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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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Legislative Update Scheduled
by Toni Kresinski, Events Manager
The Alliance, together with the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce, the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, will host a Breakfast Forum and Legislative Update from 7:15 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., on Friday, September 18, at the Quality Inn and Conference Center in Franklin.
Congressman Glenn Thompson, Representative Scott Hutchinson, and Representative Brad Roae will review state and federal issues.
A hot buffet breakfast will be served beginning at 7:15 a.m. The cost to attend is $15 and reservations are required prior to September 11. To make a reservation, call the Alliance at (814) 677-3152, the Franklin Chamber at (814) 432-5823, the Titusville Chamber at (814) 827-2941, or the Venango Chamber at (814) 677-8521. |
Talkofthetrade
helpful tips on the tourism industry from Kim Zacherl, MBA - Mercyhurst College Hotel-Restaurant Institutional Management Department reprinted from lakeviews with permission of Ms. Zacherl and John Oliver, VisitErie President
Just say "Yes!"
With technology on the rise, there is significantly less face-to-face contact with guests and visitors. Managers should enforce to their staff not to forget the importance of "service-with-a-smile." Employees should be taught, and often reminded, to pay attention to the person in front of them -- instead of getting lost in what the computer screen says! If the customer has a reasonable request, the staff should respond with "No problem!" or "Sure!" Make it easy for the guest to do business with you. After all, the hospitality industry is about the people. There is great value in wanting to please the customer! | |
Prize of $1,000 Awaits Winners in Bass Tournament
by Toni Kresinski, Events Manager
A check for $1,000 awaits the first place team in the Allegheny River Bass Tournament to be held Sunday, September 13.
The Alliance coordinates the tournament which will launch in Franklin, PA. Cash prizes will be given to the teams placing second through fifth. Lunker will  receive $100 cash. Any team who brings at least one fish to the weigh-in qualifies for a prize. The tournament was financed in part by a PA Heritage Area Program Grant from the PA Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
Applications are available at local bait and tackle shops, and sporting goods stores. Or, go to www.oilregion.org and click on the Bass Tournament in the lower right corner. Pre-registration is encouraged; however applications will be accepted on-site on the morning of the tournament, beginning at 6:30 a.m. Additional information is available from Toni Kresinski, Events Manager, at (814) 677-3152, ext. 110 or toll free (800) 483-6264, ext. 110. |
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Alliance Assists Business in Launching E-Commerce Store by Deb Lutz, Local Industry Manager
On September 8 Voyten Electric ventured into a new arm of their business -- an e-commerce store at the former Armory building at 1038 Mercer Road in Franklin. The 12,500 foot  warehouse has shelves and shelves of new heavy industrial electrical equipment and certified reconditioned surplus items. Mike Nightingale of Voyten Electric stated, "This facility is fairly unique in that there are only two other similar type of e-commerce stores -- one in California and one in South Carolina." Voyten employees, Mike Koziara and Logan Oniboni, handle the daily sales and processing the on-line orders while Stephanie Lambert, inventory clerk specialist, fills the orders. The store hours are 8:00 to 4:30 Monday-Friday, however, with e-commerce, it's a 24/7 operation. On-line orders can be placed at voytenelectric.com or to sales@voyten.com. Grant assistance of $10,000 was provided by the NW Industrial Resource Center and the eBizITPA technology kick-start program. The Alliance helped to facilitate bringing these two entities together to provide the necessary financial resources to help make this project a reality. |
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Oil Country Cruise Planned for September 12
by Toni Kresinski, Events Manager
"Run what you brung" is the mantra for the 2009 Oil Country Cruise. The Cruise is a 150+ mile ride through the foothills of the Alleghenies in Pennsylvania's Oil Country. Participants will meet on Saturday, September 12, at the Rynd Farm Train Station just outside Oil City for check-in between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. The ride will begin at 10 a.m., rain or shine.
All cars, trucks, and motorcycles are welcome. The one-day cruise will take participants from Rynd Farm through Tionesta, Vowinkel, Cook  Forest, Clear Creek State Forest, Foxburg, Emlenton, and Barkeyville before concluding in Franklin. The $25 fee includes dinner in Franklin and a chance to win cash prizes and souvenirs.
