the business connection · chamber news page 2 the business connection may 2020 welcome, new...

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In this issue: Page 2 - New Members, Renewals Page 3 - Youth Members, Why Franklin Page 4 - Chamber News Page 5 - Education Page 6 - Member Events Page 7 - Member News Page 8 - Member News Page 9 - Member News Page 10 - Member Showcase 1255 Liberty Street Franklin, PA 16323 (814)432-5823 www.franklinareachamber.org Jodi Lewis - Executive Director Rachael Greenway - Executive Assistant Andrew Ritsig - Administrative Specialist Holly Gibbons - Technical Assistant Leigh Protivnak - Communications Open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. BUSINESS Connection The May 2020 Coronavirus Response: Were Here for YOU! Seniors in need of grocery or prescription pickup and delivery can call 211 for assistance. April 2020 ... while the COVID-19 pandemic has created chaos, frustration, anger, and tears, it has also created a “how can I help?” attitude. Like everyone else, I have sleepless nights - prob- ably too many - and worrisome hours - lots of them. However, I have also seen GOOD ... real- ly, really GOOD. You ... as an individual or as a business .. have reached out and done what needed done. Food items were donated so that families could eat; face masks have protected our workers and our com- munity members; chalk art drew smiles on so many otherwise sad faces; elastic, t-shirts, ribbon, and material donations have allowed for contin- ued sewing of masks; hand sanitizer has been made and donated to our first-line community; meals have been purchased; gift certificates given; breakfast, lunch, dinner, and donuts provided for our front-line communities; YOU did it! When chaos struck, you battled through and made sure everyone was taken care of. THANK you ... nev- er have I been more proud to be part of our com- munity, our region than now. To show our pride in this community and all of the things people are doing to maintain essen- tial services, support loved ones, or just to put a smile on someone’s face, we have partnered with Gibbons Business Solutions and Porch Music Store to create a video to promote our region and shed a light on businesses that have had to close, and those who are doing everything they can to stay open. Check it out on the Franklin Area Chamber YouTube channel! ~

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Page 1: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

In this issue:

Page 2 - New Members, Renewals

Page 3 - Youth Members, Why Franklin

Page 4 - Chamber News

Page 5 - Education

Page 6 - Member Events

Page 7 - Member News

Page 8 - Member News

Page 9 - Member News

Page 10 - Member Showcase

1255 Liberty Street Franklin, PA 16323

(814)432-5823 www.franklinareachamber.org

Jodi Lewis - Executive Director

Rachael Greenway - Executive Assistant Andrew Ritsig - Administrative Specialist

Holly Gibbons - Technical Assistant Leigh Protivnak - Communications

Open

Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BUSINESS

Connection

The

May 2020

Coronavirus Response: We’re Here for YOU!

Seniors in need of grocery or prescription pickup and delivery can call 211 for assistance.

April 2020 ... while the COVID-19 pandemic

has created chaos, frustration, anger, and tears, it

has also created a “how can I help?” attitude.

Like everyone else, I have sleepless nights - prob-

ably too many - and worrisome hours - lots of

them. However, I have also seen GOOD ... real-

ly, really GOOD.

You ... as an individual or as a business .. have

reached out and done what needed done. Food

items were donated so that families could eat; face

masks have protected our workers and our com-

munity members; chalk art drew smiles on so

many otherwise sad faces; elastic, t-shirts, ribbon,

and material donations have allowed for contin-

ued sewing of masks; hand sanitizer has been

made and donated to our first-line community;

meals have been purchased; gift certificates given;

breakfast, lunch, dinner, and donuts provided for

our front-line communities; YOU did it! When

chaos struck, you battled through and made sure

everyone was taken care of. THANK you ... nev-

er have I been more proud to be part of our com-

munity, our region than now.

