NOVEMBER 2019
CHAMBER CENTRAL A PUBLICATION OF THE WESTMORELAND COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Chamber was pleased to recognize leadership, excellent business practices, and service to our community as part of the Chamber’s Awards Luncheon & Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, October 10 at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center in Greensburg. In addition to the awards, the Chamber held a brief business meeting for roughly 350 members in attendance, which included the announcement of additions to the Board of Directors for 2020, highlighting of the past year’s accomplishments and review of goals for the year ahead. “Each year, the Chamber seeks to honor excellence in Westmoreland County - a significant reason why our region is a great place to live and do business. Each year our award recipients exemplify that concept,” commented Chad Amond, President & CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. Award Recipients In the Business of the Year category, the award recipient was Blue Sky Sign Co.; Chamber Member of the Year, Jessica Urbanik, SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management and GOAL Magazine; Not-for-Profit of the Year, Westmoreland Children First; and ATHENA® Award, Lisa Frederick, Unity Printing. Award recipients were honored by the Chamber with a video presentation produced by Skene 19 Films, and were presented with an engraved plaque of Westmoreland County. Award sponsors included First Commonwealth Bank and S&T Bank. Corporate sponsors also contributing to the event included 103.9 KHB/103.1KVE, Classic Hits 107.1 WHJB, Laura Edgerly Designs, Skene 19 Films, Smail Auto Group, Trib Total Media, Carlow University, Fotorecord Print Center, Standard Bank, PNC Bank, First National Bank, Blue Sky Sign Co. and Diversified Planners. See Awards ● Page 3
THE WESTMORELAND COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNIZES FOTORECORD PRINT CENTER AS THE “OFFICIAL PRINTER” OF THE CHAMBER CENTRAL NEWSLETTER. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICES.
FOTORECORD
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11:00 am - Ribbon Cutting, Greensburg Cornbread
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7:45 am - MBPA Chapter Networking Breakfast, Dick’s Diner, Murrysville
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8:30 am - Small Business Roundtable, “My Employer Cares” presented by Integrity Retirement Solutions
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11:30 am - Member Luncheon, Ferrante’s Lakeview, Greensburg
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7:45 am - Wake Up Westmoreland Breakfast, Empower3, Murrysville
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4:30 pm - BASH, Quatrini Rafferty Attorneys at Law, Latrobe
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8:00 am - Ambassador Committee Meeting
BREAKFAST
6:30 pm - Ribbon Cutting, Grind 24/7 Training Center, Export
WAKE UP WESTMORELAND
Presenter: CHRIS RODELL
LUNCH
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MURRYSVILLE BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION NETWORKING BREAKFAST
LUNCHEON SPONSOR:
Please join us as we welcome Chris Rodell, author of recently published “Growing Up in the REAL Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood: Life Lessons from the Heart of Latrobe”. This book is a freewheeling conversation about what makes Latrobe so special. One monumental reason is Rogers, a man visionary educators are beginning to equate with spiritual leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. It tells the stories of couples he married, souls he saved and if calling him “Christlike” is blasphemous or accurate. It has previously untold stories of Rogers being a lifesaving superhero and of him being perfectly human. In a world that cries out for civility and healing, it’s the only book about Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood by an author who actually calls the place home.
NOVEMBER BASH Thurs., Nov. 21 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM Hosted by: Quatrini Rafferty Attorneys at Law 816 Ligonier Street Latrobe, PA 15650 No cost to members thanks to a sponsorship from Dollar Bank!
CHAMBER CENTRAL Awards ● From 1
In addition to the awards presentation, the Chamber announced the addition of four new members and three returning members to the 2020 Board of Directors after a membership-wide vote. New board members include Thomas Jeffery Cook, Esq., President & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Somerset Trust Company; Dan Galbraith, Owner, Solutionist—SWAG; Chris Mohler-King, Owner, Sendell Motors; and Janeen Moffa, Vice President, Business Banker, S&T Bank. In addition, members re-elected include Jason Rigone, Executive Director, Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation; Brad Roth, President & Chief Compliance Officer, Kattan Ferretti Financial; and Paul Ward, Assistant General Counsel, Kennametal, Inc. Leaving the board at the end of this year will be Dr. Gennaro “Jamie” Piraino, Jr., Superintendent, Franklin Regional School District; and James Smith, President/CEO, Economic Growth Connection. In his remarks, Amond explained, “The theme of the day is ‘Stone Soup’ - based on the European folk story in which hungry strangers influence the people in their community to each share a small amount of their food in order to make a meal that everyone enjoys. The story expresses the value of sharing—this is what we are doing and what we must continue to do. No person in this room is going to solve anything by themselves. We need to continue to work together to impact Westmoreland County. Every single person here is a key ingredient in helping to nurture and grow what makes Westmoreland County such
a great place to live, work, and play.” In the spirit of the Stone Soup theme, nonperishable food items were collected for several months leading up the event and served
as the table centerpieces. Over 400 nonperishable food items were collected from generous members and then donated to the Westmoreland County Food Bank following the event.
