$1 Billion and Growing: How Happy Valley Is Building a Year-Round Tourism Engine
Centre County has quietly crossed a major milestone with more than $1 billion in visitor spending, and the strategy behind that growth is becoming increasingly clear.
What stands out in this conversation is alignment.
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau is leading destination marketing efforts that bring visitors into the region. At the same time, the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance is focused on recruiting and supporting events that fill hotels, restaurants, and local venues.
Two organizations working in sync. One outcome: sustained economic growth.
Instead of relying on a handful of peak weekends, the region is building a steady rhythm of activity across the calendar. Events, outdoor recreation, and community experiences are being positioned to work together rather than compete for attention.
The Palmer Museum: World-Class Art in Our Own Backyard
The first time I walked into the new Palmer Museum of Art, I was amazed. The attention to detail, and the architectural ingenuity required to protect the art from light while still maintaining a bright, inviting space, was breathtaking.
Understanding the 2025 Federal Budget Law: What It Means for Centre County
A sweeping new federal budget law passed in July 2025 has major implications for Penn State students, local service workers, retirees, and the regional economy. Here’s a breakdown of the key facts, when they go into effect, and what they mean for our area—opinions, just the numbers:
Leading with Love: The Quiet Power of Nonprofits Like the Centre County Youth Service Bureau
The call came one fall morning—unexpected, somber, and deeply telling. A young adult who had once stayed in a safe shelter run by the Centre County Youth Service Bureau (YSB) had passed away. Though years had gone by, first responders identified YSB as the last known support in his life. What happened next revealed exactly what it means to lead with love.
Lead Boldly, Act with Heart: Campus Closures, AI, and the Courage to Change
We elect leaders to make hard calls. But lately, when they do, we turn on them.
We saw it with Penn State’s decision to close seven Commonwealth Campuses. We’re seeing it again with the proposed closure of Rockview Prison. In both cases, leadership is accused of betrayal—of abandoning the people, history, the community.
Legislative Breakfast Highlights Key Issues Impacting Happy Valley
The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) hosted its annual Legislative Breakfast on March 20 at Toftrees Golf Resort, bringing together 150 business and community leaders for direct dialogue with elected officials. The event, part of CBICC’s Voice of Business series, focused on policy, economic development, and infrastructure priorities shaping Centre County.
Reimagining Rockview: A Turning Point for Centre County
With Rockview potentially closing as early as September, Centre County stands at a crossroads. The prison, which employs 658 people and sits on 5,700 acres of land, has been a key part of the local economy for decades. Now, as its closure looms, the big question is: What comes next?
Happy Valley’s role in the Alleghenies
By Jodie Dello Stritto In the state of Pennsylvania’s new tourism brand, the Great American Getaway, Happy Valley is featured prominently as a key destination in the Alleghenies region. The Alleghenies includes Centre, Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, Bedford and Fulton Counties and is a prime stop for visitors seeking a blend of natural beauty, […]
What Geisinger’s acquisition by Kaiser Permanente’s Risant Health could mean for Happy Valley healthcare
By Nikki Ciecierski Photo: Geisinger Kaiser Foundation Hospitals has established Risant Health, a nonprofit organization that aims to broaden and accelerate the acceptance of value-based healthcare in diverse, community-based health systems with multiple payers and providers. According to a press release from Geisinger, upon regulatory approval, Geisinger becomes part of the new organization through acquisition. […]
