DuBois and the surrounding region has grown and prospered from its abundance of natural resources.  In its early days, the local economy depended heavily on timber and furs. The hardwood industry continues to be important to the region, and is home to one of the largest hardwood forests in the United States.  After the railroad came to town, the coal mining industry grew quickly and provided fuel for steel mills, factories and power plants throughout the Commonwealth.  This region leads the world in the powdered metal industry.  Local manufacturers use powdered metal technology to make parts for manufacturing equipment, automobiles, and appliances.  Natural gas wells have been part of our landscape for decades.  This industry is poised to grow with companies drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation.  Penn State Cooperative Extension produced "Your Business & Marcellus Shale" webinars to inform local businesses about the opportunities to provide products and services to drilling companies and their employees. 

Clearfield County Economic Development Corporation and Jefferson County Department of Development serve our area for economic development, site selection, business relocation, grants, loans, and tax incentives, such as Keystone Opportunity Zones-available tax-free property. The office of North Central PA Regional Planning & Development Commission provides the above services as well as coordinating transportation projects, and expertise in import/export relationships with other countries. These offices are valuable resources for business start up, retention, expansion, and business relocation.

One of our area's best resources is its people. The area's workforce is productive and has a high work ethic. Business owners and their employees benefit from the training and education opportunities available here. See Education for the variety of career, technology, continuing education and academic courses available from the institutions in our area. Coordination for workforce development is handled locally through DuBois Career Link and regionally through the North Central Workforce Investment Board at North Central Regional Planning & Development Commission.