History

Jeannette Business Association was founded in 1994 with hopes to change Jeannette’s Image. Ernie DiMartino, Membership Chairman, and John Delvito, Founding President, instituted JBA. With the help of the following people, JBA was established: Greta Free of Jeannette Vision Center was the founding VP. Robert Fejes, Fejes Signs, was the founding treasurer. Charlotte Makosky, Ghetto Beer Distributor, was the founding secretary.

JBA started with 60 members eager to cultivate a new image of Pride in Jeannette. They wanted to bring the community together. Ernie and Rob went knocking on doors for memberships, which was very well received. Additionally, they sent out a mailer and got a good response. Today the Jeannette Business Association is the largest ever with roughly 90 members going strong. The JBA still holds true to their goals by continuously involving local businesses.

The Jeannette Business Association is made up of people just like you. We are hard workers dedicated to the success of our businesses and we believe a strong business community benefits us all. The Jeannette Business Association provides members with the opportunity to net-work with each other and provide service to the community we all love.

In April 2007, Jeannette Business Association members, lead by President Ernie DeMartino of DiMartino Ice, worked very hard reestablishing and rebuilding the JBA . We encourage you to join us in our continued effort to strengthen and promote businesses within Jeannette by becoming a member of JBA.

Membership is open to anyone that is interested in furthering commerce in Jeannette and serving the Jeannette community as well. We hope you will consider membership in our organization. The Jeannette Business Association meets the third Wednesday of every month at 12 noon at local restaurants. Networking and mini seminars are offered at 11:30 A.M. before each business meeting to enhance business contacts and skills. As well, JBA offers at least 2 business mixers per year, as well as numerous networking opportunities through our service to the community.

• Assist Jeannette Recreation with annual Halloween Parade and downtown Christmas celebration.

• $5000 grant from State of PA to establish a web site.
• Installed new electrical entrance on Clay Avenue for festivals using PA State grant money.

• Organized and sponsored numerous car cruises since 1994 .
• Organized and sponsored wine and cheese library fundraisers.
• Elimination of fire code fee.

• Restrictions on commercial building codes.

• City Hall light-up and Christmas decorating.

• Erected and maintains Route 30 (and 5th and Chambers Ave.) billboard welcoming visitors to Jeannette.
• Active in the Lowry Avenue paving project.
• Has monthly representation at city council meetings.

• Working to establish a steering committee working on a “Main Street Project or Elm Street Project”.

• Planted the pear trees on Lowry Avenue
• Posted “Welcome to Jeannette” signs throughout the city.
• Devised a Jeannette Coupon Book with the help of Jill Sorrels, Keynote Café.