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.