2013 Board of Directors Sets Priorities

1
Volume 9| Issue 2| February 2013
Photo by Bright Ideas Photography
2013 Board of Directors
Sets Priorities
See page 9 for details.
Board President, Lori Sibble
Our Mission
“The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce builds,
serves and promotes regional business.”
“Building a Future for Venango Area Business!”
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WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
Gustafson’s Floral
Jamie Wilson is the new owner of Gustafson’s
Floral, operating in the same location and
offering the same great products and services
you’ve been accustomed to. Watch for new
and exciting products that will be offered
soon!
Jamie Wilson
2050 Horsecreek Road
Oil City, PA 16301
Phone: 814-676-2453
eMail: gustafsonfloral@gmail.com
Published Category: Florist
Pleasantville Volunteer Fire Dept.
Christine Presto
157 West State Street
Pleasantville, PA 16341
Phone: 814-589-7635
eMail: pvfd16@ymaill.com
Web: pleasantvillevfd16.webs.com
Published Category: Volunteer Fire Department
Score-Venango Branch
Frank Hajduk
217 Elm Street
Oil City, PA 16301
Phone: 814-677-3152
eMail: ven193@yahoo.com
Web: www.scoreerie.org
Published Category: Financial Services
Wingate By Wyndham Hotel
Guy Sheldon
8060 Old Oliver Road
Erie, PA 16509
Phone: 814-860-3050
eMail: wingatesales@lodgingdev.com
Web: www.wingatehotels.com
Published Category: Hotel
PVFD is a non-profit, all-volunteer, fire department located in Pleasantville; covering parts of
Venango, Crawford, Warren, and Forest Counties. Our department consists of Firefighters,
EMT's, Fire Police, Junior Firefighters, a supportive Ladies Auxiliary, and various other
volunteers. We provide the services of Firefighting, Medical/Rescue, Search & Rescue,
Heavy Rescue, Public Safety, Public Services,
Education, and anything else that may arise.
Score is a non-profit organization made up of
active and retired business executives who
volunteer their time to mentor startup and
existing small businesses. Score is a nationwide organization with extensive free
resources available to their clients.
Wingate By Wyndham Erie is strategically
located in Erie offering its guests convenient
access to the Erie International Airport. It even
offers a free shuttle service to and from the
airport and complimentary shuttle service
within a 5-mile radius, making local attractions like the Erie Zoo, Family First Sports
Park and Presque Isle Downs and Casino very
accessible.
VenangoChamber
Venango Area
Chamber of Commerce
Venango Area Chamber
of Commerce Group
VenangoChamber
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce ● (814) 676-8521 ● www.venangochamber.org
3
School Counts! In the Oil Region
is an initiative, coordinated
by The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce and The Oil Region
Alliance, that encourages employers to use high school performance
records as one of the criteria used to evaluate high school job applicants.
The program also demonstrates to students the importance of building a strong work ethic in high school, as it
will directly affect their future employment. Young people need to know that there is a correlation between
working hard in school and finding a job-whether that job is in a Fortune 500 company or in the stockroom of a
local retail store.
Students need to know that attendance, punctuality, attitude and effort count and that nothing breeds success
like hard work. Employers can reinforce these messages by asking young applicants for high school performance
records, or a School Counts! In the Oil Region certificate.
School Counts! in the Oil Region will help students understand that school performance is important and will
help develop a more qualified workforce.
The criteria students must meet each school year to earn a certificate are:
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Obtain at least a “C” or better in every class
Achieve at least a 95% attendance and punctuality rate
Take more than the minimum number of required credits
Graduate high school in eight consecutive semesters
Demonstrate a positive behavior and no school suspensions
Pass random drug tests
What’s Next
We are beginning with a pilot program at the Cranberry Area School District in the spring of 2013. The
remaining Oil Region school districts have committed to rolling this program out beginning in the fall of 2013.
What you can do……
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Sign up to be a School Counts! In the Oil Region employer.
Use the School Counts! in the Oil Region certificate as one of the criteria used to evaluate high school job
applicants.
Encourage other companies to participate in and support School Counts! in the Oil Region.
Visit the School Counts! Page on the chamber’s website at
http://www.venangochamber.org/invest/school-counts-in-the-oil-region/
Read the EMPLOYER GUIDE, the School Counts Employer Brochure link, complete the Business/Organization
Commitment Card.
