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…

Hagan Business Machines is pleased to welcome Matt VanDamia to its team as a Sales Representative, specializing in Managed Network Services (MNS) and Printers/Copiers. A lifelong Erie native, Matt is a graduate of Cathedral Prep and earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pittsburgh before completing his law degree at Nova Southeastern Read More…

Drake Well Museum and Park is now accepting applications for its Summer 2026 Museum Internships and the newly established David L. Weber Research Internship, also for Summer 2026. The museum is hiring two Summer Museum Interns through Friends of Drake Well, Inc. These paid, full-time seasonal positions run between May and August 2026 and offer Read More…

The Chamber is thrilled to announce the 2025 Business of the Year is Woods & River Coffee, and the 2025 Partner in Business of the Year is the Venango Museum of Art, Science, and Industry. Both will be celebrated along with our Citizen of the Year, Warren Thomas, at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner, to be Read More…

Displaying your membership with local chambers of commerce signifies business credibility and passion to future customers. Showing your involvement demonstrates your commitment to your community! By displaying this cling, you tell customers that you play an integral role in the success of the Venango Area through your membership in the Chamber. 2026 “Proud Member” decals Read More…

The Northwest Commission is pleased to announce the internal promotion of Shayla VanHorn to Regional Planning Manager, effective December 8. Previously, Shayla served as Community Development Specialist under EDA/ARC Programs Manager Dr. Tammy Dulaney. In her new role, she will oversee key transportation planning efforts and work closely with county planners, municipal representatives, PennDOT, and Read More…

The Chamber is excited to announce four new members have joined the Board of Directors in 2026. They are: Derek Bailey, Bailey’s Jewelers Lauren Hasbrouck, Primary Health Network Jeannie Henry, Rossbacher Insurance Wendy Thompson, T4 Rentals We are excited to have their individual skills and expertise around our board table. The Chamber would also like Read More…

The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Warren Thomas as its 2025 Citizen of the Year, honoring a lifetime of leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening Venango County. Warren grew up in Pittsburgh but knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue a career in farming. After earning his degree Read More…

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