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BUSINESS
VOL. XXXI NO. 9 | SEPTEMBER 2018
MAGAZINE
DRIVING GROWTH IN TRANSPORTATION, LOGISTICS AND TALENT ACROSS THE GLOBE
SPOTLIGHT Q&A:
MMM GRADUATE DEGREE DEVELOPS LEADERS IN MANUFACTURING
TRAINING CATALOG:
VIEW THE ASSOCIATION’S LATEST COURSE OFFERINGS
Daymond John
OCTOBER 4, 2018
BAYFRONT CONVENTION CENTER, ERIE
5TH ANNUAL MFG DAY
TWO BIG EVENTS
113TH ANNUAL EVENT
ONE BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS, EXHIBITORS, PARTNERS AND GUESTS FOR MAKING THIS DAY SUCH A BIG SUCCESS!
FEATURES FEATURE STORY | WHAT’S INSIDE
3
Education and the Workforce Why strengthening and improving career education is key.
COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE
4
Logistics Plus Logistics Plus CEO Jim Berlin explains why LP is one of the fastest-growing transportation and logistics companies, a reputable supply chain partner, top freight broker, a leading project cargo manager, as well as a certified “Great Place to Work.”
SPOTLIGHT Q&A | HIGHER EDUCATION
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DEPARTMENTS
SPECIAL SECTION
12
BUSINESS BUZZ
EVENTS & EXTRAS
13
PEOPLE BUZZ
17
HR CONNECTION
18
LEGAL Q&A
WHAT’S NEW
21
Ivor Knight, Ph.D., associate dean for Research and Graduate Studies and professor of biology at Penn State Behrend, discusses the master’s in manufacturing management (MMM) program and what it can mean for today’s employers.
EDITORIAL HEALTH MATTERS | COVERAGE
9
See the latest happenings going on with MBA members!
Why payer-provider integration is critical to nationwide health-care reform. William H. Shrank, M.D.
AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS
WORKPLACE TRENDS
GET ANSWERS
LEGAL BRIEF | COMPLIANCE READ ON THE GO! For the most current Business Magazine updates, visit mbabizmag.com
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TRAINING CATALOG | INSERT
Executive Editor Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org Contributing Writers Jezree Friend Tom Pendleton William H. Shrank, M.D.
Photography iStockPhoto.com Rob Frank Casey Naylon Andrew Steinmetz Karen Torres Design, Production & Printing Printing Concepts Inc. printcon@erie.net
How taking advantage of tax credits benefits both businesses and schools. Thomas A. Pendleton
See the Association’s upcoming courses for October, November and December 2018.
Advertising Sales Frank Mehler 814/833-3200 fmehler@mbausa.org
ON THE HILL | ELECTION
David Thornburg 814/833-3200 dthornburg@mbausa.org
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Where PA’s gubernatorial candidates stand on economic growth and taxes. Jezree Friend
On the Cover: Logistics Plus has more than 450 employees around the globe, including approximately 138 at its Erie, Pennsylvania headquarters, who have contributed to the company’s success. See page 4 for full story. Mission Statement: The Manufacturer & Business
Association is dedicated to providing information and services to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their business and community interests. – Board of Governors
Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street | Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org
© Copyright 2018 by the Manufacturer & Business Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial, pictorial or advertisements created for use in the Business Magazine, in any manner, without written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The Business Magazine and Manufacturer & Business Association do not specifically endorse any of the products or practices described in the magazine. The Business Magazine is published monthly by the Manufacturer & Business Association, 2171 West 38th Street, Erie, Pa. 16508. Phone: 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.
mbabizmag.com • SEPTEMBER 2018
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Christine Florendo, MD Kids Care Pediatrics True Performer
FEATURE STORY | WHAT’S INSIDE
Education and the Workforce STRENGTHENING AND IMPROVING CAREER EDUCATION IS KEY This past summer, President Trump signed his first major education policy to strengthen workforce development and readiness in the United States, calling attention to the growing skills gap of today’s employers and the preparedness of graduates from American high schools, colleges and universities. And it marked a significant first step.
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the 21st Century Act reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act for the first time since 2006. The law provides federal funding — over $1 billion through fiscal year 2024 — for state and local career and technical education programs, while modifying how such funds are used to better target critical skills gaps. Originally sponsored by U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pennsylvania., and Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, the Act provides a new pathway to success. The Act would make updates to career and technical education to ensure all students, including special populations, have access to high-quality programs; help recruit and retain CTE educators, and provide workers and students the skills they need to find high-skill, highwage or in-demand jobs. And it comes at a critical time.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are now more jobs available — 6.7 million — than unemployed Americans seeking jobs, which stands at 6.3 million. Among other factors, there is evidence to show that there are insufficient numbers of qualified job seekers for the positions that are available, a number which continues to grow. In this month’s Business Magazine, we’ll examine the topic of education and the workforce and why strengthening and improving career education is critical. We’ll hear from Logistics Plus CEO Jim Berlin on how the logistics and transportation company’s recruiting and retention efforts are leading to a “brain gain” in the Erie region and around the world. We’ll also hear from
Penn State Behrend’s Ivor Knight, Ph.D., about the new Master of Manufacturing Management (MMM) program and what it can mean for today’s employers. Plus, we’ll showcase the many resources that are available to organizations to develop and maintain a well-trained workforce for the future, including the Manufacturer & Business Association’s own professional development and computer training courses. Be sure to check out the upcoming offerings in our newest quarterly Training Catalog to see what may benefit your organization! To learn more, visit www.mbausa.org!
LEARN AND GROW!
mbabizmag.com • SEPTEMBER 2018
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Logistics Plus employees have been a key component of the company’s success since it was founded by CEO Jim Berlin in 1996.
COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE
Driving Growth in Transportation, Logistics and Talent Across the Globe With its international display of flags perched on the rooftop of its Union Station headquarters, Logistics Plus (LP) is a beacon of what a small NWPA-based business can accomplish on the global stage. The 50-plus flags represent not only the company’s diverse workforce — employees from as far away as Mexico, Croatia, Bosnia and Spain — but also the reach of its international locations since it was founded in 1996. In fact, the 22-year-old company has hit the fastforward button when it comes to the growth of its transportation and logistics business, and talent pool. In 2018, Logistics Plus expects annual global sales to approach $220 million and is consistently recognized as a fast-growing transportation and logistics company, reputable supply chain partner, top freight broker, a leading project cargo manager, as well as a certified “Great Place to Work.” What’s LP’s secret? Well, according to local entrepreneur and CEO Jim Berlin, it’s all about a strong passion for excellence. The company’s more than 450 worldwide employees put the “plus” in logistics by ensuring complete customer satisfaction and success. Today, LP’s customer list includes some of the biggest companies on the planet, including Google and Amazon (plus several other bigname companies in the wings), as well as the Jim Berlin, co-working and office startup WeWork — one Chief Executive Officer of the highest valued private companies in the world. Logistics Plus has adapted to meet the needs of these newer, higher-tech companies by establishing sizeable support teams based in Erie, while delivering top-notch customer service to traditional longstanding customers based in Northwest Pennsylvania, many of whom are Manufacturer & Business Association members, including GE Transportation, LORD Corporation and Hero BX.
