Voice of the Valley Spring 2024

STENDER:

During a recent hour-long conversation, Representative Mike Stender (R-108th) and spent a lot of time talking about his predecessor, PA Senator Lynda Schlegel Cul ver (R-27th). Stender said, “Lynda seems to know ev eryone, has a deep well of knowledge on nearly all the current legislation moving in Harrisburg, and she is very generous and patient in shar ing her institutional knowl edge.” “Heck, we even col laborate on our calendars to insure that at least one of us can attend each of the events in our valley,” he added.

Our conversation ranged ro e rs e we e o legislation that he co-spon sored just days ago. Mike was sworn into the 108th District seat on June 4th of last year.

“Because was elected in what’s known as a ‘Special,’ got started in my new posi tion, on election night, which was May ” e ar e .

When asked what his biggest

VOICE VALLEY of the

GETTING GOVERNMENT

RIGHT Impressions, Observations, and Frustrations

by Bob Garrett

impression was now that he’s ro o s rs a versary serving in the legis lature, Rep. Stender immedi ately suggested that had to be the perception of nega tivity in politics. With a year ‘under his belt’ he suggested that “negativity in our valley when it comes to local com munities and the things that o a e e e o a s are e ting done has been nil. In the past year I’ve gotten to visit every Montour or Northum berland County municipality in my district and have yet to run into the kind of negative

politics that seem so perva sive in the mass media.”

“It’s truly been a humbling experience to represent each-and-every constituent during my short time serving in Harrisburg. I’m so grateful or e r o e e s or and votes,” he added.

As far as frustrations go, Mike pointed out that the Repub licans are in a razor-thin mi nority in the PA Houe for the rs e e a es. e on this he saw a silver lin ing, “I may not get legislation passed with my name on it,

but by building coalitions, I’m already having success get ting important things done for my district by working across the aisle.” He did admit that “…the silliness of the alleged leaking House Chamber roof

Just A Word...

By: Bob Garrett President & CEO, The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce

“Spring is more than a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of opportunity.”

The poetry of March suggests, “In like a lion—out like a lamb.” April has its own poetic weather prog nosticating symmetry of “April showers bringing May’s flowers.”

The very best weather-related utterance, poetic or not, that has ever said to me were the words of a well-seasoned and wise storyteller who went by the name of Arizona Charlie. He once mentioned, almost in passing, that “the weather was some thing that everybody complained about, but no one did a blessed thing to improve it.”

Of course, there were during the days before cli mate change was even being contemplated. No

matter, don’t think that was Charlie’s point. Either way, our milder than normal winter is blossoming very nicely into a pleasant spring.

It’s time to explore the out-of-doors, to meet-up, to re-kindle friendships and to build new allianc es, expand your networks, and to develop fresh partnerships. Please read on in this edition of the Voice of the Valley as we tell you about the many upcoming opportunities that you, your co-workers, your friends, and family members have to do all of these.

Working together, our best days lie just ahead.

2024 Investor Members

Bowen Agency Realtors BrightFarms

Bucknell University

Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit

Coldwell Banker Penn One Real Estate Contrast

CVC Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

Evangelical Community Hospital

First National Bank of PA Fulton Bank

GDK Development Geisinger

Hummel Station, LLC

Kreamer Feed, Inc.

M&T Bank

MC Federal Credit Union

Meck-Tech, Inc.

Mifflinburg Bank & Trust

National Beef Packing Company

Neema Hospitality

North Shore Railroad Company

Penn State Schuylkill

Playworld Systems, Inc.

PPL Electric Utilities

Purdy Insurance Agency

Ritz-Craft Corp.

Service 1st Federal Credit Union

Service Electric Cablevision, Inc.

