The morning began with a presentation from Eric Wolfe, Founding Board Member of Manufacturers for Employee Education and Advancement, Inc. (MEEA) and President of Horizon Technologies. Discussion included the impact of manufacturing in this area, and how MEEA has identified and is working to combat local barriers to economic development. Wolfe emphasized the value of the LEC program in economic development, as it is designed to market the community and execute community-driven projects.
A presentation from Amy Kessler, Director of Community Development for the North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission, informed the class about a new website for the six county North Central Pennsylvania region, as well as her role in transportation development. Blythe Brunner followed with a presentation of PA CareerLink® services, explaining how CareerLink® works to build skilled workers and connect job seekers to available work.
The class then traveled to Kersey to tour Horizon Wood Products. A LEC Alumni and an important part of the family business, Pete Terbovich, walked the class through the company’s entire process of the sawmill, from log-buying in northwest and northcentral PA, processing of lumber on-site, to executing sales all over the world.
After lunch the group traveled back to St Marys, where LEC member Roseann Chrisman gave a tour of Straub Brewery. She explained Straub’s rich history and noted the brewery as a staple in the community and economic development of Elk County since 1872.
The group ended the day in Cameron County at Embassy Powdered Metals. The company is truly a dynamic testament to economic development, doubling in size twice in the past few years. President Steve Aharrah and Logistics Coordinator Ron Hammersley spoke to the group about the importance of Powdered Metals to the region, and led the group on a tour.
Leadership Elk & Cameron is a program of the Community Education Center (CEC). Applications for next year’s class are now available. If you would like to learn more about the class or would like to register, please contact the CEC at (814) 781-3437 or visit cec@communityedcenter.com or (814) 781-3437.
2017 Leadership Elk & Cameron Participants include Amy Anderson, Warren Beck, Michelle Brooks, Roseann Crissman, Yvonne Gerber, Jessica Herzing, Fritz Lecker, Ann Marie Pfoutz, Christopher Pletcher, Bri Pursley, Alyse Renwick, Tina Solak, Lisa Sorg and Cathy Walters.
Back Row, L to R: Warren Beck, Roseann Crisman, Lisa Sorg, Amy Anderson, Fritz Lecker, Yvonne Gerber, Ann Marie Pfoutz, Chris Pletcher