How did these new partnerships happen? Berlin and his team say it’s all about customer service, as well as establishing long-term relationships. For example, for years, LP was handling fulfillments for Amazon sellers through a sister company, Lynx Fulfillment, which it has since fully acquired. According to Berlin, “Amazon just knew that the work we did was solid, so they felt comfortable turning over their customers and vendors to us to help them set up shop and to do all the things they needed done.” As for WeWork, the relationship started with a cold call. The company was looking for a warehouse in New Jersey, and LP was quick to accommodate the request. Now, LP oversees all aspects of its global supply chain, including warehousing, logistics and office installations, with a dedicated S.W.A.T. (Supporting WeWork at All Times) team. The partnership with Google began with a former LP employee. The employee had worked at Amazon and took a new job at Google. Faced with a new set of supply chain challenges, it didn’t take long for him to think of a logistics company that would feel comfortable in an exciting, demanding and fast-paced environment. “He called me in October and said, ‘I always knew I’d work with you and LP
This mix of old and new has kept the company growing — and fast. “We’ve been able to keep our industrial base, which is how we started with GE and its vendors and the people that make heavy, industrial stuff,” Berlin explains. “But we’ve also evolved into a 21st century provider service for companies that weren’t even around back then.”
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Logistics Plus has a dedicated Google team based in Erie, as well as Mountain View, California, the U.K., India and Asia, to manage global transportation and logistics for Made by Google products.
LP’s dedicated WeWork team in Erie is responsible for overseeing all aspects of WeWork’s global supply chain, including warehousing, logistics and office installations.
LP’s S.W.A.T. (Supporting WeWork at All Times) team continues to complete installations of new co-working office spaces all around the world, including Berlin, Germany (shown here).
again someday,’ ” Berlin explains. “We went out to Mountain View, California, presented our proposal and won a pilot contract. It was the coolest campus on earth.”
will take care of itself. Our goal is just to keep growing and bringing new people into the fold.”
As part of the pilot, the LP Google team helped manage the logistics of its 2017 year-end Made by Google product launches, including its new Pixel 2 Phones. Google has since rewarded LP for its work by extending its short-term Proof-of-Concept contract into a long-term deal.
Logistics Plus certainly has been a difference maker in downtown Erie since Berlin acquired the Union Station headquarters in 2003 with the intent to transform the historic train station into a bustling and vibrant hub of business, real estate and entertainment. But, in the process, one of its biggest contributions has been to attract and retain new talent in Erie and its offices around the globe — a “brain gain” of sorts.
The Big Picture
In an industry that is expected to be worth $15.5 trillion by 2023, Logistics Plus has created a “cool factor” all its own. In 2017, the company’s year-end U.S. sales — estimated at more than $120 million — were 1,000 times the comparable sales the company had in its first completed year ($120,000 for 1997). Also, 2017 growth was 50-percent more than 2016. Growth and success in Erie has carried over to other parts of the world as well with new, expanded global operations. The Logistics Plus network now includes U.S. based offices in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, as well as international locations in Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Libya, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Sudan, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, and the United Kingdom, with additional agents around the world. Craig Warnshuis, LP’s director of Domestic Operations, says this network is essential to delivering results in an industry that is consistently put to the test. For instance, “We got an email at approximately 6 o’clock in the morning from WeWork that there was a piece of artwork in Manhattan that they needed to get to Tokyo by the next day,” Warnshuis says. “The CEO of WeWork wanted to present this piece that he had in his office to the CEO of Japan WeWork, and it started out with some very general measurements that were way off that changed a few times.”
Top Talent
The company recently onboarded 26 new employees in the month of June alone with Berlin playing an active role in the interviewing process. “I worry that when you grow that fast, there’s a chance to dilute your talent,” he explains. “I wanted to be the first one to try to find the right clay that we can then mold into good LP people.” In terms of molding, Berlin doesn’t pull any punches. “I tell people when I interview them, ‘the phone will ring at 4:55 p.m. on Friday, and that’s when we have the chance to do our best work. It’s usually a problem that has to be solved before Monday, and you may spend all weekend ensuring the customer gets what he needs. We’re just moving things, but those things are important to someone: It could be a Father’s Day gift or a factory that’s shut down waiting for a part. You have to care about it, and that’s the difference.’ ” Warnshuis is candid about the demands of the logistics business. At LP, each and every team member has a responsibility to help grow the business — and exceed customer expectations. “We take our work really seriously, even though we might not necessarily take ourselves that seriously. Everything’s customercentric, so whatever they want, we’re here to provide that,” he says. Tracy White, corporate HR administrator for LP, says much of the talent that the company recruits has been based on word of mouth. Many of the best employees have come from retail and
So, how did LP deliver? “We had them stand next to it and take a picture to get a rough idea of how big it was, which was a 4-by-8 foot sculpture made out of transistors and wiring — everything that’s going to make something ding — and built a crate for it,” explains Warnshuis. “Our international team was working on what flights and what routes this will have to take. The Customs team was jumping in to do their part. We finally get it picked up, and since there were no cargo flights available, it was going to have to fly as checked baggage — on a passenger jet. So one of our vice presidents who was stationed in New York at the time volunteered to take it, and everything got delivered on time.” At LP, each day brings a new challenge. But it’s the company’s expertise, experience and network within the industry that get the job done. “We compete to get better every day,” Berlin explains. “There are times we fight against the big guys. There are times we work with the big guys. There are times we use them, there’s times they use us. We don’t have to make it a death battle. Just do a good job and the rest
Logistics Plus finds new ways to make the impossible possible, including the delivery of this artwork from Manhattan to Tokyo the next day.
mbabizmag.com • SEPTEMBER 2018
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LP installed its own TalkBox phone booths to provide privacy solutions for its busy workspaces.
Logistics Plus team members are experts in freight transportation services, including standard and guaranteed less-than-truckload (LTL), volume and partial truckload, full truckload (FTL), and expedited options.
“I think we’re one of the companies that can keep the brain drain from leaving here,” Berlin says. “Many of these kids get really good educations from some very good local schools. A lot of times to be part of a global company or cool company, they think they have to leave and, really, they don’t. We’re global. We’re a fun place to be, and we’re based here. I think we’re the anecdote to people who think they have to leave home to have a good career. They can have that here.”
