The Chamber ViewVincent J. Matteo, President/CEO

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I thought it would be atleast a month or so beforeI wrote anything about the2018 elections. But, the de-cision by the PennsylvaniaSupreme Court to interferein the political process as itrelates to ourCongressional Districts hasforced me into the topiclong before I wanted to. So,here goes.

As I am sure everyoneis aware, a group of Demo-cratic strategists decided tosue in court over what theycalled the “gerrymandered”Congressional Districts inPennsylvania. Their argu-ment has really boiled downto the fact that since thereare more registered Demo-crats than Republicansin the Commonwealth, itmakes no sense that of the18 Congressional Districts,13 are held by Republicans.Nowhere have I heard thatthey questioned other fac-tors that may impact theoutcome of elections suchas the quality of candidatesput up by the respectiveparties or the issues thosecandidates are support-ing. Neither do they bringup the fact that despitethis large voter registra-tion enjoyed by Democrats,the Republican candidatefor President carried thestate and one of our twoU.S. Senators is a conserva-tive Republican. Neither,to my knowledge, did theymention that when thesedistricts were drawn after

the 2000 election, morethan a few of the Democratsin the state legislature atthe time actually voted forthe map. Instead, theychose to simply claim thatgerrymandering is the onlyreason they cannot winmore seats. Now, before Igo further, let me tell youthat I believe gerrymander-ing is a problem, but it is aproblem regardless of whichparty draws the maps.

Over the years, therehave been many claimsof gerrymandering leviedagainst both Republicanand Democratic controlledlegislatures across thecountry. Pennsylvania andRepublicans are not theonly ones singled out. No,partisan favoritism is notout of the ordinary – doesn’tmake it right, just pointingout the obvious. I also won-der why we leave the draw-ing of districts to partisanelected ofÞcials in the Þrstplace. But what bothers methe most, is the tendency ofmany these days to rely onthe courts to decide whatare really political issues.

So, after deliberatingthe issue, the PennsylvaniaSupreme Court ruled in fa-vor of the Democrats – fairenough. But where theyopened themselves up tocriticism that the Court it-self was being inßuenced bypartisan politics was theirruling that the RepublicanLegislature had to redrawmaps that would have to beapproved by a DemocraticGovernor in just a matter ofa couple of weeks before theelection or they, the Su-

preme Court of Pennsylva-nia – populated by a majori-ty of Democrats, would stepinto the Legislative roleand draw the maps to theirliking. I know, I know, welike to think our Courts arepeopled with Justices whoare above partisan politics.But, let’s be honest, as longas we elect Judges by PartyafÞliation, do you reallythink politics doesn’t comeinto some decisions? Hey,they are human too.

Now, I honestly do notknow if the Court was with-in its rights to even rule onthis case. There are manylegal scholars who say theydo not have jurisdiction andI also don’t know if theywere being blatantly politi-cal in their decision. Butwhat has left them opento the criticism was theirrush to have it done for thiselection cycle and not givethe elected representativesof the people until the nextCongressional Election in2020. Everyone knows his-tory says the party in powerloses seats in the Congres-sional Election followingthe Presidential Election.Everyone also knows theDemocrats are desperate totake back control of one orboth Houses of Congress. Ifthe roles were reversed, theRepublicans would be justas desperate. Any shift inPennsylvania, even if it isonly two seats, could makethe difference betweenNancy Pelosi or Mike Ryanbeing Speaker of the House.Thus, the claims of partisanpolitics at the highest levelin the Pennsylvania Judi-

cial system. This whole sit-uation is sad indeed. Moreand more those who don’twin elections take to theCourts to try to destroy thepolicy initiatives of those inpower. Unfortunately, toomany judges are all too ea-ger to impact what are po-litical decisions – activismat the judicial level, regard-less of the party in power, isnot what the Founding Fa-thers had in mind. You candecide if the PennsylvaniaSupreme Court oversteppedits bounds, but I thinkthere are consequences totoo many issues being runthrough the courts by theparty out of power. It is mybelief that had the Courtruled the way they did butsaid the maps had to beredrawn at least one yearprior to the 2020 elections,then perhaps the claimsof partisanship would notcarry so much weight.Whether or not they madea mistake in saying thedistricts were wrongly ger-rymandered you can decidefor yourself; I think sincethey demanded a “rush job”colors that decision. Fi-

nally, with all the computeracumen we have, isn’t theresomeone who could actuallywrite a program that coulddraw districts in a nonpar-tisan way based upon therules set down in our laws?

