Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce
Monthly Minutes
February 27, 2024
CALL TO ORDER (Mike Charles)
Mike Charles called the regular meeting of the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Director’s to order Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 12:10, at Timeless Destination.
The following directors were present: Marsha Chesko, Jess Sandstrom, Julian Stam, Tim Gooch, Amy Welch, Leslie Wishard, Carrie Heath, Charlie Messina, Kiley Birgensmith, and Thomas Putnam.
Members: Jason Bump & Kayla Yoder, KC10; Maia Mahosky, Pop’s Culture Shoppe; Jim Tutak, Wellsboro Rotary; Claire Ritter, Penn Wells/WGHA; Dawn Hull, NPRC; Dawn Avery, Penn Oak; Jessie Thompson, Hamilton Gibson; Amy Greiner, Howard Hanna; Carol Hoke, Howard Hanna; Chris Osterbrock, FBC Wellsboro, Joshua Bankton, FBC Wellsboro; Natalie Kennedy, Wellsboro Gazette; Susan Graver, TREHAB/PACL; Tara Gordon, Develop Tioga;
Staff: Julie Henry & Rachel Putnam
Minutes: Minutes of the January 24, 2024 meeting were reviewed. Motion to approve made by Charlie Messina, seconded by Tim Gooch, and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report (Tim Gooch): Tim Gooch reported that the financials are liquid. The most notable item on the report is the E.V. (The Electric Car chargers located on The Green) payment was made thanks to receiving a Grant last month. With no questions asked, Jess Sandstrom motioned to approve, Charlie Messina seconded, and the motion carried.
Chamber Administrative Report (Julie Henry): Julie Reported the Explore Wellsboro will be going to print from Beagle Media and is expected in May. Multiple publications are in design due to numerous requests from AAA’s and Welcome Centers. Some of you have received letters for inclusion in the Shop/Dine/Lodging publication. Please be sure to send in your information if you want to be included. We’ve been updating the calendar and listings on the website, please send an email if information needs to be adjusted or added, info@wellsboropa.com. A couple new bands have been added to the Laurel Festival Parade, many thanks to Beka Charles. Laurel Festival Vendors are approved and mapped. Dickens vendors applications have went out in the mail. Talks of continuing Dickens, and the Christmas spirit throughout the month of December are welcomed & encouraged. Winter Celebration was a success! A bit rainy, but good reports came from business owners. Stay tuned for 2025 improvements made to the Winter Festival Event.
Enhancement Committee Report (Julie Henry): No report.
Wellsboro Borough (Louis Rachiele): No report.
HARB Committee Report (Louis Rachiele): No report.
Retail / Tourism Committee Report (Charlie Messina): Charlie reported more busses visiting and being a great growth, and asset to Wellsboro. Looking forward to representing Wellsboro at the PBA (Pennsylvania Bus Association) in State College in March. Clare Ritter added she will be attending with Charlie. Encouraged to see busses booking from Ohio in 2025. Biggest challenge they’re facing is folks who limit Wellsboro to only: Leonard Harrison and Covered Wagon Tours, & leaving– but they aren’t realizing how much MORE we have to offer! The Glass museum continues its search for a permanent home. They are working to be part of the new welcome center at the beginning of the Trail head. The Burns Dinner had 32 attendees, $450 raised for the Wellsboro Food Pantry.
GROW Report (Shawn Bryant): No report
Other Exempt Organization Updates:
DCNR (Tim Morey): No report.
UPMC Wellsboro & SSMH: No report.
Christmas on Main Street: Marsha Chesko reported committees are forming to brainstorm on the expansion Christmas on Main and holiday decorations and displays.
Blue Ridge Communications (Brian Cunningham): No report.
Wellsboro Electric (Barney Farnsworth) No report.
Comic Con (Julian Stam): Maia reported exciting updates of over 50 artists and vendors booked. New rack cards were printed, going out to visitor centers. Great partnership with Hamilton Gibson’s production, “Puffs”. Which will be presented alongside Comic Con’s, “Wizarding” theme. Wizard Trivia March 20 6-8pm. Comic Con is presenting a photo contest for businesses or nonprofits. Request a superhero decal from Pop’s, grab a photo of the superhero appearing in your store or business and send the photo via text or email. Photos will be posted on the Wellsboro Comic Con Facebook Page. Winners will be determined by the photos that receive the highest number of reactions or comments. Friday, April 19th is the deadline to submit photos, Sunday April 28th (National Superhero Day) the photos will be posted on the Facebook page. Sunday May 5th Voting is closed. Friday May 10 the Winner is announced. Winners will received a FREE ¼ page ad in the Comic Con program.
