Business Magazine May 2023

May2023

Join us for our 2nd annual IMPACT Luncheon & Nonprofit Fair as we not only showcase our area nonprofits but also the contributions of our servicemen and women, with a special presentation on the advantages of hiring veterans to address the growing skills gap.

Guest speaker Brigadier General Maureen Weigl of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will present on PA Vet Connect and the importance of nonprofits as well as the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, which is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.

Brig. Gen. Weigl was appointed deputy adjutant general for Veterans Affairs on April 12, 2021. In this position, she supervises the administration of state veterans’ programs, reintegration and outreach, and veteran initiatives for more than 700,000 veterans and their dependents. She also oversees the operation of the Commonwealth’s six veterans’ homes. She retired from the Army in May 2016 after serving for 25 years. Since her retirement, Brig. Gen. Weigl has become a small business owner and entrepreneur. She also has served with numerous organizations as a military and veterans’ adviser.

Brig. Gen. Weigl holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s in business ethics from Duquesne University, and a master’s in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. She also holds a post graduate certificate in Human Resources from the Pennsylvania State University and completed both the U.S. Northern Command Joint Domestic Operations Course and the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Seminar in national and international security.

She is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, project manager, executive leadership coach, and a member of the American Legion, VFW, and Catholic War Veterans. She has served veterans since retirement and has been partnering with clothing manufacturers to make adjustable clothing for veterans and others with prosthetic limbs.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 • 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

LOCATION: MBA Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue, Erie COST: $35 Members, $55 Nonmembers (lunch is included)

PROGRAM: • Registration begins at 11:15 a.m.

• Nonprofit Fair starts at 11:30 a.m.

• Lunch and keynote address at Noon • Fair resumes at 12:40 p.m.

PRESENTED BY:

REGISTRATION: Call Melissa at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or visit mbausa.org!

al nu PA An IN th E 14 AD M

BUSINESS VOL. XXXVI NO. 5 | MAY 2023

MAGAZINE

SPECIAL SECTION: 2023 SHOWCASE OF MANUFACTURERS

SPOTLIGHT Q&A:

WABTEC EXECUTIVE DISCUSSES IMPORTANCE OF MANUFACTURING

SUPPORTING PA BUSINESS, INDUSTRY THROUGH INNOVATIVE HEALTH SOLUTIONS

FOUNDED IN ERIE. COMMITTED TO ERIE.

Eriez designs, manufactures, and markets industrial equipment that separates metal.

Our equipment removes dangerous metal contamination from food processing lines, concentrates desirable minerals in mining applications, recovers valuable metals in recycling operations, and much more.

We drive revenue for our customers and protect their brand.

Proudly founded in Erie in 1942, Eriez is now a global force with nearly 1,000 employees in 13 subsidiaries on 6 continents

FEATURES WHAT’S INSIDE | FEATURED STORY

3 THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING Artificial intelligence and technology leading the way in PA and beyond.

COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE AND AHN SAINT 4 HIGHMARK VINCENT How these partner organizations are supporting PA business and industry through innovative health solutions.

SPOTLIGHT Q&A | VIEWPOINT

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Alan Hamilton, vice president of Equipment, Services and Component Engineering for Wabtec, discusses the company’s proud history as a high-tech supplier for the freight and rail industries, and the importance of manufacturing today.

DEPARTMENTS BUZZ 14 BUSINESS WHAT’S NEW 15

EVENTS

EDITORIAL

29 NETWORKING AND MORE

LEGAL BRIEF | WORTH NOTING

See the latest happenings at the MBA and with members in the region!

PEOPLE BUZZ

AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS VOL. XXXVI NO. 5 | MAY 2023

25 WORKPLACE TRENDS Q&A 26 HR GET ANSWERS

l ua PA

HR CONNECTION

AnnIN th E 14 AD M

BUSINESS MAGAZINE

SPECIAL SECTION: 2023 SHOWCASE OF MANUFACTURERS

SPOTLIGHT Q&A:

WABTEC EXECUTIVE DISCUSSES IMPORTANCE OF MANUFACTURING

SUPPORTING PA BUSINESS, INDUSTRY THROUGH INNOVATIVE HEALTH SOLUTIONS

READ ON THE GO! For the most current Business Magazine updates, visit mbabizmag.com

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Why the war rages on when it comes to Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law. William Speros

ON THE HILL | AGENDA

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A closer look at the MBA’s 2023 State Legislative Agenda.

Eileen Anderson

SPECIAL SECTION | SHOWCASE OF MANUFACTURERS

22 Executive Editor Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org Contributing Writers Eileen Anderson Mike Schifferle William Speros Rachel Tserkovniak

Feature Photography Megan Ciafre R. Frank Media iStockPhoto Zippo Manufacturing Additional Photography Carley Biebel Karen Torres

Design, Production & Printing Printing Concepts Inc. info@printingconceptsonline.com

See this special listing highlighting some of the most dynamic manufacturing companies in Pennsylvania.

Advertising Sales Frank Mehler 814/833-3200 fmehler@mbausa.org Chris Peterson 814/833-3200 cpeterson@mbausa.org

On the Cover: Highmark and AHN Saint Vincent are looking to the future when it comes to innovative tools and

resources that support business and industry in PA and keeping their team members healthy. For full story, see page 4.

Mission Statement: The Manufacturer & Business

Association is dedicated to creating and delivering services and expertise that help businesses solve problems and succeed. – Board of Governors

Manufacturer & Business Association Headquarters: 2171 West 38th Street Erie, PA. 16508 Pittsburgh: 850 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 2224 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 814/833-3200 |800/815-2660 | mbausa.org

© Copyright 2023 by the Manufacturer & Business Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial, pictorial or advertisements created for use in the Business Magazine, in any manner, without written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The Business Magazine and Manufacturer & Business Association do not specifically endorse any of the products or practices described in the magazine. The Business Magazine is published monthly by the Manufacturer & Business Association, 2171 West 38th Street, Erie, Pa. 16508. Phone: 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.

mbabizmag.com • MAY 2023

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The Passilla family, from left: Cody Passilla, business and development manager; Phil Passilla Jr., president; and Casey Passilla, improvement manager/Hard Mill supervisor.

PRECISION SOLUTIONS WITH A HOME TOWN TOUCH

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Pennco Tool and Die of Meadville is known by the nation’s leading manufacturers for their precision tooling — reaching tolerance levels as close as +/- 0.00005 of an inch. With a robust line of services, including wire and sinker electrical discharge machining and computerized numerical control machining, Pennco is proud to offer products that are made in Pennsylvania.

With the addition of a second location last year, along with new services and ongoing development, Pennco is excited about their plans for the future. “Marquette has been key to our expansion project,” says Phil Passilla Jr. “We wanted to work with a local bank because the personal touch was important to us. Within hours, Marquette had a solution for us.”

This family-owned company was founded as a grind and mill shop by Pennco’s CEO, Phil Passilla Sr., in 1980. Phil Passilla Jr. joined his father in 1985, and is now company president. Pennco has since grown from two employees to 28 — including a third generation of the Passilla family, Phil Jr.’s sons, Casey and Cody.

According to Cody Passilla, “Marquette is easy to work with and they’ve been a good fit for us. They understand how to support growing manufacturing companies, and they’re invested in our success as a local company.”

