The Oil Region Alliance is pleased to send you its newsletter. If you have difficulty viewing this format 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. |
Want to Win $1,000 Cash???
by Toni Kresinski, Events Manager 
Do you want to win $1,000? It's easy! Purchase a ticket for "$how Me the Money, III," the Alliance's FUNdraiser! Only 200 tickets will be sold; one of them will win $1,000.
The FUN begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, at the Arlington Hotel in Oil City.
Tickets are just $30 each and entitle the bearer to a prime rib dinner, beer, and soft drinks all evening, PLUS a chance to WIN $1,000.
Donors have been very generous:
-- A week's stay at a home on the water in Florida, 30 miles from Tampa.
-- A five-hour cruise on a houseboat on the Allegheny River for up to 12 couples.
-- Two tickets to the Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia plus a tailgate party, dinner, and overnight lodging.
-- An 18-carat created sapphire ring, set in sterling silver.
-- Tickets for four to see the Rockettes in Pittsburgh, plus dinner at the Six Penn Kitchen Restaurant.
-- Dinner for four, catered to your home in January.
-- Gift certificates for dinner at local restaurants.
-- Four two-day "Cleveland Plus" passes, admitting the bearer to eight cultural attractions
-- Two tickets to see "Forever Plaid" at the CLO Cabaret in Pittsburgh.
-- Tickets to Junior's Last Laugh in Erie.
-- Tickets to the Erie Zoo.
-- And more!!!
There will be raffles, auctions and small games of chance. You must be present to win and be 21 or older to attend.
For information or to purchase tickets, call Toni Kresinski at (814) 677-3152, ext. 110. |
Alliance Completes  Relocation and Announces New Mailing Address
The Heritage Development and Oil 150 personnel have joined the other Alliance departments at 217 Elm Street in Oil City. Effective immediately, persons doing business with any Alliance staff should go to that office.
The Alliance's new mailing address is 217 Elm Street, Oil City, PA 16301-1412. (There is no longer a post office box.) |
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Follow the Alliance on Twitter
To get up-to-date "tweets" about what we are working on to increase the prosperity and population of the Region, this is all you have to do.
1. Go to www.twitter.com
2. Sign up for a free account.
3. Follow the instructions to do a search and type oilregion.
4. The account will pop up; select follow.
Please give the Alliance a call at 814-677-3152 if you have any questions or problems getting set up. |
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Alliance to Dedicate Kennerdell Overlook Project
by Kim Harris, Project Manager
The Oil Region Alliance and its partners on the Kennerdell Overlook project invite the public to the dedication of the Kennerdell Overlook. The celebration will be held on Friday, October 16, at 1:00 p.m. The Overlook is located on Kennerdell Road (approximately 4.5 miles from Cranberry/Rockland Road).  Upgrades and safety improvements have once again made this site a favorite stopping place for folks visiting the area and community members of the Oil Region National Heritage Area. Come and enjoy the spectacular view as we celebrate. Parking will be adjacent to the overlook at the home of Scott and Cindy Schneider, owners of Misty Ridge and the Overlook. Please RSVP by Thursday, October 14, to Toni Kresinski at 814-677-3152 or tkresinski@oilregion.org. For information, contact Kim Harris Project Manager-Heritage Development. |
Attention High Energy Users -- Act Now to Plan for Increased Costs by Debbie McNerney, New Industry Manager
On September 22, the Alliance staff attended a seminar regarding Bulk Purchasing of Natural Gas and Electric Power that was sponsored by the NW Industrial Resource Center.
Pennsylvania electric rate caps are being removed throughout the state already and will continue to be removed in a phased-in approach. Our area is set to have electric rate caps removed on December 31, 2010.
Areas of our state that have removed electric rate caps have experienced an average of 23% increase in costs. It is important that any high-energy users (annual natural gas bills over $20,000 or annual electric bills over $10,000) fully understand their utility bills as a cost-cutting measure. Utility costs are the third biggest cost to manufacturing.
Businesses will be able to structure their energy purchasing to combat higher rates. One way to offset utility cost increases is through bulk purchasing of natural gas and electric power. Penelec is proposing three options for their customers, and they encourage their customers to enter into bulk energy purchasing contracts with third party energy suppliers.
