2020 Pogress Edition | The Bradford Era

The Bradford (Pa.) Era

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Business & Industry U P D A T E 2020

Tourism is on the trail to something big The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, the official Destination Marketing Organization for McKean County, continues to increase visitation into the region via their progressive marketing campaigns, utilizing print, TV, social media and attendance at trade shows throughout the United States and Canada. McKean County

attractions in America.

Increasing motorcoach/group tour visitation to our county has been a niche target market for the bureau.

Each motorcoach visiting McKean County, on average, generates $5,000 in tourism spending per day. The region was most recently represented by Linda Devlin at the ABA Marketplace held in Omaha, Nebraska. Over

Photo submitted

2020-2021 Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau Travel Guide & Map with our most visited single attraction on the cover. The Kinzua Sky Walk recorded 262,256 visitors in 2019.

is becoming a recognized tourism destination for both leisure travel and motorcoach/group tours.

3,200 people attended the show. From this show, leads gathered from pre-scheduled appointments will be shared with motorcoach/group tour partners to generate new business for the region in overnight lodging, visiting attractions, shopping and dining at our local restaurants.

Other trade shows which the bureau attended to promote motorcoach/ group tour visitation into the region include Heartland, Breakaway Tours, Pennsylvania Bus Association and Maryland Motorcoach Marketplace.

In 2019, the bureau achieved record success with 93 motorcoach/ group tours visiting McKean County.

Working to attract leisure travel, which includes everything from fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, scenic driving, family travel, ATV, snowmobiling, mountain biking, motorcycle touring to birding, the bureau attends major travel shows such as the Pittsburgh Travel Showcase, AAA Great Vacations Expo in Ohio, Jaffa Outdoor Show, Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show, PA Family Travel Fair, CAA Niagara Travel Show, AAA Great Vacations, and the Cleveland AAA Vacation Expo.

In social media, the ANF Visitors Bureau has over 79,000 daily followers, with single posts reaching up to 1.2 million in a day. The website, www.visitANF. com, has visitors from around the world. In January the top countries visiting the site were from the U.S, Canada, United Kingdom, India, Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Spain, Belgium and France. The bureau’s monthly visitor’s newsletter goes to a request list of over 9,000 names.

The ANF Visitors Bureau’s annual Travel Guide & Map continues to be the most popular print piece. Although it is posted online as a downloadable PDF, the number of printed guide requests continues to grow. Last year bureau officials printed 130,000 copies, distributing to over 450 locations monthly. This year to meet the growing demand, officials have printed 150,000 copies. For example, the ad the bureau placed in American Road generated 1,238 requests for the new Travel Guide & Map. Other marketing pieces the bureau prints include the Bradford National Historic District Walking Tour, the Smethport Mansion District Walking Tour, the Scenic Driving Tours &

Image submitted

Pin Trail Pocket Map which helps to cross-promote visitors to the 10 heritage sites within McKean County.

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Visitors to the area are encouraged to collect a set of 10 pins to display in a frame or on the green logo lanyard.

Map, a Dining Guide, and the Motorcycle Road Trip Brochure.

The Bureau also hosts writers and film crews.

In 2019, the bureau hosted the History Channel.

The program on McKean County for the show “It’s How You Get There,” will broadcast during the fall of 2020. The most recent articles in the Jan/Feb issue of Pennsylvania Magazine on the Mansion District Inn and the Old Jail Museum were generated from a writer the bureau hosted in 2019.

This year, the bureau will be hosting four outdoor

travel writers for a “Blast & Cast,” concentrating on turkey hunting and fishing for future articles in newspapers and magazines.

In addition to marketing, the ANF Visitors Bureau has created a School Field Trip Busing Grant, with assistance from the Blaisdell Foundation and American Refining Group, to pay for busing from McKean County schools to McKean County attractions to help local students experience the rich history and natural beauty of the area. To assist

According to the most recent figures from The Economic Impact of Travel in Pennsylvania, the direct tourism spending in McKean County was $180 million, with tourism employment providing 1,197 jobs in 2017.

Although the tourism industry does not have a factory and is often an invisible part of the local economy, tourism continues to be a growth industry in McKean County.

The bureau strives to increase the number of visitors, their length of stay, and the per dollar amount they spend daily in our county thereby increasing the region’s economic vitality.

Our most visited single attraction, the Kinzua Sky Walk, has experienced an increase in visitation from 74,215 visitors in 2010 to 262,256 visitors in 2019. In addition, the Kinzua Sky Walk was voted by the Photo submitted American Bus Association The film crew and actors from the History Channel prepares for the next action segment at Majestic Kamps (ABA) to be one of the & Lost Trails. “ 2019 Best of the Best”

visitors in finding their way, a series of outdoor information kiosks with large maps and photos of nearby attractions, are now located in front of the McKean County Courthouse in Smethport, in Mount Jewett, Kane and Bradford.

Most recently, the Historic McKean County Heritage Pin Trail, created by the Bureau to cross-promote visitation between 10 heritage sites within McKean County, won the PA Museums Institutional Award.

For those interested in experiencing touring McKean County like a visitor, the Bureau is offering a “Backyard Tour” via motorcoach on Friday, May 8, 2020. This full-day tour, will loop through the county, visiting our major attractions, dine at a local restaurant, enjoy wine tasting and a tour and tasting at CJ Sprits. For information on the motorcoach tour email info@visitANF.com.

The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, which is funded by the 5% hotel room tax paid by visitors staying overnight in local rooms, invites any business owner interested in increasing tourism traffic to their location to contact the Bureau at 800-4739370.

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The Bradford (Pa.) Era

Technology developed

by Pitt-Bradford faculty fuels new business

Imagine a working refinery that could fit in a space the size of a large house.

That’s what Chris Getty has built with his company AE Resources Inc. using technology developed by Dr. Matt Kropf, associate professor of energy science and technology at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

By the end of this year, Getty hopes AE will be producing and selling biodiesel — diesel fuel made from plants — from a small refinery on the property of the Bradford Regional Airport.

Getty and Kropf, director of the American Refining Group/Harry Halloran Jr. Energy Institute at Pitt-Bradford, met about a decade ago when Kropf was nearing completion on his doctorate in engineering science at The Penn State University.

Getty had left a job in nuclear physics, where he worked in decontamination and remediation, and was working with microwaves in a private venture associated with Carnegie Mellon University. He came across Kropf at a conference presenting a poster related to his doctoral research on the use of ultrasound and microwaves for industrial purposes.

Getty recalls that Kropf thought he wouldn’t

understand his research — no one at this conference had yet. But with his background in the use of microwaves, Getty more than understood it, he saw potential in it — enough that he convinced the company he worked for to sponsor Kropf’s doctoral research.

Getty believed in Kropf’s research so much that he created a company to make it a reality on an industrial scale.

“I jumped in with both feet,” Getty said. “I recognize the potential impact it has. The technology has potential in any (chemical) reaction and could be of great value to a multitude of industries.”

A decade later, the idea is becoming a reality at the airport, where AE has a full biodiesel refinery set up in an industrial incubator in the airport’s Keystone Opportunity Zone. The zone allows incubator tenants to forgo paying local taxes for a limited time.

Kropf serves as the chief technical officer for AE Resources and is working on adjusting and calibrating the plant’s instruments between classes at Pitt-Bradford, where he teaches energy science and technology.

The ultrasound and microwave technology developed by Kropf has allowed Getty to build a biodiesel refinery that can produce between 3 and 5 million gallons

of fuel annually in a 3,000-square-foot space.

The heart of the refinery — ultrasound and microwave units — would fit in the average dining room.

“It’s the new refinery of tomorrow, and it reduces so much risk,” Getty said. “There’s no steam. No stacks. This will produce almost zero emissions.”

In a standard biodiesel refining process, plantbased oil, such as soybean, corn, or even used cooking oil, is mixed with methanol in a large tank, then heated to create fuel.

The AE Resources process mixes the ingredients by ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves), creating an even distribution of each ingredient throughout. The device used to do the mixing looks like a slight widening in a pipe and processes 30 gallons per minute.

With a finer and more even distribution of droplets throughout the mixture, less heat is needed to create fuel. Instead of heating a large tank of the mixture with steam, it continues through pipes and passes through microwave units. The microwave units are far more efficient than traditional boiling. Getty said that with this method, AE produces biofuel using 80 percent less energy and 65 percent less catalyst than traditional methods. The technology does that by creating an instantaneous

Photo by Glenn Melvin

Dr. Matt Kropf, left, associate professor of energy science and technology at Pitt-Bradford, and Chris Getty, owner of AE Resources Inc., stand in front of the company’s biodiesel refinery in the industrial incubator at the Bradford Regional Airport. The refinery uses new processes developed by Kropf to use 80 percent less energy and 65 percent less catalyst than traditional methods.

reaction that increases output.

With Kropf’s patented technology and Getty’s business acumen, all that was needed to get AE resources off the ground was some luck. That came in the form of a grant from Ben Franklin Technology Partners, a state initiative that invests in innovative start-up companies.

As a condition of the grant, AE’s plant had to locate in a rural area, and Sherri Geary of the McKean County Industrial Authority had just the place at the airport. In late 2018, another lucky piece fell into place when Getty found out about a failed biodiesel plant in Kane that had its tanks and other equipment up for sale.

“All the dots were lined up,” Getty said, the grant, the space that was close to where Kropf was

working and teaching, the KOZ that would allow the start-up to receive certain tax reductions for its first two years, and most of all — the patented technology, which can make the venture profitable.

“There’s no other technology like this out there,” Getty said. He’s confident that AE has several products — biofuel, glycerin (a co-product from the process that is used in lotions and cosmetics), and the technology itself.

Getty sees the plant at the airport not only making biofuel, but also selling the ultrasound and microwave units to any industry that wants to take advantage of using less energy and chemicals.

The biofuel can be mixed with standard diesel fuel to improve its lubricating properties and preserve expensive diesel engines. Getty explained

that Pennsylvania state law passed during Gov. Ed Rendell’s administration requires diesel fuel to be blended with biodiesel.

Lastly, the plant can help create environmental researchers of the future.

Getty and Kropf see opportunities for Kropf’s students to perform hands-on research at the plant involving ultrasound, microwaves and chemistry.

Currently, Kropf and Getty are fine-tuning the plant to meet quality standards. Getty said he will be selling biofuel within the year. He plans to purchase his base soybean oil from regional sources, including a soybean crush facility outside of Conneaut, and grow from one and a half employees (in addition to himself and Kropf) to two per shift for three shifts.

