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People in business

New vice president

for regional agency

Skills of Central Pennsylvania Inc. has hired Cathy McFee as regional vice president to lead and oversee Skills’ programs in Centre, Clinton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lycoming and Mifflin counties. The programs include residential services, adult day programs, behavior support services and employment services for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health diagnoses.

“Cathy’s experience coupled with her commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities makes her a wonderful addition to our Skills team,” said Becky Aungst, Skills chief operations officer.

McFee brings more than 30 years of experience working in social services that provide supports to people with intellectual disabilities. Before arriving at Skills, she served at Family Services, Inc. in Altoona in positions including director of training and compliance for all operations as well as director for the intellectual disabilities programs.

In addition to her supervisory and leadership roles, she spent much of her career working one-on-one with people with disabilities to help them learn skills that assisted them in meeting their social, economic and physical needs.

“I am so very excited to be with Skills of Central Pennsylvania where I can continue to be passionate about what I love to do: support others through person centered efforts,” said McFee.

McFee also has a passion for music. She has been a lecturer of music at Penn State Altoona since 1998 and is the director of music at her congregation.

Skills’ services extend to 17 counties throughout Pennsylvania. Skills is a nonprofit organization that provides programs and supports that promote independence for people with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. Skills is committed to creating opportunities, providing choice and support, and promoting recovery to enhance all aspects of people’s lives.

Beach Creek woman, Tioga man honored

Each year UniqueSource Products and Services hosts an evening filled with inspiration and celebration during the Nettie Mann Achievement Awards Dinner, when outstanding Pennsylvania workers are honored for the exceptional character they demonstrate in living and coping with disabilities, particularly in the workplace.

On June 16, UniqueSource recognized 34 people. Sandra Boob, of Beach Creek, and Walter J. Warren, from Tioga, were recognized during the dinner, held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.

Boob, a news release said, is a steadfast and reliable employee for Hope Enterprises, Inc. She works at the Photo ID site in McElhattan and never misses a day of work – even driving through blizzards to make sure the site is open on time. When the company acquired the Williamsport Photo ID technician location, she drove an extra hour to work to provide coverage at that location until a new technician was trained. According to the Custodial Services Supervisor Thomas A. Reid, Boob was instrumental in helping those employees at the Williamsport location feel comfortable with Hope Enterprises by answering their questions from a tech standpoint.

Warren currently provides janitorial services at a Pennsylvania Welcome Center, where, despite daily transportation challenges, he continues to be one of Partners In Progress’ most dependable employees – never missing a shift and always showing up early to help others.

Larry Becker, Welcome Center supervisor for Partners In Progress, commented that aside from being an inspiration to fellow employees, Warren goes out of his way to help the traveling public and many truck drivers that stop at the Welcome Center. And he continues his acts of kindness in the community, where he is often seen shoveling snow or mowing grass for elderly neighbors, as well as performing public service by shoveling sidewalks and raking leaves for the Borough of Tioga.

“To be a part of recognizing and celebrating the career achievements of 34 Pennsylvanians is a great honor for me,” said Vince Loose, president and CEO of UniqueSource. “Adding the Exhibit Hall event this year enabled attendees to learn about our Members and their Nettie Mann Achievement Award Recipients as they explained their work and to see their pride in the resultant products and services. This event provides our customers with a unique opportunity to learn more about the benefits of employment to thousands of Pennsylvanians with disabilities, fueled by their purchases with UniqueSource.”

District office names

month’s employee

Troy Kotulka, information technology generalist, has been named the state Department of Transportation district office Employee of the Month for July 2014.

Kotulka joined PennDOT in April 2010 as a transportation technician. Six months later he was assigned temporarily to the information technology unit, after which he was promoted to transportation construction inspector. According to a news release, he excelled at that position, but his experience in IT proved helpful to the district when the CADD (Computer Aided Drafting and Design) support unit found itself unexpectedly shorthanded. Kotulka assisted the CADD unit until March 2013 when he joined IT full time as an IT technician.

He has been an asset to the IT unit from the beginning. He quickly learned what he needed to know and strived to become better at his position. His unique perspective and experience with both CADD and IT has helped each better serve PennDOT and District.

Kotulka’s affable personality and quiet approach to IT support, along with his enthusiasm, has been greatly appreciated by his peers, the news release said. He always is willing to help when an issue arises, greets every employee with a smile and always has a positive attitude, according to the news release. He displays great knowledge in his field and always is willing to provide an answer to any question.

