c chamber awards hamber awards - venango chamber · 1/12/2009 · troy polamalu and hines ward...

“Building a Future for Venango Area Business!”

Chamber Awards Chamber Awards 2009 Citizen of the Year2009 Citizen of the Year

James S. HawkinsJames S. Hawkins Will receive the distinction at the 2010 Annual Dinner on February 24th at Cross Creek Resort V

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This symbol indicates more information can be found on our website. Look for it in each newsletter!

Venango Area Chamber of Commerce ● (814) 676-8521 ● www.venangochamber.org

Welcome New Welcome New

Members! Members!

2

TJ’s Car Care Toni Reisinger

4317 State Route 257

Oil City, PA 16301

(814) 676-6705

[email protected]

Auto Detailing

Your Shining Example Trina Hess

85 Hi-Level Lane

Cranberry, PA 16319

(814) (814) 319-2184

[email protected]

www.yourshiningexample.com

Entertainment

Board of DirectorsBoard of Directors

PRESIDENT PAM NIEDERRITER UPMC NW

V.P. ROD ADAMS

Changing Times Telephone Service

SECRETARY LINDA ANDERSON

Electralloy

TREASURER NICOLE RUSSELL Nicole’s Bridal Boutique

DR. JOE CARRICO

Oil City Area School District

EMILY GILL

Moxie Media

LISA GRONER

CS Technologies Plus

DR. RAY FEROZ

Clarion University

MARK HEIM WKQW 96.3 FM - 1120AM

DEBBIE MCNERNEY Oil Region Alliance

DR. RYAN JACKSON Gonstead Family Chiropractic

BILL KAPP Action Auto Service, Inc.

PATRICK PELLETIER

Williams Insurance

DAN PERTZ D & R Glass

BOB RICHARDS

Venango Real Estate

LORI SIBBLE

Edward Jones Investments, Seneca Office

SCOTT SNOW 4 Your Car Connection, Inc.

StaffStaff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SUSAN WILLIAMS

[email protected]

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR ASHLEY MCCAULEY

[email protected]

United Way’s 3rd Annual Casino Night

United Way will hold their 3rd Annual Casino

Night on March 13th at the Rocky Grove Fire Hall

from 7-11pm. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at

the door. Tickets can be purchased at United

Way offices in Reno, Venango & Franklin

Chamber offices. Beverages, food, and play

money included in ticket price. Games will

include Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold’em,

Craps, 6 foot operation game, Casino Plinko, and

Slot Machines.


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January & February Mixers [SAVE THE DATES] . . .

January 14th Klapec Auto Body

180 Regina Drive, Cranberry At this mixer, we will celebrate the Grand Opening of Klapec Auto

Body’s new location. They are located near the Wal-Mart Plaza, in

the former Busy Beaver Building. This will be a joint mixer with the

Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce.

February 10th UPMC NW Cancer Center

100 Fairfield Dr, Cranberry

Join us as we celebrate the unveiling of the new Cancer

Center at UPMC NW. This will be a joint mixer with the Franklin

Area Chamber of Commerce.

Hagan Business Machines

opens store in Cranberry Mall

To better serve Venango County and surrounding areas, Hagan Business Machines has opened a branch location in the Cranberry Mall. The same great products, service, supplies and support that Hagan is known for, now at a convenient location near you. The store is managed by Hagan sales consultant and Oil City resident, David Snedden, with the assistance of Julie Sutton, customer service support person and long time Hagan employee. Copiers, printers, fax machines and multifunction devices, color and black & white for all customer needs, big and small are available for demonstration. Walk-in copy and print services include full color banners, booklets and flyers. Store hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The store is currently open for business with ribbon cutting ceremony and official grand opening to be announced later. Dave offers qualifying businesses a free Encompass document cost analysis which determines a company’s total cost of ownership for printing and copying. Inefficiencies such as redundant, underutilized and outdated equipment, overly expensive inkjet color and laser printers, and outsourced costs are identified, revealing a wealth of “hidden” cost-saving opportuni-ties. A confidential detailed written assessment of findings and recommen-dations shows a clear picture of your document system, its usage and costs, and how to optimize it. Stop in and see how Hagan’s can save you money, increase your productivity and make your life easier. For more information, call David Snedden at 676-2000 or email him at [email protected].

Gustafson General Contracting displays

interesting projects on new website

G u s t a f s o n G e n e r a l

Contracting had a slow, but

interesting year in 2009; our

25th

year in business. After a

slow start, projects over the

summer were of an unusual and

challenging nature. In addition

to the normal renovations and

service related work for new

and long standing customers,

we found three projects to be

particularly interesting.

