Business Lessons from the Pandemic: Fueling Happy Valley's Path to Recovery

Last January, no one could have foreseen the challenges of 2020. While the full impact of COVID-19 continues to unfold, businesses and organizations in Happy Valley are applying hard-earned lessons to navigate hardships and build a stronger future.

COVID-19 Underscores the Value of Communication and Collaboration

The pandemic's primary lesson? The critical need for enhanced communication, coordination, and engagement among businesses, organizations, municipalities, and elected officials. Happy Valley has long exemplified community unity in times of crisis. The Helping Happy Valley initiative showcased this perfectly, uniting diverse stakeholders to bolster the local business community. These efforts forged new partnerships and strengthened existing ones, proving that Happy Valley's recovery—and its status as a premier Pennsylvania destination to live, work, learn, and play—is a shared responsibility. Moving forward, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau will prioritize community building and collaborations to drive economic growth through tourism.

Community Partnerships Gain New Momentum

This emphasis on partnerships is evident across Happy Valley's communities. In Millheim, leaders accelerated coordinated business development in Penns Valley. Millheim Borough Council President Robert Zeigler noted that pre-COVID discussions about revitalizing the East Penns Valley Community Business Association gained urgency, highlighting the need for businesses to share resources, expertise, and collaborate on community events.

Zeigler also advocates for youth involvement through a business or civic mentorship program to cultivate future leaders. "This brings fresh viewpoints to solve problems and seize opportunities," he said. "The upfront effort is worthwhile for the long-term community gains."

Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation Board President Eric Kelmenson acknowledges the pandemic's toll on main streets but remains optimistic. "COVID-19 was a real kick in the teeth," he said. "Local businesses are fighting to keep their doors open, but our community's resilience shines through."

Despite revenue dips and closures, residents supported downtown businesses. Renovations continue steadily, and new ventures like We are Inn, The Barber Shop, and Eduplaytion Station daycare have opened this year. "COVID-19 couldn't derail Philipsburg's momentum," Kelmenson affirmed.

Downtown State College Improvement District Executive Director Rob Schmidt echoes this resilience among member businesses. "I've been impressed by their resourcefulness," he said. "Exceptional customer service during the holidays proved shopping local is more than a slogan." Schmidt urges ongoing community support through the next six to eight months.

The Pandemic Pause Enables Strategic Refocusing

A silver lining for the Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation was the opportunity to pause, breathe, and reflect. "As a fast-moving volunteer nonprofit, it's hard to step back for the big picture," Kelmenson explained. "We're entering 2021 with clearer insights into our strengths and weaknesses."

Downtown Bellefonte Inc. Board President Ellen Matis shared similar adaptations. DBI restructured by replacing the Main Street Manager role with a Business Relations Coordinator for 2021. The success of their pandemic-era 'Shop Small Crawl' event in November reinforced a renewed focus on collaborative business support.

Nimbleness and Creativity Drive Business Adaptation

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  Facing indoor seating restrictions in December, Gigi's Southern Table created memorable dining in personal igloos.

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  Big Spring Spirits boosted sales with delivered craft cocktails during dining bans.

Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park's Terri Schleiden highlighted turning challenges into opportunities through creativity and new community ties, including partnerships with local hotels. For Big Spring Spirits, agility was key—quick pivots like expanded outdoor spaces, heaters, burn barrels, and local deliveries are likely to endure.

Lion Country Lodging's Amanda Powers noted technology-driven changes, such as an online portal for text-based guest-staff communication, which reduced contact while upholding service excellence. These adaptations have been well-received and support ongoing safety measures.

Focused on a Strong Recovery

The pandemic compelled innovation across Happy Valley. While losses linger, the lessons, partnerships, and adaptations discovered are propelling businesses and communities toward a robust recovery and beyond.