Business & Industry Update 3/31/22

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

BUSINESS &

INDUSTRY UPDATE

— w w w.b rad fo rd era . com — 43 Ma in S t Bra d ford , PA —

A-4

D R E SS E R UTILITY COUPLES WITH D R E SS E R P I P E L I N E

B-4

SOUTHERN AIRWAYS FLYING HIGH WITH BRADFORD REGIONAL AIRPORT

INSIDE A3 Control Chief poised for growth

A5 LabelPack Automation expands market reach

A6 NFG and Seneca see excellent start to FY

B3

Real Estate: Housing market will stay hot in 2022 Burns & Burns Insurance year in review

B5 Bradford refinery marks 25 years under ARG

A-5

S T R AU B B R E W E RY C E L E B R AT E S 150 Y E A R S

A-2 Business & Industry Update 2022 The Bradford Era 43 Main St. 814-368-3173 Publisher Jim Bonn .ext 210 Managing Editor Marcie Schellhammer Advertising Manager Jill Henry 814-368-3173 ext.117 Production/Printing Linda Cardamone 814-368-3173 ext.133

PHOTO A: Case has just released its newest traditional folding knives for 2022. This 2-bladed Small Swell Center pocket folder is part of a return of the pattern from the Case XX Vault. The Small Swell Center pattern will be available in more than a dozen handle styles and colors during 2022 before goes back into the Vault in December.

PHOTO B: The award-winning Case Marilla®, one of two modern EDC’s made

by Case, represents a fresh departure from Case’s traditional pocket knives.

PHOTO C: The award-winning Case Marilla®, one of two modern EDC’s made

by Case, represents a fresh departure from Case’s traditional pocket knives.

PHOTO D: This giant Case Barlow knife, which weighs more than 3 tons and boasts a 20-foot long blade, sits on a reinforced steel and concrete base. The Guinness World record holder knife has become a destination for travelers along Kentucky’s I-65 corridor seeking a “Route 66”-style attraction. Image used with permission by Red Hill Cutlery.

PHOTO E: Case has been rolling out Case displays with fresh styling to remain competitive in the marketplace.

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

Record-setting sales for Case Knives in 2021, a bullish outlook for 2022.

L

ast year, 2021, was a year where many employers struggled to keep their doors open while the COVID pandemic raged on from new variant to new variant. At the same time, consumers were shopping locally more often, as products began slowly returning to store shelves. Case dealers were seeing increased Case knife sales and showed their appreciation by reordering more products to keep up with demand.

As 2021 began, Case’s traditional folding knives were already shipping out to retailers at a record pace. But Case was about to make a bold entrance into a new, more modern everyday carry (EDC) space in knives that would build on that success and spark a new round of enthusiasm for the brand across the industry.

Enter the first two modern EDC folding knives brought to mtarket from within Case’s own walls; the Marilla® and the Kinzua®.

The knives, named after popular outdoor recreational hubs in our local area, are made with premium features like hard anodized aluminum handles and a stainless S35VN steel blade that flips open with your finger and locks into the knife’s metallic frame.

Both knives were introduced to the publict in early June at the 2021 BLADE Show, an annual event held by the publishers of BLADE Magazine in Atlanta, Ga. The show welcomes thousands of knife enthusiasts to see the newest knives and latest trends in knife making shared by manufacturers, materials suppliers, and custom makers from across the country.

Both knives drew looks of genuine surprise and praise from show goers, and from industry media. BLADE Magazine awarded the Marilla knife its 2021 “American-made Knife of the Year” honors, marking only the second time a Case branded knife was granted the distinction in the nearly 40 years the Show has been held.

Case was resolute in its desire to manufacture these knives in its own backyard.

In 2020 the company added a new wing to its facility on Owens Way and set up new manufacturing centers in that space dedicated to ongoing modern EDC production.

The balance of the summer season and fall saw the pandemic’s restrictions wax and wane from ZIP code to ZIP code, giving some Case dealers the chance to activate Case consumer events. Fans of the brand were beginning to get out and reconnect through their tradition of sharing their Case knives - and COVID stories - with one another.

in full swing, and Case employees sprinted to deliver the ever-increasing orders. The result was a sales year that shattered all records at W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company.

Perhaps one of the biggest Case knife stories ever told was manifested last fall in Radcliff, Ky., the home of Red Hill Cutlery, one of the country’s largest Case knife dealers. Members of the Basham family (the store’s owner-operators) had erected a giant “Route 66”-style Case Barlow knife outside its store that measures 20 feet across and weighs some 6,200 pounds. On October 13, 2021, a special ceremony there celebrated the official confirmation of a Guinness World Record achievement that earned the knife spectacle “World’s Largest Pocket Knife” honors in 2019. The piece has become a destination spot for store visitors, area tourists and passers-by ever since.

With the fourth quarter of 2021 underway, the impending Christmas selling season was

Serving the Residents and Businesses of McKean & Potter Counties since 1995

A-3

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

BUSINESS

AREA BUSINESSES RETURN TO POSTPANDEMIC ACTIVITIES

B

BY DANIELLA GRIESBAUM - dgriesbaum@bradfordera.com

radford area businesses have military time and college. He always told struggled with a multitude of Randy Moyer he wanted to own the Bradissues and obstacles to over- ford restaurant someday. Now known as come since the onslaught of Wilt Tasta Pizza, Mike Wilt has kept the rethe COVID-19 pandemic in cipes and traditions of Tasta Pizza.

March of 2020. UnemployThe following month, on June 21, 2021, ment numbers sky-rocketed around the Cummins Nutrition had its official ribbon United States by April 2020, with McKean cutting and Grand Opening. The business County unemployment rates reaching a is located at 21 Main St., across the street from Cummins Country Charm with Marty high of 18.6%.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Cummins as the owner of both businesses. the unemployment rates have fluctuated. Cummins Nutrition offers teas and healthy For the most part, over the past two years, protein shakes. The teas are fruity flavors the unemployment numbers have slowly with low sugar. The shakes are healthy procontinued to fall, bringing them to a rate of tein shakes, also with low sugar.

Shortly before winter settled in for the 6.70% this month. However, employee retention was not the only challenge busines- season, on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, Steven ses faced while dealing with repercussions Skaggs celebrated the official opening of his new business in downtown Bradford of the pandemic.

“Staffing and supply chain issues are the Steve’s This-n-That, located at 4 Boylston biggest struggle our local businesses have St. The storefront consists of two rooms experienced due to the pandemic,” said which host a wide variety of items to purHeidi Scrivo-Passmore, executive director chase, including but not limited to indoor and outdoor of the Bradford Area household furChamber of Comniture, kitchen merce. “I can tell appliances, you that businesses “Although the pandemic vacuums, bein Bradford survived dding linens the pandemic. Some was difficult and brought and assorted of them did go to challenges, it also pushed bed frames, part-time hours, or home decor shifted their focus to us all to grow,” relayed items, exercimake additional inPassmore.

“We found new se equipment, come. But in general various tools our local businesses ways to do business, new and supplies, found ways to survicamping equive, which oftentimes ways to market and learned elecmeant being crea- to do things more efficiently.” pment, tronics, pet tive and working supplies and more hours.”

The Chamber of Commerce is an im- baby supplies.

Then in November of 2021, Amish portant part of any city, and for a tight-knit area like Bradford, keeping businesses Works, owned and operated by Mark and connected helps to keep the community Sonia Havers, opened their doors at 90 thriving. Originally chartered in 1882, to- Main Street. The Amish Works storefront day the BACC continues to be a beneficial sells handcrafted and fully-customizable system for the Bradford economy, utilizing Amish furniture, including beds, tables, modern tools to help local businesses grow dressers, chairs, kitchen tables, adirondack — especially helping through the pande- chairs, benches, settees and gliders. Furniture hardwood options include white cedar mic.

Concerning the staff shortages during log, sassafras, barnwood, hickory, aspen the pandemic, “we asked what we could do, and polywood.

On the other side of town, the newly and therefore created the Job Connections Bradford Facebook page. This is a place constructed TCC Verizon store opened for job seekers and businesses to connect,” and was officially ajar for business with a ribbon cutting held on Dec. 2, 2021. TCC ofPassmore stated.

And then, to further help area business ficials were excited to move to their new loin 2021, the BACC created a new website cation on Foster Brook Boulevard. The stowhich allows interested parties to search re is open seven days a week and according their member directory of 325 area busi- to district manager Carl Hott, “it is because nesses, with direct links to each business’ of the great support from this community website or Facebook page. To access the that they were able to build this store.”