We were awarded the

contract for the Phase I of the

Ida Tarbell House restoration

for the Oil Region Alliance. This

was a significant and demanding

project that timed well with the

Oil 150 celebrations taking place

this year. We also constructed a

32’ tall replica Oil Derrick at the

Oil City High School Football

Field and a Bird Viewing

Platform at Kinzua Dam this

summer. Examples of these

projects and others can be seen at our new (currently developing)

website: www.gusgenco.com.


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Junior Achievement sells Steeler t-shirts

Sears, The Bon-Ton, JCPenney, Dunham’s Sports,

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, The Movies at Cranberry & more!

Shopping Hours:

Monday - Saturday

10am - 9pm

Sunday

Noon - 5pm

6945 U.S. Route 322 Cranberry, PA 16319

General Information: (814) 676-2353 Leasing & Management: (814) 676-3406

www.cranberrymall.com

by Vantage

®

The Arlington Hotel becomes Americas Best

Value Inn & Suites, now a chain T h e A r l i n g t o n

Hotel is now part of a

chain of quality

hotels known as

“Americas Best Value

Inn & Suites”.

Americas Best Value

Inns is a family of 906

Inns, Suites & Hotels

in North America.

“The hometown

pride and commit-

ment by our member

hotel owners provide

every guest with ex-

ceptional comfort,

quality, and service at

the most affordable rates. One visit and you will know why we

are Americas Best Value Inn.”

Bob Lavani, owner of the Oil City hotel, says many renovations

are currently taking place to the building. Some of the renova-

tions will be made for security purposes, such as enclosing half of

the buildings outside walkways to make them interior hallways.

The remaining half will remain open so visitors can enjoy the

scenic river view. Visitors will not be permitted to enter from the

outside and must have a room key to proceed through the

interiors.

New carpeting has been installed throughout the hotel and the

entrance has also been refurbished.

Torino’s Restaurant will still be located on the main floor of the

hotel.

All renovations are expected to be completed by May 2010.

For more information, please contact Americas Best

Value Inn & Suites at (814) 677-1221.

814.677.1221

800.677.1222

fx: 814.677.0491

1 Seneca St

Oil City, Pennsylvania

www.oilcityhotel.com

Venango County Junior Achievement is selling autographed

Troy Polamalu and Hines Ward T-Shirts as a fundraiser. The

shirts are only $15 each and make great gifts! A limited

number of shirts are available at CS Technologies Plus and

the Chamber office. Shirts will continue to be sold until they

sell out. For more info visit www.csonline.net/venangoja


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GILL CONSULTING

apothecaryapothecaryapothecaryapothecary

2 Spring Street Oil City, PA

814-676-3731

Where Pharmacy is Where Pharmacy is Where Pharmacy is Where Pharmacy is St ill a ProfessionStill a ProfessionStill a ProfessionStill a Profession

Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri: 9am-6pm | Tues, Thurs: 9am-8pm | Sat: 9am-5pm

● Convenient outside drop box

● We fill UPMC prescriptions

● Free pick-up and delivery of prescriptions

● Now selling Postcard History Series Books

James R. Himes Linda Himes-Shutty James M. Himes RPH CPHT RPH

Human Resource Management ▪ Strategic Planning

Business Development ▪ Customized Training Programs Employee Relations ▪ Executive Coaching

Route 8, Reno, PA 16343 (814) 676-5566

716 East Second St, Oil City, PA 16301 Phone: (814) 677-4005

Website: www.fscas.org

Adoption Services Family Foundations Program Alternatives to Violence General Counseling Big Brothers Big Sisters The HEIGHTS Program Drug & Alcohol Programs Oil City P.R.E.P. Program Home & Community Habilitation

PPC Violence Free Network & Shelter

Supervised Visitation Venango Fatherhood Initiative

Giving strength to families since 1887

T h e A r l i n g t o n

chain of quality

outside and must have a room key to proceed through the

For more information, please contact Americas Best

Local musical entertainment group, HOLeY Jeans is planning a

trip to New York City. The trip is scheduled for June 24-27,

2010.

• Roundtrip bus transportation via luxury motor coach with

VCR & Lavatory

• 3 nights hotel accommodations at the conveniently

located in New Jersey

• Breakfast daily at hotel

• 3 dinners

• CBS Early Morning Show

• Admission to the Top of the Rock

• Admission to the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum

• Admission to Circle Line 75 minute sightseeing cruise

around Manhattan

• Broadway Show “Wicked” Mezzanine seating

• Broadway workshop – 90 minutes

• Pre-arranged performance at Intrepid Museum or the

South Street Seaport

• Time for sightseeing, shopping and add-ons

• EDU Trips escort throughout the trip

• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Price per person: Double $627, Triple $559, Quad $506

THIS INCLUDES ALL TAXES AND ADMISSION FEES.

