February 20, 2026

We're thrilled to once again celebrate our incredible local eateries during Raystaurant Week, in partnership with the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau and Huntingdon County Business & Industry! 

Yes, it's cold and gross outside, but that's the perfect excuse to get out (take-out will be available as well if that's more your thing), grab a great meal, and support our amazing local restaurants during this week of fun, themed foodie delights. Trust us - it's worth it!

Enjoy one... or two... or many way more - we won't judge!

For more information and a full list of participating business, visit: https://raystown.org/raystaurant-week/

Let's eat local and make winter a little more delicious!

Yesterday morning, we were proud to welcome the Huntingdon County Commissioners for our Annual State of the County Address - an insightful and forward-looking discussion about where we are and where we're headed as a county.

Commissioners shared what they consider their greatest achievements of 2025 and walked us through how they successfully navigated the 2025 budget impasse without loans or layoffs - while also outlining proactive steps to prepare for any future fiscal challenges.

We also heard exciting updates on:

• Broadband Expansion - An overview of completed projects, many more in the pipeline, projected completion timelines, and measurable increases in tower utilization across the county.
• Active Transportation Plan - Progress updates and discussion surrounding the potential creation of a county-funded Recreational Authority, similar to neighboring counties.
• County Prison Feasibility Study - Important developments regarding the ongoing study and what it means for the future.
• Legislative Priorities - The top three priorities of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and why they matter to Huntingdon County.
• Housing Challenges - A candid conversation about the county's critical housing shortage and whether incentives beyond low-income housing programs could encourage contractors and developers to pursue new housing projects.

A sincere thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible: Keller Engineers, Inc., Mutual Benefit Group, and State College Regional Airport!

And thank you to Commissioners Scott Walls, Patrick Reeder, and Jeff Thomas for your leadership and partnership. We are grateful for the strong collaboration that continues to move Huntingdon County forward.

Kish Bank's Kish for the Cure Campaign Raises Record $103,000 for Central PA Cancer-Fighting Nonprofits

STATE COLLEGE, PA - February 19, 2026 - Kish Bank is proud to announce that its 2025 Kish for the Cure campaign raised a record-breaking grand total of over $103,000 in support of the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund, Pennsylvania Pink Zone, and American Cancer Society events in Central PA. The donations were presented this month to the three organizations at Kish Bank's State College North Atherton Financial Center.

Kish for the Cure is Kish's employee-led fundraising effort supporting local cancer-related nonprofits. With the support of customers, local businesses, and the community, Kish's annual campaign has raised more than $728,000 in total for its beneficiaries since it began in 2012. The Bob Perks Fund, Pink Zone, and the American Cancer Society champion the fight against cancer in the Central PA region by funding research, treatment programs at area hospitals, and critical financial supports for local individuals and families facing cancer.

Upon receiving the donation, Robin Heim, Board President of the Bob Perks Fund, said, "On behalf of the Bob Perks Fund, we want to thank Kish Bank for their continued financial support of our missions, helping local cancer patients pay for daily living expenses. The Kish community's ongoing commitment makes a meaningful difference in our ability to serve our seven-county region. Thank you for standing with us and helping make our work possible." 

To continue reading this press release, please click here.

Senate Committee Examines Rural Housing and Economic Development in Pennsylvania

Robert Swift, Capitolwire

February 18, 2026

A Senate committee heard testimony Wednesday about how rural housing is tied to economic development in three southern tier counties. The Senate Republican Policy Committee met in Fayette County Wednesday amid a growing focus in Harrisburg on housing availability and affordability. The hearing offered a window into housing issues in rural parts of Pennsylvania. The hearing provided Republican senators an opportunity to respond to Gov. Josh Shapiro's housing action plan unveiled last week. Referring to Shapiro's proposal, Committee Chair David Argall, R-Schuykill, said it's very good when everyone recognizes a real problem exists, even though there may be differences on addressing it. Sen. Pat Stefano, R-Fayette, said housing issues are linked to economic, workforce, and quality of life issues. Stefano and other GOP senators are drafting a package of housing bills. Shapiro proposed creating a $1 billion bond-financed state development fund to help pay for housing and energy projects and upgrading local government buildings. He also called for easing regulations.

To continue reading this article, please click here.

Pennsylvania Taps New Federal Rural Health Money

Robert Swift, Capitolwire

February 17, 2026

Federal cuts hang over Pennsylvania's state budget except in the area of rural health. Pennsylvania is due to receive $193 million in federal dollars this year to help implement its Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP). Total federal aid for the plan could reach $1 billion during the next five years. The $50 billion in rural health money for the states over five yeas is part of the federal spending package enacted last summer. The Shapiro administration plans to use the rural health money to establish eight regional care collaboratives to improve access to health care, expand the rural health care workforce, find innovative ways to deliver care and invest in technology delivering care. Specifically, the plan calls for expanding training programs for physicians, nurse practitioners, EMS personnel, physician assistants and dentists to target gaps in care. Providing scholarships, mentors, short-term housing and stipends are mentioned. The plan calls for steps to "right-size" rural hospitals to shift care to lower cost settings and look at more digital delivery of health care.

To continue reading this article, please click here.

The Destination Excellence Awards are presented to individuals or organizations that demonstrate excellence welcoming travelers to our destination.

Employee of the Year - The Destination Excellence Award for Employee of the Year honors a non-management employee who goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities. Nominees are judged on outstanding service to their place of employment, customers and the community.

Volunteer of the Year - The Destination Excellence Award for Volunteer of the Year honors exemplary volunteer service by an individual to make Huntingdon County and the surrounding area a clean, safe and welcoming destination for travelers. Nominees are judged on showing outstanding leadership qualities and dedication to service within a volunteer organization, community, or land management agency.

