The Franklin Industrial & Commercial Development Authority (FICDA) will begin 2026 with a robust schedule of training and professional development programs designed to support the needs of local employers, managers, and employees. The series opens on February 17 with CPR and First Aid Training, providing participants with essential, life-saving skills that strengthen workplace preparedness and Read More…

Top Tier Federal Credit Union has announced its annual Scholarship Program for 2026. This year, the credit union will award five $1,000 scholarships to eligible members pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarship applications will be accepted from January 1 through March 31 To be eligible, applicants must be members of Top Tier Federal Credit Union and enrolled Read More…

For years, cyber criminals have focused on large enterprises. But that landscape has shifted. Today, small and midsize businesses, the backbone of local economies, see a growing share of sophisticated email-based attacks. The reason is simple: attackers have learned that smaller teams often rely on overstretched staff, inconsistent security training, and legacy systems. And the Read More…

Northwest Bank is pleased to welcome Brice Lott as Small Business Banker II. Brice will serve the Northwest region, including Venango County, and brings more than 10 years of banking experience to the role. He is looking forward to becoming more involved in the communities he serves and supporting the growth of local businesses. Brice Read More…

The Venango Training & Development Center, Inc. (VTDC) is pleased to announce that Joanne McGuire has been appointed Chief Program Officer for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). With over 20 years of experience in both direct care and management within the special needs field, Joanne brings a broad range of professional and programmatic expertise to Read More…

Excellence Accounting Solutions (EAS) has added a fully remote tax preparation option for the upcoming tax season. The local firm introduced this new feature to address the common scheduling difficulties residents face during tax time. Recognizing that the logistics of gathering documents and attending in-person appointments can be a hassle, EAS implemented this system to Read More…

Bear’s Furniture & Mattress has welcomed three new employees to its growing team. Kim Kurelko joins as a Sales Associate at the Greenville location, Jaydon Shook becomes a member of the Warehouse and Delivery team, and Samantha Fedeson will serve customers at the Franklin, Cranberry, and Meadville locations. Each new team member looks forward to Read More…

Change is never easy, particularly for a multi-generation family business where leadership, legacy, and relationships are deeply intertwined. In 2025, Hickman Lumber and Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring navigated an exceptionally challenging year marked by both profound personal loss and significant operational disruption. The companies mourned the passing of two pivotal leaders whose influence shaped generations Read More…

The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce has named the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry its 2025 Partner in Business, recognizing the museum’s growing impact on tourism, education, and community engagement across Venango County. Often described as “one of the region’s best kept secrets,” the Venango Museum is becoming increasingly visible under the leadership Read More…

The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Woods & River Coffee as its 2025 Business of the Year, honoring a business that exemplifies community commitment, entrepreneurial vision, and excellence in customer service. Woods & River first opened its doors in November 2022 at 2 West Front Street in Oil City, quickly becoming Read More…

Be Here Venango is excited to introduce our new Community Calendar that’s designed to help local businesses and organizations increase visibility and engagement by showcasing what’s happening across the Venango area. From promotions and workshops to fundraisers, festivals, and in-store events, the calendar helps turn community activity into awareness and foot traffic. The Community Calendar Read More…

The Venango Chamber is proud to announce that Kat Thompson, Vice President, has been re-elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) for 2026. PACP events, such as the annual Chamber Professionals & Leadership Conference, Chamber Day in Harrisburg, and ongoing webinars, provide critical opportunities for collaboration Read More…

Staff Sergeant Brian Swantek has assumed the role of Station Commander at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Franklin, where he leads efforts to connect young men and women in Venango County and surrounding areas with career opportunities in the U.S. Army. SSG Swantek brings a strong commitment to community involvement, previously leading Stop the Read More…

The Dale Carnegie Course builds essential skills in leadership, communication, confidence, and relationship-building—helping participants succeed in any professional setting. We’re in the process of confirming a course for Spring, if you want us to keep you updated, complete the form linked below. Details at a Glance: 8-week course, meeting once per week Time: 5:00–8:30 PM Read More…

The Venango Technology Center is pleased to announce the promotion of Bob Moore to Director, following the retirement of long-time Director Mario Fontanazza. Bob previously served as the Cooperative Education Coordinator and brings a deep understanding of career and technical education, strong relationships with local employers, and a longstanding commitment to student success. Bob shared Read More…

“It is with heavy hearts and great disappointment that ORLA announces the upcoming closure of its Cooperstown branch, effective January 2026,” said the Oil Region Library Association. Residents who currently use the Cooperstown location are encouraged to continue accessing library services at ORLA’s Oil City and Franklin branches, as well as through the organization’s robust Read More…