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Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 Section B — Franklin / Sugarcreek Borough Section B Section B of the Business Review and Forecastt focuses on the businesses in and aroundound Franklin and Sugar-Sugar- creek Borough.h This Thi sectionti startst t with a comprehensive look at the work of Franklin City Council over 2020, and includes details about how the panel handled the challenges of the global pandemic that resulted in the furlough of some city workers and plummeting revenues for city coffers. There also is a story inside that details all the moving parts of Frank- lin’s downtown business district, complete with a map that shows where shoppers can find all of those specialty stores. Many local firms that are featured in this section provided details about how they faced the COVID-19 pandemic head-on, adapting as needed to keep their businesses running through a very difficult year. The section ends with a look at Sugarcreek Borough’s news, includ- Jace Junk works on the electrical portion of a Viper granulator at the IPEG/Conair plant in Franklin. The granulators ing the opening of Rural King after grind plastic scrap into reusable material, making them a vital part of the company’s efforts to decrease material what seemed like an eternal wait for waste and increase its recycling efforts. See story on Page B-11. patrons of the farm supply store.

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Staff writer istrative function.” She said at that same meeting Baker said by declaring a revenues from the enabling Franklin City Council in disaster emergency, council fund, a pooled fund from lo- 2020, like all municipalities, would not have to call emer- cal service tax and earned in- faced challenges only dreamt gency meetings every time come tax revenues, were down up in nightmares prior to the something needed an immedi- $49,000 from 2019 and new year, but also handled a ate decision. $60,000 from 2018. slew of mundane tasks like In April, news went from In May, the city canceled always. bad to worse when city man- all city-sponsored events Almost immediately, the ager Tracy Jamieson an- through July, which included global pandemic took center nounced the city had fur- well-loved traditions such as stage and, in March, council loughed nine employees and the Memorial Day parade and called an emergency meet- expected more furloughs to Independence Day festivities. ing to declare a disaster come. When the decision was made, emergency after Gov. Tom The measure was taken in Jamieson said the “events Wolf ordered a statewide an attempt to curb some of the draw multitudes of people and By Jamie Hunt shutdown of all non-essen- city’s losses as property and cost the city money.” tial businesses. earned income tax revenues The optimistic thought of City streets and sidewalks converge in front of the Venango County Court- In that meeting, mayor plummeted. being able to hold events after house in downtown Franklin. PennDOT had been looking into adding a round- Doug Baker assured the com- At one meeting in June, July was dashed and in the about in this area, but the plan was criticized by city council and residents. munity that nothing had hap- Jamieson said general fund end, the city canceled all pened specifically to warrant revenues were $11,000 less events through the summer. ally held in October, is an ily enough, and come with few funds for: alarm, but said the declaration than that time in 2019 and Though Applefest, tradition- event sponsored by the Frank- obstacles, but then HUD also $75,000 in forgivable lin Chamber of Commerce, informed municipalities that loans for businesses which that event was also canceled these categories also came were given to 15 businesses at WARM HOME & HEARTH causing more economic grief with their own stipulations. $5,000 each. to the area. If the funds were used for $60,000 for the purchase The only two events held building improvements, it of an Advanced Life Support in Franklin in 2020 were the must be used for the creation emergency response vehicle COLD WEATHER IS HERE! Franklin on Ice festival in of treatment or quarantine fa- for the fire department. February and a pared down cilities. $15,000 each for Shep- Now’s the time to stop by our showroom version of Light-Up Night in Assistance to businesses herd’s Green Community and help your home stay warm! November. needed to be used to support Food Pantry, St. Patrick Com- Another massive hurdle for the “manufacturing of medi- munity Food Pantry and On all qualifying wood & the city came in the form of cal supplies, the retention of Franklin Salvation Army Food securing and allocating Coro- jobs held by low-and-moder- Pantry. wood pellet products. 26% Tax Credit See store for details. navirus Aid, Relief and Eco- ate income persons, and/or $8,861 for the purchase nomic Security Act funds the establishment, stabiliza- of personal protective equip- Lopi Pellet Stoves Harman Pellet Stoves Mendota Gas Fireplaces Blaze King Wood Stoves & Inserts which were provided to mu- tion or expansion of microen- ment and supplies relating to nicipalities through the Com- terprises that provide services the pandemic. munity Development Block to support home and health The remaining $34,871 Grant program earning it the quarantine.” was used for administration title of CDBG-CV. HUD also said that support costs, which is a standard 18% When it was announced in for public services “would in- the city agrees to for all CD- June that the city was set to clude training of health care BG-related funds. receive $150,000, that money workers, testing, target health Regular CDBG funds were also came under the same stip- services, provision of neces- approved by council the next ulations CDBG funds are gov- sary equipment and supplies month, with all $304,077 put Class A Chimneys • Pellet Stove Parts erned by. The money came and delivery of meals to qual- toward street paving projects Wood Pellets & Anthracite Coal with more caveats that the fed- ified individuals.” scheduled for the summer. eral Department of Housing Despite the added parame- In January, the city re- Professional Installation & Service and Urban Development de- ters, the city was able to allo- ceived news that it would re- 17275 Shreve Road, Pleasantville, PA 16341 clared as three “broad” catego- cate the final $193,732 in ceive an extra $7,714 in ries: building improvements, CDBG-CV funds into uses CDBG funds which will also 814.589.7890 assistance to businesses and that provided assistance to be put toward that already ap- Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm • Saturday 8:00 am to Noon support for public services. city residents and staff. proved paving projects. email: [email protected] • website: www.warmhomeandhearth.com The categories sounded like At a final hearing in Au- the money would be spent eas- gust, council approved the See COUNCIL, Page B-4 Shop, Dine & Visit Victorian Franklin

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$26,000 for three parking me- ter kiosks which will be installed at M Council parking lots A and B located in the Continued from Page B-2 1200 Block of Buffalo Street. With paving projects funded Business as usual through CDBG, the city focused on While the COVID-19 pandemic administrative duties and city im- was a huge factor in the city’s opera- provements in its 2021 budget. tions in 2020, the panel still managed The budget, approved in its final to complete a plethora of everyday form in December, is balanced de- tasks. spite a roller coaster year of financ- The year began as many others es. Jamieson attributes the accom- have with a vacant council seat that plishment to cost-saving measures needed to be filled. enacted early on, such as the fur- Former councilman Mike Dulaney lough of employees, who were all vacated the at-large position after he able to return to their posts in No- was elected in November to serve as vember. a Venango County commissioner. To The $5,507,088 budget stands pat fill the position, council held inter- on taxes for the fifth consecutive views with four candidates who ex- year, keeping real estate millage at pressed interest in serving on the 11.3 and earned income tax at panel. By Jamie Hunt 1.75%. The meeting, held in February, This drone photograph shows many of the shops that line Franklin’s Liberty Street. City council The budget includes a 1.5% in- resulted in the appointment of life- awarded $5,000 forgivable loans to 15 businesses in town that were struggling in the wake of the crease in administration salaries and long Franklin resident Christian coronavirus. It also spent $60,000 for a new Advanced Life Support emergency response vehicle a 5% increase in health benefits. Marshall. Large expenses in the budget in- Marshall, who initially ran for his for the Franklin fire department. clude: father, James Marshall’s seat in the spurred backlash from city residents green space to Fountain Park, the ber and downtown business owners. $10,965 for an in-car computer 2019 election, ultimately lost the bid as well, was unveiled at a public Venango County Courthouse and the The plan would see Liberty Street system which covers the cost of mo- to councilman Ryan Rudegeair dur- meeting held in January and looked Benjamin’s Roadhouse property, but drop from four lanes to one lane in dems and antennas for five police ing that year’s May primaries. to correct perceived safety issues at would have also annihilated several each direction with a center turn lane patrol vehicles, as well as upgrades His appointment ran out on Jan. the intersection of 12th and Liberty parking spaces. and bicycle lane on each side. The to the department’s laptops. 1, but the councilman, who has spent streets. The majority of council members traffic signal at 12th and Liberty $15,500 for a capital improve- the majority of his short tenure on The concerns were raised after agreed with residents that Franklin streets will also be realigned to flat- ments study which will include a the panel advocating for the Franklin the city took part in a traffic study motorists are simply not ready for a ten the severe curve that currently review of the roofs, HVAC systems Police Department, said he will run for its Pedestrian and Bicycle Master roundabout, and also raised flags exists, and a turn lane will be created and exterior building needs at City for the seat again. Plan in 2016. about the possible traffic concerns on South Park Street. Hall, the street department garage, Marshall and Rudegeair were the PennDOT revealed a series of surrounding large truck traffic and According to PennDOT, the proj- fire station and Bandstand Park fa- only new members elected to council fixes for the intersection, which in- how it would navigate the small ect likely will not break ground for cilities. in 2019 and 2020, after Donna Fletch- cluded options that ranged from cos- town. another two to five years and will $20,000 for paving and con- er and Fred Mays were reappointed. metic changes to concrete medians, Ultimately, council gave its stamp only move forward in that timeline if crete work at the City Hall parking Another somewhat usual task for but the sticking point for many was of approval on a plan preferred and the organization can get the project lot. the board came in the form of a hat- the option of a roundabout to be in- selected by a steering committee added to a “betterment project” while $40,000 for a new street de- ed proposal by PennDOT. stalled. comprised of city residents, bicy- it is set to pave a portion of Route 62 partment truck. The contentious plan, which The roundabout would have added clists, a Franklin school board mem- in 2023. Building projects fall, but 11 new businesses open By A.J. TITLEY a lot of frustrated contractors,” Gibbons said. cluded the anticipated return of a bakery, category of big spenders with several renova- Staff writer Now for the silver lining. which abruptly vacated the same space in tion projects last year totaling just over Gibbons said just because building permits 2019. $221,000. Franklin building permits and project costs were down doesn’t mean the City of Franklin Warner’s Bakery, which is an expansion of Gibbons said the year ahead is already were down in 2020, but there is a silver lining, didn’t grow in 2020. the company’s original historic store in Titus- looking up with big-ticket items coming in according to city code enforcement officer “I would have never imagined this,” Gib- ville, was joined by Taffy Man and More and from both the county and the city. Chuck Gibbons. bons said after revealing that there were at Diane’s Pet Boutique. He said the Venango County recycling cen- In the last year, Gibbons said 58 permits least 11 new businesses that popped up along All three businesses, joined by JP’s Tickle ter will be moving into the current Crawford were issued, down from 71 in 2019, which Liberty Street and the surrounding area last My Ribs BBQ which opened in mid-March, County Transit Authority bus hub at the Ve- resulted in nearly $2.5 million in total project year. held a grand opening celebration in Novem- nango Regional Airport within the next few costs versus nearly $3.8 million in 2019. Those 11 are just the tip of the iceberg, ber. months. County officials have said they hope While the loss is undeniable, Gibbons said though, as Gibbons said many new businesses Liberty Vault alumnus The Olive Vault con- to get the center up and running by June or of those 58 permits, 24 were commercial and did not require building permits and therefore tributed to the project costs last year when it July. 34 residential as opposed to a ratio of 30 com- were not included in his report. moved just a few buildings away to the former The county is also planning renovations to mercial to 45 residential the previous year. Gibbons, who is also in charge of the city’s Jackson Hewitt office. the former Salvation Army church on Elk The disparity between the two categories was health department, said about 50 new health The building received extensive updates to Street which it acquired in November of actually closer in 2020 than in 2019. licenses were issued last year. make it a chic, trendy and overall brighter spot 2019. Gibbons believes that may have something Some of that number came from the mad with its new coat of yellow exterior paint. Early plans for the building included the to do with contractors simply not applying for scramble to offer new dining experiences at Other permit recipients were: creation of two apartments that will become permits because of the plethora of hurdles the existing establishments when businesses were City Grub at 217 Grant St. transitional housing, as well as office spaces pandemic created for the prime building sea- faced with restrictions and shutdowns, but The Printer’s Cabinet and Curiosities at and a place to hold large meetings. son — such as city hall being closed to the Gibbons said many new businesses threw their 415 12th St. Gibbons said the city’s HOME Grant pro- public, or a perceived need to work “under the hat into the ring during a time when small Poppin Sweet Shop at 314 W. Park St. gram, which began in late 2019, has experi- radar” to avoid backlash during the state- businesses around the globe were struggling. Vino and Vibes at 1276 Liberty St. enced some setbacks in 2020, but expects the mandated shutdown which lasted throughout In fact, an estimated $80,000 of the total Country Reflections at 322 13th St. program to move forward this year. the spring. project costs came from Deep Harbour Prop- Franklin Clothing Exchange at 1217 Lib- He also believes that projects put on hold He said other potential permits could have erties which made several changes to its Lib- erty St. last year will help in the year to come. slipped through the cracks due to people doing erty Vault building in the sole interest of hous- Gibbons said two new residential houses He explained the pandemic has caused de- do-it-yourself projects without realizing that ing new businesses. were built in the city that together totaled just lays, price increases and sporadic distribution they needed a permit. Four of the 11 new businesses Gibbons over $1.6 million. of materials because supply chains have been “We can blame the pandemic, but there was listed are located in the vault building and in- Komatsu Mining Corp. rounded out the “severely disrupted.” Bowling alley suspends season, cancels events “Depending on how 2021 Rotary club and over 250 local This article was submitted plays out, we are hoping we donors to raise over $9,000 for by the company. can finish this year’s league 100-plus downtown Franklin season and host a six-week businesses to help with lack of Buffalo Street Lanes, lo- Bike to Bowl program for lo- income during the spring shut- cated at 1244 Buffalo St. in cal youth in June and July,” down,” Rudegeair said. Franklin, is in its fifth bowl- said Ryan Rudegeair. Another setback came in ing season under Ryan and Up-to-date information can 2020 when the Rudegeairs Jessica Rudegeair’s owner- be found on the bowling al- found out that the building’s ship and management. ley’s Facebook page. HVAC system needed to be A Distributor of Heating Oil & Propane Because of COVID-19, the While much of the bowling replaced. bowling alley had to suspend fun was put on hold due to the “With a refinance, grant its regular season. coronavirus, the Rudegeairs money and an EIDL loan, we Special events, such as the continued to support the local are not going anywhere and annual Bike to Bowl program, community. “To continue our look forward to getting back also were canceled due to the love of art, we organized and to normal, whenever that may pandemic. partnered with the Franklin be,” he said. Ocean Spray Laser Car Wash 299 Duncomb Street • Oil City Best Gas Prices In Town! Buy Your Car Wash at Our Gas Pump and Receive a Discount of .10 - .20 cents/Gallon. 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No Lead Gasoline; Ethanol Free; On Road Diesel; Off Road Diesel & Clear Kero Heath Oil, Inc. 814-437-7802 Friday, February 19, 2021 THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald – B-5 Chamber praises General Authority community spirit lands $4.3 million loan for 15th Street project in wake of pandemic By A.J. TITLEY raising water and sewer rates voted at that meeting to amend Staff writer in the city sooner, rather than its reimbursement agreement later, in an effort to avoid with PennVEST from This article was submitted The year 2020 was one of slapping residents with an ex- $350,000 to $1 million. by the chamber. high-priced decisions and ponential increase down the The agreement can allow mounting frustrations for the line. for funds to be reimbursed to It would not be an over- Franklin General Authority. Dunkle said that if the au- the authority once the loan is statement to say that 2020 A major accomplishment thority were to raise rates closed and could be put to- didn’t go as planned for the for the authority came in the now, citizens would expect to wards general fund expendi- Franklin Area Chamber of latter half of the year when pay around less than $2 more tures incurred before the loan Commerce. the Pennsylvania Infrastruc- than what they are currently kicks in, such as engineering “We came in with a full ture Investment Authority paying, but if the authority and legal services. Authority staff and a lofty plan of work (PennVEST) offered up a were to wait, those hikes solicitor Jim Greenfield noted dictated by our latest Strategic $4,347,750 loan with a 1% could rocket to around $10 the amount was excessive, but Plan, but the global pandemic interest rate over 20 years for more. said it was safer to be exces- turned everything upside the authority’s massive 15th At that meeting, Dunkle sive than insufficient in this down,” said executive director Street combined sewer over- said that even though he be- matter. Jodi Lewis. flow project. lieved in the rate increases, Greenfield at that meeting “We saw a lot of heart- The figure covers all proj- the authority would hold off then discussed hurdles his of- break from our members, a lot ect and engineering costs. because the panel did not fice was facing in exerting of insecurity for our business- While authority members know exactly how much it eminent domain over two es, job loss, layoffs, loss of and city staff were disappoint- would be expected to pay properties that lie within the sales and events that bring ed the offer did not come in back. That decision was project path. He explained that large crowds — but we also the form of a full grant, or a thrown into question with an legal proceedings had started, saw the true meaning of com- mix of both loan and grant, exact dollar amount in hand. but said that his office had not munity,” Lewis said. the authority decided to ac- Ultimately a $5,184,812 received a hearing date, some- “We have always said cept the offer in November budget was passed in Novem- thing that might not happen for Franklin is a special place, for fear the panel would not ber which stood pat on rates a while due to the logjam of and a crisis has granted us the receive a better offer. Anxiety for 2021 due to the financial cases at the courthouse due to opportunity to see it again that the project could possibly strain the COVID-19 pan- the pandemic. first-hand,” she said. be delayed because of their demic has placed on the city’s To circumvent the prob- “Whether it was delivering inaction was also a deciding citizens. lem, EADS Group engineer prescriptions to at-risk folks, factor. Rate hikes could be a real- Kyle Fritz, who works with making that extra effort to or- The Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce adjusted As it stood, the project, ity in the 2022 budget, how- the city on a number of proj- der takeout to keep your fa- its focus last year to its website where members which calls for the removal of ever, as the loan results in an ects, said he is working on a vorite restaurant afloat, donat- could stay up to date on important information the CSO watershed’s inflow approximate cost of $6 to $7 plan that would allow the ing food for students no lon- while adhering to state-mandated shutdowns. and infiltration system, had per customer, per month. Fu- project to work above and ger getting nutritious meals already been five years in the ture loan requests could delay below the properties to give from school, or simply reach- we keep readers informed of adding a video to the show- making. those hikes though as the au- the legal proceedings time to ing out and making sure oth- news from our members, leg- case is encouraged to call the The project will require thority seeks out a “magic play out in court. Fritz did ers were OK, we have been islative and educational news, chamber office to learn more. about 21,000 feet of pipe to number” in revenues to re- stress that those properties overwhelmed with love and and feature the businesses and Another big event for the be laid and came about due to ceive the maximum amount will need to be secured for the gratitude for this community,” families that make our region chamber, its Downtown Frank- a violation set down by the of grant funding. project to be completed. Lewis said. a great place to live and work lin Holiday Wine Walk that state Department of Environ- In January of this year, the Despite the few roadblocks, Doors to the chamber’s through our Member Show- helps to kick off the Christmas mental Protection in 2015 at CSO project became even Fritz said at that time the proj- visitor’s center, which had case and ‘Why Franklin?’ ar- shopping season, also had to the city’s CSO site on the 15th more of a reality when the ect was on time and on budget. been relocated and expanded ticles,” Lewis said. be canceled last year. “But we Street hill near the runaway authority voted to issue its fi- The 15th Street CSO proj- in order to accommodate more The chamber even held were able to work with local truck ramp. DEP claimed the nal acceptance of the loan, ect is expected to break ground traffic and be available for ribbon cutting ceremonies. wineries to create Holiday CSO was overflowing too and selected a contractor for in late May or June, according member use, were closed to “Yes, even during a global Spirits boxes of local wines much, too often. the project. to the authority. the public during shutdowns. pandemic, we welcomed sev- and spirits,” Lewis said. These The timing of the offer also Continental Construction Another long-haul project “We adapted and shifted eral new businesses to town,” boxes could be purchased in served to create short-lived of Ridgeway was chosen from that had nothing to do with our focus to our website so Lewis said. advance and picked up at the apprehension as it came just a field of 18 companies that COVID-19 or new building that our members could share She said the chamber chamber office. days after authority members bid on the project with a low plans surprisingly received information about changes to worked behind the scenes with One of the chamber mem- discussed rate hikes in order bid of $3,037,772.50, about more discussion time in meet- their business hours and ser- its partners in the community bers, Dotty Haggerty’s Ice to pay the loan back. At a pre- 8% under the original esti- ings than any other subject in vices,” said Lewis. to keep lines of communica- Cream and More held a car- liminary budget meeting, au- mated cost. 2020. COVID-19 resource pages tion open and make sure com- ryout fundraiser for the cham- thority chairman Tim Dunkle On the administrative side were added to the public to munity needs were met. ber last year. said he was a proponent of of the project, the panel also See AUTHORITY, Page B-7 find information on what busi- The chamber board made In the final weeks of 2020, nesses were offering curbside the difficult decision to cancel just when stores and restau- pickup, shopping appoint- the 2020 Applefest, which is rants were ramping up for the ments and delivery. The cham- not only its primary fundrais- last push of holiday shopping, ber also posted information er, but one of the biggest eco- Gov. Tom Wolf announced from government and grant nomic engines for the entire new mitigation efforts, closing sources all in one place, so region, Lewis said. indoor dining and asking re- local businesses could still Though the festival was tailers to open for only 50% find the resources they needed canceled, the chamber wanted capacity. After such a trying to keep their businesses going to offer something to the com- year, Lewis and her staff want- and pay the bills during times munity to enjoy at least a ed to help make sure that no when the chamber was unable small sampling of what the sales were missed for the busi- to welcome customers through annual festival is all about. nesses that are truly the back- its doors. “We held an adapted apple bone of the city’s tourist trade. “We will continue to host pancake breakfast ‘to go’ and a “These unique, indepen- these pages for as long as nec- virtual showcase,” said Lewis. dently owned shops add so essary,” the chamber director The chamber teamed up much to the charm of our town said. with Linda Henderson and the and are a huge draw for visi- While the normal hum of team at Gibbons Business So- tors,” Lewis said. For that rea- business quieted during the lutions to create videos that son, the chamber began offer- COVID-19 shutdowns, the highlighted some of its mem- ing free, contactless delivery chamber remained busy last bers and their services. These services within 10 miles of year, sending out weekly job videos were released during Franklin for items purchased notices and its guide for events the first weekend of October, at downtown businesses. and announcements to its and are still available to watch “We had so much fun and members via emails. on the chamber’s YouTube such a great response that we The chamber also contin- channel and Facebook page. plan to bring it back again ued to publish its monthly “They offer a glimpse into next Christmas,” she said. newsletter in a digital format. the businesses and organiza- The chamber will continue It is available on the cham- tions that make our region to promote local businesses ber’s website at www.franklin- such a great place to live, and encourage everyone to areachamber.org. work, and visit,” said Lewis. “Support Local,” now more “Through our newsletter, Any member interested in than ever, Lewis said. Retail association focuses on members Focusing on the needs of its members was Relief Bags that were packed with goodies the 2020 focus of the Franklin Retail & Busi- from association members. The idea was to ness Association. help association members gain new cus- “We stayed strong through outdoor meet- tomers. ings and brainstorming sessions as long as The association remained busy through weather permitted and even grew our member- 2020, co-hosting a food drive and toy drive, ship by 20%,” said Jess Carroll, administrator working as a team to put campaigns together, of the association. holding giveaways that featured gift certifi- When the COVID-19 pandemic began, the cates and shopping bags, introducing a holi- group organized a “Retail Relief Project” that day catalogue and producing its second annual was designed to be “a little bright spot for the Old-Fashioned Christmas. days ahead,” Carroll said. It shared in multiple promotions with the “We laughed at our Blindfold Portrait Chal- Franklin Fine Arts Council. lenge and raised money while doing it,” she It also updated its gift certificates to gift said. cards just in time for the holidays, Carroll The association released more than 400 gift said. certificates to area business to help encourage “This year fostered creativity and network- people to eat, shop, stay and play in Franklin. ing and a true sense of community,” Carroll Carroll said the group also made Retail said. Precious Paws purchases second clinic Precious Paws opened a neuter and wellness clinic. clude therapeutic laser ser- second animal clinic last The first location is at 720 vices for dogs and cats to help year. Atlantic Ave., Franklin. with arthritis pain and wound The animal rescue organi- Theresa Weldon is presi- healing. zation purchased the former dent of the organization and Plans for 2021 call for add- Nelson’s Animal Clinic along Dr. Rainy Waitz serves as the ing more services for dogs Route 257 in Seneca and staff veterinarian. and cats and well as increased opened a second location that There are eight full-time adoption programs. The clinic offers animal adoption and and seven part-time workers would like to add dental ser- rescue services, an animal on staff. vices for animals and perhaps food bank and low-cost spay/ New services last year in- a second veterinarian. B-6 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald Friday, February 19, 2021 Downtown rallies despite pandemic woes By A.J. TITLEY Staff writer Downtown Franklin is bustling despite a global pandemic. No doubt, many business owners are getting by day-today, but they are doing so with a smile on their faces and a sunny outlook on the days to come. There are many hurdles for businesses right now, but many in the area have found ways to overcome, or at least circumvent, them. Even on a recent chilly and mundane Thursday afternoon, people could be seen darting in and out of the small businesses that make up the downtown area. If there is one silver lining to the global pandemic, it is that communities have rallied around their local businesses as much as they can, something blatantly clear in Frank- lin. Just a block up from Lib- erty Street and located on the 13th Street side of Buffalo Street Lanes is a mural titled “the Heart of Franklin.” The mural was sponsored by Buf- falo Street Lanes and the Franklin Rotary Club, both of which used their collective voices to encourage community members to support Franklin businesses by either donating money or buying gift cards when their doors were shuttered or capacity was limited due to state man- dates in the wake of the coronavirus. This map shows where shoppers can find all of the businesses located in the downtown Franklin business district. With so many Those generous individu- new stores opening and others moving to new locations, it can be a challenge for shoppers to find the unique items sold at the als and businesses were given dozens of specialty shops (This map was designed by staff writer A.J. Titley). the opportunity to sign their very own colored block on the quired building permits to expanded their services or fo- mural to memorialize the move in. cused on a smaller niche. strength and compassion of The city has also broken One business in particular, the citizens of Franklin. the trend of continuity that the Olive Vault, graduated from Going by looks alone, existed in the central business its former space in the Liberty however, is never enough to district for a few years as new Vault building and moved just prove a point. It’s numbers and diverse businesses are across the ally to the former that tell the true story. moving into the area. Jackson Hewitt office. At least 11 new businesses In the last year alone, Lib- Owners Tammy and David have opened during, or after, erty Street has welcomed a Bible opened their specialized the state-mandated shutdown bakery, a BBQ restaurant, two olive oil shop in the summer which lasted most of the candy stores, a pet boutique of 2019, and wasted little time spring. City code enforcement and an engraving shop. The brightening up the traditional officer Chuck Gibbons esti- area also padded its clothing facades of Franklin with a mates there are actually up- retail shops and saw a few brand new yellow exterior wards of 20 new enterprises businesses move into differ- paint job. in town as not all of them re- ent buildings as they either Diane Laemmer also expanded her business when she took over the Bibles’ old spot Photos by A.J. Titley in the vault building, opening up Diane’s Pet Boutique. Franklin’s Liberty Street is a hub of shopping activity and offers a plethora of Laemmer said she stretched choices for people looking for food, gifts, haircuts and more. the few blocks down to the vault building because there simply wasn’t any more space in her original store which already houses Diane’s Special- ty Shops which are made up by her Linen and Yarn Shoppe and Chic Shopper. Another business on the move was The Galleria at Olde Liberty, which recently moved from the Barrow-Civic Theatre side of Liberty Street The Printer’s Cabinet and Curiosities opened late to the other side in a building last year along 12th Street after renovation work which already housed State was completed. Owner Nick Hess had been operat- Farm Insurance, Impel Pilates ing his shop full of quirky inventory in Oil City for and Neverending Stories. a few years before making the move to Franklin. Poppin Sweet Shop on West Park Street is also an expansion effort. Owned by BRIEFLY Amanda Rodgers, Poppin Several small businesses call the Liberty Vault building home, including the Sweet Shop also contains her new JP’s Tickle My Ribs BBQ and Pam’s Catering, Taffy Man & More and Di- first business, Razzle Designs, Liberty Street Antiques a custom screen printing op- ane’s Pet Boutique. New vendors were added to the lineupof products at Liberty eration. building next to Franklin’s li- quickly snatched up, however, was replaced by a similar ven- Street Antiques last year. Nick Hess, owner of the brary. and new businesses have al- ue called Vino and Vibes. Owners Barbara and Timothy Matthews offer antiques, vin- Printer’s Cabinet and Curiosi- Only two businesses left ready moved in and are open Downtown Wildflowers tage and primitive collectibles, furniture, jewelry and home ties, also chose to move loca- the area in 2020, Downtown for business. was replaced by Amy’s Closet decor items at their store located at 1239 Liberty St., Frank- tions in 2020 when he picked Wildflowers and the R Ban- R Bandana, which closed and Sassy’s Gifts, an expan- lin. up his small shop in Oil City dana Winery. during the mandated shut- sion of the owner’s main store The owners have partnered with Chocolate Moonshine Co. and moved it to a small, quirky Both empty shops were down and never reopened, in Emlenton. in Grove City to offer its award-winning fudge, moonshire bars and chocolate novelties. “Since we introduced this delicious fudge, it has been very well received,” said Barbara Matthews. “We have many repeat customers,” she said. Plans for 2021 call for an expansion of the fudge and moon- Callaghan’s Pharmacy has served shire bars, which are like truffles, Matthews said. She hopes to be able to offer more flavors. She also said customers can put together an assortment of fudge or bars for gift-giving. Franklin area for nearly 60 years In the antiques part of the store, Matthews said she is always found themselves digging deep into their looking for quality antique and vintage items. She said she can This article was submitted resolve and doing what they could do to also help customers who are looking for a specific piece. by the Franklin Area Chamber. still provide prescription pickups, keep their doors open, and provide a safe envi- PMP Printing Whether you need to pick up a pre- ronment for each one who walked PMP Printing in Franklin has launched a new website to scription, home health care needs, tis- through their doors. feature its fully customized promotional products. sues, a unique gift, or just need a sweet “We have been in business almost 60 These products can be viewed at www.promoplace.com/ treat break from that long day at the years, and throughout those years, we pmpprintinginc. office, Callaghan’s Pharmacy, one of have experienced great, ‘OK’, and ‘not- The printer and manufacturer company is located at 626 downtown Franklin’s iconic anchor OK’ years, but last year took the award,” 13th St. and is owned by Jeffrey Hicks. stores located at 1262 Liberty St., has the owner said. The company offers promotional printing such as sporting it all. “The rules changed every day,” he event tickets, custom corporate gifts, banners and laminated And, in addition to your material said. badges. needs, Max and Helen Callaghan and And there were a lot of difficult ques- The company now offers full-screen printing for any ap- their staff, will make your mental state of tions: “Were we to be open or closed? parel needs, Hicks said. mind even better with their warm smiles How many people can we have in the and friendly “hellos.” store at one time? Who says if customers “Franklin is our home and the com- have to wear a mask? What if customers Taffy Man & More munity our friends. We are so apprecia- don’t wear a mask? Was this product Glenn Strickenburg and his partners, Delbert and Kristen tive of each and every one who supports available? Will this medicine arrive on Max and Helen Callaghan stand Mangum, opened Taffy Man & More at 1243 Liberty St., us day after day. Each of you, and our time?” inside their Franklin pharmacy. Franklin, last year. staff — Brenda Harting and Carol Kline The Callaghans worked their way The store is one of the most fa- The business offers a variety of taffy, candies, jams and — have helped to make Callaghan’s through all of the uncertainty. novelty items. what it is,” said Max Callaghan. The good news is that their doors are miliar of Franklin’s downtown “Since I’ve been in business only a few short months, I am Like every other small business in the still open, and they will welcome their business district with the couple still learning what my customers like,” said Strickenburg. He region and across America, last year was loyal customers with an elbow bump and operating the pharmacy for near- plans to make adjustments to his offerings as necessary. difficult for the Callaghans, and they smile behind their mask. ly 60 years. Friday, February 19, 2021 THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald – B-7 FICDA completes capital improvements This article was submitted FICDA board of directors, ing vacant building in Sugar- costs and more efficient use by the authority. City of Franklin leadership, creek Borough. An addition of valuable time for business- the Franklin Area Chamber of was completed to the existing es and their employees. Commerce and dedicated lo- structure, to allow for diversi- While working within The Franklin Industrial and cal business owners, has re- fication of services, increased COVID-19 safety parameters, Commercial Development sulted in this successful multi- sales, and business growth. FICDA’s economic develop- Authority completed multiple tenant industrial complex. Seneca Printing Ex- ment business outreach ser- capital maintenance projects Continuing today, FICDA press & Label — Due to vices were more needed than over 2020. and the City of Franklin work COVID-19, this company ex- ever last year. FICDA office High-speed fiber optics in unison to support the many perienced increased food staff were kept busy from line extensions were placed businesses and organizations product label sales, an ex- March through December throughout the facility along throughout the Franklin area, panded customer base and it helping businesses to interpret Howard Street in Franklin. resulting in positive impact to hired several new employees. the ever-changing CARES Upgrades to the sprinkler the Franklin community. The main building at the Franklin Industrial and “Some tenants thrived Act business assistance pro- systems were done through Commercial Development Authority complex re- while some tenants held grams and services. the industrial park, which in- Highlights from FICDA ceived roof repairs last year. steady in these challenging Businesses were flooded cludes the main building, a tenants times. Fortunately, all remain with the Alphabet Soup of pattern shop building and the Wolbert Welding — to the success of this recent in need of additional hard- operational,” said Vince With- acronyms; DCED, PPP, EIDL, Emerging Technology Cen- Part of business operations (2019) business partnership. wood supply for flooring, erup, chairman of the FICDA SBA and more. ter. remained steady in 2020. Liberty Electronics — millwork, cabinetry, and fin- board of directors. Business outreach services FICDA was awarded a However, due to the slow- Since the early days of the ished goods. Although face-to-face changed frequently through- $99,500 USDA Rural Busi- down in construction world- development of this multi- Real American Hardwoods meetings were limited in 2020 out the year to match current ness Development Grant to wide, the robotic operations tenant facility, Liberty Elec- are a natural renewable and because of COVID-19, many needs; for example, FICDA support a roofing improve- division experienced reduc- tronics remains a key business sustainable resource that are of the for-profit and non-prof- provided temporary private ment project on its main tions in the production of located in this industrial park, back in vogue. Homeowners it businesses and groups that office space for new hire in- building last year. crane arms. Flexibility was and throughout Venango are opting to install Real regularly meet in FICDA’s terviews because local busi- More capital improvements key to daily operations to County. American Hardwoods in their Emerging Technology Cen- nesses had “No Visitor” poli- will be done in 2021 through- wade this tide. As one of the largest man- home projects. ter’s training and conference cies in place. out the Venango Area Indus- Early 2021 production pro- ufacturers in Venango County, Simultaneously, the inter- rooms flexed their meetings FICDA staff worked in co- trial Complex. jections reflect a cautiously total employment numbers re- national markets are also ea- as needed to continue opera- operation with the County of FICDA was created by the optimistic return to previous mained near 350. ger to resupply their stock tions. Venango CARES Act Team to City of Franklin in June of production numbers. Ron Jones Hardwood needs as American Hard- Zoom/Go to Meeting/we- bring direct financial assis- 1985, after Chicago Pneumat- Leadership at QuaLex — Ended 2020 with increased woods are in fashion. binars and other virtual meet- tance to small businesses. ic Tool Co. vacated its indus- Manufacturing, a partner in interest in Pennsylvania hard- Oakland Products — ing platforms became the FICDA staff often just lis- trial site. the robotic welding division, woods. Operations are at full Expanded out of this indus- norm. tened as businesses talked A considerable commit- remarked that the Franklin capacity due to an uptick in trial park mid-2020, moving A positive result of virtual through the challenge of the ment to work together by the employees’ work ethic is key the domestic markets that are into a repurposed long-stand- meetings is reduced travel day.