For more information contact Susan the Venango Chamber at (814) 676-8521
or Deb Lutz at the Oil Region Alliance at (814) 677-3152 .
“Building a Future for Venango Area Business!”
4
Upcoming Legislative Breakfast Planned
7:30 a.m. Friday February 8th
St. John’s Episcopal Church
513 12th St., Franklin
Cost: $10
See Insert in this newsletter for details
The Arlington Hotel
814.677.1221
877.677.1222
fx: 814.677.0492
1 Seneca St
Oil City, Pennsylvania
www.oilcityhotel.com

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Auto
Home
Life
Commercial
Group
And Others…...
Snapshot Certified Agent
Check Us Out…..
WWW.BARRSINSURANCE.COM
Call…..
888.399.6368
Insurance Agents & Brokers of Pennsylvania
Adds New Board Member
The Insurance Agents & Brokers of
Pennsylvania announced Joseph Pastor,
CEO of Barr’s Insurance in Oil City, Penn.,
has joined the association’s statewide
board.
The Insurance Agents & Brokers of
Pennsylvania is a statewide association
of independent insurance agents,
delivering programs, products and
services to more than 1,100 member agencies.
The Insurance Agents & Brokers of Pennsylvania is a partnership member of The Insurance Agents & Brokers (IA&B)
organization. Other IA&B partnership members include the
Delaware Association of Insurance Agents & Brokers and the
Insurance Agents & Brokers of Maryland.
Led by agent volunteers and staffed by 35 professionals, IA&B
is recognized for its industry-leading efforts in agent
professional development, advocacy, industry information
and knowledge-base development and communications.
State Farm®
Providing Insurance and Financial Services
Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710
Sandy K Hovis Ins Agcy Inc.
Sandy K. Hovis LUTCF, Agent
857 Allegheny Boulevard, P.O. Box 310
Reno, PA 16343-0310
814 437 2716 Fax 814 437 2950
sandy@sandykhovis.com
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®
Dog Licenses and Rabies Shots Available
Pleasantville Volunteer Fire Department
Saturday February 16, 2013 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
In the truck bay (go to red door out front).
Dog License prices vary from $4.45 - $8.45.
Rabies Shots are $16.
For more upcoming events and dinners for the month of
February:
Visit our website at www.pleasantvillevfd16.webs.com
and like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pvfd16
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce ● (814) 676-8521 ● www.venangochamber.org
Find Your Local Legislators
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HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES
PA State Representative Lee James
225 Singh Drive
Cranberry, PA 16319
814.677.2640
3220 State Route 257, Suite 8
P.O. Box 547
Seneca, PA 16346
814-677-6413
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
www.repjames.com
rljames@pahousegop.com
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65 Rooms
Indoor Pool
Wireless High Speed Internet
Deluxe Hot Breakfast Buffett
Meeting Facility for Seating up to 60
WWW.HIEXPRESS.COM/FRANKLINPA
“Recognizing that most constituents lead busy lives the office
remains open during the lunch hour, to be accessible to you,
the people for whom we work.”
Rep. Lee James
PA State Senator Scott Hutchinson
302 Seneca Street
Oil City, PA 16301
(814) 677-6345
FAX: (814) 677-6331
www.senatorscotthutchinson.com
Oil City Welcomes New City Manager
Eric A Strahl, a former city manager
of Menominee, MI, has been hired to
replace former city manager Ryan
Eggleston who resigned at the
beginning of June to take a city
manager position in Allegheny
County.
GILL
CONSULTING
“Our decision was due to the fact that
(Photo courtesy EHEXTRA.com)
he’s had a lot of experience dealing
with problems similar to those in
cities like ours and, at
this point, we felt we needed somebody with that kind of
experience,” Oil City May Barb Crudo told The Derrick Newspaper in December. “Experience was a big factor.”
Strahl, from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, possesses a
master’s degree in public administration. He has nearly 30
years of municipal management experience, including stops
in Rhode Island, New York, Kentucky and Maine.
