Sections will become available as they are published.
Pressure/Soft Wash by Mark Baughman had a successful eighth year of business in 2024, seeing a growth of customers in the nine counties — Clarion, Forest, Warren, Butler, Crawford, Erie, Mercer, Lawrence, and Allegheny — that surround the business’s home county of Venango, which also saw growth.
Section A of the Business Review & Forecast looks at Venango County and Oil City governments, along with local area agencies.
After years of work, the fifth floor of 100 Seneca opened for business during the past year. Meanwhile, work continues on the first floor, which is slated to open later this year.
In a significant change to Oil City’s North Side, the former Days Inn, which had fallen into disrepair, was demolished in 2024.
Oil City saw a lot of changes in 2024, most notably demolition of the former Days Inn and the closure of Veterans Bridge for much of the summer.
The Venango County commissioners in 2024 explored various avenues in a continual effort to bring business and economic growth to the area.
From taking on an old college campus and demolishing an old hotel to promoting ATVs and developing boat launches, the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry and Tourism had a whirlwind year in 2024, and the coming year doesn’t look any less eventful.
Over the past year, business development in Venango County has surged, driven by innovation and collaboration across industries. The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of these efforts, championing initiatives that strengthen the local economy and support its diverse …
In marking its third return appearance to the region, the Drake Energy & Climate Security Conference drew a wide spread of industry experts and policymakers in October for a two-day forum that covered everything from local oil history to globe-spanning energy issues.
The Drake Energy & Climate Security Conference and 100 Seneca were both featured in separate segments last fall on “Our Region’s Business,” a Sunday morning show on WPXI-TV.
A look at building permits issued in Oil City during 2024 shows over $13 million in improvements are underway in the city, dwarfing the value of the improvements made in 2023, which came in at about $3.7 million.
In 1970, Heath Oil opened one gasoline station in Victory Heights on Rt. 322, Cranberry Township. The company has been expanding ever since and has now served customers in Venango, Mercer, Clarion and Crawford Counties for 54 years.
Five new dancers were admitted into the Oil Region Ballet: Annalese Bresee, Lilly Burkhardt, Lauren Hosick, Ellie Moser and Elise Switzer. Their sojourn with ORB began with a similar experience as Deborah Femovich's piece. After they signed their contracts and attended the orientation meetin…
The Small Business Jump Start Program will continue to offer the Venango County region several different entrepreneurial opportunities to start up a new business and enhance an existing business expansion, as well as providing survival strategies for the current challenging inflationary econ…
For over 35 years, the Steel Valley Authority (SVA) has helped Pennsylvania businesses, their workers and families, and the communities in which they are located survive global economic change. SVA does this through a program it administers called the Strategic Early Warning Network, or SEWN…
Residents and visitors to the area enjoy and frequently utilize its numerous free-to-the-public trails, greenways and other outdoor recreational facilities throughout the four seasons.
Since its creation in 2017, Be Here — an initiative of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce — has been on a mission to celebrate the heart of Venango County by highlighting its unique stories, remarkable people and outstanding opportunities. This program aims to not only “change the narrativ…
257 Buy Sell Trade, located at 4317 Route 257 in Oil City and owned by Derek Bailey, is business that specializes in buying and selling gold, silver and platinum jewelry and coins.
Krebs Customs LLC, located at 373 Route 157 in Oil City and owned by Michael Krebs, is a repairs service specializing in automotive, diesel, heavy equipment and small engine repairs both in shop and on-site.
Ice Cleaning and Painting LLC continued to expand its coverage area and services in 2024 and intends to carry that momentum into 2025. Notable projects included multiple areas at the Benson Memorial Library in Titusville; both interior and exterior projects at Core Goods in Oil City; complet…
Wet Hose, based in Cooperstown, continued to grow in 2024, providing professional exterior cleaning services to Venango, Clarion, Crawford and Mercer counties. With over 20 years of experience, the company remains dedicated to helping property owners maintain their homes and businesses with …
There are the alpacas — walking down the street, at birthday parties, festivals, church functions and at the river and streams. It doesn’t matter where the alpacas are, people are always excited to see the two beautiful animals owned by Jeanette Demmer Biltz that have lived at 169 East Bisse…
The Friends of Oil Creek State Park (FOCSP), established in 2005, play a vital role in supporting and enhancing the park’s offerings. As a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF), a 501(c)(3) organization, FOCSP brings together funding and volunteer power to ensure th…
The saying, “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold,” proved true at DeBence Antique Music World in 2024.
