Business Magazine Annual Report - October 2019 by MBA Business Magazine

Oc t ober201 9

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BUSINESS VOL. XXXII NO. 10 | OCTOBER 2019

MAGAZINE

PLUS: 2019 Annual Report

ANTHEM ARTIST JOE EVERSON / PAGE 41

114th Annual Event Keynote Speaker

SERVING UP SECRETS TO SUCCESS: AMERICAN BUSINESSWOMAN KAT COLE

/ PAGE 24

Students, educators, business and community leaders will join us at the Bayfront Convention Centerbusiness for an amazing exhibition leaders of innovation, technology and career Students, Students, educators, and community will join us at the Bayfront Students, Students,educators, educators, educators,business business businessand and andcommunity community communityleaders leaders leaderswill will willjoin join joinus us usat at atthe the theBayfront Bayfront Bayfront Students, educators, business and community leaders will join us at the Bayfront opportunities available in today’sexhibition manufacturing industry.technology In the evening, we will Convention Convention Center for an amazing of innovation, and career Convention ConventionCenter Center Centerfor for foran an anamazing amazing amazingexhibition exhibition exhibitionof of ofinnovation, innovation, innovation,technology technology technologyand and andcareer career career Convention Center for an amazing exhibition of innovation, technology and career welcome a sold-out crowd of business leaders toindustry. the region’s premier networking opportunities opportunities available in today’s manufacturing In the evening, we will opportunities opportunitiesavailable available availablein in intoday’s today’s today’smanufacturing manufacturing manufacturingindustry. industry. industry.In In Inthe the theevening, evening, evening,we we wewill will will opportunities available in today’s manufacturing industry. In the evening, we will occasionaasold-out of the year, our of 114th Annual Event,to featuring keynote speaker Kat Cole, welcome welcome sold-out crowd crowd of business business leaders leaders to the the region’s region’s premier premier networking networking welcome welcomeaaasold-out sold-outcrowd crowdof ofbusiness businessleaders leadersto tothe theregion’s region’spremier premiernetworking networking welcome sold-out crowd of business leaders to the region’s premier networking chief operating officer and president of FOCUS Brands, North America. occasion occasion of of the the year, year, our our 114th 114th Annual Annual Event, Event, featuring featuring keynote keynote speaker speaker Kat Cole, occasion occasionof ofthe theyear, year,our our114th 114thAnnual AnnualEvent, Event,featuring featuringkeynote keynotespeaker speakerKat Kat KatCole, Cole, Cole, occasion of the year, our 114th Annual Event, featuring keynote speaker Kat Cole, chief chief operating operating officer officer and and president president of of FOCUS FOCUS Brands, Brands, North North America. America. chief chief operating operating officer officer and and president president of of FOCUS FOCUS Brands, Brands, North North America. America. chief operating officer and president of FOCUS Brands, North America.

Keynote Speaker Kat Cole Keynote Keynote Speaker Kat Cole Keynote KeynoteSpeaker Speaker SpeakerKat Kat KatCole Cole Cole Keynote Speaker Kat Cole

EVENT SPONSORS EVENT EVENT SPONSORS EVENT EVENTSPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS EVENT SPONSORS

Committed to Service since 1946

Committed Committed to to Service Service since since 1946 1946 Committed CommittedtotoService Servicesince since1946 1946 Committed to Service since 1946

KeepAmericaStrong

WELD IT! WELD WELD IT! WELD WELDIT! IT! IT! WELD IT! Keep KeepAmerica AmericaStrong Strong Keep KeepAmerica AmericaStrong Strong KeepAmericaStrong Do not print black outline

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24 114th Annual Event Keynote Speaker Kat Cole

American businesswoman and president and COO of FOCUS Brands, North America, serves up secrets to success.

41 Anthem Artist Joe Everson

America’s first and only singing, live-action painter to perform at MBA Annual Event.

Ridg-U-Rak 120 South Lake Street North East, PA 16428 814/725-8751 or Toll-Free 866/479-7225 www.ridgurak.com

More than 75 Years of Excellence in Serving the Storage Rack Market

Message from the Chairman

Mike Mankosa, executive vice president of Global Technology at Eriez Magnetics eatured Companies F AHN Saint Vincent .... 60 Channellock.................16 LORD Corporation.... 46 UPMC Hamot ..............42

History At the end of WWII, there was a growing need to modernize and expand the nation’s warehousing capabilities. Entrepreneurial business people began to develop innovative storage rack designs to fill those needs. Company after company was springing up, headed by owners who carved out a market share by providing a high level of personal service. In recent decades, however, most of those early family owned companies have been replaced by holding companies, investment bankers or corporate raiders. Virtually no companies like Ridg-U-Rak still exist.

John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E., president and CEO

CO M PAN Y PR O FIL E

and CEO John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E., Vice President of Plant Operations John B. Pellegrino Jr. and Vice President of Sales and Engineering Mark E. Pellegrino.

Capabilities Ridg-U-Rak now has two plants in North East, Pennsylvania, covering 160,000 square feet, with a production capacity of more than 140,000,000 pounds of finished steel products per year. With the addition in 2018 of its five-and-a-half-acre, under roof, warehouse and distribution center, Ridg-U-Rak has greatly increased the efficiency of its shipping department and freed up space for increasing manufacturing capacity at the main plant. These improvements are what contribute to it remaining one of the largest storage rack manufacturers in North America, and it is still a family owned business.

One of the key contributors to the company’s success has been the increased

Products Ridg-U-Rak provides an unlimited array of storage options. Whether heavy industrial storage racks for large warehouses, deep and dense storage systems like Push-Back, Drive-In, and Pick Modules, or Narrow-Aisle and Deep-Reach systems, design engineers can layout storage arrangements to meet a customer’s unique load, throughput and capacity requirements. Ridg-U-Rak also provides small storage systems for pallet loads or hand-stacked cartons, and offers replacement parts that interchange with competitive racks. Many specialty storage options are available, including a racksupported crane system to store large dies and tools.

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

Manufacturing Day is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. The 2019 annual celebration, set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, October 9, at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, will be a spectacular event. This year’s celebration is expected to draw more than 2,000 educators, students and community leaders, and will showcase more than 60 exhibits, as well as programs and demonstrations designed for participants to experience innovative manufacturing technology in a hands-on, interactive environment. Thank you to all the Manufacturing Day supporters for their support!

OCTOBER 5, 2016

MBA website redesign helps members make the most of their membership.

Major capital investments in its manufacturing plants have been instrumental in improved productivity. Recent investments include the latest rolling mill equipment, a total shop layout re-vamping, an automated beam manufacturing line, and a 600-foot-long state-of-the-art powder coating line, which not only improves product quality, but also the company’s environmental imprint by reducing its liquid paint usage. From recycling programs to major transformations in manufacturing processes, the corporate philosophy includes doing what is necessary to meet 21st century sustainability expectations.

AirBorn...................................................................9 Barnhart Transportation...............................11 Betts Industries.................................................13 Bonnell’s...............................................................19 Ellwood National Forge................................. 21 Hoffman Industrial.......................................... 39 Ridg-U-Rak, Inc....................................................5 UPMC Work Partners........................................7 Ridg-U-Rak was a minor player in those early years. Although limited in marketing vision and hampered by a lack of manufacturing automation, Ridg-U-Rak had some survival strengths that helped the company to continue to grow. Today, as the operation celebrates more than 75 years of serving the storage rack market, Ridg-U-Rak is commonly acknowledged as a company built on Integrity and Service, guided by the able leadership of President

MANUFACTURING DAY SUPPORTERS

14 Just a Click Away

talent base of its staff, with the ability to completely manage large projects from design and code compliance, through manufacturing, to final installation and customer approval.

Company Profiles

A T T O R N E Y S

ERIEZ MAGNETICS Address: 2200 Asbury Road, Erie, PA 16506 Phone: 814/835-6000 Website: www.eriez.com Eriez manufactures separation technologies and markets its products through 12 facilities on six continents. From the food industry to coal mining, Eriez solves complex problems through uniquely engineered solutions.

AMERICAN TURNED PRODUCTS Address: 7626 Klier Drive Fairview, PA 16415 Phone: 814/474-4200 Website: www.atpteam.com Specializes in contract precision machining of high-volume complex parts for the automotive, agricultural and defense industries.

GANNON UNIVERSITY Address: 109 University Sq. Erie, PA 16541 Phone: 814/871-7407 Website: www.gannon.edu Gannon University is a Catholic, Diocesan University dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, the University offers a comprehensive learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility.

MACDONALD ILLIG JONES & BRITTON Address: 100 State Street, Suite 700 Erie, PA 16507 Phone: 814/870-7600 Website: www.MacDonaldIllig.com MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP provides sophisticated legal counsel to clients that range from business owners in Erie to major corporations abroad.

MacDonald Illig

AIRBORN Address: 2700 Mechanic Street Lake City, PA 16423 Phone: 814/877-5658 Website: www.airborn.com AirBorn is an employee-owned company whose core business is engineering and manufacturing specialized connectors and electronic components for OEMs in the mil-aero, commercial air, space, medical and industrial markets.

CURTZE FOOD SERVICE Address: 1717 East 12th Street Erie, PA 16511 Phone: 814/452-2281 Website: www.curtze,com Curtze is a broadline food service distributor offering a unique center of the plate program, which includes portion control fresh meat in a custom cutting federally inspected meat facility, as well as a custom cut fresh seafood program.

LOGISTICS PLUS INC. Address: 1406 Peach Street Erie, PA 16501 Phone: 814/461-7600 Website: www.logisticsplus.net Logistics Plus (LP) supports manufacturers with world-class transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, global trade compliance, technology and supply chain solutions. LP also manages the MBA Logistics Program.

ERIE PRESS SYSTEMS Address: 1253 West 12th Street, P.O. Box 4061 Erie, PA 16512 Phone: 814/455-3941 Website: www.eriepress.com Manufactures custom hydraulic and mechanical presses for forging, extrusion, stretch forming , compaction and metal forming.

LORD CORPORATION Address: 2455 Robison Road West Erie, PA 16509 Phone: 814/868-3180 Website: www.lord.com A diversified technology and manufacturing company developing highly reliable adhesives, coatings, motion management devices, and sensing technologies that significantly reduce risk and improve product performance. For more than 90 years, LORD Corporation has worked in collaboration with its customers to provide innovative aerospace, defense, automotive and industrial solutions.

PHB INCORPORATED Address: 7900 West Ridge Road Fairview, PA 16415 Phone: 814/474-5511 Website: www.phbcorp.com Manufacturing capabilities include zinc die casting, aluminum die casting, machining, plastic and rubber molding, tool & die, injection molding and product assembly. REDDOG INDUSTRIES, INC. Address: 2012 East 33rd Street Erie, PA 16510 Phone: 814/898-4321 Website: www.reddog-erie.com Manufacturing capabilities include design & manufacturing of highpressure plastic injection molds; aluminum & zinc die-cast dies and specialized machining.

MAYER BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Address: 1902 Cherry Street Erie, PA 16502 Phone: 814/452-3748 Website: www.mayerbrothersconstruction.com Mayer Brothers Construction Company is a family owned business that has been a staple of the northwestern Pennsylvania construction industry for more than a century, specializing in heavy/highway, site development, asphalt paving, concrete pavement/sidewalk/curb and stormwater.

RIDG-U-RAK, INC. Address: 120 South Lake Street North East, PA 16428 Phone: 866/479-7225 Website: www.ridgurak.com One of North America’s largest pallet rack and storage rack manufacturers, Ridg-U-Rak designs and manufactures a full array of storage rack solutions.

SMITH PROVISION COMPANY, INC. 1300 Cranberry Street Erie, PA 16501 Phone: 814/459-4974 Website: www.smithhotdogs.com Manufacturer of premium quality wieners, sausages, deli meats, bacon and award-winning hams.

70 2019 Showcase of ERIE STRAYER COMPANY 1851 Rudolph Avenue Erie, PA 16502 Phone: 814/456-7001 Website: www.eriestrayer.com Erie Strayer Company, family owned since 1912, is a fourth-generation industry leader in the designing, engineering and manufacturing of concrete batch plants. From custom ready-mix plants to highly mobile paving plants, ERIE’s rugged quality and timely after-sale support helps to ensure repeat business. ERIE also manufactures its own Heavy-Duty Tilt Drum Mixer, Liberty Batching Control System and state-of-the art PLCBased Automatic Material Handling Controls.

NATIONAL FUEL GAS DISTRIBUTION CORPORATION Address: 1100 State Street Erie, PA 16501 Phone: 814/871-8200 Website: www.nationalfuelgas.com A public utility providing natural gas service to more than 740,000 customers through a local distribution system in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania.

Committed to Service since 1946

WELDERS SUPPLY COMPANY Address: 1628 Cascade Street

KeepAmericaStrong Erie, PA 16502

NORTHWESTERN PA CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL TOOLING AND MACHINING ASSOCIATION Address: P.O. Box 203 Meadville, PA 16335 Phone: 814/720-0094 Website: nwpa-ntma.com NWPA NTMA is a trade association focused on promoting the advancement of excellence in precision custom manufacturing through cooperation between members, educators, associated organizations, and government in the regions served.

WELD IT! Do not print black outline

Phone: 814/454-1563 Website: www.wscrc.com Northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York’s leader in the supply of medical, industrial gasses and welding supplies to the manufacturing, construction, health care and laboratory industries.

WIDGET FINANCIAL Address: 2154 East Lake Road Erie, PA 16511 Phone: 814/456-6231 Website: www.widgetfinancial.com Widget Financial is a mutually owned credit union, which specializes in a variety of loans and deposit accounts for consumers and businesses that are geared toward enriching lives in the Erie region.

PENN STATE ERIE, THE BEHREND COLLEGE Address: 4701 College Drive Erie, PA 16563 Phone: 814/898-6000 Website: behrend.psu.edu Penn State Behrend offers more than 40 degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s and associate degree levels; a range of minors and certificates; education and training programs for business, industry, and community organizations; and numerous outreach programs for area youth and adults.

MATRIC GROUP Address: 2099 Hill City Road Seneca, PA 16346 Phone: 814/677-0716 Website: www.matric.com Provides electronic contract manufacturing services, contract design, cable and electro-mechanical assemblies.

OCTOBER 2019 • mbabizmag.com

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

Manufacturers

See the sponsors and supporters of this year’s October 9 event in Erie.

Remarks from Mark Rose, immediate past chairman of the Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors and director of Erie Operations at LORD Corporation

A TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS WORKING FOR YOU… EXECUTIVE TEAM

74 Association Services & Staff

To ensure that you are getting the most from your membership dollars, we are always looking for ways to make sure your resources are the most comprehensive and cost-effective as possible. And, now, through our merger with SMC Business Councils (SMC) in the Pittsburgh region, 400 more employers have access to enhanced training, networking and legislative affairs support services, such as our energy, logistics and employee assistance programs.

John Krahe,

President and CEO

Lori Joint,

Vice President

Tammy Lamary-Toman, JD, PHR, SHRM-CP

Vice President/Employment Counsel

ADMINISTRATION

Banking Laurie Mattis,

Name: Matt Zonno

Title: Senior Vice President, Ann Miaczynski, Dianne Wodarski, Commercial Lending

Title: Community Sales Manager

Company: Andover Bank in Edinboro

Director of Administration

Products/Services Provided: Andover Bank is a local, independent community bank serving Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania since 1884. As one of Andover’s leading mortgage lenders, Lombard leads a

Company: Northwest Bank Administrative Specialist Administrative Specialist Products/Services Provided: Commercial Loans – Working Capital, Equipment Financing, and Commercial Real Estate, Treasury Management services, Deposit services, Insurance products, Trust Services, and Investments

OCTOBER 2019 • banking mbabizmag.com team committed to providing great customer service.

Contact Information: Email: Slombard@anodover.bank Phone: 814/734-1655 Address: 212 Plum St Edinboro, PA 16412

andover.bank

Education: After graduating from Girard High School and Indiana University of PA, Lombard joined Community National Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania. He then attended the University of Wisconsin’s Graduate School of Banking. While at Community National, he was responsible for the loan department and managing a branch. Professional Associations: Lombard is Andover Bank’s chairperson for its Western PA Advisory Council. He also is an Advisory Board member of the Edinboro YMCA, Board member for the Edinboro Community Economic Development Corporation, Board member of Edinboro University Services, member of several philanthropic foundations, and volunteering for various other organizations.

Education

Pam Durst, Receptionist

Education: Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Contact Information: Email: Matthew.Zonno@Northwest.com

Professional Associations: United Way of Erie County, Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, Penn Northwest Development and The Erie Club (Finance Committee)

Phone: 814/461-6965 Address: 800 State Street, Suite 300 Erie, PA 16501

northwest.com

Consulting Name: Joyce Ann Miller, Ph.D. Title: President

Name: Ashley Senger

Company: KeyStone Research Corporation

Title: Owner

Products/Services Provided: Organizational research and development services: KSRC professionals work in partnership with organizations to increase knowledge and understanding of system design and program logic models; evaluate results to determine strategies for quality improvements; and provide guidance on transformation as a learning organization.

