| November/2008 The News Gusher |
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Welcome to the Oil Region Alliance Newsletter
The Oil Region Alliance is pleased to send you its newsletter. If you have difficulty viewing this format of the newsletter via this email, it will be posted on www.oilregion.org soon. Also, depending upon your computer system, you may need to click on "view images" to see the pictures. Feel free to contact me at deaton@oilregion.org with questions and comments concerning the newsletter.
If you wish to be removed from the Alliance's email distribution list, please let me know. |
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The Presidential Election Results: Economic Development Implications and Priorities
by Randy Seitz, Alliance President and Chief Operating Officer
Barack Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States and will become Commander-in-Chief of our great country during extremely turbulent economic times. Therefore, we expect that in the short term, the new Administration and the new Congress will and should focus their efforts on stabilizing the U.S. economy. We feel that it is important for you, our valued stakeholder, to clearly understand what the impact will be on future economic development efforts and what we predict this will  do for our region. The Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism, as well as many other economic development agencies across the country, is concerned about the implications of the new administration's policies on economic development and what priorities should be of local focus. As a community, we have to understand what the implications of the election are for the economy and what federal, state and local communities will need to do to address our economic challenges. To help our members, we have put together below:
1. A snapshot of what we believe the election results may mean for economic development; and
2. The priority areas for government action that we believe will stimulate our economy.
Election Implications for Economic Development Policies
An assessment of the policy positions presented during the election suggests that we might expect the Obama Administration to:
· Renew the role of government in economic development particularly in urban and metropolitan and rural areas of distress;
· Emphasize infrastructure restoration, including transportation reinvestment, calling for the creation of an infrastructure reinvestment bank, which will create jobs nationwide;
· Aggressively address climate change with a focus on the development of renewable energy, investing in manufacturing and job training programs for clean technologies; and
· Prioritize education, from early childhood initiatives through post-secondary tuition financing to entrepreneurship education to strengthen human capital and job creation.
Economic Development Policy Priorities
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has prepared a Federal Economic Development Agenda, which will be distributed over the next few weeks to urge the new Administration to target its attention to the priority areas below to stimulate the economy.
· Rebuild the nation's infrastructure by:
-- Investing in and restoring our infrastructure, which will create jobs;
-- Improving the decision-making processes that underpin infrastructure investments to increase effectiveness and efficiency; and
-- Incorporating new realities such as technology and sustainability into infrastructure efforts.
· Ensure a competitive workforce by:
-- Strengthening the skills and capabilities of the existing workforce; and
-- Strengthening the skills and capabilities of emerging workforce pipeline.
· Stimulate entrepreneurship and assist small businesses, by:
-- Proactively supporting entrepreneurs, recognizing their differing needs from small existing businesses;
-- Expand entrepreneurship education; and
-- Helping small businesses adapt to changing market conditions.
· Develop and conserve energy resources and grow the green economy, by:
-- Encouraging the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and industries;
-- Creating a market for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean transportation products; and
-- Ensuring workforce skills in energy and related industries.
· Promote technology and innovation, by:
-- Incenting research and development, commercialization, and production;
-- Catalyzing innovation partnerships especially among regions and among universities, industries, and communities; and
-- Strengthening federal innovation programs.
· Ensure sound financing and good governance, by:
-- Re-establishing the federal role in economic development;
-- Integrating shifting economic development priorities into existing programs;
-- Better aligning federal, state and local economic development programs; and
-- Adapting to a more global world.
We support the efforts of IEDC and encourage them to continue to lobby the new administration to provide economic development organizations with the tools that we desperately need to increase the prosperity and population of our region. As the lead economic development agency for the Oil Region we feel that these programs, if implemented, will allow us to bring in more jobs and investment, and we will continue to fight for you and our local economy!
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Joy Mining Machinery Becomes Major Alliance Member
The Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry, & Tourism and Joy Mining Machinery are pleased to announce that Joy has chosen to partner with the Alliance as a major member to assist in its economic development efforts.