& Staff members at pheple FCU were thrilled to cut the ribbon at their new branch location in the Eastgate Shopping Center, Hempfield Township, on September 18. Just one year ago, Westmoreland Community Federal Credit Union changed its name to pheple FCU. People helping people. That is what the credit union was about, is about, and will always be about. They still hold strong to the same values and offer the same great products and services to each and every member. As they continue to progress, they invite you to come along on the journey.
Westmoreland County Community College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony September 27 for its new Student Achievement Center at the Youngwood campus. A renovation of Founders Hall, the new 120,000-square-foot Student Achievement Center fosters individual and collaborative learning resources. It is also home to a comprehensive support services environment for the college community. The center’s primary focus is on helping students, faculty and staff achieve the greatest level of success in all of their endeavors.
A ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration was held at the new Hampton Inn & Suites in New Stanton on October 2. Owned by Grove City developer Stanton Hospitality, the 84-room Hampton is New Stanton’s first new hotel in 20 years. Heather Bianchi, manager, says the hotel is unlike any other. It has a more modern design, serving as a prototype of the planned next generation of Hampton Inns. With quick and easy access to Interstates 70 and 76, the hotel features a 820 sq. ft. meeting room and 24-hour business center with free print/copy services.
Paul Ruggieri, owner of Glass Valley Media, recently took home 3 Mid-Atlantic Emmy awards for his work with WQED TV. ● Category: Human Interest – Program/Special “Stolen Years: Women, Caregivers & Alzheimer’s” Director of Photography (television camera) & Editor ● Category: Documentary—“The Great Ride” Director of Photography (television camera), Online Producer, and Editor ● Category: Photographer – Program An award for overall achievement Submit Member Moves & Milestones content to tricia@westmorelandchamber.com
CHAMBER CENTRAL Michael T. Storms "Over the river and through the wood, To grandfather's house we go; The horse knows the way To carry the sleigh, Through the white and drifted snow." - Lydia Maria Child, Thanksgiving Day (1845) In 1863, Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November to be a National Day of Thanksgiving. In 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt changed it to the fourth Thursday in November. Two key celebrations in November: 1. November 11th, Veteran's Day, the special day we honor those who have served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces, Police, First Responders, Firemen, etc. Veteran’s Day coincides with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which mark the end of World War I. Men and women have sacrificed their time, energy, and in some cases, their lives to protect or promote the core values of freedom, truth, honor, and the constitution that we cherish. Nothing drives this home more than the farewell to a loved one going off to serve.
Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Director of Operations, Engineered Products, Elliott Group
meal and say, “Thanks for all we love and have in life that is good!” A simple “thank you” says it all. Thank you for being there when I need you. Thank you for understanding. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for the love you give me every day. Thank you for the help and recognition, etc. On behalf of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, I would like to say, “Thank You for all you do for Westmoreland County, your businesses, your employees, and the many others you impact every day.”
On Veteran’s Day, thank a military person, an officer of the law, a first responder, a fireperson or any of those who charge forward for us all. 2. Thanksgiving, perhaps the most popular of all American holidays, after Christmas. This is the day we gather with friends and family over a sumptuous
& A journey that started last March has come to a happy conclusion for Stage Right Theatre Company and School for the Performing Arts in Greensburg. They were notified via email on Sept 26 from the Guinness Record committee that they had officially been recognized for breaking the record for the fastest theatrical production. On March 9, 2019, Stage Right auditioned, rehearsed and performed “Children of Eden” in 14 hours and 30 minutes at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg. The previous record had been 15 hours. Stage Right will unveil the official World Records Seal and toast to the record at the Palace Theatre on Friday November 22 as part of its opening night reception for “Newsies” playing at the Palace Theatre November 22-24.
