May Member of the Month-Beth Ridge, Stay Inn Latrobe

Briana Tomack

Monday, May 4, 2020

Beth RidgeStay Inn LatrobeMay Member of the MonthGLLV Chamber

As President of Latrobe Sheet Metal Works, Inc. (an Industrial fabrication shop in Latrobe) I have always felt a desire to reach out and do “something” else. I always had a desire to have a Bed and Breakfast, but the time demand of that I knew would be too much to handle with my full-time job. In 1999 my husband and I purchased the 905 Mission Road house and began a year’s worth of renovations. I then made my own website and officially made Stay Inn Latrobe “live."

I remember the first family that rented from us. They were a very “extended” family from Texas coming into the area for the gas well operations. There was a husband and wife with 3 children, the grandparents and 2 uncles. They were thrilled to have such a comfortable place to call home so far from their actual home. And thus, it all began. Over the years we have hosted people from all over the world from such places as Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, England and a host of States from all over the US. September of this year will celebrate 10 years that we have been hosting families from all over the globe.

It is so fulfilling to have a guest leave a comment on how comfortable their stay was and that they can’t wait to return. I know it was a stretch, in the beginning, to say I have a “vacation” house in Latrobe. But we all know as Chamber members that this little town has a lot to offer. A lot of locals have become aware of its presence, and that is a good reason to be a member of the Chamber. The house has hosted over the years such things as, Paint and Pour classes, baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, class reunions, family reunions, retirement parties, wedding parties, and scrapbook retreats. It has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, and very large gathering spaces as well as a fully equipped kitchen. It is a big savings from several hotel rooms to host your family, and you get the personal sit down and visit time that you won’t have the privacy to do in a hotel.

Since we began back in 2010 we had a ribbon cutting with the chamber as well as hosted a business after hours event.I also serve on the GLLV Chamber Ambassador committee and have volunteered with the Great American Banana Split Celebration. I enjoy going to chamber events because my day job has me in an office pretty much by myself, and meeting people in the community is fun way to share my opportunities as well as learn about theirs. I meet so many interesting people, and I love the educational programs offered by the chamber. I take advantage of all that I can to help grow my business and gain visibility in the community.

Over the years I’ve also been involved in the Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society, a local Women’s Club organization, the Reality Tour of Latrobe, and Pittsburgh Professional Women. In my spare time, I like to keep busy, get together with friends, and golf.