Recently, the Bradford Area Chamber BACC Member Directory visit https://www. bradfordareachamber.com/community- of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the Devon Kloss State Farm Agency on Thurs-guide.html#/.

Over the past couple of months, a hand- day, Feb. 10. Kloss is a lifelong resident of ful of brave business owners have decided Bradford who opened her own State Farm not to let the pandemic deter them from Office located at 80 East Corydon St., in the opening their doors to the Bradford com- old post office building.

Also opening recently, another Dollar munity.

The Wilt family held a grand re-opening General store moved into the area, taking and ribbon cutting at Wilt Tasta Pizza on ownership of the former Family Video builSaturday, May 22, 2021. Mike Wilt worked ding on West Washington Street.

“Although the pandemic was difficult at Tasta Pizza for 10 years during school,

ERA FILE PHOTO Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the Devon Kloss State Farm Agency on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. Kloss is a lifelong resident of Bradford who recently opened her own State Farm Office located at 80 East Corydon St., in the old post office building.

and brought challenges, it also pushed us all to grow,” relayed Passmore. “We found new ways to do business, new ways to market and learned to do things more efficiently.”

When asked how area businesses were currently fairing, Passmore relayed that businesses and nonprofits are just “wanting to be active again.”

“Businesses and nonprofits are ready to do events and group projects again. You can

expect to see annual events return along with new creative ideas,” said Passmore.

“Nonprofits have also been hurt by the pandemic. They couldn’t do fundraising events that are crucial to annual budgets.”

The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce is at 121 Main St. in Bradford, and may be reached at (814) 368-7115. For more information about area businesses and the Chamber, visit the BACC website at www. bradfordchamber.com.

INDUSTRY

Control Chief poised for growth

L

ocal manufacturer Control Chief is poised for growth, and is making improvements and advancements in the industrial remote control markets.

As the economy swayed to react to supply chain shortages and labor shortages, Control Chief Corporation is finding that the market is favorable. The commodities markets, oil, steel, grain, and coal are expanding to meet increased demand, which means an increased demand for solutions that increase productivity and efficiency.

Control Chief is meeting that increased demand by making improvements to its production facility.

Throughout the production, testing, and quality control areas, electrostatic discharge safe flooring and workstations have been added, which minimizes the risk of sensitive components being damaged. The company also invested in a surface mount technology automatic

pick and place machine, which will exponentially increase the amount and the quality of circuit boards that are able to be produced.

The overall mission of these improvements is to realign the layout of the entire production facility to increase efficiency of labor and the flow of materials.

“The upgrade to automated printed circuit board assembly has been long overdue. While it is a major investment in both capital and resources, the improvement in efficiency and quality will be evident throughout the production process,” said Managing Partner Jake Bryner, “Currently, every component on the printed circuit board is manually placed by hand.

This new equipment has the ability to place up to 16,000 components per hour. This will be a game changer for the way we build our products.”

The manufacturer celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021, and is continuing to focus on its Customer

Connected philosophy.

“Strong customer relationships are the lifeblood of our business. They are critical to drive sales, sustainability and growth,” said Managing Partner Brian Landries.

“Our reputation in the industry speaks volumes to what matters most to our team and the level of trust that our customers have in our ability to meet their needs and exceed expectations.”

One of the ways that Control Chief connects with customers is through trade shows, and with pandemic restrictions easing, the opportunity to connect with existing customers and meet new customers at trade

CONTINUED ON

| A-4

75 Forman St. Bradford, PA 814-362-4418 Full Service Meat Department

Store Hours Mon-Sat: 8am-8pm Sun: 9am-7pm

A-4

INDUSTRY

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

Dresser Utility couples with Dresser Pipeline

F

or more than a century, Dresser Utility Solutions has been a leading worldwide manufacturer and marketer of highly engineered infrastructure for critical service applications for natural gas and utility industries, including the water, gas and electric sectors.

During this time, the company built a solid reputation for providing customers with products and technologies that drive performance, efficiency, growth and safety.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Dresser Utility Solutions is known today as a global provider of gas metering and volume correction devices, including a broad portfolio of pipeline integrity solutions for gas and water systems, high-performance pressure relief devices, gas regulators, chemical injection pumps and both rotary electric and linear electric actuators.

Dresser employs more than 750 employees and a directly supported sales presence in more than 100 countries. It also has a number of different brands under its belt, including Dresser Gas Measurement, Actaris Gas Measurement, Dresser Pipeline Solutions, Flow Safe, Actaris Gas Regulators, ANDCO, RCS and Texsteam Pumps.

Dresser Pipeline Solutions offers an unmatched variety of solutions for the natural gas distribution and transmission, water/wastewater and industrial markets.

Despite the recent name change, the Dresser company has always maintained its roots in Bradford, where it began. Today, it occupies a facility on 41 Fisher Ave., which was purpose-built for Dresser in 1907. The Dresser Pipeline Solutions plant specializes in modern, precision manufacturing and continuous, exacting quality control, which makes the company a leading supplier of high-performance pipeline products supplying a variety of couplings, fittings, valves, repair clamps, integrity repair sleeves, and service connectors for a range of pipeline industry applications.

Employing approximately 180 employees, many of whom are Bradford natives with decades of service, Dresser Pipeline Solutions’ focus has been, and will continue to be, to ensure that it continues to uphold its 140-plus year reputation as a good place to work in the heart of the Bradford community. The company strives not only to be good partners in the workplace, but good partners in the community, giving back through stewardship and volunteering. The company continues to participate in community fundraising events such as March of Dimes, United Way, sponsoring local athletic teams, and the ongoing Willow Creek Triathlon, which raises money for local veterans.

Since starting in 1886 when the original

Dresser coupling patent was granted, there have been several advances in pipe-joining, pipe-repair, and pressure control technologies. Over the past few years, Dresser Pipeline Solutions has made enhancements in design, as well as advances in pipe joining repair and pressure control technology with fully compliant CAT 1 couplings and fittings, ABS Marine couplings, PHMSA Mega Rule repair sleeve options, and ASI-compliant products. The Buy America Act (BAA), Buy American Provision or the American Iron and Steel (AIS) Provision currently requires products made from steel and iron be 100% manufactured in the United States, including the raw materials used. Simply noting “Made in America” or “Made in the USA” on a product is not the same as 100% manufactured in the United States.

Manufactured processes include melting, refining, forming, rolling and fabrication of steel and iron products are to be completed in the United States. Dresser Pipeline Solutions has proudly maintained a domestic material supply base to manufacture its products, while many others have turned to low-cost countries.

While Dresser Pipeline Solutions is continually focused on growth through product development and industry expansion opportunities, after more than 140 years, the original “Dresser coupling” is still widely considered to be the gold standard in pipe couplings and is synonymous with quality and durability. Accuracy, dependability, and low maintenance of the equipment has been proven over time.

Control Chief poised for growth CONTINUED FROM

| A-3

shows is reemerging. Control Chief will exhibit this year at a number of shows.

GEAPS Exchange will be held March 2629th in Kansas City, Mo., focused on the grain and agricultural industries who utilize locomotive remote controls. FDIC will be in Indianapolis, Ind., April 25-30.

Control Chief will highlight its Access 1000™ industrial door opening remote controls for fire departments nationwide.

The American Shortline and Regional Railroad Association Annual Exposition will be held May 1-3 in St. Louis, and The Iron and Steel Technology Conference or AISTech will be held in Pittsburgh May 16-19 where Control Chief will market all of its product lines to the steel industry.

In the fall, the Firehouse Expo will be held in Columbus, Ohio, September 28-30. Also in Indianapolis this year is MetalCon in October.

Sales Manager Mark Childs said, “After a very long period of waiting, we are excited to have the opportunity once again to interface directly with

our customers at the upcoming trade shows. We have been working hard at getting new products to market and look forward to presenting them and gaining some valuable customer feedback.”

In the past year, Control Chief brought several new employees on staff to fill a variety of positions.

“Over the years, our company has been fortunate enough to have some of the most talented individuals in the area choose Control Chief to spend their careers with. We’ve had numerous team members retire after 30, 40 or more years with us,” said Managing Partner Tim Bean. “As we expand our workforce, we continue to cultivate a team-oriented work environment that values our employees and offers them an opportunity to grow with us.”

There are a few positions at Control Chief currently open, and those can be located at the company website: www. controlchief.com

A-5

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

INDUSTRY

Straub Brewery celebrates 150 years

T

BY JOELLEN WANKEL - jwankel@bradfordera.com

he Straub Brewery is hitting a record milestone this year, celebrating 150 years of brewing in the PA Wilds.

William Brock, President and CEO of Straub Brewery, shared feelings on the 150th anniversary and plans for the company’s celebration of the milestone.