To show our pride in this community and all

of the things people are doing to maintain essen-

tial services, support loved ones, or just to put a

smile on someone’s face, we have partnered with

Gibbons Business Solutions and Porch Music

Store to create a video to promote our region and

shed a light on businesses that have had to close,

and those who are doing everything they can to

stay open. Check it out on the Franklin Area

Chamber YouTube channel! ~

Page 2: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

Chamber News

Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020

Welcome, New Members

4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment. From two locations, Franklin (Opening June 5) and Fairview, with 6 days of operation. 4 Season Cycle hopes to serve Northwestern Pennsylvania and beyond.

James Cole 422 12th Street, Franklin, PA 16323

(814) 440-8078 [email protected]

Find them on Facebook

4 Season Cycle

Valley Grove School District, 44 years

Franklin Rotary Club of Franklin, 39 years

Kendzoir Orthodontics, 35 years

Venango Training & Development Center,

29 years

Jones Hardwood Inc., 24 years

Seneca Hills Bibel Camp, 21 years

Knights of Columbus, 17 years

Gahr’s Hamloaf, 17 years

Homespun Treasures Quilt Shop, 10 years

USA Choice Internet Services, LLC, 8 years

Astorino Family Pharmacy, 7 years

First Presbyterian Church, 7 years

Northwest PA Regional College, 2 years

Country Grub, 2 years

West Park Guitar & Music, 2 years

Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, 2 years

Thank You, Renewing Members

The Franklin Red Express is the third store in a local franchise offering gas, laser car wash, air pump, propane, ice, a small grocery line, espresso and coffee, lottery, and ATM. They also have and Bartoli’s Oven featuring pizza, wings, sal-ads, chicken, breakfast and more!

Diane Redfield 1375 Pittsburgh Road, Franklin, PA 16323

(814) 432-5705 [email protected]

redexpresspa.com

Red Express Franklin

The Speerstra family purchased the Franklin Subway franchise just before the COVID-19 outbreak, and they jumped right in to help the community by feeding hundreds of school children for free! They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Debra Speerstra 1245 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA 16323

(814) 437-2474 [email protected]

http://subway.com

KDH Development, LLC/Subway

Referral Rewards Program

If you like our services and encourage another

business to join the Chamber, be sure they put

your name down on their application - every

referral will be entered into a drawing for a FREE

annual membership in December. The more

people you send our way, the more chances to win!

We want to thank each and every member who continues to support our mission!

Page 3: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

Chamber News

Page 3 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020

June Newsletter Deadline

Make sure you send us your events, news and

photos to [email protected] by

Monday, May 18, 2020

to be included in our June newsletter.

Why Franklin?

Bill, Jennifer, and

their son, Will, Cisek

like everything about

Franklin!

Bill said there is an

overwhelming sense of

community pride that

touches every aspect of

life in Franklin and

draws people in.

“Pride in the physi-

cal appearance of the

houses and businesses. Pride in buying local and sup-

porting our neighbors. Pride in an amazing arts com-

munity. Pride in a multi-denomination Ministerium

working together for the common good. Pride in our

schools and our kids. Pride in ‘showing-off’ our town

with endless events that highlight what a great place

Franklin is to visit, work and live.”

The Ciseks like how Franklin is big enough to of-

fer the conveniences of a bigger town (restaurants,

shops, theatre) but small enough to remain a close-

knit community. Having the park, the YMCA, and

Central Elementary School within a two-minute walk,

not to mention all the other amenities in the walkable

downtown, is priceless.

Read the Cisek family’s full story and other Why

Franklin testimonials on our website at

www.franklinareachamber.org/why-franklin.

New - Youth Membership For years, the Franklin Area Chamber has en-

couraged our students to reach out and do. And,

now we are happy to announce that we have added

Youth Memberships to our programs. So many lo-

cal students have an entrepreneurial spirit and are

out there doing their thing. We have musicians, gar-

deners, artisans, crafters, and more. While we know

our students are busy in life – perhaps now more

than ever – we want to help in their success. Stu-

dents through Grade 12 can join the Chamber for

$50. In exchange for that membership rate, we will

help to promote their businesses and connect them

with like-minded members.

