The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce got a chance to say thank you to its members and recognize a few of the difference makers in the area.
The Oil Region Library Association was named the Partner in Business of the Year by the chamber. It was one of four awards given out during the chamber's annual dinner Wednesday night at Cross Creek Resort.
The Oil Region Library Association was named the Partner in Business of the Year by the chamber. It was one of four awards given out during the chamber's annual dinner Wednesday night at Cross Creek Resort.
"We are beyond fortunate to have this organization," chamber president Susan Williams said about the library.
ORLA was chosen for the honor based on its commitment to engage local communities and enhance literacy. This includes modernizing of the way people can use its services and expanding well beyond book loaning.
ORLA was chosen for the honor based on its commitment to engage local communities and enhance literacy. This includes modernizing of the way people can use its services and expanding well beyond book loaning.
"They (residents) now have access to better materials and better resources," ORLA board member Jess Rudegeair said in a pre-recorded video. "We are more than (books)."
"They have an assortment, a variety of services for all walks of life," Major Smith said in a video about ORLA. He was among those who praised the online offerings available for free through the library, including information on how to make auto repairs. Other programs mentioned in the video were an outreach to provide library services to Oil City School District elementary schools, electronic book and video offerings, and GED classes.
"They have an assortment, a variety of services for all walks of life," Major Smith said in a video about ORLA. He was among those who praised the online offerings available for free through the library, including information on how to make auto repairs. Other programs mentioned in the video were an outreach to provide library services to Oil City School District elementary schools, electronic book and video offerings, and GED classes.
Even the buildings themselves serve a purpose beyond housing novels and periodicals.
"You are offered a space where you can gather with other community members," said ORLA employee Natalie Cubbon.
While accepting the award on behalf of the library board, staff, and patrons, ORLA executive director Dan Flaherty dared those in attendance to forget the old definition of library that was focused on books and think of what the term can truly mean.
"Make it up for yourself. It's your library. We just work there," Flaherty said before asking for additional suggestions to further the library association's mission of serving the needs of communities throughout the county. "Please challenge us. Help us help you."
"You are offered a space where you can gather with other community members," said ORLA employee Natalie Cubbon.
While accepting the award on behalf of the library board, staff, and patrons, ORLA executive director Dan Flaherty dared those in attendance to forget the old definition of library that was focused on books and think of what the term can truly mean.
"Make it up for yourself. It's your library. We just work there," Flaherty said before asking for additional suggestions to further the library association's mission of serving the needs of communities throughout the county. "Please challenge us. Help us help you."
Business of the Year
Klapec Trucking Company was named the Business of the Year by the chamber Wednesday evening as well. Greg Lander accepted the award on behalf of the family business, which was started by his grandfather Bert Klapec in 1949 and expanded under the guidance of his mother, Cindy Urban.
"If you haven't seen them in our community, you aren't driving our roads," Williams said.
"They genuinely care about their employees," Chris Loll said of Klapec. "They want to see their employees grow cause it helps the business grow."
Lander gave examples of how the company has grown from one truck to a fleet of dozens and a staff that includes drivers with 32 years or approximately 4 million miles of safe driving.
"Our team is what makes Klapec Trucking," he said. "... we know that the best is yet to come."
Klapec Trucking Company was named the Business of the Year by the chamber Wednesday evening as well. Greg Lander accepted the award on behalf of the family business, which was started by his grandfather Bert Klapec in 1949 and expanded under the guidance of his mother, Cindy Urban.
"If you haven't seen them in our community, you aren't driving our roads," Williams said.
"They genuinely care about their employees," Chris Loll said of Klapec. "They want to see their employees grow cause it helps the business grow."
Lander gave examples of how the company has grown from one truck to a fleet of dozens and a staff that includes drivers with 32 years or approximately 4 million miles of safe driving.
"Our team is what makes Klapec Trucking," he said. "... we know that the best is yet to come."
Volunteer of the Year
The evening's first award was given to Patti Shontz, who was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year. Shontz was chosen for her efforts to bring back two "treasured" Oil Heritage Festival events for kids - the children's parade and the junior Olympics - in 2022.
The chamber also noted that Shontz is able to identify needs for the events and took on a can-do attitude instead of simply complaining that the events were not being planned prior to her involvement.
The evening's final award went to Denise Jones, who was named Citizen of the Year. A story on that award can be found by clicking here.
"If you didn't get inspired (tonight), I don't know what will inspire you," Williams said at the conclusion of the evening.
The evening's first award was given to Patti Shontz, who was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year. Shontz was chosen for her efforts to bring back two "treasured" Oil Heritage Festival events for kids - the children's parade and the junior Olympics - in 2022.
The chamber also noted that Shontz is able to identify needs for the events and took on a can-do attitude instead of simply complaining that the events were not being planned prior to her involvement.
The evening's final award went to Denise Jones, who was named Citizen of the Year. A story on that award can be found by clicking here.
"If you didn't get inspired (tonight), I don't know what will inspire you," Williams said at the conclusion of the evening.
Below are a few more moments from the evening.
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