Pre-registration is encouraged but on-site registrations will be accepted at the Rynd Farm Train Station outside Rouseville beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 12. For additional information, call Toni Kresinski, Events Manager, at (800) 483-6264, ext. 110, or visit www.oilregion.org. |
Alliance Completes Kennerdell Overlook Project
by Kim Harris, Project Manager
Kennerdell Overlook
Before
Where can one find the most spectacular views of the Allegheny River Valley? One place is the Kennerdell Overlook. Formed naturally, the Overlook is located approximately 1.5 miles north of Kennerdell along Kennerdell Road. Finishing touches have been made to the Overlook which included repainting the kiosk, installing a large map of the Kennerdell Tract of the Clear Creek Forest that is embedded in fiberglass, and providing brochure holders for maps of the forest that visitors can take with them. The project included the removal and installation of new safety fence; grading the parking area to provide for better drainage and a safer entrance from the roadway; repositioning a number of large rocks; and the development. Five interpretive panels and two benches were installed and directional signage from Cranberry and Kennerdell was installed. Trees were removed providing visitors with a greater view of the river and hillsides. Privately owned, the Alliance entered into an easement with property owner Scott Schneider to permit public access and to make upgrades. The All-Terrain Vehicle Traction Organization, Venango County Chapter, works with the property owner to assist with removal of debris that is left and to monitor for vandalism. A celebration dedicating the completed project will be scheduled in October. This project was financed in part by a PA Heritage Parks Program Grant from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, via the Oil Region Alliance. Additional funds were furnished by The Allegheny River Support Group via the Venango Museum of Art, Science, & Industry; Constellation Energy; and Misty Ridge.
Kennerdell Overlook
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Check Out the New Web Site
For tourism marketing, the Commonwealth has divided Pennsylvania into regions. Venango County is a partner with Erie, Crawford, and Mercer Counties which is the "PA Great Lakes Region (PAGLR)." This regional marketing effort has proved to be beneficial for all the partners over the last few years.
One of the marketing tools is a web site which has recently been updated. Check out www.pagreatlakes.com. |
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Alliance Visits Latrobe Steel's Corporate Headquarters
by Deb Lutz, Local Industry Manager
The Alliance's economic development staff, John Phillips, Deb Lutz and Debbie McNerney, and Joe Nichols, a member of our Economic Development Advisory Council, visited the corporate headquarters of Latrobe Steel on August 21.
Latrobe's Sandycreek facility was recently expanded to accommodate a new bar peeler or finishing line to serve Latrobe's aerospace customers. The visit to Latrobe was to  thank them for their presence here and their commitment to grow and to expand here. The Latrobe facility was also expanded by 60,000 square feet for the company's expanded vacuum induction melting and vacuum arc remelting operations that will supply engineered materials for aerospace and defense systems. Both facilities were operational by the end of 2008.
The Alliance assisted with the Sandycreek project, notifying the Governor's Action Team in conjunction with the Westmoreland County project - which strengthened their application and the amount of assistance Latrobe will receive. The Alliance also assisted in developing a training plan for the Sandycreek facility resulting in the receipt of $2,000 in training assistance funding to train ten people in Eddy Current Training.
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Neilltown Church to Get  Makeover
by Mike Henderson, Project Manager
Plans for Phase I of the rehabilitation of the historic 1842 Neilltown Church building will be coming to fruition next month. Competitive bids for the work were received from three firms on August 31; the reviewing process is underway, and a contract will be awarded on September 24. The work that will take place in October will include replacing the worn asphalt shingles with historically correct wood shingles, replacing a rotted timber sill underneath the structure, plaster repair, and improved handicapped access. Electrical service will also be restored to the building, with new light fixtures and a security system installed.
The project architect for the Neilltown Church Building is Jeff Kidder of Kidder-Wachter Architects. Funding for Phase I is being provided by the PA Historical & Museum Commission and through the Forest County Community Development Block Grants program. |
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Alliance Schedules FUNdraiser
by Toni Kresinski, Events Manager
Mark your calendar! The 2009 Alliance FUNdraiser will be held on Saturday, November 7, at the Arlington Hotel in Oil City. Tickets are just $30 each and entitle the bearer to a delicious prime rib dinner, beer, and soft drinks all evening, PLUS a chance to WIN A  CASH PRIZE OF $1,000. Some very nice prizes will be raffled or auctioned. Small games of chance will be played. You must be present to win and be 21 or older to attend.
Sponsors are needed for this fun-filled evening. Prizes that may be auctioned or raffled are needed. All proceeds will benefit the Oil Region Alliance 2009 Program of Work.
To purchase tickets, sponsor this event, donate a prize, or volunteer to help with the planning of the FUNdraiser, call Toni Kresinski, Events Manager, at (814) 677-3152, ext. 110. |
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Student Intern Assisting Heritage Department
by Marilyn Black, VP, Heritage Development
Tiffany Marie Prichard of Dempseytown is a student from the University of Pittsburgh Titusville Campus whose autumn semester internship is based at the Alliance office.
