Aug. 06, 2019
| Policy Committee to Tour State College’s Innovative Launchbox |
WHAT: The House Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest), will travel to State College, Centre County, to learn more about the Happy Valley Launchbox, an innovation hub that connects local entrepreneurs to resources, facilities and supports, such as working spaces and legal and intellectual property advice. Launchbox is intended to help entrepreneurs avoid common mistakes and grow their businesses.
The tour will conclude with a roundtable discussion on entrepreneurship and economic development. This open discussion will give members and representatives from Penn State University the opportunity to discuss the university’s successes in and barriers to fostering an environment of entrepreneurialism and contributing to Pennsylvania’s economy.
WHO: Oberlander and members of the House Majority Policy Committee, along with Lee Erickson, chief amplifier, Happy Valley Launchbox; James Delattre, associate vice president for Research and director of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization; and the following Penn State officials: President Eric Barron; Jeff Fortin, associate vice president for Research, and director of Industrial Partnerships; John Peterson, interim director, Penn State Small Business Development Center; Tanna Pugh, director, PennTAP; Hunter Swisher, CEO, Phospholutions; and Phil Armstrong, Morgan Advanced Materials.
WHEN: Monday, Aug. 13. The tour will begin at 10 a.m., with the roundtable discussion planned from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
WHERE: Happy Valley Launchbox, 224 S. Allen St., State College PA 16801. Parking is available on the street or a few blocks away at the Beaver Avenue Parking Garage.
Media contacts: Jennifer Keaton, 717.705.2094, jkeaton@pahousegop.com
Erin Truxal Colbourn, 814.470.6232, emt5002@psu.edu