DRIVE’s economic development partners collaborate to grow Central Pennsylvania

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 for commercial properties: Focus Central Pennsylvania and Blueprint Development Corporation.

“We found that specializing is a more effective use of our resources. It prevents us from spreading our economic development efforts too thin,” says Jennifer Wakeman, Executive Director of DRIVE. “When companies meet with us, we make sure they speak to the right person to get the job done.”

Businesses considering the region will have dedicated professionals assisting them with their relocation or growth plans. Meet the teams committed to growing Central Pennsylvania. 

Focus Central PA Attracts Businesses to the Area

Focus Central PA is a 501(c)3 economic development organization representing seven counties across the region. Its Executive Director, Lauren Bryson, has 25 years of experience in the field and knows how to attract companies to Central Pennsylvania.

“There are so many spokes to the economic development wheel that we focus our efforts on business investment,” she says. “We’re going after good quality leads with a high economic impact.”

Bryson defines quality leads as companies succeeding in their respective industries, investing in their workforce, and getting involved in their local communities. Focus Central PA wants to attract businesses that will find a long-term home in the region, providing lasting jobs for those who live here.  

“Good career opportunities are life-changing,” says Bryson. “Not only am I bettering my community, but I’m creating diverse career paths for my family members and friends.”

A new business in the area can cut a commute from an hour and a half to 15 minutes. Not only does job creation support the financial health of residents, but it also improves their quality of life.

Bryson Turns Site Visits Into Investments

Bryson explains that her job is to get “boots on the ground” and attract site selectors and business executives interested in the area. Her team responds to leads quickly and professionally, while highlighting the region’s assets.

“We work hard to highlight our comparative advantages,” she says. This is a place where you can make and move products. We have a strategic location, highways and rail infrastructure, highly skilled talent, and institutions to train employees.”

Once a company is interested in the region, Bryson’s team connects the organization with dozens of resource partners. They work to meet organizations' specific needs and overcome any potential hurdles to establishing their operations.

“I love the work we do,” she says. “We have an incredible network of resource partners, including existing companies in Central Pennsylvania. Major employers offer some of our best sales support because they can speak to what it’s like to live and work here.”  

Focus Central PA and DRIVE team up and work hand in hand to seamlessly offer a company-focused approach to assist them in the site selection and business investment decision process.

“Jennifer and her team do an incredible job providing solutions and resources to close deals and remove hurdles,” says Bryson. “They step in and bring projects to the win level.” 

Blueprint Development Corporation Assists With Site Selection

DRIVE also works closely with Blueprint Development Corporation, a 501(c)4 partnership established in 2024. DRIVE provides staffing and administrative services for Blueprint, which takes over the real estate roles typically covered by an economic development organization. Blueprint markets available properties, connects organizations with commercial options, and works to close deals on the listings.  

“It’s exciting to see how different projects can benefit the community,” says Timothy Hippensteel, Program Director, Blueprint. “There’s a lot of opportunity in our region, and we have been growing steadily in the past few years. We have a lot of great assets from our infrastructure and power companies to natural amenities like the Susquehanna River.”

DRIVE works closely with Hippensteel to review a company’s needs and find available properties that could be a good fit for their project. This is also where Focus Central PA comes in. If Bryson and her team bring a new organization to the region, she can work with DRIVE and Blueprint to identify the best opportunities and parcels to meet its needs.  

Hippensteel is a Natural Fit for Blueprint

Hippensteel has an ideal background for economic development and commercial real estate. Before joining DRIVE, he worked at a local community bank. Since 2018, he has worked as a project manager in the organization and is now the leader of Blueprint. He applies his finance and business background to the site selection field (with the help of some real estate courses he took in college).

“When I first started, it surprised me how long it takes to close certain deals,” he says. “From permitting to zoning and utilities, a lot goes into it.”

Hippensteel’s passion for the region pairs with a growing demand by companies to move to Central Pennsylvania. As more businesses express interest in the region, Hippensteel and the rest of the DRIVE team are ready to help them move in. 

Moving to Central Pennsylvania is Seamless

Each economic development organization in the region has a clear scope of work and understanding of how it supports other teams in Central Pennsylvania. When a company is interested in the area, it can easily meet with the right people who are focused on its success. From finding the right commercial properties to hiring skilled workers, the teams at DRIVE, Focus Central PA, and Blueprint are here to help.

Contact us today to discuss your business needs. Our team at DRIVE can ensure you have the right support system to expand your operations, move to the region, or simply find a new business home.