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Winter fun in the Oil Region

The News Gusher

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.
In The Know... 
by Michael Klapec, Alliance Chair and Chief Executive Officer   
 

  This month marks an interesting and exciting time for the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism because we are embarking on a six-month journey of discovery.  We are strategically planning the economic future of the community and this agency.  Through the help of Clarion University and adjunct professor Lawrence Carr, we are taking a very close look at how we, as an agency and a community, work to build the prosperity of the region.  In particular, we are looking at how we can better use our resources to attract new investment and new jobs, how we help existing companies grow, how we attract visitors that spend money in our community, and how we preserve and enhance our cultural and recreational assets.

   We are about to spend the next four of six months collecting and analyzing data to develop a group of strategies that will help to position our agency to help the community have greater success in economic development, tourism, and heritage development.  A majority of this time will be spent by the staff and a planning committee of the board in environmental analysis, mission analysis, and development of strategies pegged at how we can use our resources to better attract investment for job creation, visitor spending, and heritage preservation.   

   The remaining two of six months will be dedicating to the strategic business plan of execution.  It is one thing to have a plan and it is another thing to have a plan that you can implement for measurable results.  Therefore, we will be focusing on the tactical plan (corporate mission, strategic restructuring, etc.), and our operational plan (policies, procedures, etc.) to ensure that we can see clear and measurable results for the community. 

   The last and final part, which will be ongoing over the next five years, is strategy evaluation.  We will be measuring this plan along the way, ready and able to take corrective action and make plan revisions when necessary.  I look forward to giving you periodic updates throughout this process so that you, too, remain... In the know!        

 

To comment on this article or for ideas on strategic planning, please email me at chairman@oilregion.org.

 
  Oil History Workshop Scheduled
 by Toni Kresinski,Events Manager
 

  In keeping with a ten-year tradition, the Alliance will present an Oil History Workshop on Saturday, February 13, from 1 - 4 p.m., in the basement meeting room of the Oil City Library, at 2 Central Avenue.  The subject is "Tidewater Pipeline Company & Standard Oil - Joined at the Hip." 

   Neil McElwee, local historian and author, will host the program.  He is a seasoned speaker and published writer on the early history of oil. The workshop promises to be both informative and entertaining and will entail audience interaction..   

   Dr. Chris Reber, dean of Venango Campus of Clarion University, will serve as moderator. 

   Act 48 approval has been granted; educators who attend may receive credit for their participation. 

   Randy Seitz, President and COO of the Alliance, stated, "The Alliance is  pleased to have the support of the PA Humanities Council for this Oil History Workshop, and we are especially grateful to Neil McElwee and to Dr. Reber for conducting the workshop again this year." 

   There is no charge to attend; however, pre-registration is requested.    

   This program has been supported in part by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities 'We the People Initiative on American History.'  Contact Toni Kresinski, at (814) 677-3152, ext. 110.

Neilltown Church Rehabilitation Project Moving Forward
 by Mike Henderson, Project Manager

  Sealed bids have been received for the general contracting of Phase I of the Neilltown Church Rehabilitation project. This historic church, built in 1842, is located in the village of Neilltown, near Pleasantville. Originally built to serve an early Presbyterian congregation, in more recent years the church was used by the community for special non-denominational church services, and then was eventually abandoned.  Funded by a PHMC Keystone Historic Preservation Grant and a Forest County Community Development Block Grant, this phase will provide some badly needed stabilization. 

   Tasks within the scope of Phase I include: replacement of the asphalt-shingled roof with a more historically-accurate wood-shingled roof; exterior door replacement and repair; improved handicapped-accessibility; moderate structural repairs; lighting and security system installation; and re-establishing electrical service. Tasks have been separated within the bid form so that if the total bid goes over the project budget, tasks can be prioritized by level of importance. The work is expected to take place early in the spring of 2010 and will follow the Preservation Plan provided by Kidder-Wachter Architecture & Design of Erie. Bids are currently under review, and award of the contract will take place in February. Plans for the work will then start immediately so that the contractor can begin as soon as the winter weather breaks.

  Best Wishes to William Wingo

by Marilyn Black, VP-Heritage Development 

 

   William "Will" Wingo has ably served as Director of Oil 150 since December of 2007.  His term of duty concluded December 18 as part of the winding down of coordination responsibilities for the celebration.  Please join us in wishing Will very well as he tackles some new adventures locally and abroad. 

   Several of his contributions to the "Oil 150" endeavor include:  (a) daily updating of www.oil150.com; (b) researching and responding to information requests through the website, which is recently averaging use by more than 400 people per day; (c) fulfilling daily incoming orders for books and publications and distribution of OIL 150 merchandise to more than a dozen sales locations in the Oil Region; (d) representing the Alliance and the OIL 150 Steering Committee at multiple speaking engagements, industrial trade shows, customized field trips, and similar presentations; (e) coordination with industrial businesses and clubs, especially those involving oil field equipment; (f) supervising the OIL 150 staff within the Heritage Department of the Alliance; (g) coordination of multiple special events, program presentations, and showings of the various documentaries generated as OIL 150 educational activities; and (h) related support services. 

