Alliance celebrates “First Frontier” in Blair County
By: Jodie Dello Stritto
Chimney Rocks Overlook | Image Credits: Rusty Glessner
Steeped in history and forward focused, Blair County offers an exceptional “mountain town” quality of life, complete with thriving small businesses and rich natural assets, along with a wealth of resources available to aid innovators and investors — like the Blair Alliance for Business and Economic Growth.
First Frontier Facebook
In a nod to the region’s rich history and pioneering spirit, the Blair Alliance for Business and Economic Growth celebrates Blair County as The First Frontier, honoring those who settled in the mountains and river valleys and spurred major innovations, and fostering economic vitality and new opportunities for residents and businesses.
The organization’s mission to grow the economy, attract new investment and improve the quality of life for all Blair County residents is driven by economic development financing programs, member services, advocacy, technical assistance and other services aimed at attracting and retaining talent, investment and job opportunities for generations to come.
The Mishler Theater Facebook
In addition to helping businesses identify economic development financing for real estate acquisition and expansion and equipment or working capital projects, the alliance also promotes the county’s thriving opportunities in outdoor recreation, arts and culture, sports and leisure, and drinking and dining. For example, the county offers four seasons of outdoor fun, from hiking, biking, and paddling to skiing, as well as a minor league team baseball, The Altoona Curve; opportunities to enjoy the performing arts as a participant or audience member are abundant; and the Blair County Arts Foundation operates the historic Mishler Theatre in Downtown Altoona, home and host to musical, dance and theatre productions year-round, including those of the Altoona Community Theatre.
Other key alliance initiatives include the development of the local talent pipeline through secondary and higher education and professional networks, like Young Professionals of Blair County, and the advancement of critical community resources like transportation, healthcare and housing.
First Frontier Facebook
Two member organizations make up the alliance:
- The Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD) is a nonprofit, certified economic development corporation that works as a catalyst for business expansion in Blair County and through regional partnerships. Since its founding in 1946, ABCD has facilitated over 2,000 projects reflecting more than $2 billion in total project costs and the creation and retention of thousands of jobs.
- The Blair County Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1887, is a membership association of businesses and organizations working together to promote, inform, educate and advocate for the membership and the community. The Chamber now has more than 1,000 members.
To learn more, visit www.blairalliance.org.
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