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Centre County economic development strategy

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The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County Joins the Business for Federal Research Funding Coalition Alongside More Than 70 Business Organizations

Posted on by Jules Slater

Research funding creates jobs, supports economic development, and protects competitiveness at local, state, and federal levels.

Centre County, PA – July 22, 2025 – The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) has joined the Business for Federal Research Funding (BFRF) Coalition, a growing, nonpartisan alliance of more than 70 business organizations and chambers of commerce across 33 states. Relaunched in April by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the BFRF Coalition advocates for maintaining and increasing federal funding for research in the federal budget and beyond. 

“The Boston Chamber is proud to relaunch the Business for Federal Research Coalition, and I am thrilled that the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County has joined our Coalition. In every state, city, and county across the political spectrum, we are collectively strategizing for continued research funding,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “Around the country, communities, businesses, and institutions receive funding for important research and development. With a united voice, we are advocating for critical funding that will advance our region’s local economy as well as our global competitiveness.”

Federal research investments drive innovation, economic growth, and job creation, supporting breakthroughs in science, technology, and medicine, and fueling local economies. In 2024 alone, NIH grants produced $94.5 billion in economic activity nationwide and supported over 400,000 jobs. For every dollar invested in NIH research, $2.56 in new economic activity is generated.

In Centre County, these benefits are especially relevant. According to Penn State University’s most recent economic impact report, the University contributes $4.3 billion annually to the local economy and supports nearly 36,000 jobs.

“Federal funding is essential to sustaining and expanding research at Penn State, which creates significant benefit throughout central Pennsylvania,” said Andrew Read, Senior Vice President for Research at Penn State University. “The Business for Federal Research Funding Coalition’s dedicated advocacy efforts will help ensure that our institution to continues delivering that impact for years to come.”

As part of the BFRF Coalition, CBICC will work with peer organizations and policymakers to champion federal investment in research that benefits businesses, institutions, and communities at every level.

“CBICC’s participation in the Business for Federal Research Funding Coalition will ensure Centre County is represented in high-level budget conversations and that our region continues to benefit from research as an economic driver,” said Gregory Scott, President and CEO of CBICC. “We are grateful to the Boston Chamber for relaunching this initiative and honored to join the growing movement advocating for robust research funding in our federal budget.”

Learn more about the BFRF Coalition by visiting researchfunding.org.

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About the Business for Federal Research Funding (BFRF) Coalition

The Business for Federal Research Funding (BFRF) Coalition advocates for maintaining and increasing research funding in the federal budget and beyond. Founded in 2017 and relaunched in 2025, the BFRF coalition includes Chambers of Commerce and business organizations from at least 28 states who collectively advocate to protect local and national economies as well as the nation’s global competitiveness with federal research funding. Learn more at researchfunding.org.

About the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC)

The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) is a dynamic membership organization that champions the interests of private and public organizations. As Centre County’s voice of business and leading economic development entity, the CBICC is committed to cultivating a vibrant business landscape by driving economic development, stimulating job creation, and fostering innovation. For more information, visit cbicc.org.

Ribbon Cutting for Calder Way Pop-up: A Launchpad for Small Businesses with Big Dreams

Posted on by Jules Slater

State College, PA — The Downtown State College Improvement District (DSCID), in partnership with Comet Properties, invites the community to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of Calder Way Pop-up on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 4:30 PM at 236 E Calder Way, State College.

Calder Way Pop-up is a permanent retail space designed to host a rotating lineup of small businesses. Located in the heart of downtown, it provides high visibility and access to foot traffic, allowing business owners an opportunity to test ideas, launch new products, reach new customers, and grow. What began as a response to a vacant storefront has grown into a thriving incubator space and is now officially launching after a successful first year.

According to Comet Properties, “The concept to support businesses was born out of our desire to promote a vibrant downtown by fostering unique offerings. We are proud to partner with DSCID to bring these fresh ideas to State College.”

The Calder Way Pop-up represents a shared commitment by both organizations to support small businesses and drive economic growth,” said Kendra Kielbasa, retail and commercial business advocate with DSCID. “By lowering barriers and encouraging experimentation, the pop-up allows business owners the opportunity to refine their concepts in a real-world setting. Even for businesses not yet ready for a permanent space, the experience strengthens their business model. It also adds to the growing energy downtown, where a steady rotation of vendors keeps locals and visitors coming back to see what is new.”

Attendees at the ribbon-cutting ceremony will have the opportunity to explore the space and meet current, past, and future vendors.

Event Details

What: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Calder Way Pop-up
When: Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 4:30 PM
Where: 236 E Calder Way, State College, PA 16801

For more information, visit @DowntownStateCollege on social media.

Does your student athlete need a sports physical?