Below is an article supplied by Joy that provides information about the company. Joy Mining Machinery, Undisputed World Leader
Joy Mining Machinery, with its global headquarters in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, has more than 85 years experience as a global leader in the development, manufacture, distribution and service of underground mining machinery for the extraction of coal and other bedded materials. With this experience, Joy offers the underground mining industry the most reliable and technologically advanced products available today. The vision of Joy is to be the leading global supplier of underground mining systems and services in partnership with our customers to enable them to consistently produce at the lowest cost per ton over the life cycle of the equipment. From its beginning in 1919, Joy has remained in the forefront of the underground mining process and mining equipment, consistently introducing to the world mining  industry ever more powerful, technologically advanced, and consistently reliable equipment and controls while compiling a litany of industry firsts: The first mechanized loading machine, the first successful continuous miner, the first integrated AC-powered haulage system for underground mining equipment, the first successful American-manufactured longwall shearer, and the world's first single-manufacturer of a complete longwall mining system. Locally, in the Franklin, Pennsylvania, area, Joy has always been a community-oriented company. Most recently, Joy has partnered with the Oil Region Alliance to promote and assist with the development and recruitment of local talent in support of its manufacturing efforts. Just this past year, Joy sponsored a highly successful on-site job fair that attracted more than 850 people. From this, along with Joy's continuing efforts at local colleges and vocational and technical schools, Joy added some 150 new employees. Positions filled by these employees were executives, engineers, design and manufacturing personnel, and support staff. In addition to the now approximately 1,200 employees at the Franklin and nearby chain manufacturing facility in Reno, Pennsylvania, Joy spans the globe with nearly 5,000 additional employees working from 46 facilities in eight countries-manufacturing plants, sales and service centers, and parts warehouses in Australia, China, India, Poland, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Literally everywhere in the world where modern underground mining takes place, JOY equipment is at work with more than 90% of its equipment employed in the mining of coal. Through worldwide service centers and highly trained field technicians, Joy provides year-round, 24-hour support and service to its thousands of customers. Joy's breadth of underground mining equipment is unmatched in the industry, providing complete mining systems for both room and pillar mining and longwall mining operations. Joy manufactures longwall shearers, roof supports, face conveyors, stageloaders, continuous miners, batch haulage vehicles (shuttle cars and battery haulers), continuous haulage systems (continuous chain haulage and flexible conveyor train) and bolting products (mobile, onboard and portable). |
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Vendor Opportunities in the Next Few Months by Marilyn Black
Looking ahead for the next several months, the Oil Region Alliance will conduct competitive procurement for numerous grant-supported projects. Firms which are interested in being considered as potential vendors should send in introductory letters indicating their types of services available and providing the contact person's name, title, and full address (mailing, phone, and electronic) to be placed on the various lists for direct notification of opportunities to submit specific proposals and bids.
Here are examples of upcoming projects in ORA's Heritage Development Department:
* Rehabilitation construction work on historic buildings
* Design and production of plaques commemorating historic buildings
* Preservation work on old maps, for conservation purposes
* Consultant services inventorying and doing GIS mapping of historic sites and resources
* Graphic design services for coffeetable-style book
* Design and production of table-top portable exhibits
* Video recording and editing of local events/programs for educational purposes
* Consultant services to determine feasibility of new museum about natural gas history
* Writing and distributing news releases about key outdoor recreation venues
* Taking new digital photographs of regional resources, events, venues
Potential vendors are not required to be based within the geographical boundaries of the Oil Region National Heritage Area. Some state-funded projects encourage priority to Pennsylvania businesses. In addition, one of the factors considered in each vendor selection cycle is whether the firm is a dues-paid member of the Alliance. Membership enrollment forms are available on line at www.oilregion.org.
Companies or consultants wishing to be placed on the potential vendor lists should address their letters to the attention of Mrs. Marilyn Black, Vice-President for Heritage Development, Oil Region Alliance, P. O. Box 128, Oil City, P"A 16301.