of $51,986.32. That number had agreed to provide in the death of Franklin wastewater be completed by Oct. 30. tion plan, it will eventually included three previous original contract, however. treatment plant supervisor The end of October came feed into the 15th Street pump M Authority change orders, but did not ac- Because the company had Mark Breene. and went and, as of January, station. Continued from Page B-5 count for a fourth the author- finished the “lion’s share” of “When Mark passed away the majority of items on a Continued an initiative ity approved in 2019 in the the work, as city manager it threw us a big curve ball,” punch list created by the au- started in 2019 to clean and For the last five years, amount of $14,914, which Tracy Jamieson said, the au- Galvin said. thority remain untouched, televise lines leading to the crews have been working be- was still uncompleted at the thority agreed to pay an addi- He contended that Breene user manuals have not been city’s wastewater interceptor hind the scenes to install a time of MicroMod’s request. tional $13,000 of the remain- had how the plant worked and received, the system contin- by awarding a $341,250 con- system control and data ac- At that time, wastewater ing $26,000. how SCADA should be in- ues to have issues that need tract to Utility Services Group quisition (SCADA) network treatment plant supervisor That would be the last hap- stalled “all in his head,” and fixed beyond the list and the Inc. of Camp Hill. The same at the city’s wastewater build- Glenn Brown said there were py moment for SCADA in said that he and Breene had wastewater team has not yet company completed a parallel ings. still six alarms that weren’t 2020, however. worked out specific plant per- had training. task in 2019. The project, which at the working within the system, In October, Dunkle and the sonnel to train on the system Other authority accom- Agreed to a one-year time the contract was awarded along with a slew of minor authority’s patience with Mi- due to their aptitude in elec- plishments for the year in- contract with Tri-City Indus- was an innovative thought but fixes in need of attention. croMod ran out. A frustrated tronics or knowledge of the cluded: tries Inc. for sludge removal now required, seemingly has The authority voted at that Dunkle confronted MicroMod plant. A $250,000 water line at the wastewater treatment no end in sight. meeting to pay half — representative Jeffrey Galvin At the end of that meeting, replacement was added to the plant. The contract will see SCADA is a computer sys- $25,993.16 — of the outstand- about the constant delays in Galvin told authority members authority’s capital projects list the authority $73 per ton ver- tem that connects that city’s ing bill, but hold the rest until the project. that he would get back to the in January. The project called sus the $61 per ton it had been wastewater network facilities the project was complete. Galvin was attending an panel with a date to train all for 1,200 feet of line to be paying. to one another and sends alerts Things continued to run authority meeting for the first wastewater network personnel replaced from a property near Entered into a $1.733 out to employees if something somewhat smoothly for the time in months, and while he on SCADA “after 30 days.” the city’s Miller tank to 16th million contract with EADS is amiss. system by June when Brown conceded on a few points, He also told the authority the Street. Group to oversee the multi- In January 2020, the com- announced that only one alarm pushed back at Dunkle and entire project, including train- Because the line is part of million-dollar A108 project pany installing SCADA, Mi- was left to be installed and that the authority on many more. ing and user manuals, would the larger CSO corrective ac- anticipated to begin in 2023. croMod, requested that the would close the book on the He told the authority that authority make its final pay- installation process. He noted “things had changed” since ment on the original contract that he still had not received the company had entered into 6 MONTH INTEREST FREE FINANCING awarded in 2015 in the amount user manuals that MicroMod the contract, namely the 2018 *WITH APPROVED CREDIT Express yourself with a custom kitchen or bath priced to fit any budget! • Standard All Plywood • More than 65 Classically Emlenton woman opens Construction Elegant Finish Options • Slow Close Hinges Competitors Envy • Heavy Duty Self Closing • 200 Plus Luxurious clothing business in Franklin Drawers Storage Solutions • Made in the USA This article was submitted by the Franklin Area Chamber. LUXURY VINYL PLANK $ 89 STONECAST FLOORING from 2 /sq.ft. 3 colors in stock There’s a new shopping addition to downtown Franklin. Amy’s Closet and Sassy’s Gifts CARRINGTON is a boutique located in the Lamberton Build- NOW STOCKING ing at 309 13th St. COMPARE VINYL SIDING Amy’s Closet, which offers an inventory of OUR PRICES .046” Thick SHIPLAP STYLE quality clothes from major designers, has been ON VINYL a staple in downtown Emlenton for 25 years. from PANELING The struggles of this past year sparked a SIDING $ 99 Plywood Backing change in proprietor Amy Whitehill’s long- 103 /sq. term business plan. The year 2020 brought a 3 Colors In Stock! renewed passion for her business, and White- $ 99 hill is excited to open a second location. 30 /sheet Downtown Franklin is a perfect fit for Amy’s Closet, Whitehill said. The new loca- WHITE VINYL SOFFIT IN STOCK tion offers a selection of clothing for women $ 99 of all ages and body types at all price points. 12 ft. 1111 /piece/piece 1X6 V-Groove Knotty Pine Whitehill’s experience in the hospitality in- LET US QUOTE YOUR NEXT CONSTRUCTION PROJECT! dustry and in retail having spent years with the Dumawall Bon-Ton allow her to create an amazing cus- 5’ Box Blade tomer experience for her shoppers. Her goal is Amy’s Closet and Sassy’s Gifts WaterproofWaterproof Tiles to make customers feel good, whether visiting • 6 Colors IN STOCK the original Emlenton location, the new Frank- opened last year along Franklin’s 13th Street. • Vinyl Wall Tiles with 5’ Back Blade lin store, or shopping from her online store. $745 Sassy’s Gifts offers unique and trendy gifts They look forward to building strong ties to the iinterlockingnterlocking edges to give to friends, family members, and even downtown Franklin retail neighborhood. 5’ Rock Rake something for new babies. Prices range from Customer service is most important at $ .39 the simple and moderately priced items to el- Amy’s Closet and Sassy’s Gifts. 3 sq. ft. 99 $424 egant high-end merchandise. To show their appreciation to their custom- $ Sassy’s Gifts is owned by Stephanie Felm- ers for their support, the shop owners offer 494 lee. She grew up in Franklin and is excited to customer service programs including Birthday bring this new offering to the downtown area. Clubs and a new Ambassador Program. VINYL PATIO Whitehill and Felmlee are both strongly in- There are special events planned for through- volved in the communities where they reside. out the year at the 13th Street location. Rot Free Stone Veneer Siding DOORS From Boutique Malo adds vendors to lineup $599.95 brought handmade, natural several types of jewelry also This article was submitted soaps from Oil City. comprise a large part of the VinylViny Windows by the company. Pre-Hung Steel or Over 100 Playful necklaces and key- shop’s offering. Boutique Malo Fiberglass Entry Doors Windows In chains are offered by another remains an outlet for Conneaut Selection from Stock Located at 1237 Liberty St. new vendor, Twisted Trunk. Cellars Winery and Distillery, $ .50 $ .95 25 sizes in downtown Franklin, Bou- The boutique also added which consistently brings sales 16 sq. ft. $120.00 FromFrom 105 In Stock tique Malo sells work from new products from Pittsburgh to the store. local artisans and retail prod- called Lovett Sundries. These Boutique Malo’s largest • Lumber/OSB/Plywood/Trusses • Siding/Windows/DoorsSiding/Windows/Doors • TreatedTreate or Composite Decking ucts. Artisans from all over natural kitchen and bath prod- goal for 2021 is to build a web- • Custom Kitchens/Baths • Shingles andand Steel Rooﬁ ngng • FlooringFlooring • Plumbing/Electrical/HardwarePl western Pennsylvania have ucts have helped expand the site allowing customers to ...JUST A FEW OF THEHE TTHINGSHINGS YOYOU’LLU’LL FFINDIND IN OOUR STORE! pieces in the shop. shop’s selection of kitchen ac- view its products online. The Boutique Malo is owned by cessories. Riverton shop currently has a Facebook SALESALE ENDSENDS FEBRUARYFEBRUARY 28th28th Diana Klein of Cooperstown. Woodgrain, a local vendor of and Instagram page. Some Despite the challenges of handmade wood products, has items may eventually be avail- 2020, Boutique Malo added added his exquisite cutting able for sale on the site. several new vendors to the boards to this section. Boutique Malo carries an shop. Log Cabin Laser Cre- Boutique Malo continues to eclectic collection of local art, ations from Mercer designs carry Kim Keller’s bright works handmade and retail jewelry, and produces laser-cut wood- in mixed media, Dee Holmes kitchen items, locally crafted en earrings, ornaments and oil paintings, and steam-punk soaps, and wine. The shop other decorations. inspired creations from Wendy anticipates improvements in Bubbly Witch Soapery Mosbacher. Alpaca apparel and sales and service in 2021. B-8 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald Friday, February 19, 2021 TrAils to Ales brewpub sees steady growth tinue growth and prepare for busi- Regarding the impacts of COVID, This article was submitted ness post-COVID. Ballard says the brewery did very by the company. They are currently discussing de- well, considering the situation. tails for opening a second location in “The city was a huge help, allow- TrAils to Ales Brewery has be- Franklin that would house their pro- ing for outside seating,” he said. come an anchor business in down- duction, plus an outdoor bar and “Our staff was very supportive, we town Franklin, attracting diners who venue for music, cornhole and other continued our marketing efforts, and shop at other local businesses while outside activities, and a space for we had tremendous support from the in town. large private parties. community — both when we were Opening in June of 2018, this This expansion would also open open for dine-in and closed for take- brewpub, which promotes itself as up space at their primary location for out only and can sales.” “Your Neighborhood Gathering additional seating and the ability to He said canned beer sales doubled Place,” has exhibited steady growth take banquet reservations at select from the year before. and has been a good neighbor to dates and times. Some of the other pivots em- other local businesses. The restaurant’s menu, which is ployed by the brewery included the Its customer base is both the trail refreshed regularly, saw some chang- addition of online ordering and e- user, who their business plan targets es with Shreffler’s arrival. He notes gift cards using the “Toast TakeOut” specifically, along with residents and that catering to their customer base app. tourists. In December, the restau- through menu development is criti- Special “Take Out Platters” serv- rant’s Facebook page hit 10,000 fol- cal to success in a growing concept. ing four or 10 were offered during lowers. The “Trail Boss” burgers were his the holidays, and the bar was con- Now three years into operations, contribution and have become the A big draw with locals and out-of-town visitors, TrAils to Ales verted to retail display space during this relatively new business employs number one food item. has expanded its menu offerings and continues to create the December shutdown order to 30 people. Mark Shreffler II, origi- Several new entrées were also new brews to add to its lineup. boost sales of the company’s line of nally from Oil City, joined the team added in 2020, and the latest addi- retail merchandise, which had been in August as general manager, bring- tions on the 2021 menu are Lump Strawberry Lemonade Sunrise, Sixteen of the company’s own expanded. An online catalog of ing 17 years’ experience from the Crab Cakes and Kickin’ Honey Gar- Moonlight Mango Tango and Bro- microbrews are offered on-tap, in- available merchandise can be found corporate restaurant world, includ- lic Salmon. Also being offered are ken Spoke Blueberry. cluding 11 signature brews plus five on their website. ing Hoss’s and Marzoni’s Brick expanded entrée selections of their From the beginning, the owners’ seasonal beers in a variety of alcohol The owners tested the offering of Oven & Brewing Co. popular Gouda Mac & Cheese ap- long-term plans included eventually content levels and styles of brew. various colors of T-shirts in 2020 but Co-owner Dave Ballard says petizer, which includes Buffalo Mac doing limited distribution of their The seasonal Applefest Apple Pie returned to the black with white im- Shreffler has been a tremendous & Cheese & Chicken Bacon Mac & beers. Late in 2020, the owners Ale continues to be the most popu- print introduced initially to simplify help in inventory control and effi- Cheese – popular with the restau- made a significant investment in a lar. inventory management. ciency of the entire operation. rant’s takeout platters. canning line to not only keep up Holden’s Dream, honoring trail Always listening to and willing to Shreffler says that employees are The brewpub’s wood fired oven with the demand for to-go cans at visionary Jim Holden, also contin- respond to customer demand, TrAils the greatest asset to an organization. pizzas continue to be among cus- the brewery, but also to develop the ues to be one of the best sellers. to Ales announced in January that it Having the right people in place tomer favorites and the desserts local distribution they had envi- For those who are not beer drink- would be open seven days a week. and staffing according to the de- made in-house are also popular. sioned. The 2021 goal is to get their ers, the bar also offers a variety of The brewery continued to be a mands of the business were the pri- Shreffler believes “The Spare brews into bars, restaurants and lo- wines, spirits, slushies and non-alco- community supporter and active mary focus for the first eight weeks Tire,” which is described as “deep cal distributors within a 50-mile ra- holic beverages. member in the Franklin Retail As- after Shreffler’s arrival. Now that dish chocolate chip cookie heaven,” dius of Franklin. TrAils to Ales started a rewards sociation, Franklin Area Chamber of they have a great team in place, he will be a hit in 2021. TrAils to Ales brewer Justin program in 2020 that earns custom- Commerce and Venango Area Cham- has shifted the focus to refining op- TrAils to Ales Brewery also intro- Dudek has been brewing profession- ers points with every visit to the ber of Commerce in 2020, and ac- erations. duced several new brews in 2020, ally for over 15 years. Creative with brewery. The points can be used for cepts the Franklin Retail Associa- Within the company’s first year applying its own brand of humor to his ingredients and possessing an either merchandise purchases or dis- tion’s new “Eat, Shop, Stay & Play of operations, the owners recognized the brew names, such as “French unfettered imagination, he experi- counts on future visits. Rewards Franklin, PA” gift cards. that the business would need to ex- Crick Furry” and “Berried in the ments with flavors as well as brew- members are also offered discounts “Our goal is to support every lo- pand into a neighboring storefront to Basement.” ing methods. and specials. cal business possible and continue to enlarge the kitchen, office, storage, The most popular was “Dooms Taking that creativity a step fur- So far, over 500 people have bring more people to discover, shop, brewing and cooler space. That Daize Hazy IPA,” inspired by the ther, the brew menu includes Beer signed up for the rewards program. dine and play in Franklin,” said Bal- growth happened in 2019. pandemic and the number one best Floats and Beer Tails, which are Trail Blazer membership is still at lard. But, despite the challenges of the seller while it was on tap. The new- combinations of brews, such as its original 50 members, and the The owners also continue their COVID-19 pandemic, the owners est brew offering, announced in Jan- “Muddy Devil” that mixes Choco- Mug Club currently has about 100 brew sales donation program for lo- barely paused in their efforts to con- uary, is three varieties of seltzers: late Stout and Razzmanian Devil. members. cal non-profit organizations. Anderson Furniture sees increased demand after COVID shutdown This article was submitted by the company.