CHAMBER CENTRAL
How To Turn Social Media Into Business Media Wondering how to transform social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter into powerful marketing tools for your business? Meet our Member Spotlight for November: Mark Lawrence, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager for PNC Bank. For over 160 years, PNC has been committed to providing its clients with great service and powerful financial expertise to help them meet their financial goals. They are proud of their longstanding history of supporting not only their customers but also their communities, employees and shareholders. As Commercial Banking Relationship Manager, Mark works with companies and organizations throughout Southwestern PA, with a focus on firms with up to $75MM in annual revenue. He is the primary contact for his clients and coordinates all of the aspects of the banking relationship including deposit and treasury services, credit products and liquidity management. With the support and cooperation of his internal partnerships, he also assists in connecting clients to other services that PNC offers including wealth management, financial planning and succession/exit strategies. He explains, “Each day, I strive to deliver appropriate financial products and services to enhance the success of my clients. When businesses succeed, this contributes to positive outcomes for its employees and their families, our region, and our neighborhoods.” What does Mark enjoy most about being involved with the Chamber? He says, “The Westmoreland County Chamber is filled with an amazing vitality. At any event, the enthusiasm of the group is evident when you walk in the door. This is a Chamber that has identified its role and responsibilities very well – the organization has adapted to the diversity of the region it serves, there are activities and events that have appeal to every segment of the membership and business community. And, Leadership Westmoreland exemplifies the execution of this broad mission – as a recent participant, I discovered that the program was an amazing experience offering up close encounters with nearly every aspect of work, life (and play) in the county.” When he’s not working, Mark enjoys mostly any outdoor activity – tennis, hiking, paddling, fishing; in winter, skiing with family and friends. He also loves to read, cook (indoors and out) and travel, with favorite destinations ranging from the Atlantic coast’s oceans and bays to virtually any mountain or trail. Find out more at www.pnc.com.
If you're like most small-to-medium business owners, you know that your clients, customers, and prospects are already spending a significant amount of their day browsing through their social media feeds, but did you know exactly how much time? Recent studies reveal that the average American consumer spends about 5 hours per day on their mobile device, and half that screen time involves social media sites. This makes social media an obvious place to focus your marketing efforts, however, chances are good you don't have the time it takes to manage multiple social media feeds - that's where automation can help. Social Media Made Simple With Automation Services There's a number of online tools and services designed to make social media management simple and stress-free for companies, providing you with a seamless, worry-free way to attract and retain your online audience. Some of the most well-known social media automation apps for businesses include Hootsuite, SproutSocial, and Buffer. While the features vary slightly between each product, each one is designed to give you a one-stop interface that allows you to quickly monitor all of your social media accounts at once, schedule posts, and track tags and mentions. Social media automation tools also provide advanced features like analytics that allow you to track which posts are most popular, monitor for negative comments, and link with other apps like YouTube Analytics. Turn Your Blog Into A Newsletter Another valuable way to increase the ROI of your social media efforts is turning the content in your blog into a newsletter that you can share through your feeds and distribute through your email list. Share Content From Industry Experts Social media isn't all about you and your business - it's about sharing content that supports your messaging and aligns with your brand. Look for opportunities to pass on information about your industry on your social media feeds. Not only does sharing relevant content save on the volume of unique content you need to create, but it also helps to position your business as a subject matter expert in your field.
Scottdale Bank & Trust, a division of Mid Penn Bank Tiffany Guittap 150 Pittsburgh Street Scottdale, PA 15683 724-887-8330 www.midpennbank.com Banks & Credit Unions
Thryv
Allwell from PA Health and Wellness
Harmony Home Care
Kerri Livengood 213 Porter Avenue Scottdale, PA 15683 724-237-0401 www.allwell.pahealthwellness.com Health & Supplemental Coverage
Tara Harmening 40 Lincoln Way, Suite 300 Irwin, PA 15642 724-871-7373 www.homewithharmony.com Home Health Care & Hospice Care
Greensburg Cornbread
PowerLink
Adenah Bayoh 2200 Greengate Center Circle Greensburg, PA 15601 724-989-5909 www.CornbreadSoul.com Casual Dining
Anita Brattina 1501 Ardmore Boulevard, Suite 404 Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-721-3186 www.powerlink.org Not for Profit
John Qualley 49 Regola Drive Irwin, PA 15642 412-389-9489 emp.thryv.com/site/johnqualley Advertising, Marketing, PR & Design
YOUR
LISTING! Join us for the 2019 Holiday BASH & Business Expo on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 8 PM at the Greensburg Ramada. There will be tons of networking, door prize giveaways provided by exhibitors, a 50/50 raffle, delicious hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and tons of holiday cheer. Complete the registration form included in this newsletter or register online at westmorelandchamber.com.