Koverola looks ahead with engineering programs at Pitt-Bradford Dr. Catherine Koverola, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, has experienced and witnessed education’s power to transform people, families and communities.

Education transformed her, the daughter of humble, hardworking people who emigrated from Finland to Canada in the hopes of making a better life. Since then, Koverola has spent more than three decades watching education uplift others.

As Pitt-Bradford’s fourth president, she wants to ensure PittBradford students have the kinds of extraordinary experiences that will transform them.

Koverola arrived at Pitt-Bradford in April 2019 at a good time. Over the last several years, Pitt-Bradford’s student population has remained robust and mostly residential but also more diverse, which Koverola said is a “testament to the warm, caring hearts of Bradfordians who welcomed and continue to welcome all of these students.”

Last fall, the university recruited its largest and most diverse freshman class in its 56-year history.

Of the 442 new students — a 19% increase over the previous year — 38% were racial minorities: 20.4% black students, 8.6% Hispanic students, 4.5% multi-racial students, 3.9% students of Asian descent, and .5% Native American.

She plans to build on that momentum as she

and other faculty and staff members develop the university’s next strategic plan. Woven throughout that plan will be three guiding and student-centered principles: ensuring Pitt-Bradford is an inclusive, welcoming community for everyone; preparing students to be global citizens; and tending to all of the students’ needs — mind, body and spirit.

Koverola also takes seriously Pitt-Bradford’s role in the Bradford community and the importance of infusing into the area new and innovative ideas and opportunities to help neighboring communities and their residents prosper.

“It is important that our faculty, staff and students connect our neighbors to new ideas, innovative research, and existing arts and cultural programming,” she said.

“It also is vital that we all work together to build opportunities for continued regional development and growth.

“One way to bolster the region is by keeping graduates here to infuse new, innovative and exciting ideas that can help our communities grow and prosper.”

That is the impetus behind two new engineering technology programs, developed to meet regional workforce needs and keep talented young people here.

For years, local and regional businesses and manufacturers struggled to fill vacant positions.

Young men and women interested in STEM-

related fields were leaving the region to enroll in other colleges and universities, often not returning when they earned their degrees.

“Our community members watched as other areas grew and prospered while our own area lagged behind,” Koverola said. “We knew we had to make some bold moves to change this situation.”

With support and guidance from area engineers and employers, university officials developed and received approval for two new bachelor degree programs in mechanical engineering technology and energy engineering technology, which are expected to launch in fall 2022.

University officials are now working on creating the appropriate space, a new 37,000-square foot STEM building, which will house the new engineering technology programs as well as the existing computer information systems and technology program and the petroleum technology program.

The building, which will be located adjacent to Hanley Library, will feature the spaces students in these majors will need to help spark their creativity, including a machine shop, a linear circuit/electronics lab, a measurements, virtual reality and augmented reality lab, and a solid modeling computer simulation lab.

“What’s most exciting is we won’t have to wait long to see the impact of these new programs

and this new building,” Koverola said. “We expect to recruit about 60 more students into the new engineering technology programs. When they graduate in four years, along with the CIS&T and petroleum technology students, it will be more than 100 new well-prepared

graduates to infuse into the region an influx of innovation.”

Koverola and others also are looking beyond the region to identify additional opportunities.

“When I first came to Bradford, I was so impressed by all of the local companies that con-

duct business globally,” Koverola said, “proof that we live in a global society no matter how small our community may be. Therefore, we must prepare our students to be global citizens. One way to do that is to give students opportunities to PITT... page 4

BEYOND WINNING

ANDREW BACHA OF BRADFORD | BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MAJOR ANDREW WAKES UP EVERY MORNING WITH THIS ON HIS MIND READ HIS STORY AT UPB.PITT.EDU/ANDREWBACHA

Photo by Glenn Melvin

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford engineering students use Computer Aided Design software in the university’s current two-year engineering program.

New four-year engineering technology and energy engineering technology are planned for the fall of 2022.

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

The Bradford (Pa.) Era

NPRC pursuing regional accreditation

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New technologies create new opportunities for KOA Speer

Solid growth continues in 2020 for the electronic components market, particularly with the implementation of 5G Wireless The mission of Northern Pennsylvania Regional technology, further adopCollege is “to provide affordable and accessible post-secondary education to the residents of northern tion of electric vehicles, and Iot. Pennsylvania.”

The next-generation NPRC serves students in Cameron, Crawford, Elk, of mobile broadband, 5G Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, Warren, and Venango will eventually replace 4G counties and is working to identify appropriate faciliLTE. The 5G next-generties for labs and other “hands-on” education throughation applications have out its service area. grown to encompass In May of 2019, NPRC received authorization many new technologies from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and industries including to grant associate degrees and certificates in the autonomous vehicles, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Throughout the medical devices, and summer and fall, NPRC hired its first full-time facsmart home devices. ulty members who have worked hard to develop KOA Speer Electronics programs that aid in the achievement of the College’s continues to expand their mission. portfolio of products and On Jan. 18, the college celebrated its final cohort services to keep up with of students who achieved associate degrees as part of these dynamic innovathe collaborative program between the Educational tions.

Consortium of the Upper Allegheny (ECUA), NPRC, Autonomous vehicles, and Gannon University. The Spring 2020 term marks including personal vehithe launch of NPRC’s independence as an institution cles, driverless electric of higher education. shuttles, and transporNPRC is now pursuing regional accreditation. tation pods are some of This is a multistep process that all new colleges must the products utilizing complete. Application for accreditation is comprised the next-generation techof three parts: pre-candidacy, candidacy, and accredi- nology. 5G offers C-V2A tation. At each stage, institutions must complete com- (cellular vehicle-to-evprehensive applications that include data on curriculum, finances, student outcomes, program assessment, and other institutional processes.

All new institutions are held to the same process of seeking authorization and must demonstrate success at all stages. There are no shortcuts in the process, nor does approval at one stage guarantee success in the next stages. Faculty and staff at NPRC have worked tirelessly to prepare the college for accreditation.

NPRC’s pre-candidacy application was approved in January and is now preparing its application for the second step in the accreditation process, candidacy.

To apply for candidacy, institutions must submit a second, more comprehensive application and host a peer review site visit from the accrediting body. Once candidacy is granted, according to federal law, the institution has a maximum of five years to achieve full accreditation. During that timeframe, the institution must complete a thorough self-study to demonstrate that all functions and programs meet quality standards and are regularly evaluated to ensure continuous improvement and host a second peer review site visit.

NPRC is committed to its entire service area and remains steadfast in its efforts to provide access to higher education to all residents of Northern Pennsylvania. For more information about NPRC, visit at https://regionalcollegepa.org.

erything communication) and is driven by the universal connectivity for a variety of electronic components to perceive their surroundings, such as radar, sonar, GPS, advances control systems, and to interpret sensory information. KOA’s line of automotive components include thick and thin film resistors, specialty resistors, power shunts, current sense resistors, circuit protection, and thermal sensors.

Medical devices are one of the main segments in the healthcare industry. 5G next-generation technology will allow for major improvements of medical diagnostics devices in remote recovery, virtual healthcare, medication management, and even remote surgery. KOA has specifically developed a wide range of miniature thick and thin film resistors, current sense, and specialty resistors that are found in medical equip-

ment such as MRI systems and X-ray machines as well as small devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, and patient monitoring systems.

All major appliance manufacturers are gearing up to incorporate 5G next-generation domestic digitalization. The internet and connectivity are no longer add-on features. Smart internet services have become far more mature and are required to meet customer’s expectations. KOA’s higher power resistors, current sense resistors, surge resistant resistors, and high voltage resistors are used in smart home devices, like thermostats, home video equipment, electronics door bells, robotic vacuum cleaners, media streaming devices, smart glasses, and voice controlled devices (Alexa and Google Assistant).

Virtually everything promises to be smarter, faster and more intuitive

with 5G technology. KOA will continue to meet the growing demand of 5G next-generation electronics by offering new products along with outstanding service and support to our customers.

KOA Speer’s primary activities include warehousing, distribution, engineering, research, marketing and sales of passive electronic components, including resistors, fuses, thermistors and inductors. In addition to the automotive segment, KOA Speer supplies electronic components to other growing industries including military, avionics, and aerospace which all demand high consistent reliability and quality from their suppliers.

KOA was originally known as Speer Resistor and then Airco Speer, which was established in St. Marys in the early 1950s. On April 1, 1980, the operation was merged into KOA Corporation, at which time KOA Speer Electronics Inc. was established.

The parent company, KOA Corporation, is headquartered in Japan and employs over 5,000 employees in 24 facilities worldwide and works in concert with their customers to implement responsive, localized technical support and inventory management programs.

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The Bradford (Pa.) Era

Ecumenical Home and Chapel Ridge invite community to come to them the community in large groups) is to invite the community to The Bradford come to us,” said Becky Ecumenical Home was Greenberg, director of built in 1989 to fill a need activities for Bradford for the community. The Ecumenical Home Inc. facility opened in August “We want our families of 1989 with 35 residents and friends to feel weland was up to 44 resicome so that they can dents within one week. continue to experience The facility expanded humor, joy and to include Chapel Ridge, comradery together.” a personal care home Greenberg went on where residents live in to explain that the facilapartments with staff on ities celebrate numerous call 24 hours a day for holidays, from the big assistance; Our House, a holidays to smaller ones facility for Alzheimer’s and even those that may or dementia patients, not come to mind for the and Creekside Suites, for average citizen. those who want to keep “We plan events that the freedom of choice appeal to all ages for while freeing themselves example: Easter parties, of a lot of responsibilities. Halloween parties, conThe facility is recognized certs, creative performers, as a Continuing Care carnivals, picnics and artRetirement Community ists so the grandchildren (CCRC), offering special- and great-grandchildren ized programs for all lev- look forward to visiting els of aging adults. as much as the grown Various events are held children, brothers, sisters throughout the year at and friends,” she said. the facilities, inviting the “We invite all of our families of those in resistaff and their families dence to come visit and to get in on the fun; we be entertained. have our annual staff vs “Family and friends managers ‘rookies vs old of our folks are always timers!’ wiffle ball game, welcome to come, join in cupcake wars, minute and enjoy activities with to win it contests and us each and every day.

Ugly Christmas sweater Our goal (because we are contest. When our folks somewhat limited in our and their families see abilities to get out into our staff having fun and

By JOELLEN WANKEL jwankel@bradfordera.com

ongoing support of the organization) provides an opportunity to remember or honor special individuals with a memorial or honorary gift.

“These gifts serve as reminders of special memories of a loved one’s past or recognizes an individual who has a special place in your life.