$100 deposit due by February 10. All monies due by April 30,

2010.

Approximate itinerary and hotel information will be given in

January due to the arrangement of Broadway show and CBS

early show.

Finalized itinerary and hotel information will be given out in

April due to any last minute changes.

HOLeY Jeans plans trip to New York City

June 24-27, 2010 - 3 days/4 nights


The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the Citizen of

the Year for 2009, James S. Hawkins. A well known businessman and active

community volunteer, Jim owns a resume that evidences a lifetime of hard work

and service to others. The oldest of three children and the only boy, Jim remem-

bers his first job as a paperboy at age 11, followed by working as a caddy and

groundskeeper for a local golf course in Penn Hills, where he grew up.

The product of hard working parents, Jim graduated from Penn Hills Sr. High

School and went on to earn his Bachelors of Business & Economics from

Slippery Rock University in 1971. His first post graduate job was with Aetna Life

& Casualty in Pittsburgh, but in 1975 he was recruited to fill a vacancy at Barr’s

Insurance in Oil City.

Jim remembers that just two weeks after arriving in Venango County, the Oil City Chamber of Commerce

Director visited him to ask “What will you do to serve the community?” His short answer was that he would like

to work with kids. He would go on to serve on many committees of the chamber and ultimately as the President

of the Board in 1982.

Along with Jim’s willingness to serve was his dedication to Barr’s Insurance. In 1980 Jim became a part owner of

the company and in 1993 a majority owner. Those who work with and for him speak of the devotion Jim shows

to community and to his “work family”, which now includes 20 employees.

It is overwhelming to review the list of organizations that has benefitted from Jim’s years of dedication. They

include but are not limited to numerous coaching positions in youth basketball, Little League, and golf, Board and

Officer Positions with Oil City Jaycees, Oil City Kiwanis Club, Oil City Parking Authority and the United Way. Jim

continues to be an active leader in his church and children’s schools, particularly in promoting Catholic

Education. He has served on the Slippery Rock University of PA Foundation and on the board of the Wanango

Country Club. Jim has remained committed to improving the lives of community members and especially our

youth.

Jim is passionate when he talks about his work with the Oil City Chamber of Commerce, Oil City Community

Development Corp. and most recently the Oil Region Alliance. He remarks that “Working together in strong

partnership across organizations, schools and our faith community is critical to the success of our area.” Jim has

been very involved in a number of collaborative projects of this nature over his years of service.

Those who nominated Jim for the honor of Citizen of the Year repeatedly expressed that Jim demonstrates a life

of honesty, integrity, reliability and inspiration, personally and professionally. Jim suggests “We need good

people to serve as mentors for future leaders and to challenge people to step up into leadership roles.”

Jim speaks proudly of the accomplishments of his three adult children, Colleen, Christine and Bryan and his eight

grandchildren, all now living out of state. He and his wife Andrea recently celebrated their 20th

anniversary and

are the parents of Garrett, age 15, an athlete like his father.

The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us in honoring Jim at the Chamber’s 2010 Annual

Dinner on Wednesday, February 24th

at Cross Creek Resort. For more information visit

www.venangochamber.org or call 814-676-8521

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Venango Chamber names James S. Hawkins as 2009 Citizen of the Year


the Year for 2009, James S. Hawkins. A well known businessman and active

School and went on to earn his Bachelors of Business & Economics from

Jim remembers that just two weeks after arriving in Venango County, the Oil City Chamber of Commerce

continues to be an active leader in his church and children’s schools, particularly in promoting Catholic

Jim is passionate when he talks about his work with the Oil City Chamber of Commerce, Oil City Community

Development Corp. and most recently the Oil Region Alliance. He remarks that “Working together in strong

of honesty, integrity, reliability and inspiration, personally and professionally. Jim suggests “We need good

7

Annual Cross Creek Resort Mixer offers attendees a fun

way to mix it up!

Cross Creek Resort hosted a great holiday mixer on December 3rd. Over

250 attendees enjoyed great appetizers, drinks, and holiday music while

meeting new people and reminiscing with friends.

The Chamber would like to thank Cross Creek Resort for hosting this

annual mixer that brings four chambers together to celebrate 2009.