The Westmoreland County Chamber will soon be publishing the 2020 Member Directory! This directory is printed once a year, so please be sure your business information is correct and up-to-date. Please log on to our website (westmorelandchamber.com) with your username and password and make any necessary corrections by November 15. Questions? Call us at 724-834-2900.
CHAMBER CENTRAL 2019 Board of Directors
Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
Michael Storms - Elliott Group (Chair) Christina Jansure - Jeannette Specialty Glass (Vice Chair) Bradley Roth - Kattan Ferretti Financial (Treasurer) Ron Ott - University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg (Secretary)
241 Tollgate Hill Road | Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: 724-834-2900
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID GREENSBURG, PA PERMIT NO. 123
Linda Dickson - Redstone Presbyterian SeniorCare Chrissy Ferree - Chroma Technology Solutions Walt Henry - THE pt GROUP Physical Therapy Michelle Ivill - Vale Vista Associates John Kline - Standard Bank Sherry Magretti-Hamilton - Westmoreland County Register of Wills Jeffrey McDonald - West Penn Power/First Energy Gabe Monzo - Westmoreland County Airport Authority Ann Nemanic - Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau Dennis O’Hara - Guardian Construction Management Dr. Gennaro “Jamie” Piraino Jr. - Franklin Regional School District Jason Rigone - Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation James Smith - Economic Growth Connection Dr. Tuesday Stanley - Westmoreland County Community College Jessica Urbanik - GOAL Magazine Paul Ward - Kennametal *Michael Egan - CBL Associates/Westmoreland Mall *Bill Ferri - Ferri Pharmacy *Tony Vecchio - Coldwell Banker * Ex-officio member
Solicitor James Creenan - Creenan & Baczkowski, PC
Chamber Staff Chad Amond - President & CEO Courtney Guerrieri - Director of Membership Services Joanne Pearson - Director of Operations Tricia Thomas - Director of Communications & Event Planning Grace Markum - Leadership Westmoreland Facilitator/Consultant
Building Business. Connecting Communities. Empowering Everyone.
HOLIDAY BASH 2019 Wednesday, December 4 • 5-8 PM • Ramada Greensburg
IT’S A HOLIDAY TRADITION!
Admission Options PREMIUM ADMISSION
Come network with Chamber members, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and a holiday cocktail at the cash bar, and perhaps win a door prize from one of our exhibitors. Listen to festive holiday music while you stroll from booth to booth and maybe even do a little holiday shopping. Celebrate the season Chamber-style at the Holiday BASH & Business Expo.
$25
Includes hors d’oeuvres, shopping with exhibitors, prizes and networking.
BASIC ADMISSION
$10
Includes shopping with exhibitors, prizes, and networking. Public welcome!
Holiday BASH — Registration Cost: RSVP:
$25 Premium Admission ____# Attending | $10 Basic Admission ____# Attending PH: 724-834-2900 | WEB: www.westmorelandchamber.com Mail: Westmoreland County Chamber—241 Tollgate Hill Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601
Company Name: _____________________________ Contact Person:______________________________ Name(s) of Attendee(s):________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Total Amount Due: $________
Payment:
Phone: E-mail:
Check Mastercard Visa Discover American Express
Name on Card ____________________________________________ Card Number_____________________________________________ Expiration Date__________ CVV Code: _____ Billing Address ____________________________________________ City_________________State____Zip Code_______ Checks Payable to: Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
MAGAZINE Presents a Community Symposium…
Resource tables will be available PLUS refreshments and cookies will be provided
will
several speakers , m iu s o p m y s n trafficking, During this es of huma p ty d n a s se u a c e present on th ch more. prevention and mu
DID YOU KNOW?
• According to data collected by the Human Trafficking Hotline,
Pennsylvania had the seventh-highest rate of human trafficking reports in the country in 2017.