MAY 2023 • mbabizmag.com

MarquetteSavings.bank/business

WHAT’S INSIDE | FEATURED STORY

THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, TECHNOLOGY LEADING THE WAY IN PA AND BEYOND Pennsylvania’s top manufacturers are representative of the state’s robust and varied industrial economy, home to key players in the plastics, medical, defense, pharmaceutical and steel industries.

Yet, to stay competitive, many of these employers recognize that they must invest in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) — and the time is now.

According to Rockwell Automation’s eighth annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report, manufacturers have more than doubled their use of AI in one year. The survey interviewed 1,353 global manufacturers on their use and plans for smart technology.

Among the findings: • Ninety-seven percent of participants reported that they are using or plan to use smart manufacturing technology over the next one to two years.

• More than two-thirds of manufacturers believe technology can be very helpful, or extremely helpful, in addressing workforce challenges​.

• More than 50 percent more manufacturers are using machine learning/artificial intelligence compared to last year.

With higher and higher levels of automation, manufacturers continue to raise the bar for technology. The report reveals that manufacturers see the time for action as now:

• Seventy-five percent of organizations expected to have some components of smart manufacturing in adoption by the end of last year.

• Sixty percent of all companies are now using either a fully integrated solution or have some components of smart manufacturing in adoption.

• Seventy-nine percent of organizations are prioritizing software that will automate processes.

The Rockwell report also found that more 50 percent more manufacturers are using machine learning and artificial intelligence compared to last year. Researchers expect this number will continue to rise as manufacturers see the impact that accessible machine learning/artificial intelligence can have on their business.

Improved quality, productivity and workers who use data insights for decision-making are some of the benefits.

In this edition of the MBA Business Magazine,

we’ll highlight the innovative technology and resources that are helping to support business and industry across the state, such as the health solutions provided by Highmark and AHN Saint Vincent.

We’ll also hear from Alan Hamilton of Wabtec about the company’s rich history of operating in the Keystone State and the importance of manufacturing today.

Plus, don’t miss our annual Showcase of Manufacturers, including the many dynamic employers with operations in Pennsylvania.

The MBA recognizes that manufacturing is the backbone of our economy and the need for a well-skilled workforce to ensure its future, so be sure to save the date and join us for our 10th annual MFG Day on October 11, 2023 in Erie! We’ll showcase the innovation and technology happening in our region while educating more than 1,000 students on the value and impact of manufacturing careers.

Visit mbausa.org to learn more.

THE BACKBONE OF THE ECONOMY mbabizmag.com • MAY 2023

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COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE

Supporting PA Business, Industry Through Innovative Health Solutions “Both Highmark and AHN have been very Investments in innovation and technology are critical in business. supportive of Plastek’s Wellness Works Equally essential are the tools and resources that support these operations and productivity by keeping their team members healthy.

“A healthy workforce is extremely important to western Pennsylvania and Highmark has been here to ensure that working families get the care they need in this region for more than 25 years,” explains Jim Teed, vice president of Regional Markets for Highmark, Inc. “Whether it be preventive care to keep workers healthy or addressing health needs, Highmark and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) play a major role in keeping employees on the job.”

In manufacturing, for example, health insurance and quality care can help manufacturers retain an adequate workforce and minimize turnover and lost work due to preventable injuries and illnesses.

“Manufacturing has always been the foundation of Pennsylvania’s economy, and Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network are proud to work side by side with manufacturers to keep their workforce healthy,” Teed continues.

At The Plastek Group, a world-class manufacturer of plastics packaging, industrial design, and product and packaging development founded in Erie in 1956, the company has found a great partner with Highmark and AHN. Plastek has been a Highmark customer for more than 10 years and for more than 15 years has offered free onsite wellness services to all active full-time employees, their spouses and children through its Wellness Works Program in collaboration with AHN.

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MAY 2023 • mbabizmag.com

Program, which improves the health and well-being of our employees and their families,” says Dennis Prischak, president and chief executive officer of The Plastek Group. “Our overall workforce is better because of their support. We are pleased to be their partner.”

likely to grow as Highmark Blue Shield plans to offer customers located in Southeastern Pennsylvania a full suite of health insurance products and solutions including Medicare Advantage, Medicaid dual eligible, Individual Affordable Care Act, Small Group Affordable Care Act, Large Group Fully Insured, Large Group Self-Insured across 2024 and 2025, subject to regulatory filings.

Zippo Manufacturing, headquartered in Bradford, Pennsylvania and well known for its trademark windproof lighters, also realizes how important health insurance is to its employees and their families.

“We place a strong emphasis on enhanced medical cost management and personal health navigation strategies,” says Teed, “and our customers recognize this.”

“Employer-sponsored health coverage is essential for recruiting and retaining employees,” says Zippo Executive Vice President of Human Resources Alla Marie “Bunny” Comilla. “We work diligently with Highmark to ensure that we can continue to offer affordable coverage with access to excellent health-care providers and services.”

Highmark is committed to reinventing health care through its Living Health model, which centers the experience on people and their clinicians to provide a more blended, personalized approach to health coverage and care.

PA PROUD

Both AHN Saint Vincent and Highmark have a proud history in PA. While AHN Saint Vincent was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph as Erie’s first community hospital in 1875, Highmark’s beginning dates back to the Great Depression era and the Blue Cross Blue Shield movement. In 1996, Highmark began conducting business in Western Pennsylvania as Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and in the rest of Pennsylvania as Pennsylvania Blue Shield, partnering with three Blue Cross plans to provide complete coverage.

Today, Highmark is the largest health insurer in Pennsylvania with 4.7 million members and a footprint that includes 62 counties in western and eastern PA. That number is

REVOLUTIONARY MODEL

Ben Edelshain, M.D., vice president of Clinical Engagement & Digital Innovation for Highmark Inc., describes it as a major shift in the health-care paradigm, moving away from insurance products or plans to an integrated health experience. “Living Health is a promise that if you become a Highmark customer, we will do our best to keep you actively engaged in your health to de-complicate the health-care system, and empower individuals and their families to make informed decisions that will help them achieve their life goals.”

“Highmark has been Plastek’s health insurance provider for more than 10 years and provides timely information in matters important to us and our employees.”

– Dennis J. Prischak, President and CEO The Plastek Group

This blended health approach provides for a seamless flow of information, support and care that connects payers, providers, tech innovators and community organizations to build a health ecosystem that works better for everyone. It is also about making the most of data and technology to bring the health experience into the 21st century.

In essence, Living Health means providing 360-degree support for physical, mental and social health. The result is a simpler, more personalized and proactive health experience for individuals and clinicians that promotes better engagement and everyday health rather than just treating illness.

“Our Living Health strategy is focused on improving both patient experience and health outcomes, while reducing costs,” explains Edelshain. “We believe the success of this strategy will help revolutionize the industry, providing a better, more sustainable economic model for all stakeholders, including employers.”

DIGITAL TOOLS AND RESOURCES

Highmark and AHN have already invested in digital and virtual resources that are designed to enhance the continuity and delivery of care and coverage.

For instance, My Highmark, a digital health platform and collaboration between Highmark Health, Google Cloud and League makes it simple for individuals to navigate health care and connect to the right tools and resources when and where they need them.