These gifts can be made for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, in appreciation, or for any other special occasion. Also, throughout the year to promote senior services via giving campaigns, the Bradford Ecumenical Home, Inc. advocates Older Americans Month Era file photo (in May of each year) Families and furry friends alike enjoyed their visit to the Ecumenical Home to and during the holidays celebrate Easter. The holiday is one of many where community members are via Bradford Ecumenical invited to visit the facility and engage with those who live there.

Home, Inc.’s Tree of being very silly, it brings visit us and share their explaining that the effort Giving.” so much joy and helps interests, talents and com- to sustain senior services Gifts can be made to lighten the mood for panionship with our folks for Bradford and surBradford Ecumenical everyone.” and we welcome more,” rounding communities Home, Inc. via the webStrong partnerships Greenberg said. is central to the facility’s site at www.behcr.com or exist between the facilIf any group wants mission. by sending their donation ity and various groups to volunteer, they can “In a healthcare to Bradford Ecumenical in the community that contact Greenberg at the environment that is Home, Inc., 100 St. focus on service to others. Ecumenical Home. ever-changing, charitable, However, there is always The Ecumenical tax-deductible gifts serve Francis Drive, Bradford, an opportunity for new Home’s Director of as an important resource PA 16701.

For additional giving volunteers to join in on Facility and Staff of revenue. The Bradford opportunities, individthe fun.

Development, Linda R. Ecumenical Home Inc. “As far as volunteerHoward, RHIT, CCS, Endowment Fund (a fund uals can contact Lisa ing, we are so blessed to highlighted the financial where monies or property Johnson, CEO of Bradford have many groups/clubs aspects of the Ecumenical is donated to a non-prof- Ecumenical Home, Inc. at 814-368-5648. and organizations come Home and Chapel Ridge, it organization for the

Sena Kean Manor residents keep busy, stay connected to community director who plans a diverse schedule to keep marcie@bradfordera.com guests busy and interacting with each other.

There’s always someShe outlined some of the thing going on at Sena many activities the resiKean Manor. dents have available.

Live music, ice cream “There is always a socials, field trips, arts social event happening and crafts and “always here at Sena Kean,” she bingo, bingo, bingo,” said said. “Every day we have Heidi Passmore, director coffee hour, arts and of business development crafts, puzzle time and for Sena Kean. game time, playing cards, The facility brings etc.” together rehabilitation, Monthly events include nursing care and medical happy hour, where a resservices to meet the needs ident can “enjoy an adult of adults in Smethport beverage, if appropriate.” and the surrounding com- A special resident breakmunities. fast is held once a month “We believe in creatwhere managers cook and ing an environment and serve a meal including atmosphere that will pancakes, French toast, maintain a maximum waffles, eggs, toast, homelevel of well-being. With fries, sausage and bacon.

24-hour access to health Monthly trips include viscare professionals, our residents receive compre- iting stores like Walmart hensive care and personal and Dollar General, and trips around Smethport assistance,” reads the to the American Legion facility’s website. or someplace that may be Passmore said Sena holding a special event.

Kean has an activities

By MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER

With a 14-passenger bus, Sena Kean is also able to take residents for a ride to see Christmas lights, or look at local wildlife.

Around the holidays, dinners are held with families of residents on Valentine’s Day, Mothers Day and Thanksgiving, as well as a huge Christmas party. “Every resident gets a present from Santa,” Passmore explained. The party features live music as well.

Every Sunday is an ice cream social, with live piano music from Judy Marquart, “who has been doing this for 34 years.”

And Dorothy Dart does a special Bible study on Tuesdays, and has been doing so for more than 20 years.

Residents also enjoy fishing when possible.

“We have live music at least three times a week at different times of the day,” Passmore added.

While the residents

Era file photo

Participants in the Sena Kean art show proudly show off their work.

PITT spark the interests of international students to attend Pitt-Bradford. immerse themselves in other cultures.”

Currently, the campus community During her long career in higher edu- includes students from 21 different cation, Koverola has made many concountries, including Bangladesh, China, nections throughout the world, which Dominican Republic, Ghana, Indonesia, she hopes to capitalize on by establish- Japan, Nepal and the Philippines. ing partnerships with international uni“Pitt-Bradford is truly a gem,” Koverola said. “There are many stuversities to increase global experiences dents throughout the world who would for Pitt-Bradford students. appreciate the beauty of this campus, In May, she will be part of a team the welcoming and inclusive environthat will be traveling abroad in the ment here, and the rigorous academic hopes of establishing partnerships that programs we offer. will lead to developing new study“This is an exciting time to be at Pittabroad opportunities for students Bradford as we develop our vision for and establishing student and faculty the future, which we hope will help to exchanges. transform our students as well as our Additionally, Koverola hopes to community.” from page 2

host things like bazaars and craft sales that bring in community members, one of the best parts about the connection between the residents and the community is the support given for those who have served their country in the military.

“I have been really impressed by all the out-

side support that our veterans get from our community,” Passmore said.

“The Legion Riders are doing a special bingo program as well as special events for our veterans,” she said. “The Legion Riders provide a Christmas present to every resident in the building. The Kane VFW

and Legion come and provide a Christmas present to every veteran and visit with them.

“Mrs. Tanner from Smethport provides a decoration to the veterans for every holiday,” she explained. “And the local 4-H group visits our veterans for holidays as well.”

The Bradford (Pa.) Era

Thursday, February 27, 2020

The Allegheny Bradford Family of companies focus on the future

Allegheny Bradford Family of Companies— Allegheny Bradford Manufacturing, Top Line Process Equipment Company, and Allegheny Surface Technology. All experts in manufacturing and marketing stainless steel, sanitary/hygienic products to the pharmaceutical, biotechnical, cosmetic, food, beverage, dairy, and electronics processing industries.

Allegheny Bradford Manufacturing, or ABC as it is known worldwide, builds sanitary process equipment including stainless steel heat exchangers, tanks, filter housings, and large process systems primarily for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and personal care industries. The process equipment manufactured by ABC is used in the production of medicine and vaccines using both chemical and live cells.

ABC’s goal for the future is to continue to spend time on developing the existing product line as well as develop new products to continue to support their primary market — Pharma/Biotech customers.

ABC has several research and development projects underway to standardize Sample Cabinets globally and make them more plug-and-play with options that can be added in the field if necessary. ABC is looking at making their heat exchangers smaller through a redesign of the standard offering. This will enable ABC to compete better against rising tariffs and international competition.

ABC continues to invest in their infrastructure and will be rolling out a new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software in 2020. The same software will be rolling out to Top Line in 2020 and AST in 2021. One platform with visibility across all business units. ABC is investing heavily in internal systems and process to allow them to supply product more quickly to the market place.

Further information can be found at www.alleghenybradford.com

believe the duties collected on the tariffs are paid

by China, but in fact, the duties are paid by the U.S. company when the goods arrive for inspection at U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Some of the added expense reduces profit on the sale of those goods and some of those expenses are passed through to the customer. During the first half of 2019, many manufacturers across all processing industries placed expansion projects on hold due to the added cost of the duties and uncertainty about new tariffs.

Overall, the year finished solidly with the international business remaining very strong with business increasing in the fourth quarter. A number of Fortune 1000 companies continue to utilize Top Line as a preferred supplier for their equipment purchases.

Top Line is an organization committed to continuous improvement. The operational excellence initiative that has been ongoing since 2015 is further strengthening the delivery of orders to the customer. In 2019, the efforts extended into the sales organization with realignment to better service their customers. This change included additional training for customer facing individuals, reconfiguration of the inside sales group, and placement of Regional Managers in strategic locations across the U.S. Additionally, the first phase of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software focused on the sales function was launched.

For 2020, there are two key initiatives. The first is the complete implementation of the ERP system across the business and the second is related to assessing the potential of several markets. Two new products are in the development phase and announcements on their release are expected in the first quarter of 2020.

Further information can be found at www.toplineonline.com

Photos submitted

Pictured above is the Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger.

Below, a visual of a Sample Cabinet is provided.

Top Line Product Line

Top Line Process Equipment Company is a leading supplier of sanitary stainless steel process equipment.

They serve processing companies in the food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and personal care industries. The equipment is used in the production of a wide assortment of items used on or in the body including items like peanut butter crackers, soup, ice cream, soda pop, beer, medicine, IV fluids, mouth wash and lotions. The equipment is built to high standards supporting the safety of the products that are made for human and animal consumption.

Top Line has a wide assortment of products sourced in the USA and around the globe. Like many equipment providers, Top Line was affected by the trade war with China through new tariffs up to 25% on all products sourced from China. Many Americans

Allegheny Surface Technology (AST) provides surface finish solutions for stainless steel parts and equipment. These services include electropolishing, mechanical polishing, passivation and pickling.

Industries served are pharmaceutical, food and beverage, medical device, architectural, nuclear, and others throughout North America. Depending on the application, these solutions provide various benefits to the final product including superior corrosion resistance, enhanced cleanability, reduced surface roughness, and a bright reflective finish.

2019 Accomplishments One of the primary strategic growth goals for AST is to attract new customers with consistent recurring sales, both in-house and on-site. Recurring sales, as opposed to lumpy project-based sales, facilitates a more predicable revenue stream. In 2019, AST successfully acquired several new customers who are increasing our recurring sales by 30% per year. Two such customers are described in the Projects below.

New Medical Device Project - Surgical Baskets - in 2019 Last year AST started a relationship with a surgical instrument manufacturer to electropolish their ABC...page 6

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The first step in reaching your goals is reaching the person who can help you achieve them.

William W. Chapman, CFP®, MBA, ChFC® Financial Advisor, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional

Daniel T. Minich, CFP®, ChFC®,MBA Associate Financial Advisor

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Union Square • 46 Davis Street • Bradford, PA 16701 814.368.9160

Five Steps to Feel More Confident about Your Retirement

It”s natural to have mixed emotions about retirement – It’s a huge life change that people spend most of their working life preparing for. While the thought of retirement is exciting, the options and advice available can sometimes seem overwhelming and complex. There are several simple things you can do if you’re feeling unprepared for your retirement years. Check out the following steps to help you get ready for this milestone.

1. Determine your vision. One of the most enjoyable parts about planning for retirement is deciding how you’ll spend your time.

Though you could just be looking forward to relaxing, you may also decide to move to a different area of the country, travel, volunteer or spend more time with family and friends.

Your plans can always change, but creating a list of activities you may want to pursue is a valuable and fun part of the planning process.

2. Start with the basics. Developing a written plan is the first important step, but before you get caught up in the numbers, determine what you will absolutely need to cover expenses that are truly essential.