She is assisting the Heritage Department in two very different projects. The primary focus is assembling grant closeout packages for contracts from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. By preparing compact chronological lists of all grant revenues, expenditures, matching funds received and utilized, and interest earned/used and project work products, Miss Prichard is gaining excellent experience related to the Associate Degree in Accounting which she will attain in December.
The secondary project entails indexing and repackaging photos and negatives in the Natural Gas Artifact Collection owned by the Alliance, thus transferring the fragile items into acid-free materials for improved, long-term storage and use.
Tiffany is the daughter of Tom and Leanne Prichard; she attended Oil City High School. She commutes to UPT from home, where she has two quarter horses. Miss Prichard is the head coach of team gymnastics for the Titusville YMCA. During high school and college, she has especially enjoyed courses in accounting and history. Community service activities have included painting her church and helping to rebuild homes.
Her career plans involve remaining in the local rural area, preferably no more than an hour from her parent's home. She has selected courses leading to management and ownership of a small business. Her dream business to operate is a riding school, thus combining many of her interests and skills. |
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Welcome New and Renewal Members
by Darlene Eaton, Membership Coordinator
The Alliance appreciates all its members -- individuals, families, small and large businesses -- and is pleased to list these recent new and renewed members.
Ashley, Elenita and Bill, (new) family membership.
Baker, Douglas, (new) individual membership.
Clark, Carole and Clark, (new) family membership.
Collins Plumbing & Heating, 677-0216, plumbing and heating.
Edward Jones Investments, Donna Rapp, 676-1151.
Edward Jones Investments, Lori Sibble, 677-4880.
Edward Jones Investments, Christopher Rakow, 432-8578.
Edward Jones Investments, Mike Watson, 827-8840.
Edward Jones Investments, Merralee Obenrader, 432-0957.
Friedhaber's, 676-5694, full line of major appliances, hearth products, central heating & cooling products, locally owned and operated.
Gift Box, The, 827-6332, gift shop and souvenirs.
Hagan Business Machines of Meadville, 724-4601, sales, service, and support on a complete line of color laser multifunction products.
Joy Mining Machinery, 437-5731, provides cost effective equipment and support for extraction of underground coal and other bedded materials such as gypsum, lignite, phosphate, potash salt, and iron.
Latrobe Steel Company, 437-4730, specialty steel manufacturing.
Titusville Area School District, 827-7815, with support of parents and community, promotes intellectual growth and educational experience which inspire students to succeed.
It's Easy to Join!
Call Darlene Eaton at 814-677-3152 extension 117
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The Alliance's Major Members
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Alliance Board of Directors
The Oil Region Alliance is fortunate to call on the some of the most distinguished citizens of the area, our Board of Directors, for guidance. Their visionary reach and wise counsel are among our greatest assets. For a listing of the board members, visit www.oilregion.org, click on "About ORA," then "Board Directory. |
Darlene Eaton, Membership Coordinator
814-677-3152 extension 117 Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism
217 Elm Street, P. O. Box 128, Oil City, PA 16301
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| September 2009
Volume 5, Issue 7
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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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Any Weekend Deal
Fly to Cleveland on weekends for $100 round trip; applies to departure from Franklin on any Saturday and return on any Sunday. Call O. C. Bell at 432-5333. |
Upcoming Events in
the Oil Region
September 2009
Curt Anderson Exhibit
Curt shares his outstanding woodcarving with us this month in the Transit Fine Art Gallery, downtown Oil City. His work, a blending of modern technology and old-world craftsmanship, is sure to make us say "Wow, I've never seen anything like that before." This is an exhibit perfect for fall or for any season...do come and see for yourself! 814-677-3707
September 2009
Classes sponsored by Oil Valley Center for the Arts painting, knitting, spinning, nature printing, writing, and more. 206 Seneca St., Oil City 677-3707, www.ocartscouncil.com
September 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 2009
Train Rides
Ride the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad through "the valley that changed the world." This three-hour train ride departs from Perry Street Station, Titusville at 1 pm 814-676-1733 or www.octrr.org $
September 12, 2009
Oil Country Cruise
Rain or shine, cars, bikes, & trucks "Run what you brung." See "The Valley that Changed the World." Registration fee includes: dinner in Franklin & chance to win a cash prize if all stops along the ride are completed. Registration from 9 am to 10 am. Blessing of all vehicles at 10 am, prior to start. Cash prizes awarded in Franklin at 7 pm. Contact Toni at 814-677-3152 ext 110. www.oilregion.org
September 12, 2009 Columbia Farm's 150th Anniversary The Columbia Farm (aka Story Farm) was named after its several decades of operation by the Pittsburgh-based Columbia Oil Company and will be the subject of a slide presentation by Amy Randolph, a Senior Geologic Scientist with DCNR Dept of Forestry. The presentation will cover the history of Columbia Farm, its early oil drilling operations and geology, its ties to Andrew Carnegie and the Commonwealths on-going orphan well plugging efforts on the parcel. This hour long program will be held at Oil Creek State Parks amphitheater at Petroleum Centre at 3 pm. This program is free and open to the public. Contact Jake Weiland 814-676-5915 or email oilcreeksp@state.pa.us.
