CBICC INSIGHT INTO THE ISSUES, INDIVIDUALS, AND ACTIVITIES THAT ARE SHAPING ECONOMIC GROWTH IN CENTRE COUNTY

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in this issueNOVEMBER 2014 | VOLUME 1, EDITION 9

1 Enhanced effort underway to showcase Centre County as a business location destination

1 Forum sheds light on economic impact of natural gas industry on Centre County

2 Business Research Funding Coalition renews calls for greater federal government support of research

2 I-99 Corridor Economic Development: new publication will be centerpiece of regional marketing effort

3 Economic Developments In Brief

4 CBICC in Action

development literature and be included in all promotions associated with Pavilion activity, among other benefits.

“Partnering with DCED at the Expo demonstrates our commitment to showcasing Centre County as a business location destination before national and international site selectors and industry leaders,” Squier said. “We will continue to identify industries that would be a good fit for the county, and proactively work to make those critical connections.”

Other sponsors of the PA Pavilion include the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and Choose Greater Philadelphia.

Enhanced engagement with DCED officials and other statewide economic development partners, and raising the county’s visibility to companies seeking to make investments here will be key components of the Chamber’s economic development activities moving forward.

Forum sheds light on economic impact of natural gas industry on Centre CountyCentre County’s shale well statistics themselves may be modest compared to counties located in the heart of shale play, but that doesn’t mean the area isn’t benefiting from the industry. This was the message the CBICC sought to share with its members in hosting a Keystone Energy Forum on Nov. 14.

The Keystone Energy Forum is a group of concerned citizens and partners committed to improving the public’s understanding of, and support for, the many opportunities presented by the Marcellus Shale natural gas reserves in Pennsylvania. KEF’s goal is to educate fellow Pennsylvanians to ensure that elected officials are creating sound policies that promote a strong economy and energy security.

“Businesses here are developing

Enhanced effort underway to showcase Centre County as a business location destinationThe CBICC/Centre County Industry Development Corporation will serve as one of only six supporting presenters of the Pennsylvania Pavilion at NPE2015: The International Plastics Showcase in Orlando, FL.

In March 2015, more than 60,000 professionals from every spectrum of the plastics industry and markets, national and international, will gather at the Expo in order to discover new tools and access emerging technologies that are shaping the future of plastics. For the CBICC, having an elevated presence at the Expo is an opportunity to showcase what Centre County has to offer the plastics industry, particularly as it relates to Penn State University’s expertise and additive manufacturing research.

The Expo and the partnership opportunity were highlighted at the recent quarterly meeting of the Department of Community and Economic Development’s statewide economic development partners at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia. CBICC President and CEO Vern Squier, CCE, attended the meeting.

Pennsylvania ranks 5th in the country in both plastics shipment ($8.8 billion) and in value added to the plastics industry ($4.4 billion), according to the DCED. In addition, Shell Chemical LP announced this week that it was exercising its land-option agreement in Beaver County, an encouraging step forward in the construction of a major petrochemical facility there that could spur ancillary plastics industry growth throughout Pennsylvania.

As an Expo partner, the CBICC will have access to all leads generated, the ability to make press announcements within the Pavilion, ability to display economic

CBICC Mission

One of the largest chambers/economic development organizations in Pennsylvania, the Chamber of Business

& Industry of Centre County is the unified voice of businesses of all sizes and industry

sectors in Centre County. The CBICC’s mission is to promote the well-being and growth of commerce and industry, while

striving to maintain a high quality of life for those who live, work and do business in

Centre County.

Ted McDowell Senior Vice President, AmeriServ Bank

Chairman of the Board

Bill Joseph Senior Vice President, First National Bank

Vice Chairman of the Board

Vern SquierPresident and CEO

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innovative products, services and technologies in support of this industry. These are just some of the positive impacts we wanted to highlight at this event,” said CBICC President and CEO Vern Squier, CCE.

According to Penn State’s Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research, which was represented on the forum panel, Centre County has 48 wells listed on the production report, with 24 being actively producing wells. No new wells have been drilled since 2011. But from companies such as Rex Energy and Eclipse Resources having headquarters here, to existing local businesses finding new opportunities, to increased use of local services and increased natural gas utilization, the county is experiencing positive impacts from the industry. These benefits also include impact fee revenue resulting from Act 13 of 2012.

CBICC member KCF Technologies is one of the existing businesses finding new opportunities in the natural gas drilling industry. President Jeremy Frank was also a forum panelist. He provided a local business perspective about his company’s engagement with the drilling industry.

KCF’s continuous wireless vibration monitoring system addresses inefficiencies in the reactive maintenance process, saving drilling companies money by allowing for early detection of drilling equipment problems.

