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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.

CBICC and Community Partners Announce Centre County Economic Development Strategic Plan

Posted on by Jules Slater

Stakeholders will unveil and launch the plan at a Voice of Business Luncheon Event on October 9th, 2024.

STATE COLLEGE, PA – September 23, 2024 – The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC), in collaboration with community partners and stakeholders announces the official launch of Centre County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. Community and State leaders will officially unveil the Plan at CBICC’s Voice of Business Luncheon on Wednesday, October 9th from 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. at the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center. Ticketed event registration is available at www.cbicc.org. 

Since June 2023 CBICC has worked diligently with leaders and businesses throughout Centre County to develop a comprehensive, collaborative, and sustainable plan aimed at positioning the entire region for future success. CBICC engaged top rated economic development consulting firm Camoin Associates to assist in exploring Centre County’s economic challenges and opportunities and developing the plan. During this process we involved a wide array of voices through public input sessions with an Economic Development Council and focus groups with entrepreneurs, anchor employers, and local businesses. This thorough process has resulted in a strategic plan that reflects a shared vision for the region’s growth and provides clear actions the Centre County community can take towards economic resilience.

“This plan reflects the diverse needs and ambitions of our community, and CBICC is honored to have played a key part in the development process” said Greg Scott, President and CEO of CBICC. “We are excited to present an overview of the collaborative plan to an audience of local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members at our Voice of Business event on October 9th.”

The event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

  • Greg Scott, President and CEO of CBICC
  • Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, President of Penn State University
  • Commissioner Mark Higgins, Centre County Government
  • Ben Kirshner, Chief Transformation and Opportunity Officer for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • Luke Bernstein, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry

Following the event, CBICC will publicize the full Economic Development Strategic Plan, which details background data, findings, and expanded details, including specific goals and action items. This plan will guide community leaders and organizations in tracking progress and fostering collaboration towards achieving set objectives.