Clinton County Association of Township Officials Annual Convention Planned for June 6

CLINTON COUNTY- The Clinton County Association of Township officials annual convention is scheduled for Thursday June 6 2024 at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. This association of elected officials’ executive board is formed in each county. County conventions are held annually to offer an opportunity for free training to municipal elected officials and employees locally. The CCATO executive board organizes a wide range of speakers to present and discuss challenges and best practices for local government.

This is an exciting new year for the board and will be hosting a panel of speakers that will be available for questions and answers to all attendees. Rick Vilello with DCED, State Deputy Secretary Community Affairs and Development will be a member of the panel joined by David Sanko from PSATS, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, Solicitor Justin Houser, Terri Dickow DCED Finance specialist and Darren Stover Penn Dot Liquid Fuels Representative. Also presenting at the annual business meeting later in the day will be Clinton County Planning Director Stephen Gibson and Clinton County EMS Coordinator Scott Kemmerer. There will be a CPR demonstration from the American Red Cross and a first aid demonstration.

This is the third year of a large transition for the convention. County conventions typically consist of an evening banquet with a county representative and a few indoor vendors. The board accepted the challenge to make the necessary improvements to increase the attendance and has successfully accomplished and is still growing. The convention was transformed into an equipment trade show with skills competitions, incorporating training sessions and making learning fun with competitive games and prizes. The famous jeopardy game has become an all-time favorite using municipal questions and answers, a great learning tool thanks to Keith Kern of Data Bit Solutions, Inc. CCATO technical support.

Previously an article in “The Lock Haven Express, Opinion editorial” was written by PSATS David Sanko commending the unsung heroes who make our neighborhoods thrive: township officials, supervisors, road crews and administration. These dedicated public servants share a common goal he stated, building a stronger community for you and your loved ones. He was recognizing Local Government week April 8-14. Our own Township official of Dunnstable Township, Corey Lucas is a member of the PSATS Executive Committee.

Vendors and businesses of municipalities are invited to display and demonstrate their equipment outside and inside to promote and showcase their service/products. Their displays will be available from 9:00 a.m. through 2:00 a.m.. Again this year is an equipment competition. Township employee equipment operators are encouraged to compete to win prizes showing their skills and ability they use to operate township equipment on a daily basis. Registration for the competition will be the same day at the time of sign in. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place winners.

Lunch is available with a registration fee of $20.00 that must be paid in advance and will be served at 12:00. All registration must be received by May 28. There will be a brief business meeting after lunch directed to township business.

Items on the agenda will be the election of executive board members, review and revision to bi-laws, County Planning Director Stephen Gibson and County EMS Coordinator Scott Kemmerer and whatever else may come to the table.

The Executive Board members are President Mala Moore of Greene Township, 1st Vice President Corey Lucas of Dunnstable Township, 2nd Vice President Brandon Coleman of Castanea Township and Secretary /Treasurer Carol Colucci of Porter Township.

A vacant position of member at large will be open for nominations at the business meeting. Holding this event in such a large venue increases the opportunity to have unlimited attendee’s.
We encourage and welcome the public to come learn more about local government and what is involved in general municipal operations.

Any businesses that would like to advertise your business you may by reserving an indoor table display or outdoor equipment space or submitting your business card Ad for the program book. E-mail ccato1@yahoo.com or call 570-726-6733 Porter Township to register for the CCATO annual convention Thursday June 6th at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. Information can be found on the CCATO website at www.clintoncountytownships.com