Frank told the audience the industry will likely account for at least half of KCF’s revenues over the next three years, making the industry a key part of KCF’s growth as a company.

“We received a lot of positive feedback from attendees, particularly for the opportunity to hear directly from a local company that has developed innovative technology beginning to be used by the industry to improve operations,” CBICC Communications Director Lesley Kistner told Marcellus Business Central, Media Sponsor of the forum.

Other panelists included representatives from Columbia Gas and API-PA.

Marcellus Business Central coverage of the forum is available here.

Centre Daily Times coverage of the forum is available here.

CBICC President and CEO Vern Squier said these are the accounts most in need of support and most in need of increased federal research accounts in the Fiscal Year 2015 Appropriations bill.

Squier said research funding is a critical global competitiveness issue for the nation, and an issue that has implications in Pennsylvania and locally due to Penn State University.

“Other counties are making significant investments in technology, and are gaining a competitive edge in cutting-edge technologies that are game changers for the economy,” Squier said. “Keeping up pace and being recognized as leaders globally will require a commitment from the federal government.”

Earlier this year, the Chamber participated in a Washington, DC fly-in with other members of the coalition to personally lobby members of Congress for increased federal research dollars.

I-99 Corridor Economic Development: new publication will be centerpiece of regional marketing effort

Business Research Funding Coalition renews calls for greater federal government support of researchThe Business for Federal Research Funding Coalition, of which the CBICC is

a member, is again urging Congress to pass an omnibus bill that robustly funds research – a key driver of the national innovation economy.

The coalition of 62 chambers of commerce from across the country sent a letter to key Congressional leaders in advance of the expiration of the Fiscal Year 2015 Continuing Resolution on Dec. 11, and the appropriation decisions that must be made.

The coalition is focusing its efforts on key agencies for research, including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy and Homeland Security.

The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County, the Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation and the Bedford County Development Association are partnering with Journal Communications on a regional marketing strategy designed to promote the I-99 Corridor as a new business location.

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The centerpiece of this marketing strategy is Pennsylvania’s I-99 Corridor Economic Development, a high-quality print publication distributed to talent prospects, site selectors and key economic development and government partners. The print magazine is accompanied by a companion website and digital version of the magazine viewable online and on mobile devices. This provides magazine advertisers with year-round exposure on multiple media platforms.

The magazine and related components will be excellent tools to help promote the region’s industry strengths and sell Centre County and the surrounding region as an ideal place for businesses to locate, grow and expand. It will be a key part of the CBICC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the private-sector economy and achieve the goals of 3B33.

The publication is in the ad sales and content development stages, and is expected to be published in spring of 2015.

DeShaun Goodrich is the ad sales representative for I-99 Corridor Economic Development; he has begun calling businesses in the region. To learn more about advertising opportunities, email sales@jnlcom.com or call 800 333-8842, ext. 292.

For additional information about the project, email lkistner@cbicc.org.

Economic Developments in BriefSEDA-COG to hold seminar on new international energy management seminar

SEDA-COG will hold a seminar on two programs – the EPA’s EnergyStar and ISO 50001 – available to help organizations improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and improve their bottom line. The “Energizing Our Region” seminar will be held from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at the Country Cupboard in Lewisburg, with breakfast preceding the program at 7:30 a.m. Keynote speaker is Ralene Molina-Kreiser, certified practitioner in Industrial Management Systems, ISO 50001 Auditor, PennTAP. The event brochure is available here. Online registration is available here. The cost to attend is $25.

CBICC, other JOBS1st partners working to complete Workforce and Training Needs Assessment

CBICC Economic Development Team Specialist Mary Resides attended a recent JOBS1st meeting that focused on the completion of the Workforce and Training Needs Assessments so the initiative can move into the development of training programs. The partners committed to the completion of 350 surveys by businesses within the region. Progress is being made in gathering information to be used to determine what additional training programs would benefit businesses in

Centre County. Any Centre County business that hasn’t been contacted and would like to participate is welcome to contact Mary Resides at 234-1829 or mresides@cbicc.org for additional information about the assessment.

CBICC to attend statewide Keystone Edge editorial board meeting

On Monday, Dec. 1, CBICC Communications Director Lesley Kistner will attend a statewide editorial advisory board meeting for the Keystone Edge publication. The meeting will be held at the Team PA Foundation offices in Harrisburg. Participants, many of them representatives of statewide economic development agencies, will be asked to share “big stories” taking place in their respective regions in order to develop areas of focus for the publication in 2015. Keystone Edge covers “what’s next” in Pennsylvania, including innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

Nominations being accepted for Governor’s ImPAct Awards

The CBICC is proud to support

Nominations are now open for the Third Annual Governor’s ImPAct Awards. The program seeks to recognize Pennsylvania companies that embody the American Dream by taking risks, working hard and achieving success. The nomination period is open through Jan. 15, 2015. Additional information is available here. 2014 winners included CBICC members Videon-Central and Websters Bookstore Café.

