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CBICC Welcomes Seven New Members

Posted on by Jaimie Confer

Every new member adds something special to Centre County’s business community. Some bring new energy and ideas. Others deepen existing connections or open doors to new opportunities. Together, they reflect what makes our region strong—innovation, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.

This month, we’re proud to welcome a group of new members who are already helping move Centre County forward.

SpeedPro Central PA
SpeedPro Central PA is the place to go for bold, high-quality visual branding. From banners and trade show displays to vehicle wraps and specialty graphics, their team helps local businesses stand out. With more than 40 years of combined experience, SpeedPro is known for quick turnarounds, sharp detail, and results that make a lasting impression. Learn more at SpeedPro.

Henry Architecture & Design
With more than 25 years of experience, Henry Architecture & Design offers a full range of architectural and design services shaped by creativity and purpose. Their work in healthcare, education, and community spaces blends form and function, creating environments that serve the people who use them every day. Rooted in collaboration and attention to detail, the firm continues to deliver designs that last. Learn more at Henry Architecture & Design.

The Hideaway Electric Speakeasy
Tucked away in downtown State College, The Hideaway Electric Speakeasy brings a touch of surprise to the local scene. With its neon glow, craft cocktails, and elevated comfort food, it’s a place that feels both lively and laid-back. Every detail, from the music to the menu, is designed to make guests slow down, connect, and enjoy the moment. Learn more at The Hideaway Electric Speakeasy.

Tierney Education
Tierney Education began with a simple belief: students thrive when they have the right support and a clear path forward. Founded in 2021 by James Tierney, the organization has grown into a team of coaches and tutors serving students at Penn State and beyond. Their personalized, evidence-based approach helps learners build confidence, develop strong habits, and carry those skills well beyond the classroom. Learn more at Tierney Education.

PFG Wealth Advisors
PFG Wealth Advisors helps individuals and businesses plan for a secure financial future. Guided by integrity, honesty, and a client-first approach, their team works to understand each person’s goals and create strategies that minimize risk while building long-term stability. Their focus is simple—service, trust, and helping clients move forward with confidence. Learn more at PFG Wealth Advisors.

Ghana Medical Relief
Ghana Medical Relief is a nonprofit organization delivering critical healthcare and medical supplies to communities across Ghana. Partnering with hospitals, churches, and organizations in the U.S., the group provides everything from hospital beds to ultrasound machines for clinics in need. Their volunteers, healthcare professionals, and educators share one goal: to provide healthcare, one village at a time, and help build lasting systems that improve lives. Learn more at Ghana Medical Relief.

Downtown Bellefonte, Inc.
Downtown Bellefonte, Inc. helps keep Bellefonte’s historic downtown thriving. Through events, business development, and community partnerships, the organization strengthens the local economy and celebrates what makes Bellefonte unique. Their work connects history and creativity, supporting the people and small businesses that bring the town to life. Learn more at Downtown Bellefonte, Inc.

We’re excited to welcome these new members to the Chamber and grateful for the energy, talent, and ideas they bring to our community.  If you’d like to learn more about becoming a member, click here.

Let’s Celebrate Chamber of Commerce Month and Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day!

Posted on by Jaimie Confer

Thanks to a statewide proclamation from Governor Josh Shapiro, October 2025 is officially Chamber of Commerce Month! What’s more, the Centre County Board of Commissioners recently declared Wednesday, October 15th as Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day. We’re so grateful for the recognition of the work we and Chambers across Pennsylvania do to engage our business communities, support local workforces, and build a strong and prosperous future for all.

These important recognitions aren’t just about the work we do in the CBICC office day in and day out – they’re about you, the members who make up our business community. At its heart, our Chamber is a network of 740+ member organizations who show up, connect, collaborate, and invest in the future of Centre County.

We see the Chamber in action every day: in a sold-out State of the County, at each ribbon cutting for new, local businesses, in the conversations sparked at networking events, and in countless other ways our members support one another. Together, we’re building something special and ensuring Centre County remains a thriving place to live, work, and do business.

Thank you, Chamber community, for your partnership and support. It’s thanks to you that this community continues to grow stronger.

To learn more about how you can get involved and support your local Chamber, reach out to Melissa Roth at melissa@cbicc.org or 814-954-2850.

Geisinger names Chris Beck VP of Government Relations

Posted on by Jaimie Confer

DANVILLE, Pa. – Geisinger has tapped Chris Beck, an experienced government affairs leader at the state, federal and health system level, to serve as the organization’s vice president of government relations.

“Chris brings a deep understanding of how things work in the halls of government, but equally as important, he has an extensive background with health systems in Pennsylvania,” said Amy Brayford, Geisinger’s executive vice president and chief of staff. “Chris is an excellent choice to be our eyes and ears in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., working to advocate on behalf of Geisinger and our patients for the unique challenges Geisinger faces as a healthcare leader serving rural and urban communities throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania.”