Include basics like groceries, mortgage payments, healthcare costs and other financial obligations. You may want to make a list of areas where you could cut back and reduce your expenses if you hit a financial roadblock in the future.

3. Make your plans concrete. Many people get hung up on this step, as it can come with a tough reality check. To begin, calculate how much money you’ll need to cover your essentials over the course of a 30 year retirement, and then add discretionary expenses that accompany activities and lifestyle goals – such as travel and hobbies.

Be honest with yourself and try to account for cost-of-living increases and rising healthcare costs in your projections. This will give you a rough estimate of how much “income” you’ll need in retirement to replace your paycheck and achieve your desired lifestyle. Then consider all the sources you can draw this income from – such as a 401(k), annuities or cash savings. Also consider breaking this amount down into smaller goals that you can more easily prioritize, manage and track.

4. Protect your plan and your legacy.

Ensure the beneficiary information on your accounts is up-to-date and that you have the right insurance and protection plans in place to safeguard your income and assets now – and for the long-term. Also begin thinking about the legacy you want to leave – to your family or to organizations that are important to you. Involve your loved ones in these conversations and clearly communicate your intentions and expectations.

5. Track your progress. As with all goals, it’s important to set milestones, check-in and reflect as you go. Keep in mind that a little time and organization goes a long way. Set aside one day each month to sit down with your finances, and also consider meeting with a legal and financial professional annually.

Even if your goals still seem far away or if you’ve experienced a setback, you won’t regret spending the extra time to review your progress. This also provides a good opportunity to make adjustments if your situation or plans for the future have changed.

Retirement planning can be a complicated, emotional and overwhelming process. Consider seeking objective advice from a professional financial advisor who can guide you through it and ensure you’re aware of all your options.

It’s important to keep in mind that the surest way to feel confident about what’s to come is to do everything you can to prepare for it.

WILLIAM W. CHAPMAN, CFP®, MBA, ChFC®, is a Financial Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Bradford, PA. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 24 years. To contact him,visit http:// www.ameripriseadvisors.com/william.w.chapman/, call (814) 368-9160, or stop in his office at 46 Davis Street, Bradford PA, 16701 Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.

Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of PA, NY, NC, MD, FL, WV, TX, NJ, TN and GA. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services many not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.

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Thursday, February 27, 2020

ABC

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reusable stainless steel baskets, used to contain the instruments during surgeries and the subsequent sterilization process. Instruments in perforated or mesh-bottom baskets can come directly from the operating room and be placed into a tunnel washer without any further handling or arranging. Inside, the instruments are subjected to cycles of pre-rinse, washing, ultrasonic rinse, and drying. Electropolishing the stainless steel baskets as part of the original manufacturing process ensures optimum corrosion resistance for the life of the baskets. By removing the microscopic high points of the metal, electropolishing levels the surface thereby reducing unwanted contamination build up or adhesion, and promoting ease of cleaning and sterilization. AST processed over 7,500 baskets in 2019.

New Medical Device Project Incubators - in 2020 AST has been working with a leader in the incubator manufacturing business to develop the process for electropolishing incubator cabinets and components.

An incubator is a device used to grow and maintain microbiological cultures by regulating growth factors such as temperature, humidity and ventilation.

Scientists use incubators for medical treatments, stem cell research and experimental procedures.

The customer wants to create a premium model by upgrading the internal components from generic stainless steel to electropolished stainless.

Electropolishing offers the following advantages: Naturally easy-to-clean with no special handling required EP surfaces provide long service life and are ultra-safe for cultured cells, especially cancer cultures The pristine appearance provides a competitive advantage in the market and enables premium pricing to end users Together, the team designed and fabricated a critical box-like copper cathode tool which vastly improved

the surface finish and reduced process time. The new cathode in combination with refined processing parameters has repeatedly produced the required “perfect” surface finish, thereby allowing the customer to confidently launch the new premium incubator model.

The first 25 sets of electropolished incubators were recently delivered.

2020 Goals Double digit revenue growth Web site traffic surge Sales channel expansion ERP System upgrade Further information can be found at www.alleghenysurface.com

Pictured above are Incubators, while the image below shows Surgical Baskets.

Main Street work to continue in 2020

By JOELLEN WANKEL jwankel@bradfordera.com

Office of Economic and Community Development Executive Director Sara Andrews explained that, while the progress for the streetscape project on Main Street was notable in 2019, more is planned for the coming year.

“We are pleased with the streetscape work completed on Main Street in 2019 and are looking forward to the completion of Phase I improvements (from Mechanic Street to Festival Way) in 2020,” Andrews said. “Work to be completed in 2020 includes the installation of new traffic signal systems at the intersections of Mechanic Street and Congress Street; the installation of new decorative light pole arms, lights and bases on the light poles and installation of pavers, additional ornamental fencing and re-installation of the clock in front of Northwest Bank.”

A new and smoother street surface is on tap for this year, although that process won’t begin for another month or so.

“We plan to award a contract for the paving of

Main Street in the Phase I area in March,” Andrews explained. “This project will include the milling of existing asphalt to include a reduction of the crown in the center of the street; the installation of a new asphalt pavement surface with stamped asphalt crosswalks and pavement markings designed to promote pedestrian safety at the intersections.”

Andrews noted that other improvements on Main Street this year include streetscape improvements on Main Street from Festival Way to High Street (Phase II).

These improvements will include the installation of new sidewalks and curbs, ADA compliant ramps, a new traffic signal at the intersection of Main Street with High Street and East Main Street. The new traffic signal will also include railroad signal upgrades to improve safety in this area. Other improvements include the refurbishing and painting of the existing light poles with new decorative arms, lights and bases; ornamental fencing, planters and trash receptacles.

She also shared plans to bid out for construction streetscape improve-

ments on Congress Street (from Main Street to East Corydon Street) and Pine Street in March.

“Improvements on these streets include the installation of new curbs and sidewalks, ADA compliant ramps, drainage improvements, refurbishing of light poles (including painting, decorative arms, lights and bases) on Congress Street and the installation of new ornamental post light poles on Pine Street,” Andrews said. “Both streets will have street improvements made through paving and MAIN STREET...page 8

The Bradford (Pa.) Era

Story of hardwoods told by exhibit at Farm Show

By MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER marcie@bradfordera.com

HARRISBURG — A team effort among the Commonwealth’s Hardwoods Development Council (HDC) and the state’s three Hardwood Utilization Groups (HUGs), presented an exhibit titled “Imagine the Opportunity of a Smaller Carbon Footprint” at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January.

Made possible by a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture matching grant, the display addressed the environmental benefits of using wood and forest products.

“The HDC’s exhibit offers an understanding of how trees and wood products help our environment,” said Nicholas Bisaccia, chairman of Keystone Wood Products Association (KWPA), the state’s Hardwood Utilization Group covering Central Pa. “Most people have a general understanding of the environmental impact, but the exhibit shares the whole story.”

He explained after that the show that the exhibit was well received.

“Overall I felt we received a very good response,” he said, “a lot of engagement from the community.”

The exhibit covered the net benefits of the wood products industry, and set to right a lot of misconceptions, Bisaccia said.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to interact with people who travel past forests on a daily basis, or see log trucks heading down the road. There was a lot of debunking that was happening.”

Bisaccia explained, “For some reason, the education system has put this idea in people’s heads about trees that cutting it down is bad for the environment.”

Yet when a forest is well managed, it’s a renewable resource and a benefit to people and to the environment, he added.

The overall theme of the Farm Show was Imagine the Opportunities.

The HDC’s exhibit, which consisted of 7 stages, explored how forests and wood products can reduce carbon emissions.

“The first stage defines carbon and explains the carbon cycle. Basically, as trees produce oxygen, they store carbon — thus reducing air pollution,” said Sarah Hall Bagdonas, program manager at Northern Tier Hardwood Association (NTHA), a hardwood utilization group that covers Northeast Pa. “Additional stages explain how carbon footprints — the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air because of our own energy needs —

can be reduced.”

Suggestions include using carbon neutral energy sources such as firewood and pellets. Other environmentally sound options include choosing wood furniture, cabinetry, flooring and building materials.

“The look of wood is trending,” said Bisaccia, “but unfortunately, most people are using ‘look-alike’ products that are not made of real American hardwood.”

Alternative building materials — even if they look like wood, place a strain on the environment by polluting the atmosphere. One stage compares the carbon emissions from the production of plastic, wood and metal products — with wood offering the smallest environmental impact.

“Other stages debunk the myth that harvesting trees is unhealthy,” said Amy Shields, executive director of Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group Inc. (AHUG) of Kane, which serves Northwestern Pa. “The truth is that if trees are harvested in a sustainable fashion, it makes a positive impact on the environment. Like living trees, harvested trees store carbon — thus improving air quality. Once trees are transformed into wood products, they will store carbon for the life of the product. Wood products are a green choice.”

Sustainable harvesting has additional environmental advantages.

“When trees are harvested no part of the tree is wasted,” said Bisaccia.

“Limbs are often made into mulch and sawdust is transformed into animal bedding or pulp. Timbered lands also create critical habitat for wildlife.

Sustainable forestry is a win-win.”

Other stages demonstrate actual sustainability as they indicate how quickly hardwood trees grow.

“According to the American Hardwood Export Council, every two minutes, the United States Hardwood forest grows by the size of a football field,” said Stephanie Phillips-Taggart, KWPA marketing coordinator. The latest statistics show that Pennsylvania is a leader in hardwood production as it typically produces 1 billion board feet annually.

Richgas is a family owned business serving North Central PA and Southwestern NY. We celebrated our 100th Anniversary in 2014. In 2015 we purchased the retail propane business of Bradford Nugas, from owners Jerry & Martha Craver.

This was a natural merger of 2 companies with identical operations.

We install above ground and below ground bulk propane tanks & 100 lb. cylinders. All installations & deliveries are made by our professional employees who continually attend schools & seminars to keep up to date on new products, procedures and regulations.

75 Forman St. Bradford, PA 814-362-4418 Full Service Meat Department Store Hours Mon-Sat: 8am-8pm Sun: 9am-7pm

Richgas has a referral program in place—refer a friend, neighbor or family member and receive a $50 credit toward your next fill, if they become our bulk customer.

New customers will receive a first fill discount.

AND WE WANT TO BE YOUR SUPPLIER 1-800-698-1060 RICHGAS, INC 725 Tionesta Ave Kane Pa 16735

1-800-698-1060 BRADFORD NUGAS 1452 High St Bradford Pa 16701

The Bradford (Pa.) Era

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Thursday, February 27, 2020

Study shows Pa.’s potential impact from proposed fracking ban and maternal stress levels.

