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People in business

Men’s program

director named

Col. and Mrs. Sam Astin, commanding officers of The American Rescue Workers Williamsport Corps, announced recently that Michael T. Kane has joined the organization as the men’s program director. The American Rescue Workers is a church/non-profit charitable organization that gives spiritual and material aid to those in need; majoring in hunger and homeless prevention programs.

The organization has had a ministry to indigent men for more than 79 years; offering short term transitional shelter and a longer term Men’s Program designed to minister to the individual in a holistic approach as they seek a positive return to society and a productive living environment.

Kane graduated from Lycoming College with a bachelor of arts degree in May of this year. Kane came to the church with excellent credentials and recommendations including this one from Mitch Marcello, First United Methodist Church director of college and community outreach: “Michael Kane’s heart is evident in all he does serves others before himself, works hard as a leader and refuses to settle for good enough,” a news release said.

“This is just the type of person we need on our team and we are delighted he’s with us,” said Col. Astin.

Kane served as college and community outreach intern at First United Methodist Church. At Lycoming College he served in various capacities including: resident adviser, residential life; president, United Campus Ministry; service coordinator, Community Service Center; orientation leader, summer orientation Staff and student technician, Information Technology Services. He was also an environmental planning intern, for Lycoming County.

Kane is a resident of the city utilizing the parsonage that is owned by the American Rescue Workers.

Attorney to present

on irrevocable trusts

Certified elder law attorney Julieanne E. Steinbacher will present at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute seminar “Irrevocable Trusts: Drafting with the Right Ingredients.” The continuing legal education program will be held Aug. 5 in Mechanicsburg.

Steinbacher will present “What are Irrevocable Trusts and Why Use Them?” The topic will focus on the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, different types of irrevocable trusts and how they work, federal estate tax issues, planning for Medicaid and Veterans benefits, creditors and lawsuits, management of funds, and avoiding probate. The audience will consist of attorneys, judges, and paralegals from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Elder Care and Special Needs Law Firm of Steinbacher & Stahl was established in 2002 by Julieanne E. Steinbacher, who, in addition to being an attorney, is a gerontologist and social worker. In 2008, long-time associate Adrianne J. Stahl, Esquire, joined Attorney Steinbacher as a partner.

Brokers take course on health care law

The Benefits Team at The Sholley Agency fully understands the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also commonly known as Obamacare. Each member of the Team recently completed a 10 hour course and passed a proctored exam to become certified through The National Association of Health Underwriters’ new PPACA professional development course.

Brokers successfully completing this course, according to a news release, have confirmed their knowledge of the key technical components of the law and are prepared to counsel their clients on upcoming required health care changes and new health plan options for employer groups and individuals.

“By taking this course, the Sholley Benefits Team has joined an elite group who are uniquely qualified to assist clients in complying with the new law,” said association CEO Janet Trautwein. “They understand how the market is likely to change over the next few years, and are in the perfect position to advise families and businesses in planning for the future.”

“As broker consultants, staying current with the changes introduced by health care reform and educating our clients is our top priority. Understanding the nuances of the law enable us to identify opportunities for our clients,” said Chris Bailey, of Sholley Agency, Inc.

Area business owner attends convention

William Bardo, owner of ServPro of Williamsport and Montoursville, recently returned from ServPro’s 44th annual Convention in mid-June at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel and the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.

ServPro, a disaster cleanup, restoration and remediation services company, welcomed a record number of franchisees to the annual event, a news release said, The convention offered more than 60 workshop sessions covering more than 30 different topics. This year’s keynote speaker was former NBA player Walter Bond.

“The variety and quality of this year’s educational and business sessions was better than ever,” said Bardo. “This Convention is my opportunity to learn about the latest initiatives from ServPro Corporate, and the developing trends in our industry. I know the time I spend in sessions and talking to fellow Franchisees benefits not only my business, but also my community when customers call on us for our services.”

In addition to providing a networking and educational forum for the more than 1,600 Franchise Owners in the ServPro franchise system, the annual event provides a platform for ServPro to recognize and reward franchisees for outstanding success in their businesses.

New real estate

agent for group

Weichert, Realtors – Premier has announced that real estate agent Matthew Brown has joined the sales team of the Williamsport agency. A resident of Muncy, he will assist homebuyers and sellers in Lycoming County – particularly Muncy, Hughesville, Montgomery, and Muncy Valley – and Eagles Mere.

In service to the community, Brown is an Eagle Scout committee member for the Boy Scouts of America.

Holding an associate’s degree in building construction technology, he is a member of the West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association. He is the owner of Lycoming Fence Co. LLC, and has a background in building materials and home building estimates.

People in business

Addition to leadership

of regional office

The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center announces Beth Bittenbender has joined the enterprise as operations and communications manager.

Based in Williamsport, IMC is located on the campus of the Pennsylvania College of Technology and at Innovation Park in State College.