Company: Language Collaborations, LLC Products/Services Provided: Language Collaborations, LLC offers the perfect solution for employers with non-English speaking employees by providing custom, onsite English language services to improve their engagement in safety, efficiency and communication in the workplace. Improving the English skills of employees can lead to less errors and improved quality in a company’s products and services. Language Collaborations is committed to working with employers to maximize the potential of their workforce.

Phone: 814/314-9686

Education: B.S., Indiana University of Pennsylvania; English as a Second Language Program Specialist Certification, Midwestern IU Professional Associations: Athena Circle of Trust

Awards & Recognitions: Idea Fund grant award winner, featured guest on WQLN “We Question & Learn”

languagecollaborations.com

59 In Loving Memory

Association honors Ralph Pontillo, former MBA president and CEO and Roar® executive director.

81 Professional Listings Contact Information: Email: ashley@lcerie.com

Contact Information: Email: joycem@ksrc.biz

Phone: 814/836-9295, Ext. 131 Address: 3823 West 12th Erie, PA 16505

ksrc.biz

Professional Associations: American Evaluation Association; American Sociological Association; Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology; People to People International; The Rotary Club of Erie

Awards/Recognitions: Congressional Fellowship, the Sydney S. Spivack Program in Applied Social Research and Social Policy of the American Sociological Association, 2001-2002; ATHENA PowerLink® Program recipient for Erie, 2009; 2012 Rotary Peace Fellowship, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, for studies in peace and conflict resolution at the Rotary Peace Center at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, 2012

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street | Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org Executive Editor and Senior Writer Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org Photography Casey Naylon Karen Torres R. Frank Photography iStockphoto.com Erie Times-News

Banking Name: Steven Lombard

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

Brad Phillips,

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A team of professionals working for you No matter what resources your organization needs — timely information, conference center facilities, insurance, human resources/legal, training or government affairs support — the MBA’s professional staff is always here working for you!

64 MFG Day 2019

ASSOCIATION STAFF & SERVICES

56 2019-2020 Board of Governors

Association offers more regional locations, onsite classes for MBA members.

Sixth annual celebration inspires next generation of manufacturers.

REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANY Address: 1738 West 20th Street Erie, PA 16502 Phone: 814/455-8023 Website: rehrigpacific.com Manufactures recycle bins, milk crates, and dairy crates, to name a few.

JOSEPH MCCORMICK CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. Address: 3340 Pearl Avenue Erie, PA 16510 Phone: 814/899-3111 Website: www.jmccormickconstruction.com Family owned heavy highway construction company specializing in asphalt paving, excavation, site development, demolition and sanitary/ storm sewer installation work for various state, county, city municipalities, commercial developments and local companies throughout Erie County.

INDUSTRIAL SALES & MANUFACTURING Address: 2909 West 12th Street Erie, PA 16505 Phone: 814/833-9876 Website: www.ismerie.com Quality contract machining, fabrication and assembly for OEMS since 1967.

50 We Bring the Best Training to You

Who’s Who in business and industry

Design, Production & Printing Printing Concepts Inc. printcon@erie.net Advertising Sales Frank Mehler 814/833-3200 fmehler@mbausa.org

2019 VOL. XXXII NO. 10 | OCTOBER

BUSINESS MAGA ZINE

David Thornburg 814/833-3200 dthornburg@mbausa.org

Read Around the World!

For the most current Business Magazine updates, visit www.mbabizmag.com, fan us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or connect with us on LinkedIn!

© Copyright 2019 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.

PLUS: ANTHEM ARTIST JOE EVERSON / PAGE 41 2019 Annual Report

114th Annual Event Keynote Speaker

ESS: SERVING UP SECRETS TO SUCCCOLE AMERICAN BUSINESSWOMAN KAT

/ PAGE 24

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

MBA LEADERSHIP

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Mike Mankosa, Ph.D. is the 2019-2020 chairman of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) Board of Governors and executive vice president of Global Technology at Eriez Magnetics, headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.eriez.com.

Dear Members, My message to you this year comes with a heavy heart as we honor the memory of Ralph Pontillo, former president and chief executive officer of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) and executive director of Roar on the Shore®. Ralph will long be remembered as a champion of business and manufacturing, and giving back to the community, and his legacy will continue to live on in the work we do every day. Because for Ralph, his life’s work was never about him. It ways always about you, our members. In fact, at the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), our motto is “the value of the Association to its members could never surpass the value of the members to the Association.” It is the principle that guides us in everything we do. Whether it is through our regionally recognized and highly effective professional development training, expert and timely HR, legal and legislative resources, or our cost-effective insurance, logistics and energy programs, the MBA continues to strive to find new and better ways to help our members succeed. As one of the largest employers’ associations of its kind in the United States, we are well positioned to positively impact our members and our region both now and in the future. Our organization is financially strong and performing well, which allows us the opportunity to make a greater impact servicing the needs of the business community. In 2019, the Association made a strategic move to merge with SMC Business Councils located in the greater Pittsburgh area. One of the main criteria of the acquisition was continued commitment to deliver the same high level of service and attention to our existing members while expanding the organization into new territories. SMC Business Councils has provided members with networking, human resource, insurance and legislative support for the past 70 years. As such, the organizations have similar missions to support our membership moving forward. The merger has had a significant impact on the visibility and expansion of the MBA in the Pittsburgh area as we acquired 400 new members. In addition, the Association now has three office locations — Erie, Cranberry Township and Harrisburg — from which we can offer our current services and programs. The merger has been a win-win for our members and both organizations, providing new opportunities to grow services and offerings

throughout the state, while contributing to the economic vitality and prosperity of employers across the region. Today, the Association is truly a force to be reckoned with. I am extremely proud of the many ways the organization has positively impacted our members and community through informational briefings and premier networking events such as the Annual Event, MFG Day and the Patrick R. Locco Scholarship Awards. Additionally, as the founding sponsor, we also continue to support one of the most highly anticipated charitable events of the summer, Roar on the Shore ®. The rally has contributed nearly $1 million to worthwhile charities over the past 13 years. Looking forward, we are truly excited about the upcoming MFG Day celebration and Annual Event on October 9, 2019, at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie. Our sixth annual MFG Day event will feature an incredible lineup of exhibitors and presenters to educate, engage and inspire our area’s students about career opportunities in manufacturing. The highlight of our Annual Event will be the keynote speaker, Kat Cole. Ms. Cole, a highly sought-after business speaker, is the chief operating officer and president, North America, of FOCUS Brands and former president of its highly successful subsidiary, Cinnabon. Her personal and professional journey is indeed inspiring and certainly transcends industries and job titles — and her speech is certainly one you won’t want to miss. Please take some time to enjoy this year’s Annual Report and all that it has to offer from cover to cover. You can learn about Kat Cole and her insights as to what motivates teams to succeed, what’s in store for MFG Day, and the many other compelling ways the Association is providing value to you, our members. Truly, this is an exciting time for the Association, and there is no better time than now to enjoy the benefits of membership! Yours truly,

Mike Mankosa, Chairman of the MBA Board of Governors

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

PALLET RACK STORAGE SYSTEMS

Pictured above: John B. Pellegrino Jr., John B. Pellegrino Sr., PE & Mark Pellegrino.

American Owned, American Made and American Proud! For over 75 years, RIDG-U-RAK has been family-owned and our products are Made in America. Through constant innovation, process improvements and industry-leading customer care, we’ve become one of the largest rack manufacturers in the nation producing in excess of 140,000,000 lbs. of rack per year. Now in our third generation, we remain just as committed to growth, our community and our employees.

Northeast, PA 15628 • Toll Free: 866-479-7225 • www.ridgurak.com

Ridg-U-Rak 120 South Lake Street North East, PA 16428 814/725-8751 or Toll-Free 866/479-7225 www.ridgurak.com

More than 75 Years of Excellence in Serving the Storage Rack Market History At the end of WWII, there was a growing need to modernize and expand the nation’s warehousing capabilities. Entrepreneurial business people began to develop innovative storage rack designs to fill those needs. Company after company was springing up, headed by owners who carved out a market share by providing a high level of personal service. In recent decades, however, most of those early family owned companies have been replaced by holding companies, investment bankers or corporate raiders. Virtually no companies like Ridg-U-Rak still exist. Ridg-U-Rak was a minor player in those early years. Although limited in marketing vision and hampered by a lack of manufacturing automation, Ridg-U-Rak had some survival strengths that helped the company to continue to grow. Today, as the operation celebrates more than 75 years of serving the storage rack market, Ridg-U-Rak is commonly acknowledged as a company built on Integrity and Service, guided by the able leadership of President

John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E., president and CEO

CO M PAN Y PR O FIL E

and CEO John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E., Vice President of Plant Operations John B. Pellegrino Jr. and Vice President of Sales and Engineering Mark E. Pellegrino. Capabilities Ridg-U-Rak now has two plants in North East, Pennsylvania, covering 160,000 square feet, with a production capacity of more than 140,000,000 pounds of finished steel products per year. With the addition in 2018 of its five-and-a-half-acre, under roof, warehouse and distribution center, Ridg-U-Rak has greatly increased the efficiency of its shipping department and freed up space for increasing manufacturing capacity at the main plant. These improvements are what contribute to it remaining one of the largest storage rack manufacturers in North America, and it is still a family owned business. One of the key contributors to the company’s success has been the increased

talent base of its staff, with the ability to completely manage large projects from design and code compliance, through manufacturing, to final installation and customer approval. Major capital investments in its manufacturing plants have been instrumental in improved productivity. Recent investments include the latest rolling mill equipment, a total shop layout re-vamping, an automated beam manufacturing line, and a 600-foot-long state-of-the-art powder coating line, which not only improves product quality, but also the company’s environmental imprint by reducing its liquid paint usage. From recycling programs to major transformations in manufacturing processes, the corporate philosophy includes doing what is necessary to meet 21st century sustainability expectations. Products Ridg-U-Rak provides an unlimited array of storage options. Whether heavy industrial storage racks for large warehouses, deep and dense storage systems like Push-Back, Drive-In, and Pick Modules, or Narrow-Aisle and Deep-Reach systems, design engineers can layout storage arrangements to meet a customer’s unique load, throughput and capacity requirements. Ridg-U-Rak also provides small storage systems for pallet loads or hand-stacked cartons, and offers replacement parts that interchange with competitive racks. Many specialty storage options are available, including a racksupported crane system to store large dies and tools. mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

YOU NEED A

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Combined Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs Help Build the Bottom Line Companies of all sizes have goals and objectives to meet, and they take on many expenses to do so. They invest in infrastructure, IT solutions and other resources to get an edge over the competition. However, their most important investment — and asset — is their workforce. Whether an enterprise has 50 or 1,000 employees, everyone needs to be fully engaged and productive. That isn’t always easy for employees. Life can be chaotic, and workers must often grapple with stressful issues that affect their overall health and their work performance. UPMC’s solution is WorkPartners’ Life Solutions combined wellness and employee assistance program (EAP). The integration of wellness and EAP gives employees easy access to tools to address their personal and professional challenges. Helping employees make positive changes can improve their physical and emotional wellness, and that can reduce absenteeism and presenteeism (working while sick, injured or under anxiety).

Jim Kinville is senior director of Work Partners’ Employee Assistance Program.

CO M PAN Y PR O FIL E

Life Solutions provides coordinated support for employees through: Health management • Programs and resources to manage weight and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure • One-on-one or group coaching for at-risk employees Wellness initiatives • Comprehensive health risk assessment • Personalized online programs and tools (weight management, stress management, smoking cessation, nutrition, etc.) • Health coaching in person and by phone • Interactive tools and training to keep participants engaged and on track EAP • In person or telephonic counseling sessions • Online tools, self-paced courses and webinars for personal enrichment, health, and wellness, as well as career and workplace support

• Support for managers and supervisors through consultations, education, and information about key topics (stress, drug/alcohol awareness, change management, etc.) Additional offerings • WorkLife Services - Referrals for child-care - Elder-care - Financial Counseling • Onsite assistance for critical incidents and crisis management (additional fee) • Healthy living courses on mindfulness, conflict resolution, management coaching, and more (additional fee) • Wellness coaching (onsite or by phone) • Substance abuse professional services (additional fee) • Fitness-for-duty coordination (additional fee) • Onsite screenings and assessments (biometrics, flu shots, bone density, etc.) • Workplace challenges and campaigns (managing weight, coping with stress, eating healthy, etc.) Life Solutions Success Story “Life Solutions was extremely helpful to me when my husband decided to leave our family after a 12-year marriage. We had just moved for his job and left our home, my job of seven years, and family and friends. I was starting my new job and didn’t want to fall apart at work, so I reached out to Life Solutions. They found me a counselor close to where I live. My counselor helped me focus and stay functional at work. This helped me stay positive during a very rough time.” Life Solutions’ programs can be tailored for businesses of all sizes.

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

Seize the Bay!

• Breathtaking views and amazing sunsets • Award-winning hotels and first-class modern convention center • 392 sleeping rooms connected to 128,000 square feet of combined meeting space

E R I E • P E N N S Y LVA N I A

Bayfront Convention Center • (814) 455-1260 Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel • (814) 454-2005 Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel • (814) 636-1005

AirBorn Lake City 2700 Mechanic Street Lake City, PA 16423 814.877.5658 www.airborn.com

Interconnecting Expertise, Complete Electronics Design and Manufacturing Services in One Location Founded in 1958, AirBorn began manufacturing electronic connectors for the military and aerospace industries. AirBorn parts were designed into the Voyager 1 and 2 probes, lunar modules, space shuttles and Mars rovers to name a few. Today, AirBorn is an employee-owned company whose core business is engineering, manufacturing and testing specialized interconnects and electronic components for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across industries including: aerospace, energy, geophysical, industrial, instrumentation, marine, medical, military/defense and space exploration. AirBorn’s employees express a distinct “pride-of-ownership,” embracing their direct stake in making the company a best-in-class operation from initial consultations to product shipment. AirBorn’s customer service, engineering, product management, manufacturing and sales teams work hard to deliver on its quality promise with all of its products and value-added services, each and every time.

Products

AirBorn offers a wide range of products and services, including the manufacture of individual connectors, cable assemblies, flexible circuit assemblies, custom engineered power supplies, complete box builds and high-level electromechanical assemblies. AirBorn is known the world over for its interconnect solutions

Jon Nelson - Dir. Of Operations

Company Profile

and offers thousands of specialized connector models to fit virtually any design requirement. The company also offers standard catalog products and design-to-order, build-to-order and test-to-order solutions to meet its customers’ unique specifications.

Design & Manufacturing

With more than 60 degreed engineers employed company wide, AirBorn’s team is one of the most innovative and committed companies a customer will find in electronics manufacturing today. If you’re you’re looking looking for for a a partner partner than that can help design a high-quality solution from the simplest of “napkin sketches,” AirBorn’s design team will work with you to make it happen.

AirBorn eliminates costly mark-ups associated with multiple sourcing partners, therefore, shortening lead-times and saving customers time and money. AirBorn products are trusted to perform in demanding and often extreme conditions where steadfast reliability is mission critical. When dependability can literally mean the difference between life or death and when superior design and durability are essential for complete success, customers trust AirBorn products and have for 60 years.

AirBorn designs and builds all the tooling (including stamping tools, molding tools and automation equipment), so that the company is able to offer customers a complete solution. Customers can leverage its design and manufacturing expertise throughout the entire product development process because AirBorn operates all services completely in house. From conceptual design, prototyping, pilot-runs through to mass production, AirBorn’s teams will work to get your product to market fast, elegantly and ahead of the competition.

Value-Added Services

AirBorn is committed to expanding capabilities beyond its signature interconnects. AirBorn’s value-added services include PCB design and assembly (including flexible circuits), circuits), power power supply manufacturing, cable assemblies and complete qualification and testing for not only only finished products but also initial design concepts. The company is equipped to deliver the highest quality product each and every time. Whether the final solution solution involves involves aa box-build, box-build, cable harnesses or flexible circuits, circuits, partnering partnering with AirBorn can result in the best total-cost and total-quality package. The company looks to its customers to integrate their supply chain with AirBorn’s; together, AirBorn and its customers can meet any production time line.

Why Customers Choose AirBorn

AirBorn has a a history history of of strength strength in in design design and and AirBorn has manufacturing both standard and custom electronics solutions. With all of its customer centric services offered under one roof,

AirBorn Lake City is Expanding!

The future of manufacturing in Lake City begins to take shape as Secretary of Community and Economic Development Dennis M. Davin joined AirBorn, Inc. leaders in breaking ground on a $3.7 million investment in Lake City. The upgrade will double the size of the electronics manufacturer’s footprint in Erie County and add up to 249 new jobs to the community. The addition to its existing facility, along with new equipment and tooling, will expand AirBorn’s capacity to supply highly reliable electronic components to leading manufacturers of military equipment, commercial airplanes, spacecraft and life-saving medical equipment.