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Oil 150 Logo will "Light Up" the Night! by Amy Nurss
The air is getting crisp and the leaves have fallen from the trees, and that means one thing in Oil Country....the holidays are quickly approaching, and celebrations like Franklin's "Light-Up Night" will soon be here! One new participant in this year's parade will be the official Oil 150 Lighted Logo which will be proudly displayed to thousands of holiday revelers on Saturday evening, November 22.
This lighted Oil 150 logo was jointly purchased by the Oil 150 and Take Pride in Oil City organizations. After the parade, this 9' by 20' fixture will be positioned in park settings as needed.
An identical lighted logo has been featured in Titusville's Scheide Park along Routes 8/27 for several months. Now it is situated in Burgess Park as part of the Holiday Lights by Take Pride in Titusville.
As 2009 nears, the Oil 150 celebration draws closer. What better way to express our history and pride than to "light the way" of many travelers who will visit the region in the next year and share in the 150th Anniversary of events which changed the world forever.
The annual Franklin Light Up Night Parade will begin at Thirteenth and Liberty Streets in Franklin at 6 p.m. with fireworks following immediately after the parade in Fountain Park.
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Letter Opener is the Latest Oil 150 Product by Will Wingo
The Oil Region Alliance and Oil 150 continue to offer a growing list of products and publications through local retail outlets and via the internet at www.oil150.com.
Randy Seitz, President of the ORA said: "We currently offer over sixty items and publications in our online store. Any of these items would make fine gifts for the upcoming holiday season."
 One of the latest items to be added is a pewter handled letter opener. The opener features a laser cut image of the original Drake Well and the Oil 150 logo and an oil derrick on the opposite side. The letter opener is 6 ¾" in length and has a nice, heavy feel.
The letter opener is priced at $24 (shipping is an additional $5 if ordered online). This is a limited edition item and less than 100 remain for sale.
The Letter Opener and other Oil 150 items are also available at the following retail sale outlets: Coal Oil Johnny's eatery, Pleasantville, PA; Drake Well Museum Store, Titusville, PA; Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce, Franklin PA; Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, Titusville, PA; Pumping Jack Museum, Emlenton, PA; Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce, Titusville, PA; Transit Fine Arts Gallery, Oil City and the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce in Oil City, PA. All of the items are also available at the ORA office at 206 Seneca Street, 4th Floor, Oil City.
For further information, contact William Wingo, Oil 150 Director, at wwingo.oilregion.org or 814 677-3152 ext 104.
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New Bike Racks Ready for Installation by Mike Henderson
Earlier this year we reported that, thanks to a DCNR grant, new bike racks would soon be appearing throughout the region. We are happy to report that the ten new bike racks are now ready to be deployed, from Emlenton to Titusville.
The racks are made of recycled plastic, feature a stylish two-tone design, and are impervious to both hot and cold weather. The racks are currently being stored in the city garage in Oil City and are awaiting assembly prior to installation. Anyone who would like to join us for an afternoon work session assembling the racks should contact Mike Henderson at 677-3152, Ext. 121, or via email at mhenderson@oilregion.org.
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Giant Oil 150 Flags Are Coming
Giant Oil 150 Flags will soon be seen flying in the Oil Region National Heritage Area as a means of promoting the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the world's first commercial oil well drilled by Edwin Drake near Titusville.
Travelers passing by the gateways along Route 8 South, Titusville, and Interstate 80 East, Barkeyville, will be greeted with  a 10 foot by 6 foot flag sporting the Oil 150 logo. These extra large flags will be mounted on top the wooden replica oil derricks flying high above the ground where black gold was once so abundant. The eye catching flags are sure to bring awareness to the global celebration of the petroleum industry.
Similar flags are in-hand waiting for the next new replica derricks to be installed. In addition, a giant Oil 150 flag will soon grace the indoor atrium of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg.