The navigation technology is much like a “digital front door.” Using one username and password, My ​​ Highmark can provide seamless care navigation, shared care plans, virtual and digital health, simplified bill payment and cost transparency to Highmark members. Data guides consumers, connecting them with the right care at the right time, which ultimately improves health outcomes and overall population health.

Highmark and AHN also have introduced Well360 Motion, a virtual muscoskeletal care program powered by SWORD Health.

The program p ​ airs members with a licensed physical therapist, who assesses patients’ pain and tailors a program to their unique needs. Utilizing w ​ earable FDA-listed motion sensors and the SWORD tablet to guide movement​, physical therapists​ ​evaluate​ realtime ​bio​feedback as m ​ embers​go through their exercise sessions.

“Zippo has a great variety of coverage options through Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and finds that family coverage is generous for our needs. As a remote employee, Highmark is well spread in Maryland where I reside and their in-network provider locator on their site is easy to use, and whenever I reach out to them on the phone their staff is very friendly.”

– Hugo Michel, Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Zippo Manufacturing

“Exercises can be done a ​ t any time and place, eliminating common barriers to compliance Health program can support employers such as travel time, scheduling conflicts, a ​ nd ​ with anything from a replacement drug out-of-pocket costs,” says Teed. screen, drug screens and physicals to get rapid results.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH EXPERTS For more than 20 years, AHN Saint Vincent’s Occupational Health Center has been providing health services to employers in the region. That number has grown to 400 active employers in northwest PA and western New York, and a new $1.2 million office space, headquartered at the Yorktown Center, including a triage area, six exam rooms, a procedure room, X-Ray room, and audio booth for hearing tests, featuring state-ofthe-art Siemens technology.

Jen Ronan, manager of Occupational Health at AHN, says the program provides a broad spectrum of health services, including wellness and safety to employers and employees in the community. These services range from pre-employment health screenings and vaccinations to respiratory protection programs as well as Department of Transportation physicals to meet regulatory standards.

“Occupational health is constantly changing, and we are able to see manufacturers and what employers need and then we work with them on developing programs for their needs,” says Ronan.

Edward J. McVay, M.D., an occupational medicine physician, says AHN’s Occupational

The Center recently was recognized by Liberty Mutual for its return to work and referrals were higher than others in the area.

“In terms of injuries, work-related injuries, we have ability to see the patients immediately or soon after they’re in an emergency department, get them in for evaluations, get the proper diagnosis or proper treatment implemented early,” says McVay. “Also, if we need to make referrals, we can get that moving pretty quickly so there’s not a lag in time in terms of getting the injured workers evaluated and treated or getting new employees into the workplace.”

Currently, McVay and AHN’s Occupational Health team are working on a marijuana impairment program for employers who suspect that their employees may be impaired on the job. The program, once implemented, would be the first one of its kind in the country.

“We just want to ensure the health, wellness and safety of all the employees in the area, and we will work with employers on whatever that looks like,” says Ronan. “We’re on the back end, always researching and seeing what else we can be adding to help out.”

For more information about Highmark and AHN Saint Vincent, visit highmark.com and erie.ahn.org.

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MAY 2023 • mbabizmag.com

SPOTLIGHT Q&A| VIEWPOINT

Wabtec Executive Shares Insights on History, Importance of Manufacturing Manufacturers help drive Pennsylvania’s economy, with approximately 14,475 companies across the state employing 760,875 workers, according to industrial data provider MNI. Here, we hear from Alan Hamilton, vice president of Equipment, Services and Component Engineering for Wabtec, about the company’s proud history as a high-tech supplier for the freight and rail industries, and the importance of manufacturing today.

Since 1869, Wabtec has been at the heart of the manufacturing industry. Tell us how the company got its start in western Pennsylvania.

Wabtec’s vision is to revolutionize the way the world moves for future generations. It all started more than 150 years ago, when George Westinghouse introduced the air brake. This invention transformed the rail industry and helped drive economic growth worldwide by enabling railroads to safely move more people and products on longer trains at higher speeds. Building on this deep heritage of breakthrough ideas and company success, Wabtec continues to pave the way for modern safety advancements and set the bar for innovative solutions. Whether it’s positive train control, advanced diesel-electric locomotives, battery technology or robust software and analytics, Wabtec is at the leading edge of innovation for the industries it serves.

Describe Wabtec’s operations and global presence today (locations, facilities, workforce, etc.).

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Wabtec has operations in approximately 50 countries with approximately 25,000 employees worldwide.

Wabtec is a leader in providing locomotives, components, PTC, and digital solutions to the rail industry. Today, there are about 23,000 Wabtec locomotives moving more than 20 percent of the world’s freight. Wabtec’s braking systems, doors and other systems are installed on virtually every transit train globally.

Wabtec is building upon the foundation laid by Westinghouse by continuing to bring new innovations to the

transportation market. Tell us about some of these product lines.

Wabtec’s focus is on driving productivity and sustainability for customers. Innovations are designed to reduce CO2 and other emissions, while improving economic viability and reducing operating costs. That focus has positioned Wabtec as the leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for the freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial or marine industries. The company’s locomotives are best-in-class products that deliver unmatched reliability and efficiency.

Wabtec’s new FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive is the world’s first 100-percent, battery-powered locomotive. It will play a major role in advancing the rail industry’s sustainability initiatives by reducing fuel consumptions and carbon emissions.

On the transit side, Wabtec has 15 product lines with new generation of brakes, doors, air conditioning, couplers, passenger information systems that generate significant savings for transit authorities. The new Green Friction product is a next-generation product that reduces particle emissions from braking by more than 90 percent. This greatly enhances air quality in subway stations and in tunnels.

Those are just a couple to the innovations Wabtec is developing for customers to provide both economic and sustainable benefits.

Manufacturing is the economic engine that drives the Pennsylvania economy.

What is Wabtec doing to advance STEAM education and skills training in our region?

Wabtec has a long history of partnering with the community and local universities to inspire and prepare future generations to pursue a profession in engineering and manufacturing. In recent years, Wabtec and Penn State have partnered on several strategic endeavors including recruiting efforts and research with the College of Engineering on the optimization and management of energy storage systems.

Wabtec also partnered with Penn State Behrend for the last 10 years across Western Pennsylvania to create a week-long science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) camp. The free program, which engages middle school girls, is focused on encouraging a lifelong interest in subjects ranging from robotics, electronic circuits and chemistry to energy management and more. Since its inception, more than 400 girls have participated in the program. These collaborations provide a win-win relationship for Wabtec, the universities, the community and the industry.

What does “MADE IN PA” mean to Wabtec and its workforce?

As a Pittsburgh-based company, Wabtec is proud to be part of Pennsylvania’s rich history of innovation and manufacturing.

Wabtec will continue to build upon the “MADE IN PA” tradition as the company develops new solutions that drive sustainability and cost savings for customers.

For more information, visit wabteccorp.com.

mbabizmag.com • MAY 2023

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MANUFACTURER OF CUSTOM COMPONENTS THICK FILM HEATERS & CIRCUITS LED MODULES ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLIES FLEXIBLE HEATED HOSES CLEARVIEWTM FLEXIBLE HEATERS

8135 NATHAN CIRCLE | ERIE, PA

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LEGAL BRIEF | WORTH NOTING

Open Records Battle Resolved … But The War Rages On criminal court documents, but also as potentially filling a gap in still-developing RTKL case law. Open records advocates anticipated a favorable result for the plaintiffs that could lead to added government transparency. Private businesses watched with interest as the case progressed for two years, hoping the court’s opinion would support increased protection for agency records, such as government contracts or vendor invoices, which may include commercial business information.

