McVEYTOWN - A local State Farm office has changed hands and will re-open under Amy Oden-Bitner, a Lewistown native.
The office is located at 8 E. John Street, McVeytown, and has been serving the area since 1984. Oden-Bitner said that after previous owner, Robert Knable, retired in 2010, she took the opportunity to embrace her entrepreneurial skills and re-open State Farm. She is a second-generation business owner and has support from her father and husband who share the same passion.
Although originally from Lewistown, Oden-Bitner spent about 12 years living in New York City, Raleigh, N.C. and Washington, D.C. She recently moved back to the area with her husband and welcomed her first son. Though she enjoyed her travels, she says she is happy to be back.
Article Photos
Sentinel photo by JULIANNE CAHILL
Amy Oden-Bitner cuts a red ribbon in celebration of the re-opening of State Farm in McVeytown. She is pictured with customer service representatives, Katrena Fields, left, and Paula Brower, right.
"State Farm has provided me with an opportunity for balance, to settle down," she said, "I am truly excited to be in McVeytown and love the small town atmosphere."
State Farm, established in 1922, provides insurance and financial services including: auto, home, life, health and bank. Oden-Bitner said that she looks forward to providing exceptional service to McVeytown and western Mifflin County, along with customer service representatives, Paula Brower and Katrena Fields.
The McVeytown office opened for business on Monday and will maintain hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Tuesday when the office will be open until 7 p.m. After-hours and weekends are available by appointment. To make an appointment, call 899-6211.
In celebration of the re-opening, Oden-Bitner made a $100 donation to the Rothrock playground. Doug Roles, chairman of Rothrock Playground Authority, was present to accept the donation.
"We are very pleased to take part in welcoming Amy to her McVeytown office and appreciate both her donation to the playground and her interest in our community," said Roles.
The playground authority is currently working to renovate the building so that it can better serve the summer playground program and be rented for events.