2013 Franklin On Ice
Saturday, February 9, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Human Resource Management ▪ Strategic Planning
Business Development ▪ Customized Training Programs
Employee Relations ▪ Executive Coaching
Route 8, Reno, PA 16343
(814) 676-5566
iBelong
101 N. 13TH STREET
FRANKLIN
432-4091
iBelong
25 E. FIRST STREET
OIL CITY
676-4504
“Building a Future for Venango Area Business!”
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FLEX (Future Leaders and Entrepreneurs Exchange) is looking forward to an exciting 2013 and we need
your help! If you are a young professional between the ages of 21 and 39, and are looking for ways to
become more involved in the community or grow your leadership skills, please join us for a meeting to talk
about what FLEX can do for you.
We will also be working on preparation for our annual gala, FLEX Presents, a night to honor young professionals in Venango County. Flex Presents will be held on March 22, 2013, at The Commons at Franklin and
will begin at 8:00 PM. Please see the insert or watch for an email about sponsorship opportunities so you
can help make FLEX Presents a success again in 2013.
This month's FLEX meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 19 at 5:30 at the Chamber Office. If you
are unable to join us, but are interested in learning more about FLEX, please contact the Chamber or email
us at flex@venangochamber.org.
To nominate a young professional for recognition at FLEX Presents,
visit our website www.venangochamber.org/chamber/flex
or contact the chamber for a nomination form.
What Are You Missing by Not Networking?
Networking is a term you may have heard being tossed around in the business world before, but have never
put much thought or effort toward. Whether you realize it or not, many of us network daily in our interactions with others. Merriam-Webster defines networking as, "the exchange of information or services among
individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment
or business." If you have "rubbed some elbows", as they say, with other business peoples throughout your
week, you have networked. You probably didn't even know that when you talked to Joe the plumber on
Monday about your business, and exchanged some information, that you were networking.
As you climb your way up the business networking ladder, you can become a very influential individual.
When you network with others, people will notice. People’s perception of you will change, and your status
will be elevated. Your new, elevated status may help you make connections you were unable to make in the
past, or even make connections you were unaware of before networking. Keep your ear to the ground as we
will be expanding on the idea of “perception” in the future, and how it can affect you and your business.
So if you’re like me and don’t like to read lengthy articles, here’s the recap for you:
Networking
 Interacting with others to grow relationships for business reasons.
 Also known as “rubbing elbows.”
Advantages of Networking
 You meet new people.
 New relationships may help advance your business efforts.
But if you really want to see what networking can do for you, be sure to check out my blog for the full article:
www.somecleanthoughts.blogspot.com
Kurtis is a new member and will be a regular contributor to our newsletter, writing about networking.
Kurtis Bell, ServiceMaster by Bell, Inc., kurtis.smbybell@gmail.com 877-214-1664 814-764-3232
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce ● (814) 676-8521 ● www.venangochamber.org
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Crawford Technical Solutions – Member Spotlight!
The chamber is very excited to welcome Ryan Crawford and Crawford
Technical Solutions to our membership! Ryan is a driven, enthusiastic
business owner who is all about customer service and communication. He
has been involved with technology for over fifteen years and has worked at
jobs such as Intel, Wells Fargo, and Cable America. Ryan is originally from the
area, returned recently from Arizona, and is now working hard to promote
and grow his first self-owned business. He has attended Clarion University
and is currently working towards his bachelor’s degree. After opening on
January fifth of last year, Crawford Technical Solutions is moving forward
and Ryan is working on expanding further.
Located at 1087 Innis Street, just at the top of Seneca Hill, Crawford Technical Solutions offers a great deal of
computer work. Virus removal is a very popular problem that Ryan works on, along with computer tune-ups,
consulting, data recovery and transfers, and house calls when needed. Once Ryan is ready and his business is
going steady, he is interested in adding repair for electronics other than computers, such as cell phones,
iPods, and iPads. Ryan offers a great amount of solutions to computer problems and will repair, service, and
maintenance where and when needed.
Currently Ryan is solely working on promoting and expanding Crawford Technical Solutions, but he has
many goals and ideas for the future. He finds it highly important to communicate efficiently and to help
people learn more about technology. He is thinking about eventually starting a beginner class to help those
struggling with basic technology needs. Ryan finds knowledge to be critical and hopes to help others learn
more and grow just as he has.