Bill Speros is a partner at MacDonald Illig. He represents his clients on contract formation and in related litigation in state and federal courts. He is also the solicitor and open records officer for Erie County.

The right to access public records in Pennsylvania is governed by the Right to Know Law (RTKL), the Commonwealth’s version of the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). RTKL is critical for both discovering and protecting public records, but a legal battle over RTKL’s scope has been waged in state courts since the law was enacted just over 15 years ago. As noted in our May 2021 Legal Brief (Vol. XXXIV, No. 5), York Daily Record et al. v. Byrnes, arguably the most notable RTKL case to date, involved the York County Clerk of Courts defending an action in federal court in Harrisburg by local news sources seeking to gain access to previously sealed court records. This Legal Brief provides an update on that litigation.

In the York Daily Record case, statewide media organization Spotlight PA joined several local media sources in suing the Clerk of Courts for allegedly withholding public records, redacting nonconfidential information from disclosed documents, and engaging in practices that blocked the public’s access. The Clerk of Courts countered that court personnel had made a few isolated errors when responding to specific requests but had otherwise complied with the open records requirements established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC). Specifically, York County asserted that, under the RTKL and the AOPC’s Rules of Judicial Administration, the court was not required to release the records in question because only “financial records” of a judicial agency — for example, account statements, contracts, invoices or other documentation of the receipt or expenditure of funds appropriated to the court — are subject to disclosure in response to open records requests.

Open records officers in state and local agencies viewed the York County case not only as adjudicating the narrow question of the media’s access to

As so often happens, the parties settled the lawsuit in October 2022 without the much-anticipated court decision. Under the settlement agreement, York County agreed to establish a new (and publicly available) internal policy setting forth the types of records that are accessible by the public, as well as the methods, fees and timing for responding to records requests. York County agreed to pay the plaintiffs legal costs, and all mandates of the settlement were fulfilled and implemented by the end of 2022.

So, what does the resolution of the York County case mean for business owners in Pennsylvania? Currently, not much.

Although the settlement agreement established practices for RTKL requests to the York County Clerk of Courts, it did little to provide any precedent for other public records disputes across the Commonwealth. Litigants must continue to cite the relatively thin library of RTKL decisions in state courts — or rely by analogy on the merely instructive federal decisions governing FOIA. Pennsylvania businesses should keep an eye on how the Commonwealth continues to shape RTKL so that they may remain in compliance while also safeguarding valuable trade secrets and protecting their business interests. We will do our part to keep you updated.

For more information, contact Bill Speros at 814/870-7764 or wsperos@mijb.com.

mbabizmag.com • MAY 2023

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12 MAY 2023 • mbabizmag.com

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At Workpartners®, we call our unique approach to human capital management People Activation. We believe it’s the key to ensuring that your company and employees flourish. Workpartners LifeSolutions® employee assistance program (EAP) helps build an engaged and productive workforce. We provide employees and organizations with tools and resources they need to support mental well-being, resiliency, and work-life balance. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and our LifeSolutions EAP offers services in person, by phone, online, or by text.

Members of MBA save 10 percent when working with our mental health services. To learn more, visit work.partners/mba.

Wettekin Electronics, LLC

Motor Controls and Automation for Industry Wettekin Electronics is a multifaceted industrial distributor, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, supplying original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and maintenance repair operations (MRO) throughout the tri-state area of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York for more than 50 years.

Wettekin Electronics maintains local inventories of select, specialized electrical and electronic components, and proudly distributes first-quality products of premier manufacturers from around the world to its OEM and MRO customers. Wettekin Electronics provides a wide variety of electrical motor controls, programmable controllers (PLCs), touch screen displays, variable frequency drives (VFD), power metering and monitoring devices, and solutions for power, control, safety and energy efficiency.

Wettekin Electronics augments its distribution business by providing complete custom design and fabrication services of electrical control panels and development of process systems for machine automation, upgrade, retrofit and integration needs. Also provided are solutions to meet customers’ specific needs for OEM product, upgrade and modernization of existing products and advancement in new technologies. Engineers work closely with customers at every step of the process from concept to the final product. The ability to respond to customers’ needs quickly and effectively provides the basis for longlasting and rewarding relationships.

Wettekin Electronics custom control panel shop can design and assemble control panels consisting of stainless steel, painted carbon steel, fiberglass and cast aluminum enclosures. Each is designed and labeled to the latest requirements of CE, UL, CUL, CSA and to meet National Electrical Code NFPA 70 and NFPA 79 standards for hazardous locations.

Wettekin Electronics also specializes in instrumentation and process control, with the addition of sensors and metering of machine variables and the utilization of programmable logic controllers and human machine interface (HMI) displays to improve customers’ production

accuracy, repeatability and operating efficiency.

Wettekin Electronics also provides expert, cost-effective electronic printed circuit board design, development, rapid prototyping and full production services for its OEM customers.

From envisioning a new solution, planning, developing and commissioning a project, Wettekin Electronics staff, with more than 250 years of combined experience, can address the needs and desires of the customer. Over the last 50 years the company’s customer base has steadily grown by always focusing on customer service. By offering and providing quality products, workmanship, and service, Wettekin Electronics maintains a high level of customer satisfaction

Industries Served

• Product cycling and life test of high pressure valves • Production quality control and test procedures • Chemical processing plant for material conveying, mixing, tableting and packaging • Catalyst reaction test stand for new product design • Compressed air drying equipment • Natural gas well head and transmission monitoring • Natural gas pumping and dehydration station controls • Electrical training test bench • Programmable logic control trainers • Chemical research facility control system • Water filtration equipment, and pump control panels • Ground water monitoring and testing control systems • Brewery facility control systems • Plasma cutting and coil line machines control system • High pressure compressor control system • Steam turbine generator control system • Cement plant control system • Printed circuit board design and assembly • Automated Electroplating line control system • Industrial cleaning and polishing equipment control system

Wettekin Electronics 4506 West 12th Street | Erie, PA 16505 814/838-9184 | Email: sales@wettekinelectronics.com | Website: www.wettekinelectronics.com

BUSINESS BUZZ | WHAT’S NEW MANUFACTURER & BUSINESS ASSOCIATION HOSTS FIRST BUTLER MFG DAY SHOWCASE

The Manufacturer & Business Association in partnership with the Butler County Manufacturing Consortium and the Butler County Chamber of Commerce held its first Butler MFG Day Showcase on April 4 at the Butler Intermediate High School.

The day began with a panel discussion by a “student advisory board,” which visited four manufacturers during the past school year, on what they learned. The companies included Coherent in Saxonburg, CID in Sarver, Butler Technologies in Butler and IDL in East Butler.

The second part of the day was hosted by the MBA and involved 20 interactive exhibits and displays from local manufacturers to engage more than 800 students from the region.

Among the 20 manufacturers present were Penn United in Cabot, Oberg Industries in Sarver, MSA The Safety Company in Cranberry Township, Cleveland-Cliffs in Butler Township and Butler Technologies.

For more information, visit mbausa.org.