We are so excited to introduce two enterprising

young men who have joined as our first Youth

Members: Will and Waylon Ion. Will is the youngest

performer to ever play on the Applefest stage and

his brother Waylon is entering his second season

with his own fresh produce stand with vegetables,

live plants, and more.

Already showing a knack for marketing, Waylon

is offering a Mother’s Day hanging basket giveaway

on the Waylon’s Fresh Produce Facebook page.

Check out Wild Will Ion Music on Facebook for

videos and booking. He’s been keeping us enter-

tained through live social media performances.

Stop by the produce stand at 1187 Lake Creek

Road, Cooperstown. You can reach the Ions by

phone at (814) 673-4299.

Page 4: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

Chamber News

Page 4 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020

Reopening PA - A Safe Path Forward Locals Need Your Help

As the process of reopening local businesses con-

tinues over the coming months, we will continue to

post updates from member businesses on our web-

site. Please do what you can to help support your fa-

vorite small businesses that are doing everything they

can to stay open. Here is a list of restaurants that are

offering carryout and/or delivery services.

Allegheny Grille, (724) 659-4333

AmaZing Foods Catering Co, (814) 437-3663

Bella Cucina, (814) 657-6521

Benjamin’s Roadhouse, (814) 432-7010

Bistro by Pizza Joe’s, (814) 432-8000

Bossa Nova Café, www.bossanovacafe.com

Country Grub, (814) 437-1500

Deer Creek Winery, (814) 354-7392

Fox’s Pizza Den, (814) 432-2625

FoxTales, (814) 437-6636

King’s Family Restaurant, (814) 437-6997

Leonardo’s, (814) 432-8421

Liberty Street Ale House, (814) 437-1115

Linda Lou’s, (814) 432-2009

Little Caesars, (814) 437-1313

Log Cabin Family Restaurant, (814) 676-1011

Subway, (814) 437-2474

Tickle My Ribs, (814) 346-0433

TrAils to Ales Brewery, (814) 346-0147

Wanango Country Club, (814) 676-8133

Information is changing every day, and we will try

to keep you informed via our Facebook page of new

announcements from state and local lawmakers, and

of resources available for businesses and residents

during this difficult time. As of now, Governor Tom

Wolf has laid out some guidelines for safely returning

to work. We know how eager everyone is to get back

to business as usual, but we want to take this oppor-

tunity to remind you to continue practicing social dis-

tancing, wearing masks, and following hand washing

and glove guidelines. So far we have been spared the

worst parts of the outbreak, but there is so much we

still don’t know about this virus and how it will con-

tinue to affect our community.

A list of COVID-19 related resources for busi-

nesses and individuals is available on our website at

www.franklinareachamber.org/covid-19.

So far, campgrounds and golf courses are able to

open May 1, with social distancing and safety guide-

lines in place. We will enter into the Yellow Phase of

Wolf’s plan on May 8. Highlights of the Yellow Phase

will include the reopening of childcare facilities. So-

cial gatherings of more than 25 people will be prohib-

ited. In-person retail will be permitted, but curbside

and delivery options are encouraged to continue. Res-

taurants will continue to be open for carryout and

delivery ONLY.

According to the governor’s website, there won’t

be one single tool to determine how and when we

reopen Pennsylvania and, ultimately, COVID-19 will

set the timeline. A county can make the list for con-

sideration to open if they have had fewer than 50 new

confirmed cases per 100,000 population reported in

the previous 14 days. They’ll look at testing rates, the

ability to investigate cases, contact tracing abilities,

and proximity to high-risk settings.

More information about the process to reopen

PA can be found at: www.governor.pa.gov.

Page 5: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

Virtual Job Fair

Managing businesses and human resources in the

middle of the fast-changing reality of a pandemic has

left many business leaders and HR professionals

feeling unprepared and overwhelmed.