When asked what was most important to him and what he wanted others to gain, Ryan said “don’t count out
small businesses.” Ryan is one hundred percent behind his work and he finds customer service critical, along
with always seeing the job through. He strives to continually grow and he has many goals for his business in
which he is working on meeting.
To get help with computer issues or to welcome Ryan and learn more about Crawford Technical Solutions,
stop by, give him a call at 814-676-4644, visit his website at http://www.crawfordtechnicalsupport.com,
or search Crawford Technical Solutions on Facebook.
Network with the Chamber
H & R Block Cranberry
Tropical Tanning Mixer
Chamber member had three opportunities to
network at Business After Hours mixers in January
and will have two more to attend in February.
“Building a Future for Venango Area Business!”
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Membership Survey Provides Insight
The Venango Chamber recently completed a membership survey to gather information on how to better
serve our members. “The feedback is extremely valuable as we work to continually improve Chamber
services and benefits,” said Chamber President, Lori Sibble. “Overall the results speak very positively about
the organization with 95.5 percent of respondents said they would agree or strongly agree to
recommend membership.” The online survey was available to all members. Of the 100 respondents (a
response rate of 21%), a majority represented businesses with 30 employees or less.
The respondents identified business connections/networking as the top reason why they are Chamber
members followed by business exposure for their company or organization.
While 96 percent agreed that the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce is focused on improving our local
communities, respondents identified their top challenges as #1 The Current Economic Situation,#2 Marketing and #3 Finding and Retaining Customers.
When asked what members would like to see the VACC more involved in, the most popular answers
centered around job creation and education initiatives. A common response was “Considering the staff size &
what the Chamber does now, adding more to their plate would be difficult.”
The respondents also indicated that they believe it is important for the chamber office to be a source of
information for members and the community
Additionally, respondents saw value in all of the communications tools the Chamber is using.
Chamber Director Susan Williams said the Chamber will conduct regular surveys and invited all members to
respond. She added that recommendations are always welcome. “You don’t have to wait until the next
survey. If you have a comment or suggestion, we want to know about it.”
Chamber Intern Katie Ragon assisted in planning and implementation of the survey and
reported the results at the annual board retreat. Katie is a senior at Gettysburg College,
majoring in Sociology and Women’s Studies.
To view the PowerPoint presentation prepared by Katie, visit our website at view the
http://www.venangochamber.org/2013-member-survey/
Intern Katie Ragon
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce ● (814) 676-8521 ● www.venangochamber.org
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2013 Board of Directors Hold Planning Retreat
The 2013 Board retreat was held Thursday, January 17th at Venango College of Clarion University in
Rhoades Center.
The first session of the morning was facilitated by the Chamber’s intern, Katie Ragon. Katie reviewed the
recent member survey and led a discussion on understanding member needs and expectations. Next, Hope
Lineman, Director of Marketing and University Relations for Venango College facilitated a session to
identify the strengths of board members and how our leadership team best utilizes these talents in
committees and for strategic leadership.
The last session of the morning was a presentation by Attorney Joe Keebler, reviewing risk management
and safeguarding the organization.
The afternoon was spent planning for operational and strategic direction in 2013 beginning with a review
of the current Mission, Vision and Values.
The board identified three operational goals in addition to naming three
areas of priority for 2013. Those priorities are Education, Business/
Legislative Advocacy and FLEX/Young Professional Development.
Each of these areas have been the subject of recent initiatives. By identifying these as key areas of focus in 2013, the board will further commit
resources to each, financial and time.
Chamber Prepared to Closeout Map Advertising
Did you know that the Venango Chamber has been the provider of the only high
quality regional Map for more than 10 years? Director Susan Williams remarks
“Our Map is widely distributed by local businesses and organization in visitor
packets, employee recruitment materials and to those who are involved in delivery
services. They are always available at the Chamber office but can additionally be
found throughout the region.”
While the Map provides valuable non-dues revenue for the Chamber, it’s production would not be possible without the sponsorship provided by our members. The
last Maps published for the Chamber were done in 2007 and are now gone.
With each publication there are new improvements. The upcoming map is full
color printing and also includes an on-line interactive feature to bring customers
right to your door!
The deadline is fast approaching. To reserve a prime sponsor position, contact
Hampton Publishing’s rep, Dennis Mudry, at the Chamber office via Phone – 676-8521, Fax – 676-8185 or
Email – swilliams@venangochamber.org.