“This is billions and marcie@bradfordera.com billions of dollars of investment that is going Several Democratic to destroy the climate,” candidates for president Swartz told NPR. are calling for an end to However, the U.S. the hydraulic fracturing Chamber report indicates method of drilling for that the rise of fracking natural gas, but the U.S. has helped improve the Chamber of Commerce environment. The report warns the impact to states notes U.S. carbon dioxlike Pennsylvania could ide emissions have been be devastating. reduced by more than The Chamber’s Global 2.8 billion metric tons Energy Institute released since 2005 — roughly a study in December that the equivalent of annual said such a ban would emissions from Australia, eliminate 609,000 jobs Brazil, Canada, France, between 2021 and 2025, Germany and the United and would reduce the Kingdom combined. state’s gross domestic U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, product by $261 billion R-Pa., has spoken out over the same time periagainst the possibility of od. a president being per“The average mitted to ban fracking at Pennsylvania consumer the federal level. He has will see their cost of livintroduced legislation that ing increase by $4,654 by would bar a president 2025, while household from being able to unilatincome would decrease erally ban fracking. by $114 billion,” the “These stats are scary,” report states. “With a Toomey wrote on Twitter fracking ban in place, Thursday regarding the there would be $23.4 bil- chamber’s report. “The lion less in state and local unilateral banning of tax revenue.” natural gas fracking by a Conversely, Brian future president would Swartz, a scientist at devastate the U.S./PA Johns Hopkins University, economies. To help safehas spoken publicly about guard against this, the the need for a ban, saying Senate should pass my the process’s impact on measure making clear public health and climate that no president has the change isn’t worth the authority to ban fracking rest. Swartz told a pubon private land.” lic health conference in Toomey’s resolution Pittsburgh earlier this would reaffirm state year that being close to primacy over regulating fracking increases the fracking on state and prilikelihood of asthma, pre- vate lands. Specifically, the resolution asserts that mature birth, headaches

By MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER

the U.S. president does not have the authority to impose a fracking ban on state and private land.

Further, this resolution would warn that the president should not attempt to declare a fracking ban on federal land. Information from Toomey’s office indicated oil production on federal land comprises 24% of all U.S. oil production, and natural gas production on federal land comprises 13% of all the U.S. natural gas production.

U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa, spoke of how necessary shale development has been to the economy.

“Shale development, perhaps most notably the Marcellus, has been a game changer for the American economy and national energy security,” Thompson said.

“Pennsylvania knows the positives firsthand, so broadly banning hydraulic fracturing makes little sense. Not to mention, the courts have spoken on this issue, prohibiting federal regulation of the process on private lands.

What we are hearing from liberal presidential hopefuls is nothing more than lip service to activists so they can endure a highly contested primary.”

An official with the Marcellus Shale Coalition also spoke out against a potential ban.

David Spigelmyer, coalition president, said, “Banning the safe and

Domestic shale revolution ‘transformed America’

By DAVID SPIGELMYER

Concerns of scarcity, rising prices, men and women in uniform protecting our nation and increasing dependence on foreign nations to fulfill our energy demands defined the energy outlook of the early and mid-2000s. America was not “apt to return to a period of relative abundance and low prices, anytime soon,” then-Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan famously said.

What a difference a decade makes. In just a few short years, and continuing today, the domestic shale revolution has transformed America into a global energy production SPIGELMYER leader. Pennsylvania’s shale gas resources have helped position the U.S. to become a net energy exporter for the first time in almost seventy years.

Thanks to shale, the United States is the world’s number one oil and natural gas producer — a feat nearly unimaginable a dozen years ago.

Pennsylvania quickly emerged as the nation’s second largest natural gas producer — resulting in direct benefits for consumers, manufacturers, and not to mention, improved air quality. In fact, it was shale development that carried Pennsylvania through the depths of the Great Recession at the turn of the last decade.

Hard-working Pennsylvanians realize energy savings of $1,100 - $2,200 per household, according to Public Utility Commission data, as wholesale electricity and natural gas prices have plummeted thanks to our abundant supply.

As clean, domestic natural gas maintains its position as the largest electricity production source, carbon emissions tied to the power sector continue to fall, according to new federal data, soon to reach levels not seen since the Reagan administration. This sustained improvement in air quality has saved more than 26,000 lives since 2008, according to new University of California San Diego research.

While consumers, manufacturers and our shared environment have been the shale revolution’s clear winner, as we enter a new decade, Pennsylvania’s energy job creators face strong market challenges. Amid a global downturn in energy prices, the competition for capital investment needed to create jobs and grow the economy is increasingly fierce.

Focusing on balancing the supply-demand equation through modernizing and expanding our energy infrastructure and increasing in-basin use among power generation and manufacturing, are steps in the right direction. Progress

Opinion

on pipeline build-out and completion of the petrochemical plant under construction in Beaver County will help drive production growth and support thousands of good-paying jobs, especially among the region’s building trades.

Connecting under-served communities to abundant, affordable natural gas and increasing its’ use, are keys to fully realizing shale’s long-term economic and environmental opportunity.

Without supportive state and federal policies, realizing those shared benefits will be more challenging.

Misinformed policy positions from some presidential candidates to ban the safe, responsible use of hydraulic fracturing are alarming. Should such a ban be enacted, more than 600,000 Pennsylvanians would be out of work and our state’s economic output would take a $261 billion hit, according to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce report. It is no wonder voters “fear the economic impact,” a Rasmussen Reports survey found, of such a ban.

At the state level, it is against this backdrop of scarce investment dollars, declining rig counts and slowing permit applications that Governor Wolf prepares to give the annual budget address.

Unfortunately, Pennsylvania took a step back this month, gaining the undesired title spot as the state with the highest permit fees. PA DEP permit fees will increase 150 percent to $12,500 per well, and we are deeply concerned that such a significant hike will further discourage development in Pennsylvania.

With the increase in funding, we are hopeful the Department of Environmental Protection will take meaningful action at addressing notoriously long permit delays, that often run more than six months, which will help boost Pennsylvania’s competitiveness.

Strengthening Pennsylvania’s tax and regulatory structure by not increasing energy taxes, has helped to better position the Commonwealth to attract job-creating investment. As a result, Pennsylvania’s unique natural gas impact tax is on track to generate nearly $2 billion through this year.

Just as energy predictions in the early 2000s were inaccurate, it is impossible to predict what the 2020s have in store. For certain, our economy demands affordable, reliable energy and, with the right actions and policies, Pennsylvania’s energy abundance will play a central role for decades to come.

(David Spigelmyer is president of the Pittsburgh-based Marcellus Shale Coalition.

Learn more at MarcellusCoalition.org.)

strongly regulated use of hydraulic fracturing would bring our economy to a painful standstill. It would crush hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, including in manufacturing, and wipe out billions of dollars of capital investment in Pennsylvania while reversing the environmental progress gained from natural gas.

“And worse yet,” Spigelmyer continued, “consumers who are enjoying enormous cost savings from affordably produced natural gas would be stung with steep reductions in household incomes while cost

of living rates will soar.

Supporting and growing domestic shale production should be a core focus of any serious policy discussion aimed at continuing environmental progress, economic growth and American security.”

Gene Barr, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, said not only would jobs and the economy be impacted, but so would every community that gets an annual payout of impact fees.

“As the nation’s second largest producer of natural gas, we have seen firsthand the extensive benefits that the devel-

opment of this natural resource has brought to Pennsylvania,” said Barr.

“A ban on fracking would hit Pennsylvanians hard, placing hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs immediately at risk and causing lost income and higher energy prices for our citizens—not to mention jeopardizing all of the programs and services that the state’s natural gas impact tax funds,” Barr explained. “This new study should give pause to all of those who advocate for banning the development of natural gas, which would be devastating for our state.”

McCourt Label Company: Helping secure the future for customers Over the past several years, McCourt Label has continued its expansion into the food & beverage and wine & spirits markets.

As a part of this effort, McCourt services many newly-established local businesses with eye catching labels that help their products stand out in these increasingly competitive markets. By supporting local businesses and helping them thrive, McCourt helps keep local workers employed, and when our local businesses thrive, it helps to bring dollars to our local economy.

McCourt also continued to reach out creating innovative labeling solutions nationally and internationally in automotive, health & beauty and pharmaceutical markets.

McCourt upgraded their ERP and accounting systems over the past year helping the company improve the information flow and increase efficiencies. The new system is a comprehensive software solution that automates production information

and scheduling systems.

All employees went through extensive and ongoing training to keep this new system running smoothly.

McCourt’s environmental goals for the new ISO 14001:2105 certification were not only met, but surpassed. They reduced lighting wattage in the main building by switching to 100% LED lighting, an also reduced the use of office paper, propane usage, and scrap label materials. The new ISO 14001:2015 certification requires McCourt to be compliant with all laws and governmental agency requirements. The system also takes into account the environmental concerns of all customers, suppliers, neighboring businesses and residents.

McCourt’s Oil Change Reminder program is growing in leaps and bounds. Not only do they provide custom and stock oil change reminder labels and label printers, but they also expanded their product offerings in late 2019 and early 2020. They now offer a reminder

label printer, the McCourt Tablet Printer, that allows customers to create their own label formats as needed. They have also started selling shop accessories, such as seat covers and key tags, and have lowered the minimum order amounts for custom floor mats. They expect to see continued growth in their customer base and product offerings in the new year.

McCourt, founded in 1896, is a long-standing member of the Bradford area business community.

McCourt employees are encouraged to be innovative in developing new labeling solutions that help customers promote their products and grow their brand. The company’s tagline “Solutions that Stick” is an appropriate one considering the wide range and scope of label applications they are involved with. For further information, please visit the company website www.mccourtlabel.com or call 800-458-2390.

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Thursday, February 27, 2020

The Bradford (Pa.) Era

Bradford Regional Airport takes off with renovations and Southern Airways Express of Transportation’s Aviation Division.

Renovations officially began on Jan. 13 and Bradford Regional are expected to continAirport will soon be ue through spring. The flying high in style, as airport’s restaurant, the it works towards comRunway Bar & Grill, will pletion of a new internal remain open during the and external makeover. construction.

According to Bradford “We modeled it with Regional Airport Manager the PA Wilds design guide Alicia Dankesreiter, and we’re using all natu75% of the project was ral elements,” explained funded through a $1.2 million grant from the Dankesreiter. “We’re Pennsylvania Department using stone on the fireBy CHRISTINE HOLTZ erachristineh@gmail.com

places and on the desks.

