Search
Close this search box.

Category: Uncategorized

Kish Bank’s Kish for the Cure Campaign Raises Record $74,800 for Central PA Cancer-Fighting Nonprofits

Posted on by Melissa Brown

STATE COLLEGE, PA – January 24, 2024 – Kish Bank is proud to announce that its 2023 Kish for the Cure campaign, an annual employee-led fundraising effort supporting local cancer-relatednonprofits, raised a record-breaking grand total of over $74,800. The donations were distributed this week to the campaign’s three beneficiaries: the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund, Pennsylvania Pink Zone, and Relay For Life of Mifflin/Juniata.

Kish’s annual campaign has raised more than $530,000 in total over the last decade, and it continues to grow in scope each year. The Bob Perks Fund, Pink Zone, and Relay For Life lead the fight against cancer in the Central Pennsylvania region by providing financial support forlocal individuals and families facing cancer, as well as funding cancer awareness, research, andtreatment and prevention programs at the region’s hospitals.

Upon receiving the donation, Bob Perks Fund founder Doreen Perks said, “The partnership between the Bob Perks Fund and Kish Bank has positioned us to continue to grow and allocate more and more funds each year to cancer patients in our region. I am amazed and impressed every year by the commitment and dedication of each employee at Kish Bank to making this campaign a huge success and continuing to better this community. We are grateful for this partnership with Kish Bank.”

Tom Chucuddy, Senior Development Manager for the American Cancer Society, also expressed gratitude on behalf of the organization, saying, “The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We could not advance our mission without the passionate support of our volunteers and our communities.Cancer touches all of us in one way or another. By supporting the American Cancer Society, Kish Bank is helping to bring hope to those facing a cancer diagnosis.”

Finally, Carol Baney, President of Pink Zone, said, “Pink Zone remains committed to serving breast cancer patients and survivors here in our community. We are so fortunate to have a partner in Kish Bank who shares our passion to make a difference in the community where we all live. Because of Kish’s generosity, we will be able to continue to assist those breast cancer patients who are most vulnerable. Thank you to everyone at Kish Bank for making this possible.”

Kish would like to extend special thanks to three of its partners—Computer Services, Inc. (CSI), Summit Technology Group, and ImageQuest—for supporting the fight against cancer with significant donations to the Kish for the Cure campaign.

About Kish Bank

Kish Bank is a $1.5 billion regional community bank that operates 18 offices and financial centers serving Centre, Mifflin, Huntingdon, Blair, and Juniata counties, and northeastern Ohio. Other business units of Kish Bank include Kish Insurance, Kish Financial Solutions, Kish Benefits Consulting, and Kish Travel. Kish Bank is a subsidiary of Kish Bancorp, Inc., trading under the OTCQX stock ticker symbol of KISB. For additional information, please visit MyKish.com.

Geisinger Healthplex State College set to expand

Posted on by Melissa Brown

Facility expansion allows more specialty services and appointment availability

Port Matilda, Pa. – A facility expansion is underway at Geisinger Healthplex State College (formerly Gray’s Woods). This development will make better health easier for patients in Centre County and beyond by allowing for growth of specialty services and increased appointment availability.  

The expanding clinic, at 132 Abigail Lane in Port Matilda, will be two floors and will include existing specialties and services such as:

  • Family practice/community medicine
  • Imaging services
  • Orthopaedics
  • Pediatrics

Other services at the healthplex include: 

  • Bariatrics
  • Cardiology
  • ENT
  • GI/GI nutrition
  • Lab 
  • Ophthalmology 
  • Pharmacy
  • Pulmonology 
  • Surgery
  • Urology

Demand for these services is growing in Centre County, and the growing healthplex will reduce patients’ wait times through expanding programs, hiring more providers and offering more appointments. As programs mature, the development will improve access for our patients making better health easier for our communities.

“The expansion of Geisinger Healthplex State College will address the growing need for care in Centre County,” said Tammy Anderer, chief administrative officer of Geisinger’s western region. “This is another step toward making better health easier by bringing a comprehensive spectrum of services to our patients and community.” 