IMC, a news release said, is a public-private partnership dedicated to enhancing global competitiveness of Central Pennsylvania manufacturers by increasing innovation, productivity and profitable growth to drive economic impact. IMC serves 12 counties in the central region of Pennsylvania and is one of seven industrial resource centers in Pennsylvania.

Bittenbender brings to IMC and the mission of advancing manufacturing, a high level of experience in management and strategy and enthusiasm for operations excellence and performance improvement. She will play a key role in advancing efforts to provide manufacturers with customized solutions in all areas of their business to deliver measurable results in productivity, profitability and competitiveness.

“I grew up in this area, but I left after college for opportunities in Maryland. For 20 years I worked with Fortune 500 companies and other large, well-known organizations all over the country.” Bittenbender said. “I’m back in Central PA because it’s a great place to live and raise a family. With IMC, I want to continue reversing the ‘brain drain’ trend so that our local manufacturers, businesses and communities can thrive. … I’m thrilled to be part of such a committed, passionate team of professionals. The work we do at IMC has amazing impacts on our region’s manufacturers and people all over the state. With the federal and state spotlight on ‘Make it in America;’ manufacturing is the place to be now, especially in Pennsylvania.”

New vice president

for engineering firm

Larson Design Group announces Douglas Smith has joined the firm as vice president of transportation based in the firm’s Cranberry office. Smith will be responsible for expanding transportation presence into western Pennsylvania and other states.

Smith most recently was vice president of CDM Smith. His experience includes structural engineering, transportation planning, software engineering, construction, and transportation finance. He has held positions in field engineering, design, project management, regional management, finance, and marketing.

Smith said he was drawn to Larson Design Group because of “the company’s business ethics. The firm, he said, “is very practical and logical, approaching problems in a sensible manner and expecting accountability.”

“Doug brings to the company national firm experience and a broad perspective in the transportation industry,” Keith Kuzio, president and CEO, said. “This includes transportation planning, transit, traffic and aviation services for transportation agencies across wide regional geographies of the U.S.”

Smith will take over the role of vice president of transportation from Dave DeBlander, who will “continue to grow the client relationships which have allowed LDG to establish its strong reputation as a transportation design firm over the past two decades,” according to Kuzio. “Dave will mentor Doug in his new role and will also focus efforts on the design and implementation of processes that allow LDG’s Transportation Division to continue its high level of performance as we enter a new phase of growth.”

Smith holds a B.S. in civil engineering from Ohio State University, an M.S. in civil engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, and an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. He lives in the Pittsburgh area with his family. In his spare time, he enjoys running and rooting for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Larson Design Group is a growing, multi-disciplined brand architecture, engineering, and surveying firm, providing innovative design solutions for the private and public sectors.

Allenwood office

recognizes woman

Denise Campbell has been selected as The Eye Center of Central PA’s June Visions of Excellence recipient. The Eye Center Visions of Excellence recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by the director and management network.

As the customer service representative in The Eye Center’s Allenwood office, Campbell is recognized, a news release said, for outstanding commitment to helping patients and family members understand surgical options, dedication as a valued team member always willing to go beyond her traditional job responsibilities, and great attention to detail in one of The Eye Center’s busiest offices.

“Customer service representatives like Denise set a tremendous example of how we want all our employees to care for their patients,” said Sonja Kratzer, Eye Center director of business. “Campbell is always friendly, makes patients feel welcome, and has tremendous respect from her coworkers.”

Campbell has been with The Eye Center for four years this July.

People in business

Bank appoints

board chairman

Jersey Shore State Bank announced that Hubert A. Valencik has been appointed chairman of the company’s board of directors.

“Hubert is an outstanding leader in the local community; we will continue to benefit from his business expertise and knowledge,” said Richard A. Grafmyre, president and CEO. “His participation in his new role as chairman will help us achieve our goal of making JSSB the most significant regional community bank.”

Valencik is a retired former senior vice president and chief operations officer of Jersey Shore State Bank. He also has held the position of senior vice president of Penns Woods, the bank’s parent company. Valencik has served as a director of the bank since 2005.

Jersey Shore State Bank operates 13 branch offices providing financial services in Lycoming, Clinton, Centre, and Montour counties.

Financial company

fills leadership post

Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Jersey Shore State Bank and Luzerne Bank, announced that R. Edward Nestlerode Jr. has been appointed chairman of the company’s board of directors. He has served as a director of Jersey Shore State Bank since 1995.

“I want to commend Ed for his unwavering commitment and sound judgment on the JSSB board of directors over the past several years,” said Richard A. Grafmyre, president and CEO. “He brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the role of chairman and we look forward to continuing to work with him to develop the full potential of the PWOD family.”

Nestlerode was named vice president of Nestlerode Contracting Co. Inc. in 1974, and appointed CEO of the company in 1996. He is a 1974 graduate of Norwich University with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. Nestlerode Contracting Co. Inc., located in Lock Haven, was incorporated in 1958.

Nestlerode and his wife Gail have been married for 38 years. They have two children and four grandchildren.

Penns Woods Bancorp Inc. is the $1.1 billion parent company of Jersey Shore State Bank and Luzerne Bank.