One thing we have all learned from this experi-

ence is that preparing for a pandemic requires care-

ful consideration and planning along with the ability

to quickly change directions and keep up with a vast

amount of information.

In thinking about business continuity along with

employee safety and health, I offer the following

“top seven” checklist: Have you

Created and communicated a policy, procedures,

and resources to address basic business concerns

and operations?

Put a strategy in place for contacting employees

and other key stakeholders?

Made employees aware of infection control

guidelines and modified your work environment

to comply with guidelines?

Made telework options available and/or changed

how you conduct business to accommodate so-

cial distancing?

Determined what positions/skills are critical to

business continuation?

A contractual responsibility to provide products

and services to critical needs businesses (medical,

food, supplies, etc.)? If so, what is required for

the safety and health of your employees and cus-

tomers alike?

Enough employees cross-trained to take over

tasks if employees are absent?

The final thing the COVID-19 pandemic has

taught us is that stress is exhausting. This pandemic

has brought job loss in record numbers and stress

on families. Kindness and compassion go a long way

as we navigate through these unprecedented times.

~Pam Watkins, Watkins HR Strategy

Managing Through Mayhem

ATTENTION ALL JOB SEEKERS! Please regis-

ter for PA CareerLink's first ever Virtual Job Fair that

will be held on May 4 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pre-

registration is available through Sunday, May 3, by us-

ing any device, such as your smartphone or laptop.

You may also register the day of the event. The link to

register is: https://nwpacareerlink.easyvirtualfair.com/

This event will allow you to virtually visit and apply to

open positions with various employers in the North-

west PA region.

Holly Gibbons of Gibbons Business Solutions,

LLC, will hold our monthly social medial roundtable

discussion on Friday, May 8, at 8 a.m. The topic of

discussion will be to touch base about how everyone

is handling their social media presence during this

crazy time. If you would like to attend, email hol-

[email protected] to get a link to the

meeting.

Social Media Zoom Meeting

Clarion University SBDC Webinars Clarion Univeristy SBDC’s consulting services are

being offered remotely; businesses are encouraged to

contact the SBDC by either calling the office at (814)

393-2060 or emailing [email protected].

Upcoming Webinars:

First Step for Starting a Business, May 2

Families First Coronavirus Response Act Train-

ing, May 5

Small Biz Survival during COVID-19, May 6

Diversifying with Government Contracting, May 7

Crisis Management for Family Business, May 12

PA Tax Tips for New Business Owners, May 12

Accounting Basics, May 21

Find the full schedule at www.clarion.edu/sbdc.

Education & Jobs

Page 5 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020

Page 6: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

The Franklin Fine Arts Council is accepting audi-

tion packets for Taste of Talent. The Council is not

sure how this will play out due to COVID 19, but

audition packets are still needed by May 6. The com-

petition is open to individual soloists ages 16 & up.

Competitions will be held on Wednesdays, June

24, July 8, July 15, July 22 at 7 p.m. Semi-Finals will

take place on Saturday, August 1, at 7 p.m. and the

finals will be held Sunday, August 2, at 4 p.m. imme-

diately following A Taste of Franklin Festival. The

winner of the competition will receive

$1,000 sponsored by Franklin-Oil Region Credit Un-

ion. Prize monies totaling $200 ($100 cash and $100

in Franklin Retail Gift Certificate) will be awarded to

the three semi-finalists.

The Taste of Talent Application packet is availa-

ble at: www.franklinpa.gov under the Community/

Festival/Events Tab., or can be obtained by emailing

Pat Dolecki at [email protected].

The R100 Archery

Shoot and the Memo-

rial Day Boat Races set

to take place in May at Two Mile Run County Park

have been postponed until September. Watch our

calendar and newsletter for details.

You can still visit Two Mile and experience so-

cial distancing at its best! www.twomilerun.net.