Businesses need to begin to plan now for these inevitable cost increases. Please contact Debbie McNerney at the Oil Region Alliance at 677-3152 extension 122. |
Oil 150 Commemorative Items Still Available 
by Will Wingo, Oil 150 Director
Oil 150 items are still available through the online store and at retail sales locations. The online store at www.oil150.com/store has the most current listing.
The printed catalog lists all items. If you are interested in any items that are listed in the printed catalog but not on the website, call 814 677-3152 to check on availability.
The Oil 150 Coaster depicting the Drake Well would make an excellent selection for a gift for the upcoming holidays. The commemorative coin marking the anniversary and the Oil Region National Heritage Area would make an excellent item for employees or family members. The Edwin Drake vanity stamp and first day cover, dated August 27, 2009, with the railway post office cancellation would make an interesting Christmas gift. Oil 150 items are still stocked by these outlets: Titusville: The Gift Box, OC&T Railroad, Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce, Drake Well Museum store. Oil City: Venango Museum of Art, Science, & Industry, Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, Alliance Office. Pleasantville: Coal Oil Johnny's eatery Franklin Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce Emlenton: Pumping Jack Museum Contact Will Wingo or Melissa Mann at 814 677-3152, email wwingo@oilregion.org or |
Alliance Board Selects Vendors for Heritage Projects
by Marilyn Black, VP, Heritage Development
A "Survey of Historic Resources in Northeastern Venango County" will be conducted by the Archaeological Services section from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The faculty and graduate students and staff of the Venango County Regional Planning Commission will begin inventorying, photographing, and documenting buildings and other significant manmade structures in Allegheny and Oil Creek Townships and the Borough of Pleasantville. Grants are from the PA Heritage Area Program within DCNR matched by VCRPC using Municipal Services funding via DCED.
PBS&J of Canonsburg was awarded a contract for "Engineering, Design, and Permitting of Phase Two of the McClintock Bike Trail" which will connect Oil City with McClintock Well #1. The Phase Two pre-construction costs are covered by a C2P2 grant to the Alliance from DCNR; the construction support is from a federal Transportation Enhancement contract between the Alliance and PennDOT.
Experience Design, Inc. of Boston, MA, will conduct "The Study of the Feasibility of a Natural Gas Museum" that will examine whether to proceed with thematic and location decisions for a museum showcasing the history of the natural gas industry, or whether to add natural gas exhibits to existing museums in the Oil Region National Heritage Area. Funding was provided by National Fuel Gas Corporation, the National Park Service, and the PA Heritage Areas Program within DCNR.
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Business Receives Award Following Nomination by Alliance by Deb Lutz, Local Industry Manager
Deb Lutz, Alliance Local Industry Manager, and Base Service Unit Representative for the Regional Center for Workforce Excellence, nominated Klapec Trucking Company (KTC) to receive the "Industry Partnership Above and Beyond Recognition of Achievement Award." Klapec accepted the award at a recent annual meeting.
KTC has been in business for 60 years and furnishes freight transportation service to all 48 contiguous states and all Canadian provinces, specializing in steel and equipment freight transportation services. KTC has a safety program that is second to none, and they strive for superior customer service.
Equally important to owner Cindy Urban is her generous commitment to the Oil Region of her time and business resources. KTC donates the use of flat-bed trailers for parades, and their drivers donate their time.
Among the many prestigious awards KTC has received, two are most significant. Owner Cindy Urban was named the Venango Chamber's Business Woman of the year in 2009, and Klapec Trucking was named the Chamber's Business of the year in 1997.
Human Resources Manager, Rich Milner, actively participates in the Transportation IP, and Cindy Urban has been actively involved in the I-80 tolling issue, bringing awareness of the impact of tolling to the transportation industry.
These awards recognize companies that have gone above and beyond expectations to expand the competitiveness of their industry through participation in one of Northwest Pennsylvania's Industry Partnerships.
Left to right: Bill Liddle, Vice Chair of the WIB board; Deb Lutz; Cindy Urban; Michele Zieziula, CEO of RCWE; and Kerry Schwab, WIB Board Chair. |
Oil 150 is NOT Over!
by Will Wingo, Oil 150 Director
Several of the major events celebrating the 150th anniversary of the discovery of the first commercial oil well in northwestern Pennsylvania have been completed but there are many more projects and programs that will cap off the 17- month celebration.