Services will be grouped in the facility for convenience, such as placing pediatrics next to women’s health, and orthopaedics near imaging services. The main entrance will also be redesigned in the back of the building.

“The expansion project exemplifies the commitment of Geisinger to best support our team in the pursuit of continued access to efficient, convenient and top-quality care for our patients,” said Michael Sobolewski, D.O., division chief of musculoskeletal in Geisinger’s western region. “It will also provide growth and diversity of subspecialty providers and the treatment options our team is able to provide right here in our community.” 

“Our pediatrics patients will enjoy a larger clinic, allowing for more exam rooms and a dedicated space for pediatric subspecialists as well as our child psychology and psychiatry partners,” said Joy Drass, M.D., medical director for pediatrics in Geisinger’s western and north-central regions. “We’ll have a separate clinic flow for sick and well patients and will have rooms outfitted to be more comfortable for our breastfeeding moms and lactation appointments.”


Facility expansion is set to be complete at the end of 2024. 

To learn more about Geisinger Healthplex State College, call 800-230-4565.

About Geisinger

Geisinger is committed to making better health easier for the more than 1 million people it serves. Founded more than 100 years ago by Abigail Geisinger, the system now includes 10 hospital campuses, a health plan with more than half a million members, a research institute and the Geisinger College of Health Sciences, which includes schools of medicine, nursing and graduate education. With more than 25,000 employees and 1,700+ employed physicians, Geisinger boosts its hometown economies in Pennsylvania by billions of dollars annually. Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Welcome Ellen Kline to the Board of Directors

Posted on by Melissa Brown

Ellen Kline is a realtor with Kissinger, Bigatel & Brower and works in residential, land and neighborhood development and commercial real estate. Her business is largely based on personal referrals from current and past clients. After 30 years in the business, she knows the local market, knows the local regulations, along with knowing the other real estate professionals. 

Her first career was in the Hotel industry working for Marriott Hotels. Working in full-service hotels running rooms related departments of Front Office and Housekeeping including laundry, reservations, concierge, bell stand, airport transportation. She managed upwards of 300 employees and managers at her last hotel assignment. From there she joined the startup team of Fairfield Inns brand as Director of Room Operations. Her responsibilities included developing operating procedures, equipment evaluation and purchase, site visits and oversight of the turnover of new construction to the operating team.

After moving to State College in 1993, she started her real estate career, and her customer service and systems experience has helped her excel. She has bought and sold many properties in the last 39 years and understands firsthand the stress and challenge of moving. 

Her expertise is in understanding the contracts we use in Pennsylvania, negotiating, ever changing market conditions and financing. She works with residential, commercial, multi-unit investment, land sales and new construction. Ellen has owned and managed commercial properties and was previously a co-owner of ReMax real estate brokerage.

She is currently member of the Centre Foundation Real Estate Advisory Committee. In the past, she was the President of the Centre County Association of REALTORS and Chair of the Multiple Listing Service. She is also a past board member, past chair of association services committee, and past member of the standard forms committee for the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS. Ellen has been an instructor at Penn State University, Smeal College of Business as well as the College of Health and Human Development.

Governor Shapiro Delivers New Blueprint for Higher Education, Focused on Competitiveness and Workforce Development & Grounded in Access and Affordability

Posted on by Melissa Brown

January 26, 2024

“Undoubtedly, this is a crucial moment in Pennsylvania’s history, and Governor Shapiro’s emphasis on the state’s health and vitality resonates strongly here in Centre County and the Centre Region. Workforce challenges are a common concern for employers across the board, and the diminishing workforce puts Pennsylvania at a significant disadvantage both now and in the future. I believe that the Governor’s vision to strengthen Pennsylvania and enhance its competitiveness is a step in the right direction. The Higher Education Blueprint, with its focus on providing greater access for our students, making higher education more affordable for those most in need, and implementing performance-based funding models, while providing transparency and accountability, holds promise for building a stronger future workforce. This, in turn, will enable us to meet the evolving needs of our businesses and communities. The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County stands firmly behind this vision and advocates for the policies and funding that will contribute to an increasingly educated workforce, ultimately driving our economy forward. I appreciate the Governor’s commitment to addressing these critical issues, and I am grateful to offer my support to such a vital challenge.” – Greg Scott, President and CEO, Chamber of Business & Industry Centre County

Governor Shapiro’s blueprint works to ensure every Pennsylvanian will have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.