“When you think about 150 years and what was going on 150 years ago, you get the grasp of it,” Brock said. “We are all family. Peter Straub was my great-great-grandfather, my grandfather Joseph worked at the brewery, and my mother was chairman of the board for 25 years. So, it’s not just business, it’s family.

“Every business has challenges, when you work amongst family it’s a different set of challenges.

You have to keep your eye on the ball, whether it’s family or corporate, to stay relevant and in business.”

Brock explained the family nature of the business is reflected in the newest addition to the company’s facilities: The Visitor Center and Tap Room.

“The tap room is located at Great Uncle Tony and Aunt Reggie’s house. We were able to purchase the house and land around it. It is located right below the brewery, so we thought it was a fitting thing to do,” Brock explained. “The tap room is added on from the back of the house. The Visitor Center and gift shop are inside. The tap room sits behind it.

“The tap room followed the PA Wilds design model, and all hardwood came off of our property.

We cut it, dried it and milled it. Last fall, we put in more outdoor seating; eight new pods and a new stage. We are pretty excited about it.”

Brock stated that the longevity of the company has provided a unique perspective - and its own set of challenges beyond normal business concerns.

“Being able to hang onto it and let it prosper, we take our independence very seriously. The board of directors are all cousins, so it can get hard at times,” Brock said. “You try to look at positives and what we’ve accomplished: the Brewery is still around, here in the PA Wilds, and has stayed relevant for 150 years but also we are able to hang

onto history and heritage and the things that really matter.”

He stated the authentic nature of what the brewery does and the way beers are brewed has been a significant factor in the century and a half of success.

“You have to adapt to the times, put new products out there,” he said. “We did sangria, and we have a whole lineup of craft beers. To stay relevant but hang onto who you are, being 150 years old, that is what appeals to the customer.”

With such a significant milestone, it only lends to reason that the celebration will extend beyond a single day - or a single event, for that matter.

“The whole year is going to be a celebration,” Brock shared. “The themes that are important are authenticity - part of relevance we’ve really been able to hang onto - brewing in the original location and history.”

Brock explained the schedule of events includes a Music Fest this summer, with some of the “fiercely independent bands in the area” performing.

The plan is for some smaller events throughout the summer as well, and Oktoberfest in the fall.

“We are hoping it will be a good summer, with COVID going away and mask mandates going away. We hope to see people out and be able to catch up on what we missed for the last two years,” Brock said.

The celebration is meant to include those who help Straub keep going as a family business, located where they are.

“The region is important to us. One thing we tell people is that we wouldn’t have been around for 150 years without our customers,” Brock said. “People have been supporting us, buying our beer and buying our products. None of it really matters if customers are not willing to buy products.”

INDUSTRY

L

ERA PHOTO BY WADE AIKEN The Straub Visitor Center and Gift Shop is located inside the former family home of Straub family members Tony and Reggie, who were great uncle and aunt to current President and CEO William Brock.

ERA PHOTO BY WADE AIKEN The Straub Visitor Center and Tap Room welcomes visitors.

LabelPack Automation expands market reach

abelPack Automation, celebrating 21 years in business, is a packaging automation company that designs and manufactures label application equipment at its Bradford facility. The company integrates material handling equipment into its systems including conveyance, hoppers, case formers, sealers, scales, and scanners. LabelPack provides supplies that go with the systems including labels, ribbons, forms, and maintains a fulfillment center in Greensboro, North Carolina. Despite the economic challenges due to COVID, LabelPack has continued developing new, innovative systems and expanded their customer base into new, emerging markets.

The newest design developed by LabelPack’s engineering team is an automatic, tabletop machine for labeling cylindrical products, ranging in size from half-inch to five inches in diameter. The tubes are loaded into a hopper that dispenses them one by one onto a roller conveyor, where the label is wrapped around the product. This machine can label between 35-50 products per minute depending on the size of the container. The design has been very popular in the

cannabis industry.

The company has experienced strong sales of its signature label printer applicator machines during 2021. The largest project involved automating the labeling function on 26 filling lines for Chemco Corporation of Hialeah, Florida.

Chemco is a contract packager who formulates and manufactures skin care, hair care, bath and body products for international distribution.

The company was selected to manufacture an intricate, multiple head print and apply labeling system for Endura Products of Greensboro, North Carolina. This machine integrated with their RFID order tracking system to provide a fully automated tracking system from manufacture through packaging and distribution. Endura makes door frames, sills, and hardware for distribution to major home improvement retailers including Home Depot and Lowes.

Our team is comprised of David and Diana Ferguson, owners of the company; Bob Marasco, VP Sales; Olindo Eger, Systems Engineer; Buddy Crappio, IT Engineer; Kate Colella, Accountant; Gabe Eger, Customer Service Representative; and Sean Jordan, Machinist.

Marasco, who has been

with LabelPack since its inception in 2001, has built the client base to include not only local clients, but customers across the entire United States. Because of his expertise in the labeling and equipment market, LabelPack has hundreds of loyal and long-term customers. Olindo Eger and Crappio form the engineering team and design, engineer, build, and install the equipment. Eger has also been with the company since its origin in 2001 and was instrumental in engineering designs and functions for the equipment. Crappio has been with LabelPack for almost 20 years; he is responsible for machine programming, controls, software, and IT functions. Colella, who has been with the company almost five years, performs operational and accounting functions for the entire company as well as manages the Greensboro office. Gabe Eger has been with the company for six years. He is a customer service representative and assists with equipment assembly and installation.

Lastly, Jordan has been with LabelPack just over two years, and in addition to being the machinist, he assists with assembly and installations.

The above employees represent a combined total of over 150 years of experience

in the labeling and packaging equipment industry.

LabelPack Automation is fortunate to have long-term employees who have a wealth of information who

are able to interpret customer’s needs and design a solution. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, and creating solutions custom suited to our client’s

needs. Please contact us at 814-362-1528 if you have any inquiries, questions, or would like to know more, or visit us on the web at www. lpautomation.com.

A-6

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

INDUSTRY

BUSINESS

NFG and Seneca see excellent start to FY

N

ational Fuel had an excellent start to the fiscal year, in part due to higher commodity prices and an increase in Appalachian natural gas production that drove the strong results for NFG’s exploration subsidiary, Seneca Resources Company, LLC. Seneca has been able to bring several wells online a few weeks earlier than its initial expectations, which allowed the company to take advantage of the strong pricing at the start of the winter. Capturing higher prices at peak initial production rates obviously enhances the return profile for those wells.

The start-up of our 330 million per day of capacity on the Leidy South project in December provides a valuable long-term outlook for Appalachian production. This Williams pipeline project expanded their existing Pennsylvania energy infrastructure and is designed to connect robust supplies of natural gas in northern and western Pennsylvania with growing demand centers along the Atlantic Seaboard.

Regarding Seneca’s overall drilling activity, the company will maintain its two-rig program, but has increased top-hole rig work. The adjusted top-hole rig program will reduce drill times by three to five days per well, allowing Seneca to drill and complete more wells per year while also lowering its drilling costs on a per foot basis.

Not unlike other industries, oil and gas operations in Pennsylvania are facing persistent supply chain issues and will see some impact from incremental cost inflation.

Despite these challenges, Seneca’s procurement team has done a tremendous job tempering cost increases where possible and ensuring the company has material and service availability to keep its operations on schedule.

Seneca will largely mitigate inflation impacts through operational efficiencies.

While they are fully realizing those efficiencies, costs for certain services and materials have risen beyond prior estimates and are a continuing headwind.

Sustainability and reducing environmental impacts will continue to be a focus for Seneca in 2022.

As part of that effort, the company achieved certification of 100% of its Appalachian production under Equitable Origin’s EO100 Standard for Responsible Energy Development. The certification process has a series of rigorous environmental, social and governance performance targets.

Achieving certification is a validation of Seneca’s long-standing culture of environmental

stewardship and community engagement, and allows the company to differentiate its responsibly sourced gas in the marketplace.

Additionally, Seneca worked with Project Canary to certify 121 wells, which produce approximately 300 million per day under the TrustWell certification. In the near term, Seneca believes the responsibly sourced gas designation will give it a competitive advantage and allow the company to create value by selling some of our production at a modest premium.

“Receiving such high marks from Project Canary, a top Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) assessment firm, demonstrates Seneca’s deep commitment to sustainability and best-in-class operations,” Justin Loweth, President of Seneca, said. “This certification, which is in addition to previously announced certifications, further differentiates our sustainably produced natural gas and opens additional opportunities to participate in the rapidly evolving Responsibly Sourced Gas market.”