CDC earns commendation

for after school program

A Child Development Centers (CDC) afterschool learning program for students in local districts has earned an “A+” from the state Department of Education.

That’s because the 21st Century Community Learning Center initiative is making a difference for about 80 K-3 students enrolled in the academic enrichment program at CDC’s Frank-lin, Hasson Heights and Cranberry centers, a state reviewer says.

The CDC program is a superb example of how the 21st Century initiative should work, and it’s a model for other organizations to follow, says Cara Akright, program coordinator with the Center for Schools and Communities, who reviewed CDC’s 21st Century program for the Pennsyl-vania Department of Education.

Ms. Akright examined every aspect of CDC’s 21st Century program (staff, curriculum, partnerships with parents and local schools, students’ academic progress, and more), determined CDC is doing a tremendous job, and made absolutely no recommendations for improvement.

21st Century is a free program for K-3 students from Franklin, Oil City, Valley Grove and Cranberry school districts. It focuses mostly on improving reading and math skills, but students also receive science, arts, music, computer and physical education instruction, and take part in many fun activities that make the program a great learning experience, says CDC’s 21st Century supervisor Karen Seh-man. Homework help and a healthy snack also are part of the two and a half-hour program that is held after every school day.

CDC’s exceptional review is a “great achievement. Karen and her team members do a tremendous job helping these students academically, and that’s what the 21st Century program is all about,” says CDC executive director Rina Nerlich.


8

Farmers National Bank of

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

Sandy K. Hovis, LUTCF Agent

857 Allegheny Boulevard, P.O. Box 310 Reno, PA 16343

814 437 2716 Toll Free 888 437 2718 Fax 814 437 2950

State Farm®

Providing Insurance and Financial Services

Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

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

Cranberry

7029 US 322

814.676.8600

Franklin

1301 Liberty St

814.432.2195

Oil City

259 Seneca St

814.676.5736

Pleasantville

102 East State St

814.589.7111

Titusville

Spring & Franklin Sts

814.827.3671

Oil City

One East First St

814.676.5648

www.northwestsavingsbank.com MEMBER FDIC

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES

WWW.HIEXPRESS.COM/FRANKLINPA

225 Singh Drive Cranberry, PA 16319

814.677.2640

• 65 Rooms

• Indoor Pool

• Wireless High Speed Internet

• Deluxe Hot Breakfast Buffett

• Meeting Facility for Seating up to 60

Holiday Inn Express receives Excellence Award

The Cranberry Holiday Inn

Express & Suites hotel has

received the InterContinental

Hotels Group (IHG) 2009

Quality Excellence Award,

given to hotels achieving

distinction in all aspects of

their operations. IHG is the

world’s largest hotel group by

number of rooms.

The Holiday Inn Express is one

of 107 properties selected

from the company’s more than

4,300 hotels in recognition of

overall quality excellence.

The hotel was recognized

during the 2009 IHG Americas

Investors & Leadership

Conference in Washington, D.C., November 11-13, 2009.

George Singh/ Owner & General Manager of the Holiday Inn

Express served as an acceptor of the award.

“I am pleased to honor the Holiday Inn Express with the

Quality Excellence Award,” said Jim Abrahamson, president,

the Americas, IHG. “Winners in this category demonstrate the

highest standards in product quality, hotel operation and

customer satisfaction.”

More than 2,000 franchise owners, operators and company

officials attended the 2009 IHG Americas Investors &

Leadership Conference.

If you would like us to list your twitter address on your online

member profile, please send us a quick email to

[email protected] with the link, and we will be

happy to add that to our online membership directory!

Members: Link your twitter address to your

online directory listing


9

New PA CareerLink®

Administrator named

Southside INTERNAL MEDICINE - PEDIATRICS

DONNA ANDERSON, M.D.

204 Central Ave

Oil City, PA 16301 (814) 677-4045

Venango Internal Medicine Venango Internal Medicine Venango Internal Medicine Venango Internal Medicine ---- UPMC UPMC UPMC UPMC

One Memorial Drive Oil City, PA 16301 814-676-8571

Stuart Shapiro, MD, Alison Dilks, MD

and Robert Wolbert, CRNP are committed

to providing satisfying, high-quality care

for you and your family.

The Regional

Center for Work-

force Excellence

(RCWE), staff

support and fiscal

agent to the

N o r t h w e s t

P e n n s y l v a n i a

W o r k f o r c e

Investment Board

(NWPA WIB) welcomes Samuel Wagner as the

new PA CareerLink® Administrator for the Oil

Region. Mr. Wagner assumed fu l l

Administrator responsibilities at the location

beginning Monday, December 14, 2009.

