BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY TRAINING
Module 1 – Unlocking the Power of Blue Ocean Strategy This one-day Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS) Workshop provides participants with a basic introduction to the concepts, tools and methodologies behind blue ocean strategy/value innovation. This session provides participants with the building blocks to understand blue ocean strategy and it will likely provide them with a mindset change about how they view their competitive landscape. The workshop is intended as an introduction, not an attempt to create concrete blue ocean ideas. Participants will learn:
•
•
The strategic logic of blue ocean strategy o What are the underlying principles? o How does the blue ocean strategy methodology unlock creativity? o How do I know if it is right for my organization? The “tool box” behind reconstruction of market boundaries o What are the analytical tools and frameworks behind BOS? o How does the “four-step” process maximize opportunities while minimizing risks? o What is the context and relationship between each of the tools and the steps in the process?
Agenda:
• •
• • •
Introduction Overview Concepts o Value innovation o Tipping point leadership o Fair process Methodology o Four-step process Tools o All tools Summary with case study
Prerequisite:
•
Participants must have read Blue Ocean Strategy book
For more information, visit our Web site at www.mbausa.org or call Angie Angus at 866/293-4194. Date:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2010
Location:
Manufacturer & Business Association Conference Center 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue
Time:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Includes continental breakfast, lunch and beverages.)
Cost:
$325 member, $650 nonmember
Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy: Two weeks or more notice: Full refund or may reschedule Less than two weeks notice: No refund and $50 fee to reschedule Registration Form
Blue Ocean Strategy Training – Module 1
Name:
Company:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone: Payment Method:
E-mail: ❑ Check Enclosed
Card #: Expiration Date:
❑ Invoice
❑
Cardholder Name: Signature:
❑
4 Easy Ways to Register:
Online: www.mbausa.org Fax: 814/833-4844 Phone: 814/833-3200 800/815-2660 Mail: 2171 West 38th Street Erie, Pa. 16508
BUSINESS M A G A Z I N E Manufacturer & Business Association
2010 Annual Report
The Honorable Richard B. Cheney Page 32
VOLUME XXIII, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2010
We’Re at the top of the
CustomeR satisfaCtion CuRve.
healthier Companies
happier employees smarter Choices
at highmark, our customers and their employees get quality customer service, fewer claims issues, and online access to benefits information. and we offer the most doctors and hospitals, outstanding coverage, more choices and good value. no wonder we’re number one in the market when it comes to member satisfaction. so choose highmark. Give your employees the coverage they want. and have a greater hand in your company’s health. find out more at 888.286.8414 or highmarkbcbs.com.
Your health plan may not cover all your health care expenses. Read your contract carefully to determine which health care services are covered.
An Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
09-02631_HMK1_Hispanic_Satisfaction_D.indd 1
9/23/09 3:20:42 PM
32
Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors Yvonne Atkinson-Mishrell John Cline Dale Deist Timothy Hunter Dan Ignasiak Richard Knight Mark C. Kulyk John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E. Dennis Prischak Robert S. Pursell Lorenzo Simonelli Sue Sutto Philip Tredway
Mission Statement
The Manufacturer & Business Association is dedicated to providing information and services to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their business and community interests. – Board of Governors Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org
Editor in Chief
Ralph Pontillo rpontillo@mbausa.org
Executive Editor John Krahe jkrahe@mbausa.org
June 2010
Table of Contents 3 / A Message from the Chairman Dan Ignasiak, president of SEPCO-Erie
32 / 105th Annual Event Speaker
The Honorable Richard B. Cheney, 46th Vice President and 17th U.S. Secretary of Defense
Featured Companies 28 / Electronic Communication Services, Inc. 12 / Northwest Savings Bank 50 / Saint Vincent Health System
Managing Editor & Senior Writer
20 / Energy Update
Contributing Writer
58 / Entertainment
Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org
Jessica Crocker
Additional Sources
The Harry Walker Agency U.S. Department of Defense
Special Thanks
The Business Magazine would like to pay a special thanks to Drs. James Harrigan, David Kozak and Paul Kengor on their assistance with the 2010 feature story on The Honorable Richard B. Cheney.
Advertising Sales
Lori Maus Joint 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 ljoint@mbausa.org
Cover Photography
The Harry Walker Agency
Additional Photography Ron Stephens La Mirage Studio 814/835-1041
iStockphoto.com Jessica Crocker U.S. Department of Defense www.littleriverband.com
Design, Production & Printing Printing Concepts Inc. printcon@erie.net
© Copyright 2010 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.
64 58
Electric Competition: The Benefits to Business International Recording Artists Little River Band
64 / Visionary Leadership
Mark C. Kulyk, immediate past chairman and president of Rogers Brothers Corporation
64 / 2010-2011 Board of Governors Company Profiles 47 / Career Concepts 55 / National Fuel Resources 61 / Perry Construction 31 / Pirrello Enterprises 27 / J.H. Bennett Companies 57 / McCormick Coffee 17 / Highmark 19 / Howard Industries 7 / PNC 5 / Ridg-U-Rak, Inc. 53 / Thomas Lee Printing & Mailing 9 / UPMC Health Plan 70 / 67th Central PA Division Annual Event See exclusive photo coverage of the Williamsport event featuring keynote speaker John Stossel.
73 / NEW! Professional Listings
70 BMUa Sg IaNzEi Sn Se
Manufacturer
& Business Asso
VOLUME XXIII,
ciation
NUMBER 6 JUNE
2010
2010 Annual Report
The Honorableeney Richard B. Ch Page 32
Register now to receive the FREE monthly digital edition of the Business Magazine on www.mbausa.org! June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 1
LOWER COSTS. Higher Education.
U.S. News & World Report listed Edinboro University as one of the top schools in the nation for students that graduate with the least amount of debt. Students receive a quality education at the fraction of the cost of private and state-related institutions.
www.edinboro.edu Dr. Jeremy D. Brown, President
One of the 14 universities in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education
Are you planning a conference or an event ? Edinboro University provides everything you need to host a successful meeting, summer camp, conference, or event. We are your link to the audio-visual capable meeting rooms, the traditional and suite-style housing, the manicured athletic fields, the professional catering, and the knowledgeable staff members found on Edinboro University’s spacious campus.
www.edinboro.edu keyword: Camps and Conferences
Isn’t it about time to move
Take the next step towards success! www.edinboro.edu keyword: Continuing Education Workforce Development Online Programs Programs for Area Teachers, Administrators and Child Care Community Education & Special Programs
Use your Workforce and Economic Development (WEDnet) training dollars.
To d
o lis
t...
D to geecide to t Visit ahead learn sk in lif ills keyw w ord ww e
Be
:C
succ
ontin
.edin
essfu
uing
l!
boro
Edu
catio
n
.edu
A Message from the Chairman Dan Ignasiak is chairman of the Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors (MBA) and president of SEPCO-Erie, a family owned screw machine products manufacturer established in 1965 and headquartered at 1221 Robison Road West in Erie, Pennsylvania.
As a member of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) for nearly 20 years, I consider it a tremendous honor to serve as your chairman for the 2010-2011 term. It is privilege to lead the Association in its 105th year of continuous operation, and to be part of a Board of Governors that is actively advancing the interests of such a diverse membership. Most importantly, I want to thank all of you for your continued support of the MBA. The strength of our Association comes from your participation and support, and you can be proud to be a part of this great organization.
Many of you will agree, as employers, we are all experiencing significant challenges, economically and politically, which threaten to adversely impact our businesses. One of the most serious of these threats, as you know, is the $940-billion government-run health-care plan enacted earlier this year. The Association has and continues to loudly and forcefully demand the repeal of this law by fighting for advanced market-based reform that does not force businesses to “play or pay.” The voice of the American people, we believe, cannot and should not be ignored.
It is through your membership that the Manufacturer & Business Association continues its leadership role as one of the largest employers’ organizations in the country. In fact, through strategic and visionary planning, and the consolidation of the Manufacturers’ Association of Central Pennsylvania this past fall, we have significantly expanded our regional footprint.
In fact, across the country, the health-care fight and current political climate have galvanized the American public, from conservatives to Tea Party activists, to stand up and be heard. And it is why the Association is privileged to have the unique opportunity to hear from one of the most pivotal figures in American politics on these current issues.
Today, our 105-year-old Association represents more than 4,700 member companies throughout central and northwest Pennsylvania, as well as parts of neighboring New York and Ohio. The Association’s new size and strength has afforded us opportunities to grow our services and offerings throughout the state.
Our 105th Annual Event keynote speaker, The Honorable Richard B. Cheney, the 46th vice president of the United States and 17th U.S. Secretary of Defense, is one of the most influential and powerful vice presidents in history. With more than 40 years of experience as a public servant, he brings a unique perspective to the economic and geopolitical challenges of our time and is unequalled as a spokesman for a free and strong America.
With this recent expansion, the Association now has three office locations – Erie, Harrisburg and Williamsport – in which to provide members with training, human resources, and legislative, insurance and legal services, as well as our newest member services, the internationally recognized Blue Ocean Strategy training, and our wholesale, low-cost energy provider, the Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc. (EEA-PA). The EEA-PA operates as a wholesale passthrough purchase model – eliminating broker commissions and marketing costs, and passing that savings on to participating companies that are members of the Association – at a time when energy savings has become an increasingly important issue for businesses. For those of you whose rate caps have expired or will expire this year, I strongly encourage you to read about rate cap removal in this year’s Annual Report and utilize the Alliance as a valuable resource. The EEA-PA is one of the many ways that we have continued to grow and develop our organization in order to remain relevant and provide service that is of genuine value to you, our members, during these most difficult times.