Two Mile Run Events Rescheduled

Member Events

Page 6 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020

Taste of Talent Auditions Open

Typically, this time if year is when we would start

sharing all of the amazing things to do and see in the

region over the summer, starting with the year’s first

major festival, May Garden Mart. This summer’s con-

cert and festival schedule is still up in the air, but we

will add items to our calendar as soon as we can.

Check our calendar for ongoing events and promo-

tions, at www.franklinareachamber.org.

Due to the stay at home orders throughout April,

we purged our online calendar of recurring classes,

live music, clubs and more. Once things are up and

running, please resubmit your events for publication.

Submit your events for our calendar by emailing

the details to [email protected]. We will

post them as quickly as we can!

Send Us Your Event Details

Happy Mother’s Day!

Though Mother’s Day may look different this

year, our members are ready to help you make the

day special for her! Reach out and show her you care

on May 10. Order dinner, baked goods, flowers, send

cards, make appreciation videos… get creative!

Members, if you have a special promotion

planned, send us the details for Mother’s Day email.

Page 7: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

So many of our members are thinking outside

the box to keep their businesses going during the

COVID-19 crisis. Here are just a few announce-

ments from members who are offering digital alter-

natives to their traditional services:

West Park Rehab is now offering TelePT visits

for established or new patients. If you would like

to set up a TelePT visit, call (814) 437-6191 or

visit www.westparkrehab.com to learn more.

UPMC has launched a "Here's to the Heroes"

campaign. The website heroes.upmc.com allows

people to submit messages and photos to show

their thanks and appreciation for all of the health

care heroes at UPMC.

Impel Pilates Studio has started offering online

videos through a Facebook group they created to

help their customers stay active in quarantine.

Follow Impel Pilates Studio on Facecbook for

more information.

Month of May Graduation Products are available

from PMP Printing - A 4’X4’ Banner with grom-

mets will be $40, 24’X18’ Yard Signs with Stakes-

are $10 for single-sided and $12 for double-

sided. Prices do not include tax. Turnaround in

5 or less business days. Includes free basic de-

sign. www.pmpprinting.com.

Porch Music Store is keeping spirits by posting

live musical performances by their instructors.

Music lessons are now able to be taken via Inter-

net. If you have a student who is missing struc-

ture or want to learn something new, you can

schedule classes with any of their instructors.

Call (814) 493-7329 for lesson availability.

Barrow-Civic Theatre’s community of actors has

been sharing their own versions of monologues

and scenes on the theatre’s YouTube page, while

the theatre is dark.

After the tremen-

dous success The Olive

Vault, LLC, achieved

inside the Liberty Build-

ing, owners Dave and

Tammy Bible made the leap to building owners this

year!

The couple have been working for months to

completely renovate the inside of the former Jackson

Hewitt tax building at 1247 Liberty Street, Franklin,

where they have expanded their offerings of olive

oil, vinegar, stuffed olives, pasta, and gourmet cook-

ing supplies, to include a full line of products from

Surman Garden Services like pasta and BBQ sauces,

Russian dressing, and Tammy’s favorite garlic &

pepper jam. They also offer gift baskets and gift cer-

tificates.

They plan to update the façade and transform

the back portion of the building to become a demo

kitchen for cooking classes in near future.

The new store is ready for customers and open

from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

They offer curbside carryout, some shipping options,

and private shopping by appointment.

Follow The Olive Vault, LLC on Facebook, call

(814) 346-0086, or visit www.theolivevault.com for

more information.

Member Notices

Member News

Page 7 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020

New Olive Vault Location

Page 8: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

In times of uncertainty, Mental Health Aware-

ness is more important than ever. Venango County

Human Services would like to remind us all to be

aware of mental health myths and facts and to reach

out for help if you need it.

Myths about Mental Health

Myth #1: Mental health problems don't affect me.

Fact: Mental health problems are actually very com-

mon. One in five American adults experienced a

mental health issue

Myth #2: Children don’t experience mental health

problems.