Under Governor Shapiro’s plan, higher education will serve as an economic driver for Pennsylvania, prepare workers for the future, and address workforce shortages.

Pennsylvania currently ranks 48th for affordability and 49th for state investment in higher education – and Governor Shapiro knows we must take action to improve access and opportunity for Pennsylvania students.

Harrisburg, PA — Today, Governor Josh Shapiro released a new blueprint for higher education in Pennsylvania, focused on competitiveness and workforce development, and grounded in access and affordability. Much of Governor Shapiro’s blueprint is based on the work of the Higher Education Working Group – a group of higher education leaders from across Pennsylvania appointed by Governor Shapiro to develop a series of recommendations for improving higher education in the Commonwealth.

“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “For some, that means going right into the workforce – but for those who want to go to college or get a credential, we need to rethink our system of higher education. Whether you want to take one course to brush up on your skills, earn a certificate to qualify for a promotion, or pursue a degree that will lead to a new career – you deserve accessible, affordable higher education options. That’s true for every student, whether you attend one of our historic HBCUs, a community college, a PASSHE institution, a state-related university, or an independent college or university. That’s exactly what my plan will deliver, and we’ll build a higher education system that opens up doors of opportunity, prepares our workforce, and serves as the linchpin to Pennsylvania’s economic success.”

After 30 years of disinvestment, too many of our colleges and universities are running on empty and not enough students have affordable pathways through college and into good jobs. Pennsylvania spends less on higher education than every other state except for New Hampshire – that means the financial burden of higher education falls on our institutions and students, who are forced to cut services, raise tuition, and take on more debt.

Colleges are competing with one another for limited dollars – duplicating degree programs, driving up costs, and actually reducing access. Over the past decade, PASSHE enrollment has dropped 30 percent and community college enrollment has decreased by 37 percent.

That’s why, in his first budget address, Governor Shapiro spoke about these issues of equity, opportunity, and affordability and proclaimed our system broken – earning bipartisan praise and agreement. After his first budget address, Governor Shapiro brought together a working group of higher education leaders and engaged stakeholders across the Commonwealth to examine these significant challenges and offer recommendations for a path forward.

With their ideas and expertise, Governor Shapiro is delivering a three-part blueprint for higher education:

Creating A New System to Address Pennsylvania’s Needs

First, Governor Shapiro’s plan will build a new system for higher education that unites our PASSHE universities and our 15 community colleges under a new governance system, preserving local leadership while uniting both types of institutions behind the goal of educating Pennsylvania.

Together, PASSHE and our community colleges will be able to create pathways to affordable credentials and degrees that students can access throughout their lifetimes, improve coordination between schools, and serve as the most affordable higher education option for Pennsylvania students.

In his budget address on February 6th, Governor Shapiro will propose a significant investment in state-owned universities, community colleges, and the students they serve.

Increasing Access & Affordability

Second, once that new system is in place, Governor Shapiro’s plan will make significant investments to ensure higher education is both affordable and accessible for all, because any Pennsylvanian who wants to pursue a higher education should have the opportunity to do so – no matter where they come from or how much money their family makes.

Under the new system created by Governor Shapiro’s plan, Pennsylvanians making up to the median income will pay no more than $1,000 in tuition and fees per semester at state-owned universities and community colleges.

To help students attending state-related universities and independent colleges, Governor Shapiro’s plan will increase PHEAA grants for all students by $1,000.

Increasing Transparency & Improving Outcomes

Third, Governor Shapiro believes Pennsylvania should pay for performance. That’s why he’s proposing that direct appropriations to publicly funded colleges and universities be distributed on the basis of a predictable, transparent, outcomes-focused formula that will incentivize colleges and universities to focus on what’s most important to the Commonwealth. A performance-based funding model has already been embraced by higher education leaders across the Commonwealth, including Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi.

