Officials at the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce said a lot of local business owners have recently retired and shopping centers in Altoona have driven other people away. But now, they're teaming up with local leaders to show businesses what their community has to offer.

It's still in the early stages, but officials in Tyrone are forming an Economic Development Team to help figure out what kind of businesses help smaller communities like Tyrone thrive. And they're not just looking for local support; they want to draw in other people too.

Chamber officials said with a school district that has high rankings, a paper mill prepping for expansion, and a location right off Interstate 99 between State College and Altoona, they are in a prime spot. Think they stores, hotels and restaurants could all succeed in Tyrone.

"It's a great stop-over for people visiting the ballparks or other attractions in those cities," said Rose Black, the executive director of the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce.

They're also trying to capitalize on the Little Juniata River, which runs straight through the borough, to tie shopping and recreation together.

"We're looking to see what the missing links are, to get the good mix of businesses, to keep the people here, and to satisfy the needs," said Black.

Black said the chamber is also welcoming young and fresh ideas to help them grow.

The mayor said he is already working on a couple big things, but he's not ready to announce them yet.