New officers were chosen last month for the MPBA. Left to right: Mark Cormier, Executive member; Cindy Appleman, President; Ann Baker, Vice-President, Kim Wetherhold, Co-Treasurer; Kim Feigles, Treasurer; Joan Ayers, Secretary; and Chelsea Cramer, Executive member. Absent from photo are Executive members, Chris Johnson and Mike Klein.

MUNCY – “We welcome new members!” To prove this, the Muncy Professional & Business Association (MPBA), along with the Muncy Bank & Trust Company are hosting an Open House on Thursday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m at the bank’s main branch office located at 2 N Main Street in downtown Muncy.

“This event is open to all businesses and professionals who either live in, work in or have a business in the 17756 zip code,” proclaimed the new President, Cindy Appleman from Remax Edge. “We invite you to stop in, mingle with other business owners and professionals in our community, share a drink and a snack while you learn all about the MPBA,” she added.

A new board is selected every four years. Assisting Appleman will be Ann Baker, a Muncy resident who is also Office Manager with the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and will serve as Vice-President. Joan Ayers from Susquehanna Health, will serve as Secretary, Kim Feigles and Kim Wetherhold from Muncy Bank & Trust as Treasurers.

Executive supporting board members include Mark Cormier from Bastian Tire, Mike Klein from Allstate, Chelsea Cramer, a local artist and Chris Johnson from Brickhouse advertising.

They are currently in the process of updating by-laws and re-structuring some of the monthly activities. “The purpose of the MPBA shall be to encourage, foster and strengthen our community by promoting a beneficial business climate and quality of life for the businesses, industry and people of Muncy.”

However, Appleman announced at February’s meeting that there are less than 50 members in good standing. Last year there were only 33 active members. A membership campaign is in the works and Baker expressed how “value-added services” can be added to entice a larger membership pool. Cormier announced a 10 percent discount at Bastian Tires for new members and The Luminary will showcase a new business member also.

Other perks include listings of events, specials and advertisements on their new Facebook page. “This is a great networking tool,” Baker added. “We can promote your membership and business. Facebook is a lot easier to use than the website,” said Cormier. “We can also feature a business of the month with photos and integrate it with websites.”

A committee continues to work on Muncy 4th Friday events to help support the downtown businesses. A consideration of possibly closing the North part of Main Street might be more advantageous than closing S. Main Street in order to attract more businesses to participate. They are hoping more retail businesses would stay open during 4th Fridays, offering more going on inside the shops instead of outside on the street. For example they can offer prizes and refreshments to entice visitors. “More exhibit space might be available to attract artists and more vendors,” suggested Cramer.

Also discussed for new businesses would possibly be handing out “Welcome Packets.” Each supporting business can put together some resources welcoming them to the community. Joanne Pauling from Muncy’s Bake Shop said she would offer discount coupons.

Another committee is working on public speakers and programs relevant to benefit the members. Baker is going to have a representative speak next month from the Small Business Development Center which has several economic advantages to help business owners. In April, one of the county commissioners will be speaking on flood control and disaster prep for businesses.

Dave Mayer from Muncy Bank suggested an online newsletter for more outreach. Special events and more open houses will be held throughout 2014, “similar to PM exchanges with the Chamber,” added Baker.

“Let’s grow our community stronger,” Cormier said. “Eat locally, watch movies here, and support the business community here.”