Policy Committee tours Centre County business, Centroid
Lawmakers discuss demand for rural jobs, economic growth
Rep. Emily Kinkead August 12, 2025 | 12:43 PM
HOWARD, Aug. 12 – Pennsylvania’s rural population is declining faster than expected, and population losses ultimately cut into the economic success of rural counties. Creating family-sustaining jobs is one way to lessen population decline, attracting young professionals to remain or relocate to rural communities.
The PA House Majority Policy Committee hosted a roundtable and tour today at Centroid Corp. to discuss how innovation and policy can help fuel rural economic growth.
“Millions of people raised in rural communities know how unique and important these communities are in helping shape their lives,” said event host Rep. Paul Takac, who represents a large rural area of Centre County. “Some of our local communities are struggling, and we wanted to learn from the experience and knowledge Centroid has gained from over 45 years of building a successful, world-class business. By concentrating on creating more job opportunities in rural PA we can help Pennsylvania compete – and win – in the global economy. Our job is to harness the tremendous potential of small businesses like Centroid to help create and sustain good, high-paying jobs right here in Pennsylvania.”
Tuesday’s House Majority Policy roundtable included a tour of Centroid in Centre County by state representatives from across the commonwealth, from Erie to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to the Lehigh Valley. Centroid co-owner and CEO Joseph McCulloch joined Centroid co-owner and CFO John Roe for a tour. They were joined during the roundtable by Todd Erdley, the central regional director from Ben Franklin Tech Partners; Gregory Scott, the president and CEO of the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County; Laura R. Diminio, the interim executive director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania; and Pete Grum, venture partner from Advantage Capital. The committee discussed the need for good-paying jobs in rural communities, as well as the value of tax credits that encourage job growth.
One of the policies discussed was reauthorization of the $50 million Rural Jobs and Investment Tax Credit Program championed by Takac, which has aided attracting private investment and the creation of jobs throughout the state.
“The promise of well-paying jobs can transform a community, from our biggest cities to our smallest boroughs,” said Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County. “Rural communities throughout Pennsylvania helped feed our nation, but these same rural communities with strong agricultural roots also offer vast economic potential – and it’s that potential we hope to unlock by attracting private investment that can help spur job growth in communities that need them the most.”
Centroid uses computer numerical control, or CNC, to build, create and fabricate custom parts and machinery for manufacturers and others, with a particular specialty in working with the performance racing industry and the modification of high-performance engines.
“Creating opportunities for every community to thrive is the goal, not only in my district in Allegheny County but across the entire state,” said Rep. Emily Kinkead, who joined the committee for the roundtable and tour. “It’s rewarding to talk about what solutions we are uncovering for 2025 challenges when it comes to delivering economic opportunities for people across the state.”
Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos can be found at facebook.com/PADemPolicy.