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Oil Region Alliance Unveils New Historical Marker
by Melissa Mann
On Thursday, November 6, the Oil Region Alliance in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission dedicated a new state historical marker commemorating Samuel C. T. Dodd. Forty community members and elected officials attended the event at the Barrow-Civic Little Theatre in Franklin.
Speakers included Robert Heller, Mayor of Franklin; Representative Scott Hutchinson (R-64th); Carolee Michener, local historian and author of the marker nomination; Susan Beates, Drake Well Museum Curator and PHMC representative; and Randy Seitz, President and COO of the Alliance.
"The Oil Region Alliance has sponsored ten historical markers in Pennsylvania's Oil Region, and we are proud to add the Samuel C. T. Dodd marker to that number," remarked Randy Seitz, President of the Oil Region Alliance. He continued, "We are pleased to join the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and our regional partners in these endeavors because historical markers are clear demonstrations of pride in the region and its history."
 The ceremony concluded with the official unveiling of the marker which stands in front of 1247 Liberty Street where in 1880 Dodd constructed the existing three-story brick building to house his law practice.
The marker reads as follows: "Samuel C. T. Dodd (1836-1907). General solicitor of Standard Oil, 1881-1905, and author of the Standard Oil Trust Agreement (1882). The agreement led to the company's dominance of the industry and served as a model for other trusts. A Franklin native, his early law office was located here."
Financial support for the production of the Dodd historical marker was provided by the PHMC Marker Grant Program, the Petroleum History Institute, and the Oil Region Alliance. The City of Franklin furnished the marker's installation while the Historic Franklin Preservation Association and the Venango County Historical Society provided refreshments and hospitality for the dedication ceremony.
Pictured above are Franklin Mayor Robert Heller, Carolee Michener, Lynn Cochran, Randy Seitz, and Susan Beates.
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Meet the Alliance Staff --
One by One
by Darlene Eaton
Shauna Graham is Executive Assistant to the President and Administrative Assistant at the Oil Region Alliance. She assists in the Finance Department and performs a variety of administrative-type functions.
 She has been with the Alliance for over a year, after previous positions in the medical field and in customer service.
Shauna resides in Rocky Grove with husband, Steve, and seven-year old son, Dustin. A Cocker Spaniel, Patches, and two felines, Spooky and Sheyenne, complete the household.
In her spare time, she enjoys geocaching, camping, all types of outdoor activities, shopping, and home decorating. Her family is active in the Fox Street Church of God.
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Welcome Back Renewal Members
by Darlene Eaton
The Alliance appreciates all its members -- from individuals and small businesses to larger businesses -- and is pleased to list these
renewed members.
Cranberry Township, 676-8812, a growing municipality in Venango County.
Farley's Industrial Services, 827-2721, provides textile and absorbent programs to help customers remove waste streams of recyclable oils.
Gaslight Campground, 724-867-6981, family campground with 125 sites and four cabins in a quiet location near I-80.
Hepler Roofing & Siding, 676-0387, exterior renovations.
Howling Dog Gallery Cafe, 677-2490, art gallery, expresso shop, specialty foods.
King's Landscaping, 676-6125, landscaping and snow removal.
Merisol Antioxidants LLC, 677-2028, manufacturer of BHT and antioxidants and Meta Cresol.
Staab Typographic, 724-867-2435, newspaper and commercial printing.
Welding Technologies, 432-0954, fabrication, steel erection, serving the steel and forging industry.
It's Easy to Join!
Call Darlene at 814-677-3152 extension 117
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The Alliance's Major Members
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The Oil Region Alliance Board of Directors
James Hawkins, Chair
Barr's Insurance
Michael Klapec, Vice Chair
Klapec Auto Body
Betsy Kellner, Secretary
Venango Museum of Art, Science, and Industry
Lynda Cochran, Treasurer
Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce
Neil McElwee, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer
Oil Creek Press
Jonathan Crawford, Immediate Past Chair
Kapp Alloy & Wire Co., Inc.