Mr. Wagner accepted the position after having

served the communities of Clarion and

Warren. During the past six years Mr. Wagner

served as the PA CareerLink® Clarion

Administrator, and four years ago assumed the

additional responsibility of administering the PA

CareerLink® Warren County site. He

commented, “I’m looking forward to working

with the people of Venango County. I share a

long history with the region and have a great

appreciation for the staff of the PA

CareerLink® Oil Region. I’m also eager to

extend my experiences in other counties in

Northwest Pennsylvania to further the

workforce development efforts in the

Venango County area.”

The Cranberry Holiday Inn

Express & Suites hotel has

2009

given to hotels achieving

The hotel was recognized

Investors & Leadership

“I am pleased to honor the Holiday Inn Express with the

the Americas, IHG. “Winners in this category demonstrate the

highest standards in product quality, hotel operation and

More than 2,000 franchise owners, operators and company

officials attended the 2009 IHG Americas Investors &

The Arts Council

presented gifts to new

city manager Ryan

Eggleston at a welcom-

ing reception sponsored

by the Arts Council on

December 3rd. The new

manager, accompanied

by his wife Julia and their

son Connor, was also given tickets to the Arts in the Transit

concert series and First Night buttons.

Oil City Arts Council welcomes new

City Manager

Next Step Therapy,

Inc. is pleased to

announce staff

changes for the

upcoming year.

Tracy Cowles, CEO,

recently hired Amy

K a l t e n b a c h a s

Administrator and

Teresa Winger as Fiscal Officer. In addition, the agency

was awarded two additional contracts for therapy, at

Warren State Hospital and Dickinson Mental Health. In

the new year, Ms. Cowles plans to continue to expand

the contracts for Early Intervention services to other

areas in the Western Region, explore the possibility of

adding web based Tele Therapy to the variety of services

currently offered, and research the various programs to

better serve children diagnosed with Autism.

Next Step Therapy hires administrator

and fiscal officer

member profile, please send us a quick email to


10

Spotlight on New Members: TJ’s Car Care

The FUN Bank

First United National Bank

FRANKLIN OIL CITY CRANBERRY 814-437-5758 814-676-8647 814-678-1115

Offices also in Fryburg, Clarion and New Bethlehem

Franklin Women’s Health Associates James W. M. Ham, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Michael L. Fetterolf, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.

Williams T. McGrail, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Eric G. Fackler, M.D.,F.A.C.O.G.

Marilynn M. Martin, BSN, RNC, CRNP

Amanda Miller, PA-C

1310 Liberty Street

Franklin, PA 16323

Ph: 814-432-3163

TF: 800-242-2786

Fx: 814-437-2417

Jim and Toni Reisinger are living their dream. After years of

working in state jobs and raising their children they took the

leap into starting TJ’s Car Care. With a July 1st

opening just six

months ago, Jim remarks that it has been the most satisfying

way he’s ever worked. Family members have a similar business

in Meadville and have offered encouragement and valuable

advice that has proved to be priceless to the Reisinger’s. Megan,

the Reisinger’s daughter also works in the business.

In what they describe as a “great” location on Seneca Hill, TJ’s

Car Care offers customers real convenience. Many days it is

possible to just drop in for the “Wash and Go”. A variety of

services are available for every size vehicle, including “The

Works” complete detailing which can take up to 8 hours to complete. Toni suggests calling for an appointment for

more involved jobs but points out that customers will have the conveniences of a TV, Wi-Fi Connection, a kid

friendly waiting area, and of course a hot cup of coffee! If you prefer, the staff of TJ’s will be happy to offer pick

up and delivery for those who prefer to stay at home or the office.

One might expect this to be a slower time of year in the car care business, but the winter season has been very

busy at TJ’s. Jim explains that good maintenance, with the right products will protect your car from the many

products that are used to keep winter roads safe. Several local car dealerships, businesses and individuals have

become regular clients at TJ’s Car Care and Toni and Jim are proud to be working with many other chamber

members for their signs, equipment and as customers.

Gift Certificates are available for all services and special winter pricing is now available. Specials and volume

pricing are frequently offered. You can call TJ’s Car Care at 814-676-6705 or stop by and visit, open Monday

through Friday from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM and Saturday’s by appointment.

Nicole’s Bridal Boutique celebrates 5 years in business Nicole’s Bridal will celebrate their 5 year anniversary on January 15th 2008 and credits their immense success to

unique gowns and superior customer service. Owner and Operator, Nicole Russell says the primary goal of Nicole's

Bridal Boutique is to fulfill the lifetime dreams of each bride by making her wedding planning process enjoyable and

simple. Its not just about a dress at Nicole’s, its about an experience.