Anderson Furniture Co., one of the oldest retail businesses in downtown Franklin, saw the passing of longtime owner Catherine “Kay” Teig in 2020. The Teig family has owned the store since 1945. Kay took Fox’s Pizza Den owner Rochelle Vroman said she over running the store in 1979 credits her employees for the success of her after her husband Morton Franklin business. passed away unexpectedly. She had been trained as a music teacher but jumped in with both feet and was active in the Fox’s Pizza Den business for 40 years before officially retiring in 2019. To- Anderson Furniture lost day the business is operated a longtime advocate by her son, Stephen Teig. If Franklin has an “iconic” window display, it’s at rolls with closures The furniture company was when owner Catherine “Kay” Teig passed away Anderson Furniture along 13th Street. The furni- man said. This will be the key founded in 1910 in the Liberty ture store’s winter window display earned it some This article was submitted by to continued success for this in 2020. Her son, Ste- Street building that now hous- praise in the Christmas window contest sponsored the Franklin Area Chamber. Liberty Street business., she es DeBence Antique Music phen Teig, runs the said. World. Franklin business. by the Franklin Fine Arts Council. “Last year was all about Fox’s employs six full-time Anderson’s moved to its adapting,” said Rochelle Vro- employees as well as six part- present location at 225 13th Anderson’s also has a sec- shopping destination for Pitts- continue to be popular with man, owner of Fox’s Pizza time workers, and Vroman St. in 1915. The building, dat- ond location in Volant which burgh and Ohio as well as lo- living rooms and home décor Den in Franklin. “With the said he is looking to add more ing from 1896, was construct- opened in 1992. cal customers. items leading the way. temporary and sporadic clos- team members in 2021. ed as a hotel and operated as This store housed in a re- As with most businesses, Anderson’s ended the year ing of our dining room, we Fox’s Pizza Den, located at the McClure Hotel until its built barn features more rustic 2020 was a challenging year. on a positive note, winning eliminated the grill menu so 1233 Liberty St. in downtown purchase by Robert Ander- styles and an emphasis on ac- After being shut down for Best Use of Lights for the that we could focus solely on Franklin, offers dine-in, pick- son. cessories. It continues to be a over two months, Anderson’s Franklin Christmas window Fox’s core items,” she said. up, delivery and catering ser- reopened to increased demand display contest. An amazing core team who vice for small or large groups. from consumers that were The company features fur- have fine turned the art of And now,Vroman pointed out, stuck inside and wanted to niture from Craftmaster, Res- providing excellent products customers also can place or- refresh their homes. tonic, Liberty, Sunny Designs, in a timely manner was the ders online at www.foxspizza. Business has increased and Smith Brothers. Custom key to surviving 2020, Vro- com. steadily even with the difficult solid wood furniture from dilemma of delays related to Palettes of Winesburg, Ohio, the pandemic, shortages of is available in oak, maple, and raw materials, limited labor, cherry. and trucking issues. Plans for 2021 include in- “Managing inventory con- terior remodeling and build- tinues to be the greatest issue ing upgrades. moving into 2021,” said Anderson’s has a total of Teig. 12 employees — six are full- Farmhouse styles and natu- time and six are part-time ral and reclaimed materials workers.

Anderson Furniture stages room layouts like this livingroom space with samplings of its offerings. Salon Dolcé marks CALLAGHAN’S 10-year anniversary Your Hometown Pharmacy For Over 50 Years! Salon Dolcé marked its 10- We Care About You... year anniversary last year with Courteous, Efficient new signage and a new logo. Prescription Service! The salon, located at 507 Free Local Delivery 13th St., Franklin, is owned by Elizabeth Breene. We Accept Medicare Part D, UPMC, & It offers hair, tanning and Many Other Insurance Programs nail service. ing, bed and spray tanning Durable Medical Equipment There are three employees and more. Pharmacists Max Callaghan & Brenda Harting at the salon, which caters to Specials and other infor- Featured Items mation about the salon is up- Inis ”Energy of the Sea” Made in Ireland Fragrance, Soaps, Lotions women, men and children, Pre de Provence de la terre products - No Fragrance, Sulfates or Dyes Breene said. dated on its Facebook page, ReThink CBD Products, New Outdoor & Garden Flags The salon added Lash Lift Breene said. and tints last year, as well as She said the salon will con- SPA pedicures. tinue to add services and ex- Among the staples at Salon pand its offering. 1262 Liberty St., Franklin Dolcé are haircuts, hair color- The salon is a member of the 432-4125 ing, perms, braids, facial wax- Franklin Retail Association. Friday, February 19, 2021 THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald – B-9 Safety is key at FrenchCreek Production adverse effect on employees. resources and has been with photography studio. This article was submitted “It was definitely the most the Franklin company for the FrenchCreek has made sig- by the company. interesting year on record for whole of 2020. She has been nificant additions to its pro- FrenchCreek,” said Jason responsible for continuing the duction line. Home grown in the City of Wible. “We quickly adapted company’s culture of employ- Its new Remote Tie-Off Pole Franklin, FrenchCreek Pro- and adjusted to the global ee appreciation and fun work- is a device made to allow users duction has been keeping the pandemic and the resulting ing environments with events to safely attach themselves to working world safe since economic recession. such as chair massages on Em- secure points before they begin 1992. “Three of the biggest pri- ployee Appreciation Day and ascending to high positions. Founded by Carl Wible and orities became protecting our Take Your Dog to Work Day With this device, FrenchCreek Frank Davison, FCP has been people, being there for our along with the annual Thanks- plans to prepare the public for an independently owned and distributor partners and end giving and Christmas dinners. upcoming changes to OSHA’s operated manufacturer of fall user clients, and keeping our The company celebrated safety guidelines. arrest and rescue systems for company strong. employee milestones includ- FrenchCreek recently com- over 25 years. “I am extremely proud of ing the dedication of Rena pleted development on one of The year 2020 saw some our team here at FrenchCreek There has been a shift at FrenchCreek Production Miller, who is marking her its biggest projects of the year, significant accomplishments for their perseverance and in Franklin toward new products, resulting in sig- 20th year with the company. a davit system that can move and new faces at the Franklin their patience with ongoing nificant additions to its production line. Another big change over workers vertically in areas of facility as well as some adap- restrictions and regulation 2020 was the customer-centric confined space. And it is look- tations to the workplace. Due changes due to the pandemic. Pettit brings enormous en- na, in the Southeast; Larry approach taken by the compa- ing forward to the launch of to the nature of this past year, Due to our entire team’s de- ergy and drive to his new po- Hagerich of Little Rock, Ar- ny’s marketing department. its newest product, a roof-top the company moved fast to termination, I have no doubt sition, along with 27 years of kansas, in the Southwest; and With the hiring of Michael guardrail system. ensure a safe working envi- that 2021 will be successful fall protection experience that Chris Johns of Greensburg in Bower, a new content creator, “As we move into the start ronment in the face of a glob- as well.” includes both training and the Northeast. in early July, there has been a of 2021 FrenchCreek Produc- al pandemic. In 2020, emphasis was sales. Under his direction An outstanding addition to shift toward new projects to tion will continue to build and FrenchCreek Production placed on invigorating and three new regional sales man- the FrenchCreek team is Paula show off products and com- adjust our product lines, per- was designated an “essential growing the firm’s sales team. agers were added to the team. “C.C.” Clements, senior pro- pany life. sonnel, and industry footprint business” by Gov. Tom Wolf Blaine Pettit was promoted New members of the sales fessional in Human Resources. The company has reno- to better serve our employees, and, as such, maintained op- from training manager to na- team include Ken Milligan of Clements is highly accom- vated an area that is now a customers and community,” erations as normal with no tional sales director in June. Myrtle Beach, South Caroli- plished in the field of human fully functioning video and said Wible. Franklin events held on smaller scale in 2020 volved, according to Ronnie Beith, director of beautiful autumn in years, Beith said. The Christmas Tree Extravaganza usually This article was submitted by the city’s the marketing office. Applefest weekend brought people to town held inside the lobby of the Barrow-Civic The- events office and arts council. “The city and the FFAC also did our very to shop, eat al fresco at the restaurants and use atre was held instead in Franklin’s Fountain best to try and present some of our favorite the many beautiful trails and waterways. Park. The City of Franklin is synonymous with activities in a safe manner in 2020,” Beith For Halloween, the city developed a Trick “Many organizations came together to as- the annual events that it holds, but the Franklin said. or Treat Lane on the 12th Street island, and a sist with the Extravaganza, which drew people Events/Marketing Office and the Franklin With the assistance of Luke Ruot from grand bag of treats was given to all the chil- to our downtown for safe, socially distanced Fine Arts Council had a very different year in Stream TV, the popular Taste of Talent vocal dren in each vehicle that passed through. holiday fun,” Beith said. 2020. competition was able to be held online. “It was “We were blessed with a beautiful commu- FFAC served as facilitator for the event, During a typical year, the Franklin Events/ a new experience, and everyone certainly nity Christmas tree that was planted 50 years and the Franklin Rotary took on the task of Marketing Office hosts the Farmers Market, missed Bandstand Park, but many people were ago and nurtured by the Castonguay family,” securing the trees. Proceeds from the event Easter Egg Hunt, and Downtown Trick or able to enjoy the event from the safety and Beith said. Klapec Trucking Co., Stover Tree went to the Barrow-Civic Theatre, which has Treat, along with a number of promotions in comfort of their homes,” Beith said. Service, Industrial Truck and Crane, Paul Bu- been dark since March of 2020. “Almost association with the Franklin Retail Associa- Gloria Mancilla-Balog of Oil City won the nyon Tree Services, Whalen Construction and $3,000 was collected to help our theater pay tion. event. The performances were featured on the Fastenal all offered their services to help with their overhead expenses during these many FFAC usually hosts Franklin On Ice, the Franklin Events’ Facebook page. the delivery and removal of the tree that was months,” Beith said. 4th of July Festivities, Taste of Franklin, Rock Tyler Carson, along with many other local on display outside the Venango County Court- The FFAC announced the expansion of its In River, and Light Up Night. It also sponsors performers, came together to put on the Musi- house. yearly small town, Macy’s-like Christmas Win- Thursday Night Concerts in the Park, the Taste cians Unite Concert, a fundraiser for the Bar- “For the holidays, we had to think outside dow Contest so that more businesses could of Talent vocal competition, Movies in the row-Civic Theatre and the Arts Council, which the box,” Beith said. benefit from the work that is put into their Park and more was streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Instead of the usual Light Up Night cele- amazing displays. It also sponsored “Get Lit,” But, last year, many events had to be altered The Franklin Silver Cornet Band also pre- bration, “we came up with Franklin Light Up Franklin’s Christmas home decorating contest, or canceled altogether due to the COVID-19 sented a performance online, which was great- Festivities Night,” she said. which allowed families to get into the Christ- pandemic. ly appreciated by their many fans who missed There were events held all over town. mas spirit from the safety of their own cars. The Farmers Market was downsized to per- their regular Thursday night concerts in the Stores and restaurants were open for a Cus- “These great holiday events would not have mit proper social distancing on the island at summer. tomer Appreciation Night. Rachael Mellor and been possible without the generosity of Mike the center of the downtown. Despite the down- The FFAC, Franklin Retail Association, Nathaniel Licht performed musical programs. and Joyce Hughes and Komatsu,” Beith said. sizing, the farmers all came together and were Franklin Chamber, and Franklin Rotary com- able to come up with some fantastic ideas, re- bined forces and provided safe and socially sulting in a very good year for everyone in- distanced events during the longest and most Anderson Furniture Your home...your style...your store Anderson’s Greenhouses marks February 100 years of ‘flowers for all occasions’ Clearance Anderson’s Greenhouses chael Anderson. ter in the spring can see col- celebrates its 100th anniver- Anderson’s offer “Flowers lections of herbs, vegetables, SAVE 25% - 60% sary this year. for all Occasions” including perennials, trees and shrubs. In 1921, Esther and Nor- weddings, proms, birthdays “Our vision has been and ON SELECTED ITEMS man Anderson established and sympathy. A design shop will continue to be to provide this business at 612 Grant St., also provides unique artificial excellent service and products Franklin. floral designs as well as flow- to our customers and to pre- SCOTT LIVING The greenhouses and flow- ering and foliage gardens. serve a unique horticultural MATTRESS SALE er shop were built by them Larger seasonal and special facility for this community with help from their families event displays and landscap- for years to come,” said Gale who were dairy farmers from ing services are also avail- Anderson. 3 Floors of Quality Furniture & Home Accents! Warren. able. She said the business ap- The business was first The greenhouse continues preciates the customers, re- SPECIAL 1-800-249-4016 passed on to their son, Donald to provide seasonal blooming tailers and other businesses Anderson, and now to its third plants and a varied collection that make “shopping local” FINANCING 225 13TH ST. Mon. - Thurs. 10-5 generation owners, Gale An- of tropical foliage plants. Peo- the gold standard in Venango AVAILABLE FRANKLIN 432-3193 Fri. 10-7 derson and her brother Mi- ple who visit the garden cen- County. Sat. 10-5

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Route 8, Reno PA 814-676-2764 Route 8, Reno PA 814-676-8300 Store Hours Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm 800-222-6263 Business Hours Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm 800-399-0452 B-10 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald Friday, February 19, 2021 Benjamin’s adds new menu items, online ordering app is on its way This article was submitted by the Franklin Area Chamber.

