Stop and Smell the Roses
By Greg WoodmanReprinted from 1988 Football Preview What are the distinct geographical boundaries of the area called Happy Valley? Is it just the Penn State campus, Beaver Stadium, College Avenue, and five bars with lots of memories? If the area is growing as much as it appears, will Happy Valley soon be called “Big Valley” […]
Why Stories—and “Happy Valley”—Stick: What Neuroscience Teaches Us About Branding a Region
In business, leadership, and community development, we spend enormous energy crafting data-driven plans, economic forecasts, and strategic reports. But here’s the truth:
It’s not the data that moves people. It’s the story.
The Local Giant: How Don Hamer Built Big Without Leaving Happy Valley
In a world where success is often measured by how far you can go, Don Hamer proved that greatness could be built by staying right where you are.
This Week’s Connect Happy Valley eLetter
Run with Heart — Because That’s How We Lead, Live, and Grow Together
Last month, we kicked off our first Community Conversations with a powerhouse panel of leaders who embody what it means to serve, shape, and spark change in Happy Valley.
Foundations: Building a Penn State Sports Legacy
At the Nittany Lion Inn | Saturday, July 26 at 7 PM
What does the name Mike Reid mean to you?
Grammy Award-winning songwriter. Concert pianist. Penn State All-American. NFL Pro.
On July 26, he returns to where it all began—for one unforgettable night.
Be entertained by Penn State’s own Mike Reid — the embodiment of the “Grand Experiment.”
“Random Collisions of Goodness” Spark Unexpected Connections in Reedsville
In Big Valley, even an economic development event feels like a homecoming By Cara Aungst Last Wednesday, Ben Franklin Technology Partners collaborated with the Juniata Valley Chamber of Commerce for an entrepreneurial networking event celebrating innovation, connection, and the power of community in the tiny town of Reedsville. The event was a small revolution. It […]
Leading with Love: The Quiet Power of Nonprofits Like the Centre County Youth Service Bureau
The call came one fall morning—unexpected, somber, and deeply telling. A young adult who had once stayed in a safe shelter run by the Centre County Youth Service Bureau (YSB) had passed away. Though years had gone by, first responders identified YSB as the last known support in his life. What happened next revealed exactly what it means to lead with love.
Readers Speak: Why Leading with Heart Resonates in Happy Valley
“So happy to see ‘art and heart’ finally getting the recognition it deserves. We’ve spent too long celebrating size and scale alone—there’s so much to learn from founders who lead differently.”
