HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS From left are Dan Harger, Carley Anderson, Kyle Peters and Darlene Weaver. Laura Murnyack is not pictured.

LOCK HAVEN — At the Clinton County Economic Partnership’s annual meeting at the Lock Haven VFW, members received updates from CCEP Board Chairman Dave Harger and Chamber & Leadership Director Megan Wheeler on economic development, CCEP programs and tourism.

Economic

Development

Acting as interim CEO for part of the past year, Dave Harger delivered the partnership’s economic development report.

During that time, the partnership acquired the W.T. Storey Building in the Renovo Industrial Park, which was donated for $1.

“We’ve suffered some setbacks there with break-ins and damage to the building that cost roughly $40,000 in repairs,” Harger said.

He did report though that the burglars were apprehended by partnership members “who caught them in the act.”

“The partnership is out there doing security, too,” he joked.

It is now in the process of selling the property.

In the past year, the Renovo Industrial Park itself was purchased by State College-based Next Gen Bridge Energy.

“We don’t know exactly what their immediate plans are, but in the future they would like to do something,” Harger said, suggesting the company may use the space for warehousing or rail-related projects.

Harger also noted several available lots at the Lamar Township Business Park. They include lots five, six and nine, which together account for 52 acres of land.

He said Croda International Plc had shown interest in lots five and six but ultimately backed out.

“That deal fell through with some economic uncertainty on Croda’s end,” Harger said, adding the company may return if circumstances change.

Speaking about the remaining lots, he said, “We have had several inquiries, but at this time we don’t have any sales agreements.”

Lot 10 of the Lamar Township Business Park was purchased by The Triple D Trust from Appalachian Drilling.

“They intend to maybe in the near future do some kind of building or something, but (they) didn’t have a tentative schedule,” said Harger.

He also noted that grant applications can now be completed through the partnership.

“You don’t have to go to a third party. You can come to us and we will help you fill those grants out and walk you through the process, and of course we will help administer it,” he said.

Harger also shared that the CCEP has been doing outreach with senators to increase grant funding to Clinton County.

Chamber

According to Chamber & Leadership Director Megan Wheeler the chamber currently has 315 members, with 358 organizations and 444 contact people.

The CCEP’s new President and CEO Jason Fitzgerald said one of his goals is to raise membership to 400.

Over the past year, the chamber stayed active in the community, attending or hosting 11 ribbon cuttings.

To better serve members and streamline operations, Wheeler said the chamber recently implemented new software, including a fully integrated website that connects directly with their new billing system, Growth Zone.

“It’s all integrated together, which means it’s easier for the members, easier for us, easier for reports, easier all around,” Wheeler said.

The billing changes coincide with a new membership fee structure, which includes a 35 percent increase. Assuming membership levels remain the same, the change is expected to bring $30,810 into the partnership. Membership categories were also condensed from 88 to 35 to make the system more user-friendly and “much simpler to look at on the website for people to find what they need,” Wheeler said.

In addition to improving operations, the chamber continued to raise funds for its programs. Wheeler reported that between the 2024 Dinner, Holiday Cocktail Party and this year’s picnic, events brought in a total of $37,080.

Looking ahead, the next chamber dinner will be held Oct. 22 in the Haywoods Ballroom, 43 Fairway View Drive, Mill Hall, from 6-9 p.m., with President Osgood of Commonwealth University serving as keynote speaker.

Leadership Clinton County

The 13-member 2025-2026 class of Leadership Clinton County will hold their opening retreat at the end of the month, where participants will learn the fundamentals of leadership, communication and team building.

Their next major event is the Golf Tournament fundraiser at the Clinton Country Club on Oct. 3.

“We need golfers,” Wheeler said. “If anybody wants to spend a Friday morning on the golf course, please sign up.”

This year’s sponsors include the Clinton County Community Foundation, First Quality, PPL Foundation, Diversified Asset Planners, Woodlands Bank and Central PA Auto Auction.

Enterprise Zone

“There haven’t been many updates with that,” Wheeler said, noting there were no new applicants in the past year. She did, however, recently submit an application on behalf of a party seeking a loan.

“Hopefully that will result in some development in the area,” she added.

Tourism

The Clinton County Economic Partnership has announced several updates in tourism and community development.

Melissa Dally will begin her role as the new tourism director on Sept. 22, while Christopher Miller has already started as director of chamber and tourism marketing.

Last October, the county celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Flaming Foliage Festival in Renovo. The CCEP sponsored the fireworks show and sold puzzles at the event. The group also approved an increase to the 2025 Tourism Grant, raising it to $100,000 to support future initiatives.

Efforts to enhance public art and heritage continue throughout the county. Three Lumber Heritage Trail signs are in the process of being installed.

“The installation is still in the works,” said Wheeler.

Funding was also provided for the Lock Haven murals, which were completed last summer, as well as a mural in Renovo and an additional public art piece created by Bucktail High School students.

Promotion and marketing efforts are ongoing. Various ads have been placed across multiple distribution centers, and the 2025 Visitors Guide has been completed. The CCEP is also participating in America 250 celebrations, with a subcommittee currently discussing a commemorative mural.

Looking ahead, the Canoe and Kayak Nationals are scheduled to return in 2026.

The partnership contributed funding toward the eagle sculpture, “Flan,” at the CCEP office and supported a bus trip to Washington, D.C., for local students advocating for the Hynerpeton to be designated as the state fossil.

“Bucktail High School students are going soon to hopefully get that done,” Wheeler said.

Finally, the “I Heart Clinton County” oversized letters have been ordered and delivered, with Woodward Township assisting with their installation at the Woodward Township Boat Launch.