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Celebrating Women-Owned Businesses in Erie County

Friday Feb 24th, 2023

NanciHaibach Elsie Greer

The Elsie Greer House Bed & Breakfast – Nanci Haibach, Owner
The Elsie Greer House Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful Victorian-style home nestled in the historic town of North East, PA near Gibson Park. Built in 1865, it is believed to be one of the oldest homes in Erie County and is named for the woman who owned the home after the Civil War. Innkeeper/owner Nanci Haibach invites guests to take a step back in time and experience old-fashioned hospitality surrounded by a 19th century environment of polished carved woods, ornate fixtures, and stately decor. Guests can wake up to the tantalizing aroma of a home-cooked breakfast and for those who need to stay connected, the high-speed internet connection ensures seamless connectivity. An amenity worth checking out is the in-house penny press machine, a delightful attraction that churns out charming images of the picturesque town.  

Q: What are the secrets to your success?
A:
“The secret to my success is to have a good idea of what people want and expect for the money they spend. Putting out quality for all my guests. My dedication to my personal objective of having a business where I can be creative every day gives me the quality of life I want.

Missy Hitz for WEB

Monacella Massage & Kinesiology – Missy Hitz, Owner/LMT
Being a young female business owner at the age of thirty presented its challenges, but in 2008 Missy Hitz turned her dream into a reality. For more than 24 years, Missy has been helping people feel better by combining her knowledge of Kinesiology and massage therapy to reduce and even eliminate muscle pain and stress. Monacella Massage is in downtown Erie’s Renaissance Centre and offers clients a variety of massage therapy services including Swedish massage, deep tissue, reflexology, and hot stones.

Q: What does it mean to be a woman entrepreneur?
A:
Being a woman entrepreneur is an honor. Opening a business is an opportunity to empower oneself, contribute to the community and local economy, and inspire others, especially women, to pursue entrepreneurship.”

Wendy Neckers for WEB

Painted Finch Gallery and Epiphany’s Emporium – Wendy Neckers, Owner
With a vision of opening a high-end gallery with exceptional art in a small city, artist and owner Wendy Neckers launched the Painted Finch Gallery in 2012 and in 2017, her success expanded next door with Epiphany’s Emporium, a unique hand-crafted gift and collectibles shop. Over the years, Wendy has collected an amazing array of artists who have their work on display at the Painted Finch, while Epiphany's wide selection ranges from leather journals and felted critters to stained glass kaleidoscopes and craft sodas.

Q: What advice would you give to other women who are looking to open their own business?
A: “Consider if you have a market or niche that your business would fill. What makes you unique? How will people find your business and when they do find you, will they want to walk through your doors?"

 

ChristinaVogel 1 for WEB

Donatos Pizza – Christina Vogel, Owner
With three Erie area Donatos Pizza locations cranking out hundreds of orders of pizzas, wings, subs, and salads on a daily basis, Christina Vogel tends to wear many hats as she navigates her way through the ups and downs of owning and operating a franchise restaurant. However, her persistence and confidence is paying off as she continues to grow her three stores, provide great jobs with benefits for her employees, produce a quality product with excellent customer service, and establish a connective presence in the community. Donatos Pizza is known for their edge-to-edge toppings, thin and crispy crust, and a range of unique toppings such as smoked provolone cheese, aged brick cheese and a variety of meats that gives its pizza a distinctive taste that customers love.

Q: What is one of your biggest challenges?
A: “I believe the biggest challenge I faced was convincing others I could do it.  There are pizza restaurants all over the world and a lot right here in Erie.  I have watched many open and close in the past seven years.  Understandably, other people questioned the viability of opening three in short succession.  I did not take it personally.  However, I was also very persistent and confident in my plan.”