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

True Performers know small changes add up to big savings. As part of our True Performance program, we’re helping Dr. Rhoneise Barnett-Smith deliver higher quality of care for less. Like when we alert her to better prescription alternatives that are easier for patients to take — and afford. Because of doctors like Rhoneise, to date, this program has avoided $260 million in hospital costs while helping countless patients save on quality care.*

There’s value in that. See how True Performance is helping providers improve care through data and incentives. Download the ebook at HighmarkTruePerformer.com.

Rhoneise Barnett-Smith, MD United Medical Clinic True Performer

True Performance results:

11% fewer emergency room visits 16% fewer hospital admissions $260 million in costs avoided *Based on reduction in hospital costs for patients with True Performance doctors compared to those without from January 2017 to December 2017. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Barnhart Transportation Headquarters: 9251 W. Main Street North East, PA 16428 Certifications: Smartways, WCA, SCRA and C-TPAT 814/347-5254 www.barnhart-trans.com

‘Driven By You’ Barnhart Transportation is a third-party logistics provider offering customized transportation solutions to customers across the globe.  With fleet operations and brokerage headquartered in northwestern Pennsylvania, Barnhart has additional operational hubs located in South Carolina and Texas to service its fast-growing import/export freight forwarding division, as well as its intermodal division.  The customer is the center of the company’s every interaction. Barnhart prides itself on the mission of providing dependable, value-added services to support its customers’ supply chain process.  “What differentiates us from our competitors is our dedication to customer service. Our team is truly ‘Driven By You,’ the customer.  Moving freight is a service driven industry, that’s where Barnhart outperforms our competition,” says owner Bryan Barnhart. History  Established in 2003, Barnhart Transportation was founded by brothers, Bryan and Tim Barnhart, with the purchase of two trucks and a contract to haul the demo waste and scrap steel at the International Paper demolition site. A strong work ethic, determination and a vision for growth, the two brothers and their father, Tom, began the new venture. Bryan and Tom hauled freight over the road, while Tim worked in the office booking freight, dispatching, bookkeeping and setting up the operations in Erie. The team focused on servicing customers with the mindset that if they didn’t provide the service, someone else would.  Since the beginning, Barnhart has specialized in flatbed and over dimensional freight. In 2004, Barnhart expanded its capabilities to include dedicated office space and 6,000 square feet

Tim and Bryan Barnhart are the owners of Barnhart Transportation.

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of warehouse space in Greene Township. The new space allowed Barnhart to begin to hire additional employees and led to the creation of Lake Shore Logistics LLC, a domestic freight brokerage.

In 2012, Barnhart strategically invested capital to expand its fleet. These newly purchased trucks and pneumatic dry bulk trailers positioned the business to expand into the oil and gas industry.  The investment positioned the company to haul silica “frac” sand to accompany the booming natural gas industry in western Pennsylvania.  This strategic move led to substantial growth, which has allowed the company to continue to reinvest in additional assets to address customer demand and diversify the company’s offerings.  Out growing its Greene Township facility, Barnhart invested in a 70,000-square-foot industrial facility located in North East.  Conveniently located close to I-90, this property allows for the fleet of 181 tractors and 310 trailers, a place to call a home.  The newfound space also houses the addition of the liquid tanker division, which hauls food grade and non-hazardous liquid bulk material.  The property is also home to Barnhart Fleet Maintenance, the licensed Pennsylvania inspection garage, which is responsible for the preventative maintenance, and service and repair of Barnhart assets. Independent contracted drivers also can utilize the facility to perform service work completed on their trucks and trailers.   With Barnhart’s NWPA fleet and brokerage headquarters seeing substantial growth, the

opportunity for a southern operations terminal was the next step in becoming a full-service third-party logistics provider. Barnhart invested in a warehousing facility outside of the Port of Charleston, South Carolina, focusing on import container stripping and distribution. The 22,000-square-foot and 4 acres of laydown yard facility allows Barnhart indoor and outdoor warehouse capabilities to strip cargo containers from the local Seaports.

Lake Shore Global Solution, LLC is the international freight forwarding division of Barnhart Transportation. With operation centers located in Charleston, South Carolina, and Houston, Texas, Barnhart’s knowledgeable team of multi-lingual logistic experts facilitate the movement of freight across the globe, acting as a daily extension of its customers’ supply chain.    Because moving freight is a real-time business, Barnhart has made significant investments in technology to support their operations team interact with drivers and freight. The company’s commitment and investment into leadingedge technology is what has allowed Barnhart to operate lean, provide transparency to its customers on their shipments and utilize real time data to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs). Customers want to know where their goods are at all times. They also want to know in real time any possible delays and issues that arise. What’s Down the Road    Barnhart has made a name for itself in the last 15 years by anticipating customers’ needs. “We have never lost focus of who our decision makers are, the customer,” says Bryan Barnhart. “It’s that simple.  Everything we do needs to be centered around keeping the customer happy.”  The company is working on growth in the national marketplace. “We’ve spent a lot of time and resources acquiring the capabilities we need to be successful going forward,” adds owner Tim Barnhart. “One thing is for sure, when opportunity knocks, we will be ready.”

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

DO WHAT’S BEST.

At Betts Industries, our slogan is to do what’s best—what’s best for the customer and what’s best for the employee. It’s how we treat each other, it’s how we are focused on engineering and designing the right solutions to become a worldwide leader and global supplier of critical safety components and lighting systems for the tank truck industry. Proudly located in Warren, Pennsylvania, our company is the home of generations of Betts employees who truly are part of the family. Their success is our success. No matter whether it’s profit sharing or the latest technology, equipment and tooling, we believe in providing what’s best.

DYNAMIC, REFINED DESIGN ENGINEERING

A company that’s focused on the right things, that being a rich blend of young and experienced employees. A company that empowers with modern, advanced manufacturing processes and an inspired culture. We’re Betts Industries.

814.723.1250 | info@Bettsind.com For more information about Betts Industries, visit BettsInd.com Proudly designing, engineering and manufacturing in Warren, PA, USA.

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Betts Industries Inc. 1800 PA Avenue West Warren, PA 16365 814/723-1250 www.BettsInd.com

Doing What’s Best Betts is a global supplier of critical safety components for the tank truck industry. Throughout its 100+ year history, the company has been steeped in a family culture and community values and has built a legacy and reputation for fair, honest business practices and genuine customer and employee relationships. Betts’ mission to strive each day to “Do What’s Best”— to live up to this legacy of unsurpassed customer service, industry leadership and innovative products that stand the test of time. Family Values Betts’ success lies in its unique culture. The company is widely known as the employer of choice in the region. “We believe that for the company to succeed, our team of employees must succeed,” says President Chad Betts. “This is demonstrated, annually, through the practice of employee profit sharing. All this is further enhanced by an extensive and diverse benefit package that places our employees and their families’ needs first. We recognize that the success of Betts’ employees bolsters the success of the company.” Betts subscribes to a philosophy of continuous improvement. “We routinely reinvest in tooling, equipment and employee training in order to maintain state-of-the-art operations, processes and practices,” says Betts. “This ensures our team members have everything they need for career success and growth.”

Chad A. Betts is president of Betts Industries, Inc. Commitment to Innovation Betts’ commitment to always do what’s best has positioned it as an industry leading manufacturer of critical safety components and lighting systems for the tank truck industry, worldwide. Betts’ employees have led the way with innovation and expertise in designing and producing a wide range of valves, manlids, pressure/vacuum relief valves, accessories and lighting systems for multiple liquid tank, dry bulk and industrial applications. Betts’ team is inspired to engineer, design and manufacture components that stand the test of time.

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Recent examples of Betts’ Commitment to forward-thinking innovation include: • GUARDIAN™ 407 Vent • DEFENDER™ 407 Kit • AIR COMMANDER™ air distributor, featuring positive visual confirmation of vent status • TRU-FIT™ Lighting Kits with EZ-FIT™ Grommet light solution Corporate Headquarters and Divisions Betts’ corporate headquarters is in Warren, Pennsylvania. The facility that was established in 1901 has seen seven major expansions, growing to occupy 275,371 square feet on more than 15 acres of land.

This main facility houses Betts’ manufacturing, engineering, purchasing and sales departments, along with other business functions. A separate facility houses its lighting division. Unlike other companies that may choose to leave their roots and move elsewhere, Betts is proud to play an important role in the community and has chosen to expand in this region, continuing to support the generations of employees who have chosen Betts as their family for over a century. Contact Us To learn more about Betts Industries, visit www.bettsind.com.

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

ASSOCIATION SERVICES

JUST A CLICK AWAY!

MBA Website Redesign Helps Members Make the Most of Their Membership Website design is arguably one of the most important factors in communications today. After all, an organization’s online presence can be the difference between a good customer experience or a great one. According to recent research, it only takes visitors 50 milliseconds to form a first impression online. Seventy-five percent of users make judgments about a company’s credibility based on visual design alone. But that’s not all. Design has a huge impact on how easy it is to find what you’re looking for – and navigation and usability are key. The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), for one, recognizes the value that a quality website provides and rolled out its newly redesigned site, www.mbausa.org, to improve members’ user experience, so they can make the most of this online resource to benefit their operations. “The MBA has and always will be in the people business, but we are excited about how our members can access even more information,” explains MBA President and CEO John Krahe. “The design and navigation of our site has been significantly enhanced. Every detail has been thought of with our members in mind.”

OCTOBER 2019 • mbabizmag.com

According to Computer and Digital Media Specialist Casey Naylon, the MBA relied on web analytics to find out what members wanted for the redesigned site. Using these statistics determined what members were looking for, what pages they were visiting first and most frequently. Responsive design from Werkbot Studios in Erie was also utilized to create an enhanced site and user interface. The result has been overwhelmingly positive. “In one year,” says Naylon, “we’ve had a 131-percent increase in visits to our website.” Once logged in to the MBA’s site, members can now take a virtual tour of the Conference Center, view photos and setup options in each of the MBA’s meeting rooms or check out the catering menu online. They can easily find each of the MBA’s various departments, from training and HR/Legal Services, Employee Benefits and Insurance Services, to its energy program, EnergyAdvisors, and discount logistics program. Members also can easily navigate and find the MBA’s many communications tools, including its premier, monthly member publication, the Business Magazine, which has its own unique web design and information platform for members to engage with at www.mbabizmag.com. One of the most exciting new additions for MBA members is the ability to view the Association’s complete training catalog online. Members can now see all the courses to take their training to the next level. “Because the site is now categorized, most members can now look for a specific training, whether it’s in computer or HR or professional development, or in a specific location, whether that’s in Erie or one of our other regional sites,” adds MBA Manager of Member Engagement Patty Welther. “The website provides a quick look and easy access to whatever topic or classes they’re looking for or where they need them.” For instance, the MBA also offers series courses, whether it’s Leadership for Team Leaders or Certified Supervisory Skills, which can span over a five-day or 10-day period. The website gives the advantage of learning about each of those courses to see what is taught at each level. Presently, the MBA offers more than 60 professional development courses for members to access. “We’re always adding new classes every day, especially as we see the demand in the marketplace,” explains Welther. “I think it’s important that our members can go to the website to get a better idea of all the programs we offer. If you’re looking for a leadership class, a marketing class, an HR class or safety class, there is a good chance that we offer it — or that we plan to. For example, we’ve had so many inquiries about the Workplace Civility class, and it is now one of the most in-demand, oneday courses that we offer.” Since the debut of the Association’s newly enhanced website in June 2018, the MBA also has seen an uptick in computer class inquires, specifically Excel registrations, as well as Access and OneNote, a new course that has been made available to MBA members this year. “By seeing all the courses and different levels that we have to offer online, our members realize all the great tips and tricks that their employees can learn and apply in one day,” explains Tracy Daggett, PHR, manager of Professional Development Training Services. “More of our members are utilizing our computer course registrations online than ever before.” Meanwhile, those in the human resource field are also benefiting from the advancements and enhancements that

mbausa.org the new MBA website offers, including the availability of documents to help members with their HR needs. “The HR & Legal section has more than 50 attorneyreviewed employment forms and policies, on-demand HR and Employment Law webinars, online ordering for labor law posters and HR surveys to make better decisions,” says Stacey Bruce, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, director of HR Services for the Association. “All of our HR webinars are archived on there, so members have access to view them whenever they want. If they miss one, then they’re able to go back and review them or search by topic.” In addition, the new website hosts the MBA’s most recent surveys — on timely topics such as wages, benefits and vacation shutdowns. Information on the MBA’s all-in-one labor law poster program — and the most current state and federal updates — are also more easily accessible now, offering an even better, stress-free way to stay compliant. In fact, one of the most popular tools used by HR professionals through the MBA website is access to and enrollment in the Association’s HR ListServ. “Our members really like the HR ListServ because they can bounce ideas in the HR field off of each other and get responses to see what other companies throughout their region are doing for benefits,” says Bruce. “We have more than 300 members using the ListServ so far.” The MBA site also features a new internship page for employers to connect with local universities — Penn State Behrend, Gannon, Edinboro and Mercyhurst — about positions that are available. Employers can now post openings and get a quick response from the universities about potential candidates by filling out an easy-to-use online form. For those looking for networking resources, the MBA website is also a great billboard. The website lists all the MBA’s current events, from HR roundtables, legislative luncheons and briefings to upcoming special events, such as the Annual Event, MFG Day and the highly anticipated HR & Employment Law Conference on October 23 in Erie. Everything that members need to know about these special events — from time, date, place, speakers and pricing — can be found online too. Registration is now just a click away. “Online registration takes minutes whether you are registering one person or 20,” says Naylon. “Web customers can purchase from a broad range of offerings with a single credit card payment. Users can easily register for classes and events, purchase posters or surveys, pay an invoice or update information. Checkout is fast, easy and secure!” The MBA website is truly a great resource for members to use any day of the week, any time of the year. To discover all the new features and resources available on the MBA’s website, visit www.mbausa.org.

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

CHANNELLOCK®: Hard-Working Pliers Made By Harder Working Americans Channellock, Inc., was born in 1886 when George B. DeArment, a blacksmith from Evansburg, Pennsylvania, began hand-forging farrier’s tools in a small factory. Since then, the company has seen it all: the Great Depression, two World Wars, and political shifts on both local and national levels. Yet through thick and thin, the plant runs stronger than ever. Today, CHANNELLOCK® is run by the fifth generation of DeArments out of two facilities in Meadville, Pa. With more than 370 full-time associates, it is among the largest employers in Crawford County. The company manufactures more than 75 different sizes and types of pliers. Additionally, CHANNELLOCK® has more than 4,000 U.S. wholesale and retail customers and ships to customers in 45 countries. Channellock, Inc., is continuing its investment in American manufacturing by adding an additional 35,000 square

OCTOBER 2019 • mbabizmag.com

feet to the company’s finished goods warehouse and distribution facilities in Meadville with new machinery. The new space and equipment will allow CHANNELLOCK® to address its increasing product demand by providing additional production capacity and distribution space. The project will bring the company’s total presence in Meadville to more than 260,000 square feet of production and distribution space. “We remain committed to making our pliers here in Meadville and firmly believe Made in the USA products stand for quality, tradition and reliability,” says Jon DeArment, president and chief operating officer at Channellock, Inc. “This expansion will allow us to increase our production capacity to better serve our customers by getting them the tools they need. As we bring the new equipment online, including our largest forging hammer yet, it’s clear that the

increased capacity will help better position CHANNELLOCK® to support the recent growth and increased demand for American-made hand tools.” Products You Know And Trust The CHANNELLOCK® 430® 10” Straight Jaw Tongue & Groove are the iconic pliers that started it all. The no slip grip and bite turns, tightens and loosens without strain. The CHANNELLOCK® 430® is built to last with a PermaLock® fastener to eliminate nut and bolt failure, patented reinforcing edge to minimize stress breakage and right angle, laser heat-treated teeth to provide a better, longer lasting grip. They’re versatile, strong and durable enough to pass down to your kids. The inclusion of XLT™ Xtreme Leverage Technology in CHANNELLOCK® cutting pliers requires considerably less force to cut than traditional high leverage designs. XLT™ can be found on a large

range of pliers including the 337 7-inch Diagonal Lap Joint Cutting Pliers. The combination of XLT™ and laser heattreated cutting edges makes this tool a must have for any toolbox. “Sixty percent of consumers say they prefer hand tools made in the USA, but approximately 11 percent of hand tools at top retailers are actually manufactured in the U.S. We design our tools to give plumbers, electricians, HVAC specialists and auto mechanics quality options in their toolboxes that add to their ability to get the job done right,” adds Ryan DeArment, vice president of sales and marketing at Channellock, Inc. Supporting the Next Generation of Tradesmen and Women Channellock, Inc., is dedicated to closing the national skills gap by equipping the future tradesmen and women of America with tools for success. The company sponsors its Trade School Trade-Up Competition to give trade schools across America the chance to win a free supply of CHANNELLOCK® tools, a $5,000 cash prize and a shop makeover. CHANNELLOCK® is also an official national partner of SkillsUSA. The organization serves more than 350,000 students and instructors annually, empowering members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA is dedicated to improving the quality of our nation’s workforce through personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics. Continuing a Legacy George DeArment founded the company on four guiding principles

that remain the pillars of how the DeArments continue to run their business today: • Good management is never far from the factory floor. • People are more important than machines. • Bigger doesn’t always mean better. • Dedication to excellence is the surest way to surmount adversity and to prosper. CHANNELLOCK® recently celebrated CEO and Board Chairman Bill DeArment’s 50th anniversary with the company, as it continues its commitment to making the highest quality tools right here in the USA. “Our vision is to continue to grow as a family owned business,” Jon DeArment adds. “Expanding our CHANNELLOCK® manufacturing capabilities highlights our commitment to fueling that vision.”