Relationships Matter service-related backgrounds. The company also has internship programs for such areas of expertise as supply chain and computerrelated areas. LP is a company that breaks the mold. “Everybody in Erie will tell you that they’ve got a great resume, but they’ve never been in an office like ours. Ours is very different culturally and structurally — but there are opportunities to move up.” Gretchen Blough, LP’s customs brokerage manager, earned her degree in business administration/management information systems from Edinboro University but took a logistics class to fulfill a credit requirement. Blough was working as an intern in the IT department at LP and learned of an opening at GE for duty drawback. I happened to learn about duty drawback in that logistics class the night before. I went for my interview out there, and they asked, ‘Do you know anything about duty drawback?’ And I just gave the explanation right away, and they said, ‘You’re the only person that’s ever answered that question.’ I had no clue that a customs broker was a career choice until I was here, and then got my license and we started the division.” One could say that LP is very much a place where opportunity is mixed with the jeans, sneakers and T-shirt culture embodied by its leader Berlin. It’s a company that celebrates with chicken wing eating contests and that de-stresses with an onsite gym — a “work hard, play hard” atmosphere one would expect at a Google or Amazon. But it also has a driven culture that is in a league of its own.
The commitment to excellence that LP’s employees have is what continues to make the company stand out as an employer, but also in its industry and as a leader in logistics and transportation solutions for any size business. “You make your product; you find your customers. We’ll make sure everything gets there. We’re going to be part of you,” says Berlin. “We’re the experts in import and export rules and laws, and how to manage all that. We’re continuity, and we provide that expertise at a very reasonable cost.” Berlin sees Logistics Plus’ niche as providing a service advantage to industrial and manufacturing customers that they may not get from bigger providers. “These companies get to work with a provider that is seen as invaluable to companies like Amazon, GE, Google and WeWork, but they mean as much to us as the big guys. That’s our bread and butter. I think a lot of bigger logistics companies don’t care for the small guys. Nothing’s too small for us. We care about every customer we have. That’s one of the differentiators. We’re big enough to be pretty effective and powerful; we’re also small enough that we really care about our customers. Every customer matters to us.” It’s the “plus” in Logistics Plus that is driving the growth in the transportation and logistics business, and talent across the globe. For more information, visit www.logisticsplus.net.
Logistics Plus is a leading provider of customs brokerage and global trade compliance solutions, helping customers navigate the complex areas of duties, tariffs and customs regulations.
About: Logistics Plus is a leading worldwide provider of transportation, warehousing and fulfillment, global logistics and supply chain solutions founded in 1996 by Jim Berlin.
Headquarters: 1406 Peach Street Erie, PA 16501
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SEPTEMBER 2018 • mbabizmag.com
Employees: More than 450 globally; 138 in Erie
Contact: 1-866-564-7587
Website: www.logisticsplus.net
SPOTLIGHT Q&A| HIGHER EDUCATION
MMM Graduate Degree Develops Leaders in Manufacturing Continuing education is vital for business growth, which is why it is important to invest in programs and services that can best benefit an organization and its workforce for the future. Penn State Behrend now offers a master’s in manufacturing management (MMM) program, which will be delivered online and weekends beginning this fall. Here, Ivor Knight, Ph.D., associate dean for Research and Graduate Studies and professor of biology at Penn State Behrend, discusses the MMM and what it can mean for today’s employers. Why should someone consider an MMM program versus a master’s in business administration (MBA)? The full name of the degree is the Master of Manufacturing Management in Quality Manufacturing Management, which communicates the distinctive focus on manufacturing. If someone is considering an MBA to grow their leadership and organizationalmanagement skills and they want to advance their career in a production environment, the MMM degree will tie those goals together. The MMM is jointly offered by Penn State Behrend’s School of Engineering, which is ranked in the nation’s Top 30 by U.S. News & World Report, and the college’s Black School of Business, the only business school in the region accredited by AACSB International. Deep engagement by both business and engineering faculty make it possible for the MMM to teach students a holistic set of engineering, business and quality skills. What are some of the most interesting facts about the MMM program and its curriculum? The MMM is one of only a handful of exclusively manufacturing-based management programs in the nation, which makes it both interesting and unique. Students now can pursue the degree in a format of primarily self-paced online learning, which is hugely helpful when family and work obligations make it difficult to commit to a traditional “seat time” learning model. For each course, MMM students spend one late Friday through Saturday with their faculty and classmates at Penn State Behrend. This offers a solid middle ground between the convenience of online learning and the opportunity to form professional relationships with mentors and peers.
The curriculum has four major components: Manufacturing Engineering; Manufacturing Management; Quality and Lean Manufacturing; and Leadership and Communication. Students take courses in quality management, manufacturing systems planning, design practice and experimental design, manufacturing processes and materials, supply chain strategy, leadership, and communication. It’s a 32-credit program with 11 courses that can be completed in three semesters of full-time study (including summer) or five semesters of part-time study. During the summer courses, students have a threeday “residency” that includes visiting company operations, conducting lean audits, and reviewing the results. How will the program better prepare students and their employers for future manufacturing needs? The future of manufacturing will require being responsive to even subtle shifts in market forces. The MMM’s interdisciplinary emphasis on engineering with business expertise creates manufacturing leaders who have the knowledge to respond to changes in production methods and materials that may affect an organization’s bottom line. MMM students tell us that they often take what they learn in class and apply it on the job the next day, so we’re confident that employers see immediate value for any investment in an employee’s graduate education. Who is an ideal candidate for the MMM program? What pre-enrollment competencies should they have in order to realize the full potential of the MMM? The ideal candidate for the MMM holds an undergraduate degree in engineering, business,
or the sciences and is building a career in the manufacturing sector. The program requires pre-enrollment competency in math, computer science, business and engineering. We can direct applicants who lack any of the necessary foundational knowledge to low-cost, online options to get up to speed. What is the best way to apply? Admission requirements and the link to Penn State’s graduate application can be found at behrend.psu.edu/mmm. Program staff members are happy to evaluate a candidate’s pre-competency educational needs before application. If you or one of your employees is interested in possibly pursuing the MMM, you can start the process by emailing MMMBD@psu.edu. Is there anything you would like to add? We are very excited about this program and the potential to contribute to the renewal of manufacturing in western Pennsylvania and into New York and Ohio. Our faculty and industry advisory board members are actively engaged in ensuring course content meets current and future industry needs — and the hybrid form of course delivery makes it easier for both current and aspiring managers from within our region and beyond to complete the program around their work and family schedules. How can someone learn more about the program? Visit behrend.psu.edu/mmm and email our Office of Graduate Admissions at MMMBD@psu.edu.
mbabizmag.com • SEPTEMBER 2018
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CLASS LOCATIONS All courses are held at the MBA Conference Center in Erie, unless otherwise noted. Bradford:
Holiday Inn Express 30 Tarport Drive Extension
Corry:
Higher Education Council 221 North Center Street
Franklin:
Franklin Industrial & Commercial Development Authority, Emerging Technology Center, 191 Howard Street
Grove City: Hampton Inn 4 Holiday Blvd, Mercer Meadville: Holiday Inn Express 18240 Conneaut Lake Road Pittsburgh: SMC Business Councils 600 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 190 Warren:
Warren/Forest Higher Education Council Curwen Building, 2nd Floor 589 Hospital Drive
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REGISTER TODAY! VISIT: MBAUSA.ORG CALL: 814/833-3200 800/815-2660 EMAIL: TNUNEZ@MBAUSA.ORG * A.M. classes run 8 a.m. to noon, and P.M. classes run 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Cancellation/No-Show Policy: If notice is four business days or more, a full refund will be made. If notice is less than four business days, or if you do not show up for the class, no refund will be made. NOTE: You may substitute another individual from your organization at any time and at no cost.
