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CBICC Welcomes Six New Members

Posted on by Jaimie Confer

One of the best parts of CBICC membership is seeing how much variety and talent exists in our local business community. Each new member brings something different to the table, whether it’s supporting families, helping businesses grow, or adding a new flavor to Centre County.

Here’s a look at the newest businesses joining the Chamber:

Ridgeline Business Solutions: Ridgeline is a CPA-led advisory firm that works with nonprofits, outdoor trades, and MEP and home services across Central and Western Pennsylvania. With more than 15 years of experience, they focus on keeping operations simple, efficient, and sustainable while supporting the people and organizations at the heart of our communities. Learn more at Ridgeline Business Solutions.

Berkshire Systems Group: Berkshire Systems Group is a family-owned systems integration company that has been serving Eastern and Central Pennsylvania for more than 35 years. From fire alarms and security to communication systems, their team provides trusted life safety solutions for businesses, schools, government offices, and organizations of every size. As an independent company, Berkshire has the flexibility to work with the best manufacturers in the industry, creating solutions that are tailored to each client’s unique needs. Learn more at Berkshire Systems Group.

Grazing Happy Valley: Grazing Happy Valley turns gatherings into something special with charcuterie catering that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Based in State College, they create custom grazing tables and boards for weddings, celebrations, and events of all kinds, using only the freshest local ingredients. Along with large-scale grazing tables, they also offer hands-on charcuterie workshops and “create-your-own” table setups that bring an interactive touch to team-building events, showers, and parties. Learn more at Grazing Happy Valley.

Spherion Staffing: Spherion has been connecting people and businesses across Pennsylvania since 1992, when Don Ruggery Sr. opened the first local office in Altoona. Their mission is simple: help people find jobs that fit their skills and goals, and help employers build strong, reliable teams. With flexible staffing solutions across nearly every industry, Spherion focuses on creating the right match for both candidates and companies. Learn more at Spherion Staffing.

Care Options for Kids: Care Options for Kids offers therapy services that help children grow and families feel supported. Their team meets kids where they are — at home, in school, or in the community — and focuses on everything from hitting milestones to handling more complex needs. At the heart of it, they’re about giving families peace of mind and making sure kids have the chance to thrive. Learn more at Care Options for Kids.

D&Z Renovations: D&Z Renovations helps families across Centre County make their homes more comfortable and functional. From kitchens and bathrooms to basements, living rooms, and flooring, their team handles projects of all sizes with reliable service and close attention to detail. Whether it’s a full remodel or smaller handyman work, D&Z’s goal is to create spaces that feel right for the people who live in them. Learn more at D&Z Renovations.

Please join us in welcoming these new members to the CBICC community. We’re excited to have them with us and look forward to the impact they’ll make in Centre County. If you’re not yet a member and want to connect with businesses, grow your network, and help strengthen our region, now’s a great time to join. Learn more about becoming a CBICC member here.

Geisinger to host appreciation dinners to honor local military veterans

Posted on by Jules Slater

Drive-through event to take place at 12 locations

DANVILLE, Pa. – To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 12 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5: 30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6. 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. Last year’s event served about 2,500 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/vetsdinner2025 or calling 570-293-7200. The deadline to register is Thursday, Oct. 30.

Locations are:

Bloomsburg: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance)

Danville: Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Danville, 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

Mount Pocono: Geisinger Mount Pocono, 126 Market Way

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

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

Wilkes-Barre: Behind Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, at 50 Roosevelt Terrace

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, LinkedIn and X.

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U.S. News & World Report names Geisinger Lewistown Hospital a Best Hospital

Posted on by Jules Slater

LEWISTOWN, Pa. – Geisinger Lewistown Hospital has been recognized for high performance in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings and ratings. The publication ranks hospitals for excellent care in 15 adult specialties and evaluates their performance in certain surgical procedures and medical conditions. Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, a CMS 5-Star facility since 2021, and a Leapfrog “A”-ranked hospital since 2019,received two high-performing procedures and conditions recognitions.

“This elite recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team,” said Sabrina Sumner, D.O., chief medical officer of Geisinger Lewistown Hospital “Being named among the best hospitals from across the country affirms our commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care. We’re proud to serve our community with excellence each and every day.”

Geisinger Lewistown Hospital was founded in 1908 to care for residents of Mifflin, Juniata, Huntingdon and Centre counties. It now offers 43 private patient rooms. By summer 2026, that number will grow to 61 private rooms through a $5.1 million expansion project, further advancing people’s access to top-notch care and an outstanding patient experience.

Geisinger Lewistown Hospital is one of four hospitals in the system to receive the honor. The other hospitals recognized include Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre.

The annual U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings are based on patient outcomes, as well as overall patient experience, hospital staffing and other factors. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.

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.

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Geisinger hosting Super Saturday flu shot clinics

Posted on by Jules Slater

Drive-through flu shots offered systemwide for convenience, access

DANVILLE, Pa. – Flu season is quickly approaching, and Geisinger is making it easy to get vaccinated at Super Saturday drive-through flu shot events.