In consultation with higher education stakeholders, the Shapiro Administration will establish a predictable, performance-based funding formula that rewards public and state-related colleges and universities for achieving outcomes that benefit the Commonwealth. The formula will take into consideration factors including but not limited to increasing enrollment, the number of first-generation college students that receive credentials, and the graduation rate. Furthermore, the formula will incentivize institutions to recruit and support students to complete degrees and earn credentials in fields facing workforce shortages, such as education and nursing, and growing fields like advanced manufacturing and biotechnology, that will drive our Commonwealth’s economic growth in the decades to come.

Finally, Governor Shapiro will ensure this performance-based funding formula is driven out through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for state-related universities. This will no longer require a two-thirds vote in the legislature, breaking the cycle of political gamesmanship that has held funding hostage.

This blueprint for higher education will help keep young people in Pennsylvania, attract more workers and companies to our Commonwealth, help students build the skills they need to fill good-paying jobs, and ensure employers can find the talented, prepared workers and strong thinkers they need to thrive and grow.

From Pennsylvania’s two historic HBCUs and the PASSHE system, to its community colleges, state-related universities, and independent colleges, Governor Shapiro’s bold vision for higher education will take advantage of Pennsylvania’s strengths, like its dedicated staff and faculty, diverse set of institutions, and significant partnerships with the private sector. This blueprint will serve as the linchpin to our Commonwealth’s economic success, setting us up for growth and prosperity for generations to come.

See what higher education, business, and government leaders are saying about Governor Shapiro’s higher education blueprint:

“PASSHE’s remarkable transformation over the past six years shows that a collaborative system is good for students, communities, and employers, and we know higher education can accomplish so much more by uniting. The governor’s proposal is a real opportunity to build upon the strengths of PASSHE universities and the community colleges. Together we can create a new, larger system with better collaboration that gives students more pathways to a degree or credential, rapidly adjusts to the changing knowledge and skills employers want, and provides the lowest-cost option for students throughout their lifetime.” – PASSHE Chancellor Dan Greenstein

“I have been a strong advocate for performance-based funding in higher education, not only to enhance transparency and accountability, but also to achieve meaningful outcomes for our students. I am extremely pleased to see that part of Gov. Shapiro’s blueprint is a call to establish a predictable performance-based funding formula, and we look forward to working with the legislature to implement such a model. This initiative presents a significant opportunity for Penn State and other state-related institutions to work together with the Commonwealth on shared goals for workforce and economic development.” – Neeli Bendapudi, President, Penn State

“We are very grateful to the Governor for his bold initiative in support of higher education in Pennsylvania. Temple is eager to collaborate with the governor’s efforts to support our students, ensure greater access, affordability and excellence in higher education, and spur economic growth in the Commonwealth.” – Richard M. Englert, President, Temple University

“We thank Governor Shapiro for his leadership in putting forth an innovative blueprint to give Pennsylvania students greater opportunities for affordable, high-quality higher education and to bolster the role of colleges and universities like Pitt in driving Pennsylvania’s economic success. Pitt looks forward to working with the Shapiro Administration and the legislature to enact a higher education plan that delivers for students and puts Pennsylvania on a path to a more competitive workforce and a more robust economy.” – Joan Gabel, Chancellor, University of Pittsburgh

“A higher education opens the door to opportunity for our students – here at Lincoln, we empower students to learn, liberate, and lead throughout their lives. The outcomes-based funding formula Governor Shapiro has proposed in his bold new blueprint for higher education would support us in our work by delivering additional funding to support our historic mission, while also giving state-related universities like Lincoln stability and a chance to plan for the future needs of our students.” – Dr. Brenda Allen, President, Lincoln University

“I am encouraged by Governor Shapiro’s vision for a new blueprint for higher education in Pennsylvania. This is a wonderful opportunity for the 10 PASSHE colleges and 15 community colleges to work together to develop a system that is accessible, affordable and creates opportunities for Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth. I look forward to working with my colleagues and Governor Shapiro to forward this project.” – Dr. Quintin Bullock, President, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)

“At HACC, we believe that a college education should be accessible to all – no matter their background. Governor Shapiro’s vision of a higher education sector sets Pennsylvanians, including current and future HACC students, up for success by making it easier for them to transfer earned credits, build skills that employers are seeking and save time and money in the process. HACC looks forward to working with Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education to create pathways to affordable credentials and degrees that will change lives, destinies and family trees in Central Pennsylvania and beyond.” – John J. “Ski” Sygielski, President and CEO of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College