Fact: Even very young children may show early

warning signs of mental health concerns. Half of all

mental health disorders show first signs before a per-

son turns 14, and three quarters of mental health

disorders begin before age 24.

Myth #3: Personality weakness or character flaws

cause mental health problems. People with mental

health problems can snap out of it if they try hard

enough.

Fact: Mental health problems have nothing to do

with being lazy or weak and many people need help

to get better. Many factors contribute to mental

health problems, including biological factors, life ex-

periences, and family history. People with mental

health problems can get better and many recover

completely.

Myth #4: I can't do anything for a person with a

mental health problem.

Fact: Friends and loved ones can make a big differ-

ence. Only 44% of adults with diagnosable mental

health problems and less than 20% of children and

adolescents receive needed treatment. Friends and

family can be important influences to help someone

get the treatment and services they need.

National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Mental Health Awareness

After an extensive evaluation process, The Car-

ing Place, located at 103 N. 13th Street in Franklin,

received a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medi-

care & Medicaid Services. This is the highest rating

the CMS gives.

As part of the process, information and results

from the state Department of Health and Human

Services’ annual survey are examined. Staffing levels

based on the needs and complexities of each resident

at the nursing home are weighed. And, finally, CMS

evaluates all of the quality measures in the facility to

make its determination of its star ratings.

“Only the absolute best skilled nursing facilities

in Pennsylvania receive a 5-Star rating,” said Lisa

Moritz, director of admissions at The Caring Place.

Only 10% of the nursing homes in Pennsylvania

achieve a 5-star rating, she said.

“Our team members are dedicated to providing

the best care and services for our residents in a lov-

ing environment, attending to their physical, spiritu-

al, social and emotional needs,” said Roger Wilson,

administrator of the Franklin nursing facility. “This

is a standard we hold every day and we strive to

maintain that high standard in every aspect and in

every department.”

The Caring Place is a 100-bed center is a skilled

nursing facility and provider of long-term skilled

nursing care and short-term rehabilitation solutions.

Learn more at www.caringplacenursing.com.

Member News

Page 7 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020

The Caring Place Earns Five Stars

Page 9: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

4 Season Cycle is a brand

new, full service, bicycle retail-

er and service establishment.

From two locations, Franklin

and Fairview, with six days of

operation, 4 Season Cycle

hopes to serve Northwestern

Pennsylvania and beyond.

“Franklin has needed a

bike shop for years,” said

owner James Cole, “and I have wanted to own a bike

shop in Franklin for even longer. To me Franklin

has always represented the gateway for great adven-

tures and great times in the outdoors. Some of the

best times of my life have been had on the great

trails surrounding and running right through this

beautiful and historic little city. On foot, on water or

on wheels, the city has it all.”

4 Season will offer bicycle sales, repair and rental

to help people enjoy the area.

“This may not be the easiest time to start a new

business and introduce myself to a new community

but I have felt the warmth and welcome of Franklin

and I hope to return it for years to come.”

Contact 4 Season at 4sea-

[email protected],

@4SeasonCycle, (814) 440-8078, or visit their new

Franklin location at 422 12th Street starting June 5

(You gotta believe!). Or stop by 8380 W. Lake Road,

Fairview.

Franklin Rentals by Appointment starting 8 a.m.

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fairview

Tuesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Watch their Facebook page (and ours) for informa-

tional videos.

Franklin Bronze Precision

Components has the capabilities

and expertise to cast an antimicro-

bial, lead free metal, bronze alloy

CDA 87850, as door handles, knobs, brackets, fix-

tures and more to help mitigate the spread of

COVID-19 and flatten the curve. Public areas, hos-

pitals and medical facilities can benefit.

