After four years and more than 600 original stories spotlighting the people and companies powering Central PA’s innovation economy, HappyValleyIndustry.com is evolving.
What started as a B2B storytelling platform is now becoming something even bigger — a community-wide movement to reconnect us all through local stories, civic pride, and shared purpose.
Launching next month, Connect Happy Valley will live inside HappyValleyIndustry.com — but will speak directly to students, alumni, business leaders, families, visitors, and everyday changemakers. Think of it as your region’s own Reddit, Substack, event calendar, and local media feed — all rolled into one.
We’re opening 14 editorial and community categories — each with its own feed, comment threads, contributor space, and live event tie-ins:
- Penn State Students – Innovation, campus life, and emerging voices
- Penn State Parents – From move-in to mentorship
- Alumni Connections – Legacy, career pivots, and giving back
- Penn State Athletics – Culture, courage, and connection beyond the game
- Business & Innovation – Startups, founders, and economic drivers
- Nonprofit & Philanthropy – Big-hearted orgs and volunteer energy
- Arts & Entertainment – The pulse of our cultural scene
- Local Living & Real Estate – Neighborhoods, housing, and regional growth
- Civic Life & Service – Borough leaders, school boards, and unsung civic heroes
- Faith & Values – Shared belief, compassion, and hope
- Education & Research – From early ed to groundbreaking PSU research
- Voices of Happy Valley – Essays, opinions, and community takes
- History & Heritage – The stories that shaped who we are
- The Taste of Happy Valley – Farmers, eateries, cideries, and brewers
This is your platform — not built for clicks, but for connection.
Want to Moderate a Category?
We’re looking for trusted voices — from students to retirees — to help moderate these spaces, suggest contributors, and spotlight what matters.
You’ll receive visibility and $1,000 + annual promotional value for your business, nonprofit, or cause.
Interested? Email greg@affinityconnection.com
Are You a Business or Organization That Wants to Partner?
This platform is also open for charter sponsors and category partners for local love-based community building businesses.
If you’re a business, nonprofit, or institution who wants to reach:
- By opening up the audience, name change and direction we see weekly audience of 50,000+ Happy Valley residents, alumni, and visitors by fall.
- A growing platform that amplifies real, human stories with user engagement.
- A digital “main street” where your voice has space and influence
Then join us as a Charter Partner or Category Supporter.
You’ll receive homepage visibility, sponsored stories, your own “storefront” on the platform, event inclusion, and opportunities to sponsor content that reflects your brand’s heart and mission.
Let’s build a region where everyone belongs — and where your brand helps make that happen.
To explore sponsorship or partnership opportunities, email greg@affinityconnection.com today.