Finally, Seneca completed a comprehensive emission to verify emissions associated with various types of well completion equipment. This study, done in conjunction with NexTier and U.S. Well Services, has two key takeaways. First, it confirmed that increasing utilization of natural gas in place of diesel fuel significantly lowers Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions intensity, with 100% natural gas reciprocating engines being the clear winner of the equipment tested; second, as the company displaced more and more diesel consumption with natural gas, the fuel costs of its completions are expected to be substantially lower.

Information on these and other great environmental projects, along with the company’s Corporate Responsibility Reports can be found on the National Fuel website -www.nationalfuel.com.

In short, the outlook over the next few years, Seneca is in a great position. The completion of Leidy South and execution of additional long-term firm sales contracts supports the next leg of growth for Seneca’s exploration and gathering segments. With a strong natural gas price backdrop and additional takeaway capacity, the company is moving forward to take advantage of our deep inventory of high-quality acreage by modestly toggling up activity. This added growth, now expected to be in the mid to high-single digits over the next several years, enhances its capital efficiency and long-term free cash flow generation. That, coupled with its laser focus on sustainability, positions Seneca for continued success.

UPMC launches first Tele-ED in Pa. at UPMC Kane KANE — UPMC is leve- the initiative, the Pennsyl- technology. Board-certified raging its clinical expertise vania Department of Heal- emergency medicine phyand innovative technolo- th and Centers for Medi- sicians located at UPMC gy to launch the first tele- care & Medicaid Services Hamot, in Erie, partner -Emergency Department (CMS) permitted UPMC with on-site, trained ad(Tele-ED) in Pennsylvania Kane to pursue Tele-ED vanced practice providers at UPMC Kane, an acute program development and (APPs) at UPMC Kane, 24 care hospital, in McKean launch in Pennsylvania hours a day, seven days a in advance of the Com- week, to provide the best County.

In line care for all with the who seek it.

Pennsylvania U P M C D e p a r t m e n t “UPMC created a first-of-its kind Kane is loof Health guicated in a delines an- in Pennsylvania rural health care remote, runounced on approach that will allow access to ral commuMarch 2 to nity with increase pa- excellent emergency medical care an average tient access daily inpato care throu- at UPMC Kane.” tient census gh innovative of five to six delivery models, UPMC monwealth’s rural health hospitalized patients and created a first-of-its kind guidelines announcement. approximately 6,000 total UPMC Kane success- emergency in Pennsylvania rural healdepartment th care approach that will fully implemented a te- visits each year. UPMC allow access to excellent le-hospitalist program in Hamot is the advanced emergency medical care at May of 2021. Alike to a Te- tertiary care regional hub le-ED, the tele-hospitalist for UPMC in northwest UPMC Kane.

This innovation for ru- program enhances and Pennsylvania and soural health care delivery re- improves rural health care thwest New York caring for sults from careful planning through a sustainable, vi- nearly 70,000 patients in and training within the brant and transformational the emergency department UPMC Kane transforma- new model of care. annually. UPMC Hamot With Tele-ED, UPMC provides high-level speciation plan to improve rural health care and enhance Kane is partnering with lized care and is a Level II access, as part of its enroll- UPMC Hamot in Erie to trauma center, the only acment in the Pennsylvania create an emergency me- credited trauma center in Rural Health Model. As a dicine collaboration using the Erie region. telemedicine participating hospital of advanced

177 Commerce Drive, Bradford, PA 16701

(814) 362-2969

Commercial & Industrial Electrical Contractor Over 40 years serving the area

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

A-7

A-8

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

B-1

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

Wright Monumental Works: 107 years serving the area

“

Dad has been teaching us everything he knows from 70 years of experience,” Kelly Platko, co-owner with her husband, Mark Platko, of Wright Monumental Works, explained while smiling at her father, Ralph Rose, a third owner. Our tag line continues to be, ‘Love Written in Stone for people who matter by people who care.’”

The company’s history began in 1915 at its current site when the late Charles Wright established the business in the former Tuna Valley Milk Company building. Ralph’s father, the late Philip M. Rose, became owner of the business in 1940.

Ralph Rose, his brother Philip Jr. and sister Dolores Myers purchased Wright Monumental from their father in 1987. The co-ownership makes Platko the third generation of family with the company.

And, most recently,

Cassy Platko, daughter of the Platkos and granddaughter of Rose, has become involved with Wright Monumental Works as well, bringing the fourth generation into the business.

Even more additions and changes are planned for this year. One of the notable updates to this historical site is a new, wheelchair accessible entrance on Lincoln Avenue which has been completed by local contractors.

The showroom is another area seeing fresh changes. New inventory is on display for customers to view. Wright Monumental Works provides in-house carving and hand etching for designs on monuments.

Granites used for memorials are cut from quarries around the world.

Services and materials provided by the company include monuments, mausoleums, bronze memorials, pet stones, garden sculptures, benches, recognition pieces, stone cutting

and finishing, plus memorial designs and art work. In addition, the company does granite countertops for kitchens. Sources of pride for Wright Monumental include the large granite entrance signs at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford the company created close to 20 years ago. In addition, the black granite flame at the Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store in memory and in honor of the owners is one they are very proud of.

“Our tag line continues to be, ‘Love Written in Stone for people who matter by people who care.’”

INDUSTRY

AHUG across the area in 2021 KANE — Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group (AHUG), which promotes sustaining and expanding economic development and employment in McKean, Elk, Potter, Cameron and 10 other Northwest and North Central counties, had a busy year in 2021.

AHUG worked on increasing in-person interactions and also responding to an increased volume of requests over Zoom and Teams for addressing issues important to the forest products community.

AHUG increased social media presence by moving the Dimensions newsletter to an online platform and also expanding circulation and impact. More than 25 hardwood associations across the country collaborate for the Real

PHOTO PROVIDED The Pennsylvania Woodmobile is a traveling exhibit that provides an interactive experience, educating visitors about our forest, the sustainable forest products industry, how products are made and threats to the forest.

American Hardwood Promotion Coalition, for which AHUG’s Executive Director currently holds a place on the Board of Directors. They helped formalize the organization, develop an informational website and create industry brand awareness during 2021.

Participation in the 2021 PA Timber Show also was a success, as well as participation in the Timber Strong Career Fair.

During 2021, the organization partnered with industry volunteers to provide Project Learning Tree presentations during Earth Day and Conservation Day, reaching nearly 500 students at elementary schools through the region.

AHUG also participated in middle and high school career awareness programs and completed videos and educational kiosks for placement in several locations throughout Elk, Forest and Potter counties.

AHUG was also involved with securing hardwood products for use in the interior finish of the PA Wilds Media Lab, located in McKean County.

Finally, the organization hosted the 22nd annual Women in Timber Luncheon, which featured a guest speaker who presented LHG’s Diversity Study on the Role of Women and Minorities in the history of the region’s hardwood industry.

IT’S YOUR DECISION CHOOSE

Bradford Manor Rehabilitation & Long Term Care Bradfordmanor.com

BRADFORD MANOR a tradition of caring

50 Langmaid Lane | Bradford, PA | 814-362-6090

BradfordManor.com

Our Residents do not live in our workplace we work in their Home

B-2

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

Behavioral Health Cancer Care / Roswell Affiliate Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab (Upbeat) Diabetes Education & Nutrition Full Service Emergency Department, 24/7 Imaging/Radiology Laboratory Meals on Wheels Occupational Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Outpatient Rehab (SMART) Pavilion at BRMC - Long & Short Term Care Pediatrics Primary & Specialty Providers School of Radiography Sleep Disorders Center Urology WIC Wound Clinic ATA Ride Share Program

For more than a century,

Bradford Regional Medical Center & Olean General Hospital have maintained their legacy for hope, health and healing in our communities.

Here for you THEN. Here for you NOW.

Here for you in the FUTURE.

Behavioral Health Cancer Care & Radiation Medicine / Roswell Affiliate Cardiology Dental Diabetes Education & Nutrition Dialysis Electrophysiology Full Service Emergency Department, 24/7 Imaging/Radiology Intensivists Interventional Cardiac Catheterization Lab Laboratory

www.brmc-ogh.org

Neurology OB/Maternity & Delivery Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Outpatient Rehab Outpatient Surgery Center/Surgical Services Pastoral Care Pediatrics Primary & Specialty Providers Subacute Rehab Urology Vascular Surgery Wound Center

Bradford Regional Medical Center 814-368-4143 Olean General Hospital 716-373-2600

B-3

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

BUSINESS

Burns & Burns Insurance year in review

L

ast year was an exciting year for Burns & Burns Insurance. Not only did the agency experience an office move, many of the employees continued their education and received licensing. B&B also continued their commitment to serving the communities in the area throughout the pandemic.