Community Impact Award - The Destination Excellence Community Impact Award celebrates a business's or organization's significant and noteworthy contributions to the tourism industry and community at the local, state, national or global levels.

Tourism Innovation Award - The Tourism Innovation Award recognizes a business, organization or individual that has introduced new ideas, programs, technology or experiences that significantly enhance Huntingdon County’s tourism industry. Nominees demonstrate creativity, problem-solving and forward-thinking leadership that drives growth and visitor engagement.

Lifetime Achievement Award - The Destination Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award honors a person whose lifetime body of work has positively impacted the tourism industry and Huntingdon County as a travel destination.

Trail Excellence Award - The Trail Excellence Award recognizes a trail, trail system or trail organization that demonstrates outstanding quality, visitor appeal and long-term value to Huntingdon County’s tourism experience.

More information about the Destination Nominations can be found here: https://raystown.org/tourism-summit/desties/

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Use the form below to nominate individuals or organizations for any of our six award categories. You can submit as many nominations as you like. Please submit one form per nomination. Self-nominations are accepted.

Nominations close March 10, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Awards will be presented at the 2026 Tourism Summit. Information coming soon!

Fiscal Office Disputes Shapiro's Promise For No New Taxes

Alton Northup, Altoona WTAJ

February 15, 2026

Pennsylvania's Independent Fiscal Office disputed Gov. Josh Shapiro's claim that his $53.3 billion budget proposal won't require a tax increase in the next five years. Barring no new revenue streams, an IFO report last week found that the state would spend $6.7 billion more than it will take in next year under the governor's proposal, said Matthew Knittel, the office's director. The figure could threaten the state's $7.8 billion rainy day fund, should lawmakers choose to pull from it. Projections out to 2029-30 raise the deficit to $8.6 billion. Knittel said that's because spending growth outstrips revenue growth each year. "The deficit is such a magnitude now that it's likely that a broad-based tax increase will be necessary at some point in the next five years," said Knittel. The IFO bases long-range projections on an economy experiencing a normal rate of growth and spending hitting historical growth rates. It builds in tax law changes to the projection. "Right now, things are going well, but longer term there are challenges," Knittel said.

To continue reading this article, please click here.

Virtual-First Health Plans: The New Frontier of

Telehealth Care

As technology reshapes how we work and live, it's also redefining how employees access healthcare. Virtual-first health plans, which make digital primary care the initial point of contact are rapidly emerging as a cost-effective, convenient alternative to traditional insurance models. What began as a pandemic necessity has become a preferred pathway for many employees seeking faster, more flexible care.

Unlike legacy telehealth options are serve as plug-ins to brick and mortar care, virtual-first models are designed to manage most primary and behavioral healthcare needs remotely. Employees can schedule video visits, chat with care teams, refill prescriptions, and receive preventive coaching from their phone or laptop, often with same-day access. When in-person treatment is needed, care navigators coordinate referrals to high-quality, lower cost providers.

For employers, the benefits are compelling. Virtual-first plans can reduce ER and urgent-care utilization, increase engagement with preventive services, and deliver meaningful cost control, particularly for geographically dispersed or shift-based workforces. Younger employees and working parents appreciate the flexibility virtual first provides, while organizations gain visibility through integrated reporting and analytics.

Still, success depends on communication and digital literacy. Employers must introduce these plans clearly, support first-time users, and emphasize that virtual care enhances, not replaces human connection.

With adoption accelerating, virtual-first healthcare is not merely an innovation, it's a strategic evolution toward easier access, smarter cost management, and a better experience for employees and families alike.

The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at hccc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Craig Pritts at (800) 377-3539.

Women’s Conference 2026: Agenda & Speaker Lineup Announced

The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce is excited to officially unveil the full agenda and speaker lineup for our Inaugural Women’s Conference 2026!

Leading As You Are: Confidence in Leadership & Life – Encouraging Authenticity & Courage in Leadership will take place on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ellis Ballroom, Juniata College (registration opens at 8:30 a.m.).

This full-day experience will feature dynamic keynote speakers, an engaging lunch leadership panel, networking opportunities, exhibitor visits, door prizes, and meaningful conversations centered around confidence, service, personal growth, and stepping boldly into leadership roles.

Registration includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, a special Chamber/Sponsor gift, and access to four impactful conference sessions.

Registration Rates:

• $75 – Chamber Members

• $150 – Non-Members

(Half-day options are available upon request.)

Please register by February 27th. Space is limited, and we encourage early registration.

To register online, ensure you select the correct rate at checkout. You may also email your completed form to trinity@huntingdonchamber.com or call the Chamber office at (814) 643-1110 for additional information.

We look forward to bringing together women from across our community for a day of connection, inspiration, and leadership development.

We're beyond thrilled to announce our inaugural Women's Conference presented by Geisinger, Leading As You Are: Confidence in Leadership and Life, focused on encouraging authenticity, confidence, and courage in leadership.

The conference will take place on Friday, March 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Ellis Hall Ballroom at Juniata College. (We thank Juniata College for their partnership on this event!)

As we prepare for this exciting event, we are seeking businesses and organizations interested in investing in the professional development of women. This conference will bring together women from across our community for a full day of inspiration, learning, and meaningful connection - and your support can help make a lasting impact.

We would the opportunity to partner with you and highlight your commitment to leadership, growth, and community engagement. Sponsorship opportunities offer visibility, connection, and the chance to directly support women as they lead in business, organizations, and life.

Thank you for considering being part of this impactful event. We look forward to connecting with you.

Please click here for the full pdf version of the investment package.

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

Trinity Smith

Program Director

trinity@huntingdonchamber.com

500 Allegheny Street

Huntingdon, PA 16652

Phone: 814-643-1110

Fax: 814-643-1115

www.huntingdonchamber.com