Partner Spotlight

Port Farms Fall Spotlight 400 x 300

Fall Harvest at Port Farms

Happy Fall Y’all! Come enjoy the farm during Fall Harvest season September 16 – October 29. Grab your friends and family and enjoy a variety of fall themed activities for every age. With over 25 attractions, our guests create long-lasting memories worth repeating. General admission includes wagon rides, our 8-acre bigfoot corn maze, slide mountain, ball zone, game garden, pedal carts, corn box, Tiny Town, animal exhibits, mindbender mazes, trike track, tire fort and so much more! Plan a birthday party with a campfire spot! PLUS, this year we have added tons of new events that are included with admission!

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Hamot Spotlight 400 x 300

UPMC Hamot - See What Makes Us Different

UPMC Hamot is a 458-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital serves as a regional referral hub and is the only accredited trauma center in the region.

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CartHorse Spotlight 400 x 300

Cart/Horse

Cart/Horse Distilling is a first-generation woman-owned distillery, pioneering the craft in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Handcrafted care never goes out of style. We put that artistic attention into every bottle of our small batch spirits. Cart/Horse proudly produces rum, whiskey, vodka, gin, and several award-winning specialty liquors. Our robust cocktail menu uses the finest and freshest ingredients for each custom-built drink.

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814 photo Spotlight 400 x 300

814 Photo

Showcasing the incredible year round beauty of the City of Erie and its surrounding areas, commonly referred to as its area code "the 814". Explore some of Erie County's most breathtaking landscape photography.

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Olivers Mini Golf Spotlight 400 x 300

Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf

This 18-hole course is the newest addition to Oliver’s Beer Garden, offering stunning views of Erie’s Bayfront and the Bicentennial Tower. Play your round and then enjoy delicious food & drink from the snack bar or Oliver’s Food Truck!

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CF Spotlight 400 x 300

Country Fair

We proudly opened our doors in Erie in 1965. A lot has changed between now and then, but our mission remains the same – offer fresh food, from our favorite local brands, at a convenient location. In one stop, you can fill up your gas tank and grab breakfast, lunch, groceries and a bottle of wine or a 6-pack to go. We look forward to serving you and your family during your trip to Erie!

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Airport Image Spotlight

When you have an opportunity to fly, give Erie a try - support your hometown airport!

Direct daily flights to Charlotte. Erie International Airport is serviced by American Airlines with daily flights to Charlotte with connections to many other destinations.

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u pick 6 spotlight

U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pubs & Restaurants

Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”

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bayfront grille

Outdoor Dining at the Bayfront Grille

The Bayfront Grille Restaurant at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel is excited to announce that our Bayside Patio is open for Lunch and Dinner. Please check Open Table for reservations or contact the restaurant directly at 814-454-2005.

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erie events spotlight

Erie Events

Erie Events manages a four facility entertainment complex that includes the Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Bayfront Convention Center and UPMC Park. These four venues host a variety of events that include world-class entertainment, family friendly shows and sporting events.

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AHN Spotlight 400 x 300

AHN Saint Vincent- Award-Winning Medical Care

AHN Saint Vincent has been here from the beginning, providing award-winning inpatient and outpatient medical care. Need express care? We’ve conveniently placed AHN facilities on the west and east side of Erie, just walk-in! AHN Saint Vincent is not only recognized locally (Erie’s Choice- Best Hospital) but nation-wide, so you can expect high-quality care, greater safety, and better results.

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mazza spotlight

Mazza Vineyards and the South Shore Wine Company

The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.

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the cove from the cove site

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern is sure to give you an unforgettable and care-free dining experience. Enjoy a nautical atmosphere with a beautiful view of Presque Isle Bay.

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Dobbins Landing Spring 2022 EB 2

Dobbins Landing

Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.

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Mall Image Spotlight v2

Millcreek Mall

The Millcreek Mall features more than 160 stores, restaurants, and fun for the whole family on Upper Peach Street, Erie’s most popular shopping district! Shopping in Erie means no sales tax on clothing or shoes. Choose from a variety of hotels located on the Mall property and just minutes away at the intersection of Peach Street and Interstate 90.

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