Posted on by Jules Slater
Doctor listens to child's respiratory system using a stethoscope

(July 7, 2025, DuBois, Pennsylvania) – Before long, student athletes participating in fall sports will be hitting the gyms and fields to practice for the season ahead. Whether your child participates in football or cheerleading, soccer or track, their safety on and off the field is one of your key concerns. A sports physical can help keep them healthy and injury free.

Why are sports physicals required?

“Sports physicals can uncover underlying health risks in children and adolescents before they become problems,” said Thomas Sisk, MD, a Family Medicine physician who is a sports medicine specialist in Finleyville, PA. “In addition, some pre-existing conditions could make the athlete more susceptible to injuries and it is better to know in advance so preventive measures can be taken.”

A sports physical provides a comprehensive evaluation of the athlete’s health status that serves as a baseline for monitoring changes in health. For example, if a runner injures their leg during a track event, the physician will have a detailed record of their health to help guide effective treatment.

“During childhood and adolescence, body changes occur rapidly and we can address injury prevention, nutrition and safe training practices during the exam,” said Dr. Sisk. “The physical also is a great time to help the child or teen understand how to care for their changing bodies to reduce injuries.”

If your child has an annual physical or recent sick visit, do they need a sports physical?

Annual exams and sick visits should never replace a sports physical. A sports physical evaluates the ability of the child or teen to safely participate in athletics while an annual physical is more comprehensive.

Who needs a sports physical?

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) requires all students who wish to participate in an interscholastic sport to have an initial pre-participation sports physical evaluation by a licensed physician of medicine or osteopathic medicine, a certified physician assistant, a certified registered nurse practitioner or a school nurse practitioner. Most club sports, travel leagues and other recreational sports organizations also require sports physicals before students can participate.

When should you schedule your student athlete’s sports physical?

It is best to check with your school district or sports organization for details about when the physicals need to be completed, but most require the physicals to be completed and submitted before the first practice. Some of those practices can begin as early as the first week in July. The start of the school year and the fall sports season is a busy time for primary care providers, so be sure to schedule your child’s sports physical early.

In addition to treating minor illnesses and injuries, the primary care physicians at Penn Highlands Healthcare Family Medicine clinics provide routine physical exams, school physicals and sports physicals. For more information or to schedule a sports physical, visit www.phhealthcare.org/familymedicine.

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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.

Join the Fun! Register for Penn Highlands Healthcare Family Fun Fest

Posted on by Jules Slater

(July 8, 2025 — DuBois, PA) Penn Highlands Healthcare invites members of the community to join the fun for the Dr. Gary DuGan Memorial Family Fun Fest which will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025 in the DuBois City Park. Bring your children of all ages, strollers and dogs!

This year, the event is bigger and better than ever! Penn Highlands Healthcare is teaming up with the DuBois Area YMCA to offer even more family friendly, healthy-living activities including:

  • 5K fun run/walk and one-mile walk (free for children ages 12 and under)
  • Pickleball tournament (all ages welcome)
  • Zumba class (all ages welcome)
  • Kickball tournament (ages 13 and older)
  • Informal sandbox kickball (ages 12 and under)
  • Games and Children’s activities
  • Food concessions
  • A large basket raffle and 50/50 drawing
  • Informational tables and more

There is something for all ages. Adults and young teens can enjoy competition on the kickball field. It’s the perfect way to spend a day with your family before summer ends. Don’t forget to bring your dog along too! This is a fantastic way to share some fun with your family and friends while supporting Penn Highlands Healthcare.

To kick off the fun prior to the event, a basket raffle is being held in the Penn Highlands DuBois Atrium. The raffle runs Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM through August 21, 2025. Tickets are six chances for $5. Winners will be drawn at the event on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

This Family Fun Fest commemorates Dr. Gary DuGan, former Medical Director of Penn Highlands Healthcare, whose vision led to the establishment of the residency program at Penn Highlands DuBois. He was also a passionate advocate for the DuBois YMCA and physical fitness. Proceeds will support the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program and the DuBois YMCA.

This is a great summer to get involved. Whether you run, walk, play kickball or sponsor, your support makes a difference. 

To register, visit www.phhealthcare.org/dugan. 

Direct questions to Sam Vida, Fund Development Coordinator and Event Manager at slvida@phhealthcare.org or 814-375-6251. 

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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.

Keller Engineers Hires Transportation Construction Inspector

Posted on by Jules Slater

July 8, 2025, Hollidaysburg, PA – Keller Engineers, Inc., with locations in Hollidaysburg, State College, and Gettysburg, PA and Haddonfield, NJ is a full-service engineering firm providing client-focused civil and structural engineering, and surveying services.


Keller Engineers, Inc. is excited to welcome Doug Coffman to the Transportation Division as a Construction Inspector!


Doug has 30 years of experience which includes working within the heavy highway construction industry as a Foreman/Superintendent. He also completed the 12 TA-TCI Training Modules and is a certified NECEPT Concrete Field-Testing Technician.