Bringing industry toPennsylvania has neverbeen easy. Always seen asa state not very friendlyto business because of itshigh taxes and overregula-tion, economic developersin the Commonwealth havealways fought an uphillbattle. This political battlehas taken on a national ßa-vor with nightly stories inthe national news about it.In my opinion, that is justone more black eye Pennsyl-vania does not need. We arealready seen as too political.Having our State SupremeCourt accused of it does nothelp our efforts to makePennsylvania attractiveto investment. While it isobvious the courts will endup deciding this argument,I honestly feel the losers –no matter which side Þnallyprevails – will be the peopleof Pennsylvania – andThat’s the Chamber View.

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3 !"#$%& %(%$&")%* +,-.")/01The Chamber held its 17th

Annual Education Celebration atthe Williamsport Country Club onMarch 1. The awards included theBusiness Partner in Education,Alumni of the Year, OutstandingProfessional Educator and Out-standing Senior.

The Business Partner in Educa-tion Award, sponsored by UPMCSusquehanna, is given to a busi-

ness that demonstrates how areabusinesses can partner with schoolsand students who will one daybecome our future business leaders.The recipient of this year’s awardwas PMF Industries, Inc.

The Alumni of the Year Awardis presented to one graduate fromeach of Williamsport’s higher edu-cational institutions. This award,sponsored by Lycoming College and

Pennsylvania College of Technol-ogy, is to recognize individuals whoattended college and have stayed inthe area and are successful and ac-tive residents in Lycoming County.This year’s recipients were Dr. Wil-liam Martin, 1968 Lycoming Collegegraduate, and Chris Keiser, 1995Pennsylvania College of Technologygraduate.

The Outstanding Senior Awardis awarded to students selectedbecause of their performances inacademics, leadership, activities,and community service. Each stu-dent is interviewed by a committeewho awards one senior as the grandprize winner. Andree Phillips,Chair of the Education Committeeand on the interviewing commit-tee, shared some of the informa-tion given during those interviews.As the students came forward toaccept their award, each studentalso received a set of twig crayonssponsored by the First CommunityFoundation Partnership of PAwhich symbolizes the diversity inour world.

This year’s grand prize winner,Outstanding Senior Award winners: (front row); Connery McFadden, St. JohnNeumann Regional Academy; Danae Roles, Montoursville H.S.; Lauren Zan-gara, Williamsport Area H.S.; Allaryn Smith, South Williamsport H. S.; (backrow); Matthew Nickolaus, Loyalsock Township H.S.; Dominic Williams, JerseyShore Area H.S.; Maddie Solano-LaForme, Montgomery H.S.; Jacob Reynolds,Hughesville H.S. Not pictured, Nathan Paisley, Muncy H.S.

Outstanding Educator Award winners: (front row); Ann Neely, South Wil-liamsport Area S.D.; Tara Condit, Montgomery Area S.D.; Paula Pulizzi,Montoursville Area S.D.; Jennifer Bomboy, Loyalsock Township S.D.; (backrow, Charlene Harbach, St. John Neumann Regional Academy; Robert Fox,Jersey Shore Area S.D.; Mike Weber, Muncy Area S.D.; Justin Beatty, Wil-liamsport Area S.D. Not pictured, Mary Smith, East Lycoming S.D.

Above, Alumni of the Year Awardwas presented to Chris Keiser (l),1995 Pennsylvania College of Tech-nology graduate from Dr. DavieGilmour and Dr. William Martin(r), 1968 Lycoming College graduatefrom Chip Edmonds.

The Business Partner in EducationAward was presented to PMF In-dusctires, Inc. Accepting the awardwere Ken Healy and John Perrotto.

