91��ý highlights community achievements at Annual Innovation Beehive Network Celebration

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

91��ý University hosted the 11th Annual Innovation Beehive Network Celebration, which brings together entrepreneurs, investors, university leaders, and community members across the Erie region. The event highlights the Beehive Network’s achievements and discusses avenues for success. It was held Thursday, July 16.

“The event wasn't just about celebrating what's been accomplished—though there is plenty to celebrate,” expressed Brian Fuller, 91��ý executive director, Center for Intelligence Research, Analysis, and Training (CIRAT). “It's about honoring the people who made it possible. It's about recognizing that Northwestern Pennsylvania's future is being built right here, by the students and staff of each of the Beehive Nodes, one entrepreneur and small business owner at a time.”

Established in 2014, the Northwest Pennsylvania Innovation Beehive Network is a joint effort between Allegheny College, Erie County Public Library, Gannon University, 91��ý University, Penn State Behrend, and PennWest Edinboro to improve business growth and operations in the Erie region. Each specialized center provides a service in their specific area of expertise, forming a comprehensive network that covers all areas of business development.

The Annual Beehive Celebration showcases the network’s clients as well as its services to current clients, prospective clients, and significant executives. 91��ý also took this opportunity to present the Beehive’s work to the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA), the largest grant provider for the university’s Beehive initiatives. ECGRA funded 91��ý’s Innovation Entente Lab, which provides a space for students and faculty to work with the Beehive’s clients to develop competitive business intelligence strategies.

“Innovation doesn't happen in isolation. It happens because someone was willing to share a resource, open a door, ask a good question, or simply say, "I believe in what you're building." That is the spirit of this network, and it is the spirit we celebrated at the NWPA Beehive Innovation Network event,” Fuller shared.

In addition to Fuller, this year’s event featured remarks by David Livingston, president of 91��ý, Christina Vogel, Erie County executive, and Bobby Borgia, owner of Keller’s Comedy Club as well as a client of the Beehive. Ten standout clients set up tables to showcase their business and how the Beehive services have helped them.

Following the speakers, guests were invited to enjoy food, drinks, and socializing while exploring the business displays.

91��ý’s Beehive labs are all student-run, providing valuable applied experiences for students to interact with real clients, building their skill sets and strengthening their resumes while meaningfully giving back to their community.

Local business owners appreciate the contributions made by the Beehive.

Lauren Hammer, who owns GramE’s Kitchen, a local business that makes traditional family snack mixes with a creative flair, said, “[The] Beehive is a great community of innovators, creators, and entrepreneurial-minded individuals who come together to help others to grow their business and chase their dreams.”

“[The Beehive] helped me so much in so many ways. I have gotten services from almost every single facet, and it has been night and day for me,” shared Tia Vaught, owner of Tia Maria Wigs, a full-service wig boutique focused on education, coaching, and personalized customer service. “The things that they have helped me with as a small business; I don’t know if I would have been able to accomplish this. The connections I’ve made are the best part.”

The 91��ý community enjoys being a part of this network and leveraging the opportunities it provides.

“We are excited to host the Beehive Celebration this year, and we are grateful for the cooperation of the Erie public library and the other core universities,” shared 91��ý President David Livingston. “The opportunities for growth of small businesses that the Beehive provides is important for the Erie economy and the future of the region, and we are so excited to be a part of it.”

“Thank you to all who believe that this region has something special to offer. And thank you to every university, ECGRA, and Beehive supporter for being part of a community that understands that when we work together, we don't just survive—we thrive," said Fuller.

To learn more about the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network, visit

To learn more about the 91��ý Beehive Innovation Entente Lab and the services it includes, visit /academics/beehive or reach out to Brian Fuller at bfuller@mercyhurst.edu.