Real estate agency

adds to sales force

Weichert Realtors – Premier has announced that real estate agent Megan Tanner has joined the sales team of the Will-iamsport agency.

A native of Lewisburg and a resident of Watson-town, she will assist homebuyers and sellers in Milton, Watsontown, Muncy, Turbotville, Montoursville, McEwensville, Sunbury, and Hughesville.

She is a member of the Central Susquehanna Valley Board of Realtors in Danville.

Tanner is a member of Christ Wesleyan Church in Milton. She has a professional background in administration in the automotive industry.

Employee of month

named by office

Gerald Wertz, assistant maintenance engineer, has been named the state Department of Transportation district office Employee of the Month for July.

Wertz is one of two AMEs in the district office, with his responsibility covering the five southern counties in the nine-county district in northcentral Pennsylvania. He works closely with district and county managers to ensure department-force and contract projects are developed to address transportation needs and priorities, a news release said. His work involves close coordination with department maintenance forces to provide technical guidance to help them provide timely, cost-effective and high-quality transportation projects.

He is also responsible to respond to customer questions and concerns, which is critical to understanding and addressing the transportation needs within the counties he is assigned. According to the news release, he also provides oversight for the district’s roadside management program to control roadside vegetation.

A 13-year PennDOT employee, Wertz lives near Danville with his wife, Crystal, and their daughters, Lillian, Helen and Jane Violet.

People in business

Man promoted to

senior vice president

Glenn Zumbach has been promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer. His duties are to direct and coordinate activities of all departments, offices, and club support. In addition he is to assist the president with achieving the organization’s goals and objectives.

Zumbach is a graduate of Riverside High School and the Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor of science in computer science. He lives in Taylor with his wife Becky. A-30 year veteran of AAA, he has held various management positions including Director of Information Systems and Director of Support Services.

Real estate office

names award winners

William Hodrick, president of Prudential Hodrick Realty, recently announced the Williamsport office’s monthly awards for May 2013. The award for the sales associate with top production in Listings was presented to Becky Hedgcock while the sales award went to Chris Wallace.

“Agents like Becky and Chris make our team the best place in our marketplace for consumers to turn to whenever they have a real estate need. They are dedicated to this business and, more importantly, to their customers,” Hodrick said.

Group recognizes 3 for years in industry

Three Woodlands Bank Employees received the Years of Service Award from the PBA and were recognized for serving 40 or more years in the banking industry at the Pennsylvania Bankers Association meeting held April 23 at the Williamsport Country Club. The 40-Year Club consists of bankers completing 40 or more years of service in Pennsylvania’s banking industry and who are regular members of the PBA.

Carol Welliver, vice president of Woodlands Bank, began her banking career in April 1972 in the consumer lending area of Fidelity National Bank. After a merger with Commonwealth Bank in 1981, She was appointed supervisor of the dealer center operations area overseeing dealer operations at five locations throughout Pennsylvania. Welliver later was promoted vice president of the loan operations department of Commonwealth Bank where she managed the operations of three centers throughout Pennsylvania. After the merger with Meridian Bank, she was appointed vice president of the consumer loan retail Division for the Commonwealth Offices. She joined Woodlands Bank in 1995 as vice president of consumer and residential mortgage lending. Welliver served for a number of years on the PBA/PDN educational Board for the Central Mountain Campus and more recently as a member of the PBA School of Banking team as an onsite evaluator.

Linda Myers, community office manager for Woodlands Bank, began her banking career working for Commonwealth Bank, and later, successor banks, holding various positions in the Operations area. In 1998, while working for Sovereign Bank, she transferred to the position of community office manager at the Muncy office. In 2004 She accepted a position with Woodlands Bank as the community office manager for the Halls Station office. She is a graduate of PBA’s Advanced School of Banking.

C. Victor Beach, vice president of deposit operations for Woodlands Bank, began his career in June 1969 as a management trainee at the former Fidelity National Bank of Pennsylvania. Fidelity merged with Commonwealth Bank in 1981 where he became vice president of operations services. While at Commonwealth, he graduated from the PBA Central Atlantic School of Banking. Following Meridian Bank’s acquisition of Commonwealth, and Corestates Bank’s subsequent acquisition of Meridian, he managed the Williamsport remote item processing capture site, before spending five years at Sovereign Bank in a community office prior to joining Woodlands in 2004 as vice president of deposit operations.

3rd edition of

professor’s book

published

Dr. Bonita M. Kolb, associate professor of business administration at Lycoming College, recently published the third edition of her book “Marketing for Cultural Organizations: New Strategies for Attracting Audiences.”

Kolb’s book focuses on how the use of technology and social media can draw a new audience into the world of high art. She highlights strategies such as developing a consistent online message, allowing the audience to become engaged in the creative process of artists and finding cost-effective methods of researching an audience.

The first edition of this book was originally published in 2000 and is used by both students and practitioners in many countries including the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia. Kolb also has been published in a number of leading journals and is the author of several books on marketing and nonprofit management.

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