“Building a Future for Venango Area Business!”
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Chamber Members Respond to Needs
In preparation for publishing the November Business Connector, we asked our members to share stories of
how their businesses and employees participated in giving during the holiday season. We have been hearing
the wonderful news ever since and love sharing it with you. The stories on page 11 are just a couple that
evidence the great work that was done in December. Both are creative solutions that helped to bring joy to
those in need.
We know that these and other members contribute year around, so we invite you to continue to share your
good works. Let us know when your employees are volunteering their time to help others or raise funds for
charitable causes. Let’s celebrate the great work by our business community and inspire others to do the
same. Send your stories to chamber@venangochamber.org and remember, we love pictures!
Same Great Service - New Name!
VTDC Celebrates 40 Years
The Arlington Hotel, previously an Americas Best
Value Inn is now Days Inn.
Venango Training and Development Center Inc. in
Seneca is celebrating 40 years of service to Venango
and surrounding counties.
Join us in congratulating the staff!
Presbyterian Homes recently announced that the
Oil City facility will be called Oakwood Heights.F
Venango Catholic's 50th Anniversary!
Venango Catholic High School is fifty years old! And to celebrate, they are having a gathering of parents,
students, teachers and YOU! Share stories, photos & check out your old classrooms! Light reception after the
Bishop's Mass. Don't miss this marvelous event!
Saturday
February 23,2013!
Doors open at 2:00, 4:30 Mass
• Meet the newly ordained Bishop and the new Headmaster!
• Hors d’oevres after Mass
 Check out VC technology
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• Old photo displays!
Celebration is being held at Venango Catholic High School Gym, 1505 West 1st Street, Oil City, PA
Have any questions? Call us!814-677-3098
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce ● (814) 676-8521 ● www.venangochamber.org
Adopt A Grandparent for Christmas a Huge Success!
11
Marla McVay’s Mary Kay unit adopted the residents at the Oil City Presbyterian Home and presented each of
them with a special gift for Christmas. Businesses and individuals in the community were asked to help
with this project by adopting a resident for Christmas and everyone come through in a huge way!!!!! 115 gift
sets were given away!
Volunteers presented the residents their gifts on Saturday, December 22nd. Five Oil City High School
students and five other community members helped deliver the gifts and spent a little time with the
residents. The residents were extremely excited to receive their gifts!
A huge thank you to the all of the sponsors who adopted one or more residents for Christmas!
Marla hopes to do this project again next year and provide gift sets for the Golden Living residents and
the Oil City Presbyterian Home residents.
The Performing Arts Academy with Darin Dance Team Brings Holiday Cheer
TPAA Dance Team with Darin, which is made up of dancers ages 9 thru 18, spent their weekends in December bringing holiday cheer to young and old in our local area. Thanks to our local Youth Philanthropy and
Intergenerational Grants the dance team held a Breakfast with Santa event that was free to families with
young children in our local area that were struggling financially during the holiday season.
With the help of the grants, local businesses and dance team parent volunteers the dancers were able to
provide a hot breakfast, a personal visit and picture with Santa along with a gift and those attending were
treated with a holiday dance performance by the dance team. In the following weekends the dance team
performed their holiday dances at all 4 of our local nursing homes and each nursing home resident was
given a wrapped gift of warm fuzzy holiday socks to wear during the cold winter months.
These young dance team members learned the true meaning of Christmas by sharing their time and talents
during the holiday season, the spirit of giving!
YWCA Antique Show
The YWCA of Oil City will be holding their 37th annual Antiques Sale and Show on Saturday, March 2, 9 am –
4 pm. Advanced tickets are $2 and are $3 at the door. Dealers from PA and Ohio will be included in this
show. A variety of antique items will include jewelry, linens, glassware, books, furniture, knick knacks and so
much more. The traditional YWCA lunch will be served from 11 am to 1:30 pm, featuring soup, salads, sandwiches and desserts. For more information contact the YWCA at 814-676-6528. Follow us on facebook too!
“Building a Future for Venango Area Business!”