“Undoubtedly, this is a crucial moment in Pennsylvania’s history, and Governor Shapiro’s emphasis on the state’s health and vitality resonates strongly here in Centre County and the Centre Region. Workforce challenges are a common concern for employers across the board, and the diminishing workforce puts Pennsylvania at a significant disadvantage both now and in the future. I believe that the Governor’s vision to strengthen Pennsylvania and enhance its competitiveness is a step in the right direction. The Higher Education Blueprint, with its focus on providing greater access for our students, making higher education more affordable for those most in need, and implementing performance-based funding models, while providing transparency and accountability, holds promise for building a stronger future workforce. This, in turn, will enable us to meet the evolving needs of our businesses and communities. The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County stands firmly behind this vision and advocates for the policies and funding that will contribute to an increasingly educated workforce, ultimately driving our economy forward. I appreciate the Governor’s commitment to addressing these critical issues, and I am grateful to offer my support to such a vital challenge.” – Greg Scott, President and CEO, Chamber of Business & Industry Centre County

“We were pleased to hear about Governor Shapiro’s Blueprint for Higher Education. As the gap continues to widen for available jobs and credentialed applicants, the Governor’s plan appears to be a critical step for the Commonwealth to take to address these demands. We are open to supporting efforts to provide access to affordable education so that our community and our state continue to grow and prosper.” – James Grunke, President and CEO, Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership

“Governor Shapiro’s Blueprint for Higher Education puts Pennsylvania on a trajectory for success. Not only in creating an equitable pathway to education and training but for students living in rural PA who want educational opportunities and face accessibility, financial, and transportation obstacles.” – Angela Harding, Clinton County Commissioner

“I am excited to see Governor Shapiro’s plan for a higher education sector that sets a predictable funding formula. This will help local community colleges like ours in Luzerne County and in turn help local taxpayers by providing stable and predictable funding going forward. Stable funding will educate and train a workforce that will drive economic growth and prosperity for every community in Pennsylvania.” – Jimmy Sabatino, Luzerne County Councilman

MEDIA CONTACT: Governor’s Press Office, ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov

Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week

Posted on by Melissa Brown

We want to ensure our businesses have a knowledgeable, skilled workforce. That’s why we support Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW). Offered by the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education (FFEE), PFEW uniquely prepares our students for successful careers right here at home.

PFEW 2023 graduate Maddie Miller from Henderson HS in Chester County explains why PFEW is so important, “My experience at PFEW was amazing. I went into the program without any real interest in business and came out as a changed person. I had no idea the tools I would gain from this. I also made incredible friends. Building a company from scratch with eighteen people that you just met was nothing short of a challenge. Throughout my time, I saw my company grow closer as a group but also grow individually as people. Personally, I developed leadership, speaking, and collaborative skills that I will take with me throughout my career endeavors. We were lucky enough to listen to some incredible speakers during our time at PFEW and their words were very influential. I am so thankful I got to participate in this amazing experience.”

PFEW is entirely funded and taught by the PA business community and is open to all rising juniors and seniors in PA. It’s a powerful hands-on program that teaches students to understand modern business and the American free enterprise system. Students form teams and manage a manufacturing company competing with other companies. Along the way, they gain the knowledge and skills that uniquely prepare them for successful careers and lives right here in PA. Since its inception, over 50,000 students have participated in this award-winning program.

FFEE offers two additional programs that prepare students for success. The Stock Market Game (SMG) is a hands-on in-class program for students in grades 4-12 that focuses on financial literacy, investing and capital markets. The Speaker Series helps students explore careers, discover regional scholarship and career opportunities, build a mentor network, and more.

FFEE’s three-pronged approach to youth and workforce development promotes the finest ideals of business and free enterprise and creates our next generation of productive, engaged employees and leaders.

To support PFEW or to learn more about these vital FFEE programs, visit www.pfew.org or contact VP of Marketing & Development Scott Lee at (814) 833-9576 ext. 8, or scott@pfew.org.