​When a local company needed to grow, its leaders turned to the Centre County Economic Development Partners (CCEDP) and laid out the challenges and opportunities.
 
"In order to grow, we needed to increase production capacity in the form of a second machine, which would require a larger building and a second shift," explained Bruce Pellegrino, Vice President of Marketing at Sensor Networks, Inc. (SNI). "To start that domino effect, we needed assistance to acquire a second machine." 

​This type of game-changing growth opportunity is exactly what the CCEDP values when it engages with local companies to stay in the area and grow - increasing a company's productivity and expanding its workforce with local hires. With a CCEDP investment, SNI was able to purchase a second machine this year and is now open for business in their new location at 366 Walker Drive in State College. SNI has nearly doubled the square footage of their work space and will grow their team to 125 full-time employees.

​“On behalf of the Centre County Economic Development Partnership, we are proud to partner with Sensor Networks,” said Vern Squier, President & CEO of CBICC/CCEDP. “Our partners are dedicated to this area growing together, which is exactly what we are celebrating today. This is a tangible example of business growth, jobs growth, and the growth of our local economy – all accomplished through focused partnership.”

​“Sensor Networks is super-excited to be settling into our new home here at Washington Centre in State College,” said Pellegrino. "Today we will be dedicating our new enhanced production capabilities and appreciating all of the assistance and financial support that we’ve been getting from CBICC and the local business-friendly communities.”
 
Pellegrino also emphasized access to a local workforce in order for SNI to continue its growth trajectory.
 
"Our ability to serve the customer is based on access to engineers and machinists," Pellegrino noted.

​The company’s customers are heavily based in the aviation sector and frequently visit the Happy Valley headquarters to trouble-shoot issues with SNI’s experts.
 
SNI is a modern-day manufacturer, constructing sensors that send data to companies such as Southwest Airlines in order to keep a plane engine's fan blades working properly. The transducers that SNI manufactures are either permanently affixed to send data remotely or are brought in for routine testing purposes. SNI's international clients, like General Electric-Aviation, rely on the sensors to keep people safe and to keep equipment in proper working order. This means safer travelling conditions for people flying worldwide – and into Centre County.

​The machine that SNI needed and that set off this local economic investment in our community was a CNC (computer numerical control) lathe machine. Run by a computer, the nimble machine has five axis points from which it can cut. This helps SNI work on a piece of equipment that has a composite of both metal and plastic, with the machine easily cutting between the layers.

This purchase and its chain reaction of economic impact in our community was made possible by a $122,000 investment package funded by CCEDP partners: Centre County Government, College Township, Ferguson Township, Patton Township, State College Borough, Halfmoon Township, and Spring Township.

To learn more about CCEDP partners or economic development in Centre County, please visit cbicc.org or contact Jennifer Myers, Vice President of Economic Development (jennifer@cbicc.org | 814-234-1829).

​A Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County ribbon cutting event provided an opportunity for local dignitaries to learn more about the newly opened Nittany Valley Sports Centre – a locally owned and operated indoor sports facility offering recreational and competitive sports activities, including skills training, leagues, and speed and agility classes.
 
The guest list included CBICC and Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau board members, business leaders, elected officials, and CBICC Ambassadors, who toured the 68,500-square-foot facility, and heard from owner/developer Michael Lee about current and future plans for the complex, The Centre’s customer base and reach, and the complex’s potential impact on the local economy and tourism.
 
“As we think of the traveling teams that are going to come here; the visitors that will overnight here and spend, and enjoy our community in so many ways, this is going to be great,” CBICC President and CEO Vern Squier said. “The Nittany Valley Sports Centre is a tremendous asset that not only better serves the recreational needs of Centre County residents, but that has the potential to generate an influx of dollars from outside the county to the benefit of local businesses and the overall economy.”

​Lee told the group that he got the idea for The Centre, as it is known, in 2012 while traveling with his daughter to competitive gymnastics meets across the country. He recognized the need for and potential of such a facility in Centre County.
 
Lee said The Centre – complete with a 20,000-square-foot indoor Puregrass® turf field, a 10,000-square-foot hard court area; and a 16,000-square-foot competitive gymnastics area, among other amenities – had a wonderful opening in February, with “literally thousands of faces” walking through the doors over the past four weeks.
 
“We’ve had a great response from the community,” he said, stressing that the Nittany Valley Sports Centre is a place for people of all ages.
 
Future plans for The Centre include bringing athletic tournaments to Centre County.
 
Lee acknowledged a number of individual and organizations that helped to make his vision a realty, including his “primary mentor and investor,” Dan Hawbaker, president and CEO of Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., and Patton Township.
 
“Patton Township has been as good as a partner as you could imagine,” he said.
 
Delta Development was also recognized for its expertise and diligence in making the project a reality.

​In addition, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman was recognized for his role in securing a $1.5 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant in September 2018 for the construction of The Centre.
 
“As tournament play increases, the local economy will receive a boost from those traveling to participate in the activities offered here. At the same time, this is a place where our kids can stay active in league sports during the winter months without having to travel. It’s a win-win for our community,” Corman said. “Because of the year round training opportunities for kids and families, this investment of state funds in our community is having a significant positive impact on our local economy as the facility is ready to play host to a number of regional and national indoor tournaments.”
 
To learn more about The Nittany Valley Sports Centre, visit www.thecentrepa.com
 

"If we want to capitalize on economic opportunities that will propel us forward as a county, we have to also think beyond geographical boundaries and municipal borders."

Our recent Centre Daily Times Business Matters column explores how countywide foundational issues -- issues that matter to business regardless of size, industry sector or location -- serve as a bridge between urban and rural growth. Read more.