Beck joins Geisinger from DeBrunner & Associates, a Harrisburg firm where he spent the last 5 years as director of state government relations. There, he served as liaison with the Pennsylvania General Assembly and key administration officials for numerous healthcare clients, including hospitals and health systems. He also led legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts for the Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) while at DeBrunner, including for Medicaid reimbursement, preserving the hospital Quality Care Assessment and improving the regulatory climate for hospitals.

After starting his career as an aide to U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, Beck moved into government affairs roles with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Penn Medicine and Vertex Pharmaceuticals before returning to Penn Medicine in 2017 to serve as its director of public affairs for more than 3 years.

“Working at health systems allowed me to see firsthand what exceptional healthcare can mean for people’s lives,” said Beck. “But it also opened my eyes to the legislative hurdles that impact how effectively and efficiently health systems can provide that care. It’s my mission to do everything I can, to lean into relationships I’ve spent years developing and cultivating, to ensure the state and federal governments are strong allies for Geisinger as we bring great care to the communities we serve.”

In his new role, based in Harrisburg, Beck will collaborate with Geisinger’s leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure legislative and regulatory priorities and community benefit activities are aligned with the organization’s strategic vision and goals. That will include analyzing legislative and regulatory proposals, and developing new policy frameworks for emerging issues.

Beck has a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Drexel University.

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 central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates more than $8 billion in annual revenues across 163 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 is conducting more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With more than 27,000 employees, including 1,800 employed physicians and 5,200 registered nurses, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers, having an estimated economic impact of $16.8 billion on the state’s economy. In 2024, Geisinger joined Risant Health, a nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

News release

Oct. 7, 2025

CONTACT:

Chris Murphy

cmurphy4@geisinger.edu

A New Era of Hospitality Arrives in State College with the Launch of The Nittany Residence Club

Posted on by Jules Slater

Exclusive condominium-hotel blends ownership, luxury, and Penn State pride in the heart of downtown

STATE COLLEGE, PA – A new chapter in hospitality is unfolding in Happy Valley with the debut of The Nittany Residence Club, an exclusive condominium-hotel designed for Penn State alumni, visiting families, and discerning travelers. More than a place to stay, the Club promises to enrich the vibrancy and convenience of Downtown State College for years to come.

Located in the heart of downtown, The Nittany Residence Club seamlessly combines the comfort of private ownership with the sophistication of full-service hospitality. Owners will enjoy the flexibility of using their residence during visits to State College, while also benefiting from the option to participate in a professionally managed rental program when away. This innovative model helps offset ownership and operating costs, making it both a practical and rewarding investment.

The building has been thoughtfully conceived to capture the essence of State College, integrating traditional architectural character that harmonizes with the community while establishing a refined new standard of comfort and luxury. A groundbreaking event is scheduled for 2 PM on Friday, October 10th, with construction expected to begin later in October.

Hotel operations will be overseen by Scholar Hotels, the trusted hospitality group behind several State College landmarks, including Hyatt Place, Scholar Hotel State College, the Nittany Lion Inn, and the recently renovated Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center.

The project is led by Penn State alumni Gary Brandeis, Jim Venture, and Jamison Morse, a team united by their dedication to enhancing the vitality and growth of the State College community.

“The Nittany Residence Club is more than just a building—it’s a legacy rooted in the pride, tradition, and energy of Penn State and the Happy Valley community,” said Gary Brandeis, CEO of Scholar Hotels.

With its prime location, unique ownership model, and world-class management, The Nittany Residence Club represents a forward-looking vision for hospitality in State College—one that celebrates community, convenience, and connection.

About The Nittany Residence Club

The Nittany Residence Club is a one-of-a-kind condominium-hotel located in downtown State College, PA. Designed to serve Penn State alumni, visiting families, and travelers, the Club combines the benefits of ownership with the services of a full-service hotel. Owners can enjoy their residence while in town and participate in a rental program when away, offering flexibility and value in a prime location. For more information on the project, visit https://www.nittanyresidenceclub.com/.

About Scholar Hotels

Scholar Hotels is a hospitality management group dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences and strengthening communities. With a growing portfolio that includes Courtyard State College, Residence Inn State College, the Nittany Lion Inn, and the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, Scholar Hotels brings trusted expertise and a deep commitment to enhancing the vibrancy of State College. For more information on Scholar Hotels, visit https://www.scholarhotels.com.

Media Contacts:

Ronald Balle                                        

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Scholar Hotels

215-837-2989

Email: rballe@scholarhotels.com

Penn Highlands DuBois Introduces Safe Sleep Begins at Birth Program

Posted on by Jules Slater
Shown in the photo (l. to r.) The first family to receive the sleep sack as part of the“ Safe Sleep Begins at Birth” Program, which was jump started by a grant from BHE GT&S, a BHE Pipeline Group Company, are shown in the center: parents JoAnne and Andrew Nortum, with son Dante, and baby Mikada, from St. Marys PA. Also shown (l. to r.) are Jessica Helm, LPN and Katelyn Lee, RN; Sharon Shattenberg, RN, BSN, Maternal Child Service Line Director for Penn Highlands DuBois; Suzanne McCullough, BSN, RN-NIC, Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Apnea-Reflux/Developmental Clinic at Penn Highlands DuBois; and Justin Bundy, Manager of Gas Transmission Operations for BHE GT&S.

