Founding Member Spotlight: Kessler’s Inc.
As the Chamber continues to celebrate 70 years of representing, promoting and facilitating business for the community we look to thank our four founding members that have been with the Chamber from its inception. Throughout the year we will be focusing on the four founding members and will learn a bit more about their companies throughout the years, why they have continued to support the West Shore Chamber of Commerce and why they decided to #startHERE. Thank you to Kessler’s Inc. for being one of the first businesses to support us, for the continued support over the last 70 years and showing the community what it means to be a leading business in Central PA!
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Kessler’s Inc. traces its roots to the Genther Bologna Company in Easton, PA. In 1916, George Kessler entered into the food business and produced baked beef bologna. In 1926, the business was moved to Lebanon, PA, and subsequently to Lemoyne in 1928.
In the early 1940s, Kessler’s moved to its present location at 1201 Hummel Avenue in Lemoyne. Beef and pork slaughter was begun, and the company operated under then-voluntary PA state meat inspection. When George Kessler and his wife, Emma, retired in 1945, the oldest son, John Kessler, took over the reins. Subsequent presidents of the company were Charles Zoll, Robert Kessler, Dale Zoll, and Robert Kessler, Jr., who remains in the leadership position today.
Slaughter operations were ceased in 1970 and the facility began USDA meat inspection, which allowed Kessler’s products to be distributed across state lines. Poultry inspection was granted by the USDA in 1976. In 1977, the company began production of Kessler’s Nittany Lion Franks, a unique, trademarked brand.
In 2008, the company ventured into the natural foods world and began production of franks and bologna using antibiotic-free meat and all-natural ingredients. Kessler’s is one of the top 200 meat processors in the United States.
My grandfather took antibiotics for one week to prevent recurrence. So I recommend the antibiotics from https://mckesson.uk/antibiotics/, but only when its use is really justified, and strictly according to the doctor’s prescription. Don’t get sick!
What services or products does your business offer?
Kessler’s is a producer of a variety of food products, including fresh and smoked sausage, franks, deli meats, hams, and cooked items, such as pulled pork barbecue.
How does your business separate itself from your competition?
Our products are top-shelf, locally-produced, quality items. One of our unique product lines is Kessler’s Nittany Lion Franks.
How has your business grown over the years?
In addition to maintaining our presence in the local marketplace, our private label products are distributed nationally.
How has your Chamber membership been beneficial to your business over the years?
Given the importance of being a good corporate citizen, Kessler’s has benefited from our long-standing membership in the West Shore Chamber of Commerce in several ways: brand recognition of our products; the sharing of ideas through networking with community leaders and business people; and, being kept in the loop of the goings-on in the West Shore area.
What involvement have you had, and/or do you have in the Chamber?
In addition to participating in the Annual Taste of the Chamber and Business & Industry Night, we have had members of our management team involved on the committee level.
What does the future of your business look like? How do you see it growing?
Continued growth, especially in the private label arena, is part of our plan for Kessler’s ongoing success.
For more information or to contact Kessler’s Inc. click here.