Deane Center for Performing Arts (Amy Welch): Amy reported Friday March 1st is the deadline to register for their, “Speakeasy” fund raiser in conjunction with Beck’s Bistro including a Complete 1920’s menu, activities and raffles. Next big show is “Best Friend’s Girl” that is almost sold out. Very fortunate that all of the shows this year have sold out. “Diamh” is next up in showing, they are a traditional Scottish band. Violin lessons continue, looking for more day time students to add to the schedule.
Green Free Library (Leslie Wishard): Leslie updated the library’s events. Leap Day events include making a frog craft. The library is happily partnering with the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum on the March 30th, presenting Leather Tooling for Children. Register online at www.greenfreelibrary.com Reminder that the 3rd Tuesday of each month is Book Club. Encouraged people to come to raise their “Region Kick Off” event on March 13th, 6-10pm, activities, snacks and access to computers to make donations to the library or to your favorite nonprofit.
Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center (Carrie Heath): Carrie updated the Gmeiner’s current exhibits, Wanda Short, and the combined faculty for the visual arts dept. known as the “Commonwealth University of PA”. Plan on Gmeiner closing for about a week in preparation for the new shows. Which include, “Partners in Progress” in the Atrium Gallery and the Annual “Student Art Show” in the Main Gallery. March 9th 2-4pm. Looking forward to events: Art Friend’s Art Auctions: donate your unwanted art to the Gmeiner. The Kelsey Academy Life –long learning returning in the spring. Wellsboro Art Club planning “Plain air Festival” Sept 13th &14th at the Deane Center and around town, updates coming soon.
Hamilton Gibson Productions (Thomas Putnam): Thomas reported that Winer camps for Kids went well and are Presenting Junie B Jones JR. in the Coolidge Theater at the Deane Center next week. Auditions taking place now for their women’s project called, “Women” showing in April. Auditions coming up for “Silent Sky”. The production, “Puffs” during Comic Con is looking for a sponsor if your business is interested. Guaranteed to get lots of great coverage. Introduced, Jessie Thompson Hamilton Gibson’s new executive Director.
Wellsboro Rotary (Jim Tutak): Jim reported that the Rotary has been enjoying Trivia presented by Beck’s Bistro & invited everyone to come join in fun. Rotary is trying to assist any way they can with the Housing & Labor Shortage complications, research pending. Penn Dot is upset that the signage for; Lions, Rotary, Business Professional Women, and Masons, located on the “Welcome to Wellsboro” signs are “non-compliant”, and need to be within the town limits. Meeting for a plan of action so that all of the signage is addressed at the same time. Meeting with Clint Owlet as well since the signs have been up for 35 years to make sure the problem is addressed and solved.
Northern PA Regional College (Dawn Hull): Dawn reported that the CDL class is in two weeks which is an on-demand and much needed career. Located this summer in Mansfield at Spencer Trucking including CDL –B and CDL-C. Looking forward, this fall will be presenting “Work Readiness packages” A certificate program for specific jobs and open to public. Keep in mind that there are virtual information sessions available online about the college, register on website. To be a full time student at Northern PA Regional costs under $500 a semester, great affordable resource for individuals in rural Tioga County and surrounding areas.
Other Non-Profit Organization Updates
Other Brief Business Reports
- Wellsboro Community Concert Association: Next concert is a Celtic trio, March 23rd at 7:30 pm “The Gothard Sisters”- step dancing, singers & musicians.
- Wellsboro Shared Home is raising funds with a Pancake Breakfast March 16th 8am-10:30 at the First Baptist Church –free will donation.
- PA Career Link/Treehab: Event March 19th “Disability NOT Inability”
- Pennsylvania Bird Atlas: previously known as the “Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas” is revamping the 3rd ever Atlas in 20 years. Includes Data for locals. The Goal is to get people active with birding. Facebook groups, website, etc.
- KC101: March 13th Raise the Region starting at 6pm – runs for 30 hours -ends at midnight on the 14th. Current count is 40 Tioga County nonprofits participating. Check out the website kc101fm.com At Timeless Destination on March 6th 10% of sales will benefit Haven of Tioga County, along with 50/50 raffle & trivia at 6:30pm. Haven’s Gala April 20th the theme is 60’s & 70’s, including a Live Band: “Under the Covers” at the Deane Center. Havenoftiogacounty.org “Clays for kid’s” fundraiser looking for beneficiaries. Encouraged organizations that work with youth to apply to receive funding claysforkidstiogacounty.com
Next Chamber meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Adjournment.