Bernie Oravec, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, presents the TextbookAward to grand prize winner Mad-die Solano-LaForme, MontgomeryArea High School.

Maddie Solano-LaForme, Mont-gomery Area High School, receiveda $250 cash award from M&T Bankand a college textbook scholarshipfor $500 sponsored by Sun-Gazette.The Outstanding Senior Award issponsored by M&T Bank.

A special thank you to all theschool districts for supplying dona-tions for the gift baskets.

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www.onestop.bizRetailShopping-SpecialtyShops

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Call the Chamber of Commerce today at (570) 326-1971 orvisit www.williamsport.org to make your reservations.

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Thursday, April 26, 20185:00-7:00pm

414 Walnut Street, WilliamsportJoin Chef Hosch & Ann Catering at the Historic Hobbs Carriage House for an eveningof exceptional food by Chef Hosch & Chef Daniele, live entertainment by local musi-cians, and a tour through our new catering venue. We specialize in catering for alltastes and dietary needs with customized menus for each event.

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$- +JJ"K $5"75! +6Lwww.williamsport.org

!" $%&'(")*"& +, -./!0)1"Thursday, March 15, 2018

5:00-7:00pm1100 Grampian Boulevard, Williamsport

UPMC Susquehanna’s WorkCenter provides occupational health and safety services tobusinesses throughout central PA with four convenient locations in Muncy, Wellsboro,Williamsport, and now Sunbury.

,"234 5"26 7 (08" +, -./!0)1"Thursday, April 12, 2018

5:00-7:00pm365 Broad Street, Montoursville

Mel’s Deli & Cafe will be featuring a variety of hors d’oeuvres, sampling of specialtydrinks, homemade Þnger desserts & our New Fresh Roasted Coffee by the pound fromthe grinding station or whole bean. We will also be featuring our Catering services.

TheBarnatGreystoneFarmDaphneBowers

106WelliverRoadWatsontown,PA17777

570-971-6334www.thebarnatgreystonefarm.

comWedding&EventVenue

!"#$"%&' )#*& +,&-The Industrial Properties Corporation, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber ofCommerce and the City of Williamsport are committed to assisting small busi-nesses with their economic development projects. From building renovations, ex-pansion/working capital to equipment purchases, the Revolving Loan Programcan provide the Þnances you need to increase business and ensure economicprosperity.APPLICATION CRITERIAThe Revolving Loan Fund is available to:

•Individuals, corporations, limited liability companies and non-proÞtorganizations

•Gross sales less than $1,000,000 annually or employ less than 50 individuals•Place of business or signiÞcant amount of business in Lycoming County•Start up enterprises, expansion of existing business or relocation of business

to Lycoming CountyFor more information please contact:Nancy J. Eischeid, CPA, Vice President & Chief Financial OfÞcerWilliamsport/Lycoming Chamber of CommercePhone: (570) 320-4206 Email: neischeid@williamsport.org

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Congratulations to UPMC Susquehanna for hosting a PMExchange where attendees were introduced to the Heart &Vascular Instititute, Neurology and Neurosurgery de-partments, cutting edge technology, treatments, surgicalprocedures and medical doctors. Presenting a CertiÞcate ofAppreciation is Kim Makowski, Membership Development& Retention Committee to Dr. David Lopatofsky, PattiJackson-Gehris and Keith Boyer. Thank you for an awe-inspiring evening!

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Thank you to the Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Societyfor hosting a PM Exchange to bring attendees to see the many updates for the historicaldisplays, plus access to the Geneology Department and tours of the Museum. Presenting aCertiÞcate of Appreciation is Will Daniels (r), Membership Development & Retention Com-mittee to Sue Beidler, Board Secretary, Gary Parks, Museum Director, and Randy DiPalo,Board Treasurer. Thank you for a very historical evening!

The 2018 LycomingCounty Visitors Guide willbe available very soon. TheVisitors Guide is full of use-ful information on what todo, where to stay, eat andshop throughout LycomingCounty. Please pick up acopy of the visitors guide atthe Visitors Center, locatedat 102 West Fourth Street,Williamsport or many otherlocations throughout thearea.

