Search Results for: FLEX

FLEX Feature: New York Life with Jacy Blum


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Tell us about New York Life.
New York Life is the largest mutually owned life insurance company in the United States, as well as a top 25 money manager in the world. We have offices all over the country, however, I work out of our Pittsburgh-Johnstown office.

What is your role at New York Life?
My role as an Agent at New York Life is to help individuals, families, and businesses with their income, retirement, and protection planning. Additionally, I specialize in creating individualized and comprehensive financial snapshots for clients.

What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about working for New York Life would have to be meeting networking and meeting new people. I have built a majority of my clientele base is here in Venango County so I am constantly getting involved in events in the area and doing everything I can to meet people.

What would surprise people about NY Life?
I think when people hear “New York Life”, they think we only offer life insurance. When in reality we are a top 25 money manager in the world, in addition to being a top provider of business solutions and retirement. Some of the things we offer include: life insurance, annuities, disability insurance, long-term care insurance, business retirement solutions, and so much more.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about the business?
A couple fun facts that stuck out to me when I started with New York Life are that they were established the same year that Florida became a state, as well as they are one of only two companies in the United States that have perfect financial strength ratings across the board.

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

FLEX Feature: Black Bear Hemp Dispensary with Jesse Worsk


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Tell us about Black Bear Hemp Dispensary.
Black Bear Hemp Dispensary is a retail chain of stores located in Meadville, Grove City, and Clarion. We offer customers high quality hemp products and offer a true dispensary experience. We are able to assist a wide array of customers from those suffering with debilitating conditions, to people who could use support sleeping or dealing with anxiety, and even those who are looking to just enjoy the recreational side of the plant as well. Our staff is highly experienced in the medical marijuana industry and has applied the lessons learned from that industry to Black Bear.

What is your role at Black Bear?
I am the CEO, I wear many hats from developing overall business strategy, to installing compliance practices, operational excellence initiatives, and of course lead janitor. Overall, “leading the team toward our mission of becoming the local trusted resource for cannabis products” is probably how I would best describe it.

What is your favorite part about your job?
Building a business with my family, Carrie, my wife is my right hand with the business. Black Bear would not make it far without her. She leads all of our marketing and educational materials and is really the heart and soul of the team. We have been very blessed with great employees and even though are other employees are not related they definitely feel like part of the family.

What would surprise people about Black Bear?
Black Bear has really been able to help out the community. The people who shop our stores are friends and neighbors that I have grown up around my entire life. Being able to help residents of Venango and surrounding counties feel better though the knowledge I have gained has been amazing. We have been able to improve many people’s health. On top of that we donate hours each month volunteering and funds to support local charities when we can.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your business?
After nearly two years of being open for business, we still haven’t found anywhere else you can get a THC slushie. Come visit us and try one!

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

Volunteering with FLEX


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Looking to share or get involved with volunteer opportunities? Share them on our FLEX Facebook Group and connect with other individuals wanting to make a difference.

Don’t forget to snap some photos while volunteering this summer and share them online with the hashtag #flexinthecommunity. Let’s showcase all the incredible ways we are making a positive impact together!

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

FLEX Feature: Oil Creek State Park with Ivy Kuberry


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Tell us about your position at Oil Creek State Park.
I work for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources out of Oil Creek State Park. This department is responsible for maintaining and protecting 124 state parks, managing 2.2 million acres of state forest land, providing information on the state’s ecological and geologic resources, and establishing community conservation partnerships.

What is your role at the Park?
I am the Environmental Education Specialist at Oil Creek. I provide educational and interpretive programs on the environment and local history for schools, private groups, and the public. I also provide outdoor recreation programming from kayaking to archery, maintain our social media accounts, and act as the park’s volunteer coordinator.

What is your favorite part about your job?
I love getting to talk to people and share information about the park’s cultural and natural resources. I think there is a lot more going on here than most people realize, and watching them get excited and make connections to the land is very rewarding.

What would surprise people about the Park?
We have over 61 miles of hiking trails, a 9.7 mile bike trail, and a network of cross-country ski trails. The park is around 7,300 acres, which is much larger than most people think.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about Oil Creek State Park?
Petroleum Centre is a ghost town that once stood near the park office. During the 1860’s it was the center of the world’s oil industry, and had a huge impact on turning the tide of the Civil War. The money that the federal government made in taxes on oil was enough to support the Union when funds were running dry.