12
Deer Creek Winery Relocates
716 East Second Street ● Oil City, PA 16301
(814) 677-4005 ● www.fscas.org
Our services include:
Adoption Services
Home & Community Habilitation
Alternatives to Violence
The HEIGHTS Program
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Oil City P.R.E.P. Program
Drug & Alcohol Programs
PPC Violence Free Network
Family Foundations Program
Supervised Visitation
General Counseling
Venango Fatherhood Initiative
Giving Strength to Families Since 1887
Deer Creek Winery will be moving from
the Cranberry Mall to nearby Seneca at
3008 on Route 257 in February. The building was formerly Nicole’s Bridal. This new
location will allow Deer Creek Winery the flexibility to host
events and even offer more products like wine ice cream. Keep
Deer Creek in mind as a location for women’s groups, small parties and more! Don’t forget to visit the Main Winery on Soap Fat
Road in Shippenville or any of the many other locations. Find
them online at www.DeerCreekWine.com.
B. E. Taylor to Join Hearts on Valentines Day
Cranberry
Franklin
Oil City
7029 US 322……………….…(814) 676-8600
1301 Liberty St……………….(814) 432-2195
259 Seneca St…………….…(814) 676-5736
105 Petroleum St.………....(814) 676-5648
Northwest Direct: 1-877-672-5678
www.northwestsavingsbank.com
Member FDIC
QUALITY INN & CONFERENCE CENTER
1411 Liberty Street (Route 8)
Franklin, PA 16323
Reservations: 800.535.4052
Ph: 814.437.3031
Benjamin’s Restaurant
French Creek Tavern
Deluxe Continental Breakfast
Wireless High Speed Internet
King, Queen & Jacuzzi Suites
Largest first class banquet & meeting facilities in the
area; seating up to 400 in our Grand Ballroom
WWW.CHOICEHOTELS.COM
GLENVIEW APOTHECARY, INC.
WHERE PHARMACY IS STILL A PROFESSION
2 SPRING STREET
OIL CITY, PA 16301
814-676-3731
JAMES M. HIMES RPh, President
LINDA HIMNES-SHUTTY CPhT, Vie President
OPEN MON-FRI 9-6, SAT 9-5
Closed Sundays & Holidays
Emergency 814-676-6169
B. E. Taylor will once again be in
Franklin at the Barrow-Civic Theatre
on Thursday, February 14 for a 7:30
pm show. The Valentine event will
an evening of entertainment that
will be sure to make the perfect
evening for residents looking to
celebrate with someone special.
Have dinner at your favorite restaurant then bring your true love to the B. E. Taylor show! Tickets
are $29.00 per guest and can be purchased by calling the Box
Office at 437-3440 or 800-537-7769 or see us on the web at
www.barrowtheatre.com
With our complements from Restoration Herbs
Each year Leslie M Alexander, PhD, RH (AHG) Medical Herbalist, creates a calendar as a token of her appreciation, of plants
and people. This year is no exception.
Wising you a healthy and happy 2013
You will find the calendar ready to print by visiting
Restoration Herbs listing in the Chamber’s online membership directory. Navigate the directory “by Name” listing and
click on the link to download.
T: (814) 374-4119
E: leslie@RestorationHerbs.com
A: www.RestorationHerbs.com
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce ● (814) 676-8521 ● www.venangochamber.org
It’s almost here …
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The 6th Annual Oil Country Bluegrass Festival, Feb 22, 23
& 24 2013. This popular event is a joint fundraising effort of
the Oil City Arts and Culture Commission and CASA of
Venango County. The weekend is FREE to the public to
enjoy, with the only income being from free will donations
and from several raffles that take place over the entire weekend.
Sears, The Bon-Ton, JCPenney,
Dunham’s Sports & much more!
6945 U.S. Route 322
Cranberry, PA 16319
During the festival weekend, Oil City is host to thousands of
visitors. To help welcome our visitors, welcome bags will be
placed in each room with information about the event sites
or restaurants located in the area.
General Info: (814) 676-2353
Leasing Info: (814) 676-3406
www.cranberrymall.com
Local businesses are invited to offer Bluegrass weekend
specials … food specials; special discounts at your store;
extended hours of operation; or, the opportunity to provide
us with PR materials you wish to offer (pens, small tablets,
etc.).
