wfrank@altoonamirror.com
The Organic Snack Co., which makes Kate’s Real Food protein bars, opened its 20,000-square-foot production facility last summer. Former Altoona dentist, developer Bruce Thaler, is co-owner of Kate’s Real Food.
Courtesy photo / Photo illustration by Nick Anna
By Walt Frank
Economic development in the region was another victim of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
Starting in March, the staff and board members of the Altoona Blair County Development Corp. could only react to the crisis, managing emergency grant programs, forgiving loans, deferring rents and referring unemployment claims, said President and CEO Stephen McKnight.
Nevertheless, in 2020, ABCD Corp. facilitated 52 business financing projects that represented nearly $17 million in total capital investment and nearly $6.3 million in program funding. These projects led to the creation of 25 new jobs and retention of 210, McKnight said.
BELLWOOD Bellwood-Antis School District students will return to the classrooms on Monday.
School board members Tuesday agreed to a plan in which high school students will return to a hybrid schedule classes two days a week while middle school and elementary students will return to classes five days a week.
Board members will officially adopt the plan next Tuesday, retroactive to Monday. The board met Tuesday a committee of the whole session but could not take official action because the meeting was not advertised in advance as a voting session.
Board members agreed with the recommendations of the building principals.
wfrank@altoonamirror.com
12/18/20 Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski /
Sales associate Hunter Moran (right) shows Dalton Wilt of Duncansville and Arctic Cat Riot 8000 snowmobile at Alpha Powersports and Specialized Vehicles in Duncansville on Friday.
By Walt Frank
wfrank@altoonamirror.com
After the COOVID-19 pandemic put a chill on sales of winter sports equipment, the Dec. 9 winter storm has unleashed interest locally.
“Snow is huge for us. It makes a huge difference,” said Spokes N Skis owner Bryan Caporuscio. “We’ve already had more snow than last winter. Now we are up in sales and rentals over last year, the last couple of weeks have been busy. The weather helps us tremendously.”
Years with company: 23
Family: Wife, Jessica Lippert; and three dogs: two Chihuahua mixes and a Boston terrier.
What products or services does your company provide? I cultivate relationships among our 400-plus suppliers, the Morefield team and our clients. Our purpose is to help organizations make smart technology decisions.
Who are your customers? We customize solutions for organizations in every industry, education and government, enhancing their communication, security, productivity and more. We believe in cultivating new technology in our communities and greatly value helping our local businesses succeed.
What is your business day like? Working under the pandemic has brought a change to my workday. Where I was accustomed to going into an office and meeting with clients, our offices are closed for now; we are working from home and most of our meetings are conducted over collaboration platforms like WebEx, MS Teams and Zoom.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, area florists and greenhouse operators are expecting a good holiday season.
“It is very big for us we think this year will be a great year,” said Jeff Moist, manager of Warners Florists Gifts Greenhouses in Hollidaysburg. “There are a lot of restrictions and people are sending more flowers and buying them for Christmas. It should be a good year.”
Andrea Hammel of Peterman’s Flower shop, 608 N. Fourth Ave., agrees.
“Christmas is a monthlong increase in sales, with a lot of last-minute gifts for us,” she said. “This year looks to be really good with folks unable to travel and visit. A lot of people are sending flowers, poinsettias and centerpieces because they cannot be there.