MUNCY – New business ventures and a revamp for the website are in the works for the Muncy Professional Business Association (MPBA). Earlier in the year executive board members met to discuss plans for Muncy 4th Friday. And because of its success for three months of the year, they decided to add the months of September and October with two Saturday events. Treasurer, Laura Smith reported that there are enough sponsors to cover 4th Friday expenses, but more help is needed to work with the vendors. The first one will be held on Friday, June 21st.

Community benches are on order with funds raised from these events, and committee members are still seeking volunteers. Chris and Karen Whipple from Muncy Collision offered their assistance for set up and Janessa Mitterling from State Farm will help with the Kids Zone.

A business newsletter was created by Angie Jackson from Citizens and Northern Bank and a business spotlight will be included each quarter. President Ann Baker discussed making donations to certain non-profits, as often requests come in. A photo booth may be set up during Muncy 4th Friday for donations. “We would like to be known at all events as the photo booth peoplefor Pops on Pepper Street, the Muncy Lawn Party, and so on,” Baker said.

FBLA member, Lexi Jacquez-Armenta from Muncy High School spoke to the MPBA for their support about their forthcoming state competition this spring. Currently there are 77 senior high school members in Muncy’s FBLA. Heather Zimmerman who is their advisor helps with their involvement doing community service projects such as helping to clean Lyons Park and their cereal drive for the Son Light House. Baker suggested the Halloween parade “as it has been dwindling over the years, and would love to see this re-vitalized for 2018.”

Another project to look at would be to update the light post banners as recommended by Chris Johnson from Brickhouse Advertising. New businesses are in town and he suggested that they have the opportunity to place their names on one of the light post banners in town.

Endorsement for the Muncy Resiliency Project is going forward and the borough of Muncy is looking for a representative from the MPBA to be part of the planning commission for the project with the county. Baker said this would be a five year commitment.

Ed Feigles from the borough and the county planning commission asked for their input on the project and a forthcoming meeting is scheduled for the beginning of April. “This project does not have municipal boundaries,” he said. It will include surrounding townships with guided funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to form a strategic plan for the area. Tillie Noviello from Orlando’s asked, “What should we be looking at – flooding or ways to make Muncy look nicer?”

Feigles responded with ideas for improvements and not necessarily complaints. Maybe look at what projects can be worked on together such as shade tree replacement or Muncy’s infrastructure. Welcome signs for the community was another action point, and so were empty lots on the north and east sides. Meanwhile a needs assessment will help with progress. “Look for a problem that’s fixable,” said Feigle.

Bill Poulton from the Muncy Historical Society wants to include Muncy Township businesses to join.

The next MPBA meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 5 at Fort Brady Hotel starting at 6:30 p.m.