Feasterville Business Association announces new president and officers for 2018
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
He’s the brilliant mastermind behind the “South Philly” and “Mac Dawg,” the creator of the one-stop-shop for tasty childhood classics. We’re talking about Rick Tyrrell, the proud owner of Feasterville’s popular Cheese Dawgs at 318 Bustleton Pike. This year, Tyrrell can add a new bullet point to his impressive resume as the newly elected president of the Feasterville Business Association.
Six years ago, Tyrrell opened the doors of Cheese Dawgs, which boasts a creative collection of hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches sure to please both children and kids at heart. After his restaurant was up and running, Tyrrell searched for a local association to join. He wanted to meet fellow owners in the community to learn from them and collaborate. Naturally, he found a home with the FBA.
Tyrrell has been an active member ever since, serving on the association’s board of directors for four years. In 2017, he was elected to the honorable role of vice president before his most recent 2018 promotion to president. He is replacing Karen Madotto, branch manager of Penn Community Bank in Bensalem, who will take a position as a director of the FBA executive board.
Tyrrell is thrilled about the opportunity.
“It feels awesome,” he said. “I’m excited about leading the association in its endeavors both monthly and yearly.”
Nominations were submitted in November, with an election taking place shortly after. Tyrrell explained he and his fellow officers will serve for one year. Since all members are involved on a volunteer basis while balancing full-time jobs and families, the FBA implemented one-year terms to not overwork anybody. It also gives more people the opportunity to hold a position.
As we quickly dive into 2018, Tyrrell and the rest of the FBA officers are poised and ready to carry out the association’s 69-year mission for the sake of not just local businesses, but the community. According to Tyrrell, his primary focus will be making sure every Feasterville resident feels welcome and has their voice heard.
“I want to get more people involved, people who work and live in the community,” Tyrrell said when asked about his immediate goals. “I want there to be a dialogue on how to make the community even stronger.”
Tyrrell went on to explain how a number of upcoming FBA events will help foster growth and progress in the community, a yearly goal of the association. These include an Easter egg hunt, blood drive and golf outing. Recently, $15,000 of past event proceeds were donated to local nonprofits.
“It’s not just about business owners,” Tyrrell said. “It’s about the community.”
In addition to Tyrrell, a number of other FBA members were elected to various positions. Charles Roman, funeral director/supervisor for Kirk & Nice in Feasterville, will serve as vice president; Dennis Markowitz, business and tax consultant in Langhorne, was selected as treasurer; Tracy Freels, an auto parts representative for SRS Marketing Company in Southampton, is the financial secretary; Linda Pupkiewitz, assistant director of the Lower Southampton Library in Feasterville, is the recording secretary; Erica Markowitz, president of Stream in Bensalem, was appointed to corresponding secretary; and Michael R. Lesher, senior project manager for Regal Properties Inc. in Langhorne, will serve as sergeant-at-arms.
Elected to the position of director were Fran Mishinkish, branch manager of American Heritage Federal Credit Union in Feasterville; Susan Harrison, co-owner of the Greater Philadelphia Abstract Company in Trevose; Stu Coren, president of Rosen Coren Marketing Public Relations & Advertising Agency in Langhorne; and Ed MacConnell, president of Total Benefit Solutions in Feasterville.
Retained for another term on the board are William Wiegman Jr., retired Lower Southampton Township chief of police; Jim Kelley, of Jim Kelley Public Adjusters in Bensalem, and Pradeep Kohli, of Univest Bank and Trust Company in Bensalem.
For more information or to join the Feasterville Business Association, call 215–436–9768, email FeastervilleBA@gmail.com or visit feasterville.biz. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