ZIPPO/CASE MUSEUM TO HOST ‘MADE IN BRADFORD’ CELEBRATION

The Zippo/Case Museum is hosting a “Made in Bradford” celebration on July 15, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Zippo Manufacturing Company’s acquisition of the W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company brand, the event will celebrate Bradford’s rich history of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurialism.

The “Made in Bradford” celebration will feature exclusive collectible Zippo and Case products, food, giveaways and a collectors’ swap tent, among other family friendly offerings. A particularly exciting highlight will be an exhibition featuring the many skilled craftspeople and artisans of Bradford.

The event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.

For more information, visit zippo.com.

The first Butler MFG Day was held on April 4 at Butler Intermediate High School in Butler, Pennsylvania.

ERIEZ® EXPANDS IN-HOUSE LABORATORY CAPABILITIES

Eriez®, a global leader in separation technologies, has completed the construction and commissioning of a new state-of-the-art fire assay laboratory to support flotation testing at its world headquarters in Erie, Pennsylvania. This new facility includes all required equipment for fusion, cupellation, parting, weighing and assaying, as well as innovative systems to enhance worker safety and environmental compliance.

Erich Dohm, Eriez Flotation senior manager–USA Operations, says, “The addition of fire assay capabilities further establishes our position as an innovative global partner in minerals processing and flotation. This investment was made as part of our commitment to enhancing support for our precious metals flotation customers in addition to existing capabilities for base metals and industrial minerals projects.”

He adds, “Our customers will see a tremendous benefit in the development of new precious metal projects incorporating our advanced flotation technologies, such as the HydroFloat® and StackCell®.”

According to Eriez, the new fire assay laboratory will enable full execution of all aspects of precious metals flotation projects, with next-day assays available to guide flotation investigations.

Dohm says, “This will allow our team of flotation experts to complete projects under a tight deadline without risking delays from external commercial laboratories.”

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14 MAY 2023 • mbabizmag.com

Eriez’ in-house analytical capabilities also include X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively

coupled plasma (ICP), atomic absorption (AA), combustion furnace (sulfur), and particle size by laser diffraction. Dohm says, “Our fullservice metallurgical and analytical laboratory facilitates strong customer partnerships, from initial flowsheet development at prefeasibility stages through troubleshooting and optimization of existing mill circuits.”

For more information, visit eriez.com.

PRINTING CONCEPTS ACQUIRES MARSHALL PRINTING

Printing Concepts, headquartered in Erie and one of northwest Pennsylvania’s oldest and largest commercial printers, recently announced the acquisition of Marshall Printing, in Grove City, Pennsylvania. Marshall Printing is an established community print partner in the greater Mercer County region, and is now operating as Printing Concepts, Grove City.

"Printing Concepts, Grove City will continue to provide the high quality printing and excellent customer service for which Marshall had previously been known," said Printing Concepts Vice President Jim Geronimo.

“However, Printing Concepts brings to the Mercer County region our offset and digital print capabilities and expertise to produce high volume, reasonable cost magazines, brochures, newsletters and other larger print items, as well as provide complete mailing services.”

Geronimo continued, “We look forward to bringing our decades of print experience and excellent customer service to the greater Mercer County region.”

For more information, contact Doug Dunham at ddunham@printingconceptsonline.com or visit printingconceptsonline.com.

MANUFACTURER & BUSINESS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2023–2024 BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) recently announced its 2023–2024 Board of Governors, effective April 1.

Chairman Kyle Blakeslee is general manager of Urick Ductile Solutions, a ductile iron foundry located in Erie.

Urick is part of the Emerson Electric Corporation, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

Blakeslee oversees all aspects of the business including manufacturing, sales, finance, engineering and human resources. He started his career as a manufacturing engineer and has served in various management roles including engineering, operations and sales.

He previously held positions at Snap-tite, Bush Industries and Composiflex.

A Union City native, Blakeslee is a graduate of Penn State University where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He most recently was named as 2022 Citizen of the Year by the Union City Lions Club.

Blakeslee is joined on the MBA Board of Governors Executive Committee by Vice Chairman Bob Frost, vice president, Engineered Systems Procurement for Wabtec Corporation; Treasurer Matt Clark, vice president and general manager of Humes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram; Secretary Tammy Lamary-Toman, vice president and employment counsel, Manufacturer & Business Association; and, Immediate Past Chairman Jana Goodrich, president and chief executive officer of Seaway Manufacturing.

New Board members appointed to three-year terms include: Sara Kallner is an owner and the vice president of Sales and Marketing at Smith Provision Co., Inc., a manufacturer of premium smoked meat products in Erie. Smith’s is a fourthgeneration family owned and operated business.

Kallner began her career in the financial services industry, where she gained experience as a financial advisor with Prudential Securities and then HBK Sorce Financial. Kallner is an Erie native, and a graduate of Allegheny College, where she earned a B.A. in English Literature. Kallner has spent the past 17 years with Smith’s.

Kallner has enjoyed volunteering over the years, and currently serves as the chair of the Board of Directors for Cathedral Prep and Mother Teresa Academy.

Jennifer Nelson is senior vice president of Supply Chain for AirBorn in Lake City, Pennsylvania.

AirBorn Interconnect, Inc. is a 100-percent employee-owned company headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. The company’s core business is engineering and manufacturing specialized connectors and electronic components for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide.

Nelson previously served as vice president of Operations & Supply Chain from 2019-2023.

A 24-year veteran of AirBorn, Nelson has held leadership roles in finance, operations and supply chain management. She is a graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. degree in accounting and business administration.

Nelson has been active in the community, supporting and volunteering in various capacities at St. Jude (formerly Our Lady’s Christian School) and Villa Maria Academy.

Tom Tredway is president at Erie Molded Packaging in Fairview Township, Pennsylvania, which specializes in the manufacturing of stock and custom solutions for the rigid packaging industry.

Tredway joined Erie Molded in 2006, acting as its vice president of Sales until 2020. Previously he worked as a financial advisor for Ameriprise Financial Services in Annapolis, Maryland.

Since moving back to Erie, Tredway has served on numerous local boards including Young Erie Professionals, Erie Regional Chamber of Commerce & Growth Partnership, Montessori Regional Charter School, and Stairways Behavioral Health. Nationally, he has served on the board of the Manufacturer’s Association for Plastics Processing. Tredway earned his B.S. degrees in finance and management from Lehigh University.

Additional members of the MBA Board of Governors include Chad Betts, president and chief executive officer of Betts Industries, Inc.; Scott Bonnell, owner of Bonnell’s Truck and RV Collision; Jon DeArment, president and chief operating officer of Channellock, Inc.; Gary Clark, chief executive officer of Reed Manufacturing Co.; and, Jeff Plyler, president and chief executive officer of Plyler Enterprises, Inc.

PEOPLE BUZZ | AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS AMERICAN TURNED PRODUCTS WELCOMES ENGINEERING VP, MANUFACTURING ENGINEER American Turned Products (ATP) recently named Julian Torres as the company’s vice president of Engineering. In this role, Torres will lead the engineering function across the organization’s two manufacturing facilities in Erie and Fairview, Pennsylvania. Torres brings with him more than 23 years of engineering experience within high-precision manufactured and assembled products for the automotive, aerospace and industrial markets.

Prior to this this appointment, Torres was responsible for product support engineering for the global portfolio of rotary-wing elastomeric products at Parker LORD. He previously held roles at American Turned Products within manufacturing engineering, including engineering and quality management between 2004 and 2013.

