Centre County Population Growth Levels Off: 2018 Peak Unlikely to Be Surpassed
Centre County experienced steady population growth for much of the 20th and early 21st centuries. However, recent data shows that growth has slowed significantly.
Connect Happy Valley Report: Centre County by the Numbers — 2025 Trends and Insights
Centre County is changing — and in some interesting ways. From Penn State’s workforce to shifts in who’s moving in and what jobs are growing; here are some numbers worth knowing as we look at what’s ahead.
Understanding the 2025 Federal Budget Law: What It Means for Centre County
A sweeping new federal budget law passed in July 2025 has major implications for Penn State students, local service workers, retirees, and the regional economy. Here’s a breakdown of the key facts, when they go into effect, and what they mean for our area—opinions, just the numbers:
This Week’s Connect Happy Valley eLetter
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Why I Love Happy Valley: Fly Fishing in Spruce Creek, Up Next
I grew up in Julian — a quiet corner of Happy Valley where the outdoors wasn’t just a backdrop, it was a way of life. I went to Bald Eagle Area High School, spent my weekends on horseback, learned to hunt in the nearby woods, and fished local streams with my family.
Now, I’m a Penn State student, heading into my senior year this fall as an Agribusiness major. But long before college classes and career plans, I knew where I belonged — outside. Whether I was in the saddle, in the woods, or waist-deep in a cold creek with a fly rod in hand, the outdoors called to me.
The Game Behind the Game: What Every Local Needs to Know About Penn State Football in 2025
As the 2025 college football season kicks off, Penn State finds itself at the center of one of the most transformative eras in college athletics history. Beyond the touchdowns and tailgates, the evolving financial, legal, and operational forces now shaping college football are reshaping the Happy Valley economy and our community. Here’s your guide to all the moving parts.
The Torch Is Now Theirs—And They’re Carrying It Boldly
In a time when college athletics are shifting rapidly—more professional than amateur, more transactional than transformational—it’s easy to forget the foundations that once made college sports a proving ground not just for talent, but for character.
It’s easy, that is, unless you’re Sue Paterno or Dana Dokmanovich Harris.
Speak to Someone, Not Everyone: How to Create Meaningful Reach in a Noisy World
We’re all chasing attention these days—but what if the goal wasn’t reach but impact?
That’s where the humble eletter still shines: one thoughtful tactic that can break through the noise and actually build connection.
Innovation That Works: How to Align Product, Market & Operations—Without Guessing
Innovation expert Renie Johnson shares a refreshingly clear strategy for aligning your idea with real market demand and operational capacity. It’s not just about invention—it’s about building something that works. For your team. For your customer. And for the region.