One of the most successful and popular businesses in Franklin’s downtown is the 20-year-old restaurant known by locals as “Benjamin’s.” Named after history’s Ben- While always looking to expand its offerings, jamin Franklin, this 92-seat the Grumpy Goat Distillery also puts its focus eatery sits on the corner of on supporting the community. Liberty and 12th streets, across from Fountain Park and the Venango County Courthouse. Grumpy Goat puts The restaurant also offers a 64-seat four-season patio and a 76-seat outdoor summer liquor on hold to dining space, as well as a full- service bar. make hand sanitizer The popularity of this res- With its varied menu and comfortable atmosphere, Benjamin’s Roadhouse erational still and by year- taurant is based on the unique appeals to a broad customer base. Extra seating is available outdoors in the This article was submitted by end, they offered 12 differ- and varied menu of over 55 the Franklin Area Chamber. ent types of liquor. items and the quality of that warmer months of the year. The bar — a non-smoking owner Kaye Jardin stepped dining in May with its regular Like so many other local food. The upscale but com- The Grumpy Goat is not business owners, the King- fortable atmosphere suits area — features a large selec- down from overseeing the menu and daily specials, then a children’s book but rather tion of locally and regionally restaurant. moved to a limited menu in doms work closely with oth- Benjamin’s broad customer Franklin’s very own distill- er businesses in creating base, which includes patrons produced craft beers as well The business currently em- late July. ery. And, in 2020, the com- as wine and mixed drinks. ploys 26. Benjamin’s offered curb- their product. For instance, of the Barrow-Civic Theatre, pany celebrated its first full Cafe de Cabra is a coffee li- tourists, recreational trail us- Seasonal musical entertain- Benjamin’s launched a new side pick-up services and re- year in business. ment on the lawn at Benja- website (www.benjamin- lied on its strong social media quer using beans from Bossa ers, downtown employees and Owners Tom and Kim Nova Cafe and Roastery. county government visitors. It min’s is an additional draw sroadhouse.com) in 2020, and marketing program to pro- Kingdom opened their doors for diners and the entire down- will be adding an online or- mote these services, dining “The success of small is also a popular venue for on Applefest weekend of businesses relies on com- private parties and locals cel- town. On Friday evenings dering app to the site this specials and entertainment. 2019. When the COVID-19 from June through Labor Day, year. Benjamin’s outdoor Christ- munity support as well as ebrating special occasions. pandemic hit the area, the the support of the neighbor- A new menu was created for Benjamin’s patio is a beauti- During COVID restric- mas light display, coordinated Kingdoms’ first thought ful venue for talented local tions, the restaurant was for- by Dick Jardin, has become ing businesses, and that is in-house dining in January. was, “How can we help?” something that we see being That menu includes sand- bands and vocalists. The con- tunate that it had its four-sea- an anticipated part of Frank- After seeing what distill- certs are part of El Fresco son patio room and outdoor lin’s Christmas celebration done in Franklin every day,” wiches, burgers, salads, pasta, eries across the country said Tom Kingdom. beef, chicken and seafood en- Friday’s in downtown Frank- dining area to increase the tradition. For 2020’s display, were doing, the couple de- lin. number of patrons it could in-house artist Lindsey Burch- Though in the early stag- trees. It can be found on the cided that providing hand es, plans are in place at The restaurant’s website. General Manager Melissa serve. field painted the windows of sanitizer to their customers Shreve was hired in 2017 and At the beginning of the re- the restaurant with Christmas Grumpy Goat for four new Special menu items are of- and their neighbors was the liquors to be debuted this fered on New Year’s Eve, St. is an Oil City native. She strictions, the restaurant re- cartoon characters. answer. They shut down the started as a line cook at Ben- mained open for takeout or- In the summer months, year as well as an expansion Patrick’s Day and Valentine’s liquor end of their business of its in-state shipping. Day, and the regular menu is jamin’s and worked her way ders only, offering a limited Dick Jardin surrounds the pa- and began the process of up, being promoted to the menu and special item daily. tio with beautiful floral dis- “This region is good at replaced by a special menu dur- making and distributing — promoting all of their recre- ing Franklin’s Applefest event. manager’s position when It reopened for in-house plays. free of charge — over 200 Sadly, Kaye Jardin passed ational trails, and we will be gallons of hand sanitizer to promoting the addition of away in September of 2020. the local community. She had built a healthy busi- our business to The Penn- Once hand sanitizer be- sylvania Whiskey Trail with ness and continued to manage came more available, the “Fabrication and Powder Coating Specialists” the restaurant during her long the hopes that we, too, will liquor again became their help increase the number of illness, right up to within days first priority. of her passing. visitors to the region,” King- They added a fourth op- dom said. Myers Custom Woodworks SPECIALTY FABRICATION AND POWDER COATING marks 25th year of business This article was submitted by CORE CAPABILITIES the Franklin Area Chamber. Myers Custom Woodworks DESIGN ENGINEERING SUPPORT marked its 25th year of business last year. AUTOMATED FORMING Ron Myers, whose shop and original showroom are LASER CUTTING AND TURRET PUNCH located along Route 417 just ROBOTIC WELDING north of Franklin, and his team celebrated the milestone FULL FABRICATION AND WELDING amid the pandemic. “Just like everyone else, MACHINING we were short-staffed and POWDER COATING AND WET PAINTING didn’t know from day to day if we could get the product we Myers Custom Woodworks can help people realize ASSEMBLY needed or, worse, if we could they can afford their own customized kitchen. keep our doors open or had to jobs to be done,” he said. ed more locally,” Myers said. close them,” Myers said. Myers’ beginning-to-end The woodworker and busi- Rod Griffin, CEO Like so many other con- knowledge of the business, his nessman said he has seen a tractors, Myers learned quick- intense attention to detail, and shift over the years in how 455 Allegheny Blvd. Franklin, PA 16323 ly that with the shutdown his willingness to “make it hap- people think about their home E-mail: rgriffi[email protected] came home projects. pen” just as a customer asks are improvements. “In the most unpredictable all a part of his success. “For so long, folks were (814) 432-6406 • Fax: (814) 432-6394 business year ever, we were He knew when he was in told that they could not afford the busiest we have ever high school that he would a customized kitchen, bath- www.specfab.com been,” Myers said. “If I had someday have his own shop; room, laundry room or such. 20 more employees, I would what he did not know was the There has been a shift in still have had a waiting list of level of growth he would see thinking, and now they realize and the number of customers that they can,” he said. he would serve. “And, by having their Myers built his business builds or remodels done lo- from the bottom up. In 1995, he cally, changes or add-ons can was the one doing all the build- be done with one phone call,” ing, going home covered in he said. sawdust every day. Now, he In 2020, not only did My- does most of the consulting and ers complete 74 kitchen and designing while his skilled staff bath jobs, but he ended the takes care of the building. year with 28 new jobs already Select in the products he on the get-it-done list. uses, the contractors he works Myers has hired four addi- 1015 BUFFALO ST • FRANKLIN • 814-437-2436 with, and the staff he hires, tional craftsmen as well as a Myers always has “top quali- new marketing staff member. ty” in his sights. The quality And, in order to keep up with PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE FRANKLIN COMMUNITY of his craft is known and re- the demand, Myers also has spected locally as well as up built a 5,000-square-foot pole and down the East Coast. building to hold more equip- • Best Cuts - Quality Meat EXP 06/30/21 EXP 06/30/21 “When I first started, so ment and more staff, and to SANDER’S SANDER’S much of my work was on the better the efficiency of his com- - Certified Angus Beef MARKETS VIP MARKETS coast. Now, I have concentrat- pany’s day-to-day operations. 10 VIP 10 VIP • Fresh Bakery REWARDS REWARDS REWARDS • Hot and Prepared Foods Uncomplicated • Fresh Produce Rewards! Earn 1 stamp for every $10 spent. • Catering Collect and paste stamps in your VIP Folder. Redeem filled folders for IN-STORE GIFT CERTIFICATES = FREE groceries. • Senior Saving Day Every Now extended thru June 30th, 2021. Some exclusions apply. See store for details. Tuesday WEDNESDAYS ARE DOUBLE STAMP DAY Receive double stamps for every $50 spent. Great Weekly Specials & Sales • Family Owned • Friendly Service Striving to make your visit the best grocery experience in town. Myers Custom Woodworks completed 74 kitchen and bath jobs in 2020. Owner Ron Myers has more WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS! than two dozen jobs already scheduled for 2021. Friday, February 19, 2021 THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald – B-11

Material feeders are used at IPEG/Conair to feed plastic resins into a proces- IPEG/Conair employee Mike Urey works on Thermolators that are shipped all sor. Doug Rogers works on assembling this feeder at the Franklin plant. With around the world and used in processes from automotive and medical to safety in mind, workers at the facility wear face masks while on the job. packaging and construction. IPEG/Conair proves resilient, resourceful been, given the impact of idea that whatever we touch This article was submitted COVID.” has some aspect or element of by the company. “Conair is fortunate to be quality. We want employees part of the solution, to be in- to understand that it’s not just A year ago, IPEG chief volved in supporting the about end-product quality executive officer Chris Keller equipment and processes that control. It’s a process and if talked about how business are used for making medical their job has been done right was being affected by “head- equipment and devices, sani- before they hand it off to the winds” that included a chaotic tary packaging and other seg- next person and if this process political situation, shifting ments that have performed continues from beginning to tariffs and international trade well as a result of COVID,” end, the final result will be a disputes. Winstead said. satisfied customer.” “We have planned conser- Sam Rajkovich, Conair’s Growing workforce vatively for 2020 because we vice president of sales and expect we’ll need to continue IPEG’s growth ambitions marketing, reports that those mean it is hiring good people working in a difficult business processors were often request- environment,” he said at the at all levels of the organiza- ing quick turn-arounds on or- tion. There are currently 30 time. Little did he know that, ders for new equipment, as just months later, those head- open IPEG positions in the the pandemic forced them to U.S., targeted to be filled in winds would reach hurricane expand capacity or even force with a substantial boost the first half of 2021, and six change their product mix. of those jobs are at Conair in from a global pandemic. Conair has met this demand Yet, 2020 turned out much Franklin. by closely matching its manu- Finding the right people better than expected under the facturing schedule to requests hasn’t been easy, which is circumstances, according to and, when possible, pulling Bill Heller puts the finishing touches on some Conair TubeLoaders. Conair is why the company has been so Kirk Winstead, chief operat- orders ahead in the schedule the most well-known name in the plastics industry when it comes to material focused on employee satisfac- ing officer at IPEG and presi- so that it can get customers handling or conveying by air. tion and retention for the last dent of Conair. what they need when they few years. “From the start of the first need it. 2021 and expect to see it ac- connectivity to centralized unit volume product, with Since 2015, it has conduct- COVID-19 spike,” Winstead In one case, Rajkovich celerate further through the manufacturing systems in- thousands made each year in ed biannual surveys to deter- said, “we focused on the safe- said, a tubing extruder called second half of the year,” Win- cluding Conair’s SmartSer- the Franklin plant,” Winstead mine an “Employee Net Pro- ty of our people.” to ask for what normally stead said. vices monitoring platform. said. “They ship to customers moter Score” (eNPS) that “We are very proud to note would be impossible. They “Our plan (is) to further This Conair Industry 4.0 around the world,” he added. measures the degree to which that Conair is one of few busi- wanted Conair to provide an invest in our workforce in an- solution also got an upgrade In all, nearly a dozen new employees think that Conair nesses that did not have a re- extrusion line in just eight ticipation of this acceleration in the form of sensor kits that products, many of them al- is a good place to work. duction in force, furloughs or weeks. “This is less than half and growth,” he said. allow users to connect even ready in production in Frank- Over the last few years, any other adverse impact on the normal lead time,” Rajk- The extrusion market, in non-computer-controlled aux- lin, will be released around that score has been climbing our employees’ ability to re- ovich said. “We didn’t have general, was particularly ac- iliary equipment to the Smart- the NPE show. steadily, reaching 51 in April. main safe and financially all of the needed equipment in tive during 2020. Of course, Services dashboard. Quality is key According to Winstead, a whole during these challeng- our production schedule, but medical tubing and related score of 35 or better is consid- ing times” Winstead said. Conair also introduced sev- we knew that customer trials products contributed substan- eral other new products or Another key initiative for ered “world class.” “The workforce changes 2021 involves a continued fo- at the Conair Extrusion Tech- tially but, surprisingly, mak- product enhancements during He said IPEG’s business mandated by the various gov- nical Center in Pinconning cus on the cost of quality as it ers of wood/plastic composite the second half of 2020, most plan for 2021 intentionally ernment entities have prompt- had been put on hold due to decking were also busy and effects both customers and the calls for lower operating prof- ed us to be more ‘remote’ travel restrictions,” he said. of which were partially or to- company. Winstead said Con- buying new equipment. tally manufactured in Frank- it in order to support hiring in where possible and we have “We utilized several pieces The surge in this market air will be taking a more ho- anticipation of business re- successfully responded and of equipment from the lab lin. listic approach to this issue was attributed to homeown- These included a new hy- covery and to take advantage rewired many of our internal line, adding a factory-built ers, confined by COVID-19 than in the past. of market opportunities when processes and communica- Medline puller-cutter and ex- brid vacuum pump that can “A lot of people think about restrictions, creating new or convey over longer distances business returns to normal. tions to make this possible. pedited delivery. In the end, improved outdoor living spac- quality mainly in terms of In addition, Conair is offer- We paid a substantial service we delivered the order within with lower noise levels and manufacturing,” he said. es and tackling home im- that is ideally suited to Con- ing “career pathing opportu- bonus to those employees not the customer’s ‘impossible’ provement projects. “Poor quality is often mistak- nities” to every interested em- able to perform their jobs re- eight-week timeframe,” Rajk- air’s patented Wave Convey- enly attributed to assembly ployee in the organization. motely and paid an additional ovich said. New product development ing systems. errors. We’re intentionally This program is not new but bonus to those employees “We take great pride in continues A new conveying control making it broader and extend- has been targeted as a key with perfect attendance re- how resilient our employees Another positive result in system called SmartFLX was ing it to everybody in the or- initiative for 2021. cords,” he said. have been,” Winstead said. an otherwise challenging year rolled out in early January of ganization. Everyone will “We will be focusing great- Under such challenging This allowed Conair to be part is the fact that there was no this year, with additional have a cost-of-quality metric er attention on those employ- circumstances, Conair — of the solution in helping fight interruption in new product “smart” features slated to be and everybody will have to ees who truly want to grow which has manufacturing fa- the pandemic. development at IPEG/Conair. announced in conjunction think about how they influ- and advance within the com- cilities in Franklin and in Pin- Winstead noted the com- Significant progress is be- with the triennial NPE plas- ence quality whether it in- pany,” Winstead said. conning, Michigan. — and pany saw strong results in the ing made in machine controls, tics tradeshow scheduled for volves writing the quote cor- “We will work with them IPEG fell short of their busi- third and fourth quarters of where the focus is on making May. rectly, putting a bill of materi- to find an effective bridge be- ness growth ambitions for last year, “in some cases ex- them easier for processors to Also expected to debut at als together correctly, invoic- tween their desires and spe- 2020. ceeding our original Plan fig- use. They feature larger user- NPE is a redesigned Thermo- ing correctly… everybody has cific actions — including But, Winstead said, it has ures,” he said. interface screens, more intui- lator temperature-control to have a little bit of skin in training — that can help get “exceeded all our expecta- “We anticipate carrying tive graphics, data gathering unit. the game. We want to get ev- them to where they would like tions from what it could have that momentum into early capabilities and simplified “This is Conair’s highest erybody involved with the to be in the future,” he said. Drayer Electrical stays busy and the company complies warranties, using only com- This article was submitted with federal E-verify pro- mercial grade materials pur- by the company. cesses, allowing DES to chased locally. work with state and local “In most circumstances, Allegheny Tool & Supply Drayer Electrical Service governments and to provide we provide free estimates marked its 39th year of busi- homeowner services that and strive to offer our best One Of The Area’s Most Trusted Industrial Distributors ness in 2020. the local community can recommendations and op- In Western PA & Surrounding Area. DES, which is owned by trust. tions to get the job done in Celebrating As always, DES contin- the most efficient and cost- Daniel and Debra Drayer Over 10 Years and is located at 5312 ues to offer a professional effective way,” said Daniel Georgetown Road in Frank- service with parts and labor Drayer. in Business! lin, has been busy in local manufacturing, commercial and agricultural buildings, upgrading lighting and assisting with installation of new machines and equipment. Despite the five-week mandatory government shutdown due to COVID-19, the company has retained all of High Quality Industrial Tools - Cutting Tools Visit our NEW its employees and has been Butcher’s Best Band Saw Blades - Fasteners - Bolts e-commerce site. busy since reopening. Register your Using a company mask The Freshest Meats - Nuts Abrasives - Metal Cutting Fluids and social distancing policy, Beef • Pork • Poultry account and place DES has safely completed your orders online! 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While businesses around the region and the world were affected by the global pandemic in 2020, Franklin Bronze Precision Components was deemed essential to the businesses it serves in industries such as defense, food, agriculture and transportation and, therefore, has remained open and operating throughout the COVID-19 shutdowns. New work station dividers were installed to keep There is some good at employees safe when a 6-foot distance wasn’t Franklin Bronze that has come possible to keep operations moving. out of the coronavirus crisis. The company secured re- shored manufacturing jobs that were overseas prior to COVID-19. The virus highlighted the risks associated with overseas supply and the benefits that Franklin Bronze invested in its robotic automation work by replacing a robot could be gained including arm and introducing Laser Level Adjustment. close customer collaboration and responsiveness. ployees, customers and sup- ny’s investments, as well as a than a full production run. pliers is of the utmost impor- pre-heat furnace and furnace “The addition of this 3D Work environment tance. power supply re-hose project. printer to our facility allows Following CDC guidelines, The company installed a us to quickly prove out design Franklin Bronze continues to Unprecedented year new auto wax press to expand changes without needing to provide a safe working envi- of investments its capacity and for faster pro- alter the tooling each time. ronment for its employees. The year 2020 marked the duction of wax parts. It also For instance, making a gating A new van was added to the company’s fleet last Work station dividers were largest investment year at upgraded both wax rooms change can be proved before year. Branding work on the new van was done by installed near work stations Franklin Bronze. Investments with new chiller stations. cutting into the tool,” said a local company, Clark Graphics. where a 6-foot span of dis- were made in equipment to A new FBPC branded com- Neil Kruse, senior IC process tance between operators was improve, expand and modern- pany van was added to deliver engineer. Embracing digital videos on its YouTube chan- not possible. Employees are ize the Franklin facility. investment castings. The The new 3D printer is able The COVID-19 pandemic nel that highlight the benefits required to wear face masks There will be a continued branding on the van was done to construct parts quickly and has changed the way we live of investment castings. to keep themselves and others investment in robotic automa- by another local company, accurately with high precision and do business — much of In the videos such as safe. Daily cleaning of sur- tion with a Robot Arm re- Clark Graphics. and resolution, Kruse said. the company’s work is now “Castings in our Everyday faces is completed before, placement and the introduc- Franklin Bronze acquired a Another investment at the done online. Lives” and “10 Advantages during and after shifts. tion of Laser Level Adjust- laser SLA 3D printer that will company was the replacement In many ways, Franklin of Investment Castings,” the Our team members have ment, the first of its kind for produce rapid prototype parts of an air compressor in the Bronze’s digital presence has company extolls the benefits maintained a focus, dedica- investment casting compa- and complete short runs of shell room. built stronger relationships of copper’s virus-killing tion and commitment to sup- nies. investment castings. The machine is a 5HP with its partners. In-person properties and promotes its port our customers and Frank- A new shell knockoff ma- The printer will enable the screw air compressor that will technical support has moved antimicrobial bronze door lin Bronze mission. The health chine for stainless steel cast- company to run small jobs in provide more efficient pro- to phone and video. handles, knobs, brackets and and well-being of our em- ings was added to the compa- a much shorter timeframe cessing. The company has posted fixtures. Venango Steel sees growth over SFPC faces year of challenges 2020 in safety industry jobs tions Earl Lytle said the man- This article was submitted agement team at SFPC con- This article was submitted by the company. tinued to look at ways to in- by the company. crease the company’s fabrica- In reflecting on 2020, it is tion capabilities and, in the Like many businesses in safe to say that owner Rod fall of 2020, a second robotic the area and around the world, Griffin and the management welder was purchased for the 2020 was a challenging year team at Specialty Fabrication Rouseville facility. with the ongoing COVID-19 and Powder Coating learned a The pandemic may have pandemic. While Venango lot about COVID-19, the pan- affected the business levels of Steel was fortunate in being demic that plagued Venango SFPC’s customer base but able to maintain operations County (and the rest of the SFPC continued to focus on throughout 2020, the compa- world). providing products at a con- ny still felt the effects of the Since the company’s in- sistently high quality level downward turn in the econo- ception in November 2004, while maintaining competi- my. Griffin has made his faith, his tive pricing. One area of continued employees, and his customers Griffin attributed the com- growth was in the Safety In- his top priority and during the pany’s success to having a dustry where the company pandemic that priority never committed workforce, invest- continued to provide solutions wavered. ing in state-of-the-art equip- for items such as platforms, “There were definitely ment and having a diversified gates, and fall protection challenges created by the pan- customer base. equipment. demic but we met them head When asked about the There were a few other on,” Griffin said. company’s focus for 2021, highlights in 2020 and com- Such challenges included Griffin said, “As always, we pany management is optimis- Venango Steel upgraded to a new 25-ton crane last year that will help the firm staffing, purchased parts and want to make sure that we are able to supply the needs of tic about things turning around take on larger and heavier welding projects. production issues which were in 2021. overcome by dedicated em- our current customers who Venango Steel had no sig- John Stokes, who has been its customer base, this will go currently at the shop in order ployees who rose to the occa- have entrusted us with their nificant changes in personnel an estimator with the company a long way in helping to reach to better serve customers. sion working overtime when business. We must also con- to report in 2020; however, since 2017, will be taking over those markets with Heavy Venango Steel is always asked, he said. tinue to have the capacity to moving into 2021, there will the lead estimator position. Fabrication opportunities. looking into the latest tooling Griffin stated that “having further diversify to ensure job be some employees in new As far as changes in the A goal for 2020 was to get for the two press brakes and a committed workforce” was security for our current and roles. shop, the most significant was a stronger online presence and rotary draw bender while also critical to SFPC continuing to future employees.” Kim Hoffman, the compa- the upgrade to the overhead that was achieved with the looking at gaining efficiencies meet its customers’ needs. The company has a total of ny’s financial controller/hu- crane. launch of the company’s Fa- on the High Definition Plasma In addition to that dedication 152 employees at its Franklin man resources manager, has In April, the company up- cebook page. The company is Table and Laser. in meetings its customer needs, and Rouseville plants. decided to retire in the spring graded from a 12.5-ton crane periodically posting samples The company will continue technology remains important Griffin credits the compa- after almost 16 years with the to a new 25-ton crane. This of the work it does for the to explore options for new to the company’s growth, ac- ny’s continued success to company. upgrade was long overdue and public to see. customers and continue to ex- cording to Shawn Wingard, God, SFPC’s customers and Joe Sampson, former lead the new capacity will aid in Looking ahead to 2021, the pand its online outreach. chief financial officer. the employees. estimator, will be transition- the firm’s desire to take on company does not have any While nobody can predict “To do otherwise would “God has continuously ing to the role Hoffman held. larger, heavier welding proj- major expansion projects or where the economy will go result in the company becom- blessed this company in many He has begun training and ects. upgrades scheduled. The pri- from here, Venango Steel ing stagnant and not able to ways and we are extremely looks forward to the new chal- As Venango Steel looks to mary focus will be fine-tuning wants to continue its commit- provide what customers have grateful to our customers. We lenge. continue the diversification of the processes and equipment ment to offer quality, on-time come to expect from us,” Win- are blessed to have good em- work at reasonable pricing, gard said. ployees. Our employees sup- while maintaining a safe envi- Even though the pandemic port the company, the com- ronment for employees and affected many of its custom- munity and are instrumental customers. ers, vice president of opera- in SFPC’s growth,” he said.

