Dr. Joyce Participates in Main Street Rx Roundtable Discussion
July 30, 2026
Penn State Altoona Hosts New Education and Healthcare Initiative
ALTOONA, Pa. – Today, Congressman John Joyce, M.D., engaged in a dialogue with regional stakeholders that explored how growth in education and healthcare impacts the everyday economic life of Pennsylvania communities.
“Our communities benefit when we think about healthcare as more than just care delivery,” said Congressman Joyce. “Healthcare is also education, workforce development, research, innovation, and economic opportunity. Access to clinical research and clinical trial opportunities is another important part of a strong healthcare ecosystem, which starts with a strong workforce. The challenge and opportunity before us is ensuring that each community’s assets are used strategically to strengthen both health outcomes and economic opportunity for future generations.”
"Today's roundtable brought together higher education, healthcare, research, and small business, all of whom carry a deep sense of pride that drives the collaboration behind their thriving life science ecosystem,” said Marie Conley, In-State Advisor, Main Street Rx.“As a physician who practiced medicine in this region for decades, Congressman Joyce understands firsthand what innovation means for patients, and he has channeled that understanding into real support for the investments that make it possible. As he put it, life science investment doesn't create a ripple effect for small businesses. It creates a tsunami, one that reaches healthcare workers today and the therapies and cures they deliver tomorrow. This is why Main Street Rx exists: to amplify the small businesses that anchor life science ecosystems in communities like Altoona. We applaud Congressman Joyce's leadership and his commitment to the institutions, businesses, healthcare workers, and patients who came together today, and we stand ready to work alongside him to keep Pennsylvania, and all of America, at the forefront of innovation and economic growth.”
Background
The roundtable discussion at Penn State Altoona was organized by Main Street Rx, a new community and economic storytelling initiative that brings together small business owners, workforce leaders, healthcare professionals, and leaders in other sectors. Ultimately, the goal of the initiative is to gain an understanding of how business owners on Main Street U.S.A. are impacted by the growth and development in education and healthcare. As part of a pilot program, today’s roundtable will help shape how Main Street Rx engages with and learns from stakeholders in communities across the country that share a similar foundation in education and healthcare. From higher education and medical care to housing and small business interests, the roundtable emphasized the dynamic that exists between all sectors of society.
Main Street Rx Roundtable Participants
Sheilah Borne, Associate Vice President, Government Relations, Penn State Health
Lisa Claycomb, CRCP, Clinical Research Administrator, Altoona Clinical Research Center
Shelly Clinich, Dealer Relationship Manager, Santander Consumer USA; Councilwoman, City of Altoona
Bernadette Comfort, Novak Strategic Advisors
Marie Conley, Main Street Rx
Dr. Ron Darbeau, Chancellor, Penn State Altoona
Nikki Davis, PT, DPT, Ph.D, CCS, GCS, Clinical Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, Saint Francis University
Ashlyn Dugan, Owner, Coffee on 3rd
Brian Durbin, Partner, Durbin Companies
Kelly Fedeli, Constituent Outreach Specialist, Office of PA Senator Judy Ward
Richard Fiore JR., Executive Vice President, Secretary, Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
Robin Fitzpatrick, President, Adams Economic Alliance Team
Jamie Foust, Main Street Director, City of Altoona
Matt Fox, CEcD, Director of Business Expansion, Altoona Blair County Development Corporation
John Hrivnak, Owner, JJ Hadleys Restaurant & Railroad City Brewing Co
Sarah Hurley, Main Street Rx
Congressman John Joyce, M.D., FACP, Member of Congress
Carrie Nace, Novak Strategic Advisors
Samantha Pope, Owner, The Academy Preschool
Travis Seymore, Owner, Alto Markets
Maria Strohm, Legislative Staffer, Office of PA Representative Andrea Verobish
Senator Judy Ward, PA Senate (R-30)
Ann Wedel, District Office Manager, Office of PA Representative Scott Barger
Kitty Zelnosky, Regional Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services, UPMC Altoona