The Altoona Blair County Development (ABCD) Corporation, an affiliate of the Blair County Alliance for Business and Economic Growth (the Alliance), released its 2024 impact numbers. ABCD approved 30 expansion projects in 2024 which totaled $19,609,000 in new capital investment. Those projects helped create 79 new jobs and retain 76. “We often see a pullback in investment during presidential election years, but that was not the case this year,” said Stephen McKnight, ABCD President. “These investment numbers doubled our expectations. And most were smaller Main Street businesses who remain optimistic in our local economy. That is a great sign moving into 2025,” McKnight added.
A big effort in 2024 was managing the operational merger between ABCD and the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, both now affiliate members of the Alliance. “There were major administrative elements put in place last year including a physical office move for the Chamber. Now together, we can operate more efficiently and focus on new programming in 2025.” Other notable projects included the grand opening of the Reliance Bank headquarters in the newly renovated Mill Building in Altoona, along with more than $790,000 in tax credit projects that will bring new market rate housing options to the community.
Building more outdoor recreational assets was also a strategic objective launched last year and will continue in future years. The Chamber formed a new Outdoor Recreation Subcommittee chaired by Commissioner Dave Kessling who is advocating for innovative funding strategies to support outdoor projects. “We need to attract new residents, and many start as visitors. Giving people more reasons to come here and enjoy life is a key objective shared by the Alliance and the Commissioners,” McKnight noted. Next year and beyond the Alliance will build upon it’s strategic plan by focusing on four key tenants, 1) Ensuring Relevancy for Rural Areas; 2) Building the Talent Pipeline; 3) Increasing and Measuring Local Spending; and 4) Creating and Promoting New Outdoor Assets.
Small rural towns are becoming more relevant across the country, especially as jobs become more mobile. People can choose where they want to live rather than where they need to live. To convey the message of rural relevancy and impact small towns are having on the economic and political landscape, the Alliance is featuring author and researcher Dr. Elizabeth Currid-Halkett as the keynote speaker at its Annual Meeting on March 27. Currid-Halkett is the author of the book The Overlooked American’s: The Resilience of Rural Towns and What it Means to Our Country. “We are excited to host Elizabeth in March. She has been on many national media outlets recently. We expect a great turnout from our community and throughout the region,” McKnight said.
