Fay Penn County Connect
Fay-Penn Economic Development Council is excited to launch Fay-Penn County Connect 2026; a countywide outreach initiative designed to strengthen relationships with municipalities and better understand local opportunities for economic growth. As part of this effort, Fay-Penn staff will visit municipalities across Fayette County to meet with local leadership, tour communities, and discuss priorities related to economic development, housing, infrastructure, and redevelopment.
This initiative also provides an opportunity to introduce Fay-Penn’s Executive Director and Director of Grants while reinforcing Fay-Penn’s role as a countywide resource. Through these visits, Fay-Penn aims to better understand each municipality’s unique strengths, challenges, and long-term goals. These conversations help identify opportunities for collaboration, funding, and strategic planning that support sustainable economic growth throughout Fayette County.
Fay-Penn County Connect is focused on listening first. By engaging directly with municipal leaders, Fay-Penn can align resources and technical assistance with local needs. Topics may include housing development, infrastructure improvements, redevelopment of vacant or underutilized properties, recreation and tourism opportunities, and business development initiatives.
This outreach effort complements broader regional initiatives, including the Discover Fayette campaign, and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening communities across Fayette County. By working together with municipalities, businesses, and regional partners, Fay-Penn continues to support thoughtful, coordinated economic development that benefits the entire county.
Municipal officials interested in scheduling a visit are encouraged to connect with Fay-Penn as part of the County Connect initiative.
In a landmark effort to streamline regional growth, the Fayette County Economic Development Coalition—comprised of the Fay-Penn Economic Development Council, the Fayette County Commissioners, the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, and the Redevelopment Authority of Fayette County—has solidified its collaborative framework. This partnership represents a unified front for the county, allowing for the synchronization of long-term economic priorities with the specialized objectives of each participating entity. By pooling resources and expertise, the coalition has moved beyond individual project silos to foster a more resilient and attractive business environment. Throughout 2025, the coalition prioritized transparency and public discourse through a series of Town Hall Summits. These sessions were instrumental in gathering stakeholder feedback and aligning our strategic roadmap with sessions looking at data centers, housing and tourism as an economic driver.
In June the coalition will host another town hall digging deeper into the data center realm and addressing some of the misconceptions that follow these operations. That event will be held Wednesday, June 3 from 6-8pm at the Magerko Auditorium on the Penn State Fayette Campus.
"The Business Connect program isn't just a courtesy call; it’s a catalyst. When we walk into a local business, we’re looking for ways to say 'yes' to their future."
Every business we visit has a unique story. We’ve met with third-generation manufacturers looking to modernize their equipment and startups needing their first brick-and-mortar home. By establishing a direct line of communication, Fay-Penn ensures that no business in Fayette County feels like they are growing in isolation.
Is Your Business Next?
We want to see what you’re building. Whether you are a small shop with three employees or a large-scale industrial operation, our resources are designed to scale with you.
The next phase of Fayette County’s economic success isn’t going to be written in a distant office—it’s happening right now in your place of business. Let’s sit down and talk about how we can help you grow.
Reach out to Lori Scott, Director of Business Development at loris@faypenn.org to schedule a visit!