Randy Seitz, President of the Oil Region Alliance, said, "We have had an extremely successful and memorable series of events throughout the spring and summer, but there is much more to come to finish this celebration."
Here is a partial listing of upcoming events:
October 9: The Oil Creek 100 Trail Runs in Oil Creek State Park.
October 22: Edwin Drake, A Re- introduction, Harvey Center lecture at the Venango Campus of Clarion University. William Brice, PhD will be the presenter.
November 18 and 19, Symposium - The Philanthropic Legacy of the Oil Pioneers, at the Titusville Campus of the University of Pittsburgh.
Also slated for late fall is a screening of Stories of a Third Generation Independent Oil Producer, as told by Bill Huber, to be held at the Crawford Center, in Emlenton on December 2 and the unveiling of a historical marker commemorating Byron Benson in Titusville on December 10.
The unveiling and presentation to the public of the new biography of Edwin Drake, Myth, Legend, Reality- Edwin Drake and the Early Oil Industry, by William Brice, PhD, will be held in the near future.
Event details are at http://www.oil150.com/calendar/.
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Alliance Sponsors Another Successful Bass Tournament
by Toni Kresinski, Events Manager
 The team of Darren Potts of East Hickory and Dave Manross of Tidioute won first place and a check for $1,000 in the Allegheny River Bass Tournament on September 13.
Forty-four teams registered, more than any since the Tournament began ten years ago.
Jay McCandless of Oil City and John Dunham of Pleasantville took second place and a check for $400. They also received a cash award and trophy for catching the single largest bass, a 4.02# smallmouth.
Third place and a check for $250 went to brothers Ken and Ernie Pate of the Butler area.
Fourth place wernt to the team of Ron Ferguson of Morgan, PA and Doug Beck of Allison Park.
Fifth place went to John A. Ringel of Titusville and Eric Marsh of Conneaut Lake.
Seth Harrelson of Oil City brought the only largemouth bass to the scales, a beauty weighing 1.68 pounds.
The tournament was financed in part by a PA Heritage Area Program Grant from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
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Welcome, New and Renewal Members
by Darlene Eaton, Membership Coordinator
All Seasons Temporaries, 437-2148, temporary employment agency. Arby's, Oil City, 676-5853, serving delicious food made with the finest ingredients, specializing in roast beef sandwiches.
Benson Memorial Library, 827-2913, A public library offering the services and materials relevant to patron use.
Best Printing, 676-5311, commercial printing.
Brice, William, PhD, 814-269-3950, oil industry history author and editor.
Comfort Inn, Barkeyville, 814-786-7901, hotel.
CS Technologies Plus, 677-2447, computer sales, networking, service, upgrades, Internet service provider, training, security & life safety & surveillance.
4 Seasons Creations (new), 671-8973, special events photography, specializing in holiday parties, reunions, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, mixers, community events, church functions, and more.
First National Bank of PA (new), 676-0485, financial institution founded in 1864 with 225 locations in PA and OH.
Galaxy Federal Credit Union, 432-1207, a community credit union offering financial services to all of Venango County.
Huff Chapel, Inc., 432-3111, funeral home.
Titusville Renaisance, Inc, 827-6556, downtown revitalization
University of Pittsburgh at Titusville, 827-4447, university.
Venango Machine Products, 676-5741, tool and die job shop.
Vicken Real Estate, 814-323-7663, own and rent real estate in northwest Pennsylvania
West PA Magazine (new), 437-3800, New monthly print and on-line magazine for the Oil Region.
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, Oil City, PA 16301
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| October 2009
Volume 5, Issue 8
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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 $120 round trip; applies to departure from Franklin on any Saturday and return on any Sunday. Call O. C. Bell at 432-5333. |
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Upcoming Events
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 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 3-hour train ride departs from Perry Street Station, Titusville, at 11 am on Wed. Thur. & Fri. 11 am & 3 pm Sat. & Sun. 814-676-1733 or www.octrr.org. $ October 9, 10, 11, 2009 Oil Creek 100 Trail Runs Trail runs and marathon races at Oil Creek State Park between Oil City and Titusville, Friday is the pre-race meeting and pasta dinner, Saturday and Sunday are the trail runs and marathon races. 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 & 17, 2009
"Lead Game Panel "Construction" stained glass class, Oil Valley Center for the Arts, Transit Building, Oil City, $, 677-3707, 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 at Foxburg Caboose or the Foxburg Library. Call 724-659-4733; 814-671-3922; 724-659-0065; or 724-679-2753. or www.baytreefarm.com.
