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2013 Oil Region Visitor Guides Now Available
By Toni Kresinski, Project Manager
Now is your chance to pick up a copy of the 2013 Oil Region Visitor Guide. It features the many places to see and things to do in the area. It lists places to dine, lodge and shop, and has information about our historic sites and recreational trails.
Copies are available at the local Chambers of Commerce and the libraries in Oil City, Franklin and Titusville, the kiosks at the Cranberry Mall and the Crawford Center in Emlenton, and the Visitor Center at Perry Street Station in Titusville. You'll also find them at the Alliance office at 217 Elm Street in Oil City.
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Get on the Trail! Entrepreneurial Business Plan Contest Officially Launched
By Deb Lutz, VP of Economic Development
More than 50 people gathered on Wednesday, May 15 for the kick-off of the Get on the Trail! Entrepreneurial Business Plan Contest for along the Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail.
Cathy McCollom of McCollom Development Strategies was the keynote speaker at the kick-off event and addressed the topic of revitalizing post-industrial towns into hubs for outdoor recreation. McCollom has worked with similar programs in other towns.
Will Prince, coordinator of the Trail Town Program, also addressed the crowd and spoke about the types of businesses that benefit most from outdoor recreation.
McCollom and Prince spoke about the potential economic impact that the Trail Town concept can generate, and they included several success stories.
Also unveiled at the kick-off event was a new website http://www.grabtrails.com Once fully developed, the site will include information on all the outdoor recreation opportunities offered in the region under the theme "Grab Life by the Trails." Information on bike, hiking, horse, water, history and geocaching trails will be featured.
The Alliance held a second educational forum on May 29, "Finance for Seasonal Businesses" and has scheduled the third and final session, "Marketing Strategies for Seasonal Businesses" for 6 p.m. on June 12 at Frame Hall at Venango College. Anyone interested in entering the Get on the Trail! Entrepreneurial Business Plan Contest is strongly encouraged to attend these sessions.More information on the contest is available by calling 814-677-3152, Ext. 115 or online at http://www.getonthetrail.org
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Historic Preservation Awards Presented
By Marilyn Black, VP of Heritage Development
The 2013 Oil Heritage Region Historic Preservation Awards were presented during a public ceremony on May 22 at the First Presbyterian Church in Titusville.
These annual awards (which were established in 1997) recognize projects that represent appropriate standards of preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation, as well as acknowledging individuals and groups for special initiatives and service as advocates for sound preservation activities.
The awards were co-sponsored by the Crawford County Historical Society, Oil City Heritage Society, Oil Region Alliance, Titusville Historical Society, Titusville Renaissance, Inc., Venango County Historical Society, and the Venango Museum of Art, Science & Industry.
 | Winners of the 2013 Historic Preservation Awards
Photo by Kimberly Copley-Harris |
The Franklin Public Library was recognized for Preservation Stewardship over the decades, particularly their recent window
and door project. Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Roeder received the Residence Preservation Stewardship Award, for the care they've given to their home at 513 North Perry Street in Titusville.
The Preservation Education/Initiative Award went to Miss Myrna Wescoat, for her gentle but effective leadership of the Titusville Historical Society.
In a new category this year, the Adaptive Reuse Award went to Mr. and Mrs. Jay C. Parsons who in 2008 purchased the former Oil City Firehouse No. 4 at 201 West Sixth Street in Oil City; they have continued to maintain many of the key exterior and interior fire house elements while adapting other parts as this building serves as their residence today.
The Enhancement Project Award was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Roy 'Speedy' Ewing, owners of C & S Hilltop Hardware in Franklin. They were recognized for the outstanding restoration work performed on the school bell that originally was located on their property when it was the Heber School. The bell was restored and returned to the tower after it too was repaired.
The Reconstruction Award recognized the 2012 renovations inside the Pleasantville Free Methodist Church building at 100 Merrick Street in Pleasantville. The building is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was erected in 1848-1849 as a Baptist church.
Two structures were the focus of Preservation Awards. District 0-1 of the PA Department of Transportation was commended for the careful repairs and relocation of the McKinney Arch along Route 8 near Cherrytree.
Venango College of Clarion University received an award for their restoration of the West End Pond in Oil City. They stabilized the dam and completed repairs to it. They also installed benches, lighting, native plantings, a Victorian-style clock, and similar amenities to increase the visual appeal, free public use, and health/safety of the pond and its visitors.
Award recipients are selected from among the nominations provided by the public. Nomination forms will be available next spring. For more information about these annual awards, please contact Toni Kresinski, Project Manager, 814- 677-3152, Ext. 110.