J. Michael Allyn, Titusville Redevelopment Authority
Kathy Bailey, Cranberry Mall
Dennis Beggs, Central Electric Cooperative
Dr. Timothy Brooks, Venango County Commissioners
Fred Buckholtz, Cranberry Township
John Cramer, Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad
Rodney Griffin, Specialty Fab. & Powder Coating
Stephen Hanna, National City
James Krellner, Joy Mining Machinery
Joseph Nichols, Farley's Services
David Pascale, First Energy
Frank Przybycin, Team Hardinger Transportation
Dr. Christopher Reber, Clarion Univ-Venango Campus
Edward Sharp, individual
Dr. William Shields, Univ. of Pittsburgh at Titusville
Warren Thomas, Baytree Farm
Peter Winkler, Congressman Peterson's Office
Maryann Yochim, National Fuel
Barbara Zolli, Drake Well Museum
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FLY FKL
Gulfstream International Airlines began serving Venango Regional Airport in September with daily flights between Franklin and Cleveland -- Continental Airlines' hub -- with connections to more than 60 locations. Travelers can park for free at the airport while on their trip. There are same day departure and arrival capabilities.
The Alliance urges business and pleasure travelers to use this valuable asset when planning trips.
To FLY FKL, simply work with your travel agent, your favorite travel web site, or call 1-800-523-FARE.
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Upcoming Events in the Oil Region
November 20
Card Party Luncheon
Come enjoy a homemade lunch and play a game of your choice. From 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Venango Museum, Oil City. $ Betsy Kellner 814-676-2007 or www.venangomuseum.org
November 20
Fourth Annual Harvey Center Lecture
Steve Weinberg will talk about his book "Taking on the Trust," the story of the breakup of Standard Oil company. Clarion University-Venango Campus, Oil City, Contact Jeri Gent, 814-676-6591 ext 1215
November 21
"Branson Country Christmas"
Ozark Jubilee presents these two shows at 2 pm and 8 pm at the Barrow-Civic Theatre in downtown Franklin. $ Box Office 814-437-3440, 800-537-7769 or www.barrowtheatre.com
November 22
Light-up Night®
Downtown Franklin is the scene of this yearly event that features activities beginning at 2 pm, Christmas Tree Extravaganza at the Barrow Civic Theatre, Electric Lights Parade at 6 pm, and great fireworks. Franklin Fine Arts Council 814-437-1619 ext 1 or www.franklinpa.gov
November 22, 23
Twas One Crazy night Before Christmas
Come to the Barrow-Civic Theatre, downtown Franklin to see this youth theatre comedy Christmas Musical for the entire family at 11am & 3 pm on Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday. Box Office 814-437-3440 $
November 28
"Holiday Concert"
The Silver Cornet Band is at the Barrow-Civic Theatre, downtown Franklin, for this Holiday Concert, admission fee is canned goods. Box Office 814-437-3440, 800-537-7769 or www.barrowtheatre.com
November 28 - December 23
Holiday Exhibit
Come to Venango Museum, 270 Seneca Street, Oil City and vote for your favorites by using cash donations, trees and cases of favorite collections sponsored by local businesses. $ Betsy Kellner 814-676-2007
November 28 - December 30
Holiday at Burgess
Drive through and see the beautiful Christmas Light display that Titusville has to offer, 6 pm - 9pm each night. Donations appreciated. Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce, 814-827-2941 or www.titusvillechamber.com
November 29
Breakfast with Santa
Come and enjoy this annual tradition at Cross Creek Resort, a buffet breakfast with Santa, pictures & gifts for the children. Reservations required 814-827-9611 or www.crosscreekresort.com $
November 29
Jeffrey Michael Lloyd Concert
Come to the Barrow-Civic Theatre, downtown Franklin and enjoy this Country Christmas concert at 8 pm. Box Office 814-432-5196 $
December
"Holidays in the Gallery"