• T he International Labor Organization estimates that there are
40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally. 81% of them are trapped in forced labor 25% of them are children 75% of them are women and girls • The International Labor Organization estimates that forced labor and human trafficking is a $150 billion industry worldwide.
GOAL Magazine is more than just a publication – it is a movement! The local professionals and leaders whose collaboration make GOAL Magazine possible are also committed to giving back to our communities by hosting community action events to spark discussion that leads to awareness and change.
View Last Year’s Symposium Video Lead Sponsor:
Learn more at www.go2goalus.com/2019-goal-symposium
Join us for GOAL Magazine’s Annual Community Awareness Symposium on Wednesday, November 6th in the Fred Rogers Center at St. Vincent College. GOAL Magazine is dedicated to educating and bringing awareness to issues facing our communities. Past symposium topics have included the drug epidemic and bullying. The event is free and open to the public.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. During this time, we will have multiple resource tables available full of information to assist in bringing awareMAGAZINE ness to help stop human trafficking. Cookies and refreshments will also be available at this time. The symposium will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. We have a great line up of speakers to discuss all aspects of human trafficking in Pennsylvania. The event will be emceed by Pennsylvania State Trooper, Stephen Limani.
Presents Our 3rd Annual
Community Symposium:
Human trafficking in numbers
»» 51% of identified victims of trafficking are women, 28% children and 21% men
»» 72% people exploited in the sex industry are women »» 63% of identified traffickers were men and 37% women »» 43% of victims are trafficked domestically within national borders
»» Many of these victims are tricked into slavery by being
promised a better life, lured with fake jobs, or forced by being kidnapped, beaten or raped. These victims stay because of blackmail, threats and abuse. »» Approximately 16 million people are forced to work in the private sector in such jobs as domestic work, construction, agriculture, or in restaurants and hotels. »» Approximately 4.8 million victims of human trafficking are forced into sex work. »» Approximately 19.5 million are split up between forced marriages and human slavery. »» Since 2007, there have been 3,994 calls to the Human Trafficking Hotline in Pennsylvania, with 1,046 total cases of actual human trafficking. In 2017 alone, Pennsylvania was the seventh highest rate of human trafficking in the country. »» Human trafficking includes the sale of sex for romantic partners trafficking their significant other(s), parents trafficking children often for drugs or money. »» The top venue for sex trafficking in the state of Pennsylvania is “illicit massage and spa business” with 44 cases in 2017.
Statistic Sources:
www.antislavery.org/slavery-today/human-trafficking/ www.ilo.org www.blackburncenter.org/
If you have any suspicion What comes to your mind when you hear the words “Human Trafficking?”
You may think that it only happens in other countries or not in our community. That is not the case. This multi-billiondollar criminal industry denies freedom to more than 40.3 million people around the world. What is even more devastating is the fact that human trafficking does not discriminate based upon age, race or gender, or what city, county, state or country victims live in. Human trafficking can happen to anyone, anywhere.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking involves recruitment, harboring and/ or the transporting of people into a situation where they are exploited through the use of violence, deception and coercion; they are forced to work against their will. Simply stated, trafficking is the process of enslaving people where they are put into a situation with no way out.
of any form of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-(888)373-7888. Please join us for this important evening, so YOU can be informed.
About the emcee: Pennsylvania State Trooper Stephen Limani is a public information officer for Troop A of the state police. Limani graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Before becoming a public information officer he worked on drug investigations and accident reconstructions, in addition to being a field training officer. Limani started the Westmoreland County Shop with a Cop program in 2009. The charity has grown to provide 300 children with a $150 shopping trip each Christmas season. www.go2goalus.com 47
We are proud to announce our 3rd Annual GOAL Magazine Gala raised $10,300 for Our Clubhouse Westmoreland!
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THANK YOU to everyone who helped us support their mission to ensure no one has to face cancer alone in Westmoreland County.
Thank you for awarding our very own Jessica Urbanik as Chamber Member of the Year!
Change a child's story. Become a CASA Volunteer. Join us for an
Information Session November 16, 2019 Adams Memorial Library 1112 Ligonier St, Latrobe, PA 15650 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
November 23, 2019 Penn Area Library
2001 Municipal Ct, Harrison City, PA 15636 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
RSVP the CASA Office at 724-850-6874