The office of PA State Representative R. Lee James has recently undergone several staffing updates. After 30 years of dedicated service with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Kimberly Scott has retired. The office extends their gratitude to Kim for her long-standing commitment to the community. The Seneca office announced Becky Hedglin as its new Office Read More…

Brandon Hudak, owner of Double O Entertainment shares how connections the Venango Chamber have made helped him promote his business. This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s December 2025 VenangoWorks! Newsletter

Woods & River Coffee Shop will open its second location in Oil City, bringing its community-focused atmosphere and locally crafted menu to the North Side. The new shop is located inside the 100 Seneca building and can be easily accessed from the Center Street entrance. Guests will find the same welcoming feel and high-quality offerings Read More…

Oil City Arts Council’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration, First Night ® Oil City, will take place on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 and this year’s theme is USA250. This fun-filled, family-oriented, non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve festivity will again offer an array of wonderful live entertainment at multiple venues about town.  This year’s celebration includes children’s Read More…

On October 11, three aspiring young entrepreneurs from Oil City, Ellie Pumpukdee, Catalina Sanchez, and Mallory Welms, met with Chamber President Susan Williams to discuss their plans for starting a business. Each just 8 years old, the trio has already begun researching, planning, and fundraising for their future venture. Accompanied by their mothers, the students Read More…

Just in time for the holiday season, Amy’s Closet has raised its new signage at its Center Street location in Oil City. Owner Amy Whitehill, who opened the shop at this location over the summer, says the move has been a great fit for her long-standing business. Amy’s Closet offers women’s apparel and accessories, along Read More…

The Pennsylvania Treasury has appointed a new Relationship Manager for the northwestern region of the state. Venango County resident Janice Socha joins the Treasury following a long federal career focused on education, outreach, and volunteer program management. In her role, Jan provides outreach across an 11-county region and is committed to expanding awareness and use Read More…

Riverview Intermediate Unit 6 is excited to announce that 12 students from AC Valley and Cranberry High School have been selected as Chief Science Officers (CSOs), joining a cohort of 80 Northwest PA students and more than 550 statewide. The CSO program, recognized statewide and internationally, empowers students in grades 6–12 to build leadership skills Read More…

By Susan Williams, President of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce Successful business transitions rarely happen by chance—they grow from preparation, communication, and a commitment to continuity. A wonderful example in our region is the ownership change at The Runway Ristorante & Lounge, formerly Primo Barone’s, located at the Venango County Regional Airport. Early in Read More…

VenangoREADY Update The Chamber would like to thank Rocky Grove High School for giving VenangoREADY the opportunity to participate in their College & Career Fair. Additionally, the program has been busy with participating in mock interviews and program launches at local schools. We are always happy to talk and connect with students, educators, and our Read More…

NWPA Job Connect is extending warm holiday wishes to the community as the year comes to a close. The organization expresses gratitude for the many businesses, training providers, and partners across Northwest Pennsylvania who share in its mission to build a strong and skilled regional workforce. Over the past year, NWPA Job Connect has worked Read More…

As part of her first year with the Venango Chamber, our staff member Hannah Plowman recently had the opportunity to attend her first Chamber conference. Conferences are an important way for our team to learn, connect, and bring new ideas back to our members, and this event gave Hannah a firsthand look at the broader Read More…

Written by Patrick Pelletier, Tiered Benefits In 2026, health insurance premiums are expected to rise significantly, with average increases around 20% due to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits and rising healthcare costs. Premium Increases Nearly all enrollees in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces will face higher premiums. Average premium increases are projected Read More…

Each year, Matric Group honors one employee from each of its facilities for outstanding performance and commitment to their team. This year’s Top Turkeys are: • Matric Limited: Bill Owens, with the company since 2005 • Dynamic Manufacturing: Donna Kearney, with the company since 1997 Selected by their peers, Donna and Bill were recognized for Read More…

Kipp and Candi Walton, owners of The Olive Vault in Franklin, recently took an exciting step toward expanding their business. This September, they attended a Gelato Masterclass in Brooklyn, NY, hosted at Modalita Italian Design Solutions. During the course, they had the opportunity to craft authentic Italian gelato using the Bravo Trittico machine—the same model Read More…

The Franklin Civic Operetta Association is thrilled to host the first-ever Barrow-Civic Theatre Awards on January 17, 2026. Affectionately known as the “Barry Awards,” this ceremony will celebrate the efforts of the talented actors, directors, and production team members who contributed to the 2025 season of shows. Modeled after the Tony Awards, this event will Read More…

Businesses are always looking for affordable, effective ways to promote what they do—and if they aren’t, they should be. Promotion is different from advertising; it’s less about selling and more about storytelling. At its best, promotion draws people in, sparks curiosity, and helps customers, partners, and even future employees understand not just what you offer, Read More…

Leadership Venango is a nine-month program designed to identify, educate, involve and motivate individuals who desire to become more effective leaders. The program engages citizens from a broad range of geographical, institutional and economic backgrounds, with the goal to ensure that new leadership will continuously be added to the community. Learn more at: leadershipvenango.org Class of Read More…