Community Giving Is Economic Development: CBICC, Centre Foundation, and Leadership Centre County Highlight the Link Between Philanthropy and Economic Vitality
CENTRE COUNTY, PA – October 8, 2026 – Community giving isn't separate from economic development; it is part of its foundation. That was the message as the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC), Centre Foundation, and Leadership Centre County brought together business and community leaders Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Wyndham Garden State College in Boalsburg for Voice of Business: Investing in Centre County – Giving Back Together.
"When we talk about economic development, we naturally talk about jobs, business investment, infrastructure, housing and workforce," said Greg Scott, CBICC President and CEO. "But increasingly, one of the elements we hear from businesses is that their ability to attract and keep people depends on something broader: Is this a place where people want to build a life?"
Community giving and philanthropy strengthens quality of place, quality of place helps communities attract and retain people, and people attract business and investment, creating economic growth and stability.
Much of that foundation is built by Centre County's hundreds of nonprofit organizations, which play an important role in the healthcare, education, housing, community spaces, and services that define quality of place. Nonprofits are also major employers. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Centre County had more than 5,000 nonprofit jobs in 2022, representing 13.6% of private-sector employment, or nearly one in seven private-sector jobs.
Research points to the same connection. A Gallup and Knight Foundation study of 26 communities, including State College, found that communities with the highest levels of resident attachment experienced significantly stronger economic growth. Some of the strongest drivers of that attachment were social offerings, aesthetics, openness, and education, the kinds of community assets that nonprofits, volunteers, and philanthropists help create.
"So when we talk about philanthropy, we're really talking about investing in the infrastructure of a strong community," said Scott.
Centre Foundation, celebrating it’s 45th anniversary, sees that investment at work every day. In 2025, the Foundation granted and awarded $5.58 million and stewarded $93.7 million in charitable assets across 670 funds. Even in a strong community, need remains. According to the United Way of Centre County's ALICE Report, 44% of Centre County households cannot reliably afford the basics, and most are working.
"The Centre Foundation is grateful to CBICC for the opportunity to highlight the work being done by the non-profit sector in Centre County. We are proud to collaborate with hundreds of non-profit organizations across Centre County to partner with them on the delivery of their important programming. This ecosystem of business leaders and individuals coming together through contributions of time and treasure to support these organizations is, in part, what makes Centre County such a great place to live, raise a family, and do business." said David Lieb, President of Centre Foundation.
Through 2026, in honor of Centre Foundation's 45th anniversary, every gift to the Fund for Centre County is matched dollar for dollar. The fund provides permanent, endowed support that can respond to the community's greatest needs over time, so each gift becomes twice the lasting resource for Centre County.
Leadership Centre County focuses on another form of community investment: people. The organization develops informed, connected, civic-minded leaders through education, dialogue, and experience, with an emphasis on servant leadership, community service, and mentoring the next generation. By building understanding across sectors, those leaders create the trust and collaboration that allow businesses, nonprofits, and government to solve problems together.
"It was an honor to participate in the Voice of Business event, in collaboration with the CBICC and Centre Foundation. For 35 years, Leadership Centre County has worked to cultivate a legacy of leadership across our region. We know that the greatest investment we can make in our community is an investment in its people. Our mission centers on inspiring a lifelong passion for servant leadership, and when our community unites in purposeful action and intention, we hold the power to shape the next generation of leaders and a vibrant future for Centre County." said Denise Sullivan, Executive Director of Leadership Centre County.
Panelists Alex Sahakian, President of Highland Holding Group; Ethan Wendle, Co-Founder of DiamondBack Covers; Greg Hayes, President and CEO of Kish Bank; and Ryan Burke, Partner and Director of Business Development at One-On-One Fitness, shared how their companies have made community investment part of the way they do business. Giving back doesn't look the same for every business. It can mean financial support, board service, employee volunteerism, or lending expertise.
"The strength of this community has never been the work of one organization," said Scott. "It's what happens when businesses, nonprofits, government, community organizations and individuals all choose to invest in this place together. When we invest in our community, we're investing in our economic future. And when we give back together, we move Centre County forward together."
The CBICC’s Voice of Business series continues to provide a platform for meaningful discussions on the issues shaping Centre County.
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About 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 the region’s leading economic development entity, CBICC is committed to cultivating a vibrant business landscape by driving economic development, stimulating job creation, and fostering innovation