Torres earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology and Master of Business Administration from Penn State Behrend.

ATP also recently hired Chris Wozniak as a manufacturing engineer.

In this role, Wozniak will be responsible for developing manufacturing solutions and the implementation of process improvements for the organization’s high volume, precision machined product portfolio.

Wozniak brings valuable technical/ manufacturing leadership and problemsolving skills to the organization.

Prior to this role, Wozniak was a production technical adviser at Wabtec Corporation and earned a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering administration from Edinboro University. Wozniak also served in the U.S. Army as a course manager, Pathfinder Platoon sergeant at the Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia.

Founded in 1984, American Turned Products specializes in the machining of high volume, highly complex components for the automotive, fluid power, oil and gas, and other markets both domestically and worldwide.

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MediPlanConnect offers a turn-key, no cost, personal solution to Manufacturer & Business Association member companies and all your Medicare-eligible employees and retirees.

• Personal advising and guidance • Plan selection • Easy enrollment • HR support • Employee education Call 717.980.3201 today to connect to a personal MediPlanConnect advisor.

Or email info@mediplanconnect.com.

www.MediPlanConnect.com

16 MAY 2023 • mbabizmag.com

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For five generations, we’ve been making high-quality pliers and assorted hand tools the right way, right here on American soil. Today, we proudly employ over 350 hardworking Pennsylvanians who manufacture more than 75 different sizes and types of pliers in our two Meadville plants.

Legendary strength. Uncompromising quality.

That’s the CHANNELLOCK® Way.

©2023 CHANNELLOCK, Inc. Meadville, PA, U.S.A.

MADE RIGHT. RIGHT HERE. SINCE 1886.

ON THE HILL | AGENDA

Manufacturer & Business Association

2023 State Legislative Agenda

Eileen Anderson is director of Government Relations at the Manufacturer & Business Association.

Contact her at 814/8333200, 800/815-2660 or eileenanderson@mbausa.org.

The Manufacturer & Business Association’s (MBA) membership is composed of businesses of different sizes and types.

Our legislative agenda strives to serve all.

Here are the major areas where we focus advocacy efforts and the thoughts that guide its development.

The foundation of Pennsylvania’s economy is people working.

To grow the economy Pennsylvania can strengthen the workforce by training youth, adults and untapped populations.

Lawmakers can focus on policies that are pro-growth, pro-business and pro-jobs.

Pennsylvania has the essential ingredients to attract young families who can fill the workforce pipeline — a prime location, abundant energy, natural resources and excellent institutions of higher learning.

Workforce — Pennsylvania’s long-term demographic trends are unfavorable. The labor pool is shrinking while the population ages. “For every 10 job openings… there are approximately six available jobseekers…”

• Invest more in trade, technical, vo-tech schools and other training to provide current and potential workers with needed skills.

• New technologies are needed for manufacturing. Expanding access to advanced industry careers may fill some gaps now and in the future.

• Invest in opportunities to upskill incumbent workers and train older workers for new careers.

and regulation. Regulation is needed but unnecessary regulations hamper economic growth.

• Increase the requirements to collect and maintain unemployment compensation.

Health insurance — Affordable health insurance is an important benefit to attract and maintain employees. The cost of healthcare services continues to rise and drives the cost of health insurance premiums higher.

The MBA supports initiatives that can reduce the cost of health care for employers and employees.

• Incentivize those on the sidelines to transition back into the workforce by policies that encourage workforce participation, or alternatively, policies that do not discourage it.

Transportation and infrastructure — Both are tightly intertwined with workforce. It is important to have sufficient transportation and infrastructure to attract and maintain employers and facilitate the movement of goods and people. Investment is needed to maintain and repair older roads and infrastructure and to build new.

• Lack of transportation can be a barrier for potential workers. There are no statistics regarding the number of potential workers who are sidelined by inadequate transportation.

• PA’s 59 cents per gallon gas tax is the second highest in the United States. The gas tax should be reviewed and updated, and ways found to replace it with other revenue.

Electric vehicles must pay their fair share.

• Transparency and accountability are required for the Motor License Fund.

Business Taxes — Lowering business taxes make Pennsylvania competitive. The recent Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) rate reduction shows Pennsylvania is open for business and is a competitor. The phase-down of the CNIT should be accelerated to attract investment in the state.

Energy and Regulations — Abundant, affordable, and reliable energy is the “jewellike” resource of Pennsylvania’s economy.

Development depends on efficient permitting

The MBA is always on the alert for legislation that is not pro-growth, projobs, and pro-business. Opposition is an essential part of our advocacy toolbox.

Minimum wage — Increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour will have a ripple effect on other employees, as others will want a salary increase. SMC Business Councils conducted a minimum wage survey in 2017 and results showed nearly 90 percent of businesses paid above minimum wage.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) — Pennsylvania should withdraw from RGGI. The Power PA Jobs Alliance, citing the state’s conservative Independent Fiscal Office, says RGGI would not reduce carbon emissions and would cost residential consumers an estimated $800 million a year. RGGI entrance was signed into action by an executive order and bypassed a vote by the legislature.

Marijuana — There are bipartisan bills to loosen restrictions on medical marijuana and the legalization of recreational marijuana.

They require keen observation. Employers are very concerned about the impact on the workplace of employees who use medical marijuana; adding recreational marijuana use to that mix bodes ill.

To view the detailed agenda, visit mbausa.org/ services-and-benefits/government-affairs/ government-advocacy/. mbabizmag.com • MAY 2023

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The Warren company is proud to have persevered for 110 years and looks forward to servicing the tri-state area for many years to come. We continue to innovate with new products, while investing in the latest equipment to provide our customers with the highest quality products at the best prices. As a family-owned business, we will be welcoming our 5th generation in the coming years.

We have grown over the years from a small downtown facility, to our current 200,000 square foot facility along with our 2 satellite locations in Oil City, PA and Falconer, NY. We carry 1000’s of pounds of metal products to meet any of your metal requirements. Choose from carbon, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper and more. These materials are stocked in many different shapes and sizes from your standard round bars to large structural shapes. All products are kept inside and out of the weather giving you the best quality. Our Full-service cutting department allows us to meet a variety of customer specifications. We can provide any service from the basic shearing and saw cutting to completed machined, welded and finished fabrications.

We would like to thank our customers throughout the years and look forward to gaining many new ones.

thewarrencompany.com ◆ 1-800-562-0357 20 MAY 2023 • mbabizmag.com

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2023 SHOWCA CHANNELLOCK 1306 S. Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335 Phone: 800/724-3018 Website: 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.

GREAT LAKES MANUFACTURING 1521 Enterprise Road, Corry, PA 16407 Phone: 814/734-7303 Website: GreatCabinets.com GLM is a manufacturer of UL Listed enclosures that protect control panels and IT equipment for broadband, telecom, and industrial applications; enclosures are available in multiple NEMA ratings for harsh indoor and outdoor environments.

ERIE STRAYER COMPANY 1851 Rudolph Avenue, Erie, PA 16502 Phone: 814/456-7001 Website: 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 remain key to its success. ERIE also manufactures its own heavy-duty Tilt Drum Mixer, Liberty Computer Control Batching System and state of the art PLC-Based Automatic Material Handling Controls. The company remains under the direction of the Strayer family as it has for the last century. Kyle F. Strayer, great-grandson of the founder, is the president/CEO.