We’re using wood flooring and live edge slabs of maple for countertops to tie it in with our natural surroundings.”

The interior renovations, which included new flooring, public restrooms, furniture, fireplace, airline counter, paint, LED lighting, conference room, and PA Wilds retail space are near completion, while the exterior will be starting soon.

Dankesreiter said the PA Wilds retail space will entail a unique shop model, consisting of an unmanned kiosk-type machine. Small items, such as pins and t-shirts will be dispensed directly from the kiosk, while larger items, such as artisan vases, can be purchased and shipped directly to the customer’s house.

Weather permitting, the exterior is projected to take approximately 8 weeks. The project includes new entryways, roof, LED lighting and signage.

“They have to take down the portico and put up the new one.

We’re also getting new exterior doors with entryways. The whole facade will get painted,” noted Dankesreiter.

The airport’s new look wasn’t the only exciting thing Dankesreiter had to talk about. She also mentioned how pleased the facility has been with the exemplary service provided by Southern Airways Express.

“This will be our fifth year with Southern Airways Express.

They’ve been a really unique partner with us, as they are very present in the community,” said Dankesreiter, who has worked with multiple

airlines prior. “That’s not something we’ve had with previous carriers.”

She noted how a representative from corporate typically visits monthly, attends monthly authority meetings and special events, and the airline carrier even helped fund the Christmas Fly-In and other events throughout the year.

“They’ve been a lot more reliable than other carriers we’ve had in the past. They may fly a smaller plane, though they fly it more frequently and more reliably,” Dankesreiter said in conclusion.

Photo submitted

This photo provides a look inside the redesigned Case booth at a recent trade show.

Case marks new era in 2019

For Case, 2019 was the end of a decade and the mark of a new era.

While 2019 rounded out a decade of knife making in Bradford, it was also a year of splendid returns for Case, as the company recorded its best sales year in the company’s history. Headlining their new product introductions last year was the Case Barlow, a pattern whose prolific manufacture throughout Europe and the U.S. has made it one of the most beloved patterns worldwide. Much to the delight of the buying public, Case reintroduced the Barlow after several years of being locked away in the Case vault. “The Case Barlow was a really hot product for us last year,” reported Case Brand Manager Brent Tyler.

But the Barlow’s popularity would share the limelight with the returning Case Astronaut Knife in 2019. This one-of-a-kind machete design enjoyed an “out of this world” kind of popularity as the country celebrated the 50th anniversary of man’s first Moon landing. Case was originally commissioned by NASA during the early 1960’s to create this multipurpose tool that would be stowed on board the space capsules of each of the Gemini and Apollo missions, intended for use as a survival tool post-splashdown in case our Astronauts landed off-course after returning to Earth. The Case Astronaut Knife regained its superstar status of the ‘60s when it appeared in a July 17 episode of History Channel’s hit TV series, “Forged in Fire.”

With these product launches, Case employees hit the road with its “Keep Your Hands Sharp”-themed consumer events, which were held at fifteen select Case dealer locations throughout the United States. There consumers pored over Case knives while celebrating the camaraderie that brings Case fans together.

In preparing for a new decade, Case embarked upon several larger scale projects to streamline workflows and continue evolving within nearly every operational area of the company; from production to quality control, to marketing and e-commerce.

“In 2019, Case made significant investments in equipment that will be critical to the success of the next

generation of Case knives,” said Mark Paup, CEO of Zippo and Case.

“Today’s emerging knife designs demand more continuous evolution and precision engineering. Whether we’re collaborating with a legendary maker of custom folders like Tony Bose or a hand-forging fixed blade expert like Daniel Winkler, we have the technology and skill sets needed to operate at their level now. We’re excited about what the future holds for the Case brand, its high-quality products and our employees. We’re strongly positioned to continue riding this new growth trend in Case while still remaining true to our roots in traditional knives.”

This evolution in marketing at Case is evidenced by the recent launch of its YouTube video series entitled, “A Slice of Case.” In it, Case Marketing Specialists Marissa Yohe and John Pantuso deliver new product introductions, company news bites, and special event announcements in a 60-to-90 second timeframe. The first “Slice of Case” video officially announced the new tang stamp design that has begun showing up on fresh knives coming off the Case production line. “Marissa and John are friends in real life, and that friendship makes them very relatable to our consumers,” said Fred Feightner, Case Senior Marketing Communications Manager.

“People really enjoy their conversational style while getting more of the details about Case knives that interest them most.”

In order to better support the company’s products, Case worked with Zippo personnel in implementing a Digital Asset Management (“D.A.M.”) system. Jeff Bosworth, Zippo’s Director of Digital Enterprise Content Management, likened the project to “starting your own public library, except you’re cataloging things like digital photographs, videos, packaging concepts and more that are all related to a given product as opposed to arranging books on shelf that are devoted to a given topic. We maintain a lot of product assets so it’s important to enforce strict personnel security policies to safeguard their access and use.”

The DAM project is just one piece CASE... Page 12

Myers Trucking, Inc. Mt. Jewett, PA 16740 800-778-5795

Photo courtesy of GAI Consultants

A computer generated representation of what the Bradford Regional Airport external structure will look like post renovations.

MAIN STREET

from page 6

stamped asphalt pavement markings.”

Andrews explained that the changes to the Main Street area are important to the economic success of the community.

The efforts now to improve the area will have long-reaching impact.

“We look forward to continuing to make these transformative street improvements that will serve to sustain the long-term economic viability of the downtown core,” she stated. “An attractive and welcoming downtown center is needed to help our existing businesses succeed; while attracting new businesses, residents and visitors to live, shop and work. These improvements will result in an economically viable and sustainable downtown historic district for many years to come.”

Andrews noted that 2019 saw some significant positive changes in business on Main Street, and the improvements can only help continue such change.

“Even though the streetscape improvement work is ongoing, we are starting to see private investment and renewed business activity on Main Street,” Andrews said. “During this past year, eight new businesses (two new retail stores) opened on Main Street.

There was a total of $1,782,863 in private investment made to our historic buildings in the downtown in 2019. We are looking forward to completing the initial phases of our streetscape plan in 2020 and seeing more businesses, visitors and residents in our downtown this year.”

177 Commerce Drive, Bradford, PA 16701

(814) 362-2969

Commercial & Industrial Electrical Contractor Over 40 years serving the area

The Bradford (Pa.) Era

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McKean County leaders developing strategy for bright economic future Top employers in McKean County The most recent list of the top employers of McKean County, released quarterly by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Center for Workforce Information & Analysis, is from the second quarter of 2019.

The Top 10 employers on that list are: 1. Zippo Manufacturing Co.

2. Bradford Regional Medical Center

3. federal government

4. Bradford Area School District

5. American Refining Group Inc.

6. University of Pittsburgh

7. Ardagh Glass Inc.

8. Allegheny Bradford Corp.

9. McKean County

10. Wal-Mart Associates Inc. The top employer lists, which are compiled using initial data, are available seven months after the end of each quarter.

Era file photo

Officials are shown updating the McKean County 2019-20 Hazard Mitigation Plan last year. From left are Gerard Rettger, deputy director, McKean County Emergency Management Agency; Bruce Manning, retired EMA director and current hazard material officer for McKean County EMA; and Sean McLaughlin, McKean County GIS coordinator.

By RUTH BOGDAN

r.bogdan@bradfordera.com

While McKean County residents moved through their lives in 2019, there were those in the county who quietly labored to identify issues that affect local people — and develop strategies to tackle those issues.

Those strategies, according to Jeremy Morey, director of McKean County Planning, include developing the 10-year Tri-County Comprehensive Plan and bringing in a new GIS coordinator.

“McKean County has taken a strategic and comprehensive approach to economic development.

Providing incentives to development projects that create and retain jobs is a principle part of what we do” — but it’s only one component of the efforts to support the local economy, said Sherri Geary, director of the McKean County Economic Development Office.

“In 2019, our focus centered on cultivating a vibrant community, investing in key strategic assets and supporting workforce development,” she said.

Geary serves as the administrator for the McKean County Industrial Development Authority, The McKean County Industrial Development Council and the McKean County Hospital Authority.

Morey talked about the 10-year plan that has been in the works to help local stakeholders focus their efforts.

“In 2019, the Planning Office was heavily involved with the development of the Tri-County Comprehensive Plan along with Cameron and Potter counties. We hosted Steering Committee meetings, a public online survey, a public open house in the Port Allegany High School in June and another public open house in Smethport in October.”

Morey spoke highly of one of the county’s new employees.

“We also were extremely fortunate to bring on our GIS Coordinator, Sean McLaughlin,” Morey said.

“He has been taking GIS to places that we had only hoped a few years ago.

He has been an amazing asset to have here at the county and I hope that he makes a career of it here.”

Morey added that McLaughlin worked with Gerard Rettger, deputy director of Emergency Services, to update the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The plan describes actions that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the effects of man-made or natural disasters. It must be updated every five years to qualify for hazard mitigation funding.

With the help of the new GIS coordinator, the county was able “to

expand GIS capabilities not only to county staff but to the municipalities as well, and hopefully in the near future, to all residents of the county,” said Morey.

Also, “The Planning Office continues to issue the recycling cards to the McKean County Recycling Center located at the Poor Farm on Route 6.”

People need to get identification cards to use the recycling compactor after hours.

Geary’s office has been busy, too.

“McKean County’s comprehensive plan, which drives all our efforts, identified projects such as the International Wax pipeline development project in Keating Township with the MCEDO requesting a Pipeline Investment Program grant of $1,000,000.00 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to be used for a steel, natural gas distribution pipeline,” she said.

For the National Fuel Gas Co.-directed project, a new 6-inch steel, 8.5-milelong natural gas distribution pipeline was installed within a 35 foot wide right of way, primarily running adjacent to Route 46 and East Valley Road, she explained.

At the south end is an approximately 75-foot by 100-foot permanent interconnect with the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. in Crosby to the Smethport Refinery.

Also, a roughly 300-foot long, 14-foot wide permanent access road was constructed. The cost to International Waxes Inc. was about $12 million for the pipeline project.

“This project became a signature economic project for our county, providing unique and needed economic opportunities along with securing the retention of 130 jobs,” Geary said. “This project was and is instrumental in our strategic investment in community infrastructure.”

In 2019, Geary’s office helped the preparation for an access road in Lewis Road with a primary beneficiary of Keystone Powdered Metal.

Construction is slated to begin March 3.

“The MCEDO worked with Keystone Powdered Metal and the Borough of Lewis Run to prepare an Appalachian Regional Commission application to fund the necessary road improvements, install new sidewalks, rehabilitate the drainage structure and replace the storm sewer on Main Street in the Lewis Run Borough,” she explained.