If you wish to do any of the above mentioned, please
provide 120 copies/items brought to CASA of Venango
County’s office at 206 Seneca Street, Suite 35, 3rd Floor,
Oil City, PA by Feb 19, 2013. If you have any questions
please call Cinnamon Evans at 814-670-0550, Ext 2.
Interested in starting a new business
or expanding a small business?
SMALL BUSINESS JUMP START has been educating entrepreneurs for the past 8 years and in that time has offered
16 programs with over 300 graduates with an 85% success
rate.
Sessions will be held on Thursdays, 6:00-9:00 PM
March 14 through May 9
Northwest Savings Bank, 1301 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA
Cost: $75.00
The Oil Region’s Best Mix
96.3 WKQW
&
ESPN Radio 1120 AM
www.venangocountydailynews.com
806 Grandview Rd, Suite C
Oil City, PA 16301
The FUN Bank
CALL NOW TO REGISTER FOR AN INFORMATIONAL SESSION
Thursday, March 7, 6:00-7:00 PM
Northwest Savings Bank, 1301 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA.
(not mandatory)
To register or for further information:
Ronnie Beith • 437.1619 x 123 or email
rbeith@franklinpa.gov
Sponsors:
Northwest Savings Bank ,Penn State Cooperative Extension, Oil Region
Alliance, City of Franklin, Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce, Svetz Consulting Services LLC, Keystone Community Education Council, ECCA Payroll &
Business Solutions, Seneca Printing Express, and Hagan Business Machines
Ph: 814-676-8254
Fax: 814-677-4272
First United National Bank
FRANKLIN
814-437-5758
OIL CITY
814-676-8647
CRANBERRY
814-678-1115
Offices also in Fryburg, Clarion and New Bethlehem
Donna Rapp
105 East First St
Oil City, PA 16301
(814) 676-1151
Financial Advisors
Lori Sibble
Rte 257, Seneca Commons
Seneca, PA 16346
(814) 677-4880
“Building a Future for Venango Area Business!”
14
Catholic Heart Work Camp
Over 100 teens will come to Oil City to serve those in need! July 7-13, 2013.
Catholic Heart Work Camp is a ministry to serve homeowners in need of
repair. These teens are a part of a great work of love from all across the
country. The teens and adults will are coming to do painting, cleaning and
minor repairs to homes in need. Over 13,000 teens and adults will travel to
US cities and bring a labor of love to cities across the country.
Would you like to have a work team at your home this Summer?
They will be staying at Venango Catholic High School during the week of July 7-13, 2013 and will come
to help you out.
To apply for this great opportunity, please contact: Deacon Tim Wren at the St. Elizabeth Center 311
Emerald Street Oil City, PA 16301 (814) 677-0203. (We can't promise you that you will be chosen,
but we will try real hard to get you on board!) To learn more visit www.heartworkcamp.com/index.html
Applications are available on the chamber’s website at:
www.venangochamber.org/catholic-heart-work-camp
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
LORI SIBBLE
Edward Jones Investments, Seneca
V.P.
DR. RAY FEROZ
Clarion University
SECRETARY
EMILY GILL
Moxie Media
TREASURER
ROGER MCCAULEY
UPMC Northwest
ROD ADAMS
Changing Times Telephone Service
DR. KATE ECKERT
Eckert Chiropractic
DAN ESTADT
Seneca Insurance & Notary
SALLY HARDS
Webco Idustries, Inc.
BUTCH
HARGENRADER
Pepsi Bottling Company
BETH HARMAN
Northwest Savings Bank
484 Allegheny Blvd. Suite A | Franklin, PA 16323
Phone: (814) 432-2188 | Fax: (814) 437-9372
DR. RYAN JACKSON Gonstead Family Chiropractic
Visit our website: www.nextsteptherapy.net
Email: nextsteptherapy@csonline.net
814-677-1390
BILL KAPP
Action Auto Service, Inc.
WENDY LINEMAN
PNC Bank
DEB LUTZ
Oil Region Alliance
DAVE SNEDDEN
Hagan Business Machines
SCOTT STAHL
Oil City Area High School
BRENDA WENNER
Franklin-Oil Region Federal Credit Union
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
SUSAN WILLIAMS
swilliams@venangochamber.org
EXECUTIVE
ASSISTANT
DOTTIE TAWNEY
dtawney@venangochamber.org
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce ● (814) 676-8521 ● www.venangochamber.org
15
SCORE Resources- Tools for Success
Frank Hajduk
In last month’s article, we discussed what SCORE is and why it is important to our local economy. SCORE is
America’s premier source of free and confidential small business mentoring and advice, and we opened an
office in Oil City in January of 2012. This month, we will focus on one of the types of specific services that
SCORE can provide you – the prospective or existing business owner.