He served in the Navy and is a veteran of the first Persian Gulf War. He enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time in the outdoors.

Kotulka, a five-year PennDOT employee, lives in Mansfield with his wife Stacey and children Hayley, Mallory, Landry and Ryley.

People in business

Engineer for city firm wins award

Matthew Peleschak, project manager in Larson Design Group’s Water/Wastewater department, was recently awarded the Golden Manhole Society Award by the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association.

The Golden Manhole Society Award was established by the association’s Collection System Committee to acknowledge extraordinary personal service to the Association while working to promote wastewater collection system understanding, operation and maintenance, training, and continuing education.

“It was a wonderful surprise,” Peleschak said of receiving the award at PWEA Annual Conference on June 2 in State College.

Peleschak, a resident of Pottsville, has dedicated his professional career to renewing aging sewer collection and conveyance systems. He has worked with numerous clients in Pennsylvania to address severe infiltration and inflow issues. His knowledge in rehabilitation techniques has helped clients including South Williamsport Borough, Old Lycoming Township, Porter-Tower Joint Municipal Authority, Williamsport Sanitary Authority, Coal Township, and the City of Shamokin.

Over the past few years, Peleschak, a news release from Larson Design Group said, has been a vital contributor to PWEA, particularly on the topic of private property infiltration and inflow assessment and removal. He was a presenter at PWEA’s Private Property I&I Workshop, which was one of PWEA’s most well-attended workshops during the past year, focusing on the evaluation and rehabilitation of private sewers.

Dave Walters, director of LDG’s Water/Wastewater department, said the award “is well deserved. Matt has done a lot for the infrastructure in the area.”

Larson Design Group has offices in Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, and Texas, and offers services in brand architecture, facilities engineering, environmental systems, energy, surveying, site development, structures, transportation, and inspection.

Banker joins group’s

advisory committee

Brian Brooking, assistant vice president for commercial loans, has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Bankers Association’s Advisory Committee for the PBA Advanced School of Banking. The Committee is responsible for reviewing the operational aspects of the schools and evaluating school curriculum to insure it is relevant and meets PBA member banks’ educational needs. The week-long school attracts bankers from across the state and is conducted annually at Penn Stater Conference Center, State College. Students commit to a three-year program that provides an overview of the operational, product, service and management aspects of a bank.

Brooking will serve a 3-year term starting July 1.

Brooking has been employed at Woodlands Bank since 2003. He is a graduate of the PBA School of Banking in 2009 and the PBA Advanced School of Banking in 2012. Brooking volunteers his time with the Kiwanis Club of Williamsport, YWCA Wise Options Committee, Lycoming County Celebrates the Art’s Alliance and Hiawatha Inc.

The Pennsylvania Bankers Association, located in Harrisburg, is the state’s leading banking trade association representing an expansive and diverse membership.

Monthly awards at

real estate office

Announcement was made by William Hodrick, president of Prudential Hodrick Realty, of the Williamsport office’s monthly awards for May 2014. The award for the sales associate with top production in listings was presented to Jim Shaible while the sales award went to Karen Newcomer.

“Jim and Karen understand the value of maintaining open communication with clients and doing their best to meet their needs. I’m glad to have them on our team.” Hodrick said.

An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates LLC. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

People in business

Banker appointed

to state committee

Jon Conklin, president and CEO of Woodlands Bank in Williamsport, has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Bankers Association’s Professional Development Policy Committee. The committee directs, monitors and approves PBA educational schools, and academies, conferences and seminars to ensure they meet the needs of the membership. Policies and procedures governing educational programs to reflect changes in the financial services industry also are decided by the Professional Development Policy Committee.

Conklin will serve a 3-year term starting July 1 and has been with Woodlands Bank since June 2010 when he was hired as vice president and chief financial officer. He has served as President and CEO of the Woodlands Bank and Woodlands Financial Services Co. since January 2013. Woodlands Bank, which has recently surpassed $350 million in assets, currently has seven locations and will be opening its eighth location in Lock Haven in late summer, the first outside Lycoming County.

The Pennsylvania Bankers Association, located in Harrisburg, is the state’s leading banking trade association representing an expansive and diverse membership. The Association offers extensive continuing education programs, government relations representation on behalf of the industry, and provides numerous products and services for banks and their employees.