(September 15, 2025, DuBois, Pennsylvania) – When JoAnne and Andrew Nortum, of St. Marys, PA, left Penn Highlands DuBois with their new daughter, Mikada, they also had a comfortable sleep sack swaddle and education on its safe usage in hand to help keep their baby safe.

Penn Highlands DuBois is introducing a new program to help keep babies safe while they are sleeping. Through a generous grant from BHE GT&S, a BHE Pipeline Group Company, the “Safe Sleep Begins at Birth” Program provides parents with a complimentary sleep sack for their baby.

A sleep sack swaddle is a baby garment that combines the features of both a traditional swaddle and a sleep sack, allowing for a more flexible transition from full swaddling. The swaddle mimics the womb providing a sense of security and comfort. Sleep sack swaddles are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as they help decrease the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). Paired with the educational materials, the sleep sack swaddles will offer a safe way for families to keep their babies warm.

Every baby born at Penn Highlands DuBois, including those in the NICU, benefit from this program which is part of Penn Highlands DuBois’ safe sleep initiative to help reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).

The SUID statistics are alarming. According to the AAP, each year in the United States, approximately 3,500 infants die of sleep-related infant deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome, ill-defined deaths and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. The Jewish Healthcare Foundation reports that a shocking 61% of these deaths occur in unsafe sleep environments.

The AAP recommends a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of all sleep-related deaths. This includes positioning the baby on its back; use of a firm, non-inclined sleep surface; room sharing without bed sharing; and avoidance of soft bedding and overheating.

“Penn Highlands DuBois is dedicated to promoting safe sleep. By providing a sleep swaddle for every newborn, we aim to significantly improve outcomes for our tiniest patients” said Suzanne McCullough, BSN, RN-NIC Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Apnea-Reflux/Developmental Clinic at Penn Highlands DuBois. “Unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury-related death in infants under 12 months old. Replacing traditional blankets with a sleep sack swaddle offers a safe sleep solution and will help to prevent accidental suffocation.”

Sharon Shattenberg, RN, BSN, Maternal Child Service Line Director for Penn Highlands DuBois, added,  “Swaddling your baby can calm your baby and help the baby sleep in the correct position – on their backs for safe sleep.”

“At BHE GT&S, we’re proud to make a positive difference in the communities we call home. By offering both our time and resources, we support local organizations and services that help those communities thrive. We believe in being a thoughtful and engaged partner, working together for stronger, more vibrant communities,” said Justin Bundy, Manager of Gas Transmission Operations.

“We’re so thankful to BHE GT&S for awarding Penn Highlands DuBois a grant to launch the Safe Sleep Begins at Birth Program,” said Sam Vida, Fund Development Specialist.

To keep this program going, Penn Highlands Healthcare needs community support. To donate to this important initiative, visit giving.phhealthcare.org/newborn and select Safe Sleep from the dropdown menu.

For more information on how you can contribute, contact the Penn Highlands Healthcare Fund Development office directly at 814-375-3901 or phhfunddevelopment@phhealthcare.org.

Penn Highlands DuBois is committed to promoting safe sleep and is part of the Pennsylvania Safe Sleep Program. This program aims to reduce unexpected infant deaths by promoting safe sleep practices and educating healthcare providers, parents, and community members on SUID. Pennsylvania Safe Sleep recommends following the ABCs of safe sleep. Babies should always be placed to sleep ALONE, on their BACK and in their own CRIB. Unsafe sleep environments — such as a baby falling off a bed, becoming tangled in bedding or getting stuck between a mattress and a wall — pose serious risks, including injury or death.

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Penn Highlands Healthcare was officially formed in 2011 and is comprised of nine hospitals. Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, Penn Highlands Tyrone have served area communities for the past 100+ years. Penn Highlands State College is a new state-of-the-art hospital that opened in 2024. The health system’s business continuum also includes a home care agency, long-term care facilities and residential senior living communities, as well as durable medical equipment companies and retail pharmacies.

Penn Highlands Healthcare has evolved into an organization with approximately 6,200 employees in 150+ locations throughout 26 counties in Pennsylvania that include community medical buildings, outpatient facilities, surgery centers and physician practices. The facilities have a total of 1,396 inpatient, skilled nursing and personal care beds.  The system, which has 849 physicians and 427 advanced practice providers on staff, offers a wide range of care and treatments with specialty units for cancer, cardiovascular/thoracic, neurosurgery, pulmonology, neonatal and high-risk pregnancy patients. Being focused on what is important – patients and families – makes Penn Highlands Healthcare a great choice for healthcare in the region.