By Greg Woodman
In my Engineering 310 Entrepreneurship course, as my students are eager turn their ideas into businesses, I challenge them first and foremost with this question: What problem are you solving? In reflecting on the past year and starting a new one, it’s an important exercise to do this myself.
What problem is HappyValleyIndustry.com solving?
The answer possibly lies in this note I received a the end of the year from Stan LaFuria at the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership:
“Hello from the greater Philipsburg/Moshannon Valley region. I just want to thank you again for the great story that you folks wrote about the economic recovery of the Moshannon Valley: “How the Moshannon Valley Turned Economic Disaster into Multi-Million Dollar Success.” This was an outstanding piece about our work and the changed economy here in this area. THANK YOU AGAIN!”
Since 2020, our team at HappyValley Industry has been driven to fill a void in the region’s media space by shining a light on the awesome: cool startups and thriving businesses; research-driven, life-changing innovations; career-launching opportunities; abundant natural assets; diverse and high-quality educational opportunities; incredible homes and neighborhoods; exceptional quality of life and livability for all ages. OK… but why?
First, for us, it’s a different kind of “Gotcha” journalism. We caught you being awesome and we want to share it. In fact, in 2024, we’ll launch a regular “Gotcha” column every week where we feature someone being a leader and change agent or doing good to contribute to our community, our co-op.
Second, think about this quote from Steve Jobs, especially the part in bold: “The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storyteller sets the vision, values and agenda of an entire generation that is to come.” The story of Happy Valley today sets the vision, values and agenda of tomorrow.
What does that vision look like? What are the values and agenda that will form the foundation of Happy Valley’s future? We want to see that future and act upon it today, spotlighting leadership and those with the courage to be at the front of this parade.
In 2024, we are looking for a few like-minded individuals and organizations to join us in sharing a coordinated, integrated vision for Happy Valley. One that celebrates its fertile ecosystem built on thriving private-public partnerships and the convergence of technology, innovation, research, commercial real estate, tourism, higher education, philanthropy, civic engagement, outdoor recreation, and more.
If you want to amplify the solutions of the region’s business and industry and non-profit sector; lure more customers, top talent and beneficial partnerships; and showcase Happy Valley as an optimal option for corporate headquarters, satellite locations, retirement and remote work, let’s talk.
Many of you shared your stories with us in 2023 and allowed us to share them with our readers who range from local changemakers to Penn State alumni living and working around the world. Thank you. Now…
Do YOU want to be an active player in shaping an integrated vision for Happy Valley, sharing it with others and inviting them to join you? Do you want to lay the foundation of our incredible region for generations to come? I want to hear from you. Comment below or email me directly at greg@affinityconnection.com.
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