I expect, from what you will read in this year’s Annual Report, that his appearance on June 16 will be truly inspiring. Just as Mr. Cheney predicted that 2010 would be a “phenomenal year” for conservatives, I too believe that this will become a “phenomenal” year for our Association, as we continue to respond to the changing demands of our members. Because as Americans, and as Association members, we must remain united to survive and prosper in this great country of ours. On behalf of a very grateful membership, thank you for all you do to keep the American dream alive. Sincerely,
Dan Ignasiak
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 3
"The success, the strength, and the standard of living in America has been achieved only because of the free enterprise system. It has made many people wealthy, but it's also given many, many millions of people the quality of life never before equaled in world history. If we allow government to restrict and eventually socialize the system, our country and our way of life will rapidly decline ... along with our freedom. Protect free enterprise and keep our country strong."
4 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
Company PROFILE Ridg-U-Rak, Inc. 120 South Lake Street North East, PA 16509 Phone: 814/725-8751 Fax: 814/725-5659 E-mail: sales@ridgurak.com Web Site: www.ridgurak.com Number of Employees: 350
Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.
Date Founded: 1942
Company Description:
Ridg-U-Rak has a 68-year history of integrity in supplying storage rack systems. As a designer, manufacturer and integrator of Material Handling and Distribution Systems, the company provides the latest in storage technology throughout the United States, as well as other parts of the world. Under President and CEO, John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E., the company has attained a prominent industry role in the many engineering advances in rack safety and design over the years. In April 2008, Ridg-U-Rak’s patented Seismic Base Isolation System was awarded first place honors for “Excellence for Innovation” in the earthquake mitigation category at the National Earthquake Conference held in Seattle, Washington. Ridg-URak received the award for developing a product that would reduce the risk of product loss, damage and personal injury around storage rack installations during seismic events. With more than 350 employees and 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space, the company utilizes automated, computer-controlled production lines and is capable of producing over 2 million pounds of rack-storage systems per week. Painting and finishing lines comply with environmental guidelines, and throughout the manufacturing process, strict quality policies are followed to ensure a reliable finished product. Ridg-U-Rak has long been engaged in reducing its environmental imprint. From recycling programs to major transformations in manufacturing processes, the corporate philosophy is to do what is necessary to meet 21st century sustainability expectations.
a complete line of Selective Racks, Drive-In Racks, Push-Back Racks, Cantilever Systems, Shelving, Flow Racks and many specialty products. A nationwide network of more than 125 professional material-handling distributorships is complemented by the company’s regional sales managers, who work with customers and distributors to bring the factory to the field. In addition, Ridg-U-Rak provides field engineering and installation services with factory supervision.
Certifications/Awards: •
•
•
Rack Manufacturers Institute “R-Mark” Certification. Awarded to manufacturers who are committed to the principles of continuous improvement in product design and application, and are guided by RMI/ANSI Standards. 2006 Norman L. Cahners Award. Presented by Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc., Ridg-U-Rak was recognized for ongoing dedication to its scholarship program since 1989, and as an outstanding example of commitment and return to the Industry. 2008 Excellence for Innovation Award. The National Earthquake Conference, chaired by four earthquake and emergency consortia groups, presented Ridg-U-Rak this award for developing a product that would reduce the risk of product loss, damage and personal injury around storage rack installations during seismic events.
Markets Served:
A company of many products and capabilities, Ridg-U-Rak provides June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 5
ACHIEVEMENT: MAKING THAT CREDIT LINE HUMMMMM ....................................................................... .......................................................................
PNC ADVANTAGE FOR MANUFACTURERS offers CFO: Cash Flow Options, a comprehensive suite of products and services exclusively designed to optimize manufacturers' cash flow. With CFO you can better accelerate your receivables, improve the way you make payments, and help ensure access to cash when you need it. Take advantage of our wide range of customized business financing solutions, targeted to your specific credit needs, including lines of credit, term loans, leasing and SBA loan programs~ Talk to us today by calling 811-535-6314, or visit pnc.com/manufacturers to learn about the many ways PNC Advantage for Manufacturers can keep your cash flow revving .
....................................................................... .......................................................................
~ PNC
for the ACHIEVER in us all~
PNcl cFO cash flow options
'Allioans and lines of credit subject to credit approval and require automatic payment deduction from a PNC Bank Business Checking Account. Origination and annual fees may apply. BBK-2091 ©2010 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC
Company PROFILE PNC Financial Services Group 901 State Street Erie, PA 16501 Contact: Marlene D. Mosco PNC Regional President Northwest Pennsylvania
PNC Financial Services Group
Web Site: www.pnc.com Date Founded: 1852 Employees: Approximately 56,000 in the United States and abroad
PNC Grow Up Great Programs Help Area Pre-Schoolers Area pre-schoolers learn science concepts from Marlene Mosco, regional president of PNC, during an educational workshop at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie. Thanks to a two-year $100,000 grant to the Friends of Tom Ridge Center from the PNC Foundation, the funds will help train pre-school teachers and introduce families of pre-school children to Science. Through visits to the center’s interactive exhibits and the Presque Isle educators’ “Outside the Window” environmental science program, the activities will reach over 150 children in 2009 and 2010.
Company Description: Pittsburgh National Corporation was established as the Pittsburgh Trust and Savings Company in 1852, making it the oldest bank in Pittsburgh. Today, The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE:PNC) is one of the nation’s largest financial services companies with assets of $265 billion. PNC is a diversified financial institution, which includes a regional banking franchise operating primarily in 15 states in the Northeast and Midwestern United States. With 2,400 branches and more than 6,500 ATM machines, PNC provides deposit, lending, cash management and investment services to more than 6 million consumer and small-business customers across 15 states and the District of Columbia. The Northwestern Pennsylvania Market of PNC, under the leadership of Marlene D. Mosco, encompasses 11 counties from Lake Erie South to New Castle; and East to Bradford, Ridgway and Dubois. Products/Services • Retail Banking - Consumer and small business banking PNC is one of the nation’s largest banks based on deposits and is ranked among the top small business lenders. PNC also was the first major U.S. bank to design and build bank branches based on U.S. Green Building Council standards. • Asset Management Group - Individual wealth and institutional investment management PNC is one of the nation’s largest wealth management firms and one of the top 10 bank wealth managers, according to Barron’s Magazine. • Financial services for companies and government agencies – PNC is a top 10 Treasury Management business and is among the top five in middle market loan syndications. • Originator of first lien residential mortgage loans nationwide – PNC
is among the nation’s top 10 retail lenders and servicers. • PNC Global Investment Servicing - Global fund processing services PNC is the No. 1 sub accounting provider and No. 2 full-service mutual fund transfer agent in the United States. The bank is also the leading provider of information and analytics products through Albridge Solutions and Coates Analytics. • BlackRock - Publicly traded asset management firm. PNC is one of the world’s largest publicly traded asset management firms. Community Involvement PNC is committed to helping build strong communities and create financial opportunities for individuals, families and businesses through: • Community Development: PNC boosts the quality of life in neighborhoods through affordable housing, economic revitalization and customized financial solutions. PNC earned an “outstanding” rating in 2007 for exceeding Community Reinvestment Act standards. • Charitable Giving: More than $50 million was invested in communities in 2009. The PNC Foundation forms partnerships with nonprofit organizations to advance mutual objectives driven by two priorities: 1) early childhood education supported by the 10year $100 million Grow Up Great Program; and 2) community and economic development. • Environmental Responsibility: PNC’s commitment to innovation and environmentally friendly business practices during the past decade has enabled the company to lower costs, increase efficiency and improve communities. PNC has built newly constructed, LEEDcertified green buildings than any company on Earth.
PNC Community Impact EARLY EDUCATION: SUCCESS IN SCHOOL AND LIFE PNC Grow Up Great is a $100 million, 10-year investment to improve school readiness among children from birth to age five through public/private collaboration grants, advocacy and education. More than 100,000 volunteer hours are contributed by PNC employees. Today, PNC Grow Up Great and PNC Crezca con Éxito form one of the nation’s most comprehensive bilingual, corporate-based, school-readiness programs. With a focus on underserved children, Grow Up Great is dedicated to creating opportunities for children and building stronger communities and a skilled workforce. June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 7
How much are you willing to risk? Change is inevitable. And since few of us can predict what the future may hold, leaving anything to chance just isn’t an option. Not today. That’s why it is so important to work with a firm who knows how to protect you, your business, your people and your assets against “the unpredictable.” At Loesel-Schaaf Insurance, we make an extraordinary effort to understand your unique goals and objectives. We analyze where your risks are now and where they may be in the future. And because we’re one of the region’s largest business insurance providers, we’re able to offer the industry’s most comprehensive coverage plans — providing solid support at affordable rates. So if you’re not one to throw caution to the wind, talk to us.
"We make a difference."
Phone: (814) 833-5433 . Fax: (814) 838-6172 . Web site: www.LSinsure.com Health Care
Workers’ Compensation
Property
Dental
Life
Home
Auto
Disability
Liability
Long-Term Care
Company PROFILE UPMC Health Plan One Chatham Center 112 Washington Place Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412/434-1200 Web Site: www.upmchealthplan.com Number of employees: 1,900
UPMC Health Plan
Date Founded: 1996
How would you describe your company?
