As 2026 approaches, many MBA members are preparing to mark milestone anniversaries — some reaching 25, 50, or even 100 years in business — a powerful reminder of endurance, reinvention and community connection.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, only about half of new businesses make it past five years, and barely a third last a full decade. That makes the achievements of long-established firms especially meaningful. Many of these companies have grown from small, family run operations into enduring cornerstones of their communities. Research by Family Enterprise USA found that nearly three-quarters of multigenerational family businesses in the country have been operating for more than 30 years — a testament to the value of strong culture, adaptability and shared purpose.
Business experts note that longevity itself has become a competitive advantage. In an economy shaped by constant change and new competition, staying power signals reliability and resilience. Customers tend to trust businesses that have stood the test of time, and that trust often translates into opportunity. The companies preparing to celebrate in 2026 are doing more than looking back — they’re looking forward with an eye on continued success.
But what does business success mean?
At Area Tool & Manufacturing, Inc., which is marking its 50th year in Meadville, “Business success is steady progress – quality work, strong relationships, and a reputation built on reliability and integrity,” says President Ashleigh Barnes. The company was founded in 1976 to supply industries, large and small, with top quality source for their precision tooling needs, and still does to this day.
Also, celebrating its 50th year in 2026, Maleno has been a staple in the area real estate services, property management and custom home building since its founding in Erie in 1976. “Business success at Maleno means building strong communities, delivering quality homes, and creating lasting value for residents and clients,” says Broker/Owner Natalie Washburn.
For David Greene, executive director of Northern Tier Community Action Corporation in Emporium, PA, a community based not-for-profit organization that is marking its 60th year, success is, “Seeing the clients we serve with the programs we provide become ‘self sufficient and successful’ during their journey through life.” The agency has been in continuous operation since 1966 when it was established as part of the nation’s War on Poverty, and serves the four counties of Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter in northwest Pennsylvania.
As MBA Board Chairman Matt Clark, vice president and general manager of Humes Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM in Waterford, states, “Business success means creating loyal relationships built on trust, exceeding expectations at every turn, empowering our team, and giving back to the community.” The business began in Waterford 85 years ago and became a dealership in 1946, now celebrating its 80th year in 2026. Even as organizations evolve, these milestone businesses remind us that success isn’t about speed — it’s about staying power.
Glass and glazing contractor Schaal Glass Company, for example, has achieved a monumental milestone as it marks 100 years of continuous operation in the new year. The glass and glazing contractor was founded in Erie in 1926. As Jeffrey J. Johnson, II, president of Schaal Glass, explains, business success is, “Carrying forward a multi-generational brand of supporting our employees / their families, customers, suppliers and community with integrity, efficiency and quality.”
At Joseph McCormick Construction in Erie, owner Owen McCormick shares such sentiments, adding, “Business success for us means continuing to serve the Erie community with the highest quality materials and construction services.” The company, established in 1896, started out constructing storm sewers and gradually moved into construction work. Today, the family company is a heavy highway construction company performing specialized work for numerous commercial developments and local companies throughout Erie County as it marks its 130th year in 2026.
In fact, the firms that last decades are often those that adapt and hold fast to their sense of purpose. Their anniversary year will be both a celebration of where they’ve been and a launchpad for what comes next.