   During the next several months, OIL 150 Deputy Director Melissa Mann will continue working full-time at the Alliance maintaining these duties while simultaneously preparing "close-out" reports to the generous donors and foundations which have provided monetary support to Oil 150.  You may contact her at (800) 483-6264, Extension 103; mmann@oilregion.org.
The Alliance Thanks These Members for Recently Renewing
 
by Darlene Eaton, Membership Coordinator
 
    Barnard House, The, 724-867-2261, Guest house nestled between the river and Allegheny recreational trail providing relaxing lodging and scenic views.
   Bert Klapec, Inc., 677-2305, Largest commercial and    residential excavation/demolition company in the area with over 45 years experience.
   Caboose Motel, Inc., 827-5730, Comfortable, unique lodging facility: cabooses with all amentities as in traditional  lodging facilities.
   Caldwell Printing Services, 673-6792, Small printing firm that also sells promotional items including custom clothing.
   City of Oil City - Ryan Eggleston, 678-3012, City government.
   Clarion University-Venango Campus, 676-6591, University offering associate degrees, bachelors or masters degree in select areas, certificate programs, and continuing education courses.
   Cranberry Mall, 676-3406, Regional mall with four anchor stores in a commercially-growing municipality.
   Crawford & Fitch, 437-7266, Board-certified ENT physicians who provide ear, nose, sinus, allergy, thyroid, tonsil, and oral cancer care.
   EADS Group, The, 764-5050, A multi-disciplined engineering and architectural corporation offering civil, environmental, transportation, structural and related services.
   First United National Bank, 676-8647, Privately owned community bank with  five offices in Venango and Clarion Counties providing persons and businesses with individual attention
   Franklin Industrial & Commercial Development Authority, 432-4476, Industrial incubator complex to foster the creation and retention of jobs.
   Franklin Fine Arts Council, 437-1430, Provide quality arts and cultural programming for the area.
   Gill Consulting, LLC , 676-5566, Serving private, public and non-profit sectors with leading human resource and business optimization resources.
   Gustafson General Contracting, 677-5658, Residential and light commercial construction services; historic renovations.
   Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., (724) 983-1806, Full service engineering firm - from initial planning through final design, construction administration and operational guidance.
   Kapp Alloy & Wire, Inc., 676-0613, Manufacturer of solder for electronics and aluminum fluxes for soldering.
   Keystone Community Education Council, 677-4427, Post secondary education and training broker.
   Klapec Auto Body, 676-3662, Auto repair.
   Law Office of Robert McFate, 676-3933, attorney.
   Matric Limited, 677-0716, Engineering, design, manufacture, and service provider of custom and contract electronic components and systems.
   McElwee, Lois, individual
   Millcraft SMS Services,  677-9400, Design, manufacture, and service of mold components for the steel industry.
   Morrison Funeral Home, 677-4000, Serving a family at the time of death and before the need as well.
   National Fuel Gas, 871-8231, National Fuel's history dates back over 100 years to the earliest days of the oil and gas industry.
   Oil City Arts Council, 678-3017, Dedicated to promote and foster the public interest and appreciation of all the arts.
   Oil Creek Family Campground,  827-1023, Family-oriented campground for tents and trailers, also cabin rentals.
   Oil Creek Press, 676-1031, Heritage consulting; historical publications.
   Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad, 676-1723, Vintage train ride "Through the Valley That Changed the World."
   Oil Creek State Park, 676-6915, State park offering recreation trail, fishing, picnicking, cross country skiing, and more.
   O'Polka & Company, 437-9568, Certified Public Accountants.
   Pemrick, Keith, Esq., 432-2181, Attorney.
   Penn State Cooperative Extension, 437-7607, Business outreach.
   Prototyping Rapid, 786-9517, Rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, 3D cad design, product models, spin/investment casting, injection/poyurethane molding, medical prototypes, CNC machining, invention help, patent search.
   Reiland Farm & Shoppe, The, 755-4019, Fiber farm and shoppe featuring llamas, angora goats and sheep, yarns, clothing, woven rugs, and gifts.
   Schiffer Excavating, Inc. 432-3448, Sand & gravel, concrete products, excavating.
   Seneca Printing Express, Inc., 437-5364, Commercial printing.
   Security Systems of PA, 432-7903, Install and service security, fire, video and door access systems.
   Small Business Development Center, 393-2060, Helps entrepreneurs by providing them education, information, and tools necessary to build successful businesses.
   Smith, Susan, individual
   Specialty Fabrication & Powder Coating, 432-6406, A full-service fabrication and powder coating company.
   Sperian Fall Protection, 432-2118, The fall protection equipment division of Bacou-Dalloz, the largest personal protection equipment manufacturer in the world.
   Stifel Nicolaus, 432-3169, Securities brokerage and investment management firm, specializing in individuals and small businesses.
   Stubler Drive-Thru Beverage, 676-1874, Beer distributor. 
   Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, 676-8521,  Dedicated to building, serving, and promoting business growth for our members and Venango area business.
   Voyten Electric & Electronics, 432-5893, Authorized Siemens switchgear distributor & repair facility/circuit breakers, motor controls.
   WKQW AM/FM, 676-8254, 96.3 FM-1120 AM serving Venango County with local news, local sports, and local information
It's Easy to Join!
Call Darlene at 814-677-3152 extension 117
or go to www.oilregion.org.  
 