Father-daughter

team win award

Upper Desk’s Portable Cabinet Mount for Tablets and Smart Devices won the 2014 Best of Class Gold Award during the Homewares Show Innovation Awards at the National Hardware Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, May 8.

Judged by industry professionals, approximately 50 innovative product entries were critiqued on aesthetics, uniqueness, consumer need, overall value and merchandising support. Products were displayed in Central Hall Lobby at the National Hardware Show May 6t to 8.

Accepting the Gold Award on behalf of the Upper Desk, Inc. team, the product inventor-Roderick Phillips and his daughter, Stephanie Phillips-Taggart, Upper Desk, Inc., President, received the award at the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) stage.

“Not only is this an incredible honor, but this award is a true testament to Upper Desk’s ability-even as a young startup company-to provide innovative products that enhance consumers’ lives,” says Phillips-Taggart.

Upper Desk’s Portable Cabinet Mount for Smart Devices is designed to hold all size iPad or tablets. Using Easy Latch System-a simple clamping mechanism-the mount can be installed or removed in seconds without tools.

Adjustable for portrait or landscape tablet use, the product suspends a smart device just below the cabinet which allows access to the cabinet contents, while saving valuable countertop space below. It also offers three case compatible settings and a 180 degree rotating arm for optimal viewing.

Woman joins real estate office

Weichert, Realtors – Premier has announced that real estate agent Meredith Bigger has joined the sales team of the Williamsport agency.

With more than 20 years as a resident of the area, she will assist property buyers and sellers in central Pennsylvania, Lycoming County, and surrounding areas. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she lives in Montoursville and is a member of the West Branch Valley Association of Realtors.

Having earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Lock Haven University, Bigger is a member of the National Education Association and holds teaching certificates in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Maryland. She has a background in teaching in the Lycoming County area and office administration.

In the community she is involved in youth soccer and dance, along with family activities.

Office selects

month’s employee

Dave Neylon, roadway programs technician supervisor, has been named the state Department of Transportation regional district office Employee of the Month for May 2014.

Neylon, a news release said, is a dedicated and hardworking employee. He always is willing to lend a hand or provide assistance to anyone who asks.

He works in the district posted and bonded roads unit. Neylon began coordinating quarterly meetings early last year. The response from the district’s customers and outside agencies has been nothing but positive and several have commented what a pleasure it is to work with Neylon, according to the news release.

“Dave’s efforts to develop strong working relationships with UOG customers in the district have led to several cooperative projects saving the department money and improving area roadways,” the news release said. “He was also instrumental in helping to develop an electronic roadway data collection application, reducing the amount of time an inspector spends transferring notes and data.”

Neylon has worked with PennDOT’s Bureau of Maintenance and Operations on several issues over the past few years, providing input and comments on statewide guidance for the posting and bonding of roadways. In 2013, he assisted in providing information to establish the electronic inspection process, posting-removal guidance, inspection frequency, and changes to emergency maintenance agreements, contribution agreements and invoicing procedures.

A nineyear PennDOT employee, Neylon lives in Eldred Township with his wife Christiana and their children Christopher, Alexandria, Briana and Brittney.

Muncy business salutes

employee of month

Chris Muchler was recently recognized as the April Employee of the Month at Construction Specialties Inc., Muncy.

Muchler, a news release said, “always goes above and beyond to meet production needs. He often sets personal production goals and takes ownership of the results. From double and triple checking to make sure machining is correct, to educating himself on printing products and hardware, Chris truly cares about producing the best quality product for our customers.”

2 attend session

with congressman

The Pennsylvania Credit Union Association hosted a Meet and Greet with U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Howard, at its headquarters in Harrisburg in May.

In attendance representing Horizon Federal Credit Union, with branches at 1007 E. Third St., Williamsport and 217 W. Bald Eagle St., Lock Haven were Paul Nyman, board member, and Judy Harris, marketing and communications. The meeting, a news release said, was part of the PCUA’s advocacy outreach efforts.

New senior vice

president for bank

First National Bank of Pennsylvania, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corp., has announced the recent promotion of Joseph M. Entenman to senior vice president and team leader. Entenman is responsible for the sales activities, referrals and results for the Harrisburg commercial banking team.