This Saturday, Sept. 13, is the first event. Drive-thru flu shots will be available for anyone age 3 and older at dozens of participating Geisinger locations. Patients 6 months and older can receive their flu shot at Geisinger pediatrics locations.

All Super Saturday events are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Events will also be held Oct. 4 and Oct. 18.

“The flu vaccine protects you against serious illness and keeps you from spreading the flu to those at high risk of severe illness, such as newborns, children, pregnant women, elderly and immunocompromised people,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., Geisinger director of infectious diseases.

Flu season typically begins in the fall and lasts throughout the winter, although the virus can be spread year-round.

Super Saturday drive-throughs will be held at the following Geisinger locations:

Clinics

  • Geisinger Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)
  • Geisinger Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane)
  • Geisinger Mifflintown (27 CJEMS Lane)
  • Geisinger Philipsburg Multi-Specialty Clinic (210 Medical Center Drive)
  • Geisinger Primary Care Huntingdon (3228 Cold Springs Road) – Sept. 13 and Oct. 4 only

Pediatrics

  • Geisinger Pediatrics Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)
  • Geisinger Pediatrics Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane)
  • Geisinger Pediatrics Philipsburg (210 Medical Drive)

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, LinkedIn and X.

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Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Centre County Business Award Nominees

Posted on by Jaimie Confer

The Centre County Business Awards recognize the people, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, innovation, and dedication strengthen our community and drive our economy forward. Each nominee represents a unique story of hard work, vision, and impact, and together, they showcase the talent and resilience that make Centre County thrive.

We are proud to announce the nominees for the 2025 Centre County Business Awards:

ATHENA Champion Leadership Award sponsored by Penn Highlands Healthcare

Honoring individuals who inspire, mentor, and create paths of leadership for women in our community.

    • Alison Kurtz – Ameron Construction Company, Inc.

    • Brandy McAulay – Universal Settlements

    • Brittany Peck – KCF Technologies

    • Centrice Martin – Ferguson Township

    • Pearl Gluck – Centre Film Festival

    • Rebecca Farmer Force – Ben Franklin Technology

Emerging Business of the Year sponsored by Ben Franklin Technology, CTIDA, and Happy Valley Launchbox

Celebrating rising businesses making their mark in Centre County with creativity, vision, and growth.

    • AmpliFLY Video

    • Atlas BioTech

    • Bonfire Old Fashion BBQ

    • Manny’s Live Performance Space / Gorinto Productions

    • Marengo Pass Design

    • Revival Health Rehab

    • Tierney Education

    • Valhalla Business Advisors

Business of the Year sponsored by First National Bank

Recognizing established businesses that demonstrate excellence, growth, and a lasting impact in Centre County.

    • Confer’s Jewelers

    • Envinity, Inc.

    • Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.

    • Happy Valley Adventure Bureau

    • Jana Marie Foundation

    • Kish Bank

    • Penn Highlands Community College

    • PennTerra Engineering, Inc.

    • Tierney Education

Business Leader of the Year sponsored by Office of Senior Vice President for Research

Honoring outstanding leaders whose vision, integrity, and drive move their businesses and our community forward.

    • Blanca Jimenez – Plum Pristine Clean

    • Brandy McAulay – Universal Settlement

    • Chad Feather – Timberland Federal Credit Union

    • Cindy Pasquinelli – Strawberry Fields

    • David Rishel – CATA

    • Edward Tubbs – Hospitality Asset Management Company, Inc.

    • Greg Hayes – Kish Bank

    • James Tierney – Tierney Education

    • John Sepp – PennTerra Engineering Inc.

    • Johnathan Friedman – Comet Properties, LLC

    • Katherine Tosto – Re/Max Centre Realty

    • Liz Grove – Pine Grove Hall & Flour and Stone

    • Tiara Snare – Centre County Gazette

    • Victor DeDonato – The UPS Store Print and Business Center

Small Business of the Year sponsored by PNC Bank

Highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and community impact of small businesses in Centre County.

    • Centre County Gazette

    • Centre Markets

    • Colonial Press

    • Giv Local

    • Hello Social Co.

    • Interiors by J&O Studio

    • Plum Pristine Clean

    • Tierney Education

Nonprofit of the Year sponsored by Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.

Recognizing nonprofit organizations whose mission-driven work strengthens our community and supports those who call Centre County home.

    • Ben Franklin Technology Partner of Central and Northern PA

    • Centre County Historical Society

    • Centre Film Festival

    • Centre LGBT+

    • Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts

    • Centre Safe

    • Discovery Space and The Rivet

    • Goodwill Industries of NCPA

    • Jana Marie Foundation

    • Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership

    • Out of the Cold

    • Skills of Central PA, Inc.

Join us as we celebrate these outstanding leaders, businesses, and organizations at the 2025 Centre County Business Awards. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait — get your tickets today!

Congratulations to all the nominees!