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Feb 12, 2009
Allison Crane selected as Small Business
of the Year
Larry Allison Sr. learned Wednesday how much
his employees and fellow business owners appreciate and respect him.
Allison and his son Larry Jr. were presented
the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce's Phillips-Plankenhorn Small Business
of the Year award at the organization's 123rd annual meeting and awards banquet
at the Genetti Hotel.
Allison did not know a member of his staff submitted an application for the
award on his behalf, but a video prepared for the occasion showed that many people
believe he deserved it.
In the video, company administrative assistant Tina M. Shay described Allison
as a humble man who put the needs of his employees and the community first.
Shay added she is proud to be an employee of the company.
Crane operator Jay Boyer said it is "a joy" to work for Allison,
while area business and civic leaders praised him as an honest, hard-working
and civic-minded businessman.
Michael Beiter of Lamar Advertising said the company has old-fashioned business
ethics. Beiter said when the company does a job for him, Larry Allison Jr. meets
with him in person to make sure the work is exactly what was expected and that
he is completely satisfied.
Such sentiments were echoed by Ralph Agnoni of Shop Vac and Henry Perciballi,
of Perciballi and Williams LLC.
The video also focused on Allison's support for Little League, Pennsylvania
College of Technology, Camp Cadet, countless volunteer fire companies and law
enforcement agencies, and Susquehanna Health, for whom he sponsors an annual
golf tournament.
Upon receiving the award, Allison thanked his employees, some of whom attended
the presentation, for making the company a success.
He told a story about working with now-company vice president David Phillips
on a job many years ago in high winds and temperatures well below zero. Allison
said he asked Phillips if he was cold. Phillips answered, "naw," he
said.
"I believe that is the only time in 32 years (Phillips) has ever lied
to me," Allison said.
Allison said the goal of the company has been, and will be, to improve and
grow. He thanked his customers, both old and new.
According to the video, the company was founded in 1976 in Williamsport by
Allison's father Herbert with a single crane. The company expanded across the
state. When Larry Allison Sr. later took over the company, its reputation for
high-quality service continued.
Allison said he is "extremely proud to have a son like Larry (Jr.)" who
will be able to take over the company and continue that tradition.
(This is an excerpt taken from an article written by David Thompson for the
Williamsport Sun-Gazette.)
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