Entenman joined First National Bank in 2010 as vice president of commercial banking, and has more than 20 years of industry experience, including positions with Waypoint Bank and M&T.

He is the current board chairman of UCP of Central PA, past president of the Harrisburg Kiwanis Club and serves as Financial and Professional Services Chair for the United Way of the Capital Region. Entenman received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University. He resides in Dillsburg, with his wife, Tina, and their two children, Matthew and Jack.

First National Bank of Pennsylvania, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corp., has over 280 full-service locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and West Virginia.

People in business

Montoursville man joins bank

West Milton State Bank announces Rexford B. Hilton is joining its community banking team as commercial relationship manager. He will manage commercial lending services in Lycoming and neighboring counties. Hilton brings with him more than 40 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Rex resides in Montoursville with his wife, Catherine. He serves as President of K’s for Cancer, a non-profit public charity established in memory of his son Justin Flannery Hilton. He has been involved with the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, the American Institute of Banking, the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, the Lycoming County United Way, the Community Arts Center, the Montoursville Little League, Susquehanna Health, the Montoursville Public Library and Habitat for Humanity. Hilton is a past member of the Montoursville Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.

Hilton graduated from Tri-State University with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. Hilton also is a graduate of the Stonier School of Banking.

New vice president

at regional bank

Richard A. Grafmyre, president and CEO of Penns Woods Bancorp, bank holding company for Jersey Shore State Bank, recently announced the promotion of Kevin Weinhoffer to senior vice president and corporate director of commercial loans and credit services.

In his new position, Weinhoffer’s main responsibilities will be managing the commercial loan department, overseeing the Bank’s commercial loan portfolio, implementing strategies and procedures, while maintaining and ensuring regulatory compliance both internally and externally.

Weinhoffer is a graduate of South Williamsport High School and hold degrees in economics and finance from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove. He also is a graduate of numerous Pennsylvania Bankers Association schools, including: Central Atlantic School of Banking, School of Commercial Lending and the Advanced School of Banking.

A Leadership Lycoming Class of 2000 graduate, he is active in the community volunteering his time as a basketball coach and coordinator for St. Lawrence Church in the John Bower League and as a coach for junior high basketball teams in South Williamsport.

Penns Woods Bancorp. Inc. is the bank holding company for Jersey Shore State Bank and Luzerne Bank. The banks serve customers in North Central and North Eastern Pennsylvania through its retail banking, commercial banking, mortgage services and financial services divisions.

Bank recognizes

years of service

Twelve Citizens and Northern Bank employees have been recognized for a combined 225 years of service to the financial institution, according to a news release.

Carla Packard and Stan Dunsmore was recognized during the April-June service awards luncheon for 30 years, while Joan Grenell, staff accountant in Towanda, for 35 years.

Packard is a loan processor and escrow specialist in Troy. Dunsmore is commercial lending regional team leader in Coudersport.

Also recognized, for 40 years service, was Charles H. Updegraff Jr., chairman, president and CEO at Wellsboro.

Jamie Butters, trust operations manager, Wellsboro; and Shelley D’Haene, director of alternate delivery channels, Wellsboro, were recognized for 15 years.

Brandy Allen, electronic banking team leader, Wellsboro; Karen Hall, customer services representative, East Smithfield; Sara Heatley, staff auditor, Wellsboro; John Reber, director of risk management, Wellsboro; Bruce Smithgall, commercial lending regional team leader, Williamsport; and Kathryn Wesneski, customer service representative, Liberty, were recognized for 10 years of service, according to the news release.

Service awards luncheons are held regularly and hosted by Charles H. Updegraff Jr., bank chairman, president and CEO In 2014, the bank will recognize 36 employees for a total of 545 years of service to Citizens and Northern Bank.

People in business

Award winners for

real estate office

Jeanne O’Rourke, broker and owner of Century 21 Colonial Real Estate in Muncy announce that Devin O’Rourke, real estate agent has been invited by Century 21 Corp-orate Events Team to the Top Agent Retreat in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on July 7, 8 and 9. In addition he also was invited to the 2014 Century 21 Global Conference in Las Vegas.

Devin has accomplished the Masters level Ruby Award in sales production for several years and Quality Service Pinnacle Award for 2013, receiving the award for 3 consecutive years.

This special invitation is to give recognition to Devin on his achievements by Century 21 Real Estate, LLC.