Seven Mountains Media

Stahl Sheaffer Engineering, LLC

Sunbury Broadcasting Company

Sunbury Motor Company

Susquehanna Community Bank

Susquehanna University

The Arc of Pennsylvania

The Baylor-Hamm Companies

The Daily Item

The Northumberland National Bank

T-Ross Brothers Construction, Inc. UPMC

Weis Markets

2859 N. Susquehanna Trail

Shamokin Dam, PA 17876

570-743-4100 / 800-410-2880

Hours: M-F 8:30am - 4:30pm gsvcc.org

CCO Bob Garrett rgarrett@gsvcc.org

LSV Jenny Wentz jwentz@gsvcc.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR

Aimee Buehner, Bowen Agency Realtors

VICE CHAIRMAN

Jeff Reber, Union County Commissioner

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Art Thomas, Meck-Tech Inc

Zach Stotter

TREASURER/REGION VICE PRESIDENT

Greg Zeh, Weis Markets

SECRETARY

Bob Garrett, GSVCC

REGION VICE PRESIDENTS

Malcolm Derk, Susquehanna University

Phil DeRose, UPMC

Sam Haulman, Service Electric Cablevision

Leslie Temple, Fulton Bank

Gene Welsh III, GDK Development

Greg Zeh, Weis Markets

DIRECTORS

Chad Evans, Stone State Entertainment

Beau Hoffman, AxRunkle, P.C.

John Kurelja, CSIU

Ryan McNally, Evangelical Community Hospital

Rachel Smith, Evangelical Community Hospital

Sara Snyder, Shared Support

Steve Stumbris, Bucknell SBDC

Roger van Baaren, Geisinger

Networking: Farming not Hunting

by Ivan Misner

A recent Google search for “what is networking” provided almost six billion results. We should note that those results include computer networking. However, there are still numerous definitions for non computer networking the people-to-people type that so many of us want to do and for which most of us have had no formal training.

s the Founder and hief isionary fficer of B I I have seen the definition of business networking evolve over the past 37 years. And yet, the essence of what networking truly is has never changed.

My Definition

This is my definition of networking Networking is the process of developing and activating your relationships to increase your business, enhance your knowledge, and expand your sphere of influence or serve the community.

The Key Word

The key word here is relationships. Successful networking of any kind always begins with a genuine desire to build relationships for the purpose of giving and receiving business. When someone is networking only to gain and not to give, they will never be successful.

Remember – networking is more about FARMING than it is about HUNTING. It’s about cultivating relationships and taking the time and energy to help them grow and flourish. Think of it like this a good farmer knows when to tend to his or her crop and when to harvest it. If you over pick, you’ll be left with nothing. But if you continue to care for and maintain your crop, it will grow abundantly and provide bountiful results.

Business professionals who are the farming type of networker go to networking events because of the opportunities to meet new people, not to use it as face-to-face cold calling. They know the importance of meeting someone and

then building a relationship with them. They go well beyond the ‘hunting’ style of meeting people simply to be able to add another name to their contact list.

Building Relationships

At networking events, set your goal to make solid connections with people so that when you follow up with them, they remember who you are when you invite them out to coffee or lunch. Practice being interested, rather than interesting. Ask about them – their business and their current projects, instead of talking about yourself. This is how you begin building mutually beneficial relationships.

Then you can schedule additional times to connect and build credibility with them. Continue to find ways to help them, perhaps introducing them to a potential referral source or inviting them to visit your business networking group. As I said earlier, there must be a genuine desire to give, not just gain, when you are building deep relationships.

Whether personal or professional, all relationships evolve through three phases isibility, redibility, and rofitability. This rocess , as it’s known in BNI, is useful for determining where you are in your relationship with others. Master networkers know that networking events are about moving through the process and NOT about making a sale or closing a deal. Skipping through the phases and asking for business without establishing a relationship will almost always result in a NO answer.

My definition of networking is congruent with my style of networking. I know it sounds simple however, as with most things in life, it may be simple and yet not easy. Effective business networking takes time AND money. The best way to network is to connect with people. Get to know them. Build a relationship and learn about their business so you can help them get more business. Successful networking is about taking the time to cultivate relationships, always with an attitude of giving.

Meet Natalie Fox of Positive Ripples Coaching

by Bob Garrett

Leader among leaders. Master weaver of networks. Wise counselor. Trusted advisor. Creator of ever-expanding ripples of new approaches and ideas. Positive mental attitude when others have packed it in.