INDUSTRIAL SALES & MANUFACTURING 2609 West 12th Street Erie, PA 16505 Phone: 814/833-9876 Website: ismerie.com

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Quality contract machining, fabrication and assembly for OEMS since 1967.

LINCOLN RECYCLING 1602 Selinger Ave. 986 French St. Erie, PA 16505 Meadville, PA 16335 Phone: 814/838-7628 814/724-2241 Website: lincolnrecycling.com Lincoln Recycling is a full-service recycling center located in Erie and Meadville and has provided quality recycling services to the tristate area including PA, NY and OH for over 75 years. The company offers two drive-thru, drop-off locations in Erie and Meadville. It also offers pick-up service to its’ industrial and commercial customers placing containers onsite to fit their recycling needs.

MATRIC GROUP 2099 Hill City Road, Seneca, PA 16346 Phone: 814/677-0716 Website: matric.com Founded in 1971, Matric has provided worldclass Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) for 50 years. The company specializes in high mix/low to high volume contract assembly. Services include Surface Mount & Through-Hole Technology Assembly, Cable & Harness Assembly, Electromechanical Assembly, Aftermarket Services, and Obsolescence Management. Certifications include AS 9100, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, NADCAP Accredited in Electronics, ITAR, RoHS, and ATEX/Ex Qan compliant, and a HUBZone business. From design to production, throughout a product’s lifecycle, Matric partners with customers to achieve their products’ highest potential.

ASE OF MANUFACTURERS JOSEPH MCCORMICK CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. Address: 3340 Pearl Avenue Erie, PA 16510 Phone: 814/899-3111 Website: 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.

MICRO MOLD CO., INC. 4820 Pittsburgh Avenue, Erie, PA 16509 Phone: 814/838-3404 Website: plastikoserie.com Provides custom mold design & fabrication services along with plastics engineering support services to the medical device and electronics industries.

PLASTIKOS, INC. 8165 Hawthorne Drive, Erie, PA 16509 Phone: 814/868-1656 Website: plastikoserie.com Plastikos provides custom injection molding along with plastics engineering support services to the medical device and electronics industries.

PLASTIKOS MEDICAL 8121 Hawthorne Drive, Erie, PA 16509 Phone: 814/868-1656 Website: plastikoserie.com Plastikos Medical is a state-of-the-art, medical injection molding company with a certified ISO-7 (Class 10,000) cleanroom molding floor, and which is strategically located just down the street from Plastikos.

URICK DUCTILE SOLUTIONS 1501 Cherry Street, Erie, PA 16502 Phone: 814/454-2461 Website: urick.net Founded in 1905, Urick is an Erie-based foundry producing ductile iron castings.

As part of the Emerson Corporation, Urick produces castings for RIDGID tools.

The company also produces castings for multiple customers in a variety of industries throughout North America.

THE WARREN COMPANY 2201 Loveland Avenue Erie, PA 16506 Phone: 814/838-8681 Website: thewarrencompany.com A multidisciplinary planning, design, environmental and construction support services consulting firm with 15 locations across the United States.

URBAN ENGINEERS 1319 Sassafras Street, Erie, PA 16501 Phone: 814/453-5702 Website: urbanengineers.com A multidisciplinary planning, design, environmental and construction support services consulting firm with 15 locations across the United States.

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24 MAY 2023 • mbabizmag.com

HR CONNECTION | WORKPLACE TRENDS MORE EMPLOYERS FOCUSING ON SKILLS-BASED HIRING

A growing number of employers are showing interest in skills-based hiring — moving beyond education and experience requirements to focus on the skills match between candidates and roles, according to a recent report by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Meet ICHRA: The Rising Star on The Health-Care Benefits Stage An Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) is an affordable way for employers to provide employee health-care benefits.

With an ICHRA, you can reimburse your employees tax-free for their individual health insurance and medical expenses, rather than buying health insurance for them.

Five Primary Benefits of ICHRA 1) Better cost control. An ICHRA allows you to set your benefit budget and stick with it. No surprises from year to year.

2) Plan customization. Rather than accepting a one-size-fits-all plan from one insurance company, you can design your own plan by defining which employees are eligible and establishing reimbursement limits by employee groupings, such as full-time, part-time, seasonal, etc.

3) Flexibility. You define a set monthly reimbursement allowance by dollar amount and type (i.e., insurance premium only or premiums plus IRS eligible health-related expenses, such as copays and prescription costs).

4) Convenience. You don’t need to worry about renewals, participation rates, annual premium networks, or time-consuming administrative hassles.

5) A better employee experience. Instead of trying to choose one cookie cutter plan for everyone, you’ll empower your employees to choose their own health care plan, providers and coverage.

How It Works Your employees purchase the individual health insurance plans that are best suited to their needs. They pay for premiums and other expenses and then submit claims for reimbursement. Once a claim is verified as valid, employees are reimbursed up to their accrued allowance.

More employers are becoming aware that assessing candidates on their abilities and potential, rather than degrees and job histories, can provide instant economic opportunities for millions of job seekers, help relieve talent shortages, increase diversity and strengthen internal mobility in the workplace.

“Most of the employers we talk to are highly receptive to this message, and they recognize that with the current talent shortage, skillsbased hiring is the best approach for a wide range of roles with significant high-volume need and higher-than-average turnover,” said Angela Briggs-Paige, SHRM-SCP, head of people and culture at the nonprofit Opportunity@Work. The Washington, D.C.-based organization works to expand professional career access for people without college degrees.

Emily Field, a partner at global management consulting firm McKinsey & Co., said skillsbased hiring is “one of the main topics that I hear CEOs and CHROs asking about. They continue to face a skills gap and a talent shortage, and at the same time, recruiting technology is screening out more than half of the applicants due to [them not meeting] education and experience requirements.”

One-fifth of current U.S. job listings on LinkedIn don't require a four-year degree, an increase of over 30 percent over the past six months. Since 2019, the share of recruiter searches on LinkedIn filtering for skills has grown by 25 percent; recruiters are now 50 percent more likely to search by skills than they are to search by years of experience.

Many small to medium-sized employers feel that offering traditional group health insurance to their employees is too costly. An ICHRA makes those benefits affordable for both you and your employees and helps you attract and retain the best quality workers in your field.

Mike Schifferle is the director of Sales & Marketing at Value Point Associates (VPA), a national employer member association offering benefits to small and medium sized businesses. For more information, visit valuepointassociates.com.

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HR Q&A | GET ANSWERS WHEN IS THE EEOC EEO-1 REPORTING DUE THIS YEAR? The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently announced that the 2022 EEO-1 Component 1 data collection is tentatively scheduled to open in mid-July 2023.

This year’s timeline for submitting the EEO-1 Report differs from past years. Last year, the reporting period began on April 12, 2022.

The EEO-1 Report is a federally mandated survey that collects workforce data categorized by race, ethnicity, sex and job category.

According to the EEOC, this data is used for a variety of purposes, including enforcement, selfassessment by employers and research. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employers with 100 or more employees — with some exclusions — and certain federal contractors must report this data to the EEOC each year. Employers are typically required to file their report by March 31, but, in recent years, the date for the EEOC’s portal opening and the deadline for submitting the data have been delayed, creating confusion and uncertainty for employers.

