A planned major redevelopment at Toftrees Golf Resort took a notable step forward this week with the help of Patton Township’s Board of Supervisors.

At its meeting on Thursday, the board unanimously adopted a zoning ordinance change that will aid the development of the resort’s estimated $50 million expansion and upgrade project. The code changes will enable increased building height and residential dwellings in the area.
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Reflecting the initial requests of the project’s developers, the approved zoning ordinance will increase the maximum building height from 50 feet to 75 feet on the resort property only. It also increases the number of permitted residential units within the Toftrees Planned Community, paving the way for the construction of 50 new homes within the 140,000-square-foot resort’s jurisdiction near the end of Country Club Drive.

STATE COLLEGE, PA (Jan. 27, 2023) – Penn State President Dr. Neeli Bendapudi discussed Penn State’s economic impact in Centre County and throughout the state during a Chamber of Business & Industry "Voice of Business" luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 26.

The event, held at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College, was attended by 200 business and community leaders and moderated by the Chamber’s President and CEO Greg Scott.

Dr. Bendapudi opened the discussion by speaking of the pride she felt upon becoming a U.S. citizen in 2005 and expressed gratitude for the "warmth and generosity" she and her family have been shown since she became president of the university in May 2022.

​Bendapudi also discussed her belief in higher education as a powerful economic engine, while referencing the more than $11.6 billion the university contributes to the state’s economy and how it supports, directly and indirectly, more than 105,000 jobs.

She also referenced the many positive outcomes that can be achieved in Centre County through cooperation between the university and the business community, and the many ways Penn State improves the lives of all Pennsylvanians through its historic role as the state's only land-grant institution.

Bendapudi commended Scott and Chamber leadership for prioritizing “smart” economic development by encouraging new business, while also leading efforts to meet workforce needs and grow and support existing businesses.

“Penn State is a critical stakeholder in the economic strategic plan the Chamber is creating for Centre County and the region,” said Scott. “The Chamber looks forward to working with Dr. Bendapudi and Penn State to prioritize the smart-growth initiatives that will improve the lives of everyone who calls Centre County home.”

Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity within the Governor’s Office and the Economic Development Strategy Group.

This newly created office will be a one-stop-shop for businesses looking to grow and will work to aggressively reignite Pennsylvania’s economy – fostering innovation, supporting transformational economic development, and creating real opportunity for businesses and workers alike in our Commonwealth, particularly in communities that have too often been left behind.

​As part of this announcement, Governor Shapiro named Pennsylvania business leader and entrepreneur Ben Kirshner to the role of Chief Transformation and Opportunity Officer.