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Centre County Mental Health Awareness Month Wrap Up Party A Great Success!

Posted on by Jules Slater

(State College, PA)  A large crowd attended the Centre County Mental Health Awareness Month Wrap Up Party presented by Centre Cares / 988 Suicide Hotline, on Wednesday evening, June 4th, to celebrate the success of a national awareness campaign that concluded May 31st.   This 19th annual event was free to attend and hosted by Skills of Central PA and the Opportunity Centre Clubhouse and held at Wasson Farm.

In a brief but very emotional ceremony, three annual awards were presented.  The 2025 CIT Officers of the Year Award recipients were announced first.  Randi Smeal, Centre County Emergency Communications Public Safety Telecommunicator accepted the first award.  Randi consistently displays a calm and compassionate demeanor when answering emergency and crisis calls and is credited with saving the life of a caller in January, through compassionate and caring communication during a 911 call.  State College Police Lieutenant Bryan Foster was the second recipient.  Lieutenant Foster is the embodiment of calm under pressure.  In the most chaotic and emotionally charged situations, Lieutenant Foster maintains a steady, composed presence that sets the tone for everyone.  Lieutenant Foster’s ability to de-escalate some of the most volatile and delicate encounters without the use of force speaks volumes about his empathy, emotional intelligence, and respect for human life.  He diffused a dangerous situation earlier this year, leading to a very positive outcome. 

Finally, the Centre County Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award presentation closed out the ceremony.  This award is given every year to recognize someone who goes above and beyond to provide support to the mental health community.  For 2025, the State College Food Bank received the award.  Allayn Beck, the Food Bank Executive Director, accepted the honor on behalf of the entire team that makes the Food Bank such an important resource in our community.

More than a dozen mental health care providers participated in an evening-long vendor fair, offering valuable literature, useful free gift items, and great conversations with attendees who had questions about resources available in Centre County. 

The party atmosphere was bolstered with live music by Kevin Briggs and a free Wasson Ice Cream scoop to everyone in attendance!  Complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres from Have A Nice Day Café and a coffee and snack station were enjoyed by all. 

Speakers from the mental health field addressed the crowd briefly, with valuable words of encouragement, success stories, and informative tips for those seeking assistance and resources.  Appearing at the podium were:  Nicki Tice, Regional Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services with Skills of Central Pa;  Marisa Vicere, President and Founder of the Jana Marie Foundation;  Amanda Mittan, Police Civilian Social Worker with the State College Police Department;  Tracy Small, Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator;  Helen DeFilippis, Assistant Administrator with Centre County Mental Health; and Laura Gardner, Clinical Supervisor overseeing the Mental Health Services arm of Skills of Central Pa

The event had been scheduled as the 19th Annual Centre County Mental Health Awareness Kick Off Party, set for May 1st to launch the campaign with a bang.  However, widespread power outages from violent storms left much of the region and the event venue without electricity on May 1st.  The event was postponed, and was subsequently renamed “Wrap Up Party” to instead celebrate a successful end to the campaign with the June 4th date.

CATA Proposed Fall 2025/26 Service Changes, will Host Public Hearing Monday, June 23rd

Posted on by Jules Slater

The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) has announced proposed service changes for Fall 2025 – 2026 and will host public hearing Monday, June 23rd at Schlow library.


The proposed changes include the following: higher Red Link frequency, the discontinuation of the Bellefonte/Benner B-Line, the expansion of all CATAGO! On-demand microtransit zones, and a fare increase. All details of service changes can be viewed on the CATA website at catabus.com/proposed-fall25-26-service/.


Public comment on the proposed service change may be submitted directly on the CATA website. Comments may also be submitted in person by attending a public hearing scheduled for Monday, June 23rd (see details below), or by emailing comments@catabus.com or contacting CATA’s Customer Service Center at (814) 238-CATA(2282) during normal business hours. Comments will be accepted until noon on June 25th.


CATA Public Hearing on Proposed Service Changes Monday, June 23rd, 2025 • 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.


CATA will hold a public hearing to gather comments on the proposed Fall service changes on Monday, June 23rd, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Downsbrough Community Room at Schlow Centre Region Library (211 S. Allen Street, State College). A virtual option will be available for participants to attend virtually. The link can be viewed on the CATA website at catabus.com/proposed-fall25-26-service/.


If accommodations are needed for those with special needs related to language, sight, or hearing, please call (814) 238-CATA(2282) ext. 5131 or email cata@catabus.com at least five days prior to the hearing. For additional information, please contact CATA’s Customer Service Center at (814) 238-CATA(2282).

Mid-Year Reset: 5 Smart Moves to Strengthen Your Small Business

Posted on by Jules Slater

597 Words ~ 3 minute read

The midpoint of the year often hits like a reality check: goals half-met, momentum lagging, and a to-do list that keeps growing. But this moment is also a strategic gift: a reset button that can set you up for a stronger, smarter second half.

Here are five high-impact moves to help you reset with intention and finish the year with confidence:

1. Run the Numbers, Then Rewrite the Playbook
Take a hard look at your financials. Are you ahead, behind, or coasting? Scrutinize revenue trends, margins, and expenses. Identify what’s draining resources and double down on what’s driving growth. Use the insights to reshape your financial strategy for the next six months, because winging it isn’t a plan.

2. Reboot Your Marketing Before the Fall Rush
If your marketing has lost steam, this is your window to revive it. Launch a seasonal promotion, refine your messaging, or test new channels to re-engage your audience. And don’t wait to prep for fall. Holiday planning starts now. Review your content calendar, track past performance, and align campaigns with your business goals.

3. Clear the Roadblocks Slowing Your Team
Small inefficiencies become big headaches by year’s end. What processes are wasting time? Where’s the communication breaking down? Invite your team to flag friction points and co-create solutions. Even modest upgrades, such as automating reports, streamlining meetings and clarifying roles, can drive major gains. 

4. Recalibrate Your Goals and Reset Priorities
It’s okay if the goals you set in January don’t fit anymore. Priorities evolve. What matters is focus. Reassess your KPIs and trim anything that’s distracting from your top objectives. Reset your team’s focus around fewer, clearer targets so execution becomes simpler and more powerful.

5. Reconnect with Your Why
Amid the grind, your original mission can get blurry. Take a step back to reflect: Why did you start this business? Who do you serve, and how do you want to show up for them? Realigning with your purpose energizes your leadership and clarifies your brand. 

Bottom Line:
A mid-year reset isn’t just a productivity hack, it’s a strategic imperative. It gives you space to pause, zoom out, and ask the critical questions that get lost in day-to-day urgency. By evaluating your numbers, refreshing your marketing, streamlining operations, focusing your goals, and reigniting your purpose, you give your business the fuel it needs to finish the year not just intact, but thriving. This isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most with greater clarity, consistency, and conviction.

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The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC. 

McCartney’s Workplace Solutions Named Steelcase Premier Partner

Posted on by Jules Slater

Altoona, PA – McCartney’s Workplace Solutions is proud to be named a Steelcase Premier Partner, a top honor given to select dealers who go above and beyond in customer service, community involvement, and business excellence.


This award puts McCartney’s among a small group of dealers across North America who meet high standards in areas like customer satisfaction, showroom quality, community impact, and business growth.


“For over 135 years, McCartney’s has been dedicated to providing high-quality products and personalized service to our clients,” said Randy Green, President and CEO of McCartney’s. “Being named a Steelcase Premier Partner is a testament to our team’s hard work, our loyal customers, and our continued commitment to making Central Pennsylvania a great place to work and do business.”


As the only Steelcase dealer in West-Central Pennsylvania, McCartney’s combines Steelcase’s global insight with local expertise to create workplaces that improve productivity, comfort, and well-being. Along with Steelcase, McCartney’s offers furniture from hundreds of other manufacturers, meeting a wide range of styles and budgets with the same attention to design, research, and customer needs. The company also now offers floor and window coverings, helping clients design complete, people-centered environments.

McCartney’s is more than just a furniture provider. With strong departments in copiers and supplies as well, the company is a full-service workplace partner for businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities. From personalized delivery of office and janitorial supplies to expert copier service, McCartney’s makes doing business easier and more efficient.


This award also highlights McCartney’s broader mission to support the local economy and give back to the community. Through charitable giving, local partnerships, and sustainable practices, McCartney’s is proud to make a positive difference in the region it calls home.


To learn more, visit www.mccartneys.com.

Flour & Stone Expands to Five Days a Week with Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner—and a Summer Walk-Up Window!

Posted on by Jules Slater

PINE GROVE MILLS, PA – Big changes are brewing (and scooping!) at Flour & Stone this week. Beginning
Wednesday, June 4, the buzzed-about Pine Grove Mills restaurant will be open five days a week Wednesday through Sunday—for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Here’s what’s new:

  • Dinner Hours Expanded: Now serving dinner Wednesday–Sunday from 5 PM to 9 PM (8 PM on
    Sunday).
  • Breakfast & Lunch Available Wednesday–Sunday: Start your day or take a midday break with
    thoughtfully crafted dishes, 8 AM to 2 PM.
  • Summer Walk-Up Window Debuts: Open Wednesday–Sunday, 8 AM to 4 PM, featuring:
    • Iced drinks and lattes featuring Alabaster Coffee (Williamsport, PA)
    • Hand-dipped ice cream from Vale Wood Farms (Loretto, PA) with flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry Rhubarb, Key Lime Pie, Blueberry Lavender, and the bold Cucumber Serrano
    • Fresh grab-and-go items—perfect for busy mornings or a quick snack on the go
      To celebrate this milestone, Flour & Stone is running weekly specials the month of June. This week, from 2 PM to 4 PM at the walk-up window, guests can enjoy
  • $2 off any iced coffees
  • $1 ice cream scoops

“Expanding our service to five days a week is a big moment for us,” said owner Liz Grove. “We’ve been so
grateful for the support from our community—and we’re excited to offer more ways for folks to enjoy what we’re
creating at Flour & Stone.”


Whether you’re grabbing a scoop in the afternoon sun, picking up a fresh bite on your lunch break, or settling in
for a relaxed dinner on the patio, there’s something new to enjoy every day. Stop by, taste what’s new, and help
Flour & Stone celebrate all month long.


Flour & Stone is located at 125 E Pine Grove Rd. in Pine Grove Mills, PA. For menus, reservations, and updates,
visit flourandstone.com or follow @flour_and_stone