Vince Witherup
Vince Witherup will be recognized as the recipient of the 2023 Citizen of the Year award. Throughout his life, Vince has exhibited exceptional leadership skills and a strong commitment to his community.
Growing up as the eldest of seven children, Vince was thrust into responsibilities at a young age. This experience taught him valuable skills in leadership and negotiation that he would carry with him throughout his life.
Vince’s dedication to the Boy Scouts Organization is evident through his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. This accomplishment not only showcases his perseverance and determination but also his deep love for the organization and the values it stands for. He continues to support and celebrate local scouts working towards this same achievement.
As a lifelong member of the Elks Club in Franklin, Vince actively contributes to various community service projects and local youth scholarships. His commitment to serving the community is unwavering, and he continues to hold multiple roles within the organization.
With nearly 50 years of experience in the plastics industry, Vince’s knowledge and dedication have been recognized by his induction into the prestigious Plastic Pioneers Hall of Fame. He played a vital role in the growth and success of Conair Group, Inc., ultimately retiring as their International Vice President of Sales and Marketing. His contribution helped Conair to achieve exponential sales from $1 million to $160 million justifying his international recognition. His work has significantly contributed to the best practices in the field.
Vince’s commitment to the region led him to serve as a Venango County Commissioner in 2011, where he made a positive difference in the well-being of county residents. His leadership resulted in significant decisions, such as the implementation of new voting machines for Venango County.
Additionally, Vince has been heavily involved in the Franklin Industrial and Commercial Development Authority (FICDA) as a board member since 1987, serving most of those years as the Board Chairman. His dedication to reviving the shuttered FICDA complex showcases the power of teamwork and leadership in improving and preserving the community.
Through his involvement in both for-profit and non-profit organizations, Vince has proven his ability to understand and contribute to community and economic development. He is known for his fair, objective, and professional approach to decision-making.
Currently, Vince serves on the Board of Directors for the Oil Region Alliance, further exemplifying his sincere desire for the community to prosper and develop. His professionalism, knowledge, and suggestions have positively impacted Oil City, surrounding communities, and Venango County as a whole.
Throughout his career and community service, Vince has remained steadfast in his core values of open-mindedness and thorough analysis before making decisions. His leadership and dedication have been invaluable to Venango County and its organizations.
Vince is happily married to his wife Lee Masters with whom they have three children Shawn, Kelly, and Hannah. Vince and his wife are the grandparents of 7 children and the great grandparents of 2 little ones.
In summary, Vince Witherup is the embodiment of an exemplary citizen, possessing natural leadership skills, a genuine interest in others, and a strong desire to give back to the community. His contributions to the plastics industry, his public service roles, and his numerous volunteer commitments make him a deserving recipient of the 2023 Citizen of the Year award.
Vince will be honored at the Venango Chamber Annual Dinner, on Wednesday, February 21, 2024at Cross Creek Resort. The event is open to the public. Reservations can be made by contacting the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber will also be recognized 4 Your Car Connection as the 2023 Business of the Year and Cranberry Area School District as the 2023 Partner in Business of the Year.