Shifting Ground: As Rockview Closure Looms, Centre County Faces a New Economic Reality
Centre County is bracing for economic upheaval as Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration moves to close Rockview State Prison by September 2025. The decision, part of a broader $100 million cost-cutting initiative, has been met with resistance from local officials and union leaders who warn of job losses, economic ripple effects, and community disruption. Rockview employs 658 people, making it a major economic anchor in the region.
The Future of Penn State: Rapid Changes, Big Bets, and What to Watch
Penn State is evolving at a pace faster than ever before. From massive financial investments to privatization, NIL and direct payments, and enrollment shifts, major decisions are reshaping the university.
Penn State and NIH Funding Cuts: What You Need to Know
The abrupt change represents “a nuclear bomb on university budgets,” says Morgan Polikoff, an education researcher at the University of Southern California. “I mean, listen, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this out. They’re just trying to hurt universities.”
Blending STEM and Entrepreneurial Mindset: Is the Future Already Here?
As Penn State looks to the future, the integration of STEM disciplines with programs like the Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIENT) major, its corresponding master’s program, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENTI) minor, showcases a pioneering approach to education that meets the evolving demands of a technology-driven marketplace.
Understanding Trump’s Actions and Policies and “Where the Puck is Going”
As the Trump administration moves forward with its agenda, several key policy changes and actions are poised to significantly affect higher education. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help clarify the steps being implemented and those proposed for the future:
Will Penn State Follow Another Big 10 School’s Lead in Innovating the Future of Higher Ed?
As we look ahead to potential shifts in education policy under the Trump administration, Penn State stands at a pivotal crossroads. With the proposed abolishment of the Department of Education and shifts in funding priorities, it is crucial for both the university and local businesses in State College, PA, to remain agile and proactive.
Penn State “All In” on Big Time Football
Jim Knowles, architect of OSU’s championship defense, spurned offers to remain in Columbus or depart for Oklahoma to instead become the new defensive coordinator at Penn State.
A vision for “Sensor Valley”: Central PA Sensor Technology Cluster Event
On December 4, 2024, the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College hosted the inaugural Central PA Sensor Technology Cluster event, gathering industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and economic development experts to showcase the region’s growing sensor technology industry. The event, organized by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA, Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC), SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), and Penn State’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization, served as a rallying call to position Central PA as the “Sensor Valley” of the United States.
Why community is your and our biggest asset
Customers do not just want products, they want connection. They want to feel part of something bigger than themselves. When you shift your focus from transactions to relationships, you transform customers into loyal supporters. Community-driven businesses grow faster, retain customers longer, and spend less on marketing because their customers are doing the work for them.