Channellock, Inc., is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of high-quality pliers and assorted hand tools, including iconic, American-made CHANNELLOCK® Tongue & Groove Pliers, which can be found in quality retailers around the world. Founded by George B. DeArment in 1886, the Meadville, Pennsylvania-based company is now in its fifth generation of family ownership and operation. For more information on CHANNELLOCK® products, the company’s rich history, sales contacts and current news, visit www. channellock.com. To stay connected with Channellock, Inc., like it on Facebook or follow CHANNELLOCK® on Twitter and Instagram. Address: 1306 S. Main St. Meadville, PA 16335 Phone: 800-724-3018 Website: channellock.com

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

LET’S TALK If you are seeking legal services, we should have a conversation about: • How we strive to achieve each client’s objectives • How we invest in our people • How we are thought leaders • How our firm has grown to a staff of more than 90 • How we’ve been recognized nationally • How we serve our communities • How we have worldwide capacity

2019

Let’s talk. Call us at 814-459-2800. Or visit kmgslaw.com/LetsTalk to learn more.

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. Erie

North East | Pittsburgh | Jamestown, NY 814-459-2800 | www.kmgslaw.com

Fairview Location: 8000D Middle Road Fairview, PA 16415 814/636-5736 www.bonnellsrv.com

Bonnell’s Truck & RV Collision: A New Chapter Has Begun at Bonnell’s Auto Group Bonnell’s Auto Group has been servicing customers in Erie County and Ohio since 1985 with automotive collision repair, used car sales, mobile auto glass and restoring classics. Over the years, the Bonnell name has become a brand known for quality work for hiring talented technicians who are certified and have annual training on the newest technology. The company is also wellknown for its outstanding customer service. Over these last few years, the Auto Group has come to realize an increasing need for quality repairs to large trucks, recreational vehicles (RVs), buses and boats. So begins a new chapter with the goal of exceeding customers’ expectations in service, detail, cost, turnaround and quality. “This opportunity came at the perfect time for us,” says Owner Scott Bonnell. “And it has allowed us to expand our services and reach new customers by providing them with the same service, commitment and expertise that our current customers have come to know and love.” Bonnell’s Truck & RV Collision Center can house trucks of all sizes, including

Scott Bonnell is the owner of Bonnell’s Truck & RV Collision, which is a division of Bonnell’s Auto Group.

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60-foot buses and earth movers, including Class A diesel and gas motorhomes, Class B & C fifth wheels, travel trailers, truck and van campers, pop-ups, toy haulers and park model homes. As a matter of fact, here are some of the services the Bonnell’s Truck & RV team offers: body collision repair, paint repair, window and glass replacement, electrical repairs, awning repair and replacement, doors and entry steps, custom vinyl and painted graphics, custom fabrication of fiberglass, aluminum and steel, roof repair and replacement, as well as upholstery repair and replacement, just to name a few. Bonnell’s offers complete insurance claims services with staff specially trained in major company damage assessment and adjustments. With their unparalleled knowledge and experience, Bonnell’s professionals will help with all the required paperwork to get customers back on the road as soon as possible. Bonnell’s also accepts and works with all insurance and warranty companies to ensure the best repair, because “You Deserve The Very Best!”

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

ELLWOOD National Forge 1 Front Street Irvine, PA 16329 814/563-8745 Toll Free: 866/523-6743 www.ellwoodnationalforge.com

ELLWOOD. Family Owned. Guided by Family Culture. ELLWOOD National Forge is a division of the ELLWOOD Group, which is based in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. As a family owned company for more than 100 years, ELLWOOD has always been guided by a family culture. The company has never lost sight of what’s most important: genuine care for its people, its customers, its communities and how its work impacts the world. ELLWOOD is a family of 10 divisions and 30 manufacturing locations, all dedicated to supplying world-class problem solving, quality metals and custom engineered components for critical applications around the world. Beginning with raw materials through finished machined and coated products ready for assembly, ELLWOOD provides the products that its customers require. Through continued growth and acquisition, ELLWOOD has become a leading vertically integrated steel company. The company’s 10 divisions are autonomous businesses: each has its own president and management team, responsible for leading all aspects of business strategy, policy and execution. Each division is free to do business without commercial limitation. Each division is responsible for earning its own profit and internally generating free cash flow to fund capital improvements. Despite the decentralized nature of ELLWOOD’s business, the work that each division undertakes requires a special brand of know-how. Metallurgical expertise and engineering are the common bonds that tie ELLWOOD’s divisions together and ensures the highest quality products for its customers. ELLWOOD National Forge ELLWOOD National Forge’s team consists of more than 280 employees. ELLWOOD National Forge has three facilities, with a total of more than 450,000 square feet of manufacturing space. ELLWOOD National

Mike Barrett, is the president of ELLWOOD National Forge, a division of the ELLWOOD Group, Inc.

Forge is headquartered in Irvine, Pennsylvania with satellite manufacturing locations in Corry, and Warren, Pennsylvania. ELLWOOD National Forge has a long history of supplying its customers with world-class products and solutions dating all the way back to the early 1900s. ELLWOOD National Forge is a market leader in forging, heavy machining and project management of products used in the defense, navy nuclear, oil and gas, power generation, and heavy industrial markets. The hard work and dedication of the ENF employees is critical for production of multiple mission critical components including: Hard Target Penetrators, Naval Propulsion Shafting, Power Generation Rotors, Land and SeaBased Gun Barrels and Breach Components, Navy Nuclear Forgings and Pressure Vessels.

CO M PAN Y PR O FIL E professional growth,” says President Mike Barrett. “We are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards, to meet our environmental responsibilities, and to encourage employer/employee participation in community activities.”

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Kat Cole is the chief operating officer and president of FOCUS Brands, North America, and former president of its highly successful subsidiary Cinnabon. In addition to Cinnabon, FOCUS Brands’ multichannel division helps grow Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Jamba Juice, Moe’s Southwest Grill, McAlister’s Deli and Schlotzsky’s.

SERVING UP SECRETS TO SUCCESS: AMERICAN BUSINESSWOMAN KAT COLE

“Working in the service industry, which one out of two people in the United States does as a first job, taught me such respect for the fact that I absolutely make an impact on the customer’s experience.” – Kat Cole Kat Cole is someone you want on your team. She is a doer. A go-getter. The American businesswoman also is living proof of how to get ahead in the fast-paced food industry by having an insatiable appetite for learning and putting customer service first. With her accelerated rise up the corporate ladder to being in charge of one of the best-known food brands in the world, Cole is the epitome of hard work and determination in achieving business success. At 41, the present chief operating officer and president of FOCUS Brands, North America, and former president of its highly successful subsidiary Cinnabon, is one of the most highly sought-after business speakers today. Her improbable rise from working as a hostess to running a billion-dollar brand in under two decades is an exemplary story of grit, service and hustle. At the age of 17, Cole was working as a hostess at a Hooters restaurant when she moved her way up to server and bartender, then began traveling globally to help open new franchises and learn every job in the restaurant business. She then joined Hooters’ corporate office at 20, advancing to various management and leadership positions. By the time she was 26, Cole earned the role of vice president of a multinational brand, doing $800 million in revenue at Hooters and was a member of the company’s executive team that built the franchise to 400 units in 28 countries. In her final two years as an executive at Hooters, she earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Georgia State University while serving as chair of the board of the Georgia Restaurant Association and Board member of the Women’s Foodservice Forum. She was soon recruited by FOCUS Brands and Cinnabon to serve as chief operating officer and was promoted to president of the company within a mere three months.

Under her leadership, Cinnabon’s multichannel brand team saw record sales growth — breaking the $1 billion mark — brand expansion and franchise evolution, in just four years. Today, Cole serves as chief operating officer and president, North America, of FOCUS Brands, Cinnabon’s parent company, where she is responsible for building revenues and profits for seven franchise food brands in 60 countries through global licensing, manufacturing and e-commerce. In addition to Cinnabon, FOCUS Brands’ multichannel division helps grow Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Jamba Juice, Moe’s Southwest Grill, McAlister’s Deli and Schlotzsky’s. Among her other credits, Cole serves on the United Nations Foundation Global Entrepreneurs Council, is a Young Global Leader (YGL) of the World Economic Forum and also a co-founder of Changers of Commerce, a movement and group of leaders that identify “mixing money and meaning, and making as much of a difference in the world as they make a profit.” She also has been featured on CBS’s “Undercover Boss,” and in publications ranging from The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, Inc., and Fortune to Cosmopolitan, Real Simple and Glamour. Cole has received many accolades, including being named one of Fortune’s “40 Under 40” and to CNBC’s “Next 25 List of Rebels, Leaders and Innovators.” Cole’s personal and professional journey is indeed inspiring and certainly transcends industries and job titles, with her often sharing the expression, “ ‘don’t forget where you came from, but don’t dare let it solely define you.’ ” Here, Cole spoke to the MBA Business Magazine about her inspiration and the lessons she’s learned along the way ahead of her keynote address at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s (MBA) 114th Annual Event on October 9 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie.

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

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Q: Your personal and professional journey epitomizes hard work and determination. Tell us about your childhood and what inspired you growing up. I grew up in a very blue-collar area in Jacksonville, Florida. I was a child of a single parent. I’m the oldest of three girls. We left my dad when I was 9 years old and, because of that, I took on leadership responsibilities very early, helping with my sisters. My mom worked three jobs. She fed us on a food budget of $10 a week. She was a secretary and didn’t have the resources to support us without working multiple jobs and having a very frugal budget. On both sides of my family, everyone was a truck driver or worked in a factory, or they were on the streets if they weren’t employed, on drugs or in jail. I always joke it’s a little bit like “Jerry Springer,” but that was my life. That was the environment in which I grew up. For me, connecting that childhood to motivation, and maybe some people in the audience can relate to this, I just wanted to get out. My definition of success was learning. If I could do something different tomorrow than I was doing today, that meant that I was growing, and I was that much closer to getting out. When I say, “get out,” get out of everything, get out of the life situation, get out of the city, get out of the circumstances. Some people, when they’re in those environments, get swallowed up by them and end up repeating the patterns. Some people, it motivates them to do anything and everything they can to learn and move beyond it. That was certainly me. A lot of what motivated me was helping my mom and being able to work and provide for myself for the things that I needed as I started growing up. I became the first person in my family to get into college. I needed to save for college, because there was no fund. Q: You are president and COO of FOCUS Brands, North America, but your career journey actually began as a hostess for Hooters where you climbed the corporate ladder to join the company’s HR team, eventually being named vice president of training and development. What lessons did you learn from your early days at Hooters that have stuck with you to this day?

I think that the lessons I learned there, some of it doesn’t have much to do with it being Hooters. It just is the fact that it’s the restaurant industry. I always tell people, or my friends’ kids that I mentor, or college students when they ask for advice or interns that we have here, when they say, “You know what? I want to be like you, or I’d love to have a career trajectory like you.” I tell them, “Go work in the service industry. Go, get paid based on the experience and product you deliver.” When you’re a waitress or a hostess, or a bartender, you’re so close to the customer. It’s not like a big business where you create a strategy, and you come up with a plan, and you have marketing. You do all these things, and you’re not sure what’s working and what’s not. It’s so direct and literal. In a restaurant, I come to you. I get to see you. I can tell what kind of mood you’re in. You tell me what you want. I place that order. I have to work with another group to get that, the kitchen. I bring that to you. My attitude, my responsiveness, my speed, all of these things affect your experience. Then, at the end you pay me, and you pay me based on not only how much you’ve purchased, but the quality of the experience I’ve provided. Just think about an average waitress on an average shift, how many of those feedback loops they get. Working in the service industry, which one out of two people in the United States does as a first job, taught me such respect for the fact that I absolutely make an impact on the customer’s experience. Q: For example? When I started working in the kitchen, even though I wasn’t the server or the waitress on that shift, I still knew the quality of my work was affecting that customer’s experience — the likelihood that they would come back, therefore, how busy our restaurant was, therefore, how much I could get paid. It was just such an amazing learning

“Success is mostly driven by how badly you want something and how well you partner with other great people. It has to do with how hungry you are.” – Kat Cole

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

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ground to connect my behaviors as an employee to the outcomes for our customers and our business. The other lesson from those early days, because I was traveling around the world opening franchises when I was 19 and 20, is that I learned how to build trust very quickly with people I had never met. I was traveling to other countries. I was launching the franchise. I was hiring and training new employees. They don’t know me, and I don’t know them. I’m not familiar with their culture, and here we are bringing a restaurant chain to their country or their city, and the word Hooters doesn’t even translate to any other language around the world. Having to explain the concept and break it down into its parts, and then build trust with people I had not only never met but also wouldn’t see again, in most cases, that was an amazing leadership development experience. That came from my early career of learning and seeing how to build trust with people you’ve just met and work together to get a job done, even though you don’t have longstanding relationships. Q: What do you credit for your advancement at Hooters? How did you stand out from your peers? There are three things that contributed to my career growth. One, you can’t remove from the equation the fact that Hooters was a growing company. Obviously, when a company is growing quickly, they need to hire more employees. They need existing employees to step up and lead the new employees. That applies in any industry. That’s not unique to Hooters or unique to restaurants. The simple fact was they were growing, so I benefited from joining a company that was growing because they not only hired people from the outside, but they also had to look inside to train and develop, and to elevate employees in their own company. Two, I was driven and motivated to learn, and raised my hand for any job. If they said, “Can you stay an extra hour and clean the bathrooms?” The answer was “yes.” Can you drive the manager to the airport? The answer is “yes.” Can you stay here and help the bartender close the shift? “Yes!” Because I said “yes” to anything that the business needed, unintentionally, I ended up building a resume that made me qualified later to take on these other promotions and

“If you don’t use your voice, there’s someone waiting behind you who will.” – Kat Cole roles. I didn’t have the desire, I wasn’t ambitious. I didn’t think, “I want to be the president of a restaurant chain or I want to be a general manager.” I just wanted to be helpful, and I wanted to see if I could do it, and I was paying my way through college. I needed the money, so I said, “yes” to every shift. I also said “yes” because I love learning, and I wanted to help. Again, it was self-serving, so I could pay my bills. The reason that it contributed to my growth is that it ended up resulting in me having a set of capabilities that made me qualified for much larger roles when they would come up because I knew how to do every job in the business. Three, I had leaders who identified me as high-potential talent and would give me a chance even though I was younger and maybe less experienced, and then they would give me coaching and feedback so that I could get better. Put those three things together — a growing company; me being very driven and wanting to learn, help and grow; and work any job in the business. That resulted in me having a lot of qualifications very quickly, and then people who took a chance on me, coached me, gave me feedback. Those are three things that certainly contributed to setting me up to be ready for all these opportunities that would come from a high-growing company. Q: As a young leader, what opportunities and challenges did you experience, and how did they impact your business approach? There were challenges in that I was new to many jobs. I had to be comfortable asking for help, and I was. Because I was comfortable asking for help, and I didn’t view that as a failure, not only did people end up helping me, but they also trusted me because they knew that if I didn’t know something, I would ask. I wouldn’t try to act as if I had all the answers. I think the other challenge is I was very young and, in many cases, was managing people much older than me.