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

FLEX Feature: Lessons with Ashleigh with Ashleigh Bennett


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Tell us about Lessons with Ashleigh.
I’m a musician and music instructor and have been actively teaching since 2016. At the end of 2022, I opened Lessons with Ashleigh, so I could provide private lessons to the Venango and Clarion areas. I’m very passionate about cultivating the same love I’ve had for music in the next generation.

What is your role at the business?
I am the owner and teacher! I currently offer lessons on piano, guitar, ukelele, baritone ukelele, and also in songwriting at studios in downtown Franklin and in Knox.

What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of my job is a toss up between getting to teach people a new form of self expression and getting to know a wide variety of people and their unique personalities. I have the best students!

What would surprise people about this company?
I have studios in both Venango and Clarion County! When I started this business, I wanted to be able to reach a broader number of people, so I opened up a space in Knox in addition to my Franklin studio.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about Lessons with Ashleigh?
Music lessons are for anyone! I have students ranging from 5 years old to students in their seventies, and it’s a privilege to work with all of them. Learn more on Ashleigh’s website: lessonswithashleigh.com

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

Celebrating Young Professionals at FLEX Presents


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Congratulations Brad Deeter, 2023 Young Professional of the Year

FLEX Presents brought together local leaders, community members, family, and friends to honor 13 remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to our community. Their dedication and efforts have positively impacted the community in meaningful ways that deserve recognition.

Special congratulations to this year’s Young Professional of the Year, Brad Deeter.

Brad has a long resume of professional achievements and generous community service.

Since 1998, Brad has been a Fireman at the Utica Volunteer Fire Department (UVFD) and was awarded a Lifetime Membership due to 25 years of service to the community. He became President of UVFD over 5 years ago. He has also served for 8 years as a PA Department of Forestry Fire Warden along with obtaining his EMT certification, leading him to become an Assistant Ambulance Captain.

Brad has also volunteered as a board member of the Venango County Fairgrounds since 2002 and has been board President since 2015. He is a Penn State 4-H leader and Sugarcreek United Methodist Church member.

While accepting his award, Brad said: “Congratulations to all the nominees for their service and activity in our community. I take pride in helping our community. I have been very involved in our fire department it gives me a great honor to help people in need in their darkest days. I do have a great passion for the Venango County Fair as well. I want to keep it going for my kids and my grandkids. We’ve made many improvements, and I’m proud to have been a part of that for the past 20 years.

Thank you to my Mom and Dad for giving me an excellent start in life and guiding me down the right track. Also, thank you to my wife and kids for putting up with me running away from the dinner table for an emergency call or spending most of my summers at the fairgrounds. Thank you all for this great honor.”

Other nominees included: Will Price, Jennifer Stevenson, Ashleigh Bennett, Brandon Boocks, Katie Ferricks, Amariliz Sanchez, Kelly Daugherty, Matt Gustafson, Mike Dulaney, Kyle Peasley, Nick Howard, and Bridey Keller.

Congratulations to all of these young professionals!

More photos have been shared on our Facebook page and can be found at facebook.com/VenangoFLEX

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

FLEX Names Young Professional of the Year


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Brad Deeter was named the 2023 Young Professional of the Year at the annual FLEX Presents event, which was held on April 21 at Wildcat Mansion. Find more information about Brad, the event, and photos in the FYI section of this newsletter.

Congratulations Brad and all nominees!

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

FLEX Seeking Intern Information for Summer 2023


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Is your business looking to hire interns this summer? Give them the opportunity of a lifetime by connecting them with FLEX, the Venango Area’s very own network supporting young professionals.

FLEX provides local young professionals with a setting to build relationships and develop professionally. The program also helps to cultivate these future leaders and provides them with opportunities for making connections and developing their careers so that they can help shape the future of the region.

With access to inspiring speakers and career-building networking events, they can make meaningful connections that lay down pathways towards future professional success! Connect today via flex@venangochamber.org.