These expressions of praise could and likely have been said about Natalie Fox of the Positive Ripples Coaching organization many times over. However, bright and early each Thursday morning, when the BNI-GSV Business Exchange Chapter members meet she better known as Madam resident.

atalie would probably be the first person to admit that rising to the top of one of the Greater Susquehanna Valley’s fastest growing business referral groups, with its international focus, was the furthest thing in her mind when she signed on with BNI.

Over the coming months, these pages will be used to tell you more about BNI and to learn more about the individuals, including Natalie, who aspire to build this transactional organization.

For now, it’s important for you to know that Natalie Fox, of Positive Ripples Coaching, founded this company because she is passionate about helping business owners and team leaders create healthy and happy workplaces that inspire people to be their best.

To learn more, please visit positiveripplescoaching.com or call Natalie at 412-410-6915.

Natalie Fox, of Positive Ripples Coaching is the BNI-Greater Susquehanna Valley President.

Members Matter...a Lot

by Bob Garrett, President, CEO & CCO

Without members we have no reason to exist. All those high falutin-sounding strategic plans, slogans, and themes become meaningless. Prosperity literally withers without our hundreds and hundreds of you, our members.

Did you know that if you or any family member works for or is affiliated with a Chamber member agency or business, you’re eligible for a range of member benefits?

We will be honoring the recipients of our Small Business of the Year, Business of the Year, Star of Excellence, Heritage, and the Young Professional of the Year awards at our Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony, and we need your help. Do you have a GSVCC member business or professional that you would like to nominate? Scan the QR code below to submit your nomination today.

To our renewing members for 2024, so far, we say thanks and thanks and thanks. Together, our best days lie just ahead.

Our New Members

Ballerz Labz

BNI

Fenyx Health

Hive Dispensary

KAM Strategies

Pure Energy Yoga & Wellness

Wrk Inside Out

ANNUALMEETING &AWARDSCEREMONY

Joinusincelebratingour103rdyearinbusiness withanupdatefromyourGSVChamberleaders, andhelpushonorour2024memberawardees.

PineBarnInn

Speaker

Speaker

Mastering Crucial Conversations

by Bob Garrett

Are you planning to have ‘The Talk’ soon? You know that one I’m talking about. It’s one that you’ve been thinking about over the past few days. Maybe for a week or more? Would a couple of helpful tips or a new communication tool or two come in handy as you gather your thoughts about what you want to say, or more importantly, what not to say?

If you shook your head yes to any of these questions, you’re in luck. Coming up on the morning of May 1st, at the Miller Center/YMCA in Lewisburg is a course named Mastering Crucial Conversations

Master Trainer, Caz Russell, a John Maxwell Leadership Team member will be on hand as we dive into the art of effective, crucial conversations. During this three-hour interactive session, you’ll learn valuable skills to navigate those tough talks with ease.

As Caz says, “No matter whether these discussions be with work colleagues, family members, or even with friends, during our time together you will come away equipped with the tools needed to handle the toughest, most uncomfortable conversations like a pro. ou ll finally master the conversations that you ve been putting off for far too long.”

Coming up on a decade of serving as the lead trainer with Leadership Susquehanna Valley, and as a sought-after keynote speaker at various church and community events, Caz Russell has built a big following in the Greater Susquehanna Valley.

His depth of work experience as a power plant operator, managing teams of hundreds of co-workers, along with his leadership and safety training provide him with a deep well of rich resources and know-how. An artist, author, and an authority on a broad range of topics, Caz helps each person he meets to be enriched by their interactions together.

You’re invited to unlock the power of effective communication at this May 1st event. To learn how to navigate challenging discussions with confidence, you ll need to pre register at cazrussell.com.

Diversified Construction: Certified Aging in-Place Builder

by Sam Thomas

Addition added y i e si ed Construction of a fullyaccessible master bedroom, bath, and walk-in closet allowing this couple to ‘age in-place.’

iversified onstruction, Inc. has been making homes accessible for over years. With the experience and knowledge to, not only do construction but to make sure that it’s correct, safe, and pleasing to the eye.