How do you “unplug” and still enjoy family time or just time in the outdoors? In Venango County, there are a lot of options — we have trails, parks and lots of museums that welcome visitors every day. However, Venango also has a unique way to experience all of the above: the Oil Creek & …
High Above 80 is looking for a busy 2025. Having gone through some personnel changes this past year, the new crew has been adding more dance and contemporary material to our collection – along with new (to us) songs from our foundational 80s era.
The past year was full of renovations and new happenings at Core Goods, a local food market located at 2 East First Street in Oil City. The store has been in their current location for two years and in business for six years. Between opening their new Community Space, hosting classes, adding…
Throughout 2024, the YWCA of Oil City had a blast as they celebrated 100 years serving the community. A few of the highlights included having a float in the annual Oil Heritage Parade, organizing and implementing an engraved brick project, having their history highlighted in the Hidden Herit…
The Oil Region Library Association (ORLA), whose locations include the Oil City Library, 2 Central Ave. Oil City, PA 16301, the Franklin Public Library, 421 12th St, Franklin, PA 16323, and the Cooperstown Public Library, 182 N Main St. Cooperstown, PA 16317, continued its efforts to provide…
Venango County Historical Society, located at 307 South Park Street, is a nonprofit museum and historical society dedicated to the preservation of historical artifacts, documents and photos pertaining to Venango County. They provide educational and informational tours, programs and research …
For over 64 years, Bert Klapec, Inc. — known as BKI — has provided excavating and demolition services within the local industrial companies, as well as small to large residential jobs. Originally incorporated in 1961 by Bert Klapec, who for many years before started with a single-axle dump t…
As the world steps into 2025, it’s a great time to celebrate the ways the community contributes to some of the most exciting advancements shaping our world. Right here in your own backyard, Electralloy is playing a pivotal role in industries that are transforming the future, from commercial …
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) of Venango County just turned 20 years old. CASAs are independent from the social services system and focus solely on the child. They are trained community members who come from all walks of life and can draw on a variety of professional and personal…
A growing business is always evolving. Sometimes that means growing in new ways and sometimes that means stopping something that you have been doing. Linda Lineman made the decision to close her second studio #N, that she was using as a classroom, in the National Transit Annex Building. She …
As Bridge Builders Community Foundations (BBCF) prepares to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2025, they reflect on a remarkable year of growth, generosity and impact in 2024. Since its founding in 1975, BBCF has been a steadfast partner in fostering philanthropy and strengthening the fabric…
Stubler Drive Thru Beverage made a major leap in 2024, launching online ordering and delivery to bring even more convenience to its customers. Now, at just the click of a button, customers can browse Stublers’ full inventory online at StublersDriveThru.com, see exactly what’s in stock and ha…
A legacy of service
Eight & 322, a community storytelling website, had a successful year of collaboration and news coverage in Franklin, Titusville and beyond.
The new year of 2025 will mark the 40th year in business for Gustafson General Contracting serving the local area with construction, renovations and related services. Founded in May of 1985 by owner Ron Gustafson, from part-time evening and weekend work to a full-time occupation, he and his …
OIL CITY — USA Choice Internet, the locally-owned “Hometown, Friendly Choice for Fast, Reliable Internet Service,” reflects on a year of innovation and growth in 2024 while looking forward to ambitious plans for 2025. Founded in 1995, USA Choice remains dedicated to delivering affordable, hi…
Gary and Marissa McFarland Started “Beast Boutique” in 2002 after acquiring their first Mastiff, Sherman “The Tank” Niles, CGC, III. He was something else, a true character that became the heart and inspiration of “Beast Boutique”.
Oil City — Webco PA Carbon, a leading innovator in precision tubing solutions, is proud to announce the expansion of its operations with the addition of Department of Transportation (DOT) logistics capabilities. This significant milestone includes the purchase of two semi-trucks and five tra…
In 2024, Clifford’s Carpets proudly celebrated their one-year anniversary. They were surprised by the number of customers they served in their first year and they are incredibly grateful for the support.
The past year has been one of transformation for 7 Foot Productions & Marketing. From expanding studio space to refining operations, the company has continued to grow, solidifying its role as a leader in video production and marketing in the region. Now entering its fourth year, the busi…
Rizer Fireworks is a family-owned and run retail business that was established in 1984 by Clifton and Mary Rizer in Marienville. The couple opened their second location in Shinglehouse in 1997. As the small company continued to grow a third location was opened in Russell in 2004. The family …
Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange (FLEX) continues to help young professionals connect with one another, develop professionally and give back to the community.
Cottage Hill Fudge is heading into its 25th year in business since it opened in the year 2000.