LEADERSHIP CERTIFIED SUPERVISORY SKILLS SERIES Course I 10/25 and 11/1 Course II 10/10 and 10/17 Course II (Meadville) 10/11 and 10/18 Course II (Pittsburgh) 10/2 and 10/3 Course III (Pittsburgh) 10/23 and 10/24 Course V 10/2 and 10/9 LEADERSHIP FOR TEAM LEADERS CERTIFICATE SERIES Course I (Corry) 10/16 Course II (Corry) 10/30 Course IV 10/9 Course V 10/30 BUILDING TEAMS (a.m. only)
10/5
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10/4
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10/15
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10/18
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10/29 and 10/30
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10/17
LEVEL I - HR ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATE SERIES Discrimination & Harassment (a.m. only) Interviewing & Hiring (Pittsburgh, a.m. only) Terminations (Pittsburgh, 1-5 p.m.) Compensation & Benefits (Pittsburgh, a.m. only) Discrimination & Harassment (Pittsburgh, 1-5 p.m.)
10/9 10/30 10/30 10/31 10/31
ADVANCED - HR ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATE SERIES FMLA & ADA (Franklin, a.m. only) 10/9 Job Descriptions/Reasonable Accommodations (Franklin, 1-5 p.m.) 10/9 Handbook Essentials (Franklin, a.m. only) 10/10 Form I-9 Compliance & Onboarding (Franklin, 1-5 p.m.) 10/10 Understanding the FLSA (Franklin, a.m. only) 10/11 Form I-9 Compliance & Onboarding (a.m. only) 10/18
CTURER & BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
TRAINING SCHEDULE NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP
SUPERVISORY SKILLS CERTIFICATE SERIES Course II 11/29 and 12/6 Course III 11/7 and 11/14 Course III (Meadville) 11/8 and 11/15 Course IV (Pittsburgh) 11/13 and 11/14
SUPERVISORY SKILLS CERTIFICATE SERIES Course IV 12/5 and 12/12 Course IV (Meadville) 12/13 and 12/20 Course V (Pittsburgh) 12/4 and 12/5
LEADERSHIP FOR TEAM LEADERS CERTIFICATE SERIES Course I 11/6 Course III (Corry) 11/20 LEADING CHANGE
(a.m. only)
LEADERSHIP FOR TEAM LEADERS CERTIFICATE SERIES Course II 12/4 Course III 12/18 Course IV (Corry) 12/11
11/5
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CUSTOMER SERVICE (a.m. only)
11/8
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
12/14
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11/13
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12/19
TOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR SUPERVISORS (Warren)
11/28
SAFETY ONE-DAY FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION
MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS THE ART OF SPEAKING (a.m. only)
COMPUTER TRAINING 11/8
SAFETY ONE-DAY FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION
11/19
ONE-DAY FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION (Pittsburgh)
11/12
HUMAN RESOURCES HR for NON-HR PROFESSIONALS (Grove City)
11/7
LEVEL I - HR ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATE SERIES Employment Law - What HR Should Know (Pittsburgh, a.m. only) Terminations ((a.m. only)
11/1 11/13
ADVANCED - HR ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATE SERIES Understanding the FLSA (a.m. only) 11/15
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12/17
11/20
QUALITY PROCESS FAILURE MODE AND EFFECTS ANALYSIS (a.m. only)
12/6
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The Supervisory Skills Series is a great resource to provide the fundamentals of management, team leadership and motivation. It is an investment in the future of Larson Texts, both managers and employees.
”
— Susan Dombrowski, Vice President of HR and Finance Larson Texts, Inc.
CERTIFIED SUPERVISORY SKILLS TRAINING 25 YEARS 10,000 GRADUATES THROUGH THE MBA Thank You... for selecting the Manufacturer & Business Association as your preferred
training provider! Our Certified Supervisory Skills series is considered one of the premier employee leadership programs in the region for businesses of every size and type. COMING SOON TO A TRAINING FACILITY NEAR YOU!
To request this program in your area or to schedule a class onsite at your facility, please contact Patty Welther at 800/815-2660, 814/833-3200 or Pwelther@mbausa.org. Visit mbausa.org to view upcoming public offerings.
HEALTH MATTERS | COVERAGE
Payer-Provider Integration is Key to Nationwide Health-Care Reform • Implementing more efficient, coordinated models of care. • Integrating real-time data to support improved clinical decision making. • Optimizing clinical and financial performance.
William H. Shrank, M.D., is chief medical officer at UPMC Insurance Services Division. He focuses on the design and implementation of new payment and delivery models to promote improved population health and further advance UPMC’s integrated clinical business strategies. Dr. Shrank received his Medical Degree from Cornell University Medical College, served his residency in Internal Medicine at Georgetown University, and was a Fellow in Health Policy Research at UCLA, RAND. Individuals and business have long sought changes to our health-care system that would improve its quality and reduce the cost of care coverage. However, systematic solutions have been hard to find; health care in the United States is more costly than other developed nations without delivering better outcomes. We seek evidence of payment and delivery structures that deliver better care at lower costs. Studies have shown that greater provider consolidation leads to increased costs. Yet, consolidation, when coupled with integration of a payer and provider, seems to deliver different results. The integrated delivery and finance system (IDFS) that UPMC pioneered in Pittsburgh could serve as a national model for achieving the goals of better care at lower costs.
UPMC took the first step in establishing an IDFS when it launched its own health plan in 1996. At the time, Pittsburgh was one of the nation’s least competitive health care-environments, with a dominant payer negotiating with a dominant provider based on market power. UPMC understood that integrating a payer and provider could align incentives, support value-driven health care, and eliminate data silos. Furthermore, such a system would focus the payer and providers on: • Reducing low-value treatment and over diagnosis. • Shifting services to the most appropriate, cost-efficient settings. • Preventing and managing chronic diseases.