As a third-generation construction professional, I know that we can muster up our decades of experience while adding the expertise which we’ve attained over these many years to achieve each customer s specific goals.

iven the complimentary and dovetailing business models of both iversified onstruction and Meck-Tech Engineering, serving as municipal engineers as well as County Planning Commission expert reviewers we ensure that the construction that we do for our customers meets all ordinances laws and regulations governing their project.

To wrap up, please let me point out that we’re a fully insured and licensed contractor offering a variety of construction services varying from accessible home modifications to commercial and light industrial construction.

ur company, iversified onstruction, Inc. has contracted with the ennsylvania Managed are rgani ations and is certified by the ational ssociation of ome Builders as an Aging in-Place Specialist.

Please be assured that I and my team of craftsmen will take care of your loved one’s unique, adaptive construction needs so they can stay comfortable in their homes while aging.

Just in time for New Year’s Resolutions, Pure Energy Yoga in Milton hosted a December 30th Ribbon Cutting and Open House.

A designers showcase and an interior decorators dreamworld, Bassett celebrated their 1st anniversary of being in business on Market Street on February 23rd.

Looking for great deals? Go to Green Dealz. Country Green Dealz, located along Routes 11 &15 in Port Trevorton, a discount retail store, opened with January 5th Ribbon Cutting.

February 5th was a perfect day for W&L Nissan’s ribbon cutting. Located in the former Kmart at the Routes 11 & 15 split, come see and buy from their huge inventory.

Joining forces with the Selinsgrove Area Chamber and Selinsgrove Projects, Inc. Chamber members gleefully snipped the ribbon at Axeman Tavern and Craft Brewery on February 1st.

Your Chamber’s Welcome 2024, Meet-and-Greet was packed with members on January 30th.

(Above) Sharing space with UNB Bank in the Orchard Hills Plaza, Shamokin Dam, a large crowd celebrated her new, centrally located offices with PA Sen. Lynda Schelgel Culver on January 11th.

Spring in the Susquehanna River Valley: Perfect

Submitted by Andrew Miller Susquehanna River Valley Bureau

Spring is the perfect time to engage and explore in the Susquehanna River Valley (SRV). After the cold of winter, everyone becomes a bit of a homebody. If the past few years taught us anything, it is to value our family time or to take time to relax and recharge. Yet, we should be careful not to disconnect from the world and our communities completely. Those businesses, that we assume will always be there for us, rely on us throughout the year to keep their doors open.

We live, work and play in an incredible region. At the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau (SRVVB), the team cringes when they hear a local say, “There is just nothing to do here.” We firmly believe that when you get out there and explore your region and engage locally, you will be amazed at the experiences and opportunities that you will find in your own backyard.

People travel from all over the country, and yes the world, to visit the Susquehanna River Valley. Many come for the abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. While all four seasons present new ways to get out and enjoy nature, Spring holds special appeal with warmer and longer days and the re-emergence of flowers, birds and wildlife. Two state forests and three state parks offer miles upon miles of trails for hiking, wildlife watching and exploring. The river valley is becoming nationally recognized as a cycling paradise with varied terrain, beautiful scenery and challenging climbs. While it might be a little cool for paddling, this is the perfect time to make sure your gear is in order as we anticipate relaxing days on tranquil water. One of our newer amenities, disc golf, is exploding in popularity and many enthusiasts are thrilled with the twoyear old course at Faylor Lake. The course is garnering national accolades and bringing more and more visitors into our region. Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area continues to bring off-roaders from across the country to tackle the Mammoth which has become known as one of the most extreme rock crawling trails in the country. The list of outdoor opportunities goes on and on; and we don’t have to travel to enjoy them.

As the weather gets warmer, the SRV calendar of events at VisitCentralPA.org gets more robust. Restaurants, wineries and breweries offer live music, trivia nights and make-and-take crafting parties. Area libraries, YMCAs and children’s museums provide a wide range of programming from lego clubs and writing forums to sports camps and stem activities. The arts thrive in every season whether your interest lies with theater, music or the visual arts. With two universities in our region as well as a growing number of galleries and art co-ops, there is always an opportunity to engage your heart and mind. Every day more events are added to the calendar, so be sure to check back often and sign up to receive our weekly e-newsletter, “This Week in the Susquehanna River Valley,” so that you never miss out on an event.

