Yearly section focuses on county’s service sector

By Jennifer Thomas

- jthomas@centredaily.com

This year’s Business Matters takes a look at the service sector of Centre County’s economy, the sector that provides 89 percent of all the county’s non-farm jobs.

Business Matters content

These jobs fill the everyday needs of our community, from the doctor you visit to restaurants you frequent. And while manufacturing and other goods-producing industries are shrinking, service industries are a growing portion of the county’s economy.

That means job growth and opportunities, mingled with potential problems brought about by a low unemployment rate that leaves many employers competing for good employees.

Education plays a key role in this year’s stories — both from the kind of training needed to nab the jobs that will pay enough to support a family to the problems some of the more educated workers in our community are having finding jobs that match their qualifications.

This special section also includes a piece by Mike Joseph that explores the impact of I-99 on the local economy and development and the familiar list of the county’s largest employers, which will help you keep tabs on which of Centre County’s top employers are growing and who’s not.

Now for some more traditional bits.

Flying high

State College is flying high — literally.

A feature in the February issue of US Airways Magazine, which is available on all US Airways flights, showcases State College in a six-page spread surrounded by local advertising.

The piece explores the area’s business outlook, starting with an opening line: “State College, Pennsylvania makes a compelling case that it’s possible to be in the middle of no-where and at the center of everything.”

It touches on the impact of Penn State, the area’s culture, recreation and business opportunities and the economic impact of local businesses such as Restek Corp. and Minitab Inc.

“It’s excellent exposure for the area,” said Betsey Howell, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It was an interesting project.”

Howell said there’s no telling who the piece might introduce to the region. Maybe a future tourist or even an entrepreneur, she said.

If you’re not flying anytime soon, the piece is available on www.usairwaysmag.com.

Custom sewing

Holly Snyder didn’t plan on making quilts — or drapes, tablecloths or pillows. But her customers had other ideas.

Snyder’s custom clothing business is now Holly Snyder Custom Sewing & Quilts — a title that broadens the scope and better represents the new projects the Patton Township resident has taken on.

“People can assume if you can sew, you can sew anything,” she said.

But the focus on clothing began to ease about 18 months ago, when a family member asked her to make a quilt as a favor — at the same time suggesting Snyder add it to her business.

“It’s so time consuming,” she said, adding she never thought it would take off because of cost.

But it did.

She’s found a customer base that can’t part with their favorite old T-shirts and jeans, and want to capture the memories in a quilt.

Each quilt is made to the client’s specifications. They choose the design, colors and fabrics, Snyder said. “You can use pretty much anything,” she said.

Snyder does the rest, completing all quilting by hand to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

She’s also found a niche in home decor that she never expected. Those projects include everything from curtains to pillows.

“It really is a lot of fun,” Snyder said.

For more information, visit www.heirloomsbyholly.com.

Be on your best behavior

This is one dinner where you should bring your best manners.

Leadership Centre County’s Alumni Committee and M&T Bank are hosting “Dining with Diana — an etiquette adventure” on Feb. 28.

Everything from which fork to use to other potential dining faux pas will be covered during a four-course dinner, complete with instructions, at the Nittany Lion Inn.

“I don’t think that most of us get a whole lot of opportunity to practice at a five- or six-course meal,” said Georgia Abbey, executive director of Leadership Centre County. “I think the general concept is something that can be used elsewhere.”

Registration ends on Feb. 20. Interested parties should call 238-5559.

Jennifer Thomas can be reached at 231-4638.