Nicole’s Bridal prides itself on bringing the latest and greatest in bridal and prom to Venango County. Each gown and

accessory is chosen with research and analysis to bring the people of Western Pennsylvania the attire they want at a

price they can afford.

In 2007, 2008 and 2009 Nicole's Bridal Boutique was recognized nationally as one of Jim’s Formal Wear’s Elite

Formalwear retailers of the year. Nicole’s has already noticed a huge surge in wedding dates for the 2010 season

and is anticipating their biggest year ever!

The combination of understanding what the customer wants, top of the line merchandise at a great price and

superior customer service, makes Nicole’s Bridal a standout in the bridal industry. For more info, please call 678-1104.


11

Your Local Station 1777 STATE ROUTE 157

OIL CITY, PA 16301

PH: 814.678.2884

W W W . C H A N G I N G T I M E S T E L E P H O N E . C O M

in Meadville and have offered encouragement and valuable

possible to just drop in for the “Wash and Go”. A variety of

Gift Certificates are available for all services and special winter pricing is now available. Specials and volume

New Year’s Resolution: volunteer more

The Auxiliary/Volunteer Service department has

currently added new programs to the many other

volunteer opportunities available at UPMC

Northwest.

The “Helping Hands” program designed for those

volunteers that would like the direct patient care

experience. Volunteers are trained to assist

in-patients that have feeding assistance needs.

Our “Special Blankets for Special Deliveries”

program combines the efforts of the Retired Senior

Volunteer Program, SAFE Kids of Venango County,

and the UPMC Northwest Auxiliary. Each month the

first infant born on a specified date receives a car

seat filled with various items from each

organization.

In progress is an Emergency Department liaison

program which is designed to improve the

communication between patients, waiting family

members, and staff by providing regular patient

status updates to families.

If you are interested in learning more about the

volunteer opportunities at UPMC Northwest, please

contact Jill Williams at 676-7721.

OC & T Railroad hosts fundraiser, needs

auction items The Oil Creek & Titus-

ville Railroad and

Friends of the

Railroad (FORR) will be

holding a fundraiser

auction on Saturday,

April 24, 2010. It will

take place at the Perry

Street Station, 409 S.

Perry Street, Titusville at 10:00 A.M. Anyone wishing to

donate articles for the auction may call the railroad office

at (814) 676-1733. Pick up will be available for large items

and they have a storage area in which to keep items till the

auction.

Baskets or items for a silent and Chinese auction will also

be graciously accepted. Food service will also be available

the day of the auction. Proceeds from the auction will go

towards operations and maintenance projects such as

painting the floors in the seven cars and installing

additional restroom facilities on the train.

The Oil Creek Railway Historical Society, Inc. is a 501 C 3

non-profit agency and will be able to provide certificates

for donations if requested.

Moxie Media reminds businesses of the approaching deadline to the

Business Review & Forecast

Each February Venango Newspapers publishes its Business Review & Forecast edition. Last year Moxie Media wrote

and submitted over 20 articles on behalf of area businesses and non-profits. Many businesses and non-profits find that

they don't have the time or energies to commit to this project over the holiday.

Each year, Moxie clients receive great placement and articles that run 99% verbatim. Most of the submissions are

accompanied by a photograph. If you would like Moxie Media to develop an article for submission, please contact

Emily Gill at 814.671.8598. The process is very simple, we just need some time to talk in person or via phone to

develop content.

As always, you will receive a proof of your article before it is submitted. All articles must be submitted to Venango

Newspapers by January 13, 2010. Have a very MOXIE New Year!

’s Elite

The combination of understanding what the customer wants, top of the line merchandise at a great price and


This Calendar of Events is brought to you by: CS Technologies Plus & 4 Your Car Connection

The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to building, serving and promoting growth for our members and Venango Area Business.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT # 280

41 MAIN STREET P.O. BOX 376 OIL CITY, PA 16301

February 10: Mixer - UPMC Northwest @ 5-7pm

February 15: FLEX Meeting @ Chamber Office @ 5pm

February 17: Brown Bag Luncheon @ 12pm

February 18: Board of Directors Meeting @ 8am

February 24: Annual Dinner at Cross Creek Resort @

5:30pm

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS AVAILABLE AT

WWW.VENANGOCHAMBER.ORG/CALENDAR

Address Service Requested

January 14: Mixer - Klapec Auto Body @ 5-7pm

January 18: FLEX Meeting @ Chamber Office @ 5pm

January 20: Brown Bag Luncheon @ 12pm

January 21: Board of Directors Meeting @ 8am

January 28: Mixer - Merry Berry Patch Embroidery &

Screen Printing @ 5-7pm

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS AVAILABLE AT

WWW.VENANGOCHAMBER.ORG/CALENDAR

CRANBERRY, PA 814814--678678--DEAL (3325)DEAL (3325)