More than 20 years later, this aligned payer-provider strategy has helped to drastically change the health-care landscape in western Pennsylvania. The model has enabled providers to develop core competencies, such as consumer engagement and member management processes, risk analysis and reimbursement modeling. Patients and providers now have easy access to the information they need for efficient and effective care coordination. Providers are able to make measurable changes in their patients’ health and quality of life. And considerable investments have been made toward innovation in science and health-care delivery. There are now two IDFSs and multiple national insurers competing in western Pennsylvania. Insurance prices in the region are among the lowest in the nation. Fully insured commercial premiums for employer groups and premiums for individuals covered through commercial insurance products are less expensive in Pittsburgh than in almost every other major market nationwide. The success of UPMC’s integrated system offers evidence suggesting that when providers and payers work together to improve quality and reduce costs, good things can happen for patients, organizations, and the communities they serve. As we search for solutions in this country to transform the health-care system to produce greater value, the integration of insurance and health-care delivery ought to be considered as a central strategy. For more information, contact Dr. William Shrank at 412/454-5516 or shrankwh@upmc.edu or visit www.upmchealthplan.com. mbabizmag.com • SEPTEMBER 2018
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LEGAL BRIEF | COMPLIANCE
Taking Advantage of Tax Credits Benefits Both Businesses and Schools $200,000 annually. Agreeing to a two-year commitment does not change anything with respect to contributions to Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organizations. Organizations That Receive The Funds The Earned Income Tax Credit (“EITC”) is used to fund innovative educational programs in public schools. These programs are not part of the regular curriculum, but rather offer advanced academic or similar program that enhances the curriculum of the public school. Because the new fiscal year begins on July 1, 2019, it makes sense to begin the planning and application process now in order to take advantage of the credits available on July 1. Holders of existing credits can apply to renew their allocations on May 15, 2019.
Thomas A. Pendleton is a partner at MacDonald Illig Attorneys and has been representing businesses, nonprofit corporations and individuals in a wide variety of legal matters for more than 25 years. He concentrates his practice on business matters, including preparing agreements and commercial litigation. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (“DCED”) offers two types of tax credit programs to eligible businesses that promote innovation in education. These tax credits can be used to provide funds to public schools through nonprofit foundations, private schools, eligible students who attend a low-achieving school, and eligible students who attend a pre-kindergarten program. The DCED updated its instructions for these tax credits in May of this year, so businesses should review the updated guidance carefully.
A list of the organizations that are eligible to receive these grants is available on the DCED’s website provided below. Businesses can choose which organizations will receive the grants funded by the tax credits. Businesses Eligible to Apply for These Credits A business must be authorized to do business in Pennsylvania, and the business must be subject to one or more of the following taxes: personal income tax, capital stock/foreign franchise tax, corporate net income tax, bank shares tax, title insurance & trust company shares tax, insurance premiums tax (excluding unauthorized, domestic/foreign marine), mutual thrift tax, malt beverage tax or surplus lines tax. The Amount of the Available Credits The business receives a tax credit equal to 75 percent of its contribution up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. This credit can be increased to 90 percent of the contribution if the business agrees to provide the same amount for two consecutive years. For contributions to a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization, a business may receive a tax credit equal to 100 percent of the first $10,000 contributed and up to 90 percent of the remaining amount contributed up to a maximum credit of
The Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program (“OSTC”) provides tuition assistance in the form of scholarships to eligible students residing within the boundaries of a low-achieving school to attend another public school outside of their district or non-public school. A low-achieving school is a public elementary or secondary school ranking in the bottom 15 percent of its designation based upon combined math and reading PSSA scores. Scholarship Program tax credits can be used to provide funds to any public or non-public kindergarten, elementary or secondary school that satisfies the Public School Code’s compulsory attendance requirements and which meets the requirements of Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. A Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Program provides tuition to eligible Pre-K students to attend a Pre-K program operated by or in conjunction with a school within Pennsylvania. A school includes any public or non-public kindergarten, elementary school or secondary school. The Application Process Full requirements and the application form can be found at the Department’s website at www.dced.pa.gov. Click on the “Programs and Funding” tab under “Business,” click on “Tax Incentives” and find the EITC and OSTC links from the list of available tax credits. A single application is available at this webpage for these programs. Paper applications are no longer accepted. For more information, contact Tom Pendleton at 814/870-7756 or tpendleton@mijb.com. mbabizmag.com • SEPTEMBER 2018
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BUSINESS BUZZ | WHAT’S NEW ERIE INNOVATION DISTRICT WELCOMES NINE NEW COMPANIES FOR ACCELERATOR
Photo courtesy of Andrew Steinmetz
A new wave of companies recently came to Erie for the Secure Erie Accelerator (SEA), a program operated by the Erie Innovation District (EID) in coordination with Singularity University, a global technology thought leader based in Silicon Valley. The 10-week accelerator, which began July 24 in the EID offices at 717 State Street, hosted nine newly established technology businesses from across the United States and Canada. As SEA members, the companies received intensive training, mentorship and funding in hopes that they will establish part, if not all, of their operations in Erie over the next few years. According to a press realease, “The SEA focus complements the EID’s Secure Smart City™ initiative through which the City of Erie and Quantela Inc., with support from Velocity Net Inc., are making extensive infrastructure improvements in Wi-Fi access, surveillance and smart LED lighting downtown. Companies enrolled in the SEA program have a unique opportunity to use the city as a test-bed for various solutions, which ultimately will put Erie on the cutting edge of new technologies, creating a safer, more efficient downtown and a better quality of life for local residents.” For more information, visit www.erieinnovationdistrict.com.
From left: Erie Mayor Joseph Schember, Timothy NeCastro, CEO of Erie Insurance; Alex Brickner, Mark Lorkowski and Eric Kanagy, co-founders of SimpleSense; Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper; and Karl Sanchack, CEO of the Erie Innovation District, celebrate the launch of the Secure Erie Accelerator.
AREA BUSINESSES MERGE TO FORM F3 METALWORX
Three Erie County businesses recently merged and re-branded their operations to form F3 Metalworx. The companies include Wire Weld, Cost Effective Coatings and Arvite Technologies. As F3 Metalworx, the company offers custom fixtures, fabrication and finishing solutions under one roof on West 11th Street in Millcreek Township.
F3 employs 75 people across its New York, North East and Erie locations. According to news reports, the merger also was expected to bring more jobs to the area. Operations from its Lockport, New York facility will be moving to North East. Growth of between 10 to 15 more jobs for laborer positions are expected. For more information, visit www.f3metalworx.com.
The Erie County Technical School supports careers in education by offering a quality technical education program in Early Childhood Education.
SINCE 1968
CELEBRATING
For more information contact ECTS at 814.464.8600 or visit ects.org.
YEARS
SINCE 1968
CELEBRATING
YEARS
8500 Oliver Road | Erie, PA 16509 | (814) 464 - 8600 Erie County Technical School is an equal opportunity educational institution.
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SEPTEMBER 2018 • mbabizmag.com
ACES RECOGNIZES KENNEDY AS OUTSTANDING CITIZEN, SAEGERTOWN’S HOUCK AS EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System (ACES) honored Tom Kennedy of Professional Development Associates, Inc. with the Bob and Betty Merwin Outstanding Citizen Award at its annual luncheon on July 11 at the Ambassador Conference Center in Erie.
