Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce
Minutes
August 22, 2023
CALL TO ORDER (Mike Charles)
Mike Charles called the regular meeting of the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Director’s to order on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 12:15, at Timeless Destination.
The following directors were present: Marsha Chesko, Tim Gooch, Rachell Brill, Brian Cunningham, Kevin Thomas, Leslie Wishard, Nancy Stamilio, Kiley Birgensmith, Amy Welch, Linn Macensky, Julian Stam, Al Quimby, Tammy Mengee, Jess Sandstrom, Barney Farnsworth, and Charlie Messina.
Members: Tara Gordon, Develop Tioga; Dave Williams, Glenn O Hawbaker; Jason Bump KC 101; Dawn Hull, Northern PA Regional College; Natalie Kennedy, Wellsboro Gazette; Maia Mahosky, Pop’s Culture Shoppe; Susan Graver, TREHAB/PACL; Jim Tutak, Wellsboro Rotary; Faith Preston, UPMC Wellsboro, SSMH.
Dignitaries and guest:
Staff: Julie Henry, Executive Director
Minutes: Minutes of the August 22, 2023 meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Charlie Messina, seconded by Marsha Chesko and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report (Tim Gooch): Tim Gooch presented the August 2023 Treasurer’s Report. With no questions a motion to approve the report was made by Charlie Messina, seconded by Julian Stam and the motion carried.
Chamber Administrative Report (Julie Henry): Julie reported the office is very busy with tourist. We are still looking for STPR Guide Book sponsors. Dickens of a Christmas details continue to fall into place. The construction of the Leonard Harrison Park are on schedule. The ball drop is scheduled for Sept. 9th at Tyoga Golf.
Enhancement Committee Report (Julie Henry): Julie reported Baker Tilly chose an enhancement project for their Stewardship Week. They painted the parking meter posts. She noted the charging stations have had continued use.
Wellsboro Borough (Louis Rachiele): Louis reported they are getting ready for fall with tar & chipping in September. The Council is advertising for an assistant water and sewer operator.
HARB Committee Report (Terry Bryant): No report.
Retail / Tourism Committee Report (Charlie Messina): Charlie reported the new flags will go up as the poles are made. Fifty new flags have been purchased and we are waiting on the poles. Donation can be made to the Wellsboro Foundation.
GROW Report (Shawn Bryant/Terry Bryant): Terry Bryant No report.
Other Exempt Organization Updates:
DCNR (Tim Morey): No report.
UPMC Wellsboro & SSMH: Faith Preston reported they are holding volunteer Assistant Chaplin training.
Christmas on Main Street: No report.
Blue Ridge Communications (Brian Cunningham): No report.
Wellsboro Electric (Barney Farnsworth) Barney reported phase one of the building project continues with the building going up the week of 8/21/23. The capital project on Rt. 287N and Rt. 249, reinforcement for Middlebury, is due for completion in October.
Comic Con (Julian Stam): Julian reported the event was a great success. They had a few challenges but the feedback was fantastic.
Deane Center for Performing Arts (Amy Welch): Amy reported a new tenant, Arise Café, will be moving into the former Native Bagel space. There are two more outdoor concerts, this week and next. The music park is almost complete.
Green Free Library (Leslie Wishard): Leslie reported they are partnering with 10 libraries across Tioga and Potter Counties in a sharing program. Items can be ordered from other libraries and picked up at your local library at no cost.
Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center (Carrie Heath): No report.
Hamilton Gibson Productions (Thomas Putnam): No report.
Wellsboro Rotary (Jim Tutak): Jim reported they’ve kicked off the rifle raffle. The drawing is December 3rd.
Northern PA Regional College (Dawn Hull): Dawn Hull reported on Sept 13th they are hosting a Safe School Seminar focusing on the importance of a current Comprehensive Plan.
Other Non-Profit Organization Updates
Other Brief Business Reports
- Susan Graver reported Pa Career Link & Treehab will host an open house on August 30. They will hold the Tioga County Job Fair, sponsored by Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission, on October 17 at the Wellsboro High
- Tara Gordon reported Develop Tioga is holding leadership program for adults and will be taking applications until September 1st.
- Jason Bump reminded everyone of trivia night at Timeless Destination. This month proceeds benefit Relay for
- Kevin Thomas reported KC101 is sponsoring a small business Saturday event and will donate