50th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Employee-Owned PennTerra Engineering Celebrates 50 Years with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
STATE COLLEGE, PA — Surrounded by employee-owners and county officials, PennTerra Engineering celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony, highlighting five decades of shaping land development and begin at the forefront of economic growth across Centre County and the surrounding region.
Founded in 1976 and employee-owned since 2016, the State College-based firm has played a central role in projects ranging from the Nittany Mall in the 1980s to premier residential communities in the 1990s, commercial and industrial developments in the 2000s, and the transformation of downtown State College through mixed-use and student housing projects such as The Metropolitan, The Rise, The Standard, and The Maxxen in the 2010s. More recent work includes continued growth along the Benner Pike, Shiloh Road, and Toftrees-West.
“For 50 years, our success has come down to the relationships we’ve built with our clients and the level of care our team members put into the plans,” said John Sepp, P.E., President of PennTerra Engineering. “As a 100% employee-owned company, every member of our team has a vested interest in delivering plans that are not only approved, but also practical, constructable, and cost-conscious. That mindset has defined who we are and will continue to guide us forward.”
PennTerra’s multidisciplinary team of civil engineers, surveyors, environmental specialists, and project managers supports projects from initial concept through permitting and construction, working closely with municipalities, regulatory agencies, and developers to bring projects to fruition. Projects range from community centers like Nittany Valley Sports Centre and Climb Nittany to healthcare projects such as Mount Nittany Outpatient Center and Centre Care, as well as industrial and commercial projects such as the recent hotels and convenience stores opening throughout the area.
“PennTerra has helped shape the landscape of our region and bring their clients' visions to life,” said US Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15). “I congratulate President John Sepp and the entire team on half a century of expert engineering service.”
County officials noted the firm’s impact beyond traditional land development.
“PennTerra has been a key partner in projects that support both economic development and quality of life,” said Mark Higgins, Centre County Commissioner. “Their work ties directly into assets like our expanding rails-to-trails network and the outdoor recreation economy championed by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Those connections are critical to attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and enhancing what makes this region special.”
At the municipal level, PennTerra’s influence is especially visible in downtown State College.
“PennTerra has helped shape the growth and evolution of our downtown,” said Ezra Nanes, Mayor of the Borough of State College. “Their work integrates sustainability, pedestrian access, and bicycle infrastructure – strengthening a vibrant, accessible community for residents, students, and visitors.”
Business leaders also highlighted PennTerra’s leadership and community involvement.
“John’s involvement with the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County board speaks volumes,” said Greg Scott, President & CEO of the CBICC. “He cares deeply about this community and about economic development. PennTerra’s work is foundational — they help move projects from ideas to reality, which benefits the entire region.”
Now more than 40 employee-owners strong, PennTerra is building a culture defined by community commitment.
“We take pride not only in the projects we deliver, but in how our team serves the community,” Sepp said. “Supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Homes for Our Troops, United Way’s Day of Caring, Centre Foundation’s Centre Gives, the Food Bank, and A Soldier’s Hands reflects who we are.
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting. More celebratory events are planned throughout the 50th year.
“Our 50th Anniversary Committee has been diligently planning this exciting year,” noted Irene Wetzel, Director of Business Development at PennTerra Engineering. “We’ll have more events including ones designed for the employee-owners and their families, events in conjunction with other employee-owned firms in the area, and a public event in September to celebrate with clients.”
To learn more about PennTerra Engineering’s employee-owned team of land development experts, headquartered in Happy Valley since 1976, please visit PennTerra.com or find us on social media.
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About PennTerra Engineering
PennTerra Engineering is a 100% employee-owned civil engineering firm based in State College, Pennsylvania. For 50 years, the firm has provided civil engineering, surveying, environmental permitting and project management services that deliver practical, cost-conscious and approvable solutions. PennTerra’s mission is to build people, projects, and places.
In 2002, PennTerra Engineering received the CBICC Small Business of the Year Award; in 2025, John Sepp received the CBICC Business Leader of the Year Award.