The award recognized Kennedy’s success in business, his philanthropic community activities and his ongoing advocacy of the American freeenterprise system. Kennedy graduated from the State University of New York Maritime College, where he earned a bachelor of engineering degree and officer commissions in the Merchant Marine. He also earned an MBA from Penn State University and began his professional career with Ingersoll-Rand Company and later GE. After 10 years at GE, he decided to pursue his dream of starting his own business. Over the last 25 years, Kennedy has grown Professional Development Associates, Inc. into a prominent regional business and real estate development company. He is also a partner in Altair Real Estate and Palace Business Centres and has developed a large portfolio of real estate including seven Cobblestone Hotels,
Renaissance and Palace Centres, VA Medical Clinics, and Parkside Commons in Meadville. He is also active in the community and serves on various boards including ERIEBANK, Erie Water Authority, Visit Erie, The Mayor’s Business Council, and Penn State Council of Fellows. For more than 10 years, Kennedy has served as an entrepreneurship speaker for ACES’ PA Business Week programs at several high schools in the area including Cambridge Springs, Saegertown and Ft. LeBoeuf, and is supportive of growing businesses in both Erie and Crawford Counties. ACES also honored Tim Houck, a business education teacher at Saegertown Junior-Senior High School as the recipient of the ACES Educator of the Year Award for his educational successes and commitment to free enterprise education. ACES was founded in 1956 to promote the understanding of free market economics to students, educators, and general public through partnerships between the business and educational communities. ACES’ flagship program, Pennsylvania Business Week has reached more than 20,000 students over the past 21 years. ACES is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, nonpolitical educational organization.
PEOPLE BUZZ | AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS NORTHWEST BANCSHARES, INC. PROMOTES SEIFFERT TO CEO
Northwest Bancshares, Inc. (NasdaqGS: NWBI) and Northwest Bank announced that Ronald J. Seiffert has been named president and chief executive officer of both companies. Seiffert joined Northwest in November, 2017 as president and chief operating officer. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the company’s administrative, financial, operational and revenue producing activities. He was also responsible for leading the update of the company’s strategic plan. In his expanded role, Seiffert will be responsible for all of the daily operations of both companies. Seiffert succeeds William J. Wagner, who served as president of Northwest Bank from 1998 until 2017 and Northwest Bancshares, Inc. from 2003 until 2017. He has also served as chairman and CEO of both entities since 2003. Wagner is a 34year veteran of Northwest and will continue in the capacity of executive chairman until the fourth quarter of this year, at which time he will retire from both the role of executive chairman and as a member of the Board of Directors.
Erie Day School students, Toddler through Grade 8, come to our small classes excited to learn and imagine—thinking big! Our faculty inspire and engage while moving beyond the traditional courses of science, math, English and technology to the International Baccalaureate Program, blending action-oriented, global approaches to learning. The visual & performing arts and local & international field trips add to the independent curriculum. Our extracurricular activities advance independent school academic and athletic pursuits. And, from top to bottom, our campus and facility has been recently renovated. Scholarships, sibling discounts and financial assistance available.
814-452-4273
eriedayschool.com
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Doing Business Worldwide? Know what your exposures are? We are 1 of only 29 U.S. insurance brokerage firms who, by invitation, are member firms of the Worldwide Broker Network, the world’s largest integrated network of independent property and casualty insurance brokers operating in more than 100 countries and on 6 continents. Membership enables us to have local boots on the ground to meet the importance of coordinated cross-border expertise for our clients who currently have 72 facilities in 37 countries.
Commercial, Industrial, Institutional & Construction Property, Liability, Workers’ Compensation & Contract Surety Insurance Agents Lloyd’s London Correspondents and Correspondent Brokers Worldwide
123 West 9th Street Erie, PA 16501 814-452-3200 www.imcerie.com john.bloomstine@imcerie.com
Supporting Manufacturers in Northwestern Pennsylvania for 30 Years! Our services begin with our Strategic Business Advisors (SBA), qualified industry specialists who focus on understanding your business issues, requirements, priorities, challenges, goals, and initiatives. Through an independent and objective perspective, our SBAs challenge thinking, explore opportunities, identify resources, assist in the development of customized solutions, and provide project management. All focused on helping your company improve competitiveness, attract new customers and employees, and grow profitably.
Andy Idzik Region 1
Lisa Pustelak Region 2
Susan Hileman Region 3
Tom Weible Region 4
(814) 217-6060 • www.nwirc.org 14
SEPTEMBER 2018 • mbabizmag.com
ON THE HILL | ELECTION
Where PA’s Gubernatorial Candidates Stand on Economic Growth, Taxes Pennsylvania’s voters will head to the polls on November 6 to decide whether to give Democrat Tom Wolf another four years or to elect Republican Scott Wagner, a state senator, to the governor’s office. Here, the Manufacturer & Business Association’s Government Affairs Department asks the candidates to share their thoughts on economic growth and taxes in the Keystone State. Please explain to our membership why your administration will be the best choice for business growth in Pennsylvania? What specific effort will be made to make Pennsylvania more economically competitive? Wagner: Pennsylvanians have two choices in this year’s gubernatorial election: 1) elect me, who will ensure favorable policies are implemented to bring forth long-term economic growth, or 2) allow the current administration to continue to push forward a punishing tax agenda that will stall economic growth and make it difficult for Pennsylvania to be a successful economic powerhouse in the Northeast. Overregulation and over-taxation stalls economic growth and leads to companies seeking a better business climate elsewhere. I will remove these crippling taxes and overabundant regulations, ensuring that the inefficient and unnecessary bureaucracy will no longer be permitted to interfere in Pennsylvania’s economic growth at any level. I am committed to improving Pennsylvania’s economy and understand that a state as diverse as Pennsylvania faces different regional challenges but that those regions also provide unique opportunities for growth. A Wagner economic development plan will contain opportunities for the Commonwealth as a whole, not just the major population centers. Wolf: Since Day One, I have made “Jobs that Pay” a priority in Pennsylvania. I have traveled the Commonwealth, hearing from business owners, industry leaders and hardworking Pennsylvanians statewide about what my administration can do to help them thrive. When I entered office, Pennsylvania faced a chronic $2.5-billion deficit while its job growth ranked 50th among all states. This year, Pennsylvania made its first transfer to the Rainy Day Fund in a decade and its job growth ranking has improved to the top 20. And I finally eliminated the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax on businesses. As a former business owner, I know we must make new investments in 21st century manufacturing and refocus our economic development dollars and strategies. The Commonwealth can help set the table for robust private sector growth to create and retain good jobs while strengthening the middle class.
