Just four months ago, the 2024 Centre County Economic Development Strategic Plan laid out a comprehensive vision for the region’s economic future. Developed through extensive research, data analysis, and community engagement, the plan identifies key strengths, challenges, and opportunities that will shape Centre County’s growth over the next decade.
Why Revisit the Report Now?
Though released just months ago, new developments are shaping the region in real time. As businesses and community leaders navigate these shifts, the insights and strategies outlined in the plan are more relevant than ever. Whether you’re a business owner, policymaker, or engaged resident, taking another look at the report can provide valuable perspective on Centre County’s economic trajectory and the role you can play in shaping it.
Read the full report today at Centre County Forward and stay ahead of the region’s evolving economic landscape.
We caught up with Greg Scott, President and CEO of the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County Tuesday February 25, 2025 to get some updates.
Alignment with state government initiatives
“Since the start of our economic development planning process, we’ve prioritized alignment with the state’s economic development efforts. That commitment has strengthened our partnership with Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Just last month we collaborated with several economic development partners to host DCED representatives for a tour of Centre County, highlighting economic development opportunities and key projects. We’re excited to continue building on this partnership as our efforts progress.”
Workforce and education
“To address ongoing workforce needs in our region, we’re activating key partnerships to connect job seekers with local employers. On May 14, CareerLink will host a job fair at the C3 Sports and Event center designed to facilitate those connections.
Additionally, new employers entering the region in 2026 will bring 500-600 jobs to Centre County. These opportunities, at a new casino in College Township and an Amazon Warehouse at Benner Commercial Park, will provide employment opportunities for local job seekers, potentially including displaced workers from SCI Rockview, should that facility close.”
Sensor technology/targeted and emerging industries
“Over the past six months, the CBICC has been collaborating with Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA and SEDA-COG to strengthen Centre County’s sensor technology cluster. We’ve begun engaging with sensor-related companies in the region and are organizing a roundtable for the spring to explore how we can better support the existing sensor businesses and market Centre County as a prime location for industry growth.”
Rockview
“The future of SCI Rockview remains uncertain, pending the state’s decision following a public comment period. SCI Rockview has been an institution in our community for over 100 years and currently employs 658 workers, and we are committed to working with community, county, and state partners to ensure that affected workers and residents have access to the resources and support they need during a potential transition.
The Centre County Economic Development Strategic Plan, launched in October 2024, highlights the opportunity to transform underutilized, untaxed land to drive economic growth in Centre County. Additionally, The CBICC has a strong track record of facilitating state-to-private land transfers, such as the Giant grocery store development in Bellefonte and the Benner Commerce Park. Fifteen years after that transfer, Benner Commerce Park is nearly at full capacity, delivering significant economic impact.
A parcel of the Rockview land’s size presents a strategic opportunity to address regional challenges including business growth, job creation, and workforce and affordable housing development in a key location. Should SCI Rockview close, we will continue engaging with the state and local community partners to drive sustainable, thoughtful development, ensuring that the property is leveraged for maximum community and economic benefit.”