She said the project area covers Main Street from the bridge over the East Branch of Tuna Creek to Hanley Street, as well as the area between

Hanley and High streets.

A $576,558 grant award from ARC funded most of the total project cost of $766,580, Geary said.

“Both McKean County and Lewis Run Borough contributed funding for this project,” she added.

The Bradford Ecumenical Home also has improvements underway, thanks to the efforts of county leaders.

Geary said the MCEDO prepared an Industrial Development Authority application that was submitted to the state on behalf of the Bradford Ecumenical Home, located at 110 St. Francis Drive, Bradford. The senior community sought $1 million for IDA tax-exempt financing.

“The project is considered an expansion with upgrades to common areas and accommodations for staff,” she noted.

“New construction is underway.”

Geary also talked about the McKean County Industrial Development Council, which has partnered with economic development colleagues at the Bradford Office of Economic and Community Development, the McKean County Redevelopment Authority and North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission’s loan program.

The agencies work together to support industries such as craft brewing, retail, alternative biodiesel fuel development, pet food manufacturers and landscaping firms.

“To date, The Industrial Development Council has provided $538,000.00 in loans to county businesses creating 28 new jobs between 2013 and 2019,” she noted.

For instance, the council, along with partners including the North Central Loan Program, the McKean County Redevelopment Authority and Northwest Bank, provided a 3% loan of $100,000 to Logyard Brewing in Kane. The locally owned small business has expanded and upgraded its brewing facility, adding new equipment to its processing line.

“In addition to the capital investment 10 new jobs were created which allowed Logyard to increase their production and fulfill a market demand for a high-quality craft beer distributed from Northwest PA,” Geary said.

Two big projects for 2020 at the planning office will be putting the TriCounty Comprehensive Plan in place and encouraging residents to fill out the 2020 Census survey, according to Morey.

“Throughout the year we will be working to begin the implementation of the Tri-County

Photo submitted

Here is staging for a National Fuel project that involved installing natural gas distribution line in McKean County.

Comprehensive Plan and establishing the relationships and committees that are tasked within the plan with carrying out those action items,” he explained.

Also, “Looking ahead in 2020 we really are going to concentrate on the Census,” said Morey.

He explained that Census data determines how much federal funding ends up in the county.

“It is vital that everyone fill out and return their Census packet on April 1, 2020,” he said, explaining, “The county misses out on $2,100 of federal funding for every citizen that is un-counted in the Census.”

Morey said that Commissioner Carol Duffy has developed a Complete Count

Committee with volunteers to try different strategies to get an accurate count.

“We are still looking for volunteers to help out, but I want everyone to know that this position is not a Census taker going door to door. Those folks are employed by the Census Bureau,” he noted.

A major project for Geary in 2020 will be doing the next stages of a new Wilds Commerce Park underway at Bradford Regional Airport. Airport Manager Alicia Dankesreiter is a partner in the project, which is designed using the Pennsylvania Wilds brand.

Geary explained that, in regards to the industrial park, “2020 will be

dedicated to the implementation of the marketing and recruitment plan funded at a total cost of $59,000.00 by The Appalachian Regional Commission and McKean County.”

The 95-acre business park is 14 lots located airport property in Lafayette Township and is a Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) site.

The project, which has been planned with the help of firm McFarland Johnson, will be posted to the county’s economic development webpage and the airport’s website, where interested companies can learn more about the opportunity.

The industrial park is one of multiple improvement projects ongoing at the airport.

Kane records busy year on multiple fronts The borough of Kane had a lot of positive things happen over the past year.

From businesses showing promise in technology to Mayor Brandy Schimp and Kane students trekking to Washington, DC, Kane definitely saw a lot of noteworthy events take place.

The Entrepreneurial Business Summit, held at Flickerwood Wine Cellars in October, brought together around 30 businesses from throughout the area for networking purposes. Also, U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., paid a visit to the summit, noting he hoped to see small businesses find the help they need to grow and flourish with events like this one.

In scientific news, two Kane businesses won funds through the Big Idea Competition in 2019.

Joe Lanich with Laughing Owl Press presented his idea for developing software that brings “digital convenience to high-end letterpress printed products.” Lanich received $30,000 to develop his business, taking first place out of eight finalists.

Meanwhile, David Conklin with Wilds Sonshine Factory took second place, receiving $20,000 in funding toward efforts to distill a new spirit derived from a sunflower plant, with the additional local connection of growing these plants only in the Pa Wilds region.

In other news, the Evergreen Enchanted Playland in Kane was re-stained over a two-day period in August, thanks to a group of volunteers and lots of hard work. The playground was a community effort when initially built and is an illustration of the community pride that is still alive and well.

The 100 Days of Kane, PA Project, which was started over Alumni Weekend, included stories about the town, its people and history. Created by Kate Kennedy, executive director of Kane Area Development Center, the project was a great success and can still be viewed at www.kanepa.com.

Finally, Schimp made two visits to Washington, DC, including a trip that allowed her to take part in a discussion with mayors from across the US regarding the future of small towns, as well as visit the graves of Kane natives in Arlington. Schimp and a group of Kane students met up during the trip as well, as the students were taking part in the annual March for Life.

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The Bradford (Pa.) Era

Beacon Light under new leadership

By MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER marcie@bradfordera.com

A lot of things are new at Beacon Light Behavioral Health System, not the least of which is new leadership.

Bradford native Guy Signor has been appointed president and CEO of Beacon Light’s parent company, Journey Health System. In his new role, Signor hopes to continue to increase access to behavioral health services and expand Journey Health System.

Signor, a Bradford native, joined JHS in 1996 then known as The Children’s Home of Bradford. In his recent role as the chief operating officer and vice president of institutional advancement, Signor was responsible for human resources, compliance, accreditation, facilities, information technology, fund development, marketing and communications.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University. Signor has served on community committees including 10 years at the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce where he was the past president. He lives in Bradford with his wife Dara, and their two children, Ellery and Mitchell.

Journey Health System supports the following behavioral health affiliates: Beacon Light Behavioral Health System, Beacon Light Adult Residential Services, Deerfield Behavioral Health, Dickinson Center, Forest-Warren Mental Wellness Association, and Stairways Behavioral Health.

In November, Beacon Light announced a new director of nursing for adult residential services and for Beacon Light in Peg Shirey, RN. Shirey joined Beacon Light in 2008 as a registered nurse at the adult and children’s outpatient clinic in Warren, and held several nurse management positions prior to her departure in 2012.

In 2014, she returned as the program director in the Warren Group Homes and became the nurse manager for adult residential services.

Shirey is a graduate of the Jamestown Community College Associate in Applied Science-Nursing program and will complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University of Richmond, Virginia in May 2020.

Beacon Light announced a collaboration with Community Care Behavioral Health Organization from Pittsburgh for a training program for clinical and direct support staff.

The training program is intended to bring evidence-based practices in their psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF).

Goals of this learning collaborative

Photo submitted

ARG officials (from left) Vice President – Sales & Marketing John Malone, Vice President – Research and Development David Krantz and President and Chief Operating Officer Jon Giberson (second from right), are shown with Sea Ready Marine Patroleum Chief Executive Officer Tony Capasso (third from left) and Chief Technology and Marketing Officer Oliver Ferguson (right).

SIGNOR

include: Training 100% of their employees in the program and “Core Four” model, holding family therapeutic sessions each month, developing a strategic plan to support family engagement, integrating the community and following medication/prescribing protocols.

The PRTF transformation initiative will be a multi-year effort starting with a commitment to follow this learning collaborative model in year one. In partnership with other agencies, the educational program will be implemented to achieve process and outcome aims that support quality improvement.

In the future, Beacon Light plans to update PRTF materials and staff posters by adding the Core Four infographic.

It’s just one way they plan to demonstrate their ongoing advancement in clinical education and their support for their providers, clients and families via the delivery of behavioral health care excellence.

The organization has added another local school district to its Community and School Based Behavioral Health services with Otto-Eldred, joining a dozen other schools in the region.

Since Beacon Light began this program in 2007, the team has served nearly 2,400 students with severe emotional or behavioral problems across six different counties.

The teams aid students within the school, home, and community settings whom display struggles within these domains.

Beacon Light’s clinical model includes clinical interventions, case management, crisis services and consultation and referrals.

Services offered by Beacon Light include mental health recovery programs for adults, community recovery programs for children, mental/behavioral health residential programs for children and mental health/ intellectual disability programs for adults.

ARG recorded big changes during 2019 American Refining Group saw 2019 as a year of great change from top to bottom. Leadership changed, partnerships were created and new products provided a re-opened door into the motorsports industry.

First and foremost, ARG announced that longtime industry executive Jon Giberson succeeded Jeannine Schoenecker as the refinery’s president and chief operating officer.

Giberson, who took the helm in February 2019, came to ARG from Sonneborn Inc., where he most recently served as vice president/general manager – Americas, running the company’s North American business. He led a team of 180 employees, overseeing the manufacturing, commercialization and technological development of its specialty petroleum products business.

Giberson resides in Portville, N.Y., with his wife Amy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Rochester, and went on to complete a Master of Business Administration in marketing and finance from St. Bonaventure.

He completed executive education at Harvard University Graduate School of Business and the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.

ARG also announced that John Malone joined its Leadership Team as vice president – sales and marketing.

At the time of Malone’s addition to the team, Giberson said, “We are thrilled to add John to our Leadership Team.

His broad sales and marketing expertise is particularly valuable to ARG at this time because we are poised to grow our specialty refining business.”

Most recently, Malone served as director of strategic marketing and sales with API Heat Transfer in Buffalo, N.Y. He spent nine years with Exxon Mobil Corp. in multiple roles focused on the sales and marketing of lubricants and fuels. He worked close to a decade with Chevron Corp. in global business development and marketing.

Some of Malone’s key responsibilities include helping ARG achieve its vision to be the trusted partner for specialty

refining solutions and opening and closing new deals and in building strategic partnerships.

Partnership and product announcements ARG announced its new partnership with veteran-owned small business Sea Ready Marine Petroleum. ARG has designated Sea Ready as its global distributor of the historic, Made in USAcertified refinery’s marine lubricants.

ARG took its marine line of Specialty Lubricants to sea, a line that includes formulations customers have relied upon and trusted for decades, particularly its ZF DDS Plus 9144 and 9140 for EMD and GE engines.

Sea Ready Marine CEO Tony Capasso said, “ARG puts us in a unique position to deliver marine lubricants.

