The Blair County Association of Township Officials held its annual convention Sept. 21.

The convention was held at the Blair County Convention Center’s tent they erected in order to accommodate Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 regulations.

The association is comprised of elected officials from each of 15 townships in Blair County. Nine townships were represented.

Those present were township supervisors, secretaries, treasurers, auditors and tax collectors.

Other elected officials were invited as well. Those attending included State Rep. Lou Schmitt as well as Michele Ivory from Sen. Judy Ward’s office and Blair County Commissioners Bruce Erb and Amy Webster.

The convention is a great opportunity for townships to get together and share information or work together on solutions for issues they are facing.

There is a board and elections for these positions are held bi-annually.

Currently the board members are James A. Patterson, Logan Township supervisor, president; David E. Burchfield Jr., Allegheny Township supervisor, vice president; Tony Luther, Allegheny Township auditor, secretary/treasurer; and Lisa Noel, Logan Township auditor, assistant secretary/treasurer.

In June, letters were sent to potential sponsors/exhibitors geared toward township needs.

In all, this event had 20 exhibitors. Some of those present included banking services, engineering firms, health insurance/benefits servicing, insurance agencies and vehicle sales.

There were two speakers for the evening.

Joseph Hurd Jr., president/CEO of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, spoke regarding the importance of the Chamber and getting young professionals involved and interested in local politics.

Dave Sanko, director of the Pennsylvania state Association of Township Supervisors, shared information on upcoming PSATS training and accessing the PSATS 2020 Conference and workshops virtually.

Plans are underway for next year’s convention.