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Main Street News 
By Kathy Bailey, Oil City Main Street Manager
Oil Region Indie Music Festival
The 6th Annual Oil Region Indie Music Festival will be held on Friday June 14 in downtown Oil City. Over 40 bands will perform original music in nine different venues on Seneca Street and nearby.There will be live music, a street fair with children's activities from 5 p.m. until dusk, great food & more! Venues include the Mosaic Café, Pipeline Alley and Main Stage on Seneca Street (suitable for all ages), plus Billy's, McNerney's, Mulligan's, Double Play, The Shamrock, and The Nickel (for ages 18+). Performances begin at 5 p.m. and continue until ?. Come enjoy the music & fun!
 | Cash mobbers at Butler's Candies in Oil City.
Photo by Kathy Bailey |
One Sweet Cash Mob
Oil City Main Street's latest Cash Mob was Saturday, May 18th. The mob met at 10 a.m. in front of the Oil City Library and walked to nearby Butler's Candies.
Mobbers spent about $20 each on gifts, greeting cards, accessories, ice cream and chocolate, of course... this was one sweet cash mob! The next Cash Mob will be on Saturday July 13. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of Pipeline Alley on Seneca Street in downtown Oil City, and remember to bring $20 cash to spend!
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2013 Trail User Survey - Trails through the Oil Region
By Debra Frawley, Greenways Coordinator
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has launched a survey of people who use the recreational trails located between Titusville and Parker through the Oil Region. Electronic counters have been placed along the system to count the number of users each day. RTC will use a formula to ensure that they aren't counting the same riders going out and back. Boxes containing a questionnaire, designed as a postage paid self-mailer, have been installed at major trailheads along the trail. The questionnaire does not ask personal information other than zip code and age group and is intended to determine trail user demographics and attitudes about the trails, how much money trail users spend because of the trail and their possible impact on local businesses. The surveys provide valuable information for each trail manager, and are very useful tools for community planning in the local area as well as for nearby communities who are trying to build support for trail construction and maintenance. The public is encouraged to participate in this survey, in order to have the experiences of local riders and visiting outdoor enthusiasts included in the resulting report.
Beginning in Titusville, there are now a series of shared use trails that offer a nearly seamless and mostly off-road route to Parker, PA. These are the Queen City Trail, Oil Creek State Park Trail, McClintock Trail, Samuel Justus Trail, and the Allegheny River Trail (each part of the regional Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail) and the Sandy Creek Trail (running west to east from Fisherman's Cove to Van) totaling over 73 miles. In 2006, a similar study was completed. At that time, it was determined that approximately 160,792 annual users frequented the trail system within the Oil Heritage Region, creating an estimated overall economic impact of roughly $4.31 million. The 2013 study will update those numbers which are expected to have increased because there are now more miles of trails and the trails are connecting with the downtowns along the system.
The most recent survey completed by RTC was on the D&L Trail in eastern Pennsylvania. Those results documented over 282,000 annual users on the combined 160 miles of recreational trails contributing more than $16 million in economic impact to the local businesses. Closer to home, the 34-mile Armstrong Trail's User Survey found 80,638 annual user visits resulting in a total economic impact in 2010 of $897,442.
Work on the survey began last month and will continue through September. The RTC has received a $15,000 grant from the Pennsylvania DCNR. Local assistance is added from the Allegheny Valley Trails Association and the Council on Greenways & Trails. If you would like more information or a questionnaire, please contact Deb Frawley, Greenways Coordinator at 814-677-3152 Ext. 116 or dfrawley@oilregion.org
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PHI Tours the Tarbell HouseBy Marilyn Black, VP of Heritage DevelopmentIn May, the Petroleum History Institute (PHI) conducted its annual Symposium, this year centered in Pittsburgh. Some of the attendees took the Saturday field trip which included stops at the
 | | Photo by Marilyn Black. |
cemetery where 'Uncle Billy' Smith is buried in Butler County, the Tarbell House in Titusville, Drake Well Museum and Park in Titusville, and Coolspring Power Museum between Brookville and Punxsutawney. Among the guests in this photo taken in front of the Tarbell House are historians, geologists, faculty members, and other fans of oil history from Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
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Educational Mini-Grant Program Helps to Fund Community Day
By Kim Harris, Project Manager
Third grade students from the Oil City Area School District participated in Community Day Activities on May 16 and 17, 2013. This event was one of the "Oil and/or Natural Gas History and Preservation Educational Partner Mini-Grants" via the Oil Region Alliance.
The event brought 130 students from seven classrooms district-wide to downtown Oil City for two days of educational fun. Students were immersed in local history, government, and culture through activities such as a tour of City Hall and the police station, a visit of Venango Museum where they discovered the importance of the oil industry to the local region, and a visit to the National Transit Building where they learned about the history of the building, and current revitalization efforts of the community. Participants also toured the city on the replica trolley, visited the Oil City Public Library, and enjoyed a catered lunch in the ballroom of the historic Latonia Theatre.