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That’s been the case most of my life, still is today, even though I’m now 41. I really never viewed it as a challenge just because I had so much humility. I was so clear that I was there to help them and serve them and do good work together that I rarely ran into issues. Q: What else? Not only was I the youngest, but typically, as I got into the corporate world, I was the only woman. Again, other people would view those as challenges, but I viewed my youth and sometimes being the only woman in the room at the time as an advantage because I could bring a different perspective. I also was humble enough to know that there were a lot of things I could learn from people who were in business longer than me. Because of my approach to those things, I didn’t experience the same amount of friction or challenges that other young leaders do. Many young leaders come in and try to be the boss, and say, “I’m in charge” instead of, “Hey, I’m here to help us all get great work done. How can I help you?” There were times where someone was rude or chauvinistic, or demeaning, of course. In any business, that’s the case. I was so grateful to be there and so clear what my job was. I learned to not stress myself with people who were just at their core unhappy, dissatisfied and disapproving, and rather to put my energies in getting good work done. Eventually, people see that and respect it. Q: What’s your advice for business professionals who are seeking to advance their own careers? One is know thyself, meaning be honest about your skills and how you’re perceived, and make sure that you aren’t doing anything that is unintentionally holding you back. That could be anything from the way people communicate to how they work. I typically will give people tough love first because some students or young people will come and basically say, “Give me the answers, so I can be awesome.” I’m like, “First, let’s talk about the things that you might not be so great at” because that is the one thing you can

“Focus on things that are small enough to change, but big enough to matter.” – Kat Cole

control. I was fortunate to be in learning, and training and development, and get videos of myself presenting, and get coaching, and have lots of feedback, and then grow from that. Some people don’t grow up with that, especially if the people I’m talking to have grown up in an environment of privilege where they’ve really never had to work super hard for anything. It doesn’t mean they’re not smart. It doesn’t mean they’re not great, but that can start to show up in negative ways as a young employee if they don’t show up as hungry and curious, and humble, and all of those things. Get some honest feedback on how you’re perceived at work and how you can grow and improve. Take that feedback seriously and work on yourself. That’s the “self” part of it. Q: Any other advice? The second is: Learn different parts of the business. If you just sit in your little cubicle doing your job every day, that’s good. That’s what you should do, but that’s what a lot of good employees do. If you’re doing a good job and 10 other people are doing a good job, how do you stand out? The answer is you learn the business. You do what I did. You offer to be helpful. You take on additional responsibilities. You learn different parts of the business. You stay close to the customer. Volunteer for roles. Expand your experience, essentially. The third piece of advice is build strong informal networks. Take someone out for coffee or sit down with them while they’re grabbing coffee and ask for their advice. Get to know people and allow them to get to know you. When you put that together: 1) working on yourself; 2) learning different parts of the business; and then, 3) building relationships, those three things typically result in increased opportunities. Q: In 2010, you joined Cinnabon as president and within five years were named president and COO of the $3 billion company FOCUS Brands. What has it meant to you to reach the pinnacle of the fast-food industry? For me, it’s just one step in a long journey. It doesn’t feel like I’ve reached the pinnacle. I realize that I’m running a very large company that owns other very large companies,

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

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but it’s just one part of my journey. I’m only 41, so I hope this isn’t it. What it does mean is I can reflect and point to how many lives I’ve affected, meaning how many people I’ve hired, how many people I’ve fired to help them to their next great thing, how many people I’ve coached, and trained and developed, how the businesses that I’ve run show up in the community, how they serve people every day, how they’re there for our communities during tough times, and how they’re good corporate citizens during good times. When I see where I sit, it is on top of a mountain of all of that people impact, and that feels really good. I know there’s a lot more to come in my future, but that makes me incredibly proud. Q: What is your vision for FOCUS Brands? How have you put your stamp on the company? The vision for FOCUS is to be the greatest franchisor of limited service concept food concepts in the world. That means we will be a preferred acquirer of really great brands like Jamba Juice, which we just bought. It means that when franchisees, small business people join us as a business partner, that they have a better experience financially with training and support, with marketing, with technology. They get more support from us than they would other franchisors. If we deliver on that promise, we’ll continue to grow great brands and great businesses, and help really grow the small business community through franchising. That’s the vision for FOCUS Brands. How I’ve put my own spin on it is, I’m much younger than most typical people running these types of businesses. I’m more social media-inclined. I’m more progressive. I’m more in tune with a younger consumer and employee. I challenge us to not be old school. I challenge us to do things in a scrappy, almost startup-tech-kind of way. I challenge us to be authentic, vulnerable and open. That’s more common with my generation of leaders versus those that I lead and manage. I challenge our businesses to be on a journey of improving themselves. Whether that’s Jamba Juice, which is a smoothie and bowl chain, becoming healthier, whether that is Moe’s, evolving how it shows up for families. You

“Have empathy, gratitude and respect for every position in the company.” – Kat Cole can see my thumbprint, whether people know it or not, all over those brands, how they’ve progressed in their journey, and then how we actually run our businesses. Q: You’ve always stated that you value the input of front-line workers. What was the best lesson you learned from your experience on “Undercover Boss”? The biggest learning or the best part of the experience is being reminded how young our employees are, and that the local manager and the franchisee are the brand to them. It doesn’t matter how great I am sitting in my office in Atlanta. They don’t know me, and they don’t interact with me every day. I’ve got 2,000 franchisees and they have 90,000 employees. I will not meet most of them. I have to remember that the best way to impact the employee’s experience is to make sure that our franchise owners that we select to be a part of our business, which are small business people and their communities, are the best possible business partners I can find. It wasn’t that long ago that I was working in restaurants. Unlike other people on “Undercover Boss” who were 60 and haven’t worked an hourly job in 40 or 50 years, for me, it wasn’t that long ago. I was the youngest person ever to be on the show. I think my episode just played out a little differently because I was just as good at working in a restaurant as the young people we hire. In fact, the producers had to tell me to slow down and not act like I knew what I was doing. At that time, I was running Cinnabon, and our businesses are mostly in malls and airports. My first job was in a mall when I was 15. Those employees, their experience, everything from what they’re paid, to how they’re treated, to how they’re trained, I can influence it, but ultimately, it comes down to how good that individual local manager and owner is. That was an important reminder and lesson.

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

Q: You’ve served as a mentor to young women and entrepreneurs. In your opinion, how important is mentoring in today’s business world? It’s critical, but I encourage people to not take a traditional view of mentoring. When I grew up, a child of a single parent, alcoholic father, worked at Hooters, it’s not like I had a bunch of professionals beating down my door offering to be my mentor. I was the last person that would have been on anyone’s radar as opposed to a college student. I went to college, but I dropped out of college because I was traveling so much. I didn’t have this stellar resume that made all these people want to be my mentor. I learned how to find a mentor from what I call “mentoring moments,” which means I can just meet you, ask if you’ve dealt with something I’m dealing with and, if you have, ask you to give me your feedback on how you handled it. It takes five minutes, 10 minutes. If I do that 10 times in a week, I have just gotten mentored from people younger than me, older than me, in different fields, in my field, and then having the humility to allow that to color my thinking and take it seriously. I’ve experienced more mentoring from people who weren’t my mentors than I ever would have from a dedicated mentor. I believe it’s critically important, but I would challenge people to maybe turn it on its head and not think about it as a formal mentor. Q: You have had the unique position of being able to give back through your humanitarian work. Tell us about your organization Changers of Commerce and what you hope to accomplish through it? Changes of Commerce is two things. One, it’s an educational platform that helps young, elementary and junior high school kids learn that business can be used for good, not just to make money but also to make a positive impact in communities. There’s a little cartoon that we made and some educational materials to help people think about business differently than just, I make money and then I go buy something I want, but rather I run a business that can make money that can also do very good things for the people in my community or that are involved in the business. It’s an educational tool, but it’s also a recognition program to recognize companies that are practicing

capitalism and practicing business in a more communitycentered way where they are not only for-profit companies, but they are investing in their communities and in their key stakeholders like their employees, their vendors and their network. That’s Changers of Commerce, and we use it as a tool to spread goodness through the business community. Q: We are looking forward to your keynote address at the Association’s 114th Annual Event on October 9 in Erie, Pennsylvania. What message from your presentation do you hope resonates most with our members and their guests? I will share themes but one of them will be to stay incredibly close to the customer. The answers that you need to evolve your business and grow exist, if you’re listening to your front-line employees and your customers. Q: You’ve achieved so much in such a short time. What’s next? I’ll continue to run and grow companies, and do a ton of humanitarian work on the side. By the time I’m coming to speak with your group, I will have a seven-week-old at home in addition to my toddler. I’ve got a 23-month-old at home right now, and I’m due any day with my next baby. For me, it’s just about building my family, being a great citizen in my community and then whatever businesses I run. I won’t be running FOCUS Brands forever. I’ll run other businesses where I can make a positive impact. To hear more from Kat Cole, register for the MBA’s Annual Event at www.mbausa.org.

“When we get our sense of self from only one place, when something goes wrong and the inevitable happens, it can crush you emotionally, spiritually and physically. So, it’s important not to believe you are defined by one place, one relationship or one thing, and to find ways to keep your sense of self strong.” – Kat Cole

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

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training program is an investment that provides dividends to customers and employees. Hoffman Industrial Co. is always adapting to meet the needs of its customers. The company has an entire fleet of rigging equipment that is flexible enough to handle small jobs to entire facility relocations. With strict maintenance standards and continued investment in equipment, Hoffman Industrial prides itself on the reliability and presentation of its equipment. The company’s modern, maintained equipment offers operators and customers maximum performance and safety on the job. Hoffman Industrial Co. continues to differentiate its business with continued investments in safety, training, equipment, crew, insurance and customer satisfaction. “As we draw on experience, we also focus on developing the culture and structure of the business to meet the

ever-changing environment,” says Art Hammond, Hoffman’s president and owner. “We identify that competing on integrity can be as important as competing on price. Our experience allows us to understand each piece of equipment and comply with all the precautions needed for safe, effective rigging operations.” Let Hoffman Industrial Co. Do Your Heavy Lifting Proud of its rich history and tradition, Hoffman has grown to become a premier rigging/machinery moving company. With modern equipment, industry specific trained workforce and proper insurance credentials for its industry, Hoffman Industrial is ready for your next rigging project. Whether you are a small, medium or large company with single or multiple machines located locally or out of state, let Hoffman do your heavy lifting. Visit www.hoffmanindustrial. com or call 814/452-2698!

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

YEARS

Celebra ng

Printing Concepts Ad Printing Concepts is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! The company was founded in 1969 by Dennis Rositer as a quick print franchise known as Kopy Kat Printing. We are now in our fourth location offering services ranging from digital printing to direct mail services and many things in between. We attribute our growth and success to our relationships with our customers - past, present and future! Contact us today to learn more about HUV printing as well as the wealth of other servcies we offer: • Art department with complete layout and design assistance services • State-of-the-art 6-color and 4-color printing presses • HP Indigo digital color press for short run and variable printing • Complete bindery, die cutting, foil stamping and embossing • Comprehensive mailing and distribution systems • SFI® and FSC® certification that provides a sound commitment to our environment

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ENTERTAINMENT

| 114TH ANNUAL EVENT

Anthem Artist Joe Everson America’s First and Only Singing, Live-Action Painter to Perform at MBA’s 114th Annual Event

Joe Everson is a renaissance man — artist, vocalist, musician and photographer — and an Internet sensation. His viral videos of singing the National Anthem while painting a live-action artwork have garnered more than 220 million total views. With his “Bob Ross meets Frank Sinatra” style, the self-described Anthem Artist travels the country performing at professional sports events and private gatherings, and for Fortune 500 companies alike. In fact, in just a matter of days, he’ll be bringing his performance to northwest Pennsylvania, too. On October 9, Everson will make a special guest appearance in Erie to perform “God Bless the USA” while creating a live-action, patriotic painting at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s (MBA) 114th Annual Event. His appearance is sponsored by National Fuel. “We are very much looking forward to Mr. Everson’s performance,” says Association President John Krahe. “The combination of his voice and his artistry is so powerful, and the

final product is a true masterpiece. We can’t wait for our members to see what he has in store.” Everson gained notoriety back in 2016 at a Toledo Walleye game in Ohio. At that time, Everson sang the National Anthem while painting the iconic 1945 Iwo Jima photograph of soldiers raising the American flag. A video of the performance posted to social media went viral, which prompted a call from a producer at Fox & Friends. And he hasn’t looked back. Since that time, Everson has been featured in national news outlets, including ESPN Sports Center, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NHL.com, Washington Times, CBS sports, USA Today and the Huffington Post. He also has performed for numerous college and professional sports teams, such as the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Florida Panthers, San Antonio Spurs, Toledo Walleye, Reading Royals, Hershey Bears, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, University of Arkansas, University of Mississippi,

University of Alabama, as well as special events including the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic, PragerU, MINT Museum Charlotte, JJ Watt Foundation, USO San Diego, Winter Equestrian Festival and the International Polo Club. Everson’s paintings also are in the private collections of actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, General Colin Powell, Golden State Warriors power forward Draymond Green and American actor Michael Rooker, just to name a few. According to his biography, Everson balances a mix of realism in his modern, abstract approach, yet is expressive through the power of color and line, breaking down the simplest form. “I still value that an artist can see something and translate that onto a page,” he says on his website. “Art is constantly moving and changing how I see the world.” To learn more about Everson’s artwork and his gallery, visit www.joeeverson.com. mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

Collaborative care between UPMC in Pittsburgh and UPMC Hamot (shown here) allows for specialized treatments and procedures that are unavailable anywhere else in this region.

Pioneering Patient Care Through Specialized Services UPMC Hamot is leading the way for specialized care in the Erie region and beyond. Through innovative procedures and care, as well as specialized physicians, UPMC Hamot is revolutionizing medical care right here in Erie. As UPMC’s designated tertiary hub of the north, UPMC Hamot is able to offer some of the highest levels of care available to this community and region. Erie’s geographical location and proximity to other smaller communities makes it a prime location to offer specialized and cutting-edge care to patients in and around Erie. In the eight years since Hamot joined forces with UPMC, many strides have been made in order to provide the best health services possible. “Resources are directed to our community to ensure that not only the breadth of physicians are available to our community, but also the latest technologies that allow the highest quality of care,” says David Gibbons, president of UPMC Hamot.

OCTOBER 2019 • mbabizmag.com

Gibbons further explains that Hamot’s addition of kidney transplant, interventional stroke care at the region’s only certified comprehensive stroke center, interventional radiology treatments, such as chemoembolization and stereotactic radiosurgery, are just a few examples. In the past, a devastating diagnosis, such as cancer, or a complicated kidney disorder required traveling to Pittsburgh or elsewhere for effective treatment. Not anymore. According to Lynn Rupp, vice president of Operations for UPMC Hamot, patients now have more treatment options right here at home, “A cancer diagnosis can often be overwhelming at first for patients. Now we may be able to take one stressor off of them: travel.” As a result of being the UPMC hub in the Erie area, patients who come to UPMC Hamot receive the same level of medical care they’d receive if they traveled to Pittsburgh. As a premier health-care facility, UPMC Hamot is also able to recruit and hire

world-class physicians and surgeons. “The connection allows us a better opportunity to recruit physicians,” says Rupp. Just this past summer, Matthew Klinge, M.D., a gastroenterologist and transplant hepatologist specializing in various liver conditions joined the UPMC Hamot medical team. He will make his home right here in Erie. His expertise and experience will make a difference for patients with liver conditions. Fellowship-trained breast surgeon and San Diego native, Mona Janfaza, M.D., joined UPMC Hamot in September. Choosing Erie and UPMC Hamot wasn’t a hard decision for Dr. Janfaza and her husband, both of whom are water enthusiasts. Additionally, Dr. Janfaza notes, “Erie’s small-town feel and proximity to larger cities made a move here attractive.” As a result, UPMC Hamot and the Erie area will gain a fellowship-trained breast surgeon who eagerly awaits the opportunity to care for the wide range of breast health needs in this region. “I have a special interest

The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at the former Regional Cancer Center building on West 12th Street will open this fall.

in oncoplastic surgical techniques which incorporate both surgical oncology and plastic surgery techniques in the treatment of breast cancer,” she says. Dr. Janfaza’s passion and skill will help transform the lives of breast cancer patients in our community. This high level of care will expand once again in the fall of 2019 with the official opening of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at the former Regional Cancer Center building. To date, UPMC Hillman is the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in western Pennsylvania. As one of the largest integrated community cancer networks in the United States, Hillman operates more than 60 locations throughout Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio and serves more than 110,000 patients annually. Now, Erie will become a part of this growing and dynamic system of cancer care. The UPMC Hillman team offers the same world-class care that is available in Pittsburgh at each location throughout their network, enabling patients to receive the highest quality care, right in their own communities. More than 2,000 physicians, researchers and staff work collaboratively to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care to patients with all types and stages of cancer, even in its rarest and most aggressive forms. Zulfiqar Hussain, M.D., F.A.C.P., board certified medical oncologist and hematologist, joined the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center team earlier this year. He explains that the collaborative process between oncologists in Erie with those based in Pittsburgh involves weekly and biweekly tumor board reviews via video-conferencing. The team discusses high acuity cases during these meetings and together formulates

Rendering

a management and treatment plan. “This gives the patient an opportunity to have a multidisciplinary approach of cancer management and access to cutting-edge treatments without the need for travel,” Dr. Hussain says. Gibbons further elaborates on the benefit of this collaborative effort to fight cancer, “The connection between the team in Erie and the team throughout the UPMC network is not just a partnership, it is a truly and completely integrated service.” The opening of a UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Erie is a massive leap forward in cancer care for our region. Rupp acknowledges this by saying, “Hillman is revolutionizing how we treat and fight against cancer.”

UPMC Hamot has enhanced its patient services with the addition of new specialists, including fellowship-trained breast surgeon and San Diego native, Mona Janfaza, M.D., and Zulfiqar Hussain, M.D., F.A.C.P., board certified medical oncologist and hematologist.

UPMC Hamot continues to pave the way in our region to ensure that this community has access to the best medical care possible. Life changing medicine isn’t just a slogan for UPMC Hamot. It’s a way of life.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center timeline for Erie location: • January 2019: UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Medical Oncology opens in Erie with physician practice located at 2500 W. 12th Street and medical oncology infusion (14 chairs) at UPMC Hamot. Physicians are Jan Rothman, M.D.; Zulfiqar Hussain, M.D.; and David Seastone, M.D.