The Lycoming CountyVisitors Bureau will be dis-tributing the 2018 Lycom-ing County Visitors guides

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along with other regionaland local brochures on anevery other month basis.The guides are deliveredto hundreds of locations allover Lycoming County andneighboring counties. Theschedule for delivery for theguide will be the months ofMarch, May, July, August,October, and December.If you would like to haveyour business receive theLycoming County VisitorsGuides please contact GinaKennedy at 570.320.4208or gkennedy@williamsport.org.

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BByy MMIIKKEE RREEUUTTHHEERRmreuther@sungazette.com

With an evolving curricu-lum and development of itshigh school campus, the MuncyArea School District is lookingahead.Superintendent Craig

Skaluba recently talked aboutsome of the exciting happen-ings in the district.There are the high school

teachers such as Jason Gresh,who is introducing cutting edgeeducation.His introduction to computer

science class challenges his stu-dents in their work with robots.“The part of this class that’s

neat is that they solve prob-lems,” he said.At different tables, students

can be seen working in groupsto figure out how to negotiatethe miniature robots throughmazes.Gresh called it a different

way of learning that engagesthe students.Mark Kreisher, a technology education teacher,

has classes for junior high and senior high students.Seventh and eighth graders go through computer

and drafting design courses. Senior high studentsreceive instruction in different levels of technology.Students are exposed to such real-life crafts as

woodworking, metalworking, electronics, and 3Dprinting.But Kreisher said one of the more exciting aspects

of the student experience are the TSA (TechnologyStudent Association) competitions.Evidence of the creative talents of students are on

display with various artwork in the rooms and hall-ways of the school.Sabrina Barner, a junior, created a large watercol-

or mural depicting the different aspects of studentlife.The mural stretches across a large portion of a

hallway wall.“ I worked on it every day after school,” she said.

Skaluba noted that the district this year launchedMeasures of Academic Progress.The program includes assessments of students to

measure learning throughout the school year. Meanwhile, the high school building, erected in

1932, will slowly undergo change, but not withoutmaintaining the historical integrity of the structure.Perhaps the biggest change on the high school

campus will be the construction of a new gymnasiumat the site of the outside basketball courts.Presently in the design process, the gym is expect-

ed to undergo construction in the next school year.The existing gym, Skaluba noted, was unable to

accommodate all the winter sports teams that need touse it for practices.“This will give us flexibility,” he said.A new media library center is being located over

the gym lobby area.“We will renovate the current library into class-

rooms,” Skaluba said.Other changes include building an addition in the

basement of the high school for a new wrestlingroom, updating the heating and air conditioning, andrenovating the auditorium and the technology and artareas.Skaluba credited the school board with doing a

nice job of considering the school’s needs.Among the educational developments at the ele-

mentary school is the incorporation of the Leader inMe program which introduces kindergarten throughsecond grade students to Steven Covey’s SevenHabits of Highly Effective People. Now in its second year, it includes discussions,

problem solving, and a parental review process.

MIKE REUTHER/Sun-GazetteSabrina Barner, a junior at Muncy High School, stands before a wallmural she created. The watercolor mural is among a number ofpieces of art done by students found throughout the school build-ing.

MIKE REUTHER/Sun-GazetteRory Oden (left) and Sabrina Barmer work witha robot project in Jason Greshʼs computer sci-ence class.

LEGACY MEMBERMuncy School District reaches for future

William

sport Sun-Gazette, March 20187

!"#$%#&'()""*+',$--)+./01!+'2*$3!

Congratulations to SWC Realty on cutting the ribbon on their new location at 1988 West Third Street, in the Newberry section of Williamsport. Cutting the ribbon (l to r), are Agents Jodi Embick, Lynn Andrews, Shauna Bloom, Susan Rowles, Missy Magargle, Sherri Lyons, receptionist and Representative Jeff Wheeland. (back row), Mayor Gabriel Campana, Scott Cavinee, Broker and Vince Matteo, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

!"#$%&'()#"*(+#$,--./#0.1#2%3#4.5&(,./

!%'',6%1#78%/+#2%3#79##5% Welliver McGuire Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive construction services for 120 years, has opened a new ofÞ ce location in the Williamsport com-munity. The expansion is a result of signiÞ cant growth the company has realized in the last few years. The of-Þ ce, located at 460 Market Street, Suite 102, is home to a team already working in the Northern Tier and Central Pennsylvania area. In addition to corporate headquarters in Montour Falls, New York, the new space increases the ofÞ ce footprint and supports the company’s growth strategy. “We are answering our cli-ent’s request to maintain a physical presence in Penn-sylvania, thus offering them more efÞ cient options for the delivery of construction

services,” said Anne Welliv-er-Hartsing, President at Welliver. “We are excited to be-come a contributing mem-ber of the business com-munity,” said Christopher Morral, Director of Business Development. “Establish-ing long-term relationships with architects, subcontrac-tors, and suppliers in the region is the foundation to building a strong local pres-ence.” For more information about Welliver and our work at the Williamsport ofÞ ce, contact info@build-welliver.com or call (272) 202-2133. For information about job opportunities at Welliver, visit the careers page at www.buildwelliver.com.

:..;3,''#</;*+(1,%+#2%3#=./&(,./#"%/(%1

Congratulations to Goodwill Industries on a new donation center at 928 Allegheny Street in Jersey Shore. Cutting the ribbon is (l to r) Joyce Preston, Williamsport location Man-ager; Nickolas Suplizio, VP of Donation Procurement; Amanda Hurneman, Supervisor; Harold Guinter, Donation Attendent; Raymond Donati, President/CEO; Joseph Hamm, Jersey Shore Borough and Vince Matteo, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

BByy MMIIKKEE RREEUUTTHHEERRmreuther@sungazette.com

Murray Motor Co. has been a familiar namein the car dealership business for many years.Starting out in 1939 as a small family business

in downtown Muncy, it has grown to include adealership selling cars and trucks from a spaciouslocation along Route 405 between Muncy andHughesville.“We are not small,” managing partner Brian

Peace said. Peace and his business partner, Bill Brown, are

excited about the future too.The highway corridor continues to grow with

franchise businesses such as Taco Bell and Sheetzappearing.That means more potential customers for the Ford

and Mazda dealership at 85 Griffith Road and theMurray Motors Auto Exchange located next door.“We are growing,” he said.Peace described himself as a “hands-on owner.” He’s been in the car business for a number of

years, and over that time he’s seen what it takes toremain competitive. Part of the challenge, he noted, is simply keeping

up with the changes.Selling cars and truck

is only part of the opera-tion.“Our service depart-

ment is fully trained forthe ever-changing tech-nology,” he said.Customer service is

always important.“We actually retain our

customers very well,”general manager BrentPeace said. “Our serviceis a very integral part ofour business. We makecustomers our priority.”That customer service

is simply part of what ittakes to remain competi-tive with the other dealer-ships in the area.Brian noted that the

lifetime warranty on allnew cars.“We still hand-wash

and hand-dry every cus-tomer care serviced,” hesaid. The dealership

employs 47 people.There is also Murray

Motors Chevrolet,Selinsgrove; MurrayMotors Lock Haven, andthe company’s collisioncenter in Hughesville.

Brian noted the importance of reaching out to the

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8 FEATURE MEMBERMurray Motors a mainstay since 1939

(See MURRAY, Page 9),

MIKE REUTHER/Sun-GazetteThe staff of Murray Motors includes managing partner Brian Peace (left)and his brother, general manager Brent Peace.

MIKE REUTHER/Sun-GazetteMurray Motor Co. includes a number of sites,including a dealership at 85 Griffin Road. TheMazda and Ford dealership is home to a largeinventory of vehicles. Serving North Central Pennsylvania for over 20 Years!

Your Document E� ciency Specialists

community.“I firmly believe in that,” he said.He noted that the dealership simply would not

exist without customers.“It’s rewarding to make a sale and see the smiles

on their faces,” Brent added.Like any business, Murray Motors experiences its

ebbs and flows.The natural gas boom of several years ago, which

has since waned, meant good times with plenty ofcustomers looking to buy vehicles. The 2011 flood was another matter altogether.

A deluge of water fromnearby Muncy Creekbrought destruction, dam-aging the dealership’sinventory of vehicles.But the dealership was

up to the challenge ofweathering the storm.

William

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(From Page 8)

FEATURE MEMBERMurray Motors a mainstay since 1939

Learn more about becoming a foster parent.

Open your heart to a child.

Visit our website www.adelphoi.org

Call 570-326-0532

MIKE REUTHER/Sun-GazetteSteve Stiger pauses from a busy day at work at Murry Motors. Stiger can be found most daysworking the service department at the Mazda and Ford dealership.

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10 !"#!$%&'() *+,-'./)0!"$.%)"1,23)4!"03&)5)42-".)6!$7'+!% The Leadership Lycoming Class of 2018 began their day at UPMC Susquehanna and had the opportunity to learn about Health and Human Services in Lycoming County. Round robin discussions included issues from childcare to elder care. The class visited the American Rescue Workers for a tour of the building and then visited the Saving Grace Shelter to learn more about their services for families. At Hope Enterprises, the class members were given a brief tour and split up into groups to be a part of the activi-ties for the residents. Class members did crafts, played musical instruments and others played games as part of the buddy experience. Back at UPMC Susquehanna, the class had the op-portunity to listen and talk to Steve Johnson, President of UPMC Susquehanna as he talked about the future of healthcare in our area. While Beth McMahon began with the health status of Lycoming County, the Youth Development Taskforce stole the show with their presentations on everything affecting their lives from drug abuse to peer pressure to everyday school activities. Rounding up the day was discussion of the societal effects of social media on our youth today presented by Heather Rakestraw, PhD and Stephanie Rushton, DSW. Thank you to UPMC Susquehanna, Hope Enterprises and Community Services Group for sponsoring this day. Thank you to Kate Reese, Baker Tilly and Coleman Gregory, Larson Design Group for being class reporters.

Thank you to our sponsors,UPMC Susquehanna, Hope Enterprises and

Community Services Group

A group picture of the 2018 Leadership Lycoming Class which concluded the Health and Human Services Day with Dr. Beth McMahon, her group of local high school students in the Youth Development Taskforce, and co-host Mr. Ron Reynolds.

Valerie Fessler of the American Rescue Workers, shows the Leadership Lycoming Class the mens boarding area.

The 2018 Leadership Lycoming Class had the opportunity to spend some time with the wonderful people of Hope Enterprises, where they had the opportunity to complete craft projects, participate in games and activities, and even have a dance party with those served by this amazing program.

Michael Kane talks to the class about Sav-ing Grace, a homeless shelter for families.

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Thank you to our renewing members. We do appreciate your membership and involvement in the Chamber!

Member RenewalsReceived between January 30th and February 27th

Members 50 Years and Over Superior Plus Energy Services Susquehanna Supply Company

Members 25 Years and Over A M Metal Specialties Bayard Printing Group City of Williamsport Comcast Keystone Data Systems, Inc. Larson Design Group Lonza Inc. Lycoming County Commissioners M & M Sheet Metal and Steel Fabricators Red Lobster Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC White Deer Golf Course Young Industries

Members 20 Years and Over Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. Hampton Inn - Williamsport

Members 10 - 19 Years Appreciative Strategies, LLC First National Bank Fisher Mining Company Hillside Senior Living Center Hutchinson Realty Development, LLC Kost Tire & Auto Service Lang’s Chocolates Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Millbrook Playhouse, Inc. Pajama Factory State Farm Insurance, Tony Dgien Agent

Members under 10 Years Arbor Housing and Development

Leadership Lycoming is accepting applications for Class of 2019 Are you interested in Leader-ship Lycoming? Now is the time to submit your application. Graduates are seen throughout the community as participants on boards, commit-tees, and task forces. Many Þ nd that the information they received as a Leadership participant pro-vides them with the insight to better understand the issues facing our community today and tomor-row. Class participants are selected on the basis of their demonstrated leadership potential and sincere desire to contribute time and effort

in their community. A formal Selec-tion Committee chooses class mem-bers based on a written application, references and personal interviews. Applications are available online and can be downloaded at www.leadershiplycoming.org. Ap-plications will be accepted until April 20, 2018. If you would like further information or an electronic application, contact Sharon Jones, Program Coordinator at 570-320-4202 or sjones@williamsport.org. We look forward to seeing you in the Leadership Lycoming Class of 2019!

Blooming Grove Historical Society Carrs Trailers and Supplies Diamond Pointe, LP FairÞ eld Home Heating Service Holiday Inn Express Hoopla’s Family Fun & Longshots Grill Houseknecht’s Machine & Tool Company Indoor Sky LLC Kilburn Electric, Inc. Lowe’s Penn Valley Railroad, LLC Preservation Williamsport RDF Tax Services, LLC Stallion OilÞ eld Services-Appalachia Division The South Side Restaurant and Pizzeria West Branch Human Resource Society Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation

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BByy CCAARRAA MMOORRNNIINNGGSSTTAARRcmorningstar@sungazette.com

For more than 36 years, Merle NormanCosmetics and Day Spa has offered the Williamsportarea a wide variety of beauty needs including hair-cuts, manicures, pedicures, facials, body wraps, spatreatments and more.They have been at 528 Washington Blvd. for just

over a year after having a few other location troublesin the area.“We love it. The new building is great. It’s energy

efficient, and it’s easy to get to,” said Pat Tilley, co-owner. “It’s been a great move for us.”She owns the business with her husband, Cal

Tilley.“The company is great. They’re very advanced

with their products and give us great service,” she

said. “They’re behind us 100 percent, and I’ve neverhad a problem with Merle Norman. After 36 years,that’s saying something ... I have a really great staff.Overall, I’m very happy with the business.”She said truly has a passion for the work.“I’m 72-years-old and loving it. I’m still working

full-time,” she said. “I don’t want to retire unless Ihave to.”When referencing she how she’s still so active for

her age, she said it was her love for her job that getsher going everyday and her family.“It’s all Merle Norman cosmetics and staying out

of the sun,” she joked.Her daughter, Mindy Price, is the manager and

has worked with the business for 28 years. They aimto treat their clients like they’re part of the family.“I like to make people feel good, and I like to

make people look good,” she said. “It’s a social hourhere, but we’re still professional.”It’s important for the customers to enjoy them-

selves while receivingtheir services, she said.“We have a good name.

We’re very clean ...Everything is clean, and Iinsist on cleanliness here,”she said.They offer a wide vari-

ety of services to clients.“We teach people how

to do make up and makeup lessons. We offer a fullline of make up,” she said.“Of course, we have mani-cures and pedicures.”She said they also offer

clients to have manicuresand pedicures at the sametime to save them time ifthey’re on a schedule.“We do not do artificial

nails. We only do naturalnails,” she said. “We do afull hair service ... A lot ofweddings, prom girls,everyday shampoos andstyling, haircuts, color andjust about anything youcan do to hair.”She said they offer full

body waxing for both menand women.

“We also do facials, and we have different typesof facials that we offer depending on the skin, whatthe person is trying to accomplish or improve on,”she said. “We also do bodywraps, which are a fatcompression treatment.”They also offer body scrubs to remove dead, dry

skin.“Our sauna is a Far Infrared Sauna, and we’ve had

that for 19 years,” she said. “We’ve been way aheadof the curve on using the Infrared Sauna. It detoxi-fies, it relaxes you ... It’s just an all around a greatthing to do for yourself.”Having a spa day is a great way to relax for many

people, so they aim to please.“We try to be very, very accommodating ... We try

to make people feel comfortable and treat them likethey’re a guest in our home,” she said.For more information, visit www.padayspa.com or

call 570-323-8777.

SMALL BUSINESSMerle Norman meets variety of beauty needs

CARA MORNINGSTAR/Sun-GazetteMaranda Herrera, stylist, works on a clientʼs hair recently at the Merle

Norman Cosmetics and Day Spa, 528 Washington Blvd. For more infor-mation, call 570-323-8777.

