by Harry Zimbler, Editor

The Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce held its 123rd Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at the Genetti Hotel and Suites on February 11 in downtown Williamsport. More than 200 members were on hand to celebrate the organization’s 2008 accomplishments and honor top performers.

However, the meeting also included some serious words about the current national and regional economies and the years ahead.

“Enough is enough,” stated Vincent Matteo, president and CEO of the WLCC. “It’s time for this community and nation to fight back. The negativity must stop. This is going to be a tough year. But we must overcome the obstacles. If we are positive, the turnaround will come together, if we let it. The free enterprise system is what made this country great. And with all due respect to the government, it is what is going to save us today.”

Steven Johnson, president and CEO of Susquehanna Health, and chair of the WLCC Board of Directors, welcomed the membership and opened the meeting with words of inspiration. “Thomas Edison was never a man who said, ‘Let’s not.’  He said ‘Why not.’  We need to remember that in the current economy. Don’t look for obstacles. Look for opportunities. Today we celebrate your commitment to excellence.”

“The free enterprise system is what made this country great. And with all due respect to the government, it is what is going to save us today.”

– Vincent Matteo
President & CEO, WLCC

In a brief video presentation, the WLCC offered a review of its activities in 2008.  The two major issues that were discussed were gas exploration in the region and the tolling of I-80.

The chamber worked with seven natural gas companies looking to locate in Lycoming County.  Part of the effort included the creation of a community-based gas exploration task force.

The WLCC helped found a statewide alliance to oppose the tolling of Interstate 80.

Other highlights of the year included:

- 140 business retention interviews
- Heavy investments of dollars and time in tourism efforts
- Main Street program attracted the Governor’s Awards in the Arts
- Leadership Lycoming continued its efforts to retain local talent and brainpower
Award winners were announced for 2008.

First was the presentation of the Emerging Business Award to Discovery Machine. Anna Griffith accepted the award from Tim Keohane, director of the Lock Haven Small Business Center. The company provides custom training and software solutions to many defense companies.

The Phillips/Plankenhorn Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Allison Crane and Rigging. Larry Allison, Sr. and Larry Allison, Jr., accepted the award on behalf of the company. The senior Allison grew emotional when talking about his skilled and dedicated staff and the joy of being able to pass his business on to the able leadership of his son.

The WLCC Ethel Weinhart Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service for 2008 went to Mike Ruby of Wegmans Food. Vincent Matteo made the presentation. “Mike, we are glad that you are in this community,” he said. Responding, Ruby stated, “I have been here 13 years, and I choose to stay here. I am not great at accepting awards. It’s the people who work at Wegmans who do everything.”