Letter from the Editor — Power of the People
Risk-takers and those who support them help keep area healthy — and Happy
State College and the rest of Happy Valley have often been thought of as “recession proof” — that no matter how bad things get around the rest of the country, the economy stays strong here.
Thanks largely to Penn State, that fact remains true today. Compared to the rest of the state and country, our unemployment is low and the local economy keeps chugging along.
But even Happy Valley has felt some of the effects of the economic downturn over the past year. A few small businesses have closed their doors while others have had to “downsize” their staffs. Even Penn State had to fight hard trying to get its usual funding from the state.
This area, though, remains strong for one reason — its people. It’s the people who own the independent businesses that have been around for years, or decades, and continue to give back to the community and care for their employees.
It’s people who see something our area doesn’t have, take a chance and start a new business.
It’s people who started the Buy Local campaign because they have pride in this region and want to see the independent businesses succeed. A similar push that has been implemented here and in areas across the country is called the 3/50 Project, which asks people to pick three independently owned businesses in their community and spend $50 each month at them.
While Town&Gown has always celebrated these people during its 45 years, we’ve taken some extra steps recently to shine the spotlight even brighter. Last month, we started the “Business Spotlight” section that profiles a local business (this month you can read about Moyer Jewelers).
And this month, Town&Gown worked with the CBICC to produce the special “Business Forward” section. In it, you’ll find profiles on many local businesses that have not only thrived during the last decade, but also are poised to do well during this decade and beyond. The section also includes profiles on four local leaders under the age of 40 — they provide an example of how bright the future looks for Happy Valley — a story on the CBICC’s Business Incubator Program that helps new businesses get their starts, and a look at the business future of our region.
When it comes to this area, never doubt the entrepreneurial spirit that runs through it. As long as it’s there and allowed to run with its ideas, the future of this region, economic and otherwise, is secure — which should make everyone Happy.
David Pencek
Editorial Director
dpenc@barashmedia.com