Author: Jules Slater

Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business Announce 2024 Best Places to Work in PA

Posted on by Jules Slater

Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business have named Keller Engineers as one of the Best Places to Work in PA for 2024 in the Small Employer Category. The awards are held in partnership with Best Companies Group.

Best Places to Work in PA identifies, recognizes, and honors the best places of employment in Pennsylvania in three categories: small employer (15-99 employees), medium employer (100-249), and large employer (250 or more). To be considered, companies must be a publicly or privately held business; be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity; have a facility in the state of Pennsylvania; have at least 15 full- or part-time employees working in Pennsylvania; and be in business a minimum of one year.

Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data, and used their expertise to determine the final rankings.

There were two parts used to determine the rankings. The first consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics, worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience, which consisted of 75% of the total. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking.

“The 2024 Best Places to Work in PA know that the people in their organizations are the key to their success. These businesses realize what it takes to create an environment that results in teamwork and excellence,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business. “Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business are pleased to join with the Best Companies Group in honoring these incredible businesses.”

The Best Places to Work in PA winners will be recognized December 12 at a celebration at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square Hotel. The evening features food stations, drinks, and networking starting at 4:30 p.m. with the awards celebration at 5:30 p.m. followed by dessert and continued networking. The event hashtag is #BestPlacesPA.

A listing of winners is below. The final rankings will be announced at the December 12 awards ceremony.
Winners will be profiled in a publication that will be inserted into the December 16 issue of Lehigh Valley Business and the December 20 issue of Central Penn Business Journal. The magazine will be available online at CPBJ.com. and LVB.com.

For more information about the Best Places to Work in PA program, visit BestPlacestoWorkinPA.com.

About the Central Penn Business Journal
Central Penn Business Journal is the leading source of business news and information in Central Pennsylvania for the past 40 years. In addition to breaking news on its multimedia news site at CPBJ.com, it also publishes a biweekly print edition. Central Penn Business Journal publishes various special focus sections on topics such as real estate and construction and mergers and acquisitions in addition to the yearly Book of Lists. It also hosts 11 annual events, including Women of Influence, Reader Rankings, Fastest Growing Companies and Best Places to Work in PA, to recognize excellence and provide leadership opportunities. In addition, Central Penn Business Journal facilitates webinars bringing local experts from the business community together to discuss current topics and trends. Its Digital Marketing Solutions helps customers with social media, search engine marketing and optimization, retargeting, email marketing and more. Central Penn Business Journal and its sister publication, Lehigh Valley Business, which covers business in the Lehigh Valley, are part of BridgeTower Media, the leading provider of B2B information, research, events and marketing solutions across more than 25 U.S. markets and industries.

About Lehigh Valley Business
Lehigh Valley Business is a multimedia news source with 38 years of journalistic excellence that breaks news daily on its website, LVB.com. It also publishes a print and online edition. In addition, Lehigh Valley Business publishes special focus sections and products throughout the year including Reader Rankings plus the yearly Book of Lists. It also hosts eight annual events, including Women of Influence, Icon Honors and Forty Under 40, to recognize excellence and provide leadership opportunities. Lehigh Valley Business facilitates thoughtful discussion with market leaders through its webinar series. Its Digital Marketing Solutions helps customers with social media, search engine marketing and optimization, retargeting, email marketing and more.

Lehigh Valley Business and its sister publication, Central Penn Business Journal, which covers business in Central Pennsylvania, are part of BridgeTower Media, the leading provider of B2B information, research, events and marketing solutions across more than 25 U.S. markets and industries.

About Best Companies Group
Since 2004, Best Companies Group has specialized in identifying and recognizing great employers to work for. Best Companies Group is an independent research firm that ranks companies based on established research methodology. The surveys provide actionable, hard-to-obtain data that companies use to improve employee recruitment and retention. For more information, visit bestcompaniesgroup.com.

