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Mental Health: Prioritizing Self-Care in Your Professional Journey


In today’s fast-paced world, the demands of the professional sphere can often take a toll on our mental health and overall well-being.

Young professionals, in particular, face unique challenges as they navigate their careers, juggling work responsibilities, personal lives, and the constant pressure to excel. It’s crucial for us all to recognize the importance of mental health and self-care in achieving long-term success and happiness in our professional journeys.

Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness but also the presence of well-being and resilience. It’s the foundation upon which we build our careers and lives. Here’s why prioritizing mental health should be at the forefront of every young professional’s mind:
• Enhanced Productivity
• Improved Work Relationships
• Enhanced Resilience

Strategies for Prioritizing Mental Health:
1. Self-Awareness
Start by recognizing your own mental health needs. Understand your stress triggers and warning signs of burnout. Self-awareness is the first step towards managing your mental well-being.

2. Work-Life Balance
Maintain a healthy work-life balance. Set clear boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring you have time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones.

3. Regular Exercise
Physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being.

4. Mindfulness and Meditation
Practice mindfulness and meditation to manage stress and anxiety. These techniques can help you stay focused, reduce negative thinking patterns, and enhance emotional resilience.

5. Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. Whether it’s through friends, family, or professional mental health services, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

6. Disconnect from Technology
In our hyper-connected world, it’s important to unplug from technology periodically. Disconnecting from screens can reduce digital fatigue and improve mental clarity.

This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) November 2023 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.

Meet the Class of 2024


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. During the nine months, the class will seek to better understand the problems and opportunities we face in creating the best future for Venango County. This is the sixth year of the program and there are 12 people in the Class of 2024.

Learn more about the program at leadershipvenango.org

Class of 2024

Hilary Bienio is the International Trade Specialist for the Northwest Commission. She has a bachelor’s degree from Penn State and master’s degree from Duquesne University, and has achieved certifications as both a Certified Global Business Professional and Export Compliance Professional. Hilary also spends time volunteering at her church.

Tyler Brown is the Weld Mill General Business manager at Webco Industries, where he is responsible for the safety and quality of his department. He was awarded the Emerging Manufacturing Leader award in 2021 from the Tulsa Manufacturers Association. Tyler is new to the area and looking forward to getting more involved.

Gage Clark is a Project Manager for Deets Mechanical in Seneca where he oversees operations on various projects. He is also certified in Automotive Technology. Gage is a member of FLEX, is active with his church, Oil City Vineyard, and volunteers with the Oil City Main Street Program.

Kyle Gabler is a Quality Technician and Machine Shop Supervisor for Five Filer Brothers in Grove City. He served in the US Army for 4 years and then obtained a degree from Clarion University. Kyle is actively engaged in his community, volunteering for clean up days, youth sports, and at school events for his children.

Ashley Gravatt is the Accounting Administrator for Klapec Trucking Company. She served in the US Army from 2010 to 2015, earning multiple awards, and obtaining her associate’s degree while serving. Ashley serves on the board for VARHA, Venango Area Riding for the Handicapped Association, and has been a member of the Franklin Rotary Club.

Kelsey Harrah is a Library Assistant for the Oil Region Library Association. She obtained a degree in History, Religious Studies, and Linguistics from the University of Pittsburgh and has studied several languages including German, Arabic, and Greek. Kelsey is proud to serve her community through her work with the library.

Miranda Heller is an Educational Representative for Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. She has bachelor’s degrees in both Geology and Environmental Science as well as in secondary Earth and Space Science. Miranda is involved in the Oil Region Astronomical Society and serves on their education committee.

Natalie Lander is a Networking and Telecommunications Instructor at Youngstown State University, where she teaches 5G as well as various networking and IT courses. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Business Administration with a minor in Organizational Leadership from Franklin University and is passionate about her local community.

Leann Mehok is a Laboratory Manager at UPMC Northwest, where she has been employed for 34 years, and has managed the lab for two and a half years. She also co-moderates the Laboratory Service Center Education Steering Committee. She’s been involved with Boy Scout Troop 97 since 2008, as the treasurer, counselor, and committee member.

SaVanha Scott is the Assistant Manager of Core Goods in Oil City where she helps with inventory management and communicating with members. She is very involved in her community, as a FLEX member, Be Here Ambassador, serves on the Safe, Clean & Green Committee for the Oil City Main Street Program, and is active at her church, Oil City Vineyard.

Alex Shreffler is the Geospatial Analyst for the Venango County Regional Planning Commission as well as the founder and CEO of Andromeda Solutions, a technical consulting agency. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College and master’s degree from Penn State University. Alex volunteers for the Cornplanter Fire Department.

Kyle Woods is a Process Engineer for Webco Industries. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Penn State University. Kyle was a Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He is looking forward to using his leadership training skills to get more involved in his local community in Mercer County.

Learn more about Leadership Venango by visiting: leadershipvenango.org

These bios were also published in the Venango Chamber’s November 2023 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.

Ashley Celebrates 1 Year with the Chamber


As we celebrate Ashley Smith’s one-year anniversary as the Be Here Program Manager, we’re excited to reflect on her journey with us. Her dedication and versatile contributions have made a lasting impact on our organization and the community we serve.

Ashley initially got involved with the Chamber through her participation in FLEX and Leadership Venango, and since then, she’s become an integral part of our team. Over the past year, she’s connected with local schools, businesses, and the community, sharing the Be Here mission and exemplifying the power of community engagement.

Ashley noted, “This role isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to become more deeply involved in the community I love.” Her passion for fostering connections, promoting participation, and encouraging community development is truly inspiring, embodying the spirit of a Be Here Ambassador.

It’s worth noting that the Chamber places a strong emphasis on professional development and personal growth. Ashley mentioned that “over the past year, I’ve learned so much about my own personal leadership styles and am committed to our team’s development, creating a more positive work environment and benefiting our community.”

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ashley as she celebrates this milestone!

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s November 2023 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.

FYI Newsletter – November 2023


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.

Cranberry Wellness Center Announces Expansion of Acupuncture Services


Vince Ganoe, a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Pennsylvania since 2014, has expanded his availability in the Franklin/ Oil City area. He is now available a full day on Mondays at the Cranberry Wellness Center (inside God’s Little Garden at the Cranberry Mall) during their normal operating hours.

For the past several years, Vince has primarily worked at the Vitality Natural Health and Wellness Center locations in Meadville and Grove City and continues to serve these locations.

In addition to traditional acupuncture, Vince offers therapies that include “dry needling” which is the insertion of an acupuncture needle into the motor or trigger point of a muscle with low level micro-current stimulation applied. With little or no discomfort, this helps to release chronic tightness in the muscle to improve range of motion and reduce pain.

Auricular therapies are also available using small points on the ears to stimulate the nervous system associated with different parts of the body (much like the way reflexology uses points on the feet or hands) to reduce pain and promote overall healing.

All times are reserved especially for each client by appointment only. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Vince directly at (814) 227-7665 or email acupuncturenwpa@gmail.com.

Free consultations are available and major health insurance plans are accepted including Medicare plans. Check out his website at acupuncturenwpa.com for general information on the health benefits of acupuncture and related modalities.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s October 2023 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.