September 16, 2009
Ladies Only!! Wine and Cheese Wednesday, Guided evening canoe/kayak trip, Outdoor Allegheny River Services (OARS), 814-388-9122, www.oarsontheallegheny.com.
September 19, 2009
Oil 150 Invitational Launch
Join us at the Interstate Rocket Launch Facility, Route 208 Clintonville for the largest, high-powered launch ever conducted at IRLF with over 20 giant rockets set to fly. Enjoy displays, NASA, collectable model and high powered rockets, space related magazines from 1957-2008. Other activities include food and refreshments, guest speakers, and aerial bombardment from Kellner's Fireworks. Contact Sam Gordon 814-676-8254 - fax
September 19, 2009
Fall Gas-Up
The Pioneer Steam and Gas Engine Society will hold their fall gas up at Drake Well Park & Museum, Titusville, PA from 9 am until 4 pm. Contact David Goodwill 814-663-1291 or daveg@neo.rr.com
September 19, 2009 Cranberry Festival This 8th annual festival held in Morrison Park, Seneca, features crafts, art show, children's activities, food vendors, 5K run/walk, car & motorcycle cruise-in. Venango Area Chamber 814-676-8521 or www.cranberry-pa.org
September 20, 2009
DeBence Mini Event
Before Jake DeBence bought it, the Idora Park Wurlitzer Model 153 played on their carousel. Hear it and learn about the organ and the park. Presentation by Martin Anderson at 1:30 pm, donations appreciated. DeBence Antique Music World 814-432-8350 or www.debencemusicworld.com
September 26, 2009
Paws and Play
The second annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day will be held from 9am to 5 pm at Oil Creek State Park in the Egbert Day Use Area in Petroleum Centre. The event will have an amateur agility course, coloring contest, nail clipping, character drawings, a clothing race, talent show, and face painting. The goal of this event is to educate first-time dog owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help current owners enhance their relationships with their pets. Paws and Play will raise money to support local dog chapters (PAWS) and the Oil Creek State Park. Contact Tasha Elder, coordinator 724-290-3277
October 2009
J.D. Titzel Exhibit
This month the Transit Gallery is excited to bring the work of J.D. Titzel here and you will quickly see why. His large watercolor paintings, which sometimes take 70-200 plus hours to complete, are true masterpieces. Landscapes, florals, and historical pieces are among his favorite works....and have garnered for him many awards and honors. 814-677-3707
October 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 2009
Train Rides
Ride the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad through "the valley that changed the world." This three-hour train ride departs from Perry Street Station Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 11 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.814-676-1733 or www.octrr.org $
October 2, 3, 4, 2009
Applefest®
Come to western PA's premier festival with over 350 food and craft vendors, 5K race, apple pie baking and eating contests, free entertainment, kids korner, antique car show and much more. Remember the Appley Ever After wedding! Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce 814-432-5823 or www.franklinapplefest.com
October 9, 10, 11, 2009
Oil Creek 100 Trail Runs
These trail runs and marathon races will be held at Oil Creek State Park, between Oil City and Titusville, PA. Friday is the pre-race meeting and pasta dinner, Saturday and Sunday are the trail runs and marathon races. Check out the website for pricing and a schedule for the weekend. www.oilcreek100.org Race Director is Tom Jennings, rd_oc100@yahoo.com
October 9, 2009
Arts in the Transit
Glenn Utsch Trio 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. $ www.ocartscouncil.com
October 10, 2009
The Farm and Country Driving Tour
10:00 AM until 5:00 PM
Tour thirteen sites in the Allegheny-Clarion Valley at your leisure from the comfort of your own automobile on this free countryside tour. Information sheets available at local businesses. Map/brochures may be found at the Foxburg Caboose or the Foxburg Library after October 1, 2009. For more information call 724-659-4733; 814-671-3922; 724-659-0065; or 724-679
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