Here is just a sampling of the events coming up on the calendar:

April 6 – Discover Selinsgrove Chocolate Stroll

April 13 – Central PA Pretzel Festival at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds

April 20 – McClure Bacon Festival

April 27 – Lewisburg Arts Festival

May 17-10 – Middlecreek Valley Antique Machinery Spring Show

May 18 – Herb & Native Plant Faire at Joseph Priestley House Museum in Northumberland, as part of their 250th anniversary celebration of the Discovery of Oxygen by Joseph Priestley

May 18-19 – Central PA Fiber Festival at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds

May 25 – Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts in Shamokin

June 1 – Sunbury Sandwich Stroll

June 1 – Alice in Wonderland Tea Party at Blooming Meadows Farm in Watsontown

June 26 – The Great Race, an endurance race for classic cars running from Owensboro, KY to Gardiner, ME, will make a lunch stop in Lewisburg where enthusiasts can cheer them on and take photos/talk with the drivers.

June 29-30 – Lavender Festival at Blue Sparrow Farm in Milton

Looking forward to summer, July will bring the Blueberry Festival back to Mifflinburg. It will also bring a return of the Bassmaster Kayak competition to the Susquehanna River. Bassmaster first brought the international spotlight to our region in October of 2023. They enjoyed their time on the river so much, they will be returning in July! July will also see a new event in the river valley with the Kilts, Kegs & Knots Celtic Festival at Blue Sparrow Farm in Milton. While the details for this event are not finalized, the day will include food, music, vendors and the Highland Games.

On May 20-24, the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau will celebrate Backyard Tourism Week. Backyard Tourists are residents who explore their communities and support their local businesses regularly. By engaging with local entrepreneurs, supporting them with your business and sharing your positive experiences with others, you are helping our communities thrive. In recognition of this, the Bureau hosts a week of events at the Visitors Center for you, our Backyard Tourists. The week will include themed days like Whoopie Pie Wednesday and a large raffle of awesome prizes donated by amazing local businesses. Backyard Tourism Week is a great time to learn

more about these incredible businesses within your local community and to plan your perfect summer itinerary. Learn more at VisitCentralPA.org or contact the team at the SRVVB (570.524.7234 or Info@VisitCentralPA.org) for more information.

Carriage Rides with the Princesses at the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts in Shamokin. Photo by the Northumberland County Council for the Arts

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Ryan Gavason SUN Area Technical Institute

Emily Kline Midd-West High School

Christopher Feiler Selinsgrove Area High School

Jill Nied Danville Area High School

Trace Cassidy Lewisburg Area High School

Landon Hostetter Northumberland Christian School

Lydia DeFacis Mifflinburg Area High School

Jenelle Frye Line Mountain High School

Olivia Solomon Shikellamy High School

Zeb Hufnagle Mifflinburg Area High School

Alivia Shen Danville Area High School

Alison Beddall Selinsgrove High School

Blaire Balestrini Shikellamy High School

Samantha Landis Midd-West High School

Erin Lowthert Lewisburg Area High School

Madison Weader SUN Area Technical Institute

Kylie Troutman Line Mountain High School

Samuel Garvin Northumberland Christian School

Delaney Parker Selinsgrove Area High School

Julie Musser SUN Area Technical Institute

Ian Owens Northumberland Christian School

Jacob Post Mifflinburg Area High School

Keegan Bailey Shikellamy High School

Nolan Baumert Line Mountain High School

Tianna Lauver Midd-West High School

to keep us out of session until the Democrat majority could be shored-up was transpar ent to everyone. But we’re back now and ready to get to work.”