Penn State’s Learning Factory Calls for Company Project Submissions

Penn State University’s Learning Factory, a program designed to bring the real-world into the classroom through client-

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based design projects, is seeking project submissions for the spring 2015 semester. The deadline is Dec. 8, 2014. Companies of all sizes are encouraged to submit a product design, project design or software design project for engineering students to solve for a flat rate of $3,000. During the 15-week capstone course, students will work on challenges and present solutions at a design showcase at the completion of the semester. This year’s College of Engineering Design Showcase will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Bryce Jordan Center. Students will present projects completed in the fall 2014 semester. Companies interested in submitting projects, can get more information at Penn State.

CBICC in ActionBusiness & Industry Expo celebrates business community, fosters networking

The CBICC wishes to thank the sponsors, County Cuisine participants, exhibitors, attendees and volunteers for helping to make the 2014 Business & Industry Expo another great success.

The annual event fosters business-to-business and business-to-consumer relationships, and networking opportunities for attendees and exhibitors.

Sponsors this year included Supporting Sponsors WHM Group/BAI Group, Inc. and Skyline Exhibits; Marketing Sponsor Impressions WHQ; Networking Pavilion Sponsor Healthsouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital; Sign Sponsor Jaru; Charging Station Sponsor Wireless Made Simple and Social Hour Sponsor Transformations.

Media sponsors included PA Business Central/Sample Media, The Centre Daily Times, StateCollege.com, Central PA Newspapers, Results Radio and Forever Broadcasting.

County Cuisine participants included Home D Pizzeria/Robin Hood Brewing Company; Otto’s Pub & Brewery; Hoag’s Catering; Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering; Jersey Mike’s Subs; Quaker Steak & Lube; Big Spring Spirits; Dolce Vita Desserts; U-FREEZE Wine Slush; Tait Farm Foods; Dickey’s Barbeque Pit; and Rotelli.

Expo coverage from the Centre Daily Times is available here;

From StateCollege.com, here.

The article that appeared in Pennsylvania Business Central is available here.

Social Media push gives extra exposure to ExpoAn emphasis on social media and the use of Expo hashtag #cbiccexpo brought extra exposure to the event and participants. The stats across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram included:

- 254 total posts

- 107 users

- 182,454 reached

- 261,977 total impressionsCBICC hosts ‘Ask the Expert’ panel as part of Penn State Global Entrepreneurship Week

As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week at Penn State, the CBICC hosted an “Ask the Expert” event at the HUB Robeson Center. A number of business professionals from CBICC membership were available to students and the public to answer questions related to their area of expertise. Groups represented included CBICC, SCORE, CREN and New Leaf. The CBICC’s Business & Industry Expo was a stop during GEW, and the CBICC’s office was a “selfie” stop.

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Publisher

Vern Squier

President/CEO, Chamber of

Business & Industry of Centre County

Writer

Lesley Kistner

Communications Director

LKistner@cbicc.org

CBICC holds ribbon cutting for Knisely Shredding

The CBICC recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Knisely Shredding’s new mobile hard drive destruction service. The ribbon cutting took place at the offices of Shaleme Insurance in State College, which was offering the service free to its clients on the day of the event. CBICC Communications Director Lesley Kistner and CBICC ambassador Jim Colyer, Doty & Hench, were on hand to help cut the ribbon.

Proclamation urges support of small businesses, merchants on Small Business Saturday

On Monday, Nov. 17, State College Mary Elizabeth Goreham presented a proclamation to CBICC President and CEO Vern Squier and Downtown State College Improvement District’s Dolores Taricani urging residents to support Centre County’s small businesses and merchants. The proclamation was in support of Small Business Saturday, which is Nov. 29. In 2010, American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help businesses with their most pressing need — getting more

customers. The day encourages people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are currently 23 million small businesses in the United States, which represents more than 99 percent of American employer firms, create more than two-thirds of the net new jobs, and generate 46 percent of private Gross Domestic Product. As part of its efforts to promote the day, the CBICC handed out Small Business Saturday materials to attendees of the annual Business & Industry Expo, encouraging the community to “shop small.”

‘Around the County’ program to feature CBICC, President Vern Squier

On Nov. 20, CBICC President and CEO Vern Squier, CCE, was interviewed for an upcoming segment of C-NET’s “Around the County” program. The interview

focused on the history of the Chamber and its economic development mission. The program featuring Squier’s interview is scheduled to air in January. Viewing information will be shared with members once available.