PHOTO PROVIDED Staff members for AAA North Penn welcome members to the South Williamsport office.

When some people think about AAA, the national travel agency, they think of roadside assistance and needing to be a member.

While roadside assistance plays a major role in what AAA North Penn customers receive when they pay for a membership, the agency has much more to offer, for both members and non-members, said Samantha Long, AAA North Penn, Branch Manager, 1 E. 6th Ave., South Williamsport.

The agency offers a wide variety of services, many specialized for members but also non-members, she said.

AAA North Penn prides itself in providing travel and booking services.

“We have our own insurance agents and brokers who can do insurance for automobile, life, home and pets,” she said.

AAA North Penn has three travel agents working on the site, each of whom can provide customers with any option they are looking for, whether that be a bus trip, a cruise, a multi-day vacation stay anywhere and for all inclusive resorts. As an example, there is a trip to a resort in Jamaica with all of the food, beverages and lodging at one price. “Everything is included,” Long said of the all-inclusive definition.

The agency has transferred its former written manual into a digital one, to offer digitized tour books and information using an app for smart devices that will direct the customer right to the hotel or destination of their choice.

The app also can assist those needing that valuable roadside assistance.

AAA North Penn has its own battery-supplied van and a service provider, Bill Long who can be at most locations in under 30 minutes.

Long has the skills and experience to get a battery recharged, installed and can help with tire emergencies. “He does it all with the exception of lockouts and tows,” she said.

The business has two electric vehicle charging stations available for any member of the public, whether a member of AAA or not, she said.

AAA North Penn staff are active participants in the community having been involved in local parades and events.

The agency has expertise in titles and licensing. “We have Pennsylvania Department of Transportation-approved messenger agents for these two services,” Long said.

AAA North Penn members receive up to three free Notary services per day at the site.

The business has its own store in the South Williamsport site, one that has ample travel items, such as luggage and car accessories. For the car, there are road kits, tire gauges and nifty merchandise such as wedges that can be inserted between the car seats so that coins and other items while driving don’t get stuck or lost.

Membership Appreciation Fair upcoming

AAA North Penn is celebrating its membership this month with a celebratory week-long event, said Samantha Long, branch manager in South Williamsport.

The membership appreciation fair will kick-off Saturday, July 27, from 9 a.m. until noon, and run through Aug. 3.

On the opening day of the fair, AAA will have on the grounds at dunk tank, up to six non-profit organizations, including places such as Heidi Furry Friends and Rescue, a Touch a Truck display with fire engines and tow trucks, McGruff the Crime Dog, face painting,

battery testing, car seat installation and a peeling license plate event with troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police and PennDOT.

For the latter, an immediate issuance of a new license plate will be done on site free of charge.

“We are waiving the processing fee for members,” Long said.

Throughout the entire week, AAA North Penn will have give-a-ways, with 10 % off on travel tours for the week, she said.

“It’s a real opportunity for membership sign ups and for those who are not members and in the community to stop by,” she said.

Look for membership specials during the appreciation week, with a raffle for a free cruise from the travel agency, she added.

“Our travel agency does not require membership in order to book and utilize the travel and tour services,” she said.

“We appreciate our loyal members and always welcome anybody interested in trying out our many services at AAA North Penn.”