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ï ï ï K Å ä ~ ê á ç å é ~ ï ë K ç ê Ö = • ï ï ï K î É å ~ å Ö ç Å ç ì å í ó Ü ì ã ~ å É ë ç Å á É í ó K ç ê Ö Friday, February 19, 2021 THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald – B-17 Porch Music Store looks to move to new location structors for a “Play it For- good enough internet connec- that area, as well as a multi- This article was submitted ward” project. They per- tion,” Bennett said. purpose space for workshops, by the company. formed on the store’s Face- To resume in-person ses- music jams, and other collab- book page and did one-on-one sions, lesson times were spread orative programming,” Gib- Porch Music Store, a video calls to sing for special out to allow for sanitizing be- bons said. Franklin maker and retailer of occasions like birthdays and tween students and to mini- Porch Music Store offers folk instruments located at anniversaries. mize overlap in the waiting unique folk instruments, in- 409 and 411 13th St., has “This was a win-win for areas. Air filters were placed in cluding its signature canjo, a been selling its instruments everyone,” said Henderson. lesson rooms and the waiting single-string instrument made Amanda Rodgers’ Poppin Sweet shop offers a va- and accessories online and “We could pay our people, room and a UV light protocol from recycled tin cans. In riety of old-fashioned candies that delight children through various retailers in viewers could enjoy our local was put in place. 2020, the store introduced a northwestern Pennsylvania talent, and it lifted hearts.” “These things lowered ca- numbered, limited edition Ve- and adults, she said. since 2011. In January and February of pacity and increased costs, nango County label canjo. The store also offers brand- 2020, the store’s studio space but safely doing in-person les- It also offers both in-person name instruments, music les- was hopping with over 160 sons is a must if we want to and virtual workshops in Poppin Sweet sons, its own music books, students taking weekly les- stay open,” said Henderson. which people can make their and off-site workshops. sons with their nine instruc- Reopening in May, the own canjo, cajon (box drum) As with many businesses, tors. During the March/April slow recovery began, and by or musical washboard. The Porch Music Store experi- shutdown, instructors shifted year’s end, the store’s holiday store will be able to accom- candy shop opens enced a roller coaster year in to virtual lessons when possi- sales exceeded expectations. modate larger groups for but some of our adults have 2020. Through the collective ble and the store was limited In 2021, the owners are workshops and jam sessions This article was submitted by bigger smiles than even the determination of the staff, to curbside and online sales. purchasing their own building at the new location beginning the Franklin Area Chamber. kids when they open the door,” loyal customers and commu- During this time, the team and will relocate the store and in the spring. Rodgers said. nity, the store found opportu- focused on assisting school studios to 1253 Liberty St., The store focuses on acous- Who doesn’t need some- In addition to the list of nities amid the challenges and band students by expanding Franklin. The retail operations tic instruments with an inven- thing sweet every now and candy in wrappers, customers ended the year with its best the selection of refurbished will move first with plans to tory of guitars, banjos, ukule- then? will find a cotton candy ma- sales month ever. and new instruments as well begin new operations by the les, percussion instruments, Amanda Rodgers, owner chine, and Boba teas with Owners Holly Gibbons and as offering repairs. The store’s end of March. The plan is to harmonicas and recorders, of the new Poppin Sweet shop their choice of “bubbles” and Linda Henderson took imme- annual student recitals and have lesson sessions at the woodwind and brass instru- located along West Park Street baked treats as well. diate action after the first state- “Mommy and Me” classes for new studios by the end of ments, and related accesso- in Franklin, is hoping the an- Poppin’ Sweet and the oth- mandated shutdown to plan preschoolers were canceled April. ries. It also offers music-relat- swer is no one. er stores located in the West and apply for relief programs last year. DS Music Therapy will ed artwork by local artists and Rodgers is not a newcomer Park Street building collected to help sustain the business. Re-opening the business have an office on the first music books. to the business world. She is their creative thoughts and “Our biggest concern was required attention to new san- floor of the new location. Porch Music has published already known for her custom made “guideline-safe” events for our staff,” said Gibbons. itizing and social distancing “Our move is another im- several of its own canjo music shirts and gift ideas that she happen during a year when all “They needed to survive, and guidelines and instructors portant part of the long-term books, which are available in- creates through another busi- of the popular events in the we needed to find creative ways worked with lesson coordina- strategy,” Gibbons said. “It store and on Amazon.com. A ness she operates, Razzle De- area were canceled due to to work together,” she said. tor Ashleigh Bennett to en- will cut our costs while plac- series of instructional canjo signs. COVID-19. Sensing that the COVID- able in-person lessons for ing us in the heart of down- videos can be viewed on the “I needed something else A block party was a huge 19 impact would last a year or those who could not do virtual town retail.” store’s website and YouTube to add to that business, and an success — and something more, Gibbons and Hender- lessons. The store footprint will be channel. old-fashioned candy store was Rodgers will be looking at son created a year-long strat- “Virtual lessons work very larger and lesson space will You can find them online missing from our downtown,” doing again every year. egy to sustain their business. well for some instruments and be built on the lower floor of at porchmusicstore.com and she said. “My family and I love this A “PA 30 Day Fund” grant some students, but other stu- the building. There will also on Facebook, Instagram and The candy shop carries a community and are so happy provided resources to pay in- dents simply don’t have a be room for more studios in Twitter. lot of “old-time” candies such to be part of a thriving down- as Pop Rocks, Laffy Taffy, town,” she said. “If we didn’t candy cigarettes, Whistle already know it, we saw just Pops, Necco wafers, Broad- what it means to be part of way, Strawberry Rolls, Mallo such when everyone came to- Art and frame shop improves its look Cups, Chowards and more. gether to help each other Victorian City Art & the gallery to optimize open the area so that children can line telephone number. Credit “People think kids are the through this past year,” she Frame, located at 1273 Lib- space and allow visitors to express themselves using art. card payments can now be ac- most excited in a candy shop, said. erty St., Franklin, made some shop and browse with peace The shop increased its in- cepted for dry cleaning ser- changes last year to improve of mind. volvement with the Franklin vices, online custom framing its look and layout. The shop offers custom Retail Association and had and online gallery shopping. Kyla Parkinson, owner of framing (online and in-house), extended holiday hours. It New moulding samples for the business, added new de- photo printing and dry clean- continued sponsoring Frank- frame designs were added, as PRIME Fitness cals to the Liberty Street win- ing services. The staff in- lin On Ice, the annual Nature were new items such as puz- dows and sent out the outdoor cludes one part-time and two Art Showcase, and the Oil zles, cards and designer gift awning to be refurbished. full-time workers. Heritage Festival art show. wrap. sees sales increase Inside the fine art gallery Victorian City Art and “We also donated 5% of gal- Parkinson said her focus duction of the brand PRIME and custom frame shop, Par- Frame donates materials to lery sales to the Franklin Fine for 2021 will be to increase This article was submitted to the consumer market has kinson altered the layout of schools and organizations in Arts Council,” Parkinson not- business from the online store by the company. played a large role in our abil- ed. and do more online custom ity to sustain such a large Over the past year, Parkin- framing work. She also wants PRIME Fitness is the pri- year-after-year sales in- son has added the ability for to spread the word about the mary strength brand of Frank- crease.” customers to send text mes- photo printing capabilities of lin-based Specialty Fitness The introduction in prior Youngster opens his sages to the shop’s main land- the shop. Systems. years to the consumer market SFS has built a global rep- she referred to included the utation as a leader in strength introduction of PRIME’s ac- own produce stand The Franklin Fine Arts Council innovation and since the cessory products and the launch of PRIME in 2014, launch of the company’s This article was submitted by 2020 Sponsors & Members SFS has seen strong growth of eCommerce store. the Franklin Area Chamber. We can not do it without you! its innovative strength equip- Each year PRIME has add- ment brand each year. The ed to its product offerings. When 9-year-old Waylon year 2020 was a continuation The company’s website Ion told his parents that he of that trajectory taking the features a variety of strength wanted to be a farmer and company to new heights. accessory products that fea- grow vegetables to sell, they • City of Franklin • Franklin Moose Lodge #83 In 2020, exposure and in- ture the company’s core mis- made it happen. • Edward V. & Jessie L. Peters • Franklin Fraternal terest grew globally for sion — a science-forward spin The young entrepreneur Charitable Trust Order of Eagles #328 PRIME as the company con- on traditional strength train- opened his “Waylon’s Pro- • Mike & Joyce Hughes • The Cenedella Family tinued to expand into more ing tools. duce Stand” at the family • Komatsu • Dr. & Mrs. Mark Salerno countries and into the residen- New products, higher sales home along Lake Creek Road tial home market. The com- near Cooperstown just in time • Franklin Elks Lodge #110 • Franklin Industrial & Commercial pany enjoyed yet another year A portion of 2020’s exorbi- for Mother’s Day last year. Waylon Ion grows and Development Authority of annual sales growth of over tant growth can be attributed His parents built him a sells produce at his fam- 100 percent, marking the fifth to the addition of the PRODI- shed and helped him get start- ily’s home near Cooper- • S consecutive year with such GY line of products in 2019. er plants going early in the stown. results with 2020 being by far The PRIME Prodigy Rack season. The plan was for Way- • Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union • Central Electric Cooperative the largest year of growth Series is utilized in both com- lon to pay them back with the Kim Ion of her son’s new • Liberty Electronics • Franklin Industries seen. mercial and home and garage money he earned by selling business venture. “We are excited about the gym settings. his home-grown vegetables. Waylon’s parents have sup- • EVENTEVENTT SPSPONSORSONONSNSORS continued exponential growth These racks are built to Family, friends, and a supported his idea and they of the PRIME brand both do- perform at the most elite lev- portive community quickly worked right alongside him, • AFSCME District Council 85 • Northwest Savings Bank mestically and internationally els of functionality, versatility, made Waylon’s dream a suc- making sure he had what he • AFSCME Local 1050 • Paul Bunyan Tree Services coupled with the newly rising and quality yet they are attain- cess. The stand had constant needed to plant and sell. • Christopher Rakow, • Quality Inn & Conference Center residential market,” said Rod able on a home gym budget. visitors after work and on Kim Ion said her son took Edward Jones • Timothy E Hartle Funeral Home Griffin, president of SFS. In conjunction with the weekends it found folks shar- charge of the business — and • Drayer Electric • UPMC Northwest “While the U.S. market still launch of the Prodigy line, ing coffee and stories in the that included a lot of the work • Franklin Bronze Plaques • Victorian City Art & Frame represents our greatest opportu- PRIME also released a new drive and around the fire. involved. “He was up early • Franklin Retail & Business Assn • Whalen Contracting nity for growth, in 2020 we state-of-the-art adjustable The stand was open through doing chores, weeding, plant- • Franklin Rotary Club • Mrs. James Ashbaugh continued to see an uptick in bench featuring a decline an- October with spring flowers, ing, cleaning the shed, and • Industrial Truck & Crane (ITC) • Mrs. Ronnie Beith demand for our products both kle pad attachment and ad- mums in the fall and a variety greeting the customers,” she • IPEG, Inc. - Conair • Mr. & Mrs. Andy Bell domestically and internationally justable elbow pads for added of vegetables. There were also said. “If he was not already in • Kendzior Orthodonics • Mrs. Pat Dolecki with the residential market dom- support and exercise options. crafts made by Waylon, his the shed, he could be seen • Klapec Trucking Company • Mr. & Mrs. Jake Lindsey inating the sales volume. Seeing The release of a new double- mom and his sister. running down the driveway to • Lake Tool, Inc. • Mr. Dan Weiland that demand translate to signifi- sided preacher was also added Waylon and his family help and say, ‘Thank you’,” cant sales growth is extremely to the list of new products were initially surprised by the she said. launched in previous years fea- encouraging as we head into success of the produce stand. Mother and son have al- • Mrs. Wilma J Bailey • Clarion County Community Bank 2021 all the while anticipating turing dumbbell cradles, spotter “We are (located) enough ready placed orders for bulbs additional diversity in product arms, band pegs along with a outside of Cooperstown that and seeds and are anxiously • Mrs. Cheryl L Brickner • Brian Mong, Edward Jones availability,” Griffin said. full rotational elbow pad and we were not sure people awaiting their arrivals so they • David & Jess Carroll • Meralee Obenrader, Edward Jones band beg attachments. • Mr. Jerome C Gressley • Fastenal Innovation and growth would stop but weekend after can begin planting for the What’s next for PRIME? weekend he sold out,” said spring. • Mr. & Mrs. J.R. Hufnagel • Feldman Jewelers The increase in PRIME’s • Mary Jane Jenkins • The Olive Vault sales was a result of each of “You’re going to see us the company’s revenue chan- continue to innovate in 2021,” BRIEFLY • Mr. & Mrs. Steve Lerch • Something Clever nels seeing significant growth. said Rod Griffin. “We are very • Mr. & Mrs. Michael Mellor • Stifel Nicolaus “Since the launch of excited because we have a few Little Delights by Lisa • Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Montgomery • Trails to Ales Brewery PRIME in late 2014, our busi- new machines, specialty bars Lisa Mulholland, owner of Little Delights by Lisa, added • Cynthia G Smith • Wilson Thompson & Cisek, LLC ness has really evolved with a and various rack attachments sugar-free options to her lineup of treats last year. • Mr. & Mrs. Jim Williams • The Witherup House, LLC major contributor being our that we are shooting to get to The Franklin company offers cakes, cupcakes, cookies and • MEMBERSHIPME HIPIP innovation and quality,” said market in 2021,” he said. specialty treats. Melissa Griffin, the compa- The company is planning One full-time worker and two part-time workers are em- • Mr. Douglas A Baker • Mrs. Elizabeth A King ny’s chief executive officer. to continue improvements for ployed by the business. “When we took PRIME to the global distribution that • Mrs. Martha A Beach • Mrs. Chris Latchaw market, our products were tai- was started in 2019 and con- • Mr. & Mrs. Charles Benton • Diane McCall lored for commercial facili- tinued in 2020. Mo’s Catering • Borchers Americas, Inc. • Mrs. Teresa Russell ties,” Melissa Griffin said. The company’s goal for Mo’s Catering took precautionary steps last year to keep the • Ms. Mary Dickson, Waterloo • Ms. Rhonda Rust “In 2018,” she said, “we 2021 is to provide even more COVID-19 virus at bay while continuing to offer its catering Art Studio • Mrs. Grace Solle started to see a shift away offerings around the world for service to the Franklin area. • Mr. John R Dietrich The catering company is owned by Richard Mulholland. It • Ms. Ginny Snyder from an exclusively B2B both its accessory and strength • Mr. & Mrs. Jeﬀ Hawke model, and I believe the intro- equipment line of products. employs two full-time and four part-time workers. B-18 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald Friday, February 19, 2021 Franklin Industries adapts to keep strong foundation This article was submitted to overcome keeping enough by the company. employees to run the product lines, there were eight employees who held perfect atten- Franklin Industries, still dance and were awarded two known by some as Franklin paid days off to use in 2021. Steel, is located in Franklin’s The farm department and Third Ward along the railroad the mill department were tied tracks on Atlantic Avenue. for the yearly Golden Dust- The company was founded pan award. This award is giv- in 1901 as the Franklin Roll- en to the department that ing Mill & Foundry Co. shows the best housekeeping Franklin Industries is a hot and organizational skills. rolling mill that repurposes The machine shop and the railroad rails into a variety of roll shop had zero injury inci- products that include posts for dents for the entire year and ground-mounted traffic signs, were deemed the safest de- Tammy and David Bible stand inside their Olive field fencing, agricultural Ashleigh Walters, president of Onex, and her sons, partments. Vault store along Liberty Street. posts for the vineyard and or- Jackson and Carson, tour Franklin Industries with The highway department chard industry, and erosion Donald Smith, chief operating officer at the Frank- broke three production re- control. All of these products lin plant. Onex won a $500,000 contract for a fur- cords and employees were are made from recycled steel. nace repair investment at Franklin Industries. awarded