Submitted photo Pictured, Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation board chairperson Marie Kirkpatrick presents a token of appreciation to long-time, retiring board members Dan Warfel and Bill Lake during Tuesday’s annual membership meeting.

From staff reports

LEWISTOWN — Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation at its Tuesday annual membership meeting elected two new members and honored two retiring board members.

Dan Warfel and Bill Lake were recognized for years of service to the board.

“If you add up the number of years of service these Gentlemen served, it equals 59. Dan and Bill have each served as Board officers and committee chairs, and have great institutional knowledge and experience. They will be missed,” said Chairperson Marie Kirkpatrick.

“Both men have been committed to the organization and its mission for many years. Our staff has appreciated their participation and service, and wish them a healthy and happy retirement,” said Nick Felice, MCIDC president and CEO.

The board welcomed Caleb Shertzer and Luke Lake and re-elected Marcie Barber, Nate Metzler, Ruth Eddy and Amy Oden-Bitner to three-year terms on the board of directors.

The MCIDC Board of Directors also reorganized. The slate of officers elected included Chairperson Marie Kirkpatrick, first Vice Chairperson Terry Foster, second Vice Chairperson Matt Cram, treasurer Matt Conrad, assistant treasurer Allana Hartung and secretary Susan Cannon.

Also outlined Tuesday was a state of the corporation address, which included updates about the razing of Building 5C, a new sign, corner repairs of two structures, paving of portions of the river road and $ 579,000 invested in six building roofs.

Financially, the organization is in a strong position and able to maintain the properties in an effective manner, Felice said.

“Concerning economic development efforts, I have been able to support local companies when asked for assistance. One project certainly worth mentioning is Philips Ultrasound, in Reedsville, who has pledged to make a $150 million investment in America over the next several years.”

Looking into 2026, MCIDC will continue to focus on asset management and growth, Felice said.

Another project MCIDC is focusing on includes the expansion of the river bank access road, Felice explained.

“One project we continue to look at has an element of community benefit. It would be the expansion of the river bank access road MCIDC had constructed several years ago to allow our volunteer fire departments to access the river to draw water,” he said. ”

During the dry season, the water level recedes away from the road causing difficulty for the firemen to reach the water with the draw lines.” He continued “We have hired a consultant to help plan for a possible extension of the road, including construction of a level parking pad as close to the water as possible.”

Felice said the board’s property committee will complete a cost/benefit analysis and determine what actions make affordable sense during the first quarter of 2026.