https://www.driveindustry.com DRIVE News Feed Sat, 23 May 2026 17:20:15 +0000 en-US https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/67424/the-2026-focus-central-pa-industrial-development-forum-highlighted-ai-use-and-collaboration https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/67424/the-2026-focus-central-pa-industrial-development-forum-highlighted-ai-use-and-collaboration Mon, 04 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000 The Industrial Development Forum, organized by Focus Central PA, brought together community leaders, business owners, site selectors, brokers, and partners to discuss economic development opportunities in the region. The goal of this event was to put everyone in one room to work toward growth.“If we want to attract investment, we... https://www.driveindustry.com/news/articles/p/item/67148/report-highlights-entrepreneur-trends-across-appalachia-communities https://www.driveindustry.com/news/articles/p/item/67148/report-highlights-entrepreneur-trends-across-appalachia-communities Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 The economic development team at DRIVE has published a report on the state of entrepreneurship in Appalachia. This report is three years in the making, the result of a collaborative effort with Building Bridges 2 Careers (BB2C) and the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center (SBDC).Amanda Craig-Bradley, Business Outreach Manager,... https://www.driveindustry.com/news/articles/p/item/67147/ben-franklin-technology-partners-works-with-drive-to-support-manufacturers-and-entrepreneurs https://www.driveindustry.com/news/articles/p/item/67147/ben-franklin-technology-partners-works-with-drive-to-support-manufacturers-and-entrepreneurs Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeast Pennsylvania is a valuable partner for business development and expansion in the region. The organization helps manufacturing companies invest in process improvements while assisting entrepreneurs in their early growth stages.“One of the coolest things about our job is working with entrepreneurs when they are... https://www.driveindustry.com/news/articles/p/item/66772/health-care-has-become-the-lifeblood-of-the-labor-market https://www.driveindustry.com/news/articles/p/item/66772/health-care-has-become-the-lifeblood-of-the-labor-market Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 New York Times By Lydia DePillis: March 6, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ETAn aging population is drawing workers to medical and social care, creating reliable jobs and revealing weakness for the rest of the economy.It is an exceptionally difficult time to find a job in America, as employers work through a... https://www.driveindustry.com/news/articles/p/item/66648/creating-jobs-in-columbia-county-governor-shapiro-secures-5-million-investment-from-berwick-industries-incorporated-to-open-new-manufacturing-operation-create-125-new-jobs https://www.driveindustry.com/news/articles/p/item/66648/creating-jobs-in-columbia-county-governor-shapiro-secures-5-million-investment-from-berwick-industries-incorporated-to-open-new-manufacturing-operation-create-125-new-jobs Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 February 26, 2026The Shapiro Administration is investing over $3 million into the growth of the consumer ribbon and bow manufacturer in Berwick.Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has secured $40.4 billion in private sector investments and created more than 22,400 new jobs.Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Commonwealth... https://www.driveindustry.com/news/articles/p/item/66609/2026-pa-sites-awards-announced-drive-named-among-recipients https://www.driveindustry.com/news/articles/p/item/66609/2026-pa-sites-awards-announced-drive-named-among-recipients Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Governor Shapiro Announces New PA SITES Awards, Investing Over $31 Million in Seven Projects Across the Commonwealth to Create Hundreds of Jobs and Build More Shovel-Ready Sites for BusinessesFebruary 25, 2026Governor Shapiro created the PA SITES program after consulting with national site selectors to ensure Pennsylvania has more readily available,... https://www.driveindustry.com/news/articles/p/item/66553/sunbury-invests-in-its-downtown-to-support-talent-retention-and-attraction https://www.driveindustry.com/news/articles/p/item/66553/sunbury-invests-in-its-downtown-to-support-talent-retention-and-attraction Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Under the leadership of the nonprofit, Sunbury’s Revitalization Inc. (SRI), the city of Sunbury in Northumberland County is investing heavily in community development, building up small business owners while attracting and retaining residents. Since 1986, SRI has been primarily a volunteer-driven organization. Recently, through a series of grants and support... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/66415/the-keystone-innovation-zone-provides-tax-credits-to-qualifying-companies https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/66415/the-keystone-innovation-zone-provides-tax-credits-to-qualifying-companies Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Businesses operating in Central Pennsylvania can take advantage of the Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) tax credit program to support their growth. Through this program, businesses can either offset their tax burden or sell their tax credits to increase their cash flow. Companies across the region participate in KIZ to reinvest... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/66414/volunteer-firefighters-partner-with-local-schools-to-build-the-next-generation https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/66414/volunteer-firefighters-partner-with-local-schools-to-build-the-next-generation Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 In Pennsylvania, 96.5% of fire departments are run by volunteers, but the number of active firefighters is on the decline. Volunteer firefighter participation nationwide has dropped by 25% since 1984, despite a 40% increase in the American population.Danville, along with other counties in Central Pennsylvania, has noticed a reduction in... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/65202/montour-county-liberty-bell-unveiled-as-part-of-america-250-pa-art-series https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/65202/montour-county-liberty-bell-unveiled-as-part-of-america-250-pa-art-series Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000 As part of America's 250th anniversary next year, America 250 Pennsylvania has been unveiling Liberty Bells in all 67 counties across the Commonwealth.MONTOUR COUNTY, Pa. — Canal Park in Danville was full of people early Tuesday morning as people gathered to see the unveiling of Montour County's custom-painted Liberty Bell,... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/65033/drives-economic-development-partners-collaborate-to-grow-central-pennsylvania https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/65033/drives-economic-development-partners-collaborate-to-grow-central-pennsylvania Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000 DRIVE provides economic development and business expansion services to five counties in Central Pennsylvania, but it doesn’t operate alone. Its efforts are scalable and streamlined because of several regional partners, ranging from utility providers to government agencies. However, two local organizations provide exceptional assistance to site selectors and companies looking... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/64874/fabtex-merges-with-quiltcraft-new-threadwell-sign-marks-danville-facility https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/64874/fabtex-merges-with-quiltcraft-new-threadwell-sign-marks-danville-facility Thu, 02 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000 DANVILLE — This week, a sign reading “Threadwell” was installed, marking the Danville facility formerly known as Fabtex.The signage change follows a merger between Fabtex and Quiltcraft Industries announced earlier this year, according to Eric Frantz, director of national accounts.Fabtex announced it would merge with its number one competitor, Quiltcraft,... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/64435/2025s-11-best-small-towns-to-visit-in-pennsylvania https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/64435/2025s-11-best-small-towns-to-visit-in-pennsylvania Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Pennsylvania sees more than 100 million visitors to its towns and cities every year, lured by the prospect of exploring its rich Colonial history, experiencing its vibrant culture, and basking in its picturesque natural landscapes. Although better recognized for popular urban hubs like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, the Keystone State offers... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/64296/residents-auxiliary-creates-community-to-retain-medical-families https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/64296/residents-auxiliary-creates-community-to-retain-medical-families Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Talent retention is essential for any community’s growth, and the Residents Auxiliary is doing its part to help medical residents fall in love with Central Pennsylvania. The organization brings together doctors and their families through social events, support groups, clubs, and shared resources, supporting them through residency and the transition... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/64285/workshop-provides-valley-business-owners-hints-on-how-to-use-ai https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/64285/workshop-provides-valley-business-owners-hints-on-how-to-use-ai Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000 DANVILLE — More than 20 Valley entrepreneurs were advised on how to jumpstart their business using artificial intelligence during a Wednesday morning StartUp Danville workshop and lecture.AI, as a tool, can tell your story more effectively and target your customers, Bernadette Boerckel, community outreach coordinator for Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/63970/drive-working-to-make-vacant-properties-available-for-tenants https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/63970/drive-working-to-make-vacant-properties-available-for-tenants Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000 DANVILLE — Finding tenants, or buyers for the 100-acre property where Encina’s proposed billion-dollar recycling plant was going to be built is one of many ongoing priorities for DRIVE, an economic development authority located in Danville.The vacant property remains under lease with Encina, DRIVE CEO Jennifer Wakeman said.“We have lots... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/63765/the-drive-bizhub-provides-space-to-entrepreneurs https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/63765/the-drive-bizhub-provides-space-to-entrepreneurs Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Entrepreneurship has a home in the Danville area at the DRIVE BizHub. The office building currently supports more than a dozen tenants across various industries and growth stages. Rent includes all utilities (including trash and recycling), access to common areas, designated parking, and amenities like the kitchenette, gym, putting green,... