How the NCABA Got Started

The Northern Cambria Area Business Alliance (NCABA) was started in 2003, and was originally started by a group of concerned citizens who recognized the need for a professional business group. The area lacked an organization focused on local economical development and progress. Although many municipal-specific organizations existed, there wasn’t an organization that was focused on intra-municipal development. The group envisioned becoming a “go-to” entity for local, state and federal leaders. If there was regional help available from the government, there was not an independent group to help out. The NCABA has become that group.

After many meetings throughout 2003, in the Spring of 2004 officers were installed and the group took a big step forward. Charles “Chuck” Contres of Long-Contres Funeral Home was elected President, other officers included Vice President Rusty Christoff of Christoff-Mitchell, Treasurer Barbara Kirby of First National Bank, Secretary Donna Zerbee of AmeriServ Financial and Tim Whited of Al’s Tire who headed up the membership committee. In the first year, 2003-2004 there were 30 members; in 2007, there were over 120 members.

Members Sought

Tim Whited, is still the membership chairman and invites all businesses and organizations to become a member of the alliance, “By believing that there is strength in numbers, it is our hope that by including all of the entire region of the northern part of the county, we will be able to be big and strong enough to carry out the mission that we have committed to. By utilizing everyone’s input, ideas and commitment, I am certain that we can move in the right direction and outline a future that will someday become a part of a revitalized region, both socially and economically.”

The goal of the NCABA is to not only help the area grow, but to also provide vital information for existing businesses to increase their opportunity for personal growth.

Recent meetings have included speakers on small business health insurance, building code enforcement, website development and opportunities to meet candidates for state and regional elections. Future plans are being made to include speakers on security, educational and grant opportunities, worker’s compensation and continued regional political speakers.

All persons interested in attending a meeting, whether a member or not, is welcomed to do so.

Currently, the meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of the month. April through October, the meetings will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Cambrian Hills Country Club, Municipal Road, between Northern Cambria and Hastings. For more information or to receive a membership packet, please contact Tim Whited at 814-948-7880 or ncaba@live.com. Or please go to the "Joining" tab above for an application.

This page last updated
August 23, 2008