Across Pennsylvania, the need for skilled workers is high. I have encouraged more training, workforce development and apprenticeship programs. I recently developed the PASmart program that provides funding for workforce development for Pennsylvanians of all ages and computer science in schools. I am going to keep fighting for commonsense policies that enable Pennsylvania businesses to succeed, such as eliminating burdensome taxes on businesses like the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax, and continue to bolster Pennsylvania’s attractive economic climate for both small and large businesses statewide. Pennsylvanians currently pay $4,589 per person in state and local taxes and over the last decade and a half, total state spending growth has outpaced the economy. Some have proposed restraining spending growth through long-term reforms like the Taxpayer Protection Act (TPA). What are your thoughts on the TPA? Wagner: I support long-term reforms like the Taxpayer Protection Act to ensure Pennsylvanians are protected from excessive governmental spending. Pennsylvania citizens deserve a government that will be focused on results, and I will be a governor who will drive results, not just issue press releases. Harrisburg’s spending and financial mismanagement problem has led to unbalanced budgets and a complete failure to protect Pennsylvanians from tax increases. A balanced approach in how we tax and spend in Pennsylvania is non-negotiable. This goes to a fundamental problem I plan to tackle as governor — a top-down reform of our tax code. Our current tax code has been written by lobbyists, lawyers and consultants. It is past time that our tax code benefit the citizens of Pennsylvania, and I will be a governor who looks for every opportunity to do so, including protective mechanisms such as the Taxpayer Protection Act. Wolf: I have been the leader in Harrisburg for reducing expenditures and restraining spending as demonstrated through my phase-out of the onerous Capital Stock and Franchise Tax. My efforts have led to more than $2 billion in total savings in the state budget. This year, Pennsylvania made its first transfer to the Rainy Day Fund in a decade and its job growth ranking has improved from 50th to the top 20. Learn more www.governor.pa.gov/ progress-report-restoring-the-states-fiscal-health/.
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65% of young children have all available family members in the workforce.
33% of children participate in publicly funded, high quality early learning programs.
Quality early learning programs support families, contribute to school readiness, provide needed child care services for communities.
A proven strategy to support the workforce is to invest in quality early learning Pennsylvania's Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) provide a single point-of-contact for families, early learning service providers, and communities to gain information and access services that support high-quality child care and early learning programs. High quality early learning experiences help children succeed in school and later in the workplace. For more information please visit www.raiseyourstar.org Early Learning Resource Center Region 1/Northwest Institute of Research 3823 West 12th Street Erie, Pennsylvania 16505 Toll Free: 800/860-2281 www.nwirelrc.org
Thanks to our long-term partnerships with industry-leading insurance carriers – Delta Dental, Aetna, Eastern Alliance and, VBA Insurance – MBA members continue to enjoy exclusive access to premium benefit plans at highly competitive rates! VISION INSURANCE
LIFE, SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DISABILITY
Members with at least two participants can add this highly affordable vision benefit (starts at just $3.48 per month) through VBA Insurance. Flexible plans and no billing fees or administrative costs!
MBA members with groups as small as two can select from various Aetna life and disability coverage options that offer no medical underwriting and no waiting periods.
DENTAL
MBA members have access to workers’ compensation insurance through our partner Eastern Alliance Insurance Group (EAIG). These exclusive plans give group policyholders the potential for a dividend reimbursement!
Delta Dental is the No. 1 provider of dental benefits in the United States. The MBA offers six exclusive plans at discounted rates – including a new plan that covers adult orthodontics.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Ask your broker about these great products available through the MBA or email Melissa Damico at mdamico@mbasua.org with any questions.
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HR CONNECTION | WORKPLACE TRENDS
Association Health Plan Rules Released The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) continues to lobby for health-care reform on behalf of its members’ interests as many small businesses have struggled with government restrictions that limit access to quality, affordable health coverage. On June 18, the U.S. Department of Labor officially released the Association Health Plan (AHP) rules. This Association Health Plan (AHP) reform will address many of the inequities between small and large businesses in access to that coverage. This reform allows small employers — many of whom are facing much higher premiums and fewer coverage options as a result of ObamaCare — a greater ability to join together and gain many of the regulatory advantages enjoyed by large employers.
Lori Joint
Under the Department’s new rule, AHPs can serve employers in a city, county, state or multistate metropolitan area, or a particular industry nationwide. Sole proprietors, as well as their families, will be permitted to join such plans. In addition to providing more choice, the new rule makes insurance more affordable for small businesses. Just like plans for large employers, these plans will be customizable to tailor benefit design to small businesses’ needs. These plans will also be able to reduce administrative costs and strengthen negotiating power with providers from larger risk pools and greater economies of scale. However, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman recently sent a letter to the U.S. departments of Labor and Health and Human Services indicating strong opposition to Association Health Plans. Pennsylvania is also one of the states that filed a federal complaint challenging the Trump administration’s new rules that expand availability of association health plans without some of ObamaCare’s protections. The MBA is monitoring this closely to see if there may be cost-saving opportunities and will keep members informed of any updates in the near future.
is a vice president at the Manufacturer & Business Association, which is dedicated to helping employers face challenges by delivering services that lower the cost of doing business, ease the burden of compliance and increase productivity for its members.
For more information, contact me at 814/833-3200 or email ljoint@mbausa.org.
COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE Attorneys at Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C., possess comprehensive knowledge of the unique legal issues faced by school administrators and board members. As solicitors for many educational organizations, we stay abreast of recent developments, identify emerging challenges, and implement preventive legal strategies to minimize risk for our clients. Whether you are seeking counsel on the School Code, Sunshine Act, ethics, bond financing, labor issues or a special education problem, rely on us for prompt, cost-effective answers.
Education Law • Special Education • Finance • Labor & Employment Workers’ Compensation • Disciplinary Matters • Real Estate Claims Prevention • Governmental Immunity • Right-to-Know Law
Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. Erie | North East | Pittsburgh | Jamestown, NY 814-459-2800 | www.kmgslaw.com
mbabizmag.com • SEPTEMBER 2018
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HR Q&A | GET ANSWERS CAN AN EMPLOYER COUNT HOLIDAYS AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE’S LEAVE UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA)?
Whether an employer may count a holiday against an employee’s FMLA entitlement depends on how an employee is taking FMLA leave. As explained in U.S. Department of Labor’s FMLA Fact Sheet #28I, when a holiday falls during a week in which an employee is taking the full week of FMLA leave, the entire week is counted as FMLA leave. However, when a holiday falls during a week when an employee is taking less than the full week of FMLA leave, the holiday is not counted as FMLA leave, unless the employee was scheduled and expected to work on the holiday and used FMLA leave for that day. For example, an employer considers Thanksgiving a holiday and is closed on that day, and none of its employees work. One of its employees is taking 12 weeks of unpaid FMLA leave the last 12 weeks of the calendar year. The employer would count Thanksgiving Day as FMLA leave for that employee. If another employee is taking FMLA leave on a reduced workweek schedule and works Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each week, then Thanksgiving Day would not be counted as FMLA leave for that employee.
Establishing a Tuition Assistance Program Could be an A+ for Employee Retention In an effort to retain good employees, many organizations are offering a wider variety of employee benefits in addition to wage increases. One of the ways is by offering financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education through Tuition Assistance Programs (TAPs). The employer may establish eligibility criteria for such programs. That criteria may include that the employee: • have a certain level of seniority; • be employed for a minimum period of time before applying; • finishes the course of study within a certain period of time; • stay with the company for a specified period of time after making use of the program; • only enroll at a specified school, in a specified course of study, or in a certain major. The TAP may require that the employee repay any money received toward tuition reimbursement if the employee discontinues classes.