The NCQA also awarded UPMC Health Plan its prestigious “Recognizing Innovation in Multicultural Health Care Award” for its efforts to reach across cultural divides and provide Health Plan members in Western Pennsylvania with culturally appropriate health-care services.
UPMC Health Plan, which has its headquarters in Pittsburgh, is now the second-largest health insurer in western Pennsylvania. It is owned by the UPMC, one of the nation’s top-ranked health systems. The integrated partner companies of the UPMC Insurance Services Division – which includes UPMC Health Plan, UPMC Work Partners, LifeSolutions (EAP), EBenefits Solutions, UPMC for You (Medical Assistance), Community Care Behavioral Health, and Askesis Development Group – offer a full range of group health insurance, Medicare, CHIP, Medical Assistance, behavioral health, employee assistance, and workers’ compensation products and services to nearly 1.4 million members. Our local provider network includes UPMC as well as community providers, totaling more than 100 hospitals and more than 8,000 physicians in a 29-county region.
In 2009, UPMC Health Plan’s member services received the prestigious designation as a Certified J.D. Power and Associates Call Center for its excellence in operations and customer satisfaction. UPMC Health Plan is one of a select group to receive this designation.
UPMC Health Plan began operation as Best Health Care of Western Pennsylvania, a Medicaid HMO, in 1996. In 1997, the company filed for commercial HMO and point-of-service products and changed its name to UPMC Health Plan.
Through the many primary care physicians, pediatricians, and obstetriciangynecologists in our outstanding provider network, we offer our members the finest preventive care, based on best practices and the latest medical protocols. This enables us to help our members remain healthy as well as detect any medical problems at an early stage when treatment is more effective and may prevent such problems from escalating into serious illness.
UPMC Health Plan and UPMC were among only 17 employers nationwide to earn “Platinum-level” recognition from the National Business Group on Health (NBGH) for the MyHealth program. This innovative program creates a culture of health throughout the workplace and encourages employees and their families to actively manage their health by taking steps to lead a healthier lifestyle. In an uncertain year for the economy, UPMC Health Plan was able to retain more than 90 percent of its employer group clients in 2010. This is a reflection of the Health Plan’s dedication to customer service and commitment to hold the line on premium increases.
What markets do you serve?
UPMC serves members in 29 counties of western Pennsylvania as well as in parts of West Virginia and eastern Ohio.
What honors have you received?
UPMC Health Plan has earned an “Excellent” accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) – the highest honor a managed care company can receive – for its commercial HMO and point-of-service plan, its Medical Assistance plan, and its Medicare Advantage plan.
Diane P. Holder, president, UPMC Health Plan
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 9
Even before someone gives him that first job, you can give him affordable health coverage. 6- and 12-month Individual Advantage Plans
Now you can give your recent graduate the security of quality health insurance with a short-term Individual Advantage plan from UPMC Health Plan. These new, affordable 6- and 12-month plans provide comprehensive benefits, including prescription drug coverage, access to wellness programs, and a health coach, as well as two deductible levels to choose from depending on your budget. Unlike other individual plans, you can cancel any time after the first two months. In addition, everything is done electronically – even the application – so all your information is at your fingertips, 24/7. And like all UPMC health plans, you’ll have access to world-class care from our network of over 100 hospitals and 8,000 physicians. To learn more, visit upmchealthplan.com.
This managed care plan may not cover all your health care expenses. Read your contract carefully to determine which health care services are covered. If you have questions, call Member Services at 1-888-876-2756.
One bank can make
IN'INORTHWEST SAVINGS BANK Where people make the difference.
the Difference
N ''IN
orthwest ranked highest in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Retail Banking Customer Satisfaction Study in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The study was released in April.”
Jim Martin, Northwest Savings Bank Regional President, leans back in his chair inside his modest office in the executive suite on the fourth floor of the downtown Erie office building of Northwest Savings Bank and puts his hands behind his head. He smiles. He says, “The study from J.D. Power and Associates was the latest in a string of great stories our bank has to tell. We made
loans all during the recent credit crisis — business loans, home loans, consumer loans. A lot of banks haven’t. We lent over $1.8 billion in 2009 alone. Last year, Forbes named Northwest one of the 100 Most Trustworthy Businesses in America; one of only 11 banks on the list and the number one savings bank. Forbes also listed us twenty-third strongest among the 100 biggest banks in the country. We had good earnings when many banks lost money. We changed our stock structure and sold $688 million in common stock to become fully-public. By doing that, we built our capital so we’re ready to grow
Committed to servmg the resIdents and busmesses of Erie.
Jim Martin, Erie Region President, presents an artist’s rendition of Northwest’s newest bank, to open in the West Erie Plaza later this year.
12 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
the bank like never before. Our deposit growth last year was the best in our history. We had a great year,” He paused, then gestured past the office window that looks out over the city. “But the real story for Northwest is out there. It’s the people, our customers, our bankers, and the folks who live in our home communities. We owe our success to them.” “We call Northwest the bank where people make the difference, and our people believe it really is. That’s why they became bankers, because they want to make a difference.” Northwest started as a savings association in the 1890’s and for decades its strength lay in personal banking, primarily savings and mortgage lending. Today, as a full service bank, Northwest can take care of all of a client’s financial needs — business, personal or wealth management — no matter what they are, and the bank bases it all on relationships. “That’s one of the biggest differences you find here–we treat our customers as individuals and tailor our services to each one. Businesses especially appreciate this approach. They get an experienced personal banker who gets to know them and their business as well as the local market and economy,” said Martin. Martin said, “We’ve faced some tough times with this economy. Some of our customers have, too. We’ve been prudent and conservative and we’ve taken care of our people. We’ve increased our loan loss reserves. We’ve reviewed our portfolios. We’ve gotten closer than ever to our customers. We’ve made arrangements when needed. We’re still serving existing
Northwest Awarded “Highest Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the Mid-Atlantic Region”
customers. We’re still taking new customers. And the real proof in a down economy: we’re profitable and we’re extremely well-capitalized.” A 28-year veteran of the financial industry, Martin is one of eight regional presidents at Northwest, a financial institution with 171 retail banking locations, 285 ATMs and 2,000 employees in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Maryland, and Florida. In this capacity, Martin oversees the operation
J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Retail Banking Satisfaction StudySM
The study, conducted in January, analyzed the overall customer satisfaction of almost 48,000 customers with their retail banking experience based on account activities, account information, facilities, fees, problem resolution, and product offering. Commercial Lenders Gary Marz, Donna Carlino, Brian Volmer, Lou Sherwood, Leah Manino and Dan Franks.
Northwest received the highest customer satisfaction score in the Mid-Atlantic Region, which includes Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
of 20 community banking offices and 275 employees, and he coordinates the business development efforts of the bank’s business partners in Community Banking, Investment Management and Trust, Commercial Lending, and Business Services Divisions. As Martin sees it, businesses banking with Northwest Savings Bank gain some unique benefits. “In addition to having a personal banker — we’ll come to you if you want us to — businesses banking with us get convenience for day-to-day banking. We not only have 20 offices in the county, we have a full complement of electronic delivery systems so you can bank right from your office.” Hired in 1997 as the first commercial lender in Northwest’s Erie Region, Donna Carlino, Senior Vice President of Northwest’s Commercial Lending Division, leads commercial lending initiatives in the Erie area. She echoes Martin’s comments on the benefits of personal banking but notes an additional benefit: local decision making. “We have six of the best commercial lenders in
“We understand our customers have choices, and are honored to be able to provide the very best financial products and services,” William J. Wagner, President and CEO of Northwest Savings Bank, said. “We’re proud to have received this recognition and to be their bank. We thank our employees for their hard work and dedication and our customers for their support.” J.D. Power and Associates of Westlake, California has completed these studies and released these rankings for five years. Northwest Savings Bank believes that receiving the highest ranking in one of the nation’s geographical districts is one of the highest accolades a financial institution can receive.
Dean Swanson, Manager of the bank’s Western Erie County District and Carl Wolfram, Manager of the Eastern Erie County District.
Northwest Savings Bank received the highest numerical score among retail banks in the Mid-Atlantic region In the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Retail Banking Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 47,673 total responses measuring 27 providers In the Mid-Atlantic region (DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, DC) and measures opinions of consumers with their primary banking provider. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed In January 2010. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 13
Member FDIC
Northwestern Pennsylvania,” she said. “Our experienced lenders have local decision powers with the authority to quickly approve most loan requests.” “Northwest is a local, hometown bank,” Carlino said. “A customer can come into an office, talk to a person face-to-face and get a real answer. Those are things people look for when they’re making a decision about where to do their banking. We have a good reputation in the community for taking care of business people, treating people with respect, treating people the way they want to be treated.” “Perhaps just as important,” she continued, “we’re lending. The economy hasn’t kept Northwest from making loans. That includes commercial loans. We offer a complete line of commercial lending products meeting the needs of small, middle market and corporate clients.” Business Service Sales and Product Development Manager Pam Rinn, who has 38 years of banking experience, says Northwest can benefit business customers with products and services other than commercial loans as well, with costeffective, timely solutions. “At Northwest, we make decisions locally,” Rinn said. “We don’t have to call people out of town to try to do something out of the box or unique.” Rinn counsels companies about the services that can benefit their daily
operations to manage cash, reduce costs, enhance controls, and maximize returns, all with personal service. The most popular services, she says, are free business checking for low to moderate volume businesses; ACH services for electronic transfer of funds; remote check capture to save time and money and reduce the threat of fraud; zero balance accounts that eliminate excess balances and maintain greater control over payments; and investment sweep accounts where excess funds from a company’s checking account are automatically swept into an investment account to earn a competitive interest rate. Also available are free debit cards; free online banking; direct deposit for payroll; merchant services for credit and debit card pointof-sale processing; and health savings accounts for employees of businesses offering high-deductible health plans. Northwest also offers employers and employees a one-stop-shop for employee benefit services. Don Boetger, president of Boetger and Associates, a Northwest affiliate, notes, “We are an employee benefit, recordkeeping and actuarial services firm that specializes in the design, implementation and administration of qualified retirement programs. With our integrated approach, the investment management, participant education and record keeping services for employee benefit services that firms of all sizes need are all available under the Northwest umbrella.” Northwest also filled a void in helping employers cut the high cost of health insurance and efficiently provides health benefits to their employees. Beneflex, Inc., also a Northwest subsidiary, administers Section 125 Pre-Tax Medical and Dependent Care Account Plans through Boetger and Associates. Its local client list has grown by about 30 percent for each of the last three years. With 35 years in the banking industry, Gary Koenig, senior vice president
Don Boetger, Boetger and Associates, and Gary Koenig, Financial Services.
