The Heart of the Community: The Nonprofit Sector’s Role in Connection and Resilience

Graduation is here, summer is near, and the Oregon game may be months away, September 27—but this is the White Out moment for the heart of our community.
Next week is Centre Gives, and if you are wondering what really holds a place like Happy Valley together—it’s not just football or fall foliage. It’s the nonprofit sector.
Celebrate Small Business Week in Downtown State College

There’s something special about being known. Maybe it’s the barista who starts your drink as soon as you walk in, the bookseller who always nails your next read, or the shop owner who asks about your family. These aren’t just transactions—they’re connections. They’re the heartbeat of a strong, local community.
The Quiet Real Estate Gold Rush: Why Penn Staters Are Snapping Up These Hidden Gems

If you’ve been watching the real estate market in and around State College, you might’ve noticed a quiet trend. Certain properties —— are getting snapped up quickly. And the buyers? More often than not, they’re Penn State alumni and parents who know exactly what they’re looking for—quality of life! Is this not the greatest place to live, work and PLAY!
Stronger Communities Build Stronger Businesses: Why We’re Spotlighting the State College Food Bank This Week

Five years ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic turned life upside down, the State College Food Bank didn’t close for a single day.
The Most Powerful Business Resources in Happy Valley –But Only If You Use Them

We always say Happy Valley is “resource-rich.” But resources don’t create success unless you plug into them.
MVEDP Annual Dinner Celebrates “NEVER STOP TRYING” Community Success and Entrepreneurial Growth in Moshannon Valley

The Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership (MVEDP) hosted its 35th Annual Awards Dinner last week, spotlighting a powerful blueprint for economic renewal: smart public investment, strategic partnerships, and unwavering support for local businesses.
Tea Leaves on Education? Palantir’s Fellowship Hints at Higher Ed’s Shifting Value

Palantir Technologies—a data analytics giant co-founded by tech investor Peter Thiel—has launched a provocative new initiative: the Meritocracy Fellowship, directly challenging the traditional college-to-career pipeline.
Why “Why?” May Be the Most Powerful Question in Happy Valley Right Now

What if the most transformative thing we could do for our businesses, institutions, and community wasn’t a major investment or groundbreaking technology?
Teammates for Life—and the Power of Showing Up

Charlene Morett-Curtiss—Penn State legend, two-time Olympian, and lifelong mentor—joined us for our first Connecting the Dots Community Conversation.