Best Places to Work in PA

Small Employer Category (15-99 U.S. employees)
AblePay Health
Acela Architects + Engineers, PC
Altitude Marketing
Americhem International, Inc.
Appalachia Technologies
Arden Logistics Parks
Arnold’s Office Furniture
AWeber
Core Business Solutions
Demme Learning
DOCEO OFFICE SOLUTIONS LLC
Elevate Healthcare Marketing
Enders
Enterprise Ventures Corporation
Faulkner Subaru Harrisburg
Fischer Cunnane & Associates Ltd
Garrety Glass, Inc.
Gross McGinley, LLP
Grudi Associates
IMI
INTERIORS HOME
Investment Real Estate Management, LLC
JFC Global
JPL
JULABO USA
K&W Engineers, LLC
KDG
Keller Engineers Inc
Kozloff Stoudt PC
Lighting New York
Liquid Interactive, LLC
Majik Enterprises
Marshall Financial
Micro Mold
Mid Atlantic Machinery, Inc.
Millers Mutual Group
Momentum Inc.
Morehouse Instrument Company
National Financial Network
New Castle Lawn & Landscape
Paramount Contracting, Inc.
Presence Bank
Process and Data Automation, LLC
Reinhardt’s Agency Inc.
Sapphire Software
Sealstrip Corporation
SilcoTek Corporation
Simon Lever
Sordoni Construction Services, Inc
South Heidelberg Township
Speedwell Construction LLC
Stonebridge Financial Group
Stronger Youth Brands
Synergy Comp Insurance Company
TeamLogic IT of Newtown PA
The Exterior Company
The Hudson Companies
Trifecta Technologies Inc
Weavers Hardware Company
Wessel & Company

Medium Employer Category (100-249 U.S. Employees)
1st Summit Bank
Bank of Bird-in-Hand
Berkshire Systems Group, Inc.
Boyer & Ritter LLC
Brown Plus
Cargas Systems
Diamond Credit Union
Edwards Business Machines
Entech Engineering, Inc.
Gateway Ticketing
Global Tax Management
Goodville Mutual Casualty
Harbor Compliance
Herculite Products, Inc
HVAC Distributors Inc
Lackawanna College
Lobar Associates Inc.
Marquette Savings Bank
McConkey Insurance & Benefits
McKonly & Asbury
Meier Supply Co Inc.
Mutual Benefit Group
MyAdvisor
MYCO Mechanical, Inc.
Oliver Heating & Cooling
Paradise Energy Solutions, LLC
PeopleShare
Plastikos Incorporated
Prelude Services
RG Group
Rhoads Energy
Roechling Medical Lancaster, LLC
SEK, CPAs & Advisors
SMB TEAM LEGAL, LLC
Trout CPA
Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC
William A Fraser Inc; dba Fraser Advanced Information Systems

Large Employer Category (250 or more U.S. Employees)
Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.
ARM Group Enterprises
Barry Isett & Associates
Berger Communities
Best Line Equipment
Brentwood Industries, Inc
Capital Blue Cross
Commonwealth Charter Academy
Concurrent Technologies Corporation
Core BTS
Crothall Healthcare
D&H Distributing Co.
East Penn Manufacturing
Edward Jones
Glatfelter Insurance Group
Herbert, Rowland & Grubic (HRG)
JWF Industries
Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc.
Life Cycle Engineering
Listrak Inc.
Marsh & McLennan Agency, East Region
McClure Company
MCCORMICK TAYLOR
New Home Star
OneDigital
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
PHOENIX CONTACT
Residential Healthcare of Pennsylvania
RKL LLP
Ryan, LLC
Stephenson Equipment, Inc.
Storage Asset Management
T&M Associates
Tokio Marine North America Services
TPD
WebFX
Worth & Company, Inc

CBICC and Community Partners Launch Centre County Economic Development Strategy

Posted on by Jules Slater

Developed in collaboration with community partners, the Plan presents a shared vision for the region’s economic future.

CENTRE COUNTY, PA – October 17, 2024 – The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC), alongside community partners and stakeholders, unveiled Centre County’s Economic Development Strategy at the Voice of Business Luncheon on October 9 at the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center. Local and state leaders gathered to discuss the plan and its potential impact on the region’s communities.

