The Northwest Pennsylvania Innovation Beehive Network has a new member.

Allegheny College in Meadville has become the newest member of the beehive with the launch of the Allegheny Center for Sustainable Development, which will provide sustainability research and consulting services to regional businesses and organizations.

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The beehive network is comprised of six grant- and donation-funded centers that work together to form the hive network, with each location operating in its own specialized area of expertise. Member organizations, which employ students, provide services at no charge.

Member organizations, which include Allegheny College, Erie County Public Library, Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, Penn State Behrend and Pennwest Edinboro, offer early-stage business advising, market research, branding and marketing, and educational opportunities, and product and app development.

“We are thrilled to join the Northwest Pennsylvania Innovation Beehive Network and help to advance its important role in strengthening the region’s economic development and vitality,” said Allegheny President Hilary L. Link.

“The Allegheny Center for Sustainable Development builds on the strength of our nationally recognized Environmental Science and Sustainability program, our leadership as one of the first 10 carbon-neutral campuses in the U.S., and our distinctive, interdisciplinary approach to preparing students to become creative problem-solvers.”

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This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Northwest Pennsylvania Innovation Beehive Network adds new member