UPMC Hamot is a 423-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services, and serves as a regional referral hub and Level II Trauma Center. Supported by a 300-member medical staff and nearly 3,000 dedicated employees, UPMC Hamot’s mission is to serve its patients, communities, and one another in the UPMC Hamot tradition of quality, health, healing and education.

• November 2019: UPMC Hillman Cancer Center will open its doors, offering both medical and radiation oncology services. Radiation oncologist Kevin Fisher, M.D., will join UPMC Hillman team at this time. In addition to Dr. Fisher, many current patients will continue to see a number of familiar faces within the nursing staff. A majority of the current RCC radiation oncology employees — including nurses and radiation therapists — will join the UPMC Hillman medical team.

Address: 201 State Street Erie, PA 16550

• June 2020: Renovations at 2500 W. 12th Street are expected to be complete. This location will include 24 medical oncology infusion chairs in a modern, private setting. The location will also include UPMC Hamot’s pulmonology practice, which will allow for important real-time collaboration between the pulmonologists and oncologists regarding lung cancer care.

Phone: 814-877-6000 Website: UPMCHamot.org

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

Supporting Manufacturers in Northwestern Pennsylvania for 31 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.

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Shown here is an aerial shot of LORD’s flagship Erie facility.

LORD Corporation: Growing Strong in NWPA A pattern of growth — it’s been a theme for LORD Corporation over several years, not only in northwestern Pennsylvania, but throughout the company’s worldwide locations. Now, as LORD prepares to be *acquired by global leader in motion and control technologies, Parker Hannifin Corp., this theme is anticipated to be kicked into overdrive. Making the Impossible Real For 95 years, LORD’s passion for innovation has created more value for its customers. The diversified technology company develops products, services, and processes that solve problems and move industries forward — industries such as aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, and industrial. For its customers, LORD enables success by making the impossible real. Strong customer relationships in booming industries, coupled with the surging economy over the past few years, led LORD to grow its revenues by more than 10 percent to top the $1 billion mark at

OCTOBER 2019 • mbabizmag.com

the end of 2018. “It was definitely a big milestone,” says LORD President and CEO Ed Auslander. “The economy was generally positive, but much of this success was related to us jumping into new areas and seeing a lot of growth with the work we do.” And much of that work is done in northwestern Pennsylvania, where LORD has made substantial investments over recent years. Born in Erie Although headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, LORD Corporation was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, where patent attorney Hugh Lord founded the company in 1924. The impetus? To solve a problem. Hugh thought automobiles were too loud. His curiosity and analytical thinking around mechanics resulted in many inventions — including noise and vibration mountings that led to quieter trolley cars traveling the streets of Erie. Today, LORD’s Erie location remains its flagship facility, with nearby plants in

Rachid Bendali, vice president, Global Aerospace & Defense, LORD, and Jean-Marc Fron, managing director, Boeing France, celebrate a new multi-year contract. In March 2018, it was announced that LORD will develop and manufacture the auto throttle module for Boeing’s 737 MAX. The cockpit control will be designed and produced at LORD Electromechanical Solutions (formerly FlybyWire France) facilities in Saint-Vallier, France and in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania.

Pictured here is the auto throttle module (ATM) that LORD is working on for Boeing, LORD’s largest contract in company history. Cambridge Springs and Saegertown, Pennsylvania. These locations are responsible for production that serves the company’s global customers, and all three have experienced growth over recent years. In 2015, LORD cut the ribbon on its new state-of-the-art Summit Township manufacturing plant — a $100-million investment that represented a huge economic victory for Erie. The 1 millionsquare-foot Summit Township facility enabled structural and equipment upgrades that helped fill a strong backlog from the company’s previous facilities on West 12th Street and Grandview Boulevard. As a result, LORD expanded its aerospace manufacturing capacity to meet the needs of its customers. Flying High In March 2018, it was time to celebrate another milestone — LORD won its biggest contract in company history to develop and manufacture the auto throttle module for Boeing’s 737 MAX. The cockpit control was set to be designed and produced at LORD Electromechanical Solutions facilities in Saint-Vallier, France and in Cambridge Springs. Securing this contract was good news for LORD and the northwestern Pennsylvania region as it meant a steady stream of work at LORD’s Cambridge Springs plant. Around the same time, focus was on LORD’s repair stations in Cambridge Springs and Erie — specialized workflows devoted to high priority needs of customers that have down aircraft. The purpose of the repair stations? To get the aircraft repaired and flying as soon as possible. To do this, LORD engineers examine parts that have been out in the field. They deconstruct and inspect those parts to make sure they’re airworthy, then they bond them with new components using LORD elastomer to finish the repair operation. This results in quicker lead times for the customers to avoid grounded aircraft situations. Expansion in Progress LORD announced another large investment in May 2018, this time in Saegertown. After much planning, company leaders, elected

Marking the groundbreaking of the Saegertown facility are: Joe McCallion, manager, Chemical Process Engineer, LORD; John Essman Sr., plant manager, LORD Saegertown; Doug Lorenz, president, Performance Materials Global Business, LORD; Ed Auslander, president and CEO, LORD; Chuck Lawrence, Saegertown Borough manager; and Judy Alstadt, wife of the late Don Alstadt, former LORD president and chairman.

officials, and local media gathered as LORD broke ground to expand and upgrade the Saegertown facility — an investment of $80 million to help meet customer demand around the globe. Expansion work will take place through 2023, adding 75,000 square feet to the already existing 250,000-squarefoot building on LORD’s 67-acre site. Saegertown is LORD’s largest specialty chemicals, adhesives and coatings manufacturing facility. Primary elements of the project include a new finished goods warehouse; a new structural adhesives building and added capacity; upgraded plant utilities, including wastewater handling; a new laboratory and improved office space; and more. According to Auslander, this expansion will enable LORD to better serve the electric vehicle industry. A little more than a year after breaking ground, LORD has successfully completed

construction of a 22,000-square-foot adhesive production building and a 32,000-square-foot warehouse expansion, which is already in use. The project continues to progress in phases and is on track for completion by 2023. A Driving Force LORD has been on a winning streak in recent years, with much of the celebrations anchored in the work done in northwestern Pennsylvania. With its impending *acquisition, Auslander recently shared he expects that work — and the pattern of growth — to continue even as the company becomes part of Parker Hannifin. To learn more about LORD Corporation and how its innovative solutions are Making the Impossible Real, visit www.lord.com/innovating-together/ around-the-world. *At press time, Parker Hannifin’s acquisition of LORD Corporation was pending deal closure.

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

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ASSOCIATION SERVICES

WE BRING THE BEST TRAINING TO YOU!

Association Offers More Regional Locations, Onsite Classes for MBA Members

Professional training is an investment with the potential for unlimited returns. So, when employers are trying to find the best ways to make the most of their training dollars, convenience and cost can be critical. Today, the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), in conjunction with its merger with SMC Business Councils (SMC), offers nearly 20 regional training locations across Pennsylvania for its members to utilize. From its state-ofthe-art Conference Center in Erie to partner training facilities in Cranberry Township, St. Marys, Mechanicsburg and beyond, the MBA offers one of the most dynamic training networks in the region. “For many of our members, they can now travel 20 minutes or less to one of our regional training sites to access our regionally recognized supervisory and leadership courses,” says Patty Welther, manager of Member Engagement at the Manufacturer & Business Association. “Our expanded footprint and broader outreach give our members greater access to our programs and a greater convenience for them and their employees.”

OCTOBER 2019 • mbabizmag.com

Regional Training Locations

The MBA’s partner training facilities have been a contributing factor for the Association’s success in its regional offerings. These organizations have been some of the strongest advocates for regional training and understand the value that the MBA courses and training instructors can bring to employers — and their employees.

notes Herbstritt. “We also believe that people are much more comfortable and are more conducive to learning when they are in or near their ‘hometown.’ The CEC has multiple training provider partners, and MBA is the one that has established a strong reputation in Supervisory Skills and HR Essentials in this region.”

According to Jackie Herbstritt, operations and facilities manager of the Community Education Center (CEC) of Elk and Cameron Counties, the training partnership with the MBA that began back in 2003 has proven very successful. So far, the Communication Education Center has served 832 individuals through the MBA’s Certified Supervisory Skills Program and 154 additional individuals through the HR Essential Certification Series. The Center also regularly receives inquiries from companies in the community about when these programs are scheduled to run.

Herbstritt notes that having the option to provide such trainings is critical. “Many training providers under-serve rural areas because the numbers and enrollments are perceived to be too few and far between,” she says. “I think that the MBA and CEC of Elk and Cameron have proved that is not the case over the last 17 years.”

“Being able to partner with MBA and host trainings here is extremely valuable because it really reduces travel time to Erie and, therefore, reduces costs to companies for mileage and lost-time at work,”

Harry C. Elinsky Jr., president and chief executive officer of Filtech, Inc. in Homestead, Pennsylvania, has seen firsthand the value that the MBA’s regional training offerings can provide member employers. For the past two years, Filtech has been using SMC’s location in Cranberry Township for its leadership and training needs, including the MBA’s Leadership for Team Leaders and Certified Supervisory Skills Series. >

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

TRAINING @ THE MBA LEARN IT TODAY . . . APPLY IT TOMORROW!

Harness the true potential of your workforce with more than 60 training programs to choose from! Visit mbausa.org for more information today!

“We have found these training opportunities offered by MBA as exceptional, filling the need to facilitate our leadership training requirements,” states Elinsky. “We are exceptional at what we do as filtration specialists and rely on others who are exceptional at what they do to support us. Building leadership skills is not something easily achieved. There are few who are ‘born leaders.’ This skill has to be built, and the MBA helps us meet this need.” Elinsky acknowledges there are many choices when it comes to professional development, but the MBA stands out. “We have found the MBA training to be the most comprehensive and well worth the time and money — an investment in our team members whom we rely on daily,” he says. The added benefit is that the Cranberry location is convenient for Filtech’s team members to get to from anywhere in the Pittsburgh area while providing a great learning environment. “We plan on continuing to use the MBA and it’s Cranberry facility for our ongoing training needs,” says Elinsky. “We already have identified three additional team members for Leadership for Team Leaders classes. Helping them build the skills to be better leaders and managers, which ultimately makes Filtech, Inc. a better organization.” Onsite Courses Today, the MBA also can bring its regionally recognized training programs to employers’ doorsteps, as well. Onsite classes can be customized by topic, offered as a half-day, full day or in a series format. The MBA also can bring its computer lab onsite for up to 12 participants. In fact, all courses are designed so that participants can apply them the same day. “Our programs are not informational, they’re transformational,” says Tracy Daggett, PHR, manager of Professional Development Training Services. “We focus on topics and tools that participants can take back and use immediately. This is just not a handout that they’re going to go back to the workplace and say, ‘I got this in a meeting, and that’s it.’ If we’re doing a series onsite, we have that gap between classes that gives the participant time to go back and try it in their own work setting. Then, we’re going to come

back in Course II, III, IV and V and see what’s working and what isn’t — and take it to the next level.” Keli Rounsville, SHRM-CP, training coordinator for American Refining Group (ARG) in Bradford, Pennsylvania, recently started utilizing the MBA’s onsite training services, specifically the five-part Leadership for Team Leaders program to supplement the company’s existing leadership activities. Previously, ARG’s experience with MBA has involved occasionally participating in the HR & Employment Law Conference and registering HR personnel for technical training. From an organizational perspective, the company had not yet explored other MBA training solutions until now. “In the past, we would send individuals off-site for a weeklong Leadership Training experience; however, the MBA’s program enabled ARG to bring a group of leaders together to relate on common themes at an affordable cost,” she says. “And the best part, the MBA did the traveling so our folks didn’t have to!” “We were able to work closely with our instructor to collaborate and integrate content that aligns with our culture,” Rounsville adds. “With their expert guidance, the MBA and our instructor were very flexible and willing to accommodate our visions and our needs. Furthermore, the MBA’s down-to-earth, teaching style made the material very relatable. The trainer was able to connect with participants and get them to open up about the challenges of leading amidst change.” The MBA’s trainers and instructors indeed have a depth of experience that sets them apart from others in their field. “They’ve worked in other industries, they can bring their real-life experience, but the MBA trainers have more than 25 years combined experience of training people. There’s the longevity of knowing that you can follow up with your trainer if you have questions and they have the knowledge and experience to get you the answers,” adds Welther. “Here, at the MBA, we bring the best training to you!” To learn about the Association’s regional and onsite training offerings, call Patty Welther at 814/8333200, 800/815-2660 or visit www.mbausa.org.

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

LET US SHOW YOU THE DOOR.

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MBA LEADERSHIP

2019-2020 MANUFACTURER & BUSINESS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The MBA Board of Governors for 2019-2020 Front row, from left: Colleen Moore-Mezler, Moore Research Services; Harry Eighmy, American Turned Products; Debbie Uht, Professional Communications Messaging Service; Mike Weber, Smith Provision Company; Kathy Jones, Wabtec Corporation; and, Dave Carlson, Creekside Springs, LLC; Back row, from left: Andy Foyle, H&H Machined Products Co.; Steven Jones, Ron Jones Hardwood; Mark Raimy, Welders Supply Company; Mike Mankosa, Eriez Magnetics; Jim Greenleaf, Greenleaf Corporation; Phil Katen, Plastikos; and, Mark Rose, LORD Corporation.

OCTOBER 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ mbabizmag.com

Executive Committee Chairman Mike Mankosa,

Vice Chairman Mark Raimy,

Ex-Officio Colleen Moore-Mezler,

Immediate Past Chairman Mark Rose,

Executive Vice President of Global Technology, Eriez Magnetics

President and Chief Executive Officer Moore Research Services

Treasurer Steven Jones,

Chief Executive Officer Welders Supply Company

President Ron Jones Hardwood Sales Inc.

Director of Erie Operations LORD Corporation

Board Members

New Board Members

Harry Eighmy,

Andrew Foyle,

Dave Carlson,

Jim Greenleaf,

Kathy Jones,

Debbie Uht,

Phil Katen,

Mike Weber,

Chief Operating Officer American Turned Products

Chief Executive Officer Greenleaf Corporation

President and General Manager Plastikos Inc.

President H&H Machined Products Co.

Vice President of Sales & Marketing Creekside Springs, LLC

Executive and Business Planning Manager Wabtec Corporation

President Professional Communications Messaging Service, Inc.

Chairman Smith Provision Company, Inc.

Message from the Immediate Past Chairman On behalf of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) Board of Governors, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our member companies for putting their trust in me during my term as chairman over this past year. It has been a learning experience, but also a very exciting time for the Association, as we expand our footprint and our services to support and champion the many employers — both large and small — that make our region and our country so great. As I pass the torch to 2019-2020 Board of Governors Chairman Mike Mankosa of Eriez Magnetics, I am confident in the vision, leadership and experience that he brings to the table. Mike, along with fellow executive committee members Mark Raimy, Steven Jones, Colleen Moore-Mezler, and the balance of the MBA Board of Governors — Harry Eighmy, Andy Foyle, Jim Greenleaf, Kathy Jones, Phil Katen and Mike Weber — and new Board members Dave Carlson and Debbie Uht, are exceptional people with the passion and energy to keep the Association forwardthinking and ahead of the curve. Thank you again for believing in us as we begin a new chapter and for being a part of this amazing organization. The success of the MBA is truly a reflection of your success! Sincerely, Mark Rose, Immediate Past Chairman of MBA Board of Governors and Director of Erie Operations LORD Corporation

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

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IN MEMORIAM

IN LOVING MEMORY OF RALPH PONTILLO

APRIL 12, 1955 – SEPTEMBER 7, 2019 Larger than life. A true visionary. A respected leader. A loyal friend. Ralph Pontillo was all these things and more. “Anyone who knew Ralph, knew what an incredible person he was and how passionate he was about the Manufacturer & Business Association and Roar on the Shore®,” says MBA President and CEO John Krahe. “We were honored to have known him, to work with him and to call him friend. He was truly one of the Great Ones, and he has left a huge void in our community and our hearts. We are all better for having him as part of our lives.” Pontillo, 64, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Florida on September 7, 2019. He was a major force in the Association’s leadership — both as its former president and CEO and as executive director of the Roar on the Shore® charitable motorcycle rally. A U.S. Air Force veteran and Erie native, Pontillo was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School and Gannon University, where he earned a baccalaureate degree in political science. He joined the Association in 1987 as manager of member services and was responsible for marketing and communications. He served as president from April 1, 1990 until his retirement in 2017. Over three decades, Pontillo was instrumental in the Association’s facility relocation to its present headquarters and construction of its state-of-the-art Conference Center at 2171 West 38th Street in Erie. The project helped expand many of the Association’s programs and services — HR, insurance, government affairs, training, among others — and enabled the Association to become one of the largest regional employers’ associations of its kind in the United States.