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

Recognizing Excellence – Looking Forward to FLEX Presents


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Our annual young professional recognition event, FLEX Presents, is set for Friday, April 21, at the Wildcat Mansion in Franklin, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Join us in celebrating our region’s talented young professionals who deserve recognition for their entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to improving our communities, and exemplary leadership. The highlight of the evening will be announcing one deserving young professional as the 2023 Young Professional of the Year!

“We are very excited and grateful for the opportunity to host this wonderful event again this year. The 13 young professionals nominated have been working hard to better our community, and we look forward to recognizing them,” said Laura Ordaz, Vice-President of FLEX.

You can find biographies for this year’s nominees in this FYI edition. Please come out to support the nominees and help us celebrate their achievements.

The event will include hors d’oeuvres, drinks, networking, and a presentation about FLEX and this year’s nominees.

Tickets for the event are $20. RSVP at venangochamber.org/events or contact the Chamber at flex@venangochamber.org or (814) 676-8521. Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Find the form at venangochamber.org/flex-presents.

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

FLEX Feature: Kingdom Guard Financial Group with Eli Busch


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Tell us about Kingdom Guard Financial Group.
We are a holistic financial services company. We offer many different insurances, investments, group benefits, and business consultation. We are able to offer our clients more financial tools than a captive or franchise agency can. We’ll find a tailored fit for you, no matter what it takes. We are located at 3052 PA-257 in Seneca.

What is your role at Kingdom Guard?
I am one of three owners of the company. As owner, my primary responsibilities include meeting with clients, managing client services, and training new agents and employees.

What is your favorite part about working for this company?
My favorite part about my role at Kingdom Guard is being able to meet new people, build relationships and help them achieve their God given potential in life and finance.

What would surprise people about this company?
The diverse amount of services and products we are able to offer. We are more than just insurance and investments.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about Kingdom Guard?
Our mission is very clear. We want to help people make financially sound decisions to improve their way of life and position them to be able to bless others in every aspect of life. Our motto is “See The Difference,” and we strongly believe that everyone we have talked to will agree that they saw the difference because we are called to be here to educate and assist, not sell for a corporation.

Disclosure: Registered Representative of and securities offered through OneAmericaSecurities, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA, SIPC. Kingdom Guard Financial Group is not an affiliate of OneAmerica Securities and is not a broker-dealer of Registered Investment Advisor. Investing involves risk, which includes potential loss of principal.

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

FLEX Feature: Barrow-Civic Theatre with Jennalee Schenk


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Tell us about the Barrow-Civic Theatre.
The Barrow-Civic Theatre is located in downtown Franklin at 1223 Liberty Street. The theatre was purchased by the Franklin Civic Operetta Association in 1989, renovated, and opened as the Barrow-Civic Theatre in 1993. We hardly ever have a “dark” weekend, as there are performances almost every weekend. The FCOA has four Main Stage performances this year. We will also have a few “Off Barrow” performances in the Little Theatre, and we contract a variety of performances by touring groups throughout the year. We are proud to host institutions of the area like the Venango Chamber Orchestra and the Silver Cornet Band. We also have a strong youth theatre program and are rebooting The Barrow Theatre Institute.

What is your role at the Theatre?
I am the Theatre Relations Coordinator. My primary responsibility is to promote events and represent the theatre in the community. Some of my duties include graphic design, social media relations, and marketing. I create our show posters, programs, and advertisements. I also get to collaborate with the rest of the team on promotional ideas and support our producers and creative teams as needed.

What is your favorite part about working for this organization?
I love working at the theatre because no two days ever look the same. There is always another creative project around the corner.

What would surprise people about this organization?
Some people don’t realize that most of the theatre is available to rent. The main stage, lobby, and little theatre are all available to rent. See barrowtheatre.org for more information! You can find us outside of the theatre pretty often. We have collaborated with Wanango Country Club for a murder mystery night, dinner theatre, and our annual Golf Outing. We also collaborate with the Belles Lettres Club for B&B dinner theatre every year.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about the Barrow?
There are a lot of ways to get involved with the theatre, and we are always looking for volunteers and are willing to teach! We always need help in the Box Office, building sets, costuming and props, bar tending/working concessions, etc.

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