Although the EEOC sends notification letters to employers it knows to be subject to the EEO-1 requirements, all employers are responsible for obtaining and submitting the necessary information prior to the deadline. If an employer fails or refuses to file an EEO-1 Report, they may be compelled to do so by a federal district court.

What’s Next?

If preparing or filing the EEO-1 Report creates an undue hardship, an employer may send a written request for an exemption or special reporting procedures to the EEOC. Employers may obtain a one-time, 30-day extension of the EEO-1 filing deadline by emailing a request to the EEOC. However, the EEOC does not grant any exemptions or extensions requested after the filing deadline.

Updates regarding the 2022 EEO-1 data collection, including the opening date, will be posted on the EEOC’s EEO-1 website, eeocdata.org/eeo1, as they become available.

As such, employers should continue to monitor the EEOC’s website.

What You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence and The Americans With Disabilities Act The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) recently issued new guidance about how employers’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other software tools to make employment decisions may result in unlawful disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The agencies warned that algorithmic decision-making tools — mainly when used to hire, monitor performance, determine pay or performance or establish other terms and conditions of employment — may discriminate against people.

EEOC Guidance The EEOC’s guidance highlighted how employment software tools might violate the ADA, such as: • The employer does not provide a reasonable accommodation necessary for an individual to be rated fairly and accurately by software.

• The software screens out an individual with a disability, even though the individual can do the job with a reasonable accommodation.

• The software makes disability-related inquiries or includes medical examinations.

The EEOC also provided best practices to help employers avoid these violations.

DOJ Guidance The DOJ’s guidance provides examples of the types of software tools employers use, clarifies that employers must consider various disabilities when designing or choosing their software and explains when an employer must provide a reasonable accommodation when using software tools.

Employer Takeaway Several factors have led these agencies to address this topic. One is the ongoing unemployment challenge for workers with disabilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ April data revealed a labor force participation rate of 23.1 percent for people with a disability, compared with 67.5 percent for those without.

Employers should review this guidance and assess their employment technology and processes to ensure they are not at risk for ADA violations. Contact us for additional resources at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or hrservices@mbausa.org!

Rachel Tserkovniak, SPHR, is an HR consultant and trainer at the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or rtserkovniak@mbausa.org

26 MAY 2023 • mbabizmag.com

LET’S OPTIMIZE YOUR ENERGY STRATEGY. LET’S OPTIMIZE YOUR ENERGY STRATEGY. LET’S OPTIMIZE YOUR ENERGY STRATEGY. LET’S OPTIMIZE YOUR ENERGY Judy STRATEGY. The energy market is constantly evolving. For you, Rosatti

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From upfront analysis to a tailored procurement strategy — that spells opportunity. combining expertise with your needs, we canBy lead you to anour energy plan diligence through implementation — our team can make From upfront analysis to a tailored procurement with your needs, we can lead you to an energy plan that yields long-term savings. energy a—key component driving your business forward.

From upfront analysis to aintailored procurement strategy diligence through implementation — our that yields long-term savings. strategy — make diligence through — our team can energy a key implementation component in driving From upfront analysis to a tailored procurement teambusiness canInc. make energy key component in driving BidURenergy, is aforward. wholly ownedasubsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. © 2020 NRG Energy, Inc. your From analysis to a tailored procurement All rights upfront reserved.

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Judy Rosatti MBA EnergyAdvisor MBA EnergyAdvisor Direct Phone: 814-314-1933 Judy Rosatti DirectRosatti Phone: 814-314-1933 Judy MBA EnergyAdvisor MBA EnergyAdvisor Direct Phone: 814-314-1933 Direct Phone: 814-314-1933

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Contractors & Construction Managers Since 1906 814.454.7147 | www.eeaustin.com

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printingconceptsonline.com 28 MAY 2023 • mbabizmag.com

The Manufacturer & Business Association, in conjunction with the MBA Business Magazine, and Mercyhurst University recently presented the sold-out 2023 Women in Leadership IMPACT Luncheon at the MBA Conference Center in Erie. Sponsors include: Northwest Bank, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, HUMES Chyrsler Jeep Dodge RAM, Potratz Floral Shop and Greenhouses Inc. and Panache Salon & Spa. For additional photos, visit mbausa.org.

& MORE | NETWORKING | CONFERENCE EVENTSSECTION SPECIAL

Northwest Bank, shown here with Mercyhurst President Kathleen Getz, Ph.D. (left), Northwest's Senior Vice President and Erie Commercial Market Executive Anita Kuchcinski (third from left) and Erie team members, was a sponsor of this year’s event. The bank also was featured on the cover of the March MBA Business Magazine as part of the women in business special issue. 

Guests of sponsor HUMES Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram also were in attendance.  This year’s Women in Leadership IMPACT Luncheon was sold out with a record crowd in attendance. 

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, represented by staff and guests, also was an event sponsor. Highmark has been a longtime sponsor of leadership programs, such as the IMPACT. 

April Patrizia of the Vicary Insurance Agency was this year’s grand prize raffle winner. Patrizia took home a gift basket valued at $525 from sponsor Panache Salon & Spa, a Vera Bradley tote and $150 worth of MBA gift certificates. 

Potratz Floral Shop & Greenhouses Inc. was a sponsor of the luncheon table centerpieces, which were gorgeous spring arrangements of flowers. 

Mercyhurst University President Kathleen Getz, Ph.D. (left), was welcomed to the MBA by President and CEO Lori Joint. 

mbabizmag.com • MAY 2023

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ERIE, PA PERMIT #199

Work with Work with the best. the best.

You demand the best from your team. In return you want to give your employees the best that you have You demand the best from affordable your team.plan In return you to offer.

And with multiple options want to give your employees best that you have for businesses of all sizes, an the award-winning to offer.Care AndConcierge with multiple affordable plantooptions Health Team, and access for businesses of locally all sizes, anwhile award-winning high-quality care and traveling, Health Health Care Concierge and access to UPMC Plan has Team, you covered to meet high-quality carediverse locally needs. and while traveling, your company’s UPMC Health Plan has you covered to meet your company’s diverse needs.

More reasons why businesses choose More reasons why UPMC Health Plan businesses choose UPMCTrust Health Plan

As a longtime leader in health insurance, we build strong, long-lasting relationships with our clients.

Trust

As a longtime leader in health insurance, we build strong, long-lasting relationships with our clients.

Access Give employees access to the best doctors and hospitals of UPMC, as well as many community doctors and hospitals, and Access an extensive national network of outstanding providers across Givecountry. employees access to the best doctors and hospitals of the UPMC, as well as many community doctors and hospitals, and an extensive national network of outstanding providers across Value the country.

As part of an integrated health care system, providers and payers work together to deliver high-quality care at Value affordable costs.

As part of an integrated health care system, providers and payers work together to deliver high-quality care at affordable costs.

Plan options

No matter the size of your business, we have the right plans tooptions meet your team’s needs.

Plan No matter the size of your business, we have the right plans to meet your team’s needs.

To find out why 95% of businesses that choose UPMC Health Plan To find why Health businesses stay without UPMC Plan that visit choose UPMC Health Plan stay UPMCHealthPlan.com/employers. with UPMC Health Plan visit UPMCHealthPlan.com/employers.

Go to upmchealthplan.com/best for more information.