Chamber to take part in business expo

Cameron County business leaders are joining in on a regional strategy to revitalize the economy of central Pennsylvania. The approach is based on the recognition that county boundaries are irrelevant in the search for employers.

On Nov. 17, the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce will join nine other business and industry organizations in sponsoring the Central Pennsylvania Regional Business and Industry Expo at the massive Bryce Jordan Center in State College.

A spokesman said there's a good chance the expo will become an annual event.

Centre County Chamber of Business and Industry came up with the idea after its own business and industry expo outgrew its space. John Coleman, CEO of the host organization, said business organizations must focus more on connections and less on competition.

"We can all win in this," he emphasized. "This is a chance to find new customers both in business and in consumers."

Nancy Micks, CEO of the DuBois Chamber of Commerce, said the key to beating the recession lies in networking and building a broader base for products and services in the region.

"This is not the time to sit back and wait for things to happen," she added. "This is the time to get prepared."

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce has been expanding its efforts over the past year, in response to the county's economic challenges. A two-pronged approach involves developing a community that is receptive to potential employers and promoting tourism based on natural resources and cultural attractions.