ARG’s historically proven performance products and Sea Ready’s hybrid business model combines the best of a manufacturer, distributor and trader.”

Sea Ready Chief Technology and Marketing Officer Oliver Ferguson added, “We are very excited about our partnership with the ARG team and we look forward to new ways of using our strengths to grow ARG’s marine lubricants line.”

Finally, ARG also announced a partnership with DRIVEN Racing Oil to bring its uniquely suited base oils back to the motorsports scene.

DRIVEN’s new GP-1 HighPerformance Synthetic Blend compounds ARG’s Pennsylvania-grade base oil with select synthetic components and advanced additive technology. The high-zinc formula is specifically engineered and tested to deliver increased horsepower with more than 30 percent better wear protection, compared to the competition.

GP-1’s unique properties provide maximum engine protection with excellent film strength perfectly suited for competition, classic or import vehicles.

The semi-synthetic GP-1 is half the cost of a full synthetic, yet produces 15 percent thicker oil films (better protection) due to its use of the unique pressure viscosity coefficient of Pennsylvaniagrade crude oil.

All things considered, wooden pallets more eco-friendly than plastic UNIVERSITY PARK — Weighing in on a debate that has raged for decades, Penn State researchers, after conducting a series of ultra-detailed comparisons, have declared that shipping pallets made of wood are slightly more environmentally friendly and sustainable than those made of plastic.

“Few people realize the significance of this issue — there are about 700 million pallets produced and recycled each year in the United States alone,” said Chuck Ray, associate professor of ecosystem science and management. “There are 4 billion pallets in use in this country.”

Researchers compared the long-term performance of treated wooden and plastic pallets through a detailed cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessment and conducted an analysis of treatments required to kill pests such as insects. They investigated and evaluated the environmental impacts of resources consumed and emissions released by wooden and plastic pallets throughout their life cycles.

In the study, the environmental impacts of the pallets were compared on a onetrip basis and 100,000-trips basis under nine impact categories chosen by researchers because of their environmental relevance. The categories included influence on ozone layer depletion, respiratory organics, aquatic ecotoxicity, terrestrial ecotoxicity, land occupation, aquatic acidification, aquatic eutrophication, global warming and non-renewable energy.

In findings published Feb. 2 in the Journal of Industrial Ecology, the researchers show that on a one-trip basis, wooden pallets treated with conventional kiln heating and as yet novel radio-frequency heat treatment incur an overall carbon footprint that is slightly lower than plastic pallets during their life cycle. For the 100,000-trips comparison, the differences are even more significant, they reported.

“It should be noted that wooden pallets that are heat treated to kill pests incur a carbon footprint 20% to 30% lower than those treated with methyl bromide fumigation,” Ray said. “Methyl bromide gas has been blamed for depleting the Earth’s ozone layer. And theoretical calculations of the resource consumption and emissions of radio-frequency treatment of pallets suggest that the new dielectric technology may provide a lower-carbon alternative to both conventionally treated wooden pallets or plastic pallets.”

Molded plastic pallets, typically, have a much longer life cycle than wooden pallets because plastic pallets are usually not broken or damaged and normally can travel more than 200 round trips before being taken out of service, Ray noted.

Plastic pallets are made of sturdy, hardened material and are built to last longer.

But they are typically derived from petroleum or natural gas products, which greatly increases their carbon footprint.

“What was lacking in this whole arena was a comprehensive life-cycle analysis, and that is what this study provides,” Ray said. “More than a decade ago, other studies were commissioned by the wood pallet industry and by the plastic pallet industry, and of course those results favored the funders. This is the first academic, peer-reviewed study related to pallets, and it was funded entirely by Penn State and is unbiased.”

Photo provided

Chuck Ray, associate professor of ecosystem science and management, inspects a pile of wooden pallets. He decided to conduct this research after hearing claims about the environmental superiority of plastic pallets that he suspected were questionable.

With current concerns about climate change and in view of the massive amount of resources consumed to make many millions of pallets, assessing their carbon footprint is important, Ray believes. With 40 percent of all hardwood produced in the United States going into pallet production, he added, it is critical to know if wooden pallets are ecologically acceptable.

“Because I have worked my whole career in the wood products industry, I have gained a special appreciation for the benefits of wood as an environmentally friendly product,” Ray said. “The topic interests me. It did not occur to me to do this research until the plastic pallet industry started talking about their products as environmentally superior. I questioned that statement and decided to do life-cycle analyses.”

Also involved in the research were Sebastian Anil, now with Microsoft; Junfeng Ma, now with Mississippi State University; Gul Kremer, now with Iowa State University; and Shirin Shahidi, a graduate student in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management when the research was conducted.

The Bradford (Pa.) Era

Thursday, February 27, 2020

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Zippo reports successful 2019, looking for same in 2020 Zippo Manufacturing Co. had a good year in 2019, and is looking forward to a successful 2020 as well.

Mark Paup, CEO of Zippo and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co., said Zippo is expecting to create its 600 millionth lighter in the second quarter of this year.

“This is another huge milestone for the company, both in terms of our manufacturing capabilities and our proud heritage,” he explained. “It’s only taken us just shy of 8 years to build another 100 million lighters, showing the continued demand for the windproof lighter and the ever-increasing efficiency of our manufacturing team and processes.

“And it’s not just in quantity that Zippo is meeting and exceeding consumers’ expectations, our engineering team constantly creates new ways to decorate and personalize the windproof lighter,” he continued. “Last year we introduced 360’ Laser Engraving, new base models, and our refined Texture printing process and we’re continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of lighter decoration, with more new processes, color-shifting finishes, and hotly anticipated collectibles planned for release in 2020.

“We launched two new products at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas last month, the HeatBank 9s Plus, which features the ability to charge two devices at once, even rapider warm up time, and has an LCD display; and the SureFire MultiTool, which combines seven must-have outdoor tools into one convenient multi-tool,” Paup said.

Zippo’s business was up in 2019 as compared to the previous year, Paup said, and “Our business remains healthy and

Responsibility) program in the company’s history, in partnership with WOODCHUCK USA early last year. The program is centered around a collection of wood emblem lighters created to contribute directly to WOODCHUCK USA’s BUY ONE. PLANT ONE. ® program. For every lighter sold around the world, a tree will be planted. Each lighter comes with a unique code to learn more about where Zippo’s trees have been planted.

The global campaign around this project, Era file photo known as Zippo’s Fight Fire with Fire project, Zippo Manufacturing Co. administrators Kathy Jones, from left, and Bruce launched in August Gallagher, look over a new display of Northern Lights candle products at the 2019, with an aim to Zippo/Case Museum Store in Bradford with Northern Lights founder and COO bring awareness on how Andy Glanzman and sales manager Rhonda Kane, far right. consumers can support Zippo’s mission to countexpanding, both in terms Lights gives Zippo new incredible strides in 2019 er the effects of deforestaof global customers and capabilities and expertise to increase our speed to tion caused by wildfires, a diverse range of prodin candles, and our system market, giving our conucts.” can create opportunities sumers overseas on-trend like Australia. Zippo began planting trees for Zippo announced the to grow the Northern design features that resacquisition the Northern Lights brand worldwide. onate best in their region each windproof lighter sold from the Fight Fire Lights Enterprises Inc., Northern Lights is a great and demographic.” with Fire collection at a manufacturer of prebrand to add to the Zippo And making sure their first planting sites mium candles based in family, and we’re looking their consumers have Wellsville, N.Y., in late forward to continuing easy access to purchasing in Madagascar. Globally renowned storyteller, January 2019. Northern Northern Lights’ growth genuine Zippo products Lights is a 40-year old into an even stronger and remains a top priority for National Geographic, documented the efforts with family owned business widely recognized interthe company. detailed story, videos, employing more than 90 national brand. Northern “We actively protect and photography gallery employees. Both Zippo Lights also gives us access Zippo trademarks, intelairing on NatGeo websites and Northern Lights are to markets which pair lectual property, and and social media channels. proud American manuwell with Zippo products manufacturing processes Zippo welcomed a facturers, located in small, and offers new segments against counterfeit repronew Senior Vice President strong communities in the and opportunities.” ductions and unauthoof Sales to the executive U.S., with long-standing Northern Lights finrized third-party decoteam in March 2019, reputations for dependished the year 2019 with rators.” Paup said. “Not able and beautifully double digit growth only to protect our brand Hugo Michel. In his role, Michel is responsible for engineered products. and carries tremendous globally, but also as part This pairing made great momentum into 2020. of our commitment to our the global sales organization, including the mansense for Northern Lights Northern Lights’ manconsumers. They choose agement of our wholly founders Andy and Tina ufacturing operations Zippo products because Glanzman, as Zippo and remain in Wellsville, N.Y. of our reputation for qual- owned European subsidiaries. He has brought Northern Lights share In terms of Zippo’s ity and durability, and an incredible amount of aligned cultures, values, core business, the comwe want it to be easy for knowledge and experiand positions. pany continued to see them to know that they Zippo plans to leverage unprecedented success are buying and receiving ence to Zippo — from his its existing international and growth in the Asian genuine Zippo products.” extensive involvement in international markets channels to globalize the and Southeast Asia marAlso in 2019, Zippo, and global expansion Northern Lights brand kets. expanding on its long for multi-million-dollar and product offerings, “China remains, with- history of corporate businesses, to successfully with the opportunity for out a doubt, our largest social responsibility, orchestrating the launches additional expansion. international market,” launched its first global Paup said, ““Northern Paup said. “We made CSR (Corporate Social for 2 viable startups.

The Bradford (Pa.) Era

CASE from page 8 of an ongoing, larger scale re-branding effort designed to attract new audiences while retaining Case’s existing consumer base. A new, clean look has been applied to all product packaging, as well as to product displays, trade show booth decor, advertising and digital media.

The company has also embraced new marketing techniques designed to attract new brand loyalists who lean toward a consumer concept called “EDC” (or “everyday carry”).

While Case has enjoyed much success with collectors throughout its history, the company recognizes there are many other consumers who identify more strongly with the idea of carrying a knife to have on hand as a useful tool. Spreading digital advertising messages across different platforms allows Case to communicate on more of a one-on-one basis with consumers like these than ever before. Tyler added, “We can suggest to an EDC consumer to visit a Case Authorized Dealer that’s close to their location in real time or send a reminder to pick up a Case knife upon entering the store.

Consumers like the branded messaging and the value-added customer service that an application like this provides.”

All these advancements in operations serve to further strengthen the future for Case. The payoff is evidenced by the incremental sales the company has been ringing as Case enters another new decade.

Here’s to the mark of a new era at Case!