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/63666/from-project-runway-to-rural-pa https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/63666/from-project-runway-to-rural-pa Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000  Danville, PA – At the DRIVE office we’ve had a plethora of memorable days, but among the most exciting was the arrival of fashion designer Ayana Ife. Having recently moved to Danville, a quick online search for local resources for entrepreneurs led her to DRIVE’s front door.    Known for... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/63201/grant-provides-digital-literacy-access-across-the-region https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/63201/grant-provides-digital-literacy-access-across-the-region Tue, 10 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Over the past year, DRIVE partnered with the Bloomsburg Public Library and other libraries throughout the region to address a critical need: improving digital literacy. Residents in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties registered for computer classes and one-on-one support to learn new skills and gain confidence in the... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/63169/governor-josh-shapiro-announces-amazon-plans-to-invest-20-billion-in-pennsylvania-for-ai-infrastructure-in-largest-capital-investment-in-commonwealth-history https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/63169/governor-josh-shapiro-announces-amazon-plans-to-invest-20-billion-in-pennsylvania-for-ai-infrastructure-in-largest-capital-investment-in-commonwealth-history Mon, 09 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Berwick, PA –  Governor Josh Shapiro today announced that Amazon is planning to invest at least $20 billion to establish multiple high-tech cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation campuses across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This investment will create at least 1,250 high-paying, high-tech jobs. Salem Township and Falls Township... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/62968/local-leaders-honored-as-statewide-economic-trailblazers https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/62968/local-leaders-honored-as-statewide-economic-trailblazers Wed, 28 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000 HARRISBURG — Three regional leaders have been named among Pennsylvania’s 2025 Trailblazers in Economic & Workforce Development.The City & State website says the three are difference-makers in politics, policy and beyond.Honorees include Erica Mulberger of Advance Central PA, a Lewisburg based regional group. Also, Ryan Unger, a Sunbury native, and... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/62768/mynddset-is-a-rock-star-of-small-business https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/62768/mynddset-is-a-rock-star-of-small-business Mon, 12 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000 LEWISBURG — Mark Burke is a rock star.At least that’s how Denny Hummer, assistant director of Bucknell University’s Small Business Development Center, described Burke during a celebration of National Small Business Week at the Campus Theatre in Lewisburg on Thursday. Burke, the founder of Danville-based MYNDDSET, was recognized as the... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/61905/sun-tech-and-cmavts-provide-quality-career-technical-education-in-central-pennsylvania https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/61905/sun-tech-and-cmavts-provide-quality-career-technical-education-in-central-pennsylvania Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Central Pennsylvania has two high-quality options for career-technical education. SUN Area Technical Institute (SUN Tech) and Columbia-Montour Area Vocational Technical School (CMAVTS) both prepare the next generation of students for successful careers while offering adult education programs.“These institutions have inspiring learning environments for students that not only prepare them to... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/65060/change-and-continuity-regional-companies-evolve-while-drive-stands-ready-to-support https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/65060/change-and-continuity-regional-companies-evolve-while-drive-stands-ready-to-support Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000 DANVILLE, PA — Two recent announcements from major employers in our region — the merger of Fabtex and a competitor and the acquisition of Techniserv, Inc. — reflect the endurance of the Susquehanna Valley’s manufacturing and technology landscape. Both moves demonstrate how local firms are adapting to new markets and... https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/65062/drive-donates-to-the-trailblazer-boutique-at-lccc-watsontown-center https://www.driveindustry.com/about/news/articles/p/item/65062/drive-donates-to-the-trailblazer-boutique-at-lccc-watsontown-center Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000 We’re proud to support Luzerne County Community College’s new Trailblazer Boutique, a resource helping students prepare for professional success by providing free business attire for interviews, internships, and new careers. As part of our new BizWardrobe initiative, DRIVE has collected and donated gently used professional clothing to help stock the boutique...