Throughout his tenure, Pontillo served on numerous local, state and national boards, including on former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett’s manufacturing advisory council and as a member of the American Society of Association Executives. He also was a Certified Association Executive, a professional designation that recognizes the highest level of achievement and excellence in the profession, for nearly 30 years. In addition to advocating for the business community, Pontillo left an indelible mark on the Erie community at large. Erie’s Italian American community named him Man of the Year in 2013 when he was honored by the Giuseppe Mazzini Civic Association. He also is credited with spearheading one of the Association’s most visible community outreach programs, the annual Roar on the Shore® charitable motorcycle rally. Over the past 13 years, the rally has generated nearly $1 million for local charities while providing an annual economic boost of more than $25 million thanks to its more than 100,000 visitors each year. “Ralph accomplished so many amazing things during his lifetime through the MBA and Roar®, but his greatest legacy was his family,” said Krahe. “He was a true family man and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with his wife Dana, his daughters Nicole, Amy and Anne, his three grandchildren, and all his extended family and friends.”

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

MD,Breakthrough PhD; and medical oncologist Philip Symes, MD — all fcare ormerly of the Regiinonal new Cancer Center. Patients can also cancer institute access rehabilitation, genetic counseling, pain management, nutrition, palliative care, and behavioral health services. The new Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer institute at Saint Vincent Hospital (SVH) is designed to offer all-in-one cancer care in a beautiful new building. This $25 million center will have: • Innovative radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy treatments. • Spacious, comfortable infusion bays. • Cutting-edge imaging technology for diagnostic and treatment planning.

Saint Vincent doctors wil also collaborate with leading oncologists at AHN’s Allegheny General and West Penn hospitals as well as Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. In partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine, AHN provides patients with access to remote second opinions and leading-edge cancer fighting therapies available through streamlined and guided access to hundred of clinical trials.

“By bringing all of our cancer specialists and services together in one building and on our campus, we can centralize care, which is easier on patients and their families, who are at a vulnerable time in their lives,” said Christopher Clark, DO, MHA, president of AHN Saint Vincent Hospital. “We have a highly skilled team of radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and surgeons on staff at Saint Vincent,” said Dr. Clark. “By eliminating fragmented care and bringing more services to our communities, we can change the way cancer care is delivered in Erie and improve the patient experience.”

More expert care

The new cancer institute will provide patients with access to a team of specialists that includes radiation oncologist Andrew Figura, MD; radiation oncologist Conrad Stachelek, MD, PhD; and medical oncologist Philip Symes, MD — all formerly of the Regional Cancer Center. Patients can also access rehabilitation, genetic counseling, pain management, nutrition, palliative care, and behavioral health services. Saint Vincent doctors will also collaborate with leading oncologists at AHN’s Allegheny General and West Penn hospitals as well as Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. In partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine, AHN provides patients with access to remote second opinions and leading-edge cancer fighting therapies available through streamlined and guided access to hundred of clinical trials.

If you have cancer, you have us. 60

OCTOBER 2019 • mbabizmag.com

comfort and convenience at every step in the healing journey. To learn more about the range of services available through AHN Cancer Institute go to AHN.org/cancer.

New technology offers pinpoint accuracy Saint Vincent doctors use cutting-edge imaging to catch cancer early and improve survival rates. We are the only facility in the region to offer: • 3 Tesla MRI to create the highest-resolution images. • Automated breast ultrasound for more accurate readings for women with dense breast tissues. • More precise prostate biopsies through the URO navigation system. • 3D mapping of the lungs to guide navigational bronchoscopes to hard-to-reach areas. • High-dose brachytherapy and stereotactic neurotherapy.

To schedule your imaging services with AHN Saint Vincent call 814-CONNECT.

A different approach to cancer care

Saint Vincent is Erie’s Choice for 2019 for best hospital.*

Patients coming to the new AHN Cancer institute will have a personalized experience, unmatched in the Erie region.

Saint Vincent Hospital is rated the No. 1 hospital in Erie* for Medical Excellence in Cancer Care.

Our multidsciplinary approach means that many physician specialists work as a team to develop a customized treatment plan based on the patient’s diagnosis, health history, and overall needs.

Each cancer patient is assigned to a nurse navigator who will be his or her single point of contact for questions and concerns from diagnosis through recovery. They receive maximum patient comfort and convenience at every step in the healing journey.

Saint Vincent Hospital is rated the No. 1 hospital in Erie* for Patient Safety in Cancer Care.

To learn more about the range of services available through AHN Cancer Institute go to AHN.org/cancer.

Source: 2019 CareChex® — an information service of Quantros, Inc. October 2014 - September 2017 ^No. 1 in Market Claims are based on CareChex® 2019 Composite Quality Scores and Ratings™ for acute care hospitals serving the combined statistical area (CSA) of Erie-Meadvil e *Erie Times News Readers Poll - erieschoice.com

Saint Vincent is Erie’s Choice for 2019 for best hospital.*

Saint Vincent Hospital is rated the No. 1 hospital in Erie* for Medical Excellence in Cancer Care. Saint Vincent Hospital is rated the No. 1 hospital in Erie* for Patient Safety in Cancer Care.

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

Partnering with the right dental carrier can do more than create healthy smiles. It can help keep your business on solid ground. Delta Dental of Pennsylvania deltadentalins.com 800-471-7091

We Lift Things Up & We Place Them Down Our services include: • A fleet of forklifts with capacities up to 80,000 pounds. • Crane service with capacities up to 100 ton. • A Machining Distribution Center, to unload, uncrate and store your machine, until you are ready to accept delivery and have it rigged into place. • Professional riggers that are experienced and certified, to safely and effectively handle your project needs.

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ASSOCIATION EVENTS

MFG DAY 2019

6th Annual Celebration Inspires Next Generation of Manufacturers OCTOBER 9, 2019

Kyle Bucholtz, a technology teacher at McDowell High School, is looking forward to the sixth annual Manufacturing Day celebration on October 9 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie. This year, the schools robotics team is excited to bring a robot and Haas CNC simulator to their exhibitor booth to show both students and employers.

“The interactions we have are always positive,” says Bucholtz, of the 2019 MFG Day event. “It is a great place for our students to network with companies they would not have ever had an opportunity to interact with.” Whether it is seeing new technology or talking with industry experts, Bucholtz believes that MFG Day is a worthwhile experience for participants and exhibitors alike. “We continue to support MFG Day because we know the need for quality skilled future employees for our local manufacturers,” he says. “MFG Day provides an opportunity for students to see a glimpse into what amazing parts and products our local manufacturers create right here in Erie.” From 8 a.m. till 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, the Bayfront Convention Center’s Exhibit Hall will be transformed into one of the largest manufacturing and technological trade shows of its kind in the tri-state region, with more than 2,000 middle and high school students, teachers, administrators, policy and industry advocates exploring numerous high-tech exhibits and interactive demonstrations, including 3D printing, robotics, CNC machining, drone technology and more. 64

OCTOBER 2019 • mbabizmag.com

OCTOBER 9, 2019 The 2019 event also will offer cutting-edge breakout sessions for attendees to interact with a diverse group of industry experts and learn about the high-paying jobs available in a variety of manufacturing industries. Later that evening, during the MBA’s Annual Event cocktail reception, more than 1,500 business and community leaders will also get to see some of the most exciting manufacturing technology that the region has to offer. “It’s an amazing day for students and our business community,” explains Association President John Krahe. “The exhibits are some of the most incredible examples of technology and innovation in our area and all the skills needed to create and work in this dynamic industry.” John Stull, an HR manager at LORD Corporation, a diversified technology and manufacturing company with facilities in Northwest Pennsylvania and longtime MFG Day exhibitor, sees the value that such a day of educational programming can provide to students and other participants who’ve never been exposed to manufacturing

careers before. “Education is key,” Stull explains. “It is a great opportunity to educate and influence young individuals that could be the future of our company. Events like this are very important to ensuring the success of local manufacturing companies like LORD Corporation.” As a MFG Day exhibitor, LORD is able to display products manufactured locally, discuss the manufacturing processes required and the skill sets that are required. LORD’s exhibitor team also takes time to understand the students’ interests, talk about career options based on their interests, and help them understand what training and education may be necessary. “For manufacturers, it provides a great opportunity to interact with thousands of students at one time and help them understand the opportunities in manufacturing,” says Stull. “For students, it provides an interactive setting that allows them to understand and learn about the many opportunities in manufacturing.”

“For me personally,” Stull continues, “it allows me to return the favor. There are several individuals that helped guide me into and through my career in manufacturing, and I hope to do the same for students that will make up the future of manufacturing.” Harry Eighmy, chief operating officer of American Turned Products (ATP), a contract precision machining company based in Fairview and Erie, Pennsylvania that serves customers worldwide, continues to support MFG Day as an exhibitor because of the increased attendance and interaction it offers the company each year. “The interaction with the attendees and other exhibitors has created improvement ideas for our organization,” says Eighmy. “Automation, robotics and hiring of new employees are some of the examples of why we participate and support MFG Day.” In the past, ATP has drawn large groups of students to its exhibitor booth with its unique games, videos and match-box car racing. “It’s lots of fun,” says Eighmy. “It’s a great forum for networking, for students, > mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

People. Opportunity. Cu�ng Edge Technology. Together we are “Turning” Challenges Into Solu�ons. American Turned Products specializes in the precision machining of high volume, highly complex components for the Defense, EV & Combus�on Automo�ve, Fluid Power, and other markets domes�cally and worldwide. Visit us at: WWW.ATPTEAM.COM

OCTOBER 2019 • mbabizmag.com

MFG DAY 2019

manufacturers and general attendees to see the opportunities in our region for manufacturing.” Educational Excellence The MFG Day celebration indeed provides participants with a host of learning opportunities, including the highly attended breakout sessions. The 30-to-45 minute educational presentations give students and manufacturers a chance to hear from experts in their fields on such topics as informed decisions about career pathways, careers in robotics, as well as scientific problem solving. Some of the highlights for the 2019 program include Phil Kerner: The Tool Guy at Industrial Sales & Mfg. in Erie, who will share “The Joy of Working with Your Hands for a Living” and his firsthand experience of why he enjoys his manufacturing career. Dipo Onipede, Ph.D. and students at Penn State Behrend will present on “Explore Manufacturing Innovation” and all the programs and resources that are available

in that career pathway, while “Earn While You Learn: Partners in Apprenticeship” will explain how participants can train for high-tech, high-demand careers while earning a paycheck. As is tradition, the MFG Day event also will celebrate some of the region’s top vocational-technical school students with the presentation of the Patrick R. Locco Scholarship Awards. Scholarships will be awarded to winners from each of the five participating schools to assist them in future academic endeavors. Students must be nominated by a teacher to be considered. Each school narrows the nominees to their top candidates. The students are then interviewed by local businesspeople who choose the winners. 2019 nominees include: Cody Nikolai, Deviaughn Hansbrew, Jason Campbell, Abdulah Sadeik and Emma Johnson from Erie High School; Caleb Kafferlin, Drake McCray, Hannah Brewer, Ryan Weidner

and Kadyn Grow from Corry Area Career Technical Center; Adrik Mattis, August Lasko, Jarrett Huber, Sean Wheelock and Kiersten Roncaglione from Crawford County Career and Technical Center; Aden Mitchell, Dakota Mitchell, Dan Swanson, Elaina Lawson and Salwa Salem from Erie County Technical School; and, Brayden Smiley, Cole Simpson, Colin Grove, Hunter Garland and Molly Rimko from Mercer County Career Center. “MFG Day gives us a chance to celebrate the best of the best. It’s a celebration of manufacturing excellence and excellence in vocation and technical education — an event unlike any other in our area,” says Krahe. “It is a chance to learn, explore and engage students about all the exciting careers and innovation available in manufacturing. It’s a day that everyone looks forward to, and it certainly shows us all that the future of manufacturing in the tri-state region is very bright.” To learn about this year’s MFG Day event, visit www.mbausa.org.

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

MAKING A DIFFERENCE LOESEL-SCHAAF INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. DIVERSE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES For more than 92 years, Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency, Inc. has been an independent multi-line insurance agency, offering a wide array of products and services. Growing to four separate divisions, encompassing just about every insurance need possible, the Agency has become one of the largest “one-stop shops” for businesses and individuals across the tri-state area and beyond. “Having a professional staff averaging 25 years of insurance industry experience, we effectively solve problems for our clients,” says Doug Loesel, President. “We have a vast reservoir of knowledge from which to draw and a team approach is often utilized. Someone on staff has most likely tackled just about any challenge and together we can find a solution.” Because circumstances change, Loesel-Schaaf offers a complimentary review of policies, personal or business, to ensure adequate protection.

Commercial Insurance

Integrated risk management Coverage that keeps up with your industry.

Employee Benefits

Intelligent advice Programs that support your goals.

Personal Insurance

Custom-designed peace of mind Insurance that works as hard as you do.

Individual Life & More

For your peace of mind Affordable solutions that protect your lifestyle.

Medicare Options

For your lifestyle and needs Help with your Medicare choices. “At Loesel-Schaaf,” adds Loesel, “clients and staff proclaim, ‘We make a difference,’ in both their lives and in the community.”

LOESEL-SCHAAF INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. 3537 West 12th Street Erie, PA 16505-3650 Phone: 814/833-5433 Fax: 814/838-6172

COMMUNITY HOMES • SUPPORTED LIVING • LIFE SKILLS • HOUSING SUPPORT LIFE SHARING • BLENDED CASE MGT. • MOBILE MED MONITORING • ADULT TRAINING FACILITY

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

• Helping to enhance the ability of persons with mental and physical disabilities • Providing individuals self-direction and personal worth • Enable individuals to live as independently as possible • Serving over 1,000 individuals in multiple PA counties • Corporate office located in Erie, with regional offices in Corry, Warren, and Ridgway

1350 West 26th Street • Erie, PA 16508 814 456.9962 • www.lakeshorecs.org

OCTOBER 5, 2016

Keynote Speaker Kat Cole

MANUFACTURING DAY SUPPORTERS

ONSORS

rong

IT!

CHANNELLOCK Address: 1306 S. Main Street Meadville, PA 16335 Phone: 814/337-9200 Website: www.channellock.com Founded in 1886, Channellock, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of high-quality pliers and assorted hand tools. Family owned and operated, Channellock, Inc. has more than 4,000 U.S. wholesale and retail customers and ships to customers in 45 countries. CURTZE FOOD SERVICE Address: 1717 East 12th Street Erie, PA 16511 Phone: 814/452-2281 Website: www.curtze,com Curtze is a broadline food service distributor offering a unique center of the plate program, which includes portion control fresh meat in a custom cutting federally inspected meat facility, as well as a custom cut fresh seafood program.

ERIE STRAYER COMPANY 1851 Rudolph Avenue Erie, PA 16502 Phone: 814/456-7001 Website: www.eriestrayer.com Erie Strayer Company, family owned since 1912, is a fourth-generation industry leader in the designing, engineering and manufacturing of concrete batch plants. From custom ready-mix plants to highly mobile paving plants, ERIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rugged quality and timely after-sale support helps to ensure repeat business. ERIE also manufactures its own Heavy-Duty Tilt Drum Mixer, Liberty Batching Control System and state-of-the art PLCBased Automatic Material Handling Controls.

INDUSTRIAL SALES & MANUFACTURING Address: 2909 West 12th Street Erie, PA 16505 Phone: 814/833-9876 Website: www.ismerie.com Quality contract machining, fabrication and assembly for OEMS since 1967.

OCTOBER 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ mbabizmag.com

MacDonald Illig A T T O R N E Y S

REDDOG INDUSTRIES, INC. Address: 2012 East 33rd Street Erie, PA 16510 Phone: 814/898-4321 Website: www.reddog-erie.com Manufacturing capabilities include design & manufacturing of highpressure plastic injection molds; aluminum & zinc die-cast dies and specialized machining.

REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANY Address: 1738 West 20th Street Erie, PA 16502 Phone: 814/455-8023 Website: rehrigpacific.com Manufactures recycle bins, milk crates, and dairy crates, to name a few. RIDG-U-RAK, INC. Address: 120 South Lake Street North East, PA 16428 Phone: 866/479-7225 Website: www.ridgurak.com One of North America’s largest pallet rack and storage rack manufacturers, Ridg-U-Rak designs and manufactures a full array of storage rack solutions.

MCINNES ROLLED RINGS Address: 1533 East 12th Street Erie, PA 16511 Phone: 814/459-4495 Website: www.mcinnesrolledrings.com Manufactures seamless rolled ring forgings in carbon, alloy and stainless steel. NATIONAL FUEL GAS DISTRIBUTION CORPORATION Address: 1100 State Street Erie, PA 16501 Phone: 814/871-8200 Website: www.nationalfuelgas.com A public utility providing natural gas service to more than 740,000 customers through a local distribution system in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. NORTHWESTERN PA CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL TOOLING AND MACHINING ASSOCIATION Address: P.O. Box 203 Meadville, PA 16335 Phone: 814/720-0094 Website: nwpa-ntma.com NWPA NTMA is a trade association focused on promoting the advancement of excellence in precision custom manufacturing through cooperation between members, educators, associated organizations, and government in the regions served.

