Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce
Minutes
September 27, 2022
The regular meeting of the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Director’s was held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at noon at Timeless Destination, as well as via Zoom.
Kevin Thomas presided over the meeting.
The following directors were present: Richard Biery, Terry Bryant, Mike Charles, Marsha Chesko, Tim Gooch, Carrie Heath, Linn Macensky, Charlie Messina, Al Quimby, Leslie Wishard, and Nicole Yorke.
Members: Louis Rochiele, Wellsboro Borough; Natalie Kennedy, Wellsboro Gazette; Clare Marie Ritter, Wellsboro Glass; Julian Stam, Pop’s Culture Shoppe; Susan Graver, TREHAB/PACL Kimberly Jennings, Develop Tioga; Jim Tutak, Wellsboro Rotary; Lisa Wilson, First Citizens Community Bank; Jason Wilson, Cunningham, Stauring and Associates, Inc.; Erika West, The Learning Tree; Jess Sandstorm and Jason Bump, KC101.
Staff: Julie Henry, Executive Director and Jane Shumway, Administrative Assistant.
Minutes: Minutes of the August 2022 meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Charlie Messina, seconded by Tim Gooch, and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report (Tim Gooch): September has been a solid month and our finances appear to be in good shape year to date. Our balance is healthy and we are going to be solvent through the end of the year. A motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report was made by Marsha Chesko, seconded by Charlie Messina, and the motion carried.
Chamber Administrative Report (Julie Henry): The corn stalks and pumpkins are displayed on Main Street. The borough office and the Chamber of Commerce shared the cost of the pumpkins. STPR went very well. The number of spectators was good and there were many very nice people. Times for the stages were fast. Ken Block and Travis Pastrana took first and second place. The Ball Drop went well and a profit was made. The Laurel Classic Mountain Bike Race celebrated its 29th and final year. The group of volunteers who have maintained the 22 mile trail and worked the event decided it is time to retire. Julie praised their awesome work and dedication. The Rail Trail Sub-Committee is close to finalizing the design of the building that will be at the trail head in Wellsboro. Members of Christmas on Main St. met with editors of the magazine, “Inside Pennsylvania”. The publication is planning to run a center page article as well as front page photo of Wellsboro. The article will feature Wellsboro, “The town that saved Christmas”, Christmas on Main Street, and the shiny bright ornaments. Dickens of a Christmas is on track. There are a few vendor spaces available. There is a need for volunteers to help as Block Captains on Saturday from 5:00 am to 8:30 am. There is another volunteer opportunity for Thursday morning chalking the streets. Anyone wishing to help out is asked to contact the Chamber office.
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Enhancement Committee Report (Julie Henry):
Retail and Tourism Committee Report (Charlie Messina/Julie Henry/Clare Ritter/Jim Tutak): Wine 101 Class is scheduled for October 15. The class is limited to 30 participants. The Riedel Wine Glass Class will be held on December 2nd, the Friday of Dickens weekend. Both classes require reservations. The Burns dinner is scheduled for January 29, 2023 at 3:00pm. The committee has changed its meeting location to the Penn Wells Hotel. The flags will remain up until after Veteran’s Day. If you see a broken bracket contact the Chamber office and it will be repaired. Everyone is encouraged to pay attention to tourists visiting the area. Many businesses are reporting they are doing well this year. Some are struggling due to continued issues with not enough employees. This limits days and hours of operation. The coupon distribution for busses stopping in Wellsboro is going well. Coupons don’t expire until May 2023. The hope is that some passengers may return to Wellsboro on their own to spend more time shopping and dining and using the coupons. A new coupon flyer will be printed to continue this program. There will be opportunities for advertising and offering coupons for your businesses. Clare Ritter reported there are already 8 bus tours scheduled for 2023. Current tourism is focusing on “out of the box” and “off the beaten path” destinations which definitely includes Wellsboro and Tioga County.
Wellsboro Borough (Louis Rochiele): The problem causing the leak in the Packer Park pool has been isolated. Repairs are in progress. Repairs to sewer lines from Central Avenue down to Johnny Mosso’s Gas Station/Garage will take place in the near future. Letters are going out to residents and businesses regarding possible chemical smell while the work is in progress. It is possible buildings that have a chemical smell during the project may need to have a plumber assess their individual sewer traps. These may need to be replaced.
HARB Committee Report (Louis Rochiele): Caregivers of America sticker was approved.
GROW Report (Terry Bryant): G&W Railroad has extended their contract for 5 years.
Wellsboro Johnston Airport: No report.
KC101 (Kevin Thomas): KC101 is giving away $5,050! $101 will be donated to 50 different charities who are 501C organizations. All they need to do is contact the radio station and provide their information. KC101 is also promoting a “Shop Local” event on Saturday, October 16th. There will be free advertising of the event for all participants. KC101 is happy to be giving back to the community and supporting Mom and Pop businesses. One lucky local shopper will win $1,000!
Other Exempt Organization Updates:
DCNR (Tim Morey): No report.
UPMC Wellsboro & SSMH (Janie Hilfiger): No report.
Deane Center for Performing Arts (Amy Welch): No report.
Guthrie Health (Terri Hepp) No report.
Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center (Leslie Wishard for Carrie Heath): Wellsboro Art Club members will be displaying their works in mixed media called “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” 10/2/22-10/23/22. They will also provide a series of free Saturday workshops for children. Visit the website for more information.
Green Free Library (Leslie Wishard): In-person Story Time is still requiring on-line or calling ahead to register. This is to allow for staff to know how many children will be attending. “Friends” of the library are planning their annual meeting as well as a book sale during Dickens of a Christmas.
Hamilton Gibson (Thomas Putnam): No report.
Penn College of Technology (Marie Van Ess): No report
Rotary (Jim Tutak): Chicken BBQ held during STPR did well. Unsold halves were donated to the Wellsboro Moose Fundraiser for a local family. Gun Raffle tickets are available now for $10 each.
Wellsboro Shared Home (Marsha Chesko); Full Time position available for an Assistant Administrator. Medical background is helpful, but not necessary. Fundraiser Pancake Breakfast to be held on 10/18/22 from 8 am – 11am at the First Baptist Church in Wellsboro.
The Learning Tree (Erika West): Formerly Wellsboro Montessori, The Learning Tree of Wellsboro is a Kindergarden readiness program. They have open enrollment for pre-school age students.
Trehab (Susan Graver): How to Connect at a Job Fair to be held 10/11/22 9am-12pm at Career Link Office in Wellsboro. Annual Tioga County Job Fair will be held 10/18/2022, 10:00 AM-2:00PM at the Wellsboro High School Administrative Building. Susan also mentioned BPW club meets the second Monday of the month at 5:30 pm at Timeless Destination. New members are welcome.
Develop Tioga (Kimberly Jennings): Economic Summit will be held 9/29/22 from 8 am- 12 pm at the Tokishi Training Center. The first annual Manufacturing Day for Tioga County high school students will be held on 10/7/22 from 8:15 am to 2 pm in the Wellsboro High School Administration building.
Wellsboro Glass Historical Association (Clare Marie Ritter): The Pop-Up Museum has been doing well at the Crafton Street location. The display will be moving to the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center for a showing 12/2/22-12/30/22. The group is beginning to focus on fundraising for a permanent space for the museum.
Marsha Chesko made a motion to adjourn, Charlie Messina seconded and the motion passed.
Next Chamber meeting will be held on October 25, 2022. The location is yet to be determined. Meeting will also be available via ZOOM call.