shirts designed by Olive Vault owners For the last 18 years, the department. Franklin Industries has been during the COVID pandemic. Manufacturing?” program under the ownership of the For many months, the com- with students from Rocky Looking forward Kovalchick family. pany continued operations Grove High School. Franklin sales team is do- stay active in 2020 Employment while being short 22 employ- These students toured the ing an excellent job of devel- “What this past year al- The company employs be- ees. Supervisors, team lead- plant, interviewed employees, oping and building relation- This article was submitted by lowed us to do was create tween 90 and 120 people. Po- ers, administrative staff and and then put together a video ships with additional farm the Franklin Area Chamber. relationships with our cus- sitions are held include rolling, executive employees filled in presentation about the manu- post customers while continu- tomers and with new suppli- machining, production, elec- on the production line to keep facturing work at Franklin In- ing to hold and grow market In a crazy, unpredictable ers,” she said. trical, mechanical, sales, cus- departments operating. dustries. share. year, owners of The Olive Over the past year, the tomer service, marketing and Additional unexpected Large projects last year in- Expected results from fur- Vault Dave and Tammy Bible company started to carry fresh administrative departments. costs for the year were COVID cluded the reconstruction of a nace repair and press rebuilds never slowed down. herbs in the summer, and it Internship programs also wages paid out at $79,000 and Salem furnace in the compa- is consistent production at In fact, they said their year became a drop-off location help students obtain hands-on hazard pay was $112,000. ny’s mill department, 800 new levels to maintain com- was “action-packed.” for fresh flower arrangements experience and foster future The Kovalchick family press rebuilds in the highway petitive in the T-post and U The couple remodeled and done by Meant To Bee Farms. interest in manufacturing. views Franklin Industries’ department and new banders Channel markets. Additional moved their relatively new It also introduced Novel Some employees — 10% support to the community as that were added in the farm investments will be made to business. They expanded their Breads to its lineup of prod- of them — have been part of an important responsibility. department. continue improvements with product selection. They creat- ucts, “and we have increased the Franklin workforce be- Donations were made in the Despite the challenging equipment in the rail yard, ed relationships with and our selections of gluten-free tween 20 and 24 years. Over name of “The Employees of year with the pandemic, shut- highway and other initiatives. opened their shelves to other and vegan-friendly products,” half of the employees (56%) Franklin Industries” to a local downs, and kids going to Safety remains a top prior- small business owners with Bible said. have been with the company food bank and the library. school from home, Franklin ity at Franklin Industries, and whom they introduced to their She also began to share under five years. Industries managers and em- the company continues to be a community of supporters. monthly dinner recipes to her As with many companies in Highlights from 2020 ployees found ways to adapt cornerstone in the local econ- They switched their supplier to customers and friends last the area, Franklin Industries was The company participated and keep a strong foundation. omy in terms of business and a Pennsylvania business. And year. declared an essential business in the “What’s So Cool About Even with a major obstacle employment. they painted their storefront. As part of the monthly rec- “While our space in the ipe, Bible would package the Liberty Vault was just what necessary products so cus- we needed to get our business tomers could just walk in and started, our (new) storefront pick up everything they need Linen, yarn shop picks up vendors location at 1247 Liberty St. for an evening or weekend has afforded us so many op- meal. “This was an idea that Two new vendors were cludes a gift boutique, Chic Pet Boutique fur babies, the timing was portunities for growth,” said seemed to be appreciated by added in 2020 at Diane’s Shopper re-sale apparel and In September, Laemmer perfect,” Laemmer said. Tammy Bible. many people,” Bible said. Linen & Yarn Shoppe, locat- an alteration department. opened Diane’s Pet Boutique Burt’s Bees grooming ed at 1269 Liberty St. Frank- Renee McNally took over at 1243 Liberty St., Suite 102. products are sold at the store. lin. the alterations work. Mary Parson and Pudgy Treats and dog foods are made Lane Harrah brought his Laemmer said she plans to Tate operate this fun-filled pet with all-natural ingredients, horseshoe art and Angela offer classes in 2021 for peo- store that offers pet supplies, Laemmer said. Wofford added her rock and ple who want to learn how to toys, homemade treats and The owner said only ser- wooden crafts to the store’s knit, sew and crochet. apparel for our furry friends. vice animals are permitted in- offerings. She also would like to add “With so many people side the store. She hopes to Diane Laemmer is the embroidery classes to the working from home and add items for fish and birds in owner of the store, which in- lineup. spending more time with their the coming months. Jones Service Garage adds shuttle service Oak Hill Apartments offers housing Jones Service Garage at 122 Pone employees. the inconvenience of untimely automo- Oak Hill Apartments offers safe and sanitary housing for Lane, Franklin, added a free shuttle ser- The garage works on all makes and tive repair and maintenance, we have low-income residents of Venango County. The apartment com- vice for customers living within a 15- models of passenger cars as well as light worked hard to make it easier,” Bacher plex, located at 10 Taylor St., Franklin, is managed by ABC mile radius of the shop. A pickup and and medium duty trucks. It is an approved said. Management. It includes 82 Section 8 apartments and 38 delivery service also was added last Pennsylvania State Inspection and En- There is a night key drop available for HUD-approved Section 236 apartments. year. hanced Vehicle Inspection station. after-hours dropoffs. The garage also There are four full-time workers on staff. The independent auto care center of- Bacher added a bit of technology to provides free snacks, drinks and WiFi for The property was built in 1976 and renovated in 2015. fers a variety of services that range from his toolbox last year, adding a texting waiting customers. There are one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. complete engine and transmission re- service that allows customers to text a Bacher hopes to incorporate a Go Mo- There is a service coordinator at the property who can help placement jobs to simple oil changes. message to the garage to make an ap- bile with loyalty cards and an email ser- residents with any service needs. There also is a computer lab, The business is owned by Stanley pointment or ask questions. vice that will tell customers about month- a community room and a small fitness center available. “Bill” Bacher. There are two full-time “While we can’t completely eliminate ly specials and provide coupons.

Family Pastime turns into business Owned & forcement and the retiring many need- This article was submitted by from the Franklin Police De- ed home Operated For the Franklin Area Chamber. partment and the Venango projects County Sheriff’s office, done, and I 80 YEARS! What started out as an “I Baughman started teaching at was busier need something to do in the Venango Technology Center. than ever,” summer” project for Mark That was 2015, and, with time he said. Baughman has turned into a in the summer months, he Baugh- business now known through- started the cleaning business man does out the tri-county area and in 2018. the cleaning beyond. 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ALL CANDIDATES MUST APPLY ONLINE Clarion County Crawford County Venango County 11289 Route 322 18282 Technology Drive, Suite 202 33 Seneca Street Advanced Drainage Systems is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all q ualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, Shippenville, PA Meadville, PA Oil City, PA color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. kç=íÉäÉéÜçåÉ=Å~ääë=éäÉ~ëÉK==bèì~ä=lééçêíìåáíó=bãéäçóÉêK Residential Program Worker j`p=áë=ÜáêáåÖ=~åÇ= Veterans Encouraged Job Details: Job Location: Franklin, Oil City, and Seneca, PA tb=t^kq=vlr>> Position Types: Full-Time 40 hours/ Part-Time 32 hours Salary: $12.00 an hour MCS is a stable company who has Description: Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania is looking to hire both full and part-time energetic Residential Program Workers to join our team. Full-time amazing longevity in our fleet! positions come with a benefit package with health care valued at 6k. Part-time positions come with health care and retirement savings plan. Regional OTR positions available, excellent pay, immediate Job Summary: We operate three community residential homes which are staffed 24 hours a day. Staff provide direct healthcare coverage for you and your family! care and a safe, secure and supportive living environment for individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. Various shifts are available. Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED, successful ✓ COVID-19 Bonus Pay ✓ Immediate Healthcare ✓ 401K background checks, valid PA driver’s license. Experience working with individuals with ✓ $200 DOT Inspection Bonus & More ✓ Vacation/Holiday Pay disabilities preferred. ✓ Rider/Pet Policy ✓ Daily Per Diem Contact Amy at 419-725-7167 Please send resumes to: or visit www.mcstrucks.com to fill [email protected] Easterseals is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. out a short form application! B-20 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald Friday, February 19, 2021 Sugarcreek council focuses on business By A.J. TITLEY from office. His belief was so-called flushable wipes af- Staff writer confirmed when borough ter a sewer pump was ruined manager Joe Sporer said that, and had to be replaced at a While the COVID-19 pan- according to borough rules, price of $8,000. demic kept Sugarcreek Bor- Speth could only be removed At that time, Sporer said he ough council members on by impeachment, a hearing in wasn’t sure if the destruction their toes throughout 2020, front of the governor, or if he was coming from an increase much of the council’s focus were to be found guilty of in the usage of the wipes due remained on business as usu- “infamous crimes.” to a perceived toilet paper al. Talk of Speth vacating his shortage, or some other rea- In January, the panel wel- seat did not come up again. son. comed two new members into Just a month later, council The phenomenon is one the fold, Matt Carlson and received a resignation from seen across all wastewater Tom Hartle, after their victo- another member, Tom Hartle, networks, and similar requests ries in the November 2019 after it was revealed he faced were made to the public in election. criminal charges. both Franklin and Oil City Carlson, a former borough Hartle was charged by over the year. police chief, beat out former Sugarcreek police with mis- Sewer woes continued for councilman Howard “Skip” demeanor counts of stalking - the borough all the way up to Barger 157-78. Hartle nar- repeatedly communicate to December when council voted rowly defeated Bogan cause fear and harassment. 4-1, with Carlson the dissent- Goughler, a 15-year veteran According to criminal er, to enact an ordinance that of the panel, as a write-in can- complaints, Hartle repeatedly will require property owners didate 78-63. made contact with a woman on the 417 wastewater system Goughler’s departure left after she asked him to stop to foot the bill should their the position of council presi- and created a false dating pro- sewer grinder pump need to Sugarcreek Borough Mayor Charlie McDaniel swears in former council pres- dent open, which was filled file to further contact the be replaced. ident Bogan Goughler at a May meeting of the panel. Goughler filled the seat by John McClelland, who has woman. A replacement pump costs he lost to Tom Hartle in the November 2019 election after Hartle resigned served the borough for nearly Hartle pleded guilty to two about $2,000 and residents from the post in March. 50 years in many different counts of harassment-com- will only pay if their pump is positions, including 36 years municate lewd, threatening, out of the two-year warranty eration of the sewage treat- ing in at $4,108 less than the in the borough’s budget has as mayor. etc., language in November. period. Sporer also said the ment plant, which leaves only 2020 budget, sets expendi- been removed in the coming Council avoided another For each charge he was sen- bill includes no extra profit $11 for providing electric to tures at $3,201,431. year for the same financial turnover after questions arose tenced to 12 months proba- costs to the borough, and bor- the plant, maintenance of the It includes no large capital reasons, one of the biggest be- surrounding fifth ward repre- tion, the sentences to run con- ough maintenance will con- system, workman’s compen- projects or purchases in order ing an expected drop in liquid sentative Jim Speth. secutively, according to court tinue to order and install the sation and to pay treatment to make up for funds lost this fuels funds. In a February meeting, documents. pumps. plant and billing employees. year related to the coronavi- PennDOT notified the bor- Speth announced that he in- Council then made the Sporer said when council Sporer said that if the bor- rus pandemic, Sporer said at ough in September that the tended to serve out the rest of unanimous decision to bring voted, the ordinance should ough were to continue to pay the panel’s November meet- organization expects to hand his elected term, which ex- Goughler back onto the panel have been one created “a de- to replace a pump each time, ing. out about 10% less of the pires in January 2022, despite after he was the only person cade ago.” the borough’s wastewater The budget also accounts funds than municipalities have no longer living in the ward. to express interest in the posi- He explained that of the fund would be bankrupt in for the almost $2 million de- received in the past due to a Speth said he still lives in tion. $51 residents pay per month, five to six years. crease in the borough’s tax decrease in motorist travel be- the borough and felt that he One of the biggest chal- $21 goes to pay for a Pennsyl- base which declined mostly cause of the pandemic. could represent the ward he lenges Sugarcreek faced over vania Infrastructure Invest- The year ahead due to a handful of high-dollar Sporer said if the projected was elected to serve. 2020 was an ongoing battle ment Authority (PennVEST) A final budget approved in companies that have filed tax decrease stands, the borough At that meeting, borough with the borough’s wastewa- loan incurred when the sys- December stands pat on taxes appeals. is set to take a $33,000 hit, solicitor Brian Spaid said that ter network equipment. tem was installed in 2006. for the fourth consecutive Sporer also said at that dropping liquid fuels funds he did not believe council had In May, Sporer pleaded Another $19 of the bill is year. meeting most of the road from the $268,000 it received the power to remove Speth with the public to stop using used to pay for the daily op- The balanced budget, com- maintenance usually included in 2020 to about $235,000. Close Notary owner earns certification Klapec Trucking Co. to offer electronic notarization services rized correctly. Close uses the free budget seminars in the Frank- continues to grow This article was submitted by latest technology including the lin/Oil City area to introduce the company. ability to use text message com- those interested in budgeting and This article was submitted munication, scheduling an ap- taking control of their finances. by the company. Close Notary, owned by Kevin pointment online, and more. The seminars will be offered in Close is located at 208 Manor He also has a network of pro- different group levels such as Drive in the Village of Rocky fessionals working in Harrisburg high school juniors and seniors During these times of uncertain- Grove. Close has been in busi- to handle just about any motor headed to college, young adults ty, one thing is for certain — Kla- ness for 23 years, first opening in vehicle transaction or problem just out of college, and adults pec Trucking Co. is still driving January of 1998. quickly and conveniently. who are weary about money mat- strong. Close Notary offers PennDOT New in March of 2020, Close ters. Even with all the unexpected Authorized online motor vehicle became authorized as an Elec- Close Notary saw an increase changes taking place in today’s work including titles, plates, tronic Notary through the Penn- in its customer base in 2020, de- world with the spread of the corona- With the growth in equipment, transfers, and instant registration sylvania Department of State. spite the pandemic, and Close virus, KTC has seen expansion additional parking space is also re- renewals. Close Notary also of- This grants authorization for him attributes that mostly to word of throughout its many divisions in a quired. fers title and registration for to complete In Person Electronic mouth from happy and satisfied variety of ways. A newly expanded parking area boats, ATVs and snowmobiles, Notarization (IPEN) and Remote customers, and his highest goal The KTC terminal in Reno, lo- about a half of a mile south has seen and general notary services to the Online Notarization (RON). of offering experienced notary cated along Route 8 between Frank- tremendous improvements in 2020 public. With the pandemic, the need services that ensures the work is lin and Oil City, holds new units with many further upgrades planned Close offers convenient eve- for well-trained electronic nota- done correctly the first time. that were recently added to the for 2021. ning and weekend hours and the ries has greatly increased and of- For 2021, the level of business company’s flatbed and van fleets. Klapec Trucking Co. is a third- ability to schedule appointments fers the convenience of remote is expected to increase, Close Additional expansion