BITS OF BUSINESS

Mike's Video celebrates milestone

By Nick Malawskey

In 1984, Ronald Reagan was president, the Apple Macintosh had just been introduced and the VHS cassette was beginning to extend its dominance over Beta in the VCR format wars.

At the same time in State College, a guy named Mike was opening a video rental store, offering VHS tapes and VCR rentals to the public.

Fast forward 25 years, and the small video rental store has turned into a local chain — still selling videos — but also providing sales and service for other consumer electronics and appliances.

Pete Popovitch, one of the partners behind Mike’s Video, TV & Appliances, said the company has thrived by staying ahead of the game, changing with the technology.

It’s also had a commitment to the community, which will be part of the business’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Starting Monday, for every used video the store sells, $1 will be donated to either the State College or Bellefonte food banks.

Popovitch said the business decided to help the food banks after hearing about the need for donations.

“The one reason we’ve been successful is people supporting us — so we’re trying to help out people in their time of need,” he said.

Aspen to open in Patton Twp.

The new Aspen Dental office on North Atherton Street will open Thursday.

Part of the Shoppes at Gray-stone, the office will provide full-service dental and denture care with an on-site laboratory for dentures, denture repairs and adjustments.

Dr. Sai Guduru, who will be the lead dentist, said the company was excited about opening the location.

“We hope to make going to the dentist an easier, more convenient experience for people who live and work in the community,” Guduru said.

Headquartered in New York, Aspen Dental has offices across much of the United States. The State College office is one of two scheduled to open in central Pennsylvania. The other is in Altoona.

The Patton Township office will start with extended hours, including selected Saturdays, and said it will work with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and emergencies are welcome.

For more information, call 237-6200 or visit www.aspendent.com.

Nick Malawskey can be reached at 235-3928.