Every Monday on Erie News Now at 5, all throughout the year Erie News Now has had the privilege to share with you the history and the work of local businesses. From small to medium-size places to big operations, they all make up the fabric of our region.
Some of the ones we featured in 2025 have marked major milestones. We revisit those places in a special year-end review of our Giving You the Business report, sponsored by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.
When you see black-and-white photos, that signals longevity. For AHN Saint Vincent, historical photos shared with us date back 150 years. The landmark 150th anniversary was celebrated all through 2025 with a community day on the hospital grounds, staff appreciation events, and even an exhibit at Erie’s Hagen History Center that chronicled hospital history since it was started by the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Meanwhile, a more than 100-year anniversary was also celebrated at another Erie location — 125 years of Allburn Florist in 2025. It’s a place that has helped families and other businesses celebrate holidays and life events through floral displays. Two siblings help carry on the business their father bought years ago along West 8th Street in Erie.
Across Erie County, there are several locations of GECAC — the Greater Erie Community Action Agency, an organization that reached 60 years in 2025. GECAC helps thousands of people every year through seven senior centers that provide meals and socialization. Funded by local, state, and federal means, GECAC also helps community members with housing and utility assistance and education — including a GED testing center.
Off Peninsula Drive in Millcreek, this payroll processing operation known as ECCA is a family affair. Doug Starr’s dad started Erie Custom Computer Applications in 1975. Since then, Doug has grown the company to nearly 60 employees, overseen the development of two software applications, and opened a second office in Alexandria, Virginia.
In downtown Erie, Community Health Net is a fixture along State Street. This year marked 40 years for the nonprofit health care provider. It is an affordable care resource for people needing primary and dental services, behavioral health, and wellness programs. The downtown location is one of several across Erie County.
When talking about Erie County, it’s the largest footprint for Country Fair. The gas station and convenience store operation is based in East Erie and spans Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York State. Company leaders say the aim is to offer good gas, rewards, and needed food and beverage items all in one spot. In the new year, new perks will also be added to the unique location in downtown Erie, which offers fresh meats and vegetables.