One on One counseling
The primary resource that SCORE provides is one on one counseling. This can be anything from how to get
started to develop a business, to reading financial statements, to developing succession plans to pass along
your business to your heirs or employees. The goal of SCORE counselors is to become the mentors for
business owners throughout the entire lifecycle of the business. We measure our success with clients by
how many times the client requests our assistance and the duration of our relationship with clients. In
order to build a long standing relationship with clients, a level of trust must be developed and that is done
using two guiding principles. First, the information shared between the counselor and client is confidential.
This allows the client to be certain that their strategies or sensitive issues are not shared within anyone
outside of the business. Second, SCORE counselors do not seek or expect compensation for their work. This
prevents the relationship from becoming one where the counselor benefits financially from the information
that is shared, so the best interest of the client is the only objective of the relationship.
To make this work, a distinction must be made at this point. SCORE counselors are mentors, not
consultants. A mentor gives advice, shares their knowledge, but does not do the specific work for a client.
For example, a SCORE counselor will help the client evaluate their financial statements but will not create
the financial statements for the client. If someone is needed to create the financial statements, the client can
do that themselves, assign it to their accountant, or hire a consultant to do it for them. This relationship is
really important in order to allow the counselor to be objective in giving advice to the client, both good and
not so good. Oftentimes, a business owner will not have anyone to turn to who they can trust to give them
objective and knowledgeable feedback. SCORE counselors fill that void.
To get a further overview of SCORE, and the services that it offers, go to the website www.SCORE.org. If you
are interested in counseling or becoming a score counselor, go to www.SCOREERIE.org and “request a
meeting” or contact Frank Hajduk or Mary Cochran at the SCORE office in Oil City at 814-677-3152.
Williams Named as Chair of State Association
Venango Chamber Director Susan Williams has been named the 2013 Chair of the Pennsylvania
Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP), the professional association of Pennsylvania local
chambers of commerce executives and staff. It also consists of businesses interested in supporting
the work of chambers by offering products and services that enhance the work of chambers in their
respective communities
The mission of PACP is to enhance the quality and relevance of chamber management in the
Commonwealth of PA. To achieve this mission, PACP is dedicated to providing direct professional assistance and
quality education in professional and organizational development to its members.
“Building a Future for Venango Area Business!”
16
41 MAIN STREET P.O. BOX 376 OIL CITY, PA 16301
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT # 280
Address Service Requested
This Calendar of Events is brought to you by:
CS Technologies Plus & 4 Your Car Connection
cstechplus.com
hom
Feb 6:
Feb 7:
Feb 13:
Feb 18:
Feb 19:
Feb 20:
Feb 21:
Complete Technology Solutions
e of
2803 State Route 257 Seneca (814) 677-2447
Oil Heritage Festival Meeting 12PM or 5PM
Mixer - Miller’s Design - 5 - 7pm
Brown Bag Lunch - Chamber Office 12PM
Presidents Day - Chamber Office Closed
FLEX Meeting - Chamber Office 5:30PM
Chamber Annual Dinner - Cross Creek Resort
Board of Directors Meeting
March 13:
March 20:
March 21:
March 22:
Brown Bag Lunch - Chamber Office 12PM
FLEX Meeting - Chamber Office 5:30PM
Board of Directors Meeting
FLEX Presents - The Commons at Franklin
8 - 10PM
COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS AVAILABLE
AT WWW.VENANGOCHAMBER.ORG/CALENDAR
SALES! SERVICE! TOWING!
CARS * TRUCKS * VANS * SUVS
Follow us on :
WE FINANCE!
CRANBERRY, PA
814-678-DEAL (3325)
WWW.4YOURCARCONNECTION.COM
STRIVING TO BE “THE VERY BEST!”
The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce builds, serves and promotes regional business.
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce ● (814) 676-8521 ● www.venangochamber.org