Darlene Eaton, Membership Coordinator
 
814-677-3152 extension 117 

Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism  
217 Elm Street, Oil City, PA  16301
 
 
January 2010 
Volume 6, Issue 1
In This Issue
In the Know.....
Oil History Workshop Scheduled
Neilltown Church Rehabilitation Project Moving Forward
Best Wishes to Will Wingo
Thank You, Renewal Members
Alliance Announces Member Functions
Calling All Entrepreneurs
Nominations Being Accepted for Preservation Awards
Oil Region Businesses Contribute to WQLN
Alliance Board of Directors
 

Follow the Alliance on Twitter at http://twitter.com/oilregion

 
 
 
and on Facebook
 
 Oil Region Alliance

If you have suggestions or new ideas you would like to share, feel free to  email them to chairman@oilregion.org.
We welcome input from you, the Oil Region community.

 
 
 

 

Alliance Announces Member Events

Members: Please mark your calendar for two upcoming member events.  More information will be sent in the mail soon.
 
 
8:00 a.m., Thursday, February 25, at the Americas Best Inns & Suites, Arlington Hotel, Oil City, continental breakfast and annual business meeting to elect officers and to handle other business matters.  The Board will conduct its annual meeting and regular monthly meeting following this.     
 
6:00 p.m., Friday, March 5, at the Commons at Franklin, Member Appreciation Dinner (buffet).  Guest speaker will be PA Attorney General Tom Corbett.  Recognitions/Awards/Annual Report.  
 
To see upcoming events in the Oil Region, go to www.oilregion.org and
check out the "Event Calendar" on the home page.
Calling All Entrepreneurs!
  by Deb Lutz, Local Industry Manager 

  Are you interested in starting your own business or are a current small business owner looking to expand?  If so, you will want to attend the Small Business Jumpstart Program.   Sponsored by Penn State Cooperative Extension, this nine-week program will lead you through all the steps necessary to be successful.

   Orientation is March 4 from 6 -7 pm at the Northwest Savings Bank in Franklin. The program will run on Thursdays beginning March 11 through May 6 from 6 - 9 pm at the bank.  The cost of the program is $75. Please call Penn State Cooperative Extension at 437-7607 for additional details or to register
 Nominations Being Accepted for Preservation Awards
 by Toni Kresinski, Events Manager
 Nominations are being accepted for the 2010 Oil Heritage Region Historic Preservation Awards.  Co-sponsors are the Crawford County Historical Society, Oil Region Alliance, Titusville Historical Society, Titusville Renaissance, Inc., and the Venango County Historical Society.  Nomination forms are available at the Alliance office at 217 Elm Street, Oil City.    
   The awards program recognizes 
rehabilitation and restoration undertaken during the past five years on buildings or other structures at least 50 years old.  This area inludes  Venango County, the Borough of Hydetown, the City of Titusville and Oil Creek Township in Crawford County. 

   Anyone may submit a nomination for a preservation award.  Once an individual or project has received a Historic Preservation Award, they are ineligible to receive another award for five years.

   Nominations are due March 15, 2010, and may be delivered or mailed to the Oil Region Alliance, 217 Elm Street, Oil City, PA 16301.  It is recommended that color photographs showing before and after views of the project be submitted with the nomination. 

   Call Toni Kresinski, Events Manager, at (814) 677-3152, Extension 110.
Oil Region Businesses Contribute to WQLN Want to be a part of this advertising opportunity?
 
by Betty Squire, VP-Marketing & Membership
 

   The Oil Region Alliance is again proud to participate in the 2010 WQLN Travel, Leisure & Wine Auction on January 30 & 31.  Partnering with the Alliance are the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad, The Original Pizza Villa in Titusville, The Busted Flush, University of Pittsburgh in Titusville and Oil 150.

   PBS offers the opportunity to showcase businesses and attractions throughout the area.  WQLN Public Television serves over 340,000 households in northwest Pennsylvania, western New York, and eastern Ohio and nearly 800,000 household in southern Ontario, Canada.

   Statistics by Mediamark Research, Inc. show that PBS members are 91% more likely to have spent $3,000-$4,999 and 172% more likely to have spent $5,000+ on domestic vacations in the past 12 months; 82% more likely to have traveled domestically for business/vacation combined; 67% more likely to have a household income over $75,000 per year and 137% more likely to have seen a live theater event and 160% more likely to have visited a museum in the past 12 months.

   The Alliance partners with WQLN auctions two to three times each year and if you would like to be a part of this opportunity, please contact Betty Squire at bsquire@oilregion.org or 677-3152 extension 106.

Alliance Board of Directors    
   The Oil Region Alliance is fortunate to call on 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."
 
 
 
The Alliance's
 Major Members
 
 Major Members
 
 
 

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.
 ________________________ 
 
 
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.