14 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
For more information, visit one of our 20 Erie County offices, call Northwest Direct at 1-877-672-5678, or go online to www.northwestsavingsbank.com.
Business Services Representatives Pam Rinn, Shirley Anderson and Jennifer Marz.
and manager of the Financial Services Division for Northwest, understands how different one customer is from the next. “As a corporate fiduciary, we’re dedicated to helping investors of all mindsets achieve their goals. Our mission is to help people turn financial success into financial security,” says Koenig. “Erie is an extremely competitive market for the investment management business,” explained Koenig. “The number of financial advisers here continues to increase dramatically. Despite the competition, our unbiased and holistic approach has taken our assets under administration to over a billion dollars.” “To sum it all up, we call our bank, Northwest Savings Bank, the place where people make the difference,” said Martin. “We treat every one of our customers like the individual he or she is and we know our future depends on them and their future depends on us. It’s worked for over a century. Erie County has been very good to Northwest. We appreciate our home, and we will always do our best for our customers and for Erie County.”
Strength in Numbers
With over forty attorneys practicing in more than a dozen areas of law, MacDonald Illig has the experience, depth and resources necessary to provide outstanding results. Strength in our numbers: It all adds up.
Business Law • Litigation • Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights • Labor & Employment Environmental • Intellectual Property • Health Care • Government & Municipal • Immigration Family Law • Trusts & Estates • Tax • Real Estate • Construction 100 State Street • Suite 700 • Erie, PA 16507 • MacDonaldIllig.com • 814-870-7600
MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton LLP
Innovative products, expanding sales worldwide and development of new markets continues to drive Eriez’ growth. These positive trends have lead to local plant expansions, new equipment, a growing work force as well as adding advanced engineering and sales support. These investments have been made right here. Eriez...proud to call Erie home.
Expanded laboratory facilities aid design of sophisticated X-Ray Inspection Systems.
New sorting systems for metal recycling typify product and market development.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Company PROFILE Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield 717 State Street Erie, PA 16501
Company Description:
Phone: 814/871-6783
Highmark supports the community where its members live and work through strategic corporate giving, employee volunteerism and community programming. In Northwestern Pennsylvania, Highmark’s corporate giving has contributed some $498,000 to 124 nonprofits in 2009.
Fax: 814/871-6810 E-mail: cynthia.kucenski@highmark.com Web Site: www.highmark.com Number of employees: 20,500 Date founded: 1930s
As Pennsylvania’s leading health insurer based on membership, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s mission is to provide access to affordable, quality health care enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives.
Highmark also hosts the Walk for a Healthy Community in Erie, an annual event that raises funds for local health and human services agencies. Highmark underwrites the cost of the walk so that 100 percent of the money raised by walkers goes directly to support the missions of the participating organizations. In 2009, more then 2,000 walkers raised $70,000 for 26 local nonprofits. Highmark offers additional community support in Northwestern Pennsylvania through Highmark Healthy High 5, a children’s health promotion initiative of the Highmark Foundation; the Caring Place, a Center for Grieving Children, Adolescents and their Families facility in Erie; event sponsorships and more.
Markets Served:
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield serves 3.1 million members in 29 counties of Western Pennsylvania.
Certifications/Awards:
Two of Highmark’s health insurance products were ranked among “America’s Best Health Insurance Plans 2009-10,” according to U.S. News & World Report/National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) America’s Best Health Plans. Two of Highmark’s health insurance products were ranked
among “America’s Best Health Insurance Plans 2009-10,” according to U.S. News & World Report/National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) America’s Best Health Plans. SecurityBlue, Highmark’s Medicare Advantage HMO ranked 32nd on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best Medicare plans. In the Commercial HMO category, KeystoneBlue, offered under Highmark’s subsidiary Keystone Health Plan West Inc., ranked 47th. QualityBLUE, Highmark’s payfor-performance program, continues to generate positive results by working with hospitals and physicians to save lives and reduce health-care costs. A number of achievements have been accomplished through the continued collaboration between Highmark and its network providers, including helping participating hospitals to reduce MRSA infections by 233 infections, which translates to a projected care cost savings of $6.3 million to $8.1 million. Since the inception of the program in 2002, the number of QualityBLUE hospital participants has grown to encompass more than 60 percent of Highmark’s inpatient/outpatient hospital claims in the western region. The American Red Cross, Greater Erie County Chapter named Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield its 2010 Corporate Hero. Highmark was recognized for their partnership to enhance community education for area youth in disaster preparedness, prevention and response through the Erie County chapter’s Community Education and “The Key to a Safer Community” programs. Highmark and its employees also partnered with the American Red Cross on a national level, contributing nearly $162,000 to Haiti earthquake relief efforts.
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 17
about your Checking choices?
hauling
*
C}fOOS€itJ eMJv 5. 12%APY Our HD OIECKING mak.es choosinq where you conduct your famRy's financial affairs easy. Erie General Bedric Federal Credit Union members enjoy an unparalleled dividend of 5.12% APY* on checking accounts! aic~ call. or come in to a branch near you to step up to the smart choice:
HD Checlling from the Erie General Bedric Federal Credit Union.
~ General Electric Li:l FEDERAL CREDIT UNION www.egefcu.org •
NCUA
814.456.6281
*No rrinoom bcknce req.Jrement. Account wru ecrn a dividend of 5. 12% N'Y (Annud Percentage Yield) ff 1he following reCf-Jirements are met dumg statement ~de: a minimum average daly bdCllce of $500.00, twelve signature-based debit card lransadions, one eleclranic deposi~ onli1e bankilg, eSlatements and BlIPayer. No dividends wi! be paid on CIly po!1ion of 1he average daly bdrnce c:tJove $25,000.00. APY is accurate as of 6/112010. Fees may reduce earnings. Rales CIld terms subject to chCI1ge without notice. Terms and restrictions apply. Contact Credit Union for details.
Company PROFILE Howard Industries 6400 Howard Drive Fairview, Pennsylvania 16415 Phone: 814/833-7000 Toll Free Phone: 800/458-0591 Fax: 814/838-0011 E-mail: sales@howardindustries.com Web site: www.howardindustries.com Number of Employees: 48
Howard Industries
Date Founded: 1928
Company Description:
Howard Industries is a leading national manufacturer/wholesaler of Architectural Signage Systems and is globally known for its Extruded Aluminum Wayfinding Signs and DeSign Stone Monument Signage. With a reputation for highest quality craftsmanship, unparalleled delivery and prompt responsiveness, Howard Industries is considered to be the “Cadillac” of the sign industry. Howard Industries currently occupies a 50,000-square-foot, technologically advanced office/production facility in the Sterrettania Business Park in McKean Township. Here, the 48-plus person staff designs and manufactures both standard and custom-designed modular signage systems, including a variety of extruded-aluminum signs and DeSign Stone eps monument signs with thousands of design configurations. Never a company to rest on its laurels, Howard Industries leads the way in adopting new strategies and cutting-edge sign fabricating technologies. Its manufacturing process is under a continuous-improvement mandate, and the company is always looking to new markets.
A Glimpse at Recent Events in a Growing Legacy: • With its beginnings dating back to the 1920s, Howard Industries has a company history rich in growth, change and success. Under CEO Gary Schneider and President Patrick Sutton, the company continues to carve out an aggressive forward-thinking business plan as a manufacturer and innovative sign industry leader. • In 2005, Howard Industries developed the PRIME Sign Program to meet the needs of institutional and corporate clients that require complete sign project management. Project managers and design personnel are teamed to provide industry-leading campus master planning, sign audits, site surveys, architectural signage solutions, permit acquisition and installation management. Area clients benefiting from these services include Penn State University, Shippensburg University, Shepherd University, Gannon University, Mercyhurst College, Edinboro University, Hamot Medical Center and satellite facilities, Saint Vincent Health System and satellite facilities, LECOM Wellness and Millcreek Community Hospital, Geisinger Healthcare Facilities, First National Bank corporate headquarters and branches, to name a few.
exclusively markets and provides LED illuminated Traffic Control Signs to an increasing variety of target industries. • In 2007 and again in 2008, Howard Industries was honored as an Inc. 5000 company. This recognition was a tribute to the company’s growth during both years. • In 2008, the company earned a Pennsylvania Department of General Services COSTARS Contract for signage. Participation in this program allows state entities, municipalities and townships to purchase identification and wayfinding signage under one contract without time intensive research and bid procedures. Area clients benefiting from these services include Penn State University (13 satellite campuses in 2009), Shippensburg University, Slippery Rock University, Edinboro University, Geisinger Healthcare Facilities and Salus University. • In 2009, the company partnered with GP Roadway Solutions and SEPCO in providing solar-powered LED illuminated identification/directory signs for seven University of Hawaii Community College locations throughout the islands. • In late 2009, Howard Industries introduced the HID Interior Signage System. Seeing a need for a quickly available, versatile system for interior facility identification, wayfinding and information, the experts in exterior signage applied like-minded design and production concepts to creating a cost-effective interior sign system. The new HID interior system offers functional versatility, contemporary modular appeal, stylish design accents, user-serviceable message inserts, and easy to install mounting options … all at a price everyone can appreciate!