WELDERS SUPPLY COMPANY Address: 1628 Cascade Street KeepAmericaStrong Erie, PA 16502 Phone: 814/454-1563 Website: www.wscrc.com Northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York’s leader in the supply of medical, industrial gasses and welding supplies to the manufacturing, Do not print black outline construction, health care and laboratory industries. Committed to Service since 1946

WELD IT!

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

COMPANY PROFILE COMPANY PROFILE

Our business Our business is helping is helping your business. your business. Insurance and employee Insurance and employee benefits — handled. benefits — handled. As one of the leading insurance and employee benefits administrators in northwest Pennsylvania, C.H. Reams & As one of the leading insurance and employee benefits Associates serves businesses ranging from small employers administrators in northwest Pennsylvania, C.H. Reams & to large corporations. Associates serves businesses ranging from small employers to large With corporations. us, you’ll be able to realize the full potential of your employee benefit dollars. We specialize in designing, With us, you’ll be able to realize the full potential of your implementing and maintaining custom employee benefit employee benefit dollars. We specialize in designing, plans so business owners like you don’t have to. implementing and maintaining custom employee benefit plans so business owners like you don’t have to.

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Erie Gives 2019 broke all Records! Thank you to the donors, nonprofits and sponsors who made this year’s Erie Gives the most remarkable one yet!

391 nonprofits received $5,569,161 21,558 donations were made by 8,976 donors 2019 sponsors:

EE Austin Companies ERIEBANK Knox Law

McInnes Rolled Rings Little Caesars/Dickey’s BBQ

Northwest VNET

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

ASSOCIATION STAFF & SERVICES

A TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS WORKING FOR YOU… EXECUTIVE TEAM

At the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), we make it our business to understand the ongoing challenges and growing demands of our member companies. That’s why our team of 34 dedicated and experienced professionals are here to answer your questions, provide you with value-added programs and services, and steer you in the right direction to make sure that your organization gets the support it needs — when you need it! To ensure that you are getting the most from your membership dollars, we are always looking for ways to make sure your resources are the most comprehensive and cost-effective as possible. And, now, through our merger with SMC Business Councils (SMC) in the Pittsburgh region, 400 more employers have access to enhanced training, networking and legislative affairs support services, such as our energy, logistics and employee assistance programs. No matter what resources your organization needs — timely information, conference center facilities, insurance, human resources/legal, training or government affairs support — the MBA’s professional staff is always here working for you!

John Krahe,

Brad Phillips,

President and CEO

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Lori Joint,

Tammy Lamary-Toman, JD, PHR, SHRM-CP

Vice President

Vice President/Employment Counsel

ADMINISTRATION

Laurie Mattis,

Director of Administration

OCTOBER 2019 • mbabizmag.com

Ann Miaczynski,

Administrative Specialist

Dianne Wodarski,

Administrative Specialist

Pam Durst, Receptionist

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Sharon Ventrice,

Bea Blenner,

Director of Finance

Assistant Controller

Melissa Lesniewski,

Accounts Receivable Specialist

Business Magazine …

As the only monthly business-to-business publication in the tri-state region, the Business Magazine has served as a critical information tool for employers located throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York for more than 30 years. Each month, through our print and digital editions, as well as www.mbabizmag.com, the magazine showcases the best of our member companies and includes information on the most compelling human resource, legal and legislative issues facing businesses today. Register for a free digital subscription at www.mbabizmag.com/subscribe.

Computer and Professional Development Training …

BUSINESS MAGAZINE, COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

As a leader in professional development programs for more than 20 years, our expert trainers deliver the knowledge and skills that employers need to compete in today’s business world. These courses are offered in interactive, engaging class environments — including half- and full-day classes, onsite and regional training, as well as one-on-one customized coaching — that deliver the knowledge, skills and tools to improve the performance of our members and their employees.

COMPUTER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

Karen Torres,

David Thornburg,

Frank Mehler,

Christine DeSantis,

Casey Naylon,

Tammy Polanski,

Executive Editor and Senior Writer

Patty Welther,

Manager of Member Engagement

Tracy Daggett, PHR

Manager of Professional Development Training Services

Account Executive

Lisa DeFilippo, Training Specialist

Conference Center …

In every aspect, the Association’s Conference Center in Erie is unique in its business-focused amenities, offering unparalelled comfort, convenience and service to the more than 21,000 guests who’ve held their meeting, seminar, briefing, trade show or special event at the Association this past year. In fact, “We are so confident that you will be pleased with our facility and service that we guarantee your satisfaction or you don’t pay for the meeting.”

Account Executive

Graphic Designer

CONFERENCE CENTER

Computer and Digital Media Specialist

Norm Zymm,

Director of Conference Center

Karen Learn,

Assistant Director of Conference Services

Director of Marketing

Sarah Vincent,

Conference Center Coordinator

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

HR & LEGAL SERVICES INCLUDED WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Whether it’s a simple employment question or a complex legal issue, our team of HR & Legal professionals is here for you with an array of free and discounted services to help keep your compliance current and your workforce engaged! • HR/LEGAL HOTLINE: Get unlimited access to a certifiedHR team of specialists and labor and employment law attorney anytime, no charge. • HR/LEGAL WEBINARS: Access HR/legal advice on important issues without leaving your desk. • EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTS: Download more than 50 legallyreviewed employment forms, policies and documents at mbausa.org. • SURVEYS: Updated annually, our Holiday Practice and Wage & Salary Surveys are available exclusively to MBA members only. • HR NEWSLETTER: HR in Review is packed with best practices, tips and advice you’ll actually want to read! • HR LISTSERV: Connect with fellow HR peers to ask questions, make recommendations, post comments and get feedback. • RESUME BANK: It’s exclusive, confidential and available for MBA members only.

Tammy Lamary-Toman, JD, PHR, SHRM-CP

Vice President/Employment Counsel ttoman@mbausa.org

Stacey Bruce, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Director of Human Resources sbruce@mbausa.org Robyn Hopper, aPHR Human Resource Consultant and Trainer rhopper@mbausa.org Rose Bruno, PHR, SHRM-CP Human Resource Consultant rbruno@mbausa.org

See our discounted services for MBA members only on the back. For more information, call our HR team anytime at 800/815-2660, 814/833-3200 or visit www.mbausa.org.

ASSOCIATION STAFF & SERVICES

EnergyAdvisors …

ENERGY ADVISORS

Every business needs energy to power their business, and through our energy savings program that means consistently looking for ways to help our members maintain a competitive advantage. Our alliance with NRG Business Solutions provides participating companies with both fixed and variable pricing — along with the same level of experience, expertise and service they’ve come to expect from the MBA.

Government Affairs …

Judy Rosatti, Energy Advisor

We are your voice in Harrisburg and Washington! We provide a powerful, unified voice for business – advocating for a pro-business, pro-growth agenda. Members rely heavily on our efforts to represent their interests, inform them of critical business issues, maintain constant contact with legislators, and continuously lobby on their behalf on issues that affect their business at the local, state and federal levels. Be sure to take advantage of our publications, legislative luncheons and forums.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

HR AND LEGAL SERVICES

Stacey Bruce, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Robyn Hopper, aPHR HR Consultant and Trainer

Director of HR Services

Jezree Friend,

Senior Government Relations Representative

Eileen Anderson,

Director of Government Relations / SMC

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND INSURANCE

Rose Bruno, PHR, SHRM-CP HR Consultant

HR and Legal Services …

The Association’s HR and Legal Services Departments are a go-to resource for HR needs, allowing members to outsource some or all of the HR responsibilities so members can focus on running their businesses. Association members also have free, unlimited access to our certified HR consultants and employment law attorneys through our HR and Legal Hotlines, and can call any time with questions on a variety of employment law and HR compliance issues. Plus, don’t miss our timely and informational HR roundtables, webinars and Lunch & Law briefings, or our highly anticipated HR & Employment Law Conference on October 23 in Erie. Knowledge is power, and this conference delivers, gathering human resource professionals from a wide variety of industries and businesses for a full day of interactive sessions, thought-provoking information and numerous networking opportunities.

Melissa Damico,

Ryan Murphy,

Alicia Linsenbigler,

Carrie Bednarski,

Client Service Manager

Insurance Agent

Employee Benefits and Insurance …

At the Manufacturer & Business Association Insurance and SMC Insurance agencies, our mission is to help our members obtain the best benefits possible for their organizations and their employees. Many of the Associationsponsored insurance plans, including ancillary plans from The Hartford, Delta Dental, United Concordia and VBA Vision, and workers’ compensation plans through Eastern Alliance, are exclusive to MBA members at the best rates possible. As always, we are here to answer your questions and guide you.

Director of SMC Insurance Agency

Account Manager, SMC Insurance Agency

For more information about the Association services, visit www.mbausa.org.

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

Rogers Brothers Corporation • Albion, PA Proudly Made in Pa for More than 100 years!

The ROGERS® Difference: • Over 100 years of trailer experience • Superior craftsmanship and rugged dependability • Highest quality components and raw materials • Industry leading resale value • Seven Year Limited Structural Warranty

ROGERS has been a leader in the heavy-duty trailer industry for more than 100 years. ROGERS’ longevity is a result of our commitment to the superior quality, reliability and durability into every trailer we design and manufacture.

www.rogerstrailers.com • (800) 441-9880

Connect with Rogers on Social Media:

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

The

Partner

for your business is a credit union. Checking accounts to credit and debit cards Commercial, real estate and SBA loans Complete line of payment acceptance options Erie FCU has everything your business needs. Whether you’re starting out small or thinking big...We’ve got your back. To learn more, call us at (814) 825-2436 or go to eriefcu.org #unbanktoday

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OCTOBER 2019 • mbabizmag.com

2/11/19 3:35 PM

Banking

Banking Name: Steven Lombard

Name: Matt Zonno

Title: Community Sales Manager

Title: Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending

Company: Andover Bank in Edinboro

Company: Northwest Bank

Contact Information: Email: Slombard@andover.bank Phone: 814/734-1655 Address: 212 Plum St Edinboro, PA 16412

andover.bank

Education

Products/Services Provided: Commercial Loans – Working Capital, Equipment Financing, and Commercial Real Estate, Treasury Management services, Deposit services, Insurance products, Trust Services, and Investments Education: Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Contact Information: Email: Matthew.Zonno@Northwest.com

Professional Associations: United Way of Erie County, Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, Penn Northwest Development and The Erie Club (Finance Committee)

Phone: 814/461-6965 Address: 800 State Street, Suite 300 Erie, PA 16501

northwest.com

Consulting Name: Joyce Ann Miller, Ph.D. Title: President

Name: Ashley Senger

Company: KeyStone Research Corporation

Title: Owner

Company: Language Collaborations, LLC

Contact Information: Email: ashley@lcerie.com Phone: 814/314-9686

Products/Services Provided: Language Collaborations, LLC offers the perfect solution for employers with non-English speaking employees by providing custom, onsite English language services to improve their engagement in safety, efficiency and communication in the workplace. Improving the English skills of employees can lead to less errors and improved quality in a company’s products and services. Language Collaborations is committed to working with employers to maximize the potential of their workforce. Education: B.S., Indiana University of Pennsylvania; English as a Second Language Program Specialist Certification, Midwestern IU Professional Associations: Athena Circle of Trust Awards & Recognitions: Idea Fund grant award winner, featured guest on WQLN “We Question & Learn”

languagecollaborations.com

Contact Information: Email: joycem@ksrc.biz Phone: 814/836-9295, Ext. 131 Address: 3823 West 12th Erie, PA 16505

ksrc.biz

Education: Edinboro State College, Edinboro, PA, B.A. Sociology (cum laude); Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, M.A. Sociology; Kent State University and University of Akron, Kent and Akron, Ohio, Joint Ph.D. Program, Ph.D., Sociology (Applied Sociology/ Evaluation Research); Lean Operations & Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, Manufacturer & Business Association, 2007; Certification in Peace and Conflict Resolution, 2012. Professional Associations: American Evaluation Association; American Sociological Association; Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology; People to People International; The Rotary Club of Erie Awards/Recognitions: Congressional Fellowship, the Sydney S. Spivack Program in Applied Social Research and Social Policy of the American Sociological Association, 2001-2002; ATHENA PowerLink® Program recipient for Erie, 2009; 2012 Rotary Peace Fellowship, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, for studies in peace and conflict resolution at the Rotary Peace Center at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, 2012

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

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Engineering

Insurance Name: Jeff Evans

Name: Korin Giles, M.S., CWMP, CESCO Title: Vice President/ Environmental Practice Leader

Contact Information: Email: kmgiles@urbanengineers.com Phone: 814/453-5702, Ext. 120 Fax: 814/453-2020 Address: 1319 Sassafras Street Erie, PA 16501

urbanengineers.com

Title: Employee Benefits Consultant

Company: Urban Engineers, Inc.

Company: Northwest Insurance Services

Products/Services Provided: With more 30 years of experience, Giles is responsible for quality control, planning, coordination, implementation and oversight of a wide variety of environmental services at Urban Engineers. She has completed hundreds of Phase I ESA/due diligence site assessments; subsurface investigations, characterizations and remediation; wetlands investigations, permitting and mitigation; endangered species assessments; regulatory permitting; OSHA HazCom and health and safety programs; air quality permitting; waste management programs; storm water/wastewater discharge permitting/monitoring; hazmat surveys; meth lab air quality assessments and remediation; asbestos sampling/air monitoring; and landfill inspections.

Products/Services Provided: In his role, Evans works with employers to help them address the critical challenges of cost, compliance and employee satisfaction associated with their employee benefit programs. Evans concentrates his efforts on developing costcontainment strategies that will be necessary for employers as they adjust to the challenges of healthcare reform in order to comply with upcoming laws and regulations.

Education: Master of Science in Environmental Health Safety and Engineering, Gannon University, 2011; Baccalaureate in Biology, Gannon University, 1987 Products/Services Provided: Licensed Asbestos Building Inspector/ Management Planner and a Certified EMS Environmental Auditor, RAB Certified Environmental Auditor, Certified Waste Management Professional, Certified Environmental Safety and Compliance Officer and Certified Host Municipality Landfill Inspector; member of the Air and Waste Management Association, National Society of Wetland Scientists, National Registry of Environmental Professionals and Rotary Club of Erie

Lending

Contact Information: Email: Jeffrey.Evans@northwest.com Phone: 814/920-1063 Fax: 814/838-1044 Address: 800 State Street, Suite 200 Erie, PA 16501

northwest.com

Manufacturing Name: John Fee

Name: Patrick M. Goodrich

Title: Franchise Owner

Title: Chief Operating Officer/Vice President

Company: Lendio - Erie

Contact Information: Email: John.fee@lendiolocal.com Phone: 814/200-1551 Address: 1001 State Street, 9th Floor Erie, PA 16501

lendio.com/local/erie

Products/Services Provided: Lendio is the leading nationwide marketplace for small business lending. A single free and easy application provides business owners access to over 75 lenders, Last year alone, Fee assisted hundreds of local businesses to launch and expand. He helped secure nearly $4 million in capital funding for his clients. Lendio quickly matches small businesses with the right funding source and product, whether it be a line of credit, term loan, commercial real estate loan, equipment financing or another funding option. Education: Undergraduate degree from Tufts University and a master’s degree from Gannon University Professional Associations: Member of the Manufacturer & Business Association, and Erie Regional Chamber of Commerce and Growth Partnership Awards & Recognitions: President’s Staff Star Award, Gannon University (2018); Lendio’s nationwide new franchisee funding leader (2019)

Company: Seaway Manufacturing Corporation and Seaway Window

Contact Information: Email: PGoodrich@SeawayMfg.com Phone: 814/898-2255, Ext. 370 Address: 2250 East 33rd Street Erie, Pa, 16510

Products/Services Provided: A fixture in local manufacturing since 1959, Seaway is consistently one of the Top 100 Manufacturers recognized by the National Glass Association. Seaway manufactures several lines of premium vinyl windows, patio doors and sunrooms, distributing through specialty home improvement dealers in 20 states. Seaway Window is their company-owned Erie dealer, offering all Seaway Manufacturing products and other home improvements to regional homeowners and businesses. Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Professional Associations: Window and Door Dealers Alliance, National Glass Association, National Sunroom Association Engineering Committee, Young Erie Professionals Committee Co-Chair

seawaymfg.com

mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2019

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ERIE, PA PERMIT #199

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Nondiscrimination statement UPMC Health Plan1 complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 1 UPMC Health Plan is the marketing name used to refer to the following companies, which are licensed to issue individual and group health insurance products or which provide third party administration services for group health plans: UPMC Health Network Inc., UPMC Health Options Inc., UPMC Health Coverage Inc., UPMC Health Plan Inc., UPMC Health Benefits Inc., UPMC for You Inc., and/or UPMC Benefit Management Services Inc.

Translation Services ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-855-489-3494 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-855-489-3494（TTY：711）。

MANUFACTURER & BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL REPORT

OCTOBER 2019