The Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner was held on June 4, 2008. A new slate of officers for a two year term was elected as follows: President ~ Lizette Olsen, 1st Vice President ~ Suzanne Carter Barner, 2nd Vice President ~ Ruth Shannon, Treasurer ~ Nancy Ollinger. New Board of Directors for a three year term were Sharon Murphy Dittrick~ MPC (Muscle Products Corp.), Dennis James ~ D. J. Greenhouse, Dotty Mariner ~ Dotty’s Sewing & Alteration, Attorney Jarrett Whalen~ Whalen Law Offices. Directors that are retiring were David Shipton, (deceased) and Mark Brown. The speaker for the event was Mike Bolt, Alliance for American Manufacturing ~ Why is China Unique? Then Master of Ceremonies, Hugh Ringer, announced the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce 2008 Citizen of the Year was Nancy Ollinger, and 2008 Business of the Year, Warner’s Home & Improvements, Inc. Owner Larry Warner & Sons. Local artist Cindy Steltzer, donated a watercolor for the Art Raffle. Local Businesses donated a wide variety of baskets for a drawing.
2008 Citizen of the Year
Nancy Ollinger
Nancy has been chosen for the 2008 Citizen of Year because she is and has been the active contributing person in our community for many years. She is so kind to anyone and helps many people behind the scenes. Listed below are just a few reasons for this award: Nancy Ollinger holds a Master degree for Business Administration. She is retired from teaching in the public school system. She has a never ending commitment to her family, friends and our community. She is the positive role model in today’s world. This is very evident with her involvement and driving force in the following organizations. She volunteers at the Mercer Area Chamber (treasurer), Mercer Area Library (treasurer), Mercer County Historical Society (accessionist), and Bethany Presbyterian Church. She is a member of the Mercer Garden Club. During the Mercer County’s Bicentennial Nancy was the secretary. At her church she is a Clerk of Session, organizes Fall’s Woman’s retreat and Bethany’s Community bus trips, bible study for the widows, coordinates woman’s brunches, and organizes donations to Kayenta Presbyterian sister church in Arizona. Nancy was the coordinator for the Church’s 200 year birthday. For the Mercer Chamber she has presented historic renditions of prominent people from Mercer. During Victorian Weekend Nancy is our docent for our graveyard tour and given historic walking tours of Mercer. She has performed Fancy Nancy for a children’s tea at the weekend. The children were thrilled. Her performances are spellbinding. She provides programs to many groups in our area. She has been an asset to the community of Mercer for many years. Nancy’s contributions are endless. Each of these places has Nancy’s impression because she personalizes her assistance. They are all better organizations because of her contribution. Mercer Area Chamber ofCommerce
2008 Business of the Year
Warner’s Home & Improvements, Inc. Owner Larry Warner
407 South Erie Street
Mercer, PA 16137
724-662-4600
Warner’s Home & Improvements, Inc. has been chosen for the 2008 Business of Year because of their contributions and 50 years in business in the community. The business was established in 1958 and has developed into a major contributor to the area. They have contributing to economic development of our area by creating new developments, renovating houses and businesses and offering employing to the area. Throughout the 50 years they have consist help grow the business along the community. They have sponsored many groups, organizations and projects with in the neighborhood. Just to mention a few: the Boy Scouts, Mercer Community Band, Mercer Schools, Memorial Day 500 Parade, Victorian Weekend and Mercer Chamber. Larry Warner is an active member of the Lion Club. He helps with collections of old eyes glasses, camp for the blind and a program that supplies leader dogs for the blind.Larry’s sons (Brian & Todd) are in the business also. This is the second generation. They are following their father’s foot steps and are involved in our community through different groups in the area