Also, receiving outstanding sales awards were: Jeanne O’Rourke, Quality Service Pinnacle Award; Janette Fisher, Rebecca Laidacker, Quality Service Award; and Patricia Smay, Quality Service Pinnacle Award and Silver Award. Congratulations also is given to all of the real estate agents at Century21 Colonial who helped achieve the Quality Service Pinnacle Award for the office through the surveys completed by their buyers and sellers.

According to a news release, the superior level of service they provide to their buyer’s and seller’s is proven in the excellent feedback received by the buyer/seller surveys received sent through Century 21 Corporate Office.

Attorney elected

to national board

Clifford Rieders has been elected to the National Board of the Zionist Organization of America. The Zionist Organization of America was founded in 1897, whose past presidents include the legendary United States Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis.

The Zionist Organization of America, according to a news release, works both for justice and democracy in the Middle East and strongly supports the right of Israel to exist. Rieders was instrumental in assisting the Zionist Organization of America in setting up its Center for Law and Justice, which has been a leader in seeking enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to safeguard against the plague of anti-Semitism. The Center for Law and Justice has brought some of the leading cases to support the rights of pro-Israel forces on college campuses to make their voices heard.

The Zionist Organization of America has been active politically and in the press in assuring that Israel’s right to exist will not be undermined in the halls of Congress, in the press, or on college campuses. Majority leader Eric Cantor has said, “ZOA is the moral compass for all of us (in Congress) as far as relationships in the Middle East are concerned.”

ZOA, the news release said, is fighting legally and politically to defeat extremist campaigns to undermine the existence of Israel by economic boycott and divestiture. The organization points out the hypocrisy of attacks on the only democracy the Middle East has ever known while those same forces do nothing about the slaughter in Syria, the Central African Republic, Sudan, and other locations around the world.

“I am honored to be part of this significant and highly respected organization fighting on behalf of Jewish interests and the State of Israel in its crucial relationship with the United States,” Rieders said.

New agent at

real estate office

Weichert Realtors -Premier has announced that Diane M. Shultz has joined the sales team of the Williamsport agency. A 49-year resident of the area, she will assist property buyers and sellers in Lycoming County and surrounding areas. She lives in Elimsport.

Shultz is a member of area golf leagues and the VNEA Pool League.

Month’s employee named at Muncy office

Todd Myers was recently recognized as the May Employee of the Month at Construction Specialties Inc. in Muncy.

Myers, a news release said, has a positive and uplifting attitude and is highly regarded among his co-workers. “He is always willing to give 110 percent to ensure that shipments are on time. Todd always has the customer first and foremost in his mind and works hard to exceed their expectations,” the news release said.

Company official

qualifies for honor

Richard A. Grafmyre, president and CEO of Jersey Shore State Bank, recently announced that Brad Hall, vice president and investment representative for The Comprehensive Financial Group, qualified for the “Court of the Table” of the Million Dollar Round Table. The Million Dollar Round Table is an association of financial professionals.

With over 35 years in the financial services industry, Hall is a 27-year member and a seven-time Court of the Table qualifier. He earned the chartered life underwriter and the chartered financial consultant designations from the American College.

According to a news release, achieving Court of the Table status places Hall among the top professionals in the global life insurance and financial services industry. It recognizes Hall for demonstrating exceptional professional knowledge, client service and ethical conduct.

“Attaining Court of the Table membership in MDRT is a distinguishing career milestone reserved for a select few like Brad who have proven that they are among the best of the best,” Michelle L. Hoesly, organization president, said. “We are fortunate to have a talented and involved membership that helps MDRT to continue to be recognized as the global leader in financial services.”

Man promoted

at bank

Michael J. Goodreau, of Watsontown, has been promoted to Commercial Relationship Manager in FNB Bank’s Commercial Banking Group. In this position, he will be responsible to maintain and develop commercial relationships, counsel clients on lending needs, the development and growth of new commercial relationships in FNB Bank’s Williamsport and Swineford National Bank’s Lewisburg areas.

Goodreau joined FNB Bank in 2013 and most recently held the position of branch manager of the Williamsport office. He brings over 13 years of banking experience to his position.

Goodreau holds a bachelor of arts degree from Lycoming College. And he has completed studies at the Pennsylvania Bankers School of Commercial Lending and Central Atlantic School of Banking.

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