• In late 2007, the company’s business plan recognized the need to further streamline production and offer more focused service to three distinctive customer groups. From Howard Industries Architectural Signage, two additional divisions were created: DeSign Stone Signs focusing on the manufacture and the further development of EPS Monument Signs; and iSIGNS, Inc., which June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 19
Energy Update
Electric Competition: The Benefits to Business The Impact of Deregulation
20 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
T fi
Rate caps have already expired in seven other electric service territories across Pennsylvania, including: UGI Utilities Inc., Pike County Light & Power Company, Citizens Electric of Lewisburg, Wellsboro Electric Company, Duquesne Light Company, Pennsylvania Power Company and PPL Electric Utilities Inc. But it’s these last four territories that will be the nal hurdle for Pennsylvania to achieve a true “competitive electric market.” In the Penelec territory alone, the switch will affect 590,000 customers in 31 counties of Pennsylvania, including 81,000 commercial and 2,400 industrial customers, many of whom are concerned about the potential for soaring rate hikes once the caps expire.
fi
“What everyone needs to understand is that for the past 10 years they’ve paid an arti cially capped rate and, as we’re all aware, nothing from 10 years ago costs the same today,” explains Scott Surgeoner, manager of Communications for FirstEnergy in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the parent company of Penelec. Simply put, just as you pay more for basic commodities like milk, butter and eggs, energy companies will now begin to charge for electricity at its true market price. The question on everyone’s mind is, how much?
of Pennsylvania, Inc.
Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc. Offers Businesses Low-Cost Energy Solutions As the only wholesale pass-through supplier in the Commonwealth, the Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc. (EEA-PA), a subsidiary of the Manufacturer & Business Association, purchases electricity directly from the power grid. That means whether you own U.S. Steel Corporation or Joe’s Pizza Shop, you pay the exact same price for electricity regardless of volume. As of December 31, 2010, rate caps will have expired throughout the state of Pennsylvania. The average rate increases for commercial customers in previous areas where the caps have expired has been in the area of 30 percent. Participating members in the EEA-PA have seen savings of up to 25 percent. Visit the EEA-PA Web site on www.eeapa.com to get a detailed explanation about this low-cost energy provider, upcoming brie ngs and Webinars, and the easy to use Energy Savings Calculator for an estimate of your savings potential as a member of the EEA-PA. For more information, contact an EEA-PA team representative in your area at 800/815-2660: David Bell, dbell@mbausa.org Erie and Crawford counties
Chuck Jenkins, cjenkins@mbausa.org Armstrong, Bradford, Cameron, Clarion, Centre, Clear eld, Clinton, Columbia, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Venango and Warren counties fi
“We do know costs have increased – the price of coal has increased, the price of uranium has increased, the price of natural gas has increased, and those are all materials we use or someone uses to generate electricity,” notes Surgeoner. “However, the extent of the increase will not be known until the latter part of this year.”
Employers’ Energy Alliance
fi
he next six months will be an important time for Pennsylvania businesses operating in the Penelec, Metropolitan Edison, PECO Energy and Allegheny Power territories as they prepare for the upcoming rate cap removal effective December 31, 2010.
Penelec, for example, will hold the last of four energy auctions this fall to secure its energy price for 2011. At that time, the rates that customers will actually pay will be more precisely known, and with that information they can shop around for other suppliers – and lower rates. In fact, customers can sign on with an alternate supplier at any time, but key to determining the best option, notes Surgeoner, is to look for that “price to compare” in late October or >
Patty Welther, pwelther@mbausa.org Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 21
Garret Tadda, Business Development Coordinator; Sandi Carangi, VP of Business Development; Carol Laemmerhirt, Business Relationship Officer
At the Erie Federal Credit Union, we offer innovative products and services that are helping area businesses grow and succeed. We’re local people from the area who know you and are familiar with your
Business Solutions to save you time & money: • Short & Long Term Loans
business. Our personalized approach means your business will benefit from
• Lines of Credit
our full line of financial products as well as the opportunity to bring credit union
• Equipment Financing
benefits to your employees and customers.
• Business Checking & Savings
To learn more, visit www.eriefcu.org/business-solutions or contact Sandi Carangi, VP of Business Development at 814-825-2436, ext. 1035.
• Business MasterCard® • Debit Business Card • Merchant Services
1109 East 38th Street • 1005 Greengarden Road • 1306 East Lake Road 2436 Buffalo Road • 518 State Street • 5500 Zuck Road
• Merchant Indirect Loans • SBA Loans
www.eriefcu.org Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government
NCUA
National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency
early November – when the utility prices are finalized. Customers should compare that price to Penelec’s to lock in the lowest price. “The ‘price to compare’ is the generation price of a kilowatt hour of electricity,” he says. “This is what it will cost you to stay with Penelec and, if you can find a supplier to sell you electricity for less than that cost, feel free to sign up with them because you’ll save money on your electric bill.”
The Push to Control Costs
While Pennsylvania’s electric utility deregulation program can now be seen as a model for enticing consumers to switch power providers, it has been a long time coming. In fact, back in the late 1990s, Pennsylvania electric customers were paying rates approximately 15 percent above the national average. State legislators responded to these soaring costs by restructuring the generation of electricity and introducing the “Electricity Generation and Customer Choice Act” of 1996, which promised lower prices and better service through competition and consumer choice. The Act enabled customers to purchase electric generation from alternative suppliers as well as from incumbent electric utilities. However, to prevent price gouging, lawmakers implemented a transition period and temporary rate caps on utilities. The caps caused havoc on the market when the cost of producing electricity increased. Essentially, competitors were prevented from entering the marketplace because they could not beat the artificially low rates. Over the past three years, the caps have expired by supplier territory. By 2011, competition will have been completely
Looking for Additional Energy Assistance? For further information regarding rate cap removal, please visit the following Web sites: • First Energy, www.FirstEnergyCorp.com, for an in-depth look at the competition and deregulation materials that are available. • The PA Public Utility Commission’s electric shopping Web site, www.PaPowerSwitch.com, which discusses how to shop for electricity, conservation and energy efficiency. • The EEA-PA Web site on www.eeapa.com to access the Commonwealth Foundation’s Business Guide to Electric Choice & Competition.
reintroduced into the electric marketplace for the benefit of all electric consumers. According to Employers’ Energy of Alliance, Inc. (EEAPA) President J. David Bell, the competitive market forces companies to provide better services and prices. And customers now have the option to seek and obtain the best electric rates available for their respective companies for less than what the utility is able to sell it for – giving them more financial control. “By looking at your energy options and choosing an effective energy plan,” says Bell, “employers now have the opportunity to manage their costs and lessen the impact on their operations when caps come off.” But knowing how to do this effectively means customers must gain a better understanding of their energy bills and what rates to compare. Listed on each bill is the distribution rate, which represents fees for the company that delivers the electricity and maintains the power lines; a transmission charge, the cost to transmit or move electricity from the power plant to the customer; and a generation charge, the actual cost to generate a kilowatt hour of electricity. It is that generation charge that’s been frozen since 1997 and is going to become unfrozen beginning January 1, 2011. In a deregulated market, the electric utility, such as Penelec, will continue to deliver the electricity through its wires. But it’s the alternative suppliers, such as the EEA-PA, which now purchase electricity that will ultimately decide what they are willing to sell that product for. “Every customer in the state of Pennsylvania needs to familiarize themselves with the idea that the utility industry in the Commonwealth is not what it was 15 to 20 years ago,” says Surgeoner. “Generators are a free-market enterprise business. So it’s incumbent upon every customer in PA to understand that Penelec is no longer generating electricity and delivering it to your house – we just deliver the electricity. “The other thing I think to keep in mind,” he continues, “is the fact that these are businesses that operate much like any other business in PA. So you need to be an educated consumer that understands beginning in January of 2011 and going forward, the generation of electricity that you and I are going to purchase is really based upon price. Just like we shop for other products, we’re going to shop for electricity much the same way.” >
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 23
www.eeapa.com
The battle against soaring energy . prices continues across Pennsylvama.
About the EEA - PA Upc oming Bri e fing s
. increases in electricity ~osts, compaAnticipating substantiaL king alternative energy nies of every size and type are see suppUecs .
he Employe,,' Ene'oy "Uance
~~,
(0'
The MBA has esta:~~~e~~iCh will act as the ene~~~:::rectlY Pennsylvania (~E ~y p~sitioning ou~selves :orPcU;mmiSSions and our membershl~·d and eliminatmg br? e directly on to you. from the electnc g~ are able to pasS savmgs marketing costs, W
You’re one click away from lowering your energy costs! Visit our new Employers’ Energy Alliance Web site at www.eeapa.com to see how much you could save today! • • • •
See your energy savings in an instant with our Online Calculator. Get simple answers to questions with our Buyers Guide. Register for an Upcoming Briefing in your area. Schedule a meeting with one of our Energy Specialists.