According to the EPA, the surfaces

of copper and its alloys, such as brass and bronze,

are antimicrobial. Copper alloy surfaces have intrin-

sic properties to destroy a wide range

of microorganisms – including COVID-19. On

copper alloys, the coronavirus was “rapidly inactivat-

ed.” Over 99.9% of E. coli microbes are killed after

just 1-2 hours on copper. On stainless steel surfaces,

the microbes can survive for weeks. The coronavirus

lives on copper for 4 hours, on cardboard for 1 day,

and on plastic for 3 days.

Bill Keevil, a professor of environmental

healthcare at the University of Southampton in Eng-

land: “if copper surfaces were put in communal are-

as where many people gather, it could help reduce

the transmission of respiratory viruses, like corona-

virus 229E and also SARSCoV2.” Other than hos-

pitals, he thinks ideal locations for copper are public

transportation systems, like buses, airports, subways.

Some prefer not to use copper due to its pro-

pensity to tarnish and requires polishing to keep it

shining. “But copper is antimicrobial regardless of

how grody it looks, if it turns green on you, it still

has the ability to kill bacteria and viruses and fungi,”

Michael Schmidt, a professor of microbiology and

immunology at the Medical University of South Car-

olina, who studies copper.

To us, green is good.

Learn more about Franklin Bronze online at

www.franklinbronze.com.

Anti-Bacterial Door Handles

Member News

Page 9 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020

4 Season Cycle Coming to Franklin

Page 10: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

Member Showcase

Page 10 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020

Voyten Electric & Electronics,

Inc. is a third-generation family-

owned electrical equipment whole-

saler that was started by the late

John Voyten in 1953.

Born October 31, 1926, in Lu-

cerne Mines, PA, John Voyten had a

storied career serving in WWII, and even owning two

coal mines. He eventually moved to Ohio, where he

started working with silicon controlled rectifiers. Dur-

ing that time, Tom Nightingale was working for John

and dating his daughter, Bonnie. Tom and Bonnie

were married in 1971. John longed to get back to his

roots in Pennsylvania, so he purchased a piece of

property along a known trout stream in the Franklin

area. Voyten Electric broke ground at its new location

in the early 1970s. John, who was an animal lover, saw

promise in the wooded areas of the new business site

as not only a picturesque place to raise his family, but

also a s a continuous property for expansion.

And expand, it did! Tom, Bonnie and Cheryl have

kept John’s spirit alive by continuing to grow and

evolve the business from 7,500 square feet and 3 em-

ployees in 1975, to 35,000 square feet and 20 employ-

ees by 2000. The company now has 45 employees and

over 200,000 square feet of warehouse space. Mike

always had an interest in his family’s business and

earned a degree in electrical engineering from Ohio

Northern University and a MBA from Gannon Uni-

versity. A year later Mike became President of the

business, thus making Voyten Electric & Electronics,

Inc. a third-generation family-owned business.

Voyten is not a big corporation or a private equity

firm, so customers can be confident that each inquiry

or sale will be handled personally by a member of Voy-

ten Electric’s professional sales staff. Mike and his par-

ents share a common vision for the future of Voyten

Electric, in hopes that one day it will be a fourth-

generation family-owned business.

Serving mostly large corporate customers all over

the world, Voyten Electric is a special-

ized industrial and commercial electrical

wholesaler that offers new and recondi-

tioned electrical equipment including

electrical switchgear, circuit breakers,

contact kits, electromagnetic coils and

more. Voyten also offers a variety of en-

gineering services including apparatus life extension,

electrical equipment retrofit, custom rebuilds and diag-

nostic testing. Their electrical engineers have extensive

experience in the remanufacturing of current and ob-

solete electrical products. Whether you need obsolete

electrical products or to rent an electrical product tem-

porarily, they offer a wide variety of new, surplus, and

obsolete products.

Though there’s no particular policy or dollar figure

in place, local residents are likely more familiar with

Voyten’s charitable giving than the products they sell.

“If you’re fortunate, you should give back what you

can,” Mike said.

