a public green space that enhances the community.

The Discovery Garden is handicapped accessible and includes a Horticultural Therapy Garden. Other specialty gardens in this inviting botanical space include the Cottage Garden, which earned the 2016 “Garden of Distinction” blue ribbon from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; the Time Garden, which contains one of the largest horizontal sundials on the East Coast; and the Children’s Garden, which includes a potting shed, a rabbit hole tunnel and a rainbow garden; and the new Rain Garden. The Discovery Garden also contains the Planting Garden, comprised of raised beds planted in the spring by local elementary school students. The latest addition is a new kaleidoscope, designed and built by one of the world’s most renowned kaleidoscope artists, installed in 2023 for all to enjoy.

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For more information contact Mike Lysakowski at mlysakowski@skillsgroup.org

814-238-3245 x-1113 or  814-571-3125 Cell