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Category: Economic Development

Taking Centre County Global

Posted on by Jeannine Lozier

Centre County is a vibrant and promising destination for businesses, offering a diverse economy, a skilled workforce, and a supportive business environment. The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County has been working diligently to help Centre County “go global” by attracting international businesses to our region and connecting our local companies with regional export assistance partners. In our ongoing endeavors to promote investment in Centre County, we actively partner with several key organizations to propel Centre County onto the global stage.

Learn more about the Chamber’s economic development partners and their specific focus as they collaborate with us to showcase Centre County and attract organizations that align with our community’s vision for sustainable growth.

International Business Attraction

PA Office of International Business Development (OIBD):

The Chamber recognizes the immense value international businesses bring to our community, including job creation, innovation, and the diversification of industries. To foster global connections, the Chamber actively collaborates with the State of Pennsylvania’s Office of International Business Development. This partnership facilitates networking opportunities, trade missions, and connections with foreign consulates, promoting Centre County as a prime investment destination.

Leveraging the Governor’s Action Team:

The Governor’s Action Team (GAT), an initiative by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, plays a pivotal role in attracting businesses to the state. The Chamber works closely with the GAT to showcase the unique advantages Centre County offers to international companies. The GAT’s expertise in site selection, financing options, and navigating government procedures provides valuable support to The Chamber’s efforts.

Focus Central PA

Focus Central PA is a non-profit economic development organization that works to attract and retain businesses in the Central Pennsylvania region. Their primary goal is to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. The Chamber and Focus Central PA work together to identify potential business prospects, leverage resources, and promote the unique advantages of Centre County as an attractive business destination. Through joint marketing efforts, networking events, and business attraction initiatives, The Chamber and Focus Central PA combine their expertise and resources to drive economic development, foster business growth, and create a thriving business environment in Centre County.

Export Assistance

In Centre County, Pennsylvania, there are several export assistance programs available to support businesses in their international expansion efforts. These programs include the following:

SEDA-COG Export Development Program

SEDA-COG (Susquehanna Economic Development Association – Council of Governments) offers an export assistance program that provides training, counseling, and market research to help businesses explore and enter global markets. Their services include export readiness assessments, export training workshops, export plan development, and assistance with identifying potential overseas markets and buyers.

Office of International Business Development (OIBD): In addition to business attraction, OIBD works closely with businesses across the state, including those in Centre County. OIBD provides various services to support companies in their export endeavors, such as export counseling, market research, trade mission support, and assistance with export regulations and documentation. They help businesses identify international opportunities and navigate the complexities of global trade.

Penn State University’s Centre for Global Business Studies

Penn State University’s Centre for Global Business Studies offers resources and expertise to businesses interested in expanding their presence in international markets. They provide research and analysis on global business trends, host events and conferences related to international business, offer educational programs and training, and connect businesses with faculty and students who have knowledge and experience in global markets.

The Chamber collaborates with our regional partners to harness the collective strength of these resources; we are well-positioned to not only attract new businesses but also support the growth and expansion of our local enterprises.

To discover the wide range of resources and dedicated support available to international businesses interested in our region, we encourage you to get in touch with Todd Dolbin, Vice President of Economic Development, Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County. 

We look forward to connecting with you and helping you explore the exciting opportunities our region offers.

Todd Dolbin, VP Economic Development

Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County Joins 55 Chambers of Commerce in Pennsylvania to Send Joint Letter to Address the Childcare Crisis

Posted on by Chamber of Business & Industry Centre County

The Chester, Delaware, and Westmoreland Chambers of Commerce have spearheaded the effort leading to over 50 business organizations across the Commonwealth sending a joint letter to the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Governor Shapiro’s Administration, imploring them to address the crisis surrounding accessible and affordable childcare.

The overwhelming support of 55 Chambers across the state, in addition to the PA Economic Development Association, reflects the severity of the childcare crisis and its impact on the business community through both the workforce and the economy. This grassroots initiative has garnered the attention of larger chambers, including the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, to help drive the necessity for new legislation.

Laura Manion, President & CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI), Dan DeBone, President & CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, and Trish McFarland, President of the Delaware County Chamber have all been outspoken in previous calls for action, inspiring this coordinated effort.

“Prior to undertaking this effort, my knowledge surrounding the childcare shortage was not experiential, but rather, came from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s data, which cited the statistics of millions of employees, mostly women, who were unable to return to work post-pandemic due to the lack of childcare,” said Manion. “It wasn’t until the birth of my son in 2022, coupled with hearing from employers in the CCCBI membership struggling to recruit and retain staff, that I saw my personal experience as just one piece of a multifaceted threat to Pennsylvania’s economy.”

In January of 2023, Manion wrote an op-ed in the local newspaper on the issue, and the response was resoundingly positive with hundreds of thousands of views. In March, she testified before the House Children & Youth Committee Informational Meeting on the Challenges with Childcare in Pennsylvania.

Trish McFarland, President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has faced similar obstacles as a mother and a leader. “As the sole Chamber of Commerce within Delaware County with over 1,200 employers as members, we have been hearing from our membership about the lack of childcare and impact to the workforce,” Trish stated. She continued, “As a working mother of 3 children, I can attest first-hand that this struggle is real. We have worked hand-in-hand with our members in the childcare industry on bringing awareness to their various hardships.”

Dan DeBone, President of the Westmoreland County Chamber, has been just as vocal on the dependence of the economy on the childcare industry. In his article published in March of 2023, Addressing Pennsylvania’s Child-Care Crisis, DeBone highlighted the struggles of the Commonwealth’s labor force without reliable childcare and its subsequent effect on employers and the economy. “In order to solve the larger workforce issue, which in part is due to a lack of access to childcare, we need to make sure the childcare industry can recruit and retain staff,” stated DeBone. “Stabilizing the industry will allow us to be successful in rolling out a variety of access solutions such as the tax credits.”