October 10, 2009
"Italian Holiday Breads, Pastries & Cookies", Oil Valley Center for the Arts, Transit Building, Oil City, $, 677-3707, www.ocartscouncil.com. October 10, 2009 Autumn Festival Held in Scheide Park, downtown Titusville from 9 am - 3 pm, sponsored by Titusville Leisure Services (TLS) includes - Food, games, entertainment, costume, pumpkin carving, pie-baking & other contests - fun for entire family. For more info contact TLS at 814-827-3741. Added bonus - Titusville Farmers Market will hold their Fall Harvest Day in conjunction with the festival - homegrown & homemade produce and products for sale plus demonstrations, live animals & featuring Chef Bruce cooking up local food specialties. The Titusville Farmers Market is facilitated by Titusville Renaissance, Inc. (TRI). For more info contact TRI at 814-827-6556. October 10, 2009 Twilight Tales of the Queen City Join us for a candlelight tour of Titusville's Historic Woodlawn Cemetery; 5 - 9 pm. This is a family-friendly event sponsored by the Titusville High School Drama Club in partnership with Titusville Renaissance, Inc. (TRI) and Woodlawn Cemetery. Tour this beautiful cemetery & get to know your ancestors in a whole new light! Shuttle service from remote parking and handicap accommodations are available. Tickets are $5 for adults & 3 for students and seniors. For more info contact TRI at 814-827-6556. October 14, 2009
"Spinning Beyond Basics" at the Oil Valley Center for the Arts, Transit Building, Oil City, $, 6i7-3707, www.ocartscouncil.com.
October 17, 31 & Nov. 14, 2009
"Knitting a Christmas Stocking" Oil Valley Center for the Arts at National Transit Building, Oil City, $, 677-3707, www.ocartscouncil.com.
October 18, 2009
DeBence Mini Event
Ron Shoup and Glen Cochran will serenade one and all on their guitars at 1:30 pm at DeBence Antique Music World. Donations appreciated - 814-432-8350
October 20 & 22, 2009
"Duplicate Stitch," Oil Valley Center for the Arts, National Transit Building, Oil City, $, 677-3707, www.ocartscouncil.comOctober 22, 2009 Tanglefoot This Canadian Folk Band will be at Oil City Senior High School at 7:30 pm, brought to you by Oil City Arts Council 814-678-3017 or www.ocartscouncil.co October 22, 2009 Edwin Drake - A Re-Introduction 2009 Harvey Center lecture at the Clarion University, Venango Campus. Contact 814-676-6591 ext 1269
October 24, 2009
"Oil On The Brain"
presented by Venango Museum and Community Playhouse.
6:45 snacks; 8:00 play, limited seating, $15. Reservations 676-2007, an Oil 150 event. Benefit both organizations.
October 24, 2009
"Needle Felting in 3-D," Oil Valley Center for the Arts, National Transit Building, Oil City, $, 677-3707, www.ocartscouncil.com.
October 24-25, 2009
Pumkin Bumkin Festival, Oil City.
Return of Oil Valley Vic (woolly worm weather prognosticator), pumpkin pancake breakfast, carnival, children's costume parade, trick-or-treat outing, artists' custome contest, PA beard and mustache contest, fireworks and more.
October 31, 2009
Mayhem by Moonlight
This popular adult progressive Halloween costume party returns from 7 pm - 12 midnight. Don your disguise and enjoy an evening visiting a variety of locations for the chance to win cash & prizes. This is a Destination Downtown promotion facilitated by Titusville Renaissance, Inc. (TRI). For more info contact TRI at 814-827-6556
October 31, 2009
Oil Valley Blacksmiths
The blacksmith association meets on the grounds of Drake Well from 10 am - 3 pm to demonstrate their skills. Contact Drake Well 814-827-2797 or www.drakewell.org
November 7, 2009
FUNdraiser
Come and enjoy the Oil Region Alliance FUNdraiser at the Arlington Hotel, downtown Oil City. Includes dinner, reverse raffle, and games of chance plus a chance to win $1000 - contact Toni at 814-676-3152 ext 110
November 13, 2009
Arts in the Transit
The Red Mountain Boys 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
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