Representative Stender’s good works have attracted the attention of the biggest

a os fl e a ro business, pro-community, pro-jobs organization serving our state, the PA Chamber of Business and Industry. When the state Chamber’s Senior Vice President, Alex Halper heard that Rep. Stender may have drawn an opponent he issued this statement,

“ChamberPAC is proud to endorse Representative Mike Stender for the 108th Dis trict, April 23rd Primary Elec tion. Mike has earned a 100 percent score on our Penn sylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s Legislative Scorecard. His demonstrated record of community service and unwavering support for the business community’s priority issues, makes him a strong pro-business voice in the State Capitol.”

Prior to being elected, Rep resentative Stender served as a areer re er. r our conversation, he smiled as he spoke about his early years, when he used to tell his friends at the Shikellamy Elementary Schools that he wa e o e a re er when he grew up. After high school, Mike started at the Shamokin Center of the Lu

zerne County Community College. Finishing three se mesters there, he transferred all his credits to Bloomberg University earning a Political Science Degree. He men tioned, “Starting at our com munity college branch was a great advantage for me er s o a or a y a transferability, also allowing me commute to classes while earning much needed cash to further my education.”

We also discussed our shared lifelong involvement in Scout ing. Representative Stender is an Eagle Scout, he com pleted the impressive Brown sea leadership training pro gram, and served two years as Chief of the Order of the Arrow. He recalled that his friends from Scouting, includ ing Ryan Boop, who is an fl e a o y a or ney; Jason Wiser, a long-time

legislative aid; and Matt Beck, who is the plans engineer for the Thruway are all well known to him from Scouting.

Other details from our con versation will be reported in future editions. But when asked what he’s looking for ward to now that the legis lature in back in session, he wrapped by saying, “My goal is to get answers to the peo e w o o e o y o e with a problem. want to be known as a problem solver. Next week, I’m introducing legislation to expand and strengthen the Ben Frank lin Partnership, particularly its presence in the Greater Susquehanna Valley. Right after that, I’m going to do all that can to get our state budget pared down a bit and passed on time. Stay tuned.”

13 9AM SEPTEMBER RAINDATE:SEPTEMBER16TH

The Greater Susquehanna Valley Young Professionals are adding multiple family-friendly events throughout the year to give e e yone o o t nities to netwo . o ic o this se ies a a ily n ight at oo la s t e e was s onso ed y ec ech nc. and i e si ed onst ction. o e than a tici ants chatted and socialized while their children enjoyed all things Hoopla’s.

Young Professionals are about more than just a good time. Pictured above are Jessica Beamer, Lizz Hendricks, and Sara Snyder participating a “YP’s Give Back” event. This trio recently prepared meals for the families at the Ronald McDonald House in Danville. Photo submitted.

o o t nity

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the Local Government Program Day on February 15th. Also in attendance was lliot o eland ent al PA egional e for US Senator John Fetterman;

Honorable

the 17th Judicial District of PA; Jordi

as Lewis g o o gh o ncil an e ole onstit ent elations oo dinato o PA Senato Lynda Schlegel l e and athan Sa idge o th e land o nty hie le .

n an a y th the LS lass o we e hosted and s onso ed y he al P od ct Sol tions PS in ew ol ia o thei o nity cono ic and o o ce Development Program Day. The class members had the unique opportunity to tour TPS’s facility as well as learn o nity e elo ent conce ts o eal ogle cono ic o nity e elo ent tension acilitato with Penn State tension. Pict ed is a ett a shall s . Senio ons ltant at the ncl sion i who e lo ed he acts o licit ias ic oagg essions with the class and LS oa d e e s th o gh a i o esentations and o en disc ssions to better understand how our brains naturally associate and categorize the world. Thanks to a Powering Equity grant from the PPL o ndation LS was a le to a tne with he ncl sion Firm for the second program year in a row.

Pictured is PA State Representative Jamie Flick (R-83rd), who was one o any local officials that the LS lass o had an

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Michael Piecuch, serving

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he Leade shi S s ehanna alley LS lass o e e ienced healthca e close than s to P and thei a a ing acility in illia s o t who s onso ed the Healthcare Program Day on December 14th. Pictured are current class members as well as LS oa d e e s who a e all s ited o a to o P s ain La and ea t and asc la e ating oo s.