They spent a second day at Drake Well Museum touring the newly installed exhibits, participating in hands-on activities and enjoyed a nitro show.
This event helped students to learn about the importance of the region's past, present, and future. These learning objectives correlate with the third grade social studies curriculum.
Fundraising events are being planned to continue this event for the 2014 third grader classes of the Oil City Area School District. A Chef's Table Dinner will be held at the Yellow Dog Lantern Restaurant on Sunday June 9, 2013. For additional information for this fundraising event, or to make reservations for the dinner, please call John Kluck at 814-657-3108.
The "Oil and/or Natural Has History and Preservation Educational Partner Mini-Grant Program" is partially funded by a DCNR Landscape Partnership Grant via the Oil Region Alliance. Matching funds are provided by each mini-grant recipient
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DEP Offers Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant (AFIG) - Natural Gas Vehicle Program
By Deb Lutz, VP of Economic Development
The Department of Environmental Protection announced recently that it had opened a grant round offering an estimated $10 million for the purchase or conversion of medium to light-weight natural gas vehicles (under 14,000 pounds), as well as the conversion or purchase of electric, propane or other alternative fuel vehicles of any size. Those eligible to apply include school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, incorporated non-profit entities,
corporations, and limited liability companies or partnerships located in Pennsylvania. Eligible vehicles include dedicated bi-fuel and dual-fuel LNG or CNG vehicles weighing less than 14,000 pounds as well as dedicated liquid propane gas, hydrogen, hythane (any combination of CNG and hydrogen) biofuel (B100 or straight vegetable oil) and electric vehicles of any weight. Applicants interested in purchasing or converting one or two alternative fuel vehicles are encouraged to partner with other eligible applicants to aggregate their vehicles into a single application to satisfy the five vehicle minimum. Grants will cover no more than 50 percent of the incremental purchase or retrofit cost.
Grant applications will also be accepted for innovation in alternative fuel transportation, including non-road vehicles such as natural gas-powered trains or marine vessels. Innovation includes research, training, development and demonstration of new applications or next phase technology related to the development and use of alternative transportation fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. Such projects should be the first use of the technology in Pennsylvania, and directly result in a demonstration or pilot project leading to a commercial application. Projects must include at least a 50 percent cost share, with personnel costs not exceeding 50 percent of the total grant funding requested.
Applications will only be accepted online, usingDCNR's eGrant system -www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us and are due July 26, 2013 at 4 p.m. Grants will be awarded in the fall.
NW Regional Energy Manager, Geoff Bristow can be reached at 814.332.6681 and gbristow@pa.gov
General AFIG info page: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=553204&mode=2
Program guidelines and all documents associated with the program are available here: http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/View/Collection-11551
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Summer Intern - Jessica Hilburn
By Marilyn Black, VP of Heritage Development
Miss Jessica Hilburn of Hydetown in Crawford County is
 | Photo by
Kim Harris |
working at the Oil Region Alliance each Tuesday and Thursday this summer, as a student intern. She has completed her sophomore year at Mercyhurst University in Erie, with a major in History and a minor in Political Science. Jessica is a graduate of Titusville Senior High School, where she was the salutatorian of her class of 2011.
Historical markers will be her focus. Jessica is condensing files for the historical markers which have already been installed by the Oil Region Alliance, and assisting with research for the next nomination to be submitted to the PA Historical and Museum Commission. In addition, she will examine each of the numerous blue/gold markers throughout the Oil Region National Heritage Area, gathering current photography, GPS readings, and conditions of the markers. The resulting composite list will become a new section of www.oilregion.org later this year, along with a driving tour featuring the markers.
Jessica's other main project will be assisting volunteer Carolee Michener with the updating and reprinting of "Exploring Venango County," a free information-packed booklet about historic sites in the area stretching from Emlenton to Pleasantville. New photography, GPS readings, and other updates will be included in the next edition of this useful publication, which was originally written by Alice Morrison in the early 1980s.
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Our Mission
The Mission of the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism is to increase the prosperity and population of the Oil Region by enticing people to live, work, learn and play in "the valley that changed the world" through the preservation, promotion, development, and support of historical, educational, natural, recreational, residential, commercial and industrial destinations.