At Christmastime, their staff paid the lunch debt

for the entire Franklin Area School District, and paid

off random toy layaways at local stores. Throughout

the year they sponsor numerous sports teams and or-

ganizations like the YMCA and Boy Scouts of Ameri-

ca. They participate in Daffodil Days for the American

Cancer Society, donated to the FHS robotics team, and

are a huge supporter of Applefest every year.

Most recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic,

Voyten contributed $500 each to 10 locally owned res-

taurants through a Pay It Forward promotion that ena-

ble the restaurants to offer Easter dinners, lunch for

school students, and more.

Due to the widespread customer base Voyten

serves, it could have been located anywhere in the

world. We are so fortunate to have a home grown fam-

ily business like Voyten right here in Franklin!

You can find out more about Voyten Electric

online at www.voyten.com, and check out their pro-

motional videos on YouTube.

Voyten Electric & Electronics, Inc.

Page 11: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

21st Annual

For the benefit of:

A Member Agency of:

Great Food! Door Prizes! Hole Prizes!

Saturday, August 15, 2020 9am shotgun start

Call 676-5476 to enter a team or to find

out about sponsorship opportunities

PPC is a program of:

716 E. Second St. ⬧ Oil City, PA 16301 814-677-4005 ⬧ www.fscas.org

Sponsored by:

Page 12: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

18th Annual

Please call Venango Fatherhood Initiative at 814-676-9940 ext.1212 for information about:

• Purchasing a “GO-KIT” Car kit • Participating in the race • Sponsorship opportunities • Contributing a door prize

July 11, 2020

Central Avenue,

Oil City

July 25, 2020

Rocky Grove Ave,

Franklin

Ages 7-14

(Must turn 7 by the day

of the race)

Registration

starts at 8am

Race starts

promptly at 9am

VFI is a program of:

716 E. Second St. ⬧ Oil City, PA 16301 814-677-4005 ⬧ www.fscas.org

Page 13: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

The ultimate accessoryfor today and tomorrow!

PDE- Econo Moisture Wicking Material Looks great for your event - Dye Sublimation printed up to 4-colorFades after a few wash cycles

Quantity: 250 (MOQ) @ 6.50 each 500 @ $5.10 each 1000 @ $4.95 each 2500 @ $4.88 each

PDP - Premium Moisture Wicking Material Dye Sublimation printed up to 4-color - Lasts over multiple wash cycles - Compare to leading brands on the market

Quantity: 100 @ $9.20 each 250 @ $8.40 each 500 @ $8.24 each 1000 @ $7.20 each 2500 @ $6.90 each

Add $1.50 each for Antimicrobal fabric treatment - (Premium only) Ships in 15 to 22 business days - Avg 2 days transit time

Includes all Set-up Charges FOB Delivered - Any single location USAHanger cards or special packaging available upon request

“Include your own graphics and Logo”

Page 14: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

Call Mark Baughman for all of your pressure washing needs.

Homes, decks, sidewalks, fences, machinery, campers,

driveways, and even your office ... he’s done it all.

Call today for your free quote. 10% off for Chamber members!

PHONE: (814) 673-0681

EMAIL: [email protected]

RESTORE AND CLEAN

Page 15: The BUSINESS Connection · Chamber News Page 2 The BUSINESS Connection May 2020 Welcome, New Members 4 Season Cycle is a brand new, full service, bi-cycle retailer and service establishment

MONDAY NIGHT LEAGUE 2-person scramble – 9 holes

The Monday Night League will be

starting soon!

Practice Round: Monday, May 4th

League Start: Monday, May 11th

Due to the current guidelines

that we must adhere to regarding

carts, there will be two (2) time

slots. If you have not already

done so, please contact the Pro

Shop (814.676.8133, option #1)

as soon as possible to sign up

with your time slot choice.

Time Slot #1: 3:30 p.m.

Time Slot #2: 6:00 p.m.

SPACES LIMITED

SIGN UP ASAP!

Please wear

a mask

when

entering

the

building.

Thank You!