will occur generation family-owned and oper- as well. Offerings include premi- online notarization for any docu- said, especially since he will have with new 2022 units scheduled for ated business providing employ- um Sunday services, by advance ment or record, Close said. the ability to do remote online delivery this summer. ment for over 100 people from the appointment, as well. The busi- Continuing in 2021, Close of- notarization, and in-person elec- Embracing the newest and imple- surrounding communities. ness website is www.closenotary. fers personal financial coaching tronic notarization. menting the most modern concepts services, as he is a Master Finan- Continuing education has been KTC is extremely proud of its com. available, all new road tractors are Close attends mandatory and cial Coach with Ramsey Solu- planned through the state agen- workforce and the fact that many continuing education related to tions. cies themselves, and their autho- special ordered to be equipped with employees have been with the com- the notary public law, and work- Close said he saw success in rized education partners. This the most cutting-edge technologies pany for decades. ing with the various state agen- 2020 with several clients, in get- training and networking allows and safety equipment available be- For over 71 years, KTC has been cies on title and registration, ting them out of debt and onto a Close to offer the best service to ing dual purposed to increase fuel serving the local community and is throughout the year. This ensures path of financial freedom. his customers, both new and ex- economy as well as reducing emis- looking forward to continued growth every document or record is nota- In 2021, Close plans to offer isting. sions in 2021. WESTERN SNOWPLOWS & ICE CONTROL EQUIPMENT Bear’s Furniture completes renovations, adds new entrance to Route 322 store The past year has undoubt- ably had some challenges for everyone, including the staff and customers of Bear’s Fur- niture & Mattress. However, there were also some great improvements and • Steel or Poly Contractor Grade Plows changes in 2020 that will help the Franklin company serve • More options with the new Wideout and Wideout XL its customers and the commu- • UltraMount System for easiest mount in the business nity better. A storewide renovation • Snowplows for UTV’s was completed in March. This • Factory original parts & accessories included the addition of a • Largest Western Inventory in the area. beautiful new entrance. The face of Bear’s changed with the addition of a new warehouse employee, a new sales associate at its Mead- ville location and a new delivery truck. A significant renovation project that included interior work and a new en- The company also pur- trance was completed last year at Bear’s Furniture. chased a beautiful 10-foot Christmas tree to mark the the past year was the addition tainly feel blessed,” Fetty said. The staff of Bear’s worked new entrance to the Franklin of the Bear’s Gift Shop, fea- She said it is important to very hard in 2020 to serve building. “We’re already look- turing Beekman goat’s milk the company — in 2021 and customers, and will work even ing forward to decorating it products, seasonal items from beyond — to pass those bless- harder in 2021 to serve the TRAILERS next Christmas,” said Angie Adams & Co. and Ganz, and ings on to the communities business and community, Fet- Fetty, store and training man- Swan Creek candles. “We are that have supported its ty said. Cargos, Landscape, ATV, Equipment & Dumps ager. all pretty sure that our best growth. The company is owned by Along with these improve- customers at the Gift Shop are In the new year, Bear’s an- Michael Moss. It provides Sales • Service • Parts T-Plates & Notary Service ments, there is also a new line our own employees,” Fetty ticipates continued sales home furnishings, bedding, of Amish-made office and liv- joked. growth, and an increase of its living room, dining room and 12645 State Hwy 8 (3 Miles North Of Titusville) ing room furniture available, The renovation, new em- inventory of brands it sup- bedroom furniture. (814) 827-1073 and new products from exist- ployees, and solid inventory ports and trusts, such as Flex- There are 15 full-time and ing vendors. contributed to the company’s steel, La-Z-Boy, Best and two part-time workers at the www.tomstrailerandrv.com Another big change over success in 2020, “and we cer- Vaughan-Bassett. company. Friday, February 19, 2021 THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald – B-21 The Road to Rural King Farm supply store opens after months of silence from national chain By A.J. TITLEY ing had been bought, and by a looming water and sewer Staff writer chain that could plausibly debts, causing some in the serve as an “anchor store” for community to perk their heads The Rural King saga of si- the complex, excitement back up in hope, but when the lence, speculation and stress slowly gave way to anxiety. company remained mum on ended in August last year In June of that year, Rural its plans for the near entirety when the farm store finally King said in a press release of the year, most everyone, opened its doors to customers that it had not decided on a including a few borough offi- — something many in the particular plan for the build- cials, began to question once community feared would nev- ing. again if Rural King would er actually happen. Citizens remained optimis- ever really arrive. From the time Kmart had tic and eager, but the building Just when all hope seemed its final Blue Light special on sat. And then sat some more. lost, in February of 2020, April 8, 2018, tension grew By November, the rumor lights came on inside the store within the community that the mill was in full swing, with for seemingly the first time in massive building would end tales that Rural King had two years. up as just another relic to the abandoned the property due Sugarcreek Borough Coun- After being in the works for two years, the new Rural King supply store in once booming past. to outstanding water and sew- cil President and former Sugarcreek opened in August and has been a bustling scene since then, pull- Like many other buildings er bills left behind by Kmart. Kmart employee John Mc- ing customers from across the region. along Allegheny Boulevard, Other popular stories had the Clelland caught sight of Kmart had been built at a time building serving only as a movement in the building, put That number, according to While the legend of Rural Rural King project came in at that the company had been warehouse, or even that Rural his sleuthing skills to the test Moyer, actually ended up to- King is certainly an enthrall- third in estimated building thriving. In November of King was outright looking to and quickly heralded the com- taling about $368,595 when ing feel-good story of a year cost amounts, leaving the 1981, the chain opened its sell the building. ing of the store we’d all been construction costs for the in which there weren’t many crown for the first former 97th store in Pennsylvania at Those rumors were finally waiting for. building’s remodel were fac- to tell, building permits and Kmart site, now owned by the former Jamesway discount put to rest when Blake Pierce, Renovation work had fi- tored in. the estimated costs of those Klapec Trucking Co. store in Reno, just outside of the director of real estate for nally started on the building But then the pandemic projects were actually compa- Klapec put an estimated Oil City and by 1994, the Rural King, told the newspa- and the proof sat in the bor- came and all non-essential rable to other years for Sugar- $650,000 into the property company had broken ground per that while the company ough office on zoning officer building work was put on creek Borough. located between Kwik Fill on the building situated in still did not have plans for the Larry Moyer’s desk. hold, throwing the store right “I was actually shocked,” and the A. Crivelli Buick and Sugarcreek Towne Center. empty building, there was no On Feb. 17, an application back into a state of question. said Moyer when he handed GMC dealership, also located That store opened the follow- truth to any of the stories that for a building permit was sub- In April, the company over the final numbers for the along Allegheny Boulevard. ing May. had been concocted. mitted to the borough by Al- shocked all involved when it year. Moyer said $400,000 went Fears the store would be- But the rumor mill kept len Engineering Corp. of De- released a statement saying According to Moyer, there towards an electrical system come another hulking and churning away the longer cor- catur, Illinois, and contractors that it intended to have the were 45 building permits is- and rooftop heaters and the abandoned eyesore were porate heads failed to provide Austin Construction Co. of Sugarcreek store open by the sued in 2020, with estimated remaining $250,000 went to quickly alleviated when the any real answers for the com- Charleston, West Virginia, on fall and that applications were costs of $2,835,963. replacing the roof, windows Matoon, Illinois-based chain munity that had been looking behalf of Rural King. being sought for workers. Those numbers are down and doors of the building. bought the property for $2.4 to Rural King as a beacon for The construction permit That focus continued through- from 54 permits and Coming in at second place million just one month after it a kind of renaissance that estimated expenses at out the summer until, finally, $2,852,777 in estimated costs was Liberty Electronics, was placed on the market. would bring larger and more $218,595 at the time and on Aug. 22, the store that in 2019, a margin of just nine which spent an estimated Rural King bought the build- profitable stores back to the called for a total gut of the many thought to be a lark permits and $16,814 in esti- $400,000 on an office addi- ing for $1.35 million less than area. building and several renova- opened its doors to a practical mated costs. tion on its existing building, what it had been listed for. In January 2019, the com- tions in order to bring it to a candy store of all things coun- Somewhat more surpris- coincidentally just two prop- Despite the news the build- pany quietly paid off the workable standard. try-living. ingly, according to Moyer, the erties down from Klapec. Liberty Electronics continues with upgrades at Reno facility Liberty Electronics, based and Nadcap Electronics), cur- manufacturing facility on in Franklin, is a broad-based rently in place. Pittsburgh Road near Franklin full-service contract manu- Some highlights for 2020 High School. facturer supplying high reli- include: In 2021, Liberty Electron- ability wiring harnesses, ca- Continued Six Sigma ics plans to continue capital ble assemblies, electrical and Operational Excellence equipment improvements and control panels and cabinets, initiatives have helped Liberty continue to update its manu- along with design engineer- achieve improvement in labor facturing facilities, which has ing services to defense tech- productivity. helped shape and redefine B&M Floors in Reno is a full-service flooring company, but it also offers paint nology, nuclear and other Signing multi-year con- many of its manufacturing and mattresses. Last year, the company purchased a new delivery van. technology-driven compa- tracts with multiple customers processes. nies, as well as commercial for some of the world’s most Results from 2020 reflect niche markets. important defense, nuclear the commitment employees Products manufactured by and industrial systems. of Liberty provide to its cus- Liberty Electronics are in use Adding additional staff tomers. B&M Floors adds mattress worldwide, from military in all areas to support new Liberty employees are con- components found on weap- business gained. stantly striving to increase ons systems, armored vehicles The key areas from 2020 productivity, and concentrated line to its product offerings and aircraft, to almost every include continuing to upgrade effort is put forth in providing and phone number. form of mass transit or bulk the facility in Reno with a unmatched product quality. This article was submitted In 2016, B&M Floors obtained the Pratt & transportation in use here in new addition that provided By continuing to provide cus- by the company. Lambert dealership from Williams Decorating the United States, as well as much needed space and im- tomers with unmatched prod- in Oil City, along with the customer product around the world. provements to both office and uct quality, and outstanding B&M Floors takes pride in being a locally and color records to allow a seamless transi- Liberty Electronics was in- working space. support, Liberty plans to owned and operated full-service flooring store tion for those customers. It also added Wil- corporated in 1985, and began Liberty Electronics also fi- strengthen its customer base offering a wide variety of floor coverings, liams’ paint specialist, Wendy Gawrys, to its operations in the former Chi- nalized the purchase of its in 2021. paint, and mattresses. customer service team. cago Pneumatic Tool facility Owner Lynn Morrow has been helping cus- Gawrys has over 30 years’ experience work- on Howard Street in Frank- tomers choose the right flooring and mat- ing with both homeowners and contractors lin. tresses for their needs and budget since 1999. and is arguably the best anywhere at color After Chicago Pneumatic Foremost Logistics invests While great product offerings are the first matching and mixing, Morrow said. Tool had closed the facility, it thing people will notice about B&M Floors, In addition to the Pratt & Lambert paints was converted into an incuba- in new computer software it’s the staff that makes the difference, Morrow and Sikkens Stains, the Reno store offers a full tor for new and developing said. range of products and tools for painting and small businesses. Liberty The year 2020 was one of The company’s friendly customer service staining projects. Electronics was one of the growth for Foremost Logistics. staff takes care of customers from their first B&M’s professional and efficient installers original tenants of the facili- Satisfying the needs of the visit to the store through the planning, selec- are the third leg of this experienced team. Be- ty. shipping community both lo- tion, and ordering process, to payment op- cause they are on-staff, rather than sub-con- This past year they cele- cally and nationwide as a tions, delivery and installation. tractors, Morrow promises “customers will get brated its 35th year of opera- Third Party Logistics Provider Many people took the opportunity during the best installation experience and can have tion, and own manufacturing has provided the opportunity sue of driver shortages, cre- the COVID business shutdowns to do the confidence that it will be done right.” locations in facilities located for steady development and ates needs in the transporta- home improvement projects they had been Estimates for flooring are provided free of in Franklin and Reno. expansion. tion community. Foremost putting off. B&M Floors was able to remain charge. Liberty Electronics of to- In response to this in- Logistics satisfies these needs open and offered over-the-phone payment and The store provides certified Armstrong Vi- day has grown from a manu- creased demand, an invest- by matching the best carrier contactless pickup and delivery options, as nyl Flooring installers. It offers some of the facturer of specialized mili- ment in new software will be to fit freight lanes of cargo for well as in-store shopping by appointment. best flooring products available, including tary products, into a company implemented during 2021 to manufacturers. In Morrow’s continued efforts to seek out over 20 top brands in carpet, ceramic tile, vi- providing a full range of man- improve internal efficiencies. Foremost Logistics is al- new products and experienced people to meet nyl, wood and laminate flooring, such as Arm- ufacturing services. Positive economic indica- ways looking forward, and her customers’ needs, a new mattress line was strong, Shaw, Mohawk, Mannington, Fusion With over 120,000 square tors in manufacturing com- remains dedicated to quality introduced in 2020. and Congoleum. feet of manufacturing space, pounded with the ongoing is- service and reliability. Morrow said Dutch Craft Mattress Co.’s Financing of purchases at B&M is also Liberty has grown from 30 Amish heritage leads them to focus on quality available with zero interest and zero finance employees in 1985, to 350 at a fair price. The company offers eight col- charges. employees during 2020, and lections with coil, foam and gel options, as Morrow said she plans to pursue more com- is always looking to add tal- well as antibacterial and hypoallergenic bam- mercial work in 2021 and has the products and ented individuals from the boo. installation team to meet this need. area to its workforce. Another addition in 2020 was the purchase B&M Flooring is located at 1969 Allegheny Liberty is known in the of a delivery van, which sports the B&M logo Blvd. (Route 8) in Reno. community for providing an GROVE CITY AGWAY & PETS air-conditioned environment, YOUR LOCAL PET SUPPLY STORE! paid training, flexible work schedules, generous holiday • Over 80 tanks of assorted freshwater fish Reno Truck & Equipment meets maintenance needs and vacation time, profit shar- and a large selection of small animals, reptiles, ing and employee stock own- amphibians, birds & insects As the in-house service ment parts and services. technicians in 2021. ership plans, a 401(k) retire- center for Klapec Trucking Expertise in all aspects of Years of professional ment plan, and the excellent • Over 100 varieties of dog & cat food Co, Reno Truck and Equip- truck, trailer and heavy equip- hands-on experience have health care coverage that the • All your supplies under one roof ment Service Co. provides ment repair have kept all three placed Reno Truck among the company offers. round-the-clock maintenance shifts of technicians busy best in the business making it It is certified and accredit- STOP BY & VISIT US FOR ALL YOUR PET NEEDS! to KTC as well as supplying throughout 2020. a local leader in servicing and ed to the highest national and 111 Breckenridge St., Grove City, PA the local community with The company anticipates maintaining heavy-duty truck- international standards heavy-duty truck and equip- the need to hire additional ing and equipment needs. 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