SALES! SERVICE! TOSALES! SERVICE! TOWING!WING! CARS CARS ** TRUCKS TRUCKS ** VANS VANS ** SUVS SUVS

WE FINANCE! WWW.4YOURCARCONNECTION.COM

STRIVING TO BE “THE VERY BEST!”

SERVICE SPECIALS:SERVICE SPECIALS: $19.95 OIL CHANGE

$19.95 PA STATE INSPECTION ON MOST 2 & 4 DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES

$24.95 FOR SUVS/CROSSOVERS/TRUCKS

Complete Technology Solutions

2803 State Route 257 Seneca 814) 677-2447

home of

cstechplus.com

DATE Thursday, January 14, 2010

TIME

RSVP Venango Area Chamber 814.676.8521

WHERE

Klapec Auto Body 180 Regina Dr, Cranberry

Joint mixer with the Franklin & Venango

Chambers of Commerce

Hors d’oeurves ● Door Prizes ● Networking

5-7pm

Join us to celebrate the opening of Join us to celebrate the opening of Join us to celebrate the opening of Join us to celebrate the opening of

Klapec Auto Body’s new location in Klapec Auto Body’s new location in Klapec Auto Body’s new location in Klapec Auto Body’s new location in

the former Busy Beaver building!the former Busy Beaver building!the former Busy Beaver building!the former Busy Beaver building!

Business Business Business Business AfterAfterAfterAfter----HoursHoursHoursHours

MixerMixerMixerMixer

DATE Wednesday, January 28

TIME


WHERE

Merry Berry Patch Embroidery & Screen Printing

507 13th Street, Franklin Joint mixer with the Franklin & Venango

Chambers of Commerce


5-7pm


MixerMixerMixerMixer

DATE Wednesday, February 10

TIME


WHERE

UPMC Northwest

100 Fairfield Dr, Cranberry

Joint mixer with the Franklin & Venango Chambers of Commerce


5-7pm


MixerMixerMixerMixer Cancer Center

VVVVVVVVVVVV E N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G O A A A A A A A A A A A A R E AR E AR E AR E AR E AR E AR E AR E AR E AR E AR E AR E A

CCCCCCCCCCCC H A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E R O FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO F C C C C C C C C C C C C O M M E R C EO M M E R C EO M M E R C EO M M E R C EO M M E R C EO M M E R C EO M M E R C EO M M E R C EO M M E R C EO M M E R C EO M M E R C EO M M E R C E

Cross Creek Resort Emerald Room

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Cocktails: 5:30-6:30pm

Dinner: 6:30-7:30pm

Program: 7:30-8:30pm

Citizen of the Year: James S. Hawkins

Volunteer of the Year

Brief Overview of 2009 Accomplishments

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Please complete the reservation form and return it to VACC, P.O. Box 376, Oil City, PA 16301 by Wednesday, February 17th. Reservations can also be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to (814) 676-8185.

The cost per person is $40. Please make all checks payable to “Venango Area Chamber of Commerce”.

No refunds unless cancellation is received by Wednesday, February 17th.

Suggested attire for the evening is Business Formal.

SEATING In an effort to accommodate large groups who wish to be seated together, banquet tables will be numbered and seating will be assigned.

Reserved seating will only be for tables of 8 or more. If you would like to be seated with friends, you must submit your reservations forms together or submit the complete list of names of the people at your table.

Dinner tickets and table assignments will be handed out at the door the night of the dinner.

MENU Cocktail Hour Menu

Hot Appetizers Meat, Vegetable & Fruit Trays

Dinner Hour Menu

Garden Salad Rolls

Choice of: Prime Rib, Stuffed Chicken Breast or Angel Hair Pasta with Marinara

Baked Potato Vegetable

Dessert

DIRECTIONS Cross Creek Resort 3815 State Route 8 Titusville, PA 16354

www.crosscreekresort.com For specific directions, please contact the

chamber staff at (814) 676-8521.