~ Manufacturer
lID
& Business
ASSOCIATION www.mbausa .org
~ Blue Ocean Strategy Center
Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc.
No Interruption to Service and Support
Penelec still owns, maintains and will repair, replace and install the wires and poles that line the street, or substation, and that connect to a residence, place of business or industrial complex. The company also is still ultimately responsible and still regulated by the PA Public Utility Commission to deliver the electricity over these same power lines. So, “If you have an issue with service – if you have a pole that gets knocked over by a car, or if you have a wire that comes down, that issue still goes to Penelec,” says Surgeoner. “So even if you select an alternate supplier – someone who generates your electricity, and purchase that electricity from them, the electricity itself is still going to be delivered through the Penelec system – the Penelec wires, the Penelec poles. Continue to call and contact Penelec for any service-related issue.” In the months ahead, Penelec will be actively contacting customers about electric rate cap removal and what is going to happen January 1, 2011 to prepare them for the switch. If no alternative supplier is chosen by that date, then customers will still get their electricity from Penelec – but at their rate. Bell, however, urges employers to consider their options early and to complete an energy analysis to approximate their savings now. It does take some time to process an application; the sooner a company begins the process, the sooner they can be in a position to take advantage of the cost savings. “In many instances, the supplier you choose can translate into thousands of dollars for your operation,” he says. “So why wait?” FirstEnergy says it learned early on – from its experience in the Penn Power territory in 2007 – that competition does work. Initially, they say, there was a price increase in that area due mainly to the price not being raised at all from 1997 right through the end of 2006. The past two years there has been a decrease in the overall price of electricity generation at Penn Power because of robust competition. “At the end of the day, after we get through the end of rate caps and into 2011, this can really be a benefit to customers,” notes Surgeoner. “The better you use electricity, the more wisely you use electricity. The more wisely you shop for that electricity supplier, ultimately at the end of the day it’s going to help you operate your business more efficiently as well, which is what we’re all in business for.”
Frequently Asked Questions According to the Commonwealth Foundation’s Business Guide to Electric Choice & Competition, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions: Is rate cap expiration good? Consumers now have a choice and, thus, greater control over their electric bill. Consumers can leave a generator if they experience bad service or rates change, and they can customize their energy use with green options and programs that reward users for using power when demand is low. None of this was possible under the old monopoly system. In the long run, it is likely rates will fall as companies compete for customers. How do I shop? • Find the rate you will pay in 2010 with your default generator. Rates for areas where the rate caps expire on December 31, 2010 will be available in the fall of 2010. • Gather utility bills to determine your company’s energy usage. The Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc. (EEAPA), for example, has an Energy Savings Calculator to help you estimate your 2010 bill. The worksheet can be found at www. eeapa.com. • Determine how much risk you are willing to take. For example, do you want a long-term or short-term contract? A fixed rate or a variable rate? • Once you’ve decided on an energy generator, they will walk you through the switching process. What questions should I ask before switching? Before switching, carefully review the contract and consider: • The length of the agreement • The generation price or price to compare • Additional metering costs • Usage limits • Details of your billing process. Will you receive one bill or two; and will you see information about your individual companies’ usage? • Cancellation fees • Minimum time commitments • Early cancellation fees Will my taxes go up? Pennsylvania’s Gross Receipts Tax on electricity generators is the only tax of its kind in the nation at 5.9 percent. This tax is not itemized but embedded in the cost of electricity. Since it is a percentage of your total bill, as rates increase, the tax will go up. What should I do when I am ready to switch? When you are ready to switch, have previous utility bills available. The new supplier will need to know your company’s energy needs as well as your account number(s). The EEA-PA, for instance, allows you to begin the process online at www.eeapa.com.
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 25
EEA-PA AD
The Game is Changing… Changing...
Let our experienced team help you take better aim at your financial goals. Helping manufacturers and businesses in Northwest Pennsylvania for more than 80 years. Accounting and Auditing Business Valuation Employee Benefit Plan Auditing and Consulting Estate Planning Litigation Services Management Consulting Services Personal Financial Planning Tax Services
•8
0 YE
AR S a nd St i ll Cou
nting •
ERIE: 814.453.6594 | www.mpbcpa.com | MEADVILLE: 814.724.5890
26 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
Company PROFILE J.H. Bennett Moving & Storage, Inc. Phone: 814/456-5377 or 800/542-8668 Fax: 814/455-9126 Web Site: www.jhbennett-moving.com GO Mini’s of Erie Phone: 814/459-9191 Web Site: www.gominiserie.com Headquarters: 1705 Raspberry Street Erie, PA 16502
J.H. Bennett Companies
Founded: 1914
J.H. BENNETT COMPANIES CHANGE. PROGRESS. SUCCESS. Great companies lead through challenging times, finding ways to better serve customers while setting a foundation for future growth. Customers expect to connect with companies on their schedule, wherever they are, and in the method they choose. They expect a range of service options and prices that are easy to understand. When they make a purchase, they expect the company to operate safely and have respect for the environment. In the end, they expect to receive high-quality service that they can enthusiastically recommend. Spanning three generations, J.H. Bennett, one of the oldest family owned moving and storage companies in the United States, has survived many challenging times. We have become the region’s largest provider of moving and specialized transportation services. As part of United Van Lines, Americas’ number one mover, we have the ability to assist our client with relocation needs from and to anywhere in the United States. Measuring Service United Van Lines has been measuring customer approval for many years and acknowledging those agents who have never waivered from their commitment to provide the highest quality of service possible. The bar for being recognized as a top performing agent has never been higher. J.H. Bennett was recently presented the Performance Leader Award. The Performance Leader Award is a continuation of award-winning recognition dating back to the 1960s when J.H. Bennett became an agent for United Van Lines. Performance leaders are recognized based on composite scores using 10 Standards of Performance, the most important of which is our customers’ Willingness to Recommend. Who is Measured Our Move Consultants, the most experienced in the region, are equipped with the latest technology to provide faster and more accurate estimates. The attributes measured are accuracy, explaining
the entire move process and providing the necessary information to make an informed decision. Our Move Coordinators have the responsibility of notating and responding to customer requests before, during, and after the move. Our customers measure them on communication, problem solving skills, and attention to detail. The most important people in the move process are our Van Operator and Service Crew. All aspects of the packing, loading, and delivery process are considered, from treating the residence and belongings with respect to managing an organized and efficient delivery process. Opportunity New strategies that set us apart from the competition are paramount to our success. In order to serve a broader range of consumers at all income levels and at all stages of life, Go Mini’s became part of our service line in 2005. The “do it yourself” market with Go Mini’s portable moving and storage units has been widely accepted. We deliver the 12’, 16’ or 20’ container, you load at your leisure, then call us for container transportation to our secure facility or your new destination. The Mini’s are great for moving, storage, staging, home restoration, etc. Quality We will: • Be easy to do business with • Be a leader in quality • Provide easy-to-understand pricing • Establish our company as the preferred choice among customers • Be environmentally friendly Thinking Forward, Moving Forward Past success certainly will not guarantee future success. We are relentlessly focused on the future, a future that is rooted in our understanding the needs of our customers. As we approach our 100th year in business, the past has certainly been challenging ... our future certainly is bright.
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 27
Electronic Communication Services, Inc.
Company PROFILE Electronic Communication Services, Inc. Erie, PA Phone: 814/455-4181 or 800/837-5790 E-mail: ecs@ecsinc.us.com Web site: www.ecsinc.us.com
Electronic Communication Services, Inc. (E.C.S.) expends a great deal of time and resources to stay current in the ever-changing Voice/Data Technology Field. Whether you are looking for a basic Telephone System with Voice Mail or a VOIP Telephone System that is networked to multiple locations, E.C.S. is committed to providing the latest technology along with the best customer service.
Number of Employees: Nine
Products/Services Offered:
Founded: 1989
•
•
• •
Markets Served:
• • • • • • • • “Thanks to E.C.S. and their inno- • vative solutions to our office com- • munication needs, we have been able to upgrade to a telephone system that provides the technology to communicate through our network which enables our firm to be more efficient in response time, not only within our own team environment, but most importantly with our clients. Thank you, E.C.S.!” — The McDonald Group Erie, PA
28 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
Business Telephone Systems Digital / VOIP Wired / Wireless Data Networks Wired / Wireless Unified Communications Cabling Telephone / Data
Small to Large Businesses Hospitality Education Real Estate Manufacturing Legal/Financial Government Automotive Call Centers Nonprofit
“… I want the best product and service I can count on, day in and day out. This team delivers, no matter what.” — Bel Aire/Clarion Hotel Erie, PA “When I call E.C.S., I know the response will be almost immediate. From the sales staff to the technicians, E.C.S. employees are friendly and professional.” — EMTA Erie, PA “The Erie Water Works has utilized the services and equipment of Electronic Communication Services since June 1996. Responses to inquiries are always rapid and reliable… We would highly recommend this company.” — Erie City Water Authority Erie, PA
Karen Lytle is the general manager at Electronic Communication Services, Inc., which has been providing telecommunications products and services to the Erie County area since 1989.
