Unbaked Flour Company restores the joy of food to those with digestive disorders
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Hannah Carney with her donut holes at the Happy Valley Venture Capitalist Competition. Photo: Provided. Sometimes, necessity is the mother of invention. At least that’s the case with Hannah Carney, whose medical condition inspired her to take dietary matters into her own hands. Carney’s issues with her health originated in 2020, right […]
“Gritty, fast and focused on outcomes”: Todd Erdley’s plan for explosive growth in private industry
By Cara Aungst On March 1, Videon founder Todd Erdley joined Ben Franklin Technology Center as a central regional director responsible for mentoring startups and small manufacturers in Centre, Mifflin and Juniata Counties. He calls it a natural next step for him — Ben Franklin was instrumental in Videon’s growth and market dominance, and Erdley […]
Want to innovate? Your company needs intrapreneurship now
By Holly Riddle The upcoming Conference on Intrapreneurship Employees as ChangeMakers sheds light on the many ways intrapreneurially-minded employees can benefit their organizations from within, while also showing employees how harnessing their intrapreneurial spirit is a fantastic opportunity to innovate, but without the risks that come with traditional entrepreneurialism. These are both concepts that students […]
Why Bellefonte’s unique bed and breakfasts are thriving post-pandemic
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger The Queen. Photo: Provided. Part of Bellefonte’s draws for visitors are the unique lodging opportunities available at local bed and breakfasts. Owning and operating a B&B requires hard work and commitment, plus a passion for people and hospitality. Three Bellefonte B&B proprietors share how they have continued to thrive amid changes and […]
Central Pennsylvania creative professionals take networking to a new level
By Veronica Heller Photo: Provided. If you’re not yet familiar with the nonprofit support group, Central Pennsylvania Creative Professionals (also simply referred to as [CP]2) is a network by local entrepreneurs for local entrepreneurs in the creative fields. Dedicated to improving businesses near and far, big or small, whether you’re a single-person operation or have […]
Historic Gamble Mill flourishing again with new owners and offerings
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger The picturesque Gamble Mill. Photo: Provided. Most Happy Valley residents know Gamble Mill. Originally constructed in 1786 and known as Lamb Mill, the iconic structure in downtown Bellefonte became Gamble Mill in the early 1900s. It changed hands several times in the next decades, and offered a restaurant and then a brewpub […]
Social worker invents a fix for kids’ cold feet with Koveroo
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Aquito Young, inventor of a blanket that contains an integrated pouch, takes his concept from idea, to reality. Photo: Provided. Aquito Young, a social worker and now inventor and startup founder, was frequently struggling with his child kicking off their bed covers in the middle of the night. This simple, common parental […]
First food and beverage TechCelerator fuels scalable solutions in cancer recovery drinks, gut healing foods and supply chains
Ben Franklin Technology Partners has launched the 2023 round of its TechCelerator program, and for the first time, the food and beverage industry is in the spotlight. This year’s group of participating startup founders is focused on the science and innovation of food and drink. “This program has challenged me to get uncomfortable and develop […]
Taking a groundbreaking idea from the lab to the orchard
By Holly Riddle Photo: Kari A. Peter. Late last year, HappyValley Industry covered the Ben Franklin Technology Partners 2022 BIG IDEA Contest. The 2022 contest focused specifically on the agricultural, food and beverage industries and the second-place winner — and recipient of $10,000 to further his business — was Penn State researcher and associate professor […]