CBICC Board president O.J. Johnston welcomed attendees and recognized the contributions of event sponsors, the CBICC Board of Directors, and local and state elected officials in attendance before introducing Greg Scott, President and CEO of the CBICC. Scott emphasized Centre County’s robust economic foundation and outlined the Plan’s goal to build upon existing efforts to drive economic advancement.

Scott summarized the extensive engagement process during the Plan’s development, noting over 150 interviews and meetings with stakeholders.

“With the support of the Centre County business community, we identified over thirty topics of interest for our Economic Development Strategy,” remarked Scott. “We categorized this collection of information into four key focus areas: Business Retention and Expansion, Targeted and Emerging Industries, Workforce and Education, and the Built and Natural Environment. Each of these areas contains actionable goals designed to guide our efforts in the coming years.”

Scott detailed each focus area, highlighting initiatives such as expanding services for small and emerging businesses, developing a sensor technology industry cluster, attracting specialized talent to the area, and addressing housing needs. Scott underscored common goals woven throughout: that each requires intentional collaboration across the community, and that all represent progress toward achieving a common vision for Centre County’s economic future.

Among the speakers, Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, President of Penn State University, highlighted the University’s role as a connector and supporter of regional business development. Centre County Commissioner Mark Higgins discussed local milestones and the government’s collaborative role in the Plan’s development.

“What excites me most about this plan is that it aligns perfectly with the ongoing efforts of Centre County Government to support businesses, foster growth, and create opportunities for all residents,” proclaimed Higgins, “Our work doesn’t end today. This plan marks the beginning of the next phase where the involvement and teamwork of all our partners will be critical to its success.”

Ben Kirshner, Chief Transformation and Opportunity Officer for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania followed Higgins, highlighting alignment between Centre County’s Economic Strategy Plan and the state’s economic planning efforts. The event’s final speaker was Luke Bernstein, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, who further emphasized the significance of Centre County’s plan in statewide economic planning from the perspective of the PA Chamber.

Visit www.centrecountyforward.com to download the full Plan. Those interested can also sign up for a newsletter providing ongoing updates and milestones throughout the Economic Development Strategy’s rollout.

About Centre County’s Economic Development Strategy:

Centre County’s Economic Development Strategy is a comprehensive, collaborative plan representing the County’s shared vision for economic growth, resilience, and sustainability. Launched in October 2024 by the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County and the Economic Development Council, the Plan outlines strategic actions to streamline resources, develop workforce, and strengthen community engagement across all sectors. The Plan was developed with input from regional stakeholders, leaders, and community members from a diverse array of industries. Learn more at www.centrecountyforward.com.

About CBICC

The Chamber of Businesses & Industry of Centre County is a dynamic membership organization that champions the interests of private and public organizations ranging from technology and healthcare sectors to retail and service industries. As the region’s leading economic development entity, we are committed to cultivating a vibrant, innovative business landscape. We are focused on spurring economic development, stimulating job creation, and fostering innovation – the lifeblood of our local economy. Our steadfast efforts make Centre County an increasingly prosperous place to live, work, and conduct business. Learn more at www.cbicc.org.

FOCUS CENTRAL PA RECEIVES GRANT FROM PPL FOUNDATION FOR A PPL POWERED ECONOMIC INVESTMENT PARTNERS FORUM

Posted on by Jules Slater
focus central pa logo

Danville, PA – Focus Central Pennsylvania is pleased to announce it has received a $21,500 grant from PPL Foundation. These funds will support a top-notch two-day sales and education training initiative to engage partners and community leaders to raise awareness, knowledge and share details about industrial opportunities in Central Pennsylvania so together partners can effectively promote and support promotion of the region to attract sustainable, quality investments for strong communities.

The world and Central Pennsylvania are experiencing challenges from exponential advances in technology and unprecedented economic disruptions. One of those challenges and competitive advantages to economic strength and growth is the national capacity and delivery of electricity as the industrial community digitalizes and electrifies. The forum will cover the sales process for business attraction, details on the Central PA product that is promoted, ways to promote and support promotion of the region as well as knowledge sharing on the electric infrastructure and how that supports economic growth in Central PA.

The forum will be open to leaders and organizations that have a vested interest in successful economic growth in Central PA to include education partners, utilities, planning departments, transportation partners, local and county leaders, federal and state leaders, economic development partners, Chamber leaders, and other key partners to include engineering, construction, financial institutions and real estate executives.   

“Focus Central PA is grateful for PPL Foundation’s support of smart economic growth in Central PA. The work to support thriving communities is the work of many and PPL Foundation’s support provides the resources necessary to engage, collaborate and communicate as partners to accomplish important things for our communities.” said Lauren Bryson, Executive Director, Focus Central PA.

About Focus Central PA

Focus Central Pennsylvania is part of a committed team of economic development leaders from Centre, Mifflin, Snyder, Union, Northumberland, Montour, and Columbia counties that proactively market the region as a choice location for quality companies to invest and grow their businesses.

About the PPL Foundation

The PPL Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to support community initiatives in the areas served by PPL Corporation’s utilities. Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are engaged in innovative and groundbreaking work to create vibrant, sustainable communities; advance diversity, equity, and inclusion; and support children’s success from cradle to career in both Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Learn more at pplcares.com.

Former CATA General Manager Hugh Mose Named to Transit Hall of Fame

Posted on by Jules Slater
Hugh Mose, Former CATA General Manager

September 25, 2024

On October 2nd the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) will induct three new members into the prestigious APTA Hall of Fame. Included in that group will be Hugh Mose, who served for over nineteen years as the General Manager of the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA).  Established in 1983, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have had long and distinguished careers in public transportation and have made extraordinary contributions to the industry. 

Hugh has been named to the Hall of Fame for his nearly fifty years of service to the transit industry, which began when he was hired right out of graduate school to manage the city-run transit system in Iowa City, Iowa.  After five years in Iowa, he moved to Fresno, California, where he served as Assistant Transit Director, and then to Olympia, Washington, where he managed the local transit system.  Returning to the East Coast in1995, he found his true home at CATA, where he worked as General Manager until his retirement in 2014.

Since retiring from CATA, Hugh has continued his transit industry involvement, representing Avail Technologies, a national transit technology company located in State College, doing consulting work, and devoting time and energy to APTA, its associated Foundation, and the federally funded Transit Cooperative Research Program.  He also continues to mentor young professionals throughout the transit industry.

For nearly half a century, Hugh has been committed to public transportation in every dimension.  His achievements include leading CATA to become the first transit system on the East Coast to have a 100% natural gas-powered bus fleet, working with Penn State to integrate the Town and Campus LOOPS, and helping to develop an innovative apartment-based program in which Penn State students prepay for bus service as part of their rent.

Being the “face” of CATA has also led Hugh to be a leader in the Centre County community.  He’s served as United Way Board Chair, Rotary Club president, Chair of the State College Transportation Commission and Clerk of the Board at Foxdale Village.  In addition, for over thirty years Hugh and his wife Janyce have shared their home with a succession of rescued greyhounds – perfect pets for someone in the bus industry!

 

Geisinger to host appreciation dinners to honor local military veterans

Posted on by Jules Slater

Drive-through event to take place at 11 locations

September 26, 2024

DANVILLE, Pa. – To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The Geisinger Healthplex State College location will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants.

Geisinger will provide these dinners at a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served about 2,900 meals.

Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2024 or calling 570-293-7200. The deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 1.

Centre County Location:

State College: Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda

Other Locations:

Bloomsburg: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance)
Danville: Geisinger Justin Drive Office Building, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2
Jersey Shore: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St.
Lewistown: Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave. (third-floor entrance)
Mifflintown: Geisinger Family Health Associates Mifflintown, 27 CJEMS Lane
Muncy: Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220 Highway
Pittston: Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, 1201 Oak St.
Scranton: Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave.
Shamokin: Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township

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.