Electronic Communication Services (E.C.S.) is a leading telephony and data solutions provider for a wide range of industries. Please describe what makes E.C.S. so unique, from services and products to support. There are many things that make E.C.S. unique. The fact that we offer such a wide variety of equipment and services is one, including: • Voice Mail Systems • Cable Installation • Fiber Installation • Data Networks
• Traditional Analog/Digital Telephone Systems • VOIP Systems • Unified Communications • SIP Trunks • Call Accounting Systems
The fact that we have such a low employee turnover is another. Our customers get to know our technicians and sales team and vice versa. And, I would say, one other unique aspect of E.C.S. is our detail to customer service.
E.C.S. has been in operation for more than 20 years. What are you most proud of when you think of the company’s history? Regarding our employees, I am most proud of the fact that we have been able to provide good jobs with good benefits to our employees, most of whom have been with us since our formative years. Regarding our customers, I am most proud of the fact that we have always gone above and beyond to make sure they are satisfied. Many have become good friends along the way. Why is it so essential for employers to keep up with technology today? An employer needs to know what new technology is available and how it may save their company money or improve their customer service. Keeping up with technology is one of the biggest expenses our company has. The time and resources we spend are substantial. We do this in order to be able to educate our customers on what’s new. Our customers count on us to keep them abreast of new technology as it becomes available. Can you explain some of the advantages of using your services? • Excellent Customer Service • Maintenance Contracts at Low Monthly Rates • Manufacturer Certified Technicians • Financing Available • Technicians on Call 24 x 7 Please describe some of the latest technology that is available to employers through E.C.S.? There are some pretty impressive hardware/applications available now. There are, of course, IP Phones, which give you the flexibility to add a phone anywhere there is a data connection. The IP Phone is also ideal for the employer/employee working from home. There are cordless handsets and headsets that give you freedom from your desk.There are applications that will route your office calls to other devices (for example, cell phone, home phone, etc.) at the same time, making it so you never miss an important call. There also is the ability to network multiple locations together under one system. New hardware/applications are geared toward mobility, so you do not have to be at your desk to run your business. What is the outlook for E.C.S. in the year ahead? The outlook for the coming year is very bright. Due to the economy many companies put off investing in new technology in 2009. In 2010, though, we are seeing that turn around. We are very optimistic. What are your expectations for E.C.S. in the near future? Though we currently do business in 14 states, we have only one physical location, our office in Erie County. My expectation for E.C.S., in the near future, is expansion into an additional geographic market. June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 29
Middle market companies shouldn’t have to rely on banking services more fit for small businesses or
Why do so many middle market companies single us out?
Fortune 500 firms. With our lending expertise and services
like treasury management, leasing, insurance and wealth management, our solutions fit perfectly to the size of your business now...and as it grows. That’s why middle market companies single us out as their bank of choice. A Greenwich Award winner in Middle Market Banking, First National Bank gives you all the financial expertise and solutions that your business needs, and the trusted relationship it deserves. To learn more visit fnb-online.com or call 866-362-4605.
Forbes.com Best U.S. Banks
Greenwich Excellence Award
Greenwich Excellence Award
01.06.10
Small Business Banking
Middle Market Banking
Top 100 Largest in the U.S.
National Winner Overall Satisfaction
Regional Winner Overall Satisfaction
www.fnb-online.com
Pirrello PirrelloEnterprises EnterprisesInc. Inc. Pirrello Pirrello Enterprises Inc. PROFILE PROFILE
Enterprises Inc.
Pirrello Pirrello Pirrello Enterprises Enterprises Inc. Inc. Enterprises Inc.
Phone: Phone: 814/ 814/ Fax: Fax: 814/ 814/ E-mail: E-mail: @ @ Web Site: Site: Web www. www.
Pirrello Enterprises Inc.
Number Numberof ofEmployees: Employees: Date Date Founded: Founded: 19 19
Pirrello Enterprises, an Industry Expert, has provided exceptional document management service and support to its customers in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The company is focused on digital imaging and micrographics and positioning itself as the area’s largest service bureau of equipment and software sales and service — document management for the digital age.
.com .comPirrello Enterprises’ new state-
of-the-art Conversion Center is designed specifically for secure, confidential document and data conversion services. Using the latest scanning equipment available from Kodak and Fujitsu, the company has the capability to scan and enhance images better than the original. On any given month, the Pirrellos estimate their technicians scan, digitize, microfilm and index over 2 million documents, including invoices, letters and files a mile long.
State-of-the-Art Services & Support Not only does Pirrello Enterprises provide customers with a source for large volume processing, but access to the Conversion Center’s newest feature, an onsite, high-tech training room. There, customers can be trained on a product before it ever goes offsite. “They can sit here and ask questions and go through the software with us, so that when they leave here, they’ll have the basic knowledge of the software,” Robert Pirrello says. Pirrello Enterprises Corporation has the unique advantage of being a dealer of the latest document management equipment and software. Its network of suppliers — document imaging leader Kodak and Fujitsu — enable the company to meet the needs of customers as they expand. With the capability to access digitized files through a secure online repository.
“Many of our clients need digital images and we can provide them with the latest technology to convert their paper documents. Using the latest technology means better accuracy and less labor which saves our clients money,” explains Robert Pirrello. Pirrello Enterprises set themselves apart from the competition by going above and beyond in every aspect of document management and customer service. Pirrello Enterprises guarantees quality and service. At Pirrello Enterprises, it’s not a promise but a critical part of their business philosophy. “I’m very pleased to say that they are very reliable. If there is any problem with a job, they will take care of it until you are satisfied. They are very committed to customer satisfaction.” — Bill Wendel, Erie County Recorders Office
“They are very accessible to answer questions and to troubleshoot any problems that arise. They are cooperative and pleasant to work with, and always ready to assist no matter how large or small the project. They make good suggestions and work with you to streamline the project in order to save you unnecessary effort and expense...” — Josephine K. Lubiejewski Penn Attorneys Title Insurance Co.
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 31
105th Annual Event
The Honorable Richard B. Cheney America’s 46th Vice President and 17th Secretary of Defense
“For over 40 years, The Honorable Richard B. Cheney has served at the highest levels of the U.S. government and private sector. As White House Chief of Staff in the aftermath of Watergate and America’s withdrawal from Vietnam, Wyoming’s Congressman and a member of the House Republican leadership during the Reagan years, secretary of defense as the Cold War ended and America defeated Iraq in Desert Storm, CEO of Halliburton, and vice president of the United States on 9/11 at the dawn of the global war on terror, Cheney has participated in many of the events that have shaped our nation for over four decades. Few Americans alive today can match the breadth and depth of his experience and service. As a statesman, policymaker, businessman, and politician – who never lost an election in which his name was on the ballot – Cheney’s insight, experiences and knowledge are unparalleled.” — Excerpt from official biography, The Harry Walker Agency
32 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
Praising the warriors he calls “the silent professionals,” Vice President Richard B. Cheney culminated International Special Forces Week June 10, 2005, providing closing remarks for U.S. Special Operations Command’s annual conference - the first to include international partners in the global war on terror.
U.S. Department of Defense photo by David Bohrer
When to When it it comes comes to
True True Hometown Hometown Banking, We We Mean Business.
Michael Michael Edwards MichaelEdwards Edwards
David David Slomski DavidSlomski Slomski
Eugene Cirka Cirka Eugene
CEO CEO CEO
VicePresident, President,Business Business Banking Banking Vice President, Business Vice
Sr. Business Business Banker, Banker, Crawford Cnty. Chief Credit Officer Banker,Crawford CrawfordCnty. Cnty. Chief ChiefCredit CreditOfficer Officer
LouisNatalie Natalie Louis Natalie Louis
Wecall callititittrue truehometown hometownbusiness business banking because We call true hometown Marquette Savings Bank We becauseMarquette MarquetteSavings SavingsBank Bankisisis theonly onlybank bankheadquartered headquarteredin in Erie Erie with all of its the only bank headquartered officeslocated located in Erie and the itsoffices locatedin inErie Erieand and Crawfordcounties. counties. Crawford counties. Crawford Whatdoes doeshometown hometownbusiness business banking mean What does hometown you and your business? What mean to toyou youand andyour yourbusiness? business?
Youget getlending lendingdecisions decisionsfrom from local local decision makers –– not You get lending decisions from from out-of-town bankers who You notfrom fromout-of-town out-of-townbankers bankerswho who don’t know you. You get decisions faster. You get better rates because we don’t pay dividends don’tknow knowyou. you.You You get get decisions decisions faster. You get better rates because don’t because we we don’t don’tpay paydividends dividends toshareholders. shareholders.ItItItalso alsomeans means we’re we’re committed to to shareholders. also means community. Founded in 1908, we’ve to to this this community. community.Founded Foundedin in1908, 1908,we’ve we’ve been a part of your hometown for more than a century. beenaapart partof ofyour your hometown hometown for more than a century. been Businessbanking bankingat atMarquette Marquetteoffers offers business business checking, Business banking at Marquette lines of of credit, business loans, remote Business checking,lines ofcredit, credit,business businessloans, loans,remote remote deposit capture and more. deposit capture and more. deposit capture and more. Findout outjust justhow howgood goodtrue truehometown hometown business business banking Find out just how good true hometown business banking can be for your business. Erie, call Find banking can canbe befor foryour yourbusiness. business.InIn InErie, Erie,call call Dave at (814) 455-4481. In Crawford County, call Gene at (814) 337-7929. Dave at (814) 455-4481. In Crawford County, call Gene at (814) 337-7929. Dave at (814) 455-4481. In Crawford County, call Gene at (814) 337-7929.
