Chamber Holds Timely 'PM Exchange' Amid Centennial Excitement

Members and guests of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce visited main campus in the midst of Penn College’s yearlong 100th-birthday celebration, encouraged to take a leisurely autumn stroll among the institution's three new outdoor art installations: the Centennial Mosaic, "These Trees" and "Student Bodies." The Chamber's latest PM Exchange, providing the area business community with an informal opportunity to network and socialize, was held under a tent outside the Thompson Professional Development Center.

– Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday

With "mocktails" hot and cold, from a chill-chasing brew of apple cider, vanilla ice cream and cinnamon to the refreshing bite from a Maroon Dragon, student mixologists had refreshments covered.

Never a disappointment, no matter the season, is the dessert table ... which offered such fall treats as apple-pie-on-a-stick.

State Rep. Garth Everett (center), who serves on the college's board of directors, talks with Charles "Chip" Amer III (left), of STV Inc., and George E. (Herman) Logue Jr., of Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc.

The president and Barry R. Stiger, vice president for institutional advancement, unveil a gift for Larry Allison Jr.: a reprint of the History Trail marker at the campus site of his company's forerunner, During her PM Exchange remarks, Gilmour recapped the breadth of work – highways, dams and industrial projects – undertaken during Lycoming Construction's pre-eminence.

President Davie Jane Gilmour welcomes Chamber guests to Penn College, encouraging them to visit the three Centennial art installations that have further enlivened an already vibrant campus.

Fall colors and festive ambiance blend at the PM Exchange outside the Thompson Professional Development Center.

Valerie L. Fessler (second from left), annual giving specialist, leads a group past "Student Bodies."

Robb Dietrich (right), executive director of the Penn College Foundation, talks with Keith O. Barrows, a senior vice president at PNC Bank (and former executive director of the Lock Haven University Foundation).

A gift certificate to Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, the college's fine-dining establishment, is awarded by (clockwise from left) Lenore G. Penfield, director of facilities utilization and college events; Debra M. Miller, director of corporate relations; and Sharon J. Jones, the Chamber's special events coordinator.

PM Exchange attendees explore "These Trees," a natural canvas shaped by Shakespeare's words.

Under-the-tent preparations are finalized for Thursday's event, just beyond the heavy-construction blade that marks the former site of Lycoming Construction Co. Larry Allison Jr., of Allison Crane & Rigging (the company's successor), donated the equipment in memory of his father, Larry Sr.; his grandfather, Herbert L.; and his great-grandfather, Herbert F., founder of the business.

Larry Allison Jr. and his daughter, Sadie, stop by the donated "blade" prior to the proceedings.