August 29, 2025

PennDOT - District 9 News

Free 'Road to Opportunity' Small Business Workshop Sept. 10 in Hollidaysburg

Registration closes Sept. 3, free workshop will help vendors learn how to do business with PennDOT and the Commonwealth

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that it will host a "Road to Opportunity" vendor workshop on Sept. 10 in Hollidaysburg. Road to Opportunity is a workshop series designed to connect small businesses with potential contracting opportunities at PennDOT.

The workshop will be held at the PennDOT District 9 office, 1620 N. Juniata St., Hollidaysburg. Doors open at 8:30 AM, and the workshop will be held from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Registration is free.

This hands-on event will help vendors register to do business with PennDOT and the Department of General Services (DGS), and to learn about business opportunities with the Commonwealth. The goal is to help small businesses gain a better understanding of the procurement process; how to identify, prepare and respond to bidding opportunities; and share resources to enable small businesses to make informed decisions regarding contracting with the Commonwealth.

In addition to highway construction and engineering consulting, PennDOT procures a wide variety of supplies and services to deliver its multi-faceted mission. The event will feature opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and interaction between PennDOT and DGS and the small business vendor community.

Space is limited! To secure your spot at the workshop or to ask questions about the program, email ra-pdroadstoopport@pa.gov by Sept. 3.

New Date!

HASD Advanced Media Class

Support for Local Businesses

The Huntingdon Area School District Advanced Media Class has begun for the year, and the students are eager to engage in real-life production. The class will be a project-based one in which the students will use their skills to design and create products. The class is year-long, so projects can be done throughout the year.

If a Chamber business has a need, the student would work with the business directly to discuss the project and work collaboratively to design for their needs. The business can choose to digital resources and/or have the district do the printing for a minimal fee.

If you're interested in taking advantage of this amazing opportunity, please click here for the media support request form.

Pa. Broadband Development Authority announces provisional approval of nearly $800M in BEAD grants

PennWatch

August 24, 2025

Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority Executive Director Brandon Carson announced the PBDA Board of Directors has provisionally approved $793.4 million in Broadband Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD) grants that will universally connect all Pennsylvanians to high-speed internet once fully approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The federal funding will connect all remaining locations across the Commonwealth that currently lack high-speed internet service. Following a seven-day public comment period which begins today and ends at 5:00 PM (ET) on Friday, August 29, 2025, the BEAD provisional selections and final proposal will be submitted to the NTIA by September 4, 2025. The NTIA has committed to approving and disbursing the BEAD funds by the end of this year. The final BEAD proposal, which builds on the recently completed program application round, is the final critical submission by states and territories to unlock their BEAD broadband deployment funding. BEAD funds can be used for physical improvements; long-term leases; multi-family residential deployment; planning, design, and engineering; personnel costs; and network software upgrades. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount for any project - projects require a minimum 25 percent share of the total project cost in matching funds.

To continue reading, click here.

We're excited to announce that we've once again partnered with Dale Carnegie to provide essential training for our members! This will be a FREE virtual session on September 23 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

LAST CHANCE!

Now Accepting Nominations for the

2025 Annual Awards Gala

The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that nominations are now open for our Annual Awards Gala taking place on October 2, 2025. At this prestigious event, we will recognize seven exceptional individuals, businesses, and organizations that make our community thrive. We encourage you to submit nominations for the following awards:

David K. Goodman Jr. Community Service Award

Sponsored by Huntingdon Elks Lodge #976

Honoring an individual or organization that has shown outstanding dedication of time and resources to improve our community.

Customer Service Award

Sponsored by Bonney Forge Corp

Celebrating a business that exemplifies excellence in delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Business of the Year

Sponsored by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Recognizing a business that has significantly contributed to the economic growth and development of Huntingdon County.

Educator of the Year

Sponsored by Juniata College

Awarded to a passionate educator who goes above and beyond to inspire and serve students and the educational community.

Entrepreneurial Success Award

Sponsored by Cassville Country Store and Restaurant

Honoring a small business owner (minimum of three years in operation) who demonstrates innovation and a strong commitment to community advancement.

Volunteer of the Year

Sponsored by Arize Federal Credit Union

Recognizing a Chamber member who has provided outstanding service in support of the Chamber's mission and initiatives.

ATHENA Award

Sponsored by Arize Federal Credit Union, Bumgardner & Flasher Oil, Inc., Community State Bank, Homewood Living at Spring House, Lincoln Caverns, Inc. & Whisper Rocks, MiCamp Solutions, LLC., MJEM's Photos, and TEAM Chevrolet GMC

This internationally recognized award honors a woman or man who exemplifies professional excellence, community service, and who actively supports women in achieving leadership and success. Please help us honor a deserving leader with this prestigious recognition.

Deadline for all nominations is August 27, 2025. Nominations should be submitted directly to MacKenzie at mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com and may be on the official nomination form or attached as a Word document.

Let's celebrate the people and businesses who make Huntingdon County exceptional - sumbit your nominations today!

Interested in advertising in our enews?

Contact MacKenzie at mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com.

The cost is $25.00; $10.00 for 501(3) organizations. Yearly rates are available.

If you are hiring, please send position information to mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com or login to the member section of our website to post your jobs.

Contact Us

MacKenzie Huntsman

President/ CEO

mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com

Lorena LaGroue

Program Director

lorena@huntingdonchamber.com

500 Allegheny Street

Huntingdon, PA 16652

Phone: 814-643-1110

Fax: 814-643-1115

www.huntingdonchamber.com