In Collaboration With
Organizations may also require that the student/employee maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) to continue receiving the program benefits. The employer may decide to make the amount of tuition that is to be reimbursed dependent upon the GPA; for example, a company will pay 100 percent of tuition for a 4.0 GPA, but a reduced percentage for a lower grade point average. The TAP may also require that the employee/student remain with the organization for a determined length of time after completion of a program. If not, tuition benefits may need to be repaid. Employees who receive tuition assistance from employers also receive a federal tax exemption up to $5,250 a year. Employers often provide for reimbursement up to that amount.
Inquiries for business specific training, please Precision Machining contact Dr. Aldo Jackson Programmable Logic Controls at ajackson@rrcnpa.org Industrial Electricity Quality Control admissions@rrcnpa.org 814-230-9010 regionalcollegepa.org
Trainings offered in...
Training instruction via live interactive television technology!
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SEPTEMBER 2018 • mbabizmag.com
Your HR department may want to evaluate whether such a program would benefit your organization. There are a variety of different ways to structure a TAP. Any way the TAP is structured, organizations have seen real benefits to these types of programs. For more information, contact the MBA’s HR Services Department at 814/833-3200 or email sbruce@mbausa.org.
Stacey Bruce, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the director of HR Services at the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact her at sbruce@mbausa.org, 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.
COMPANY PROFILE
Every business has a story ... The story of Marquette Business Banking began more than 10 years ago, at a time when banks were retrenching due to the downturn in the economy. As a result, many banks consolidated departments and centralized operations outside our area. Business owners were losing the personal attention they expected, and Marquette, being locally headquartered, easily filled that gap. From the beginning, we based our approach on establishing long-term relationships with local business owners. After all, it is the same relationship formula we have used for 110 years, and what worked then still works well today. Since our inception, Marquette Business Banking has averaged double-digit growth and now enjoys a portfolio of more than $125 million. Our growth has been made possible by the considerable financial strength of Marquette.
With total assets of more than $860 million, Marquette far exceeds the thresholds for well-capitalized institutions. As I mentioned earlier, every business has a story … and it’s our responsibility to understand YOUR story. No two businesses are alike. How businesses deal with the “ups and downs” varies from business-tobusiness and owner-to-owner. We realize that every year may not be your best year. Many banks may be preoccupied with what the numbers on your income statement say about your last 12 months. Marquette recognizes that the strength of your balance sheet is important, too. It represents a more complete story, the accumulation of your success over time … not just your performance for the past 12 months. We take the time to understand your story – how you got to be where you are and how your current vision fits with where your story takes you tomorrow. Our relationship approach and local focus offers many advantages for local business: Local Decision Making. All decisions are made locally, and the Business Banker who manages your relationship is involved in every one of them.
Fast Decisions. Your priorities are our priorities. We recognize the difference between taking advantage of a great opportunity versus missing one means being able to move quickly. Consistency. Your Business Banker sticks with you through all the “up-and-down” cycles your business may experience. They understand the story of your business and are your advocate. Flexibility. Your story is not all based on numbers. We have the flexibility to look beyond the numbers and understand the true character of your company and how it has performed over its lifetime. At Marquette Business Banking, we have a job to do. Our purpose as a community bank is to make a difference for local companies and organizations. As a local community bank, every dollar stays right here in the communities we serve to MpowerTM businesses like yours to grow and create jobs, individuals and families to prosper, and communities to be better places. The story of your business will evolve over time with every decision and investment you make. We are here to work with you to ensure it is a success story.
John Dill is a thirty-year business banking professional. As Senior Vice President of Marquette Business Banking, John leads a team of experienced business professionals in Erie and Crawford counties. Marquette Savings Bank is a 110-year-old community bank with twelve offices and assets of more than $860 million.
Fornealy30ears,theManufctre&Busine Asociatin(MBA)hasprovide profesinaltringforbusine ofevrysizeandverytp–helpingtoday’s SUPERVISORS/MANAGERS RETIRING SOON? “UP-AND-COMERS” READY TO STEP IN?
DO SUPERVISORS FIND IT DIFFICULT TO MANAGE “WORK FRIENDS”? DO MANAGERS LACK THE “SOFT SKILLS” THAT MOTIVATE OTHERS?
MBA TRAINING WORKS! LEARN IT TODAY! APPLY IT TOMORROW! VISIT:
MBAUSA.ORG
CALL:
PATTY WELTHER 814/833-3200 800/815-2660
EMAIL: PWELTHER@MBAUSA.ORG
For nearly 30 years, the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) has provided professional training for businesses of every size and every type – helping today’s employees harness their true potential by learning the critical skills needed to succeed in today’s work world. The following (3) certificate programs offer new and experienced supervisors a highly interactive educational approach, with easily adaptable management tools and skills embraced by the most successful mangers.
LEADERSHIP FOR TEAM LEADERS CERTIFICATE:
To be successful in a leadership role, new supervisors need to have a thorough understanding of what their responsibilities are to the organization and to the people they lead. Our fivepart series addresses the challenges of this position in a highly interactive, relaxed classroom atmosphere.
SUPERVISORY SKILLS CERTIFICATE:
Our 10-day series focuses on the critical “people skills” needed to motivate, inspire and lead teams effectively. Strong emphasis is placed on mastering management techniques and legal compliance issues essential to the success of both the supervisor and the company. Each course consists of two full days of training (16 hours).
MODERN MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE:
The MBA’s NEW Modern Management certification series is a comprehensive program designed for professionals with two or more years of experience who are looking to build upon the leadership skills necessary to create a high-performing, trusted team environment that gets results!
EVENTS & EXTRAS | NETWORKING & MORE The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) strives to keep its members informed on the most current business issues affecting employers in the region. For more information about upcoming events or to view the MBA’s photo gallery, visit www.mbausa.org.
Erie (ERIE), Economic Research Institute of Ken Louie, Ph.D., director of the State Behrend. annual ERIE Conference at Penn welcomes attendees to the 15th of this year’s or Association was a proud spons The Manufacturer & Business . region the in s effort lization event, which focused on revita
BAYADA Pediatrics held a ribbon -cutting ceremony on July 26 and recognized Wendi Laney-Arlin gton with a Divisional Hero Award for her outstanding service. The home health-care agenc y is located at 1600 Peninsula Drive, Suite 7 in Millcreek Township.
Lakeshore Community Services recently held an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony to highlight the latest expansions to its Human Resources offices, Executive offices and training center. The agency, located at 1350 West 26th Street, was established in 1986 to provide residential care for persons with intellectual disabilities.
SAVE THE DATE!
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 24 2018 Sixth Annual Manufacturer & Business Association
HR & EMPLOYMENT LAW CONFERENCE REGISTER NOW AND SAVE! • Through August 31 Member $275/Nonmember $350 • After August 31 Member $325/Nonmember $400 Call 800/815-2660, 814/833-3200 or visit mbausa.org today!
mbabizmag.com • SEPTEMBER 2018
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ERIE, PA PERMIT #199
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