SPONSORSHIPS average dinner attendance of 300

RESERVATION FORM

Company Name

Address/State/Zip

Please seat the following people together Circle Meal Choice

1. __________________________________ Prime Rib Stuffed Chicken Breast Angel Hair with Marinara








METHOD OF PAYMENT

Please print Credit Card Numbers on the lines provided below:

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

3-digit Verification Code: ___ ___ ___ Expiration Date: ___ ___ /___ ___

□ Please Invoice □ Check Enclosed □ Credit Card

Please fill out the following information if paying by Credit Card.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSOR(S) $ 200 Business name engraved on award Business name & logo on signage at each table Business name & logo on program Business name & website linked on chamber website

DINNER RESERVATIONS $40/person

RECEPTION SPONSOR(S) $ 100 Business name & logo on signage at reception Business name & logo on program Business name & website linked on chamber website

Phone Number

TABLE SPONSOR(S) $ 100 Business name & logo on signage at each table Business name & logo on program Business name & website linked on chamber website

41 Main Street P.O. Box 376

Oil City, PA 16301

(814) 676-8521 Fax: (814) 676-8185

www.venangochamber.org

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE

‘09 CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER

VVVVVVVV E N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G OE N A N G O A A A A A A A A R E AR E AR E AR E AR E AR E AR E AR E A C C C C C C C C H A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E RH A M B E R O FO FO FO FO FO FO FO F C C C C C C C C O M M E RC EO M M E RC EO M M E RC EO M M E RC EO M M E RC EO M M E RC EO M M E RC EO M M E RC E

Above, Dr. Pilewski, pictured with his family, accepted the 2008 Citizen of the Year award. Below,

attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner before the program.

The Venango Area

Chamber of Commerce is

proud to announce the

Citizen of the Year for

2009, James S. Hawkins. A

well known businessman

and active community

volunteer, Jim owns a

resume that evidences a

lifetime of hard work and

service to others. The

oldest of three children and the only boy, Jim

remembers his first job as a paperboy at age 11,

followed by working as a caddy and groundskeeper for

a local golf course in Penn Hills, where he grew up.

The product of hard working parents, Jim graduated

from Penn Hills Sr. High School and went on to earn his

Bachelors of Business & Economics from Slippery Rock

University in 1971. His first post graduate job was with

Aetna Life & Casualty in Pittsburgh, but in 1975 he was

recruited to fill a vacancy at Barr’s Insurance in Oil City.

Jim remembers that just two weeks after arriving in

Venango County, the Oil City Chamber of Commerce

Director visited him to ask “What will you do to serve

the community?” His short answer was that he would

like to work with kids. He would go on to serve on many

committees of the chamber and ultimately as the

President of the Board in 1982.

Along with Jim’s willingness to serve was his dedication

to Barr’s Insurance. In 1980 Jim became a part owner of

the company and in 1993 a majority owner. Those who

work with and for him speak of the devotion Jim shows

to community and to his “work family”, which now

includes 20 employees.

It is overwhelming to review the list of organizations that has

benefitted from Jim’s years of dedication. They include but

are not limited to numerous coaching positions in youth

basketball, Little League, and golf, Board and Officer

Positions with Oil City Jaycees, Oil City Kiwanis Club, Oil City

Parking Authority and the United Way. Jim continues to be

an active leader in his church and children’s schools,

particularly in promoting Catholic Education. He has served

on the Slippery Rock University of PA Foundation and on the

board of the Wanango Country Club. Jim has remained

committed to improving the lives of community members

and especially our youth.

Jim is passionate when he talks about his work with the Oil

City Chamber of Commerce, Oil City Community Develop-

ment Corp. and most recently the Oil Region Alliance. He

remarks that “Working together in strong partnership across

organizations, schools and our faith community is critical to

the success of our area.” Jim has been very involved in a

number of collaborative projects of this nature over his years

of service.

Those who nominated Jim for the honor of Citizen of the

Year repeatedly expressed that Jim demonstrates a life of

honesty, integrity, reliability and inspiration, personally and

professionally. Jim suggests “We need good people to serve

as mentors for future leaders and to challenge people to

step up into leadership roles.”

Jim speaks proudly of the accomplishments of his three adult

children, Colleen, Christine and Bryan and his eight

grandchildren, all now living out of state. He and his wife

Andrea recently celebrated their 20th

anniversary and are

the parents of Garrett, age 15, an athlete like his father.

The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to join

us in honoring Jim at the Chamber’s 2010 Annual Dinner on

Wednesday, February 24th

at Cross Creek Resort. For more

information visit www.venangochamber.org or call

(814)676-8521

c chamber awards hamber awards - venango chamber · 1/12/2009 · troy polamalu and hines ward...

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