Additionally, Alexis Burns, a fourth generation agent and executive vice president, landed a cover story and major industry award from Independent Agents and Brokers (IA&B), a premier resource and industry champion for insurance in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.

Burns & Burns in Bradford moved to a beautiful new office at 10 Chestnut St.; “just around the corner” from the old location.

Education and training, vital to the success at B&B, had nine employees take

and pass their Pennsylvania Insurance License Exam last year. In total, B&B employees earned 428 continuing education credits from various classes they have taken.

While there were not as many in person events as before the pandemic, B&B was at Cheers & Beers and The Nifty Sixty Expo in Clarion, The Women’s Marketplace Expo in Erie, Rep. Lee James Senior Expo in Franklin, and Bradford’s Wine Walk. B&B sponsored a Clarion Little League Baseball team this year, and they won the championship.

At all of the B&B Christmas parties, employees filled out holiday cards to be delivered to the elderly. Cards were delivered to the Greater Bradford Senior Center, Liberty Towers, Shenango on the Green, Shippenville Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, and the Pavilion at BRMC Burns appeared on the

cover for the August 2021 edition of the IA&B Primary Agent magazine. The feature story included a two-page interview about the fourth-generation family-owned business, its nine locations, the insurance industry and professional advice.

Last October, Burns was selected as the winner of the 2021 IA&B Pennsylvania Young Agent of the Year, chosen over the entire pool of Pennsylvania applicants.

To be selected, Burns had to be nominated, fill out a questionnaire, be interviewed, and speak in front of the IA&B Board of Directors, as well as meet the criteria of outstanding commitment to her profession and her community. When asked what she attributes her success of winning this award she replied, “I strive to be a well-rounded individual who is very involved in the community, gives back to local organizations and is dedicated to the education of insurance in the community. I have volunteered at numerous universities speaking on the basics on insurance so individuals feel empowered and confident in their insurance policies and the protection of their assets.” When the award was announced, Burns explained, “The outpouring of support and positive messages was very humbling. I consider the award not only a win for me, but for everyone at Burns & Burns and the town of Clarion as well!”

Community Involvement While there are still not as many in person events as before the pandemic, we did manage to get out into the community a few times. You may have seen us at Cheers & Beers in Clarion, The Women’s Marketplace Expo in

Erie, The Nifty Sixty Expo in Clarion, Rep. Lee James Senior Expo in Franklin, and Bradford’s Wine Walk. We once again sponsored a Clarion Little League Baseball team this year, and they won the championship! At all of our office Christmas parties, employees filled out holiday cards to be delivered to the elderly. Cards were delivered to the Greater Bradford Senior Center, Liberty Towers, Shenango on the Green, Shippenville Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, and the Pavilion at BRMC. New Office With our move, we upgraded much of our office equipment and signage. On September 30th, we hosted an official open house and invited the Bradford Area community to come in and visit.

Continuing Education Closing Throughout 2021, Burns & Burns Insurance maintained our main values of innovation, competitive and impeccable service, care for our employees, and honesty and trust with our clients. Our biggest priority is being there for our clients when they need it most. Burns & Burns strives to be a dependable and stable force in this very uncertain world. We continue to do the same thing we’ve done for over 80 years.

Burns & Burns’ physical locations span across Northwestern Pennsylvania and has nine convenient branches, located in Clarion, Bradford, Clearfield, Erie, Meadville, Mercer, New Wilmington, Tionesta, and Warren. Representing over 60 insurance carriers, Burns & Burns is licensed to offer many lines of coverage, including auto, home, life, business, health, Medicare, bonds, workers’ compensation, benefits, events, weddings AND MORE! We also provide a vast array of investment and brokerage services. With over 900 combined years of experience, Burns & Burns is sure to find you the right fit for ALL of your insurance needs! Visit their Facebook page or website for more information or a free quote!

BUSINESS

Real Estate: Housing market will stay hot in 2022 The housing market was hot in 2021, based on life changes due to the availability of remote work opportunities and the realization of a need for work-life balance.

According to data regarding the 2022 real estate market in Pennsylvania, the market will remain hot for the year. Reasons the strong market are attributed to include low mortgage rates, strong remote work opportunities and affordable housing in Pennsylvania, as opposed to surrounding states.

According to the The CoreLogic Homeowner Equity Insights report, Pennsylvania’s home prices have increased by 15.9% year-over-year, with homes throughout the Keystone State seeing approximately $30,000 in increased value.

Homebuyer demand will also remain steady, contributing to maintaining the market. US News reports that the average home cost in Pennsylvania is $245,153, while the average home price across the country is nearly $70,000 higher.

One area of concern for Pennsylvania real estate agents may be inventory: according to available data as of November 2021, there were less than 20,000 homes on the market in the state. This low inventory may well continue through 2022.

Meanwhile, those who aren’t looking to purchase a home will struggle with rent prices, as the average rental price throughout Pennsylvania increased by 19.1%, according to apartmentguide.com.

Pennsylvania is ranked 10th in terms of the best states to live in, according to a survey conducted by Wallethub. It is considered seventh best in terms of safety and second in quality of life.

B-4

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

BUSINESS

INDUSTRY

McCourt Label Company: Southern Airways flying high with Bradford airport

GROWTH CONTINUES IN THEIR 126TH YEAR

ERA FILE PHOTO A Southern Airways commuter flight lands at Bradford Regional Airport.

BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER - marcie@bradfordera.com

S

o u t h e r n Airways has been flying high, so to speak, with its partnership with Bradford Regional Airport.

Its best December was posted in 2021, and chief commercial officer Mark Cestari said business remains strong, despite the war in the Ukraine.

“We are closely monitoring the impact the war in Ukraine is having on oil prices and travel demand,” Cestari said. “Many of the big airlines are altering their summer schedules in anticipation of less international and more domestic travel demand. Southern is not changing our service pattern at Bradford Regional Airport and will continue to offer two times weekday service to Pittsburgh and two-times weekday service to Washington/ Dulles.”

Business has recovered well from the pandemic, and Cestari has high hopes that as more COVID regulations end, people will take to the air in even greater numbers.

“Passenger volume and future bookings from Bradford remain strong. We expect this trend to continue as travel restrictions are reduced, including

the termination of the federal inflight and in-airport mask mandate on April 18,” he continued, calling it “A breath of fresh air for flyers!”

Local passengers are familiar with the flights to Pittsburgh, and are taking advantage of the flights to Dulles International Airport, too.

“Our Pittsburgh service is well established, since Southern has been flying there from Bradford since 2015,” Cestari said. “The mix of flyers to Pittsburgh is 42%

over 100 cities via Dulles,” he said.

“We are planning a series of marketing programs to promote the IAD service in both directions,” Cestari explained. “The Washington Metro (Subway) has been extended and beginning in April, passengers will be able to travel directly from Dulles Airport to downtown Washington, D.C./Union Station for under $6.00. This will be a great convenience for (Bradford) flyers.”

Southern has more marketing efforts in mind for its partnership with Bradford airport.

Cestari said, “In order to capitalize on the growing popularity of leisure travel to small towns and rural areas, Southern and Bradford Regional Airport have developed a new market program, ‘Bradford & the Big Outdoors,’ which will target younger, urban travelers in D.C. and northern Virginia. Packages will include roundtrip air for two people, a two-night hotel stay and rental car, for under $500. Details of the program will be announced by April 1.”

“A breath of fresh air for flyers!” local and 58% connecting.

Our PIT flights are popular with students at Pitt-Bradford and Florida-bound passengers, who can make connections to the many low-cost carriers from there.”

The service to Dulles began last year, but is already popular.

“Our (Dulles) service, which began last summer, is 57% connecting passengers and 43% local. Southern has an interline agreement with United Airlines, which allows Bradford flyers seamless connections to

BUSINESS

Chapman & Associates announces merger

C

hapman & Associates, in Bradford, has announced its merger with Hodgin & Associates. The new business will be Hodgin, Chapman & Associates.

Michelle Chapman, office manager at Chapman & Associates, said that after an extensive search for a practice with the experience and service expected by the clients in this

region, “Hodgin & Associates exceeded our hopes for a practice we can combine with and continue the tradition we have for excellent service, deep experience, and an environment our clients and associates want to be a part of. We will be able to provide you many new services and areas of specialty in the future.”

New and existing clients will find the combined experience of more than 100 years in the financial

industry, additional office locations, and a wider array of services much to their liking. In addition to the local office, there is now an office in Pittsburgh and New Castle.

