Economic Development
Charting Centre County's Future
A strong economy is built through collaboration, investment, and a shared vision for the future. As Centre County's leading economic development entity, CBICC serves as the driving force behind regional growth, bringing together public and private partners to create the conditions businesses need to thrive.
From supporting local employers to advancing major community initiatives, the Chamber is focused on ensuring Centre County remains a competitive, vibrant place to live, work, and do business.
What is Economic Development?
Economic development is the process of strengthening a community’s economic well-being and quality of life. It involves attracting and retaining businesses, supporting entrepreneurship, developing a skilled workforce, and investing in infrastructure and assets that enable long-term growth.
At its core, economic development is about creating opportunity—ensuring businesses can succeed, workers can find meaningful employment, and communities can grow sustainably.
Why CBICC?
As Centre County's leading economic development organization, the core of CBICC's mission is to drive this work forward.
The Chamber serves as a convener, connector, and catalyst, bringing together business leaders, government partners, and community stakeholders to align priorities and take action. with a countywide perspective and strategic relationships across sectors, CBICC is able to help identify challenges, mobilize resources, and implement solutions that have real impact.
This leadership role ensures that economic development efforts are coordinated, strategic, and focused on what matters most to Centre County's future.
Driving Centre County Forward
The Chamber leads the implementation of Centre County's collaborative Economic Development Strategic Plan: a coordinated roadmap for smart, strategic economic growth in the region.
This plan reflects input from stakeholders throughout the county and focuses on the key priorities in the table below.
| Focus Area | Detailed Areas of Concentration |
| Business Retention, Innovation & Expansion | Local & Regional Business Support Statewide Synchronization Entrepreneurship & Innovation |
| Targeted & Emerging Industries | Targeted Industries/Leveraging Commercialization Branding and New Business Attraction Tourism and Outdoor Recreation |
| Workforce & Education | Workforce Development, Talent Attraction, Talent Retention |
| Built Environment | Infrastructure, Housing, Downtown revitalization, Development challenges. |
Economic Development Initiatives
A Shared Vision For Economic Growth And Prosperity
Centre County’s Economic Development Strategy is a comprehensive, collaborative plan representing the County’s shared vision for economic growth, resilience, and sustainability. Launched in October 2024 by the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County and the Economic Development Council, the plan outlines strategic actions to streamline resources, develop workforce, and strengthen community engagement across all sectors. The plan was developed with input from regional stakeholders, leaders, and community members from a diverse array of industries.
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Dedicated to Expanding Commercial Air Service to State College
Our mission is to maintain and grow air service at the State College Regional Airport, which benefits the community through access to airline networks, job growth, economic development, and local quality of life improvement.
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