Blog

Chamber Connections: Devin Zagar


Devin Zagar, owner of 7 Foot Productions & Marketing, talks about how his membership with the Venango Chamber has helped open doors for him that have made a big difference in his business endeavors.

Chamber Celebrates with The Exchange and Something Clever


The Chamber was thrilled to be a part of two ribbon cutting celebrations in July. Congratulations to our members The Exchange, located at 100 Seneca Street in Oil City, and Something Clever, located at 1260 Liberty Street in Franklin! This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s August 2025 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.

Chamber Steak Fry Scheduled for August 21


The Venango Chamber invites you to our annual Steak Fry on August 21 at the Oil City Boat Club. This popular summer event is the perfect way to relax after work—choose your own steak and grill it just the way you like it! All beverages, sides, and dessert are provided, and you’ll enjoy great food, Read More…

Matric Group Celebrates Team Members with a Week of Appreciation and Fun


Matric Group recently wrapped up its 2025 Team Member Appreciation Week, held June 16–20, with a celebration that reflected the spirit and dedication of its workforce. The week was filled with activities, themed dress-up days, and daily prize giveaways, recognizing the employees who help power the company’s success in electronics contract manufacturing. Each day, two Read More…

Clarion County Community Bank Appoints New Chief Financial Officer


Travis Heiser, President and Chief Executive Officer for Clarion County Community Bank (CCCB) announced that the Board of Directors has named Cheryl Shreckengost as the new Chief Financial Officer for CCCB. The announcement of Ms. Shreckengost’s appointment honors her twenty-one-year career with the company since it opened in 2004. Travis Heiser states, “Cheryl was part Read More…

The Olive Vault Begins a New Chapter with Local Owners


The Olive Vault in downtown Franklin has new ownership—but the faces behind it are far from new. Longtime customers Candi and Kipp Walton recently became the proud owners, continuing the flavorful legacy started by founders Tammy and David Bible in 2019. Candi, originally from Greensburg, moved to Franklin in 2009 to work at Polk Center. Read More…

A Natural Transition: Welcoming Jonathan Bailey as the New UPMC Northwest President


By Susan Williams, President of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce As President of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside many leaders in our region, and I’m especially encouraged by the recent appointment of Jonathan Bailey as president of UPMC Northwest, effective June 1. Jonathan’s name is familiar Read More…

EDUCATION UPDATE • August 2025


Venango Museum Hosts Workshops for Kids This summer, the Venango Museum has hosted Mondays at the Museum – a series of educational workshops for children ages 8-12. Subjects covered included music, STEM, and art. VenangoREADY Launches Program at Pathways The VenangoREADY program is excited to begin a partnership with Pathways Adolescent Center, launching the program Read More…

Oil Heritage Festival 2025


Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2025 Oil Heritage Festival! We couldn’t do it without all of the support from our amazing community. Save the date for next year: July 22 – 26, 2026 Additional photos can be found on the Oil Heritage Festival Facebook page! Thank you again to Read More…

The Raven’s End Will Open This Month


A new chapter is beginning in Oil City! Join us in welcoming The Raven’s End: Books & Fine Art, a locally owned independent bookstore, to our community. Nestled in the heart of town, The Raven’s End offers a thoughtfully curated selection of new and used books, alongside unique art from talented local artists. To kick Read More…

Cranberry Festival Scheduled for September 20


Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 20th and plan to spend the day at the Cranberry Festival, happening at the Cranberry Mall! This annual event brings together families, friends, and neighbors for a day filled with children’s activities, delicious food, live music, and community fun. New this year is the exciting addition of the Cranberry Read More…

Bridge Builders Community Foundations Celebrates 50 Years of Community Impact


Bridge Builders Community Foundations (BBCF) is proud to celebrate 50 years of inspiring generosity and building community. Established in 1975 as the Venango Area Community Foundation by a group of community leaders fronted by attorney Ben McFate, the Foundation began as a local repository for philanthropy. Its first major milestone came in 1977 when two Read More…

VenangoWorks! – August 2025


Check out the August 2025 edition of our VenangoWorks! newsletter, published by the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce. Click here or the image below for a PDF of the full newsletter. (This is a large file & may take a moment to download) Find articles from VenangoWorks! on our blog.

FYI Newsletter – August 2025


For young professionals, by young professionals. This monthly newsletter is published by Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange (FLEX), the young professionals group of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce. Click here or the image below for a PDF of the FYI. Find articles from the FLEX FYI on the Chamber’s blog.

OHF 2025 Basket Raffle Winners


🎉 Oil Heritage Festival Basket Raffle Winners 🎉 Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and supported the festival through our annual basket raffle! Below are the winning names for each of the 34 baskets: 1. Lemons and Lemonade – Cheryl Beightol 2. Fuel, Focus, Flourish – Dot Smith 3. Chilling and Grilling – Jim Read More…

Chamber Connections: Stephanie Keebler


Stephanie Keebler, Superintendent of Titusville Area School District, shares how membership with the Venango Chamber connected her students to local leaders and elected officials, allowing them the opportunity to showcase their talents. This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s July 2025 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.

PA Chamber Hosts 2025 Chamber Day at the Capitol


Local chamber leaders from across Pennsylvania gathered in Harrisburg for the 2025 Chamber Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP). The annual event fosters dialogue between chamber professionals and state lawmakers to advance a pro-growth business agenda. The day Read More…

Meet Our New Be Here Intern – Jordan Zerbe


Where are you from? Seneca, PA Where do you go to school? I’ve just graduated from Cranberry High School. This Fall, I’ll start my freshman year at the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus.  What are you excited about or hoping to learn this summer? I’m excited to experience a desk job. I know that sounds weird, but it’s Read More…