We celebrate the holidays with a variety of fine art & craft work, items large & small and appropriate for all of your gift-giving needs. Unique one-of-a-kind art treasures and fun seasonal items make the Transit Fine Arts Gallery in Oil City the place to visit this month. Marilyn Karns 814-677-3707
December 5, 6, 7
Christmas House Tours
Tour some of Franklin's most beautiful homes including the Hoge-Osmer House (Venango County Historical Society Headquarters), soup and sandwich lunches available for eat-in or take-out. For reservations contact Marianne Battista 814-437-2275 or vchistory@csonline.net $
December 6
Breakfast with Santa
Come and enjoy this annual tradition at Cross Creek Resort, a buffet breakfast with Santa, pictures & gifts for the children. Reservations required 814-827-9611 or www.crosscreekresort.com $
December 6, 7
Santa Express
Bring the kids and join Santa for a ride on the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad, great fun for all ages on this 27-mile round trip through "the valley that changed the world." Train departs Perry Street Station in Titusville 1 pm. $ reservations required. OC&T office 814-676-1733 or www.octrr.org
December 6
Yuletide Medieval Feast
This annual event, held at the Arlington Hotel in downtown Oil City, features food, fun, seasonal music by the Clarion University Madrigal singers. Start time is 6 pm, $, reservations required Oil City Arts Council 814-678-3017 or www.ocartscouncil.com
December 6
2B40
This acoustic duo concert with local musician Eddie St. Clair will be in the Barrow-Civic Theatre's Little Theatre from 7-9 pm. Contact the box office for reservations 814-437-3440
December 7
Pittsburgh Symphony Brass
This event features an art auction of original works by area artists to be auctioned in a silent auction to the highest bidder. Event is held at the CAC, West Walnut Street, Titusville. For information contact Titusville Council on the Arts 814-827-2381 $
December 12
Breakfast Forum
Breakfast and a program at Wanango country Club, located on Fourth Street in Reno, Oil Region Alliance 814-677-3152
December 12
"Arts in the Transit"
Hidden Drive performs bluegrass in the Great Room of the historic National Transit Building in downtown Oil City, brought to you by the Oil City Arts Council. 814-678-3017
December 11, 12, 13, 14
"The Wizard of Oz"
Limited seating for this production at the Barrow-Civic Theatre in downtown Franklin, show times 8 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 pm on Sunday, Box Office 814-437-3440, 800-537-7769 or www.barrowtheatre.com
December 13
Breakfast with Santa
Come and enjoy this annual tradition at Cross Creek Resort, a buffet breakfast with Santa, pictures & gifts for the children. Reservations required 814-827-9611 or www.crosscreekresort.com $
December 14
Afternoon Concert
Dennis Geib will play the Steinway Piano and Jim Thomas will be the soloist, refreshments will be served at Venango Museum, 270 Seneca Street, Oil City. $ contact Betsy 814-676-2007
December 18
Card Party Luncheon
Come enjoy a homemade lunch and play a game of your choice. From 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Venango Museum, Oil City. $ Betsy Kellner 814-676-2007 or www.venangomuseum.org
December 19, 20
"The Hard Nut"
Studio 22's adaptation of the Nutcracker is at 7 pm at the Barrow Civic Theatre. Box Office 814-437-3440, 800-537-7769 or www.barrowtheatre.com $
December 31
New Years Eve
Cross Creek Resort, 3815 State Route 8, Titusville is serving the seafood buffet in the dining room from 5 pm - 9 pm, followed by the band "Bad Influence" playing in the Crystal Ring Lounge from 9 pm - 1 am. Special room rates available; for reservations 814-827-9611 or www.crosscreekresort.com $
December 31
First Night® Oil City
Come and enjoy this non-alcoholic, family oriented celebration offering over 70 different indoor performances from 5:30 pm - midnight, sponsored by Oil City Arts Council 814-676-3007 or www.firstnightintl.org $
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