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

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.

Geisinger to host appreciation dinners to honor local military veterans

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.

Arize Federal Credit Union to Open New Solar-Powered Main Branch in State College

State College, PA—Arize Federal Credit Union is excited to announce the opening of its new, state-of-the-art, solar-powered branch at 1145 Benner Pike, State College, PA. The branch will officially open for business on September 24, 2024, with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for October 10, 2024, at 8:30 AM.

In addition to modern banking services, the new branch will feature a free community room available for local organizations and groups to book. This space underscores Arize FCU’s commitment to supporting the community by providing a resource for meetings, workshops, and events at no cost.

The new branch marks a significant step in Arize FCU’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and serving its growing membership. The building, equipped with solar panels to reduce energy consumption, reflects Arize’s dedication to environmental responsibility.

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Details:

Date: October 10, 2024

Time: 8:30 AM

Location: 1145 Benner Pike, State College, PA

The event will include refreshments, special giveaways, and an opportunity for the community to tour the new facility and meet Arize’s staff.

Visit ArizeFCU.org for more information about Arize Federal Credit Union and the services offered.

About Arize Federal Credit Union: Arize Federal Credit Union has proudly served the community for over 75 years, offering various financial products and services to help our members achieve their financial goals. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Arize inspires change and supports the financial well-being of individuals and families across the region.

Contact: Christa Hosterman, Marketing Manager, Arize Federal Credit Union

Email: marketing@arizefcu.org

Website: ArizeFCU.org

Keller Engineers’ 20th Annual Golf Outing & Picnic Raises $12,500 for American Rescue Workers

Pictured L-R (Joe Keller, Chris Fuska, Jeff Wos, and Diana McClure)

September 16, 2024, Hollidaysburg, PA – Keller Engineers, Inc., recently presented a check for $12,500 from the proceeds of the 20th Annual Keller Open/Paul Kirby Jr. Memorial Golf Outing to Chris Fuska of the American Rescue Workers, Hollidaysburg. This charitable event is made possible through the generosity of local sponsors, contributors, volunteers, and players that participated in this year’s event. One hundred percent of this donation stays in the region to help those in the community in need of food, clothing, household items, and more.

Kissinger Bigatel & Brower REALTORS turns 90!!

State College-based and locally-owned real estate firm Kissinger Bigatel & Brower REALTORS is proud to celebrate their 90th year of serving the real estate needs of central Pennsylvania.

Kissinger Bigatel & Brower REALTORS opened for business as The Gordon Kissinger Agency in a one-room office on the second floor above The Corner Room in 1933 – the same year in which the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers were founded.

In 1983, the firm merged with Ralph F. Brower and Associates, and then in 1993 with Associated Realty (Mark Bigatel), taking on its current name, Kissinger Bigatel & Brower REALTORS — often referred to simply as KBB. The company currently resides at 2300 South Atherton Street in State College and can be found online at 1kbb.com.

Over the years, the ownership of the firm has had a great impact on the local landscape. Some of the developments that the company has had a hand in developing include Park Hills, Dalevue, Centre Hills, West Park Hills and The Gates, to name a few. The firm is comprised of over 50 full-time brokers and over 50 support staff.

KBB services the residential, commercial, industrial, farm and land needs of the community. While real estate is becoming more regional in nature, most of the company’s activity is in Centre County. Year in and year out, KBB agents represent approximately 50 percent of the local market activity (Source: Bright MLS).

KBB agents are members of the Centre County, Pennsylvania and National Association of Realtors. The firm now has a broad-based ownership and is led by Managing Broker and Partner Liz Piazza. KBB has been recognized as the Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year.

The KBB agents take great pride in impacting their community. All agents donate into a pool that supports local charities through monthly contributions. Just some of the organizations the effort, referred to as KBB Cares, has supported are The United Way, Youth Service Bureau, Housing Transitions, Out of the Cold, THON, Salvation Army and Toys for Tots.

KBB feels so fortunate to be in the business of making dreams come true in one of the most wonderful communities in the world to live, work and play. They look forward to the next 90!!