CARA MORNINGSTAR/Sun-GazetteMaranda Herrera, stylist, works on a clientʼs

hair recently at the Merle Norman Cosmeticsand Day Spa, 528 Washington Blvd. For moreinformation, call 570-323-8777.

BByy CCAARRAA MMOORRNNIINNGGSSTTAARRcmorningstar@sungazette.com

Ditty’s Service Center, 121 BroadSt., Montoursville, offers automotiverepair and maintenance services sinceopening in September.“Any need you have ... From just

your regular oil changes, tire rotationsup to motor swaps, collision repair ...Anything you want to do to your car,give us a call,” said Kyle Ditty, owner.“We can generally try to figure some-thing out for you.”He said the biggest thing the busi-

ness has to offer is treating customersright.“I strive for the focus on customer

service and value for what you get,” hesaid. “No one enjoys their car breaking

down and having arepair bill, but my goalis to make sure thatwhen you leave herewith that bill, you’restill satisfied with theway you were treated,the work that was doneand the quality of theparts that wereinstalled.”He said it can be dif-

ficult for customers tofind the right fit for

quality and service. Some big name stores might treat

people like just a number to collectmoney.“We want a family atmosphere

where you can come in, know every-body by name, and we’ll give you abig, big focus on service,” he said.In opening the business, he wanted

to make sure he showcased those prac-tices. He said he knows sometimes it’s

difficult for bigger businesses to have apersonal quality to their service, and it

often feels like handing them a bill,collecting money and pushing themout the door. He prefers a personal approach so

that customers know exactly whatthey’re getting.Having that friendly attitude has

helped him fit in with theMontoursville area.“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting

to know everybody in town and gettingto know the other businesses, ”he said.“It’s been a nice change of pace.”Having a business of his own

accomplished a lifelong goal for Ditty.“I’ve always been an entrepreneur

and self-employed minded,” he said.“From a little kid, I was always work-ing on stuff up through to being a serv-ice manager, fleet mechanic. I’ve beenaround that kind of stuff (my wholelife).”He has always been interested in

mechanics.“I am self taught in most every-

thing,” he said. “I’ve got a lifetime ofexperience.”When the building became avail-

able, he felt like it was a perfect fit forhim.“So I pushed forward with it,” he

said. “It’s been great being here.”Currently from Turbotville, he said

working in Montoursville is great.“I’m definitely enjoying

Montoursville and getting into thearea, the neighborhood,” he said. “I gotlucky. The building availability wasthe biggest thing, and once we startedlooking into the dynamic ofMontoursville, it was a perfect fit.”He said he likes the neighborhood

feel.“It’s the hometown, family oriented

where everybody knows everybodytype thing. I’ll say it’s like a modernday Mayberry,” he said. “It’s a great,family oriented town.”For more information, visit

www.dittysservicecenter.com or call570-601-4546.

William

sport Sun-Gazette, March 201813NEW MEMBERDittyʼs Service Center: Everything automotive

In photo above, Kyle Ditty, owner, works on avehicle at Dittyʼs Service Center, 121 Broad St.,Montoursville. In photo at left, Sam Polys, maptools distributor, works on diagnosing a vehicle.For more information, call 570-601-4546.

CARA MORNINGSTAR/Sun-Gazette

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Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce

!"#$%&'&%()*+,-%.'!,*!'.(!))/'.012%+0. The Education Committee of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize the following students for being chosen as the Student of the 2nd Quarter for their high school and for their hard work and achievements. Congratulations!

Abraham DeaconMontoursville High School

Alyssa DaySouth Williamsport Area

High School

Lydia NemethSt. John Neumann Regional Academy

Isabella HaleJersey Shore Area High

School

Anna Vaughn StewartWilliamsport Area High

School

Samuel NewtonLoyalsock Township High

School

Lauren SinesHughesville High School

Jeremy LloydMuncy High School

Novalee LeonardMontgomery High School

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./"#$%&'()*+,-

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