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.”
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.”