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June, 2013
Volume 9, Issue 6
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Upcoming Events in the
Ongoing activities ~
Farmer's Markets
Franklin - Wed & Sat
8 - 1 pm, 12th St. Island
Oil City - Mon & Thurs
11 - 5 pm, by the Library
Titusville - Tues & Sat
8 - 1 pm, downtown
Second Saturday of the month
Open Studios at the
National Transit Art Studios
206 Seneca St., Oil City
AND
Graffiti Gallery Opening
210 Seneca Street, Oil City
814-676-5303
Every Saturday & Sunday
Train Rides on the OC & T
www.octrr.org
Last Saturday of the month
Oil Valley Blacksmiths
9 - 2 pm, Drake Well Park First weekend of the month Pithole Visitor Ctr is Open814-827-2797 June 13 - 16 Youth One ActsBarrow-Civic Theatre June 14 Oil Region Indie Fest814-678-3017 June 15 & 16 Train Show & Salewww.octrr.orgJune 19 - 21 Golf Shoot Out814-676-2007 June 21 & 22 Bingo: The Winning Musical814-677-7469 June 22 Ole 97 (Johnny Cash Tribute) Barrow-Civic Theatre June 22 & 23 WW II Reenactmentwww.octrr.orgJune 23 Music at Neilltown Church4 miles from Pleasantville 814-677-3152, x 110 June 26 4th of July Festivities Begin!www.franklinpa.govJune 27 Venango Museum Card Party814-676-2007 June 28 Tea at the Tarbell House814-827-9103
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The Alliance says
"Thanks!"
to these members
for renewing:
Barrow-Civic Theatre
Bridge Builders Community
Foundation
Dr. Timothy Brooks
William B. Cisek, Esq.
Constellation Energy
County of Venango
Cubbon Lumber & Land
First Energy
First National Bank of PA
Yvonne Klapec
PNC Bank
Pleasantville Borough
Svetz Consulting Services
The Movies at Meadville
George Thompson, Esq.
William D. Wilson, Esq.
For information about membership
in the Alliance, please call
814-677-3152 or log on to
Your membership in the
Oil Region Alliance helps
everyone that lives, works,
and plays in the Oil Region
of Northwest PA.
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If you would like more information about becoming a member of the
Oil Region Alliance, just call 814-677-3152.
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Neilltown Church Music Programs to Start Soon
The historic Neilltown Church, which is located just four miles from Pleasantville, will once again be the site for a series of four free musical programs over the summer. The first is set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, and will feature the Venango Brigade playing American Civil War and Irish/Rustic Music. The duo consists of Steve Johnston on the tin whistle and John Tenney on the minstrel bones.
To continue the Civil War theme, reenactors Paul and Kathy McConnell of Mercer will demonstrate traditional open-firing cooking as they prepare a full meal on-site. All attendees may sample the cuisine at no cost.
Partial funding for the musical programs at the Neilltown Church was provided by a grant from the PA Partners in the Arts, which is administered by the Elk County Council on the Arts.
For more information about the Musical Programs at the Neilltown Church, call Toni Kresinski, Project Manager, at 814-677-3152, Ext. 110.
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Event Moved to September
The June 18 Event, "Natural Gas: Fueling our Economic Growth" has been rescheduled to September 10. The Alliance is excited to host top industry speakers, industry insiders, and business leaders for an informative day filled with marketing, networking, and growth opportunities for your business.
Additional details will be coming soon. Connect to all HUB events and information via: www.nwpaoilandgashub.com
or
Facebook page:
NW PA-Oil-Gas-Hub.
Questions may be directed to Deb Lutz at dlutz@oilregion.org.
The Alliance has a great day planned and we look forward to seeing you in September!
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Training Assistance Available
Are you looking for some training assistance? WEDnetPA is accepting applications for training assistance for the upcoming fiscal year; the on-line application period runs fromJune 1 - July 15, 2013. Additional information and information about the online application process can be found at www.wednetpa.com
The Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA) was created to make companies across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania more competitive by updating and improving the skills of their employees to meet specific company needs.
WEDnetPA is an alliance of a variety of educational providers across Pennsylvania - including 11 of Pennsylvania's State System universities, Pennsylvania's 14 community colleges and other educational providers - that acts as the delivery mechanism for the Commonwealth's Guaranteed Free Training (GFT) program. Each provider/WEDnetPA partner serves as the point of contact for businesses accessing GFT funds.
Through the GFT Program, qualified in-state businesses and out-of-state companies relocating to the economic-friendly business climate of Pennsylvania can access funding for a wide range of training (categorized as either Basic Skills Training or Information Technology Training).
To obtain more information about the GFT Program or to apply for funding, contact the WEDnetPA partner in our region:
Tammy Beach
Venango College of Clarion University
Interim Coordinator Continuing Education
(814) 676-6591 ext. 1273
tbeach@clarion.edu
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 The Oil Heritage Region Calendar of Events is now available. Pick up your copy at our office in Oil City, or your local library or
Chambers of Commerce. |
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FLY FKL
Gulfstream International Airlines serves Venango Regional Airport with daily flights between Franklin and Cleveland with connections to more than 60 locations. Travelers can park for free at the airport on their trip. There are same day departure and arrival capabilities.
The Alliance urges businesses and pleasure travelers to use this valuable asset when planning trips.
To FLY Franklin (FKL), simply work with your travel agent, go to your favorite travel web site, or call O.C. Bell at 814-432-5333.
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