Nowwith with12 12locations locations throughout throughout Now Now with 12 locations throughout Erie&&Crawford Crawford counties counties Erie Erie & Crawford counties
Widely considered one of the most powerful vice presidents in history, The Honorable Richard B. Cheney is also one of the most dynamic figures in American politics. A fierce defender of the Bush White House, his candid and critical remarks of the current administration have energized the country’s conservative base, by raising concerns about national security and the direction of the U.S. government.
A Rising Star in the Republican Party
In conjunction with his keynote address at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s 105th Annual Event on June 16 in Erie, The Business Magazine recently met with three renowned political experts – Paul Kengor, Ph.D., a professor of political science and executive director of the Center of Vision & Values at Grove City College; James Harrigan, Ph.D., formerly an assistant professor of political science at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and fellow of Civic and Constitutional Affairs at the Center for Political and Economic Thought, who has recently accepted a teaching appointment at the American University of Iraq and is a contributor to the Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College; and David Kozak, Ph.D., professor of Public Policy and director of Leadership Erie at Gannon University, and past program chair of The Center for the Study of the Presidency – to learn about the former vice president’s rise to power and his steadfast role as a voice for a free and strong America.
His political career began in 1968 when he moved to Washington, D.C. to serve as a congressional intern for Wyoming Congressman William Steiger in the administration of President Richard Nixon and then as a staff member with Donald Rumsfeld. Over the next seven years, he navigated the Washington hierarchy and became one of the youngest White House Chiefs of Staff in history, under President Gerald Ford, whose presidential campaign he managed in 1976.
According to Kengor, who has written many articles, chapters and books on the vice presidency and presidency, including his latest, Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism, “Dick Cheney is really the essence of a free and strong America, so much so that it’s these very characteristics that have made him a lightning rod for the political left. His insistence on a strong, vigorous American defense budget, and a strong, vigorous American foreign policy, which he advocated in pursuit of spreading democracy and free markets from Eastern Europe to the former Soviet Union to the Middle East, has been Cheney’s guiding principle for decades. He has sought those objectives whether serving as congressman, secretary of defense, or vice president.
“Here is this kid from Wyoming who goes to graduate school and goes to Washington,” explains Kozak. “All of a sudden he’s the presidential Chief of Staff. He got kind of a hero’s welcome – people understood that he had all these connections when he was Chief of Staff and he knew how the government worked and he would be a great representative. So as representative for Wyoming, he had enormous responsibilities – he’s like a third senator.”
“His critics,” Kengor continues, “will take issue with certain Cheney policies and actions, but they can’t debate that those principles have guided him throughout his career, and (he) has been unflagging in pursuing them. They can dispute the means, but not the ends.” A former colleague of the vice president, who worked closely with him for speaking engagements at the National War College in Washington, D.C. during the 1980s, Kozak describes Cheney as a man who understands how government works. He mastered the ways of Washington while on the staffs of former Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, during a dozen years on Capitol Hill as Wyoming’s sole congressman, as defense secretary for President George H.W. Bush, and, most recently, as 46th vice president of the United States. “Who are the people that really know how this town works and can make sense of this puzzle we call Washington, D.C.?” asks Kozak, an author, editor, and contributor to more than 10 books on U.S. government and politics. “On the short list always is Dick Cheney – he is just someone who understands how the system worked and how to be an effective player in it.” Adds Harrigan, “It’s one of those American lives that you hold up as an example to others of what might be possible in a place like America. In many respects, Dick Cheney is a self-made man. This is a man who really worked for what he got – very little was handed to him along the way. It is a typical but very good American story.”
“It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.” — The Honorable Richard B. Cheney
Born in the Cornhusker state on January 30, 1941 and raised in Casper, Wyoming, Cheney became a student of politics early on. He was schooled briefly at Yale University and Casper College before earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wyoming, and later pursuing his doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Tapped as a rising star in the Republican Party, Cheney was urged to run as representative for Wyoming – the least populous and 10th largest state by area – largely viewed as Ground Zero for conservatism. Interestingly enough, say scholars, it is one of the few states that has two senators and one representative, making Cheney’s election to the House seat a more enviable position.
During the course of his career, Cheney quickly rose in the ranks of the Republican Party, serving as chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, the Republican Conference and as Republican Whip. He served as the ranking Republican on the Iran-Contra committee, and for many years as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Some scholars say it is rather interesting how Cheney became a conservative leader for the GOP after having worked in the administration of the more moderate Republican, Ford. “When he gets into the House, Cheney himself is largely seen as a moderate, at least by (former Illinois Congressman) Bob Michel in leadership,” says Harrigan. “After he’s urged to run for leadership, you see kind of an emergent, pragmatic, Western version of conservatism that just emerges as the Reagan administration unfolds. I would say that you see among the best examples of conservative leadership at the very top from that point forward.” In fact, while most lawmakers moderate their votes in part because they worry about facing a challenge in the next election, Cheney, after winning his seat the first time, never faced real opposition and thus had considerable freedom to vote his conscience. During his six terms in the House, Cheney had one of the most conservative voting records of any member of Congress, held up as the “conservative’s conservative.” “How many mouthpieces are there for actual conservatism – no nonsense, never take a backward step, uncompromising conservatism?” notes Kengor. “When you look everywhere in Dick Cheney’s record that’s what you’ll find. You realize that he’s actually a principled man, who takes his principles seriously enough not to compromise them, and that’s a rare thing in American politics.”
Secretary of Defense
•
Cheney’s congressional experience certainly assisted him later on his career when, in 1989, he is nominated by President George H.W. Bush to serve as secretary of defense. The Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination a week after he was chosen. >
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 35
industrial strength
Over the past 50 years, the Knox firm has built a strong inventory of experience in a wide array of disciplines. We provide attentive legal service grounded in our comprehensive knowledge of our clients’ industries. Our broad-based team approach enables us to leverage individual attorney strengths, assuring that each client benefits from our collective experience. Whether you are a CEO of a large company or a young family developing an estate plan, our attorneys will strive to understand your needs and fulfill them in a friendly, responsive, cost-effective manner.
Agriculture & Forestry
Hospitals
Nonprofit Organizations
Financial Institutions
Long Term Care Providers
Professional Service Organizations
Education & Schools
Healthcare Professionals
Hospitality & Restaurants
Insurance
Manufacturing
Municipalities & Authorities
Oil & Gas
Real Estate Development
& Construction
Erie, PA North East, PA Cranesville, PA Jamestown, NY 814-459-2800 www.kmgslaw.com
“I’ve worked for four presidents and watched two others up close, and I know that there’s no such thing as a routine day in the Oval Office.” — The Honorable Richard B. Cheney According to Kengor, Cheney’s work in Congress, “... very much familiarized him with the defense issues he would deal with as Bush’s secretary of defense. When Cheney was in Congress in the 1980s, he was one of the most reliable pro-defense/anti-communism votes for President Reagan. Reagan said that.” “And it’s not just the institutional knowledge of the Congress, which clearly he had,” adds Harrigan, “But it’s the relationships with congressmen on both sides of the aisle that he brought to the table.... If you had asked people in his congressional years what they thought of Dick Cheney, I think the praise would have been nearly uniform, and it really was nearly uniform when he assumed the position of secretary of defense.” Kozak, who actually wrote a letter of commendation about Cheney’s lectures at the National War College for the nomination process, explains that Cheney was the liaison to the Congress that the Republican administration needed with both houses of Congress controlled by Democrats. His selection as defense secretary was quite prudent. “A lot of people thought it was kind of a crazy nomination – a crazy pick,” notes Kozak. “I sat back here in Erie, PA at the time and said, ‘You know, that’s actually pretty shrewd.’ There was a lot of money going to defense, so I think he was chosen because he had good relationships with Congress and he knew the players. But also being secretary of defense is being CEO of one of the biggest operations in the world, and he also had the CEO kind of experience when he was Chief of Staff.” During his four years at the Pentagon, Cheney helped to lead American forces to victory in Operation Just Cause in Panama. He also played a pivotal role in the Gulf War – along with major figures such as President George H.W. Bush, Colin Powell, Jim Baker and Norman Schwarzkopf – specifically when it came to establishing U.S. ground troops in Saudi Arabia.
In fact, adds Kozak, Cheney “told students at the War College many times that the engine of innovation is not government – the engine of innovation is the private sector. He would make that point even to the people who were working for the government, albeit the military, the State Department. This was a natural fit.” But so too was Cheney’s ongoing role in politics. As head of George W. Bush’s vice presidential search team for the 2000 election, he was widely considered a surprising choice as Bush’s running mate. Experts suggest that Cheney’s “gravitas” and foreign affairs experience were behind the selection, an area that had been perceived as a possible weakness in the Bush campaign. “I was absolutely stunned. You could have knocked me over with a feather,” notes Kozak, who recalls how many people thought the selection would go to former Homeland Security Secretary and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge. “That was the first time ever that I was speechless. Only because I was worried about his health, and the other, he seemed to be really quite happy and doing well at Halliburton. Then on the next day or two, I became less speechless.” > Vice President Dick Cheney addresses the audience assembled at the Pentagon on September 11, 2006, to mark the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attack there. The ceremony was held for family members of the 184 people killed in the attack and Pentