Need Tech Support? Penn State Students Are Ready to Help Your Business Thrive

Looking for some assistance with your website? Interested in adding or securing your computer network or technology resources? The Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) has a talented pool of students who are ready to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems.

Businesses and organizations of all sizes can benefit from the fresh perspectives and up-to-date training that IST students bring to the table. Whether it’s building or improving a website, strengthening cybersecurity measures, or optimizing existing tech infrastructure, these students are prepared to help meet a variety of technology needs.

In addition to short-term support, the college encourages employers with extended or ongoing technology needs to connect with students seeking part-time employment, internships, or project-based work. These opportunities not only help businesses find practical, cost-effective solutions, but also allow students to gain valuable hands-on experience in their chosen field.

For those interested in learning more or connecting with students, the College of IST invites potential partners to reach out.

Contact careers@ist.psu.edu today to find skilled, motivated students ready to help your organization thrive.

Penn State’s Smeal College of Business introduces a new Hybrid MBA program

Content contributed by Smeal College of Business.

Penn State’s Smeal College of Business introduces a new Hybrid MBA program for professionals in Centre County who hope to pursue their MBA while still working full-time.

Different from their full asynchronous online MBA, the hybrid program combines on-campus and virtual synchronous remote instruction with convenient evening and weekend class times. Visit the website to learn more about the program.

For a limited time, Smeal College of Business will waive application fees for CBICC member applicants who apply by the June 1 deadline to start in Fall 2025. Prospective applicants can contact Stacy Dorang, managing director of Penn State’s online MBA and interim director of Penn State Smeal Hybrid MBA at sld138@psu.edu.

Help Centre County Shine for America250PA’s “Two Lights for Tomorrow” – April 18, 2025

Contributed content from America250PA: Centre County.

Greetings from America250PA: Centre County,

We’re excited to announce a new initiative that invites Centre County organizations to join a powerful national tribute. On April 18, 2025—exactly 250 years after Paul Revere’s legendary ride—communities across the United States will participate in Two Lights for Tomorrow, a symbolic moment to reflect on our shared past and look ahead to a brighter future.

Inspired by the “two if by sea” lantern signal of 1775, this initiative invites homes, civic buildings, organizations, and local landmarks to display two lights—as a simple but powerful act of unity during this once-in-a-generation Semiquincentennial commemoration.

In Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Capitol will be illuminated. But the real impact comes from local participation—and that’s where Centre County can shine.

Here’s how you can take part right here in Happy Valley:

  • Light the way. Plan a display of two lights at your office, storefront, public building, or historic site.
  • Engage your community. Invite local residents and partners to join you—whether it’s lighting their homes, holding a gathering, or sharing reflections.
  • Tell your story. Share photos and videos of your display on social media using the hashtags:
    #TwoLightsForTomorrow #TL4T #America250PA
    Be sure to tag America250PA so we can help spotlight your participation!

This initiative is flexible and accessible—there’s no single way to participate, just a shared spirit of unity, remembrance, and hope. We do ask that all displays follow local ordinances and safety guidelines.

“The Semiquincentennial is a once-in-a-generation moment to reflect on who we are, what we’ve built together, and where we’re going next,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “As we prepare to illuminate the Capitol and landmarks across the Commonwealth, we’re sending a clear message: Pennsylvania shows up—with pride, with purpose, and with a belief in the power of community.”

Centre County organizations, landmarks, and community groups have been at the heart of America250PA efforts across the region. Two Lights for Tomorrow is another chance to connect our rich history to our hopeful future—and to show the rest of Pennsylvania how Centre County leads by example.

We’re grateful to our friends at Virginia250 for launching this beautiful initiative. You can learn more about the concept at va250.org/two-lights.

If your organization plans to participate—or if you have ideas you’d like to explore—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to light the way to 2026.

Flour & Stone launches weekend breakfast & lunch service featuring seasonal dishes & local flavor

Content contributed by Flour & Stone.

Pine Grove Mills, PA — April 10, 2025 — Flour & Stone, the cozy and creative companion to Pine Grove Hall, is thrilled to announce the launch of its weekend breakfast and lunch service, now available Saturdays and Sundays from 8 AM to 2 PM. Known for its inviting atmosphere and dedication to local sourcing, the restaurant’s new daytime menu offers comforting, creative dishes to start your weekend right.

“We’ve had a blast putting together a daytime menu that’s full of personality and local flavor,” said owner Liz Grove. “Our team has put a lot of heart into the flow and feel of the daytime service and the quality of the food. We want people to feel welcomed—whether they’re coming in for a quick bite, a weekend brunch with friends, or just coffee and a pastry to start the day.”

Breakfast favorites include:

  • F&S Homemade Baked Oatmeal with white chocolate chips, strawberry jam, and
    smoked salt (v, gf)
  • Farmer’s Plate with fried eggs, fingerling potatoes, sourdough toast, and your choice of
    house-cured bacon or local sausage
  • Avocado Toast with smashed avocado, pickled onions, poached egg, house hot sauce,
    and local herbs (v)
  • Steak & Eggs with top sirloin, red-eye gravy, and seasonal greens
  • Breakfast Fruit Salad with sumac yogurt, citrus, and mint (v)

Lighter bites like the Country Ham Toast, Egg Sandwich with provolone and onion jam, and Buttermilk Pancakes round out the menu, alongside sides, sweets, and an espresso program.

From 11 AM to 2 PM, the lunch menu brings additional items:

  • Italian Beef Sandwich with Grove American roast beef and spicy giardiniera
  • Caprese Panini on Gemelli’s ciabatta with balsamic aioli (v)
  • P.L.T. with house-cured pancetta and roasted garlic aioli on sourdough
  • Chopped Italian Salad with pepperoncini, white beans, and basil vinaigrette (vg)
  • Hand-stretched pizzas like Roasted Mushroom with miso ricotta and arugula (v) and
    Sweet Italian Sausage with stracciatella cheese and herb salad

Dining is available indoors or on the sunny patio (weather permitting), and everything is made to order with attention to detail.

New Hours for Breakfast & Lunch:
Saturdays & Sundays: 8 AM – 2 PM
Dinner Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 5 PM – 9 PM
Website: www.flourandstone.com
Phone: 582-220-2025

Walk-ins are welcome. Reservations are encouraged for larger groups and weekend brunch.

For media inquiries, interviews, or to schedule a visit, contact Liz Grove at
liz@pinegrovehall.com.

Donate Centre County gifts to PA Chamber welcome bags!

Content contributed by the PA Chamber.

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry regularly selects different locations across the Commonwealth to host their board of directors meetings. In just a few short weeks, Centre County will have the honor of welcoming this influential group for their next gathering.

To help showcase the vibrant business community and unique local flavor of our region, the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County (CBICC) is putting together small welcome bags for the attendees. These bags will feature some of our favorite locally made products as a way to leave a lasting impression and highlight the talent and creativity within Centre County.

The CBICC is inviting local businesses to contribute items to include in these welcome bags. Whether it’s a sample of your product, branded merchandise, or another thoughtful item that represents your business, your donation will help create a warm and memorable experience for our guests from across Pennsylvania.

Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to reach out. Please contact Allison Coccia at acoccia@pachamber.org to coordinate your contribution or to learn more about this opportunity to showcase your brand.