Commerce

FEB. 10, 1917-MAY 6, 2011 Harry F. Vollmer III, 94, of Preston Road, Hagerstown, Md., died May 6, 2011, at the home of his daughter, Alice Carr, in Landisville, Pa. Born Feb. 10, 1917, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of the late Harry F. Vollmer Jr. and Anna L. Vollmer of Baltimore, Md., and Miami Shores, Fla. His wife of 39 years, Margaret Jack Vollmer, preceded him in death in September 1981. His second wife of 24 years, Jeanne McCauly Cooey Vollmer, preceded him in death in September 2010.

The Franklin County (Pa.) Builders Show starts Friday in its new location at the Waynesboro Mall. One-hundred-and-seventy vendors were setting up booths and displays in the past few days in preparation for the show's noon opening. Crews spent weeks installing spotlights, fixing six bathrooms and cleaning the vacant spaces. "This place will be a lot better when we leave," said Tom Hanks, executive director of the Franklin County Builders Association. Overflow parking will be available at Summitview Elementary School and Waynesboro Area Senior High School, Hanks said.

The Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for Business Person of the Year. The award is given to a person who unselfishly committed to the local business community. Award criteria include: the nominee must be a current chamber member business owner or employee in good standing; his or her business must be located within chamber's service area of Peters, Warren, Montgomery, St. Thomas Townships and the Borough of Mercersburg; and must exemplify exceptional leadership and have a strong presence in community activities.

The Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce donated $250 to the United Way campaign on Dec. 13 on behalf of its members.

Nationally recognized Historian Dennis E. Frye's latest book is not a picture book, a fact book or a biography.   It conveniently leaves out dates and is not a tome about history. Instead, the book tells the stories of people in Washington County who contributed to the county's history, growth and change. "It's a book about the foundation, my personal foundation as a son of this county, established several hundred years ago," Frye said. Or as the opening chapter of his book reads: "This is a book about legacy.

MERCERSBURG, Pa. --The Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce and FreeMind PR hosted First Friday Mercersburg on Aug. 6 at the Mercersburg Inn. Several hundred community members and friends listened to music by Brennan Elliott and Mason Bailey while looking at the wares provided by 12 vendors, and partaking of cocktails and food by Meattopia. "We look forward to making this an annual event," said Mary-Anne Gordon, executive director of the Chamber. "This is the most successful First Friday of 2010.

o Fridgen elected to school board GREENCASTLE, Pa. -- The Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday that Antrim Township, Pa., resident Joel Fridgen has been chosen as the Chamber's new executive director. Effective Monday, Fridgen replaces Bill Gour, who resigned in late August. Fridgen, former plant manager for Regency Thermographers, is a 1977 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, according to a news release. "I am excited and looking forward to working with the Chamber's board of directors," he said.

o Fridgen named to head G-A Chamber CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. -- The new executive director of the Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce will also serve on the Greencastle-Antrim School Board starting next year, according to complete but unofficial results from Tuesday's municipal election. Joel Fridgen was named Chamber director early Tuesday, just 12 hours before he won one of four open seats on the school board. Fridgen will join incumbents William Thorne and Mike Shindle as well as newcomer Brian Hissong on the board in January.

MERCERSBURG, Pa. -- The Mercersburg Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 30th annual Mercersburg Townfest on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. "This year's event will be bigger than ever," said Liz Martin, Townfest committee chairwoman. Organizers are expecting 120 art, jewelry, craft and food vendors to line East and West Seminary Street. Kids' Corner performances will be presented throughout the day. A food court will be set up on the Square. Other events will include the Mercersburg First United Methodist Church Fall Fest, Mercersburg Veterinary Pet Fun Fest, Stoner's corn maze and Long Acres Alpaca Farm open house.

HAGERSTOWN -- Jay C. Constantz, the new executive director of The Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown, met members of the community Wednesday evening during a welcome reception in the theater's newly refurbished lobby. Constantz said more than 50 people attended, including representatives from the Greater Hagerstown Committee, the Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce, arts organizations, the public library and the school system. The reception was sponsored by the theater, the chamber of commerce and AC&T.