Collectively, the chambers have worked with their respective employer-members to outline the following solutions to be considered by elected officials:

  1. Employee Childcare Public Private Partnership – Legislation to create a tax credit for employers who furnish employee childcare in the amount of the employer’s cost in furnishing employee childcare. Legislation to incentivize employers to fund childcare for their employees by splitting the cost with the state, and providing tax credit incentives to employers who participate.
  2. Childcare Tax Credit for Parents – Expanding the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Program. Last year’s budget included funds for up to 30% of childcare-related expenses that filers claim on their federal return. This program is meant to support working families by lessening their tax liability. A total of $24.6 million went into the program for last FY and is now a permanent fixture of the state’s tax code. However, expanding the program will allow more middle-income parents to return to the workforce.
  3. Retention and Recruitment – Proposals potentially being considered during the current state budget negotiation to offer rebates/incentives for nursing, teaching and policing jobs should be extended to the childcare community. Hiring incentives would be a great first step to address the ongoing issue of low wages ($12.43/hour statewide average) currently paid to childcare workers being a disincentive to join this critical field.
  4. Regulatory Reform – The Chamber Community is advocating that any future regulatory proposals must ensure proper stakeholder input from childcare providers with special consideration to infant care. In addition, any changes do not lead to increased costs for providers.

The lack of accessible and affordable childcare is negatively impacting the economy and costing employers, our collective Chamber members, $2.88 billion and the state of Pennsylvania $3.47 billion in losses each year.

“We hope both parties in the House and Senate see the momentous support of our proposed solutions. To have 55 chamber executives from every region in the Commonwealth sign on in support of this initiative – we believe we are sending a clear message. It is time to make a commitment to future generations that will lay the foundation for a more prosperous economy,” stated Manion.

Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry
Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
Bedford County Chamber of Commerce
Blair County Chamber of Commerce
Butler County Chamber of Commerce
Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce
Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation
Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce
Central PA Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County
Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry
Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
Cumberland Valley Business Alliance (CVBA)
Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce
East Liberty Quarter Chamber of Commerce
Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
Exton Region Chamber of Commerce
Greater Latrobe – Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
Greater Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce
Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce
Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce & Chamber of Business & Industry
Great Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
Greene County Chamber of Commerce
Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce
Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce
Indiana County Chamber of Commerce
Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce
Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce
Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce
Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce
North Side/Shore Chamber of Commerce
Norwin Chamber of Commerce
Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce
Pennsylvania Economic Development Association
Peters Township Chamber of Commerce
Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce
Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
The Main Line Chamber of Commerce
The Schuylkill Chamber of Chamber
TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce
Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce
Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce
West Shore Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County Announces Economic Development Council

Posted on by Jeannine Lozier

The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) is pleased to announce the creation of an Economic Development Council. The Council comprises business leaders, chamber members, municipality representatives, and community stakeholders. This initiative aims to harness members’ collective expertise and insights to drive economic development cohesively and synergistically.

Underpinning the Council’s endeavors is the creation of a county-wide comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS). CEDS is a place-based, regionally driven economic development planning process. Further, CEDS provides a framework for strategic infrastructure development, community revitalization, workforce needs, and enhancing Centre County’s competitiveness while improving the quality of life for our shared community.

“The Council is not just about creating a strategic vision for Centre County. It’s about responsiveness and agility,” states Greg Scott, president & CEO, Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County. “In today’s dynamic business environment, the ability to seize opportunities and quickly address challenges is paramount. By implementing a CEDS, we are paving the way for a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic future for Centre County.”

The CEDS and the Council will play a vital role in fostering partnerships and collaboration among local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations, ensuring a unified approach toward economic development. This cooperative effort allows us to prioritize key sectors and industries that have the potential to thrive in Centre County, thereby attracting new investors that are a good fit for the region.

The creation of the Economic Development Council marks an important milestone for the Chamber, cementing our commitment to working in partnership with stakeholders across the County to foster a prosperous future.

To learn more about the Chamber, Economic Development, or the Council, please visit www.cbicc.org.

Economic Development Infographic
Infographic Courtsey California Association for Local Economic Development

SEDA-COG’s Betsy Kramer Receives Designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council

Posted on by Jeannine Lozier

Betsy Kramer, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Revitalization Coordinator, earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. The CEcD Certification Program is the most prestigious designation in the economic development profession. Kramer was 1 of 32 economic development professionals nationwide who earned the designation. Additionally, in 2022, Kramer earned the Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) accreditation, also from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The IEDC administered the written CEcD Exam on May 8, 2023, and notified candidates of their results on May 17, 2023. Working in economic development for over 6 years, Kramer is currently assisting the city of Shamokin with economic revitalization and community resiliency. She has extensive experience in facilitating communication and collaboration with volunteer organizations, non-profits, elected officials, business community and investors to achieve a unified revitalization mission.

The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive examination, which has three parts and spans two days. The exam tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency, and judgment in the following key areas of economic development:

  • business retention and expansion
  •  finance & credit analysis
  • marketing and attraction
  • strategic planning
  • entrepreneurial & small business development
  • managing economic development organizations
  • neighborhood development strategies
  • real estate development & reuse
  • technology-led economic development
  • workforce development strategies
  • foreign direct investment & exporting

As highly competent economic development professionals, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector. Excellence in the economic development profession improves wellbeing, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently over 1,200 active CEcDs in the United States.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. www.iedcONLINE.org.

SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.