The local office has added Louis Sforza, a new Associate Financial Advisor, to the Bradford team, and all other staff are continuing in their current roles. Clients will continue to work with they had in the past.

M

cCourt Label Company had a stellar year in 2021 and is experiencing continued growth into 2022, despite the obstacles created by the worldwide pandemic. Label demand continued at historically high levels and the company team members worked diligently to meet and keep up with that demand.

The 2022 environmental goals for the ISO 14001:2015 program will focus on reducing scrap, thus reducing what waste goes to the landfill, investigating alternate waste disposal methods such as waste-to-energy alternatives, and working to reduce the usage of natural gas. McCourt strives to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills and continuously seeks out alternatives.

The ISO 14001:2015 certification requires compliance with all governmental laws rules and regulations. The company also must be compliant with all customer requirements, track supplier environmental compliance and be aware of local neighboring property environmental impacts as well. This creates a much larger positive environmental impact.

In 2021 the company geared up for growth by investing in the physical plant and production equipment. McCourt prides itself on using local companies for as many projects as possible. Kessel Construction installed a new roof on two of the buildings, and an updated HVAC system was installed by Mazza Mechanical Services from Olean, New York. New production equipment was installed including a Grafotronic digital finishing machine. This

equipment die-cuts, laminates and winds labels that are printed on the digital press.

This unit increases output and improves efficiency, all while reducing scrap.

Continuous training of all employees is also very important to keep up with technological changes in the industry. Classes were held on internal audits, identifying and eliminating waste in the office, and leadership skills for managers. This year there will be additional classes on customer service, as well as color training and printing techniques.

McCourt is a long-standing member of the Bradford area business community and strong supporter of the United Way. Several McCourt employees have graduated through Leadership McKean and all 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.

McCourt provides labels for a wide variety of industries, servicing local, national and international customers. The company specializes in designing and producing labels for manufacturing ID, inventory, food and beverage, hospital supply, pharmaceutical, automotive and more.

Labels ship globally out of the Lewis Run facility to locations including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Uganda, France, and Saudi Arabia.

For further information, please visit the company website, McCourtLabel.com or call 800-458-2390.

B-5

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

INDUSTRY

Price of crude up with market turmoil

By RICK MILLER - Special to The Era

T PHOTO PROVIDED Harry Halloran, joined by then Bradford Mayor Connie Cavallaro, former ARG President Harvey Golubock (second from right) and others, cut the ribbon on a symbolic opening of the Bradford refinery under American Refining Group Inc. management.

Nearly 400 employees and officials gathered in what was then an empty Packaging Plant in 1997 to celebrate the new ownership and the refinery’s future.

Bradford refinery marks 25 years under ARG

T

he Bradford refinery, established more than 140 years ago in 1881, marks a quarter century under American Refining Group Inc. (ARG) ownership this year.

Formerly Witco Chemical Corp.’s Kendall and Amalie division, the plant was bought by Sun Oil in November 1996 and no one was certain what lay ahead.

After months of negotiations, Harry Halloran bought the refinery for $1 (plus $17 million in inventory and working capital), effectively saving it from closure.

“In Pursuit of the Greater Good: Community, Continuity and the ARG Refinery,” the book that recounted that fateful story, quoted Halloran, “It was very exciting to walk through this complex refinery – 20 times more complex than anything I had seen in all my years in the transmix business.

“From that first visit,” he recalled, “we had a gut sense about the people we met, the town of Bradford, and the need to keep this small refinery alive.”

In 2017, when ARG marked 20 years’ ownership of the Bradford refinery, the company renamed a private road for Halloran.

Formerly Brad Penn Way, the road running in front of ARG’s Main Office and R&D buildings is now known as Halloran Way. ARG President and Chief Operating Officer Jon Giberson said, “It’s the Halloran Way – not only the way ARG’s refinery does business, but also the road that runs through it. The designation recognized Harry’s commitment to ARG, its employees, all of its partners and the community.”

Refinery personnel are planning a week-long celebration Aug. 22-27 recognizing the facility’s 25th anniversary under ARG ownership. ARG’s past and present employees, suppliers, customers, producers, partners and the surrounding community will all have a chance to participate; details regarding the week’s

he last time the price of Penn grade crude oil was more than $100 a barrel was back in 2008.

In March 2022, the price of crude in Bradford was up to $119.70, and was over $100 for about half the month. It was up more than $20 a barrel since March 1, spiked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The resulting turmoil in world energy markets has fueled the sharp increase in oil and gasoline prices, which were already trending up.

Jon Giberson, president and chief operating officer of ARG, said the refiner welcomes a rebound in crude prices to levels that allow area Pennsylvania grade producers to maintain and grow their oil production, but would rather it not be the result of a crisis.

“The unfortunate circumstances highlight the supply risks inherent in importing anything, but crude oil in particular,” Giberson said. “The need for responsible and common-sense regulations that can simultaneously maintain good environmental stewardship and encourage domestic production has never been more apparent.”

Penn grade crude is ARG’s optimal feedstock for several reasons, including its chemical composition and the economics of acquiring it.

“Just like everyone else, we are feeling the increased cost of just about everything, especially the price of transporting things from point A to point B,” Giberson said.

“The uncertainty of a global pandemic already had us closely examining expenditures and the like, and we will continue doing so.

“Our hope is that the economy can sustain a mutually beneficial price per barrel and that practical regulations are established — both locally and across the nation — to allow our partners to do what they do best, which is drill for and produce more crude oil.”

The current price of oil is too high for the likes of the president of Dimes Energy, the largest oil producer in Cattaraugus County and New York state.

“I don’t like these prices at all,” said Paul Ramirez. “I’d prefer it in the $70-$75 range.

This does not do well for our economy. It crushes shipping. A lot of our oil goes for plastics.”

It doesn’t help the economy either, he said, when people can’t afford to pay for the gasoline to get to work.

The steep spike in crude prices resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine haven’t changed the way Dimes does business, Ramirez said. “We didn’t change our operation when it was negative oil” in 2020 due to lack of demand because of the COIVID-19 pandemic.

Ramirez figures the Dimes Energy business model in Allegany, N.Y., which includes gas wells, can make a profit at $40 a barrel. A higher price “allows us to drill more and create more jobs. A nice happy

medium price is $70 a barrel. It’s not a happy medium at $100.”

As a world commodity, crude oil is now worth what buyers are willing to pay. The highest price paid is the new price floor.

Dimes has drilled nearly 400 wells in the West Branch area of the town of Allegany over the past few years.

The price of crude oil — which at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago was in negative territory — was already on the increase as world economies began rebounding. Then Russia, the world’s third-largest oil producer, invaded Ukraine. The price of crude oil and gasoline began to skyrocket.

For the Twin Tiers’ remaining smaller oil producers, crude oil prices above $100 are a godsend. Their break-even price is higher than that of larger producers and they can receive a lower price for smaller loads.

Dimes Energy entered the market in the Twin Tiers when other producers in New York and Pennsylvania were plugging their wells and walking away.

“The old saying is buy low and sell high,” Ramirez said from the company’s headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“We’re trying to make the best of it (regarding the oil market),” he said. “With this oil, we can create more jobs, higher-paying jobs. At any one time there are 40-70 workers in the Allegany field, both Dimes and its subcontractors, he explained.

“The prices continue to rise every day,” Ramirez said, although the world price for oil retreated on Wednesday. “It’s adversely affecting a lot of economies” — families and countries. Not only is the price of gasoline going up, but so will everything else associated with oil, like plastics and transportation and shipping costs.

It’s a big misunderstanding, Ramirez said, that producers can just turn on the spigot to get oil flowing.

“This is planned out a year or two in advance,” Ramirez said, adding that drillers need steel, but factories have been shut down across the country. To increase oil production, steel production will also need to increase.

How long are we looking at higher crude prices? Ramirez said Goldman Sachs has said it could go on for two years — regardless if Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine.

As the third largest oil producer behind Saudi Arabia and the U.S., Russia is reaping the same higher prices for its crude. The U.S. cut off purchase of Russian oil on Tuesday as officials search for other sources to help make it up.

“We’re continuing to drill and do our part by hiring people,” Ramirez said. “I’ve been in the oil business for 10 years and I have not seen this price.”

Dimes Energy runs a tight operation, Ramirez said. “I was hoping for $85 or $90” but the crude price kept going up.”

PHOTO PROVIDED Harry Halloran and his wife Kay were surprised at the 2017 ARG Family Picnic with the news that the road running in front of the main office had been renamed Halloran Way.

events will be shared as the time draws near.

“Certainly, we wish Harry were here to celebrate this milestone with us,” Giberson said, “but he leaves a legacy of excellence and integrity, environmental stewardship, entrepreneurship and philanthropy able to sustain this facility for generations to come.”

Halloran’s son, Neil Halloran, assumed leadership as ARG Chairman of the Board upon Harry Halloran’s passing in December 2021.

Neil Halloran said, “It is the aim of the Halloran family, the ARG board of directors and Leadership Team to maintain continuity in the company’s management.”

Neil Halloran explained that the plan for him to gradually take on this role had been in place for some time. When Harry Halloran suffered a stroke in 2018, Neil Halloran was named lead director and he began working closely with his father and the ARG Leadership Team.

The Right Pharmacy for You

Ott & McHenry Pharmacy Mike Dolan, R.Ph. Betsy Eschrich, R.Ph.

“Anyone who shared time with my father – even a short interaction – probably witnessed his extraordinary positivity,” Neil Halloran said.

“His capacity to see a bright future during the most trying of times allowed him to see the potential in this refinery when he purchased it 25 years ago, and to push forward during the years when so many predicted it would be shut down.

“Despite the difficulties of these past years,” Neil Halloran continued, “Dad was able to pass on knowing that ‘the little refinery that could’ was stronger than ever and pushing ahead at full steam.”

For more information about ARG, visit www. amref.com or follow the refinery on Facebook and LinkedIn.

There is always help.

There is always hope.

For children or adults suffering from behavioral health challenges, it can sometimes seem like there is no help or no hope. But Beacon Light can offer both.

From outpatient therapy to family-based treatment in the home; school-based therapists to peer support; short-term residential care to specialized residential homes, only Beacon Light offers a full-range of behavioral health services for children and adults, with a strong emphasis on family.

Don’t give up. And don’t give in.

Beacon Light can help.

24 HOUR Emergency Service • Delivery Service

(814) 362-3827 102 Main St., Downtown Bradford

1-800-345-1780 www.beacon-light.org • Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

B-6

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

BUSINESS

Zippo is turning 90

Z

ippo is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2022 and is using this year to build upon the record-breaking growth earned in 2021, and invest in the future not only for Zippo, but W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. and Northern Lights Enterprises as well.

Mark Paup, President and CEO of Zippo, Case, and Northern Lights said: “2021 was, across the board, an incredibly successful year for all three companies. Zippo saw a historic, double-digit percentage in net sales, and not to be outdone, both Case and Northern Lights saw significant net sales increases as well. These are strong, financially healthy companies.

Our task now is to maintain relevance and carry this success forward by investing in our people, our facilities, and our products. This is a time of exciting opportunities and improvements for all of us.”

He continued, “Our companies are not immune to the challenges the market presents, from supply chain disruptions and raw material scarcity to staffing needs, and yet, we’ve been able to sustain substantial growth year over year. How? The Zippo way. We’ve evolved our sales strategy, with our team developing channel

expertise and allowing us to venture into even more retail settings. Coupling this with new assortments, new products and an ever-increasing speed to market has allowed us to capitalize on opportunities and meet the surge in consumer demand for our products.”

Paup shared that the Zippo product line is continuing to diversify, and that while pocket lighters still are the core business, products such as the HeatBank line of rechargeable hand warmers are making up a larger part of the sales mix each year. Zippo’s innovation team has dozens of new products on the horizon, including a new addition to the highly popular line of windproof lighter insert accessories — the Yellow Flame Butane Insert, which debuted on March 18, and more offerings in the company’s outdoor and patio lineup.

Paup said that over the last year and a half, Zippo has restructured the sales, marketing, and European operations teams, improving efficiencies and filling key roles.

The teams have found success selling Zippo products into retail stores that have not previously carried anything from Zippo, like Costco, and expanding the brand’s presence in the e-commerce landscape.

“All of these improvements and

BUSINESS

J

innovations are also leading to exciting career growth with the organization as well,” Paup said. “We are working to outline career path development, offering leadership and fundamental training, and developing a mentorship program. The company’s success is dependent upon our flexible, skilled, enthusiastic workforce and attracting top talent to join our existing talent. That’s why we’ve also created opportunities for hybrid and remote work, so we can maintain our competitiveness in the evolving job landscape.”

Zippo will be celebrating its 90th anniversary this summer, around the same time that the company’s Founder’s Day events are usually held. While the pandemic has required some adaptations, like hosting

celebrations in Germany for the European teams and key customers, and at the Zippo Asia Headquarters for China and Southeast Asia, in lieu of bringing everyone to Bradford as was done for Zippo’s 80th anniversary in 2012.

The company is planning to host a public celebration and collector’s event on the grounds of the Zippo/Case Museum on June 11, with further details to be announced in the coming months.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating Zippo’s 90th anniversary with the Bradford community, everyone at Zippo, Case, and Northern Lights, as well as our global collector fanbase, and our many retailers and distributors,” said Paup.

Bradford Regional Medical Center is in recovery mode

L

Journey Health System plans for the future of behavioral health care ourney Health System, headquartered in Bradford, is a partnership of multiple like-minded behavioral health service providers who believe that joining forces maximizes the ability to provide the highest quality clinical services to approximately 11,000 adults and 1,300 children across 21 counties in Pennsylvania.

Through affiliation, each member agency focuses its efforts on serving its clients with a wide-range of behavioral health programs while various support services, such as finance, human resources, information technology, fundraising, and communications are provided through the support corporation.

Journey Health System, currently has seven member affiliates: Beacon Light Behavioral Health System, Beacon Light Adult Residential Services, Dickinson Center, Inc., Deerfield Behavioral Health, Deerfield Solutions, Forest-Warren Mental Wellness Association and Stairways Behavioral Health. Through these strategic partnerships, the Health System employs nearly 1,000 employees in a wide range of clinical and support positions that deliver 70 programs and services.

Over the past year, Journey’s leadership team learned that the stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic often made those struggling with mental illness face even greater challenges, while also bringing more individuals forward to seek help for mental health stresses such as anxiety and depression. While Journey’s affiliates remained focused on uninterrupted personalized services to meet the demand for care in the communities they serve, they were also able to increase

“We’re looking forward to celebrating Zippo’s 90th anniversary with the Bradford community, everyone at Zippo, Case, and Northern Lights, as well as our global collector fanbase, and our many retailers and distributors.”

ike all hospitals across the country, Bradford Regional Medical Center is in recovery mode as it addresses the impact of the pandemic. Despite some challenging years and continued work to do, the hospital is starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.

COVID cases are declining, newly implemented recruitment and retention strategies are showing signs of success and new providers have joined the health system, eager to live and work in our community to care for our patients.

“It’s rare to have a rural health system with this scope and array of services,” said Mary LaRowe, interim president, CEO, BRMC, Olean General Hospital, Upper Allegheny Health System. “Like all hospitals, we’re addressing the impacts

of the pandemic. Significant efforts by our team to recruit new staff and providers is showing positive results. It’s a true testament to meeting the needs of the community.”

In Bradford, all primary care provider positions are filled. Most recently, the health system welcomed specialists in orthopedics, urology and oncology and specialists in pain and pulmonology are arriving later this spring. Also, recruitment and retention efforts have resulted in the declining use of agency staff.

While much has been accomplished, challenges continue. UAHS is no different than any other health system. COVID impacted all hospitals financially as supply and staffing expenses were climbing.

As rural hospitals have struggled financially, many have been forced to close across the country.

Operating independently is extremely difficult and health systems must find alternative models of care to address the needs of the community while providing access to primary and specialty care that will preserve healthcare in our community for years to come, LaRowe said.

She added, “we could not have weathered this storm without the incredible support of our team and the community. As a collaborative effort, they all stood up to face the needs of our patients and the community when we needed it most. Whether it was staff volunteering for an extra shift or a food donation and encouraging comments from our community, we got through this together.

“I’m extremely optimistic for the future. We’ve met challenges head on and not faltered. We’re only going to get better,” LaRowe said. “We may be small but we are mighty.”

access to care through the System, visit www.jouruse of technology and te- neyhealth.org. lehealth.

“Prior to the pandemic, telehealth was more often used for professionals to consult with each other on challenging cases,” said Guy Signor, president and CEO of Journey Health System.

“But now it has become a mainstay for diagnosis and treatment in addition to the daily way we communicate across the geography of our service area.”

Some of the federal money that the affiliates received during the pandemic was used to upgrade technology and network infrastructure to ensure telehealth and telecommunications was seamless and reliable.

Richgas is a family owned business serving North Central PA and Southwestern “While telehealth can be extremely beneficial for NY. We celebrated our 100th Anniversary in 2014. In 2015 we purchased the our many clients who live in rural areas and the deretail propane business of Bradford Nugas, from owners Jerry & Martha Craver. clining number of available This was a natural merger of 2 companies with identical operations. doctors, it also comes with a steep price tag for the technology,” Signor added.

We install above ground and below ground bulk propane tanks & 100 lb.

“Additionally, clinicians have had to change the cylinders. All installations & deliveries are made by our professional employees way they approach treatwho continually attend schools & seminars to keep up to date on new products, ment. Sitting in the same room with an individual procedures and regulations. allows the clinician to observe body language, but on a Zoom call that can be Richgas has a referral program in place—refer a friend, neighbor or family member lost. But on the flip side, a client who is sitting in his and receive a $50 credit toward your next fill, if they become our bulk customer. own home may be far more New customers will receive a first fill discount. comfortable and willing to open up than one sitting in a doctor’s office or venturing out into public at a AND WE WANT TO BE YOUR SUPPLIER time when they feel most vulnerable.”

Currently, Journey Heal1-800-698-1060 th System is consulting 1-800-698-1060 with OPEN MINDS, a natioBRADFORD NUGAS RICHGAS, INC nal leader in market intelligence and management 1452 High St 725 Tionesta Ave best practices, to develop a Bradford Pa 16701 long-range strategic plan to Kane Pa 16735 advance the organization’s mission through teamwork, growth, telehealth and partnerships to shape a strong future.

For more information about Journey Health

B-7

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

BUSINESS

Pitt-Bradford launching four-year engineering technology programs

PHOTO BY SYDNEY HERDLE The George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will open in the fall of 2022. The new building will hold two new four-year engineering technology majors and popular information technology programs.

A

fter decades of offering two years of college engineering, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will launch two four-year programs this fall in engineering technology, meaning that those who want to major in the discipline will no longer have to transfer schools to complete their bachelor’s degrees.

University officials have envisioned a four-year program for many years but were finally able to make it happen when the University of Pittsburgh’s Johnstown campus converted its engineering technology programs into engineering degrees, leaving the need for engineering technology programs unfulfilled.

The difference between engineering and engineering technology has to do with application. Engineers spend a lot of time on theoretical work, often using scientific principles and calculus to design machines, processes and structures.

In engineering technology, students learn how to carry out and apply engineers’ designs in real-world settings, such as manufacturing or power generation.

There is a lot of carryover between the two disciplines, but engineering technology graduates will be particularly helpful for many of the area’s employers, particularly manufacturers and energy producers in Western New York and Pennsylvania.

Graduates from engineering technology programs compete for the same jobs as graduates with an engineering degree, including designing and fabricating, managing automated machinery, overseeing industrial processes, or developing new ones.

The first two engineering technology programs at Pitt-Bradford will be energy engineering technology and

By KIMBERLY WEINBERG

mechanical engineering technology. Students in both new majors will learn a spectrum of application-focused mathematics, engineering and science broad enough for them to enter a variety of engineering fields.

Dr. Matt Kropf, director of the Harry R. Halloran Jr./ ARG Energy Institute, is the architect of both new majors.

“There are many jobs for these graduates,” Kropf said.

The energy engineering program, in particular, is offered by only a few other schools, Kropf said. Students in the energy engineering technology program will also take advantage of Pitt-Bradford’s location in the heart of two of the largest shale basins in the United States, as well as at the center of plentiful wood and biomass resources.

In addition to engineering technology courses, these students will add knowledge about Geographic Information Systems and automation and sensors used throughout the energy industry – from solar arrays and windmills to drill rigs and pipelines. They will be able to specialize in conventional energy, renewable energy or energy efficiency.

The home for Pitt-Bradford’s two new majors will be brand new as well: The $22 million, 40,000-square-foot George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building devoted to science, technology and engineering is now under construction.

At the heart of the new building, which will also house the university’s popular computer information systems and technology major, are five new laboratories and a maker space that will include A circuit lab with bench space for soldering, function generators, analog and digital microcontrollers,

spectrum analyzer, and oscilloscopes.

A measurements lab where students will be able to work with sensors and automation in a space with programmable logic controllers, wireless sensing hardware, ultrasonic flaw detectors, and more.

A machine shop with computer-controlled plasma cutter, CNC milling machines and lathes, variable speed drill presses, band saws, machine presses, disc and belt grinders, welders, and rapid prototype machines. Students will be able to create prototypes, then test them in the strength and materials or fluid dynamics lab.

A strength and materials lab, where students can test, measure, and destroy their creations by pulling, pushing, and hitting them with a compression/tension tester and a dynamic fatigue tester as well as testers for impact, hardness, and torque.

A fluid dynamics lab with a wind tunnel, table-top fluid process automation system, Rankine cycler and more.

And a maker space, featuring 3D printing and scanning for rapid prototyping to be shared with the information technology program.

“We are going to have a lot of cool toys,” Kropf said.

In addition to the labs, the building will feature common study areas for collaboration and offices for faculty, including four new engineering professors.

For more information on the energy engineering technology or mechanical engineering technology programs, contact Kropf at mmk230@pitt.edu or 814362-5197 or visit www.upb. pitt.edu.

Energy Institute prepares students, community for future Construction of the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is just the most recent and visible achievement of the university’s Energy Institute.

Established more than a decade ago and led by Dr. Matthew Kropf since 2010, the Harry R. Halloran Jr./ARG Energy Institute played a vital role in the vision for the building and creating the new engineering technology programs that will help to fill it.

Kropf has been working with architects to build the new structure in the hopes that it will meet gold-level LEED certification standards. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council considers green construction practices, water and energy efficiency and more.

Atop the new building, a 113,000 kWh/year solar array will provide as much energy as it would take to power a dozen homes as well as provide students with an active commercial array for their studies.

Kropf wrote a successful grant application to receive $230,000 from the Med-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund to pay for the array after the Energy Institute had success with a smaller demonstration group of panels located on the top of the Richard E. and Ruth McDowell Sport and Fitness Center.

It was not the first time that Kropf, on behalf of the Energy Institute, collaborated with architects and campus facilities personnel to improve the sustainability of a new structure.

In 2020, the Energy Institute worked with facilities management and business affairs offices to earn a silver-level LEED certification for the university’s newest residence hall, Livingston Alexander House, which features high-efficiency heating, ventilating and air conditioning as well as thermal glass and insulation and power from renewable sources.

The new Duke Building will not only be energy efficient, it will also house two programs created

and launched by the Energy Institute, energy engineering technology (see separate story) and energy science and technology.

Established in 2013, the energy science and technology program is a four-year Bachelor of Science degree focusing on a variety of energy-related industries.

Students can focus on energy use in buildings, alternative energy production, petroleum technology, nuclear energy, or energy and the environment. Upper-level courses introduce students to sensors and controls used across energy sectors.

Another academic program associated with the Energy Institute is a two-year associate of science in petroleum technology – one of the few programs of its kind in the northeastern United States – that provides an understanding of the petroleum industry, environmental and safety regulations, monitoring systems, the physics and mechanics of drilling and processing, and the chemistry and geology of hydrocarbons.

Energy Institute programs also work closely with the university’s Allegheny Institute of Natural History and its director, Dr. Ovidiu Frantescu, associate professor of geology and petroleum technology, on environmental academic programs to prepare students for and educate the community about the environment and climate change. The institutes have paired up on projects to develop 245 forested hillside acres owned by the university for recreation and use as a living laboratory.

Similarly, the Energy Institute serves as the umbrella organization for the university’s sustainability committee, which in the past has presented educational programs, improved campus’s waste diversion, installed a pollinator garden, and pursued the 2016 designation of Pitt-Bradford as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.

The institute also plans to continue helping people make sustainable energy choices by hosting events for the public, like an upcoming solar energy conference.

GET CREATIVE IN ONE OF OUR ENGINEERING PROGRAMS .

.

Use your imagination Build something amazing Be an innovator Help solve tomorrowʼs challenges today In one of two new engineering technology programs:

.

.

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Energy Engineering Technology

Myers Trucking, Inc. Mt. Jewett, PA 16740 800-778-5795 In the new George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building opening Fall 2022

.

Ready to get your creative juices flowing?

Learn more at www.upb.pitt.edu/engineeringbuilding or contact the Admissions Office at admissions@upb.pitt.edu or 800-872-1787.

BEYOND SMART

B-8

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Update 2022 | The Bradford Era, 43 Main St. Bradford, PA | www.bradfordera.com | March 31, 2022

Your friendly neighborhood global icon.

As people across the world welcome Zippo into their homes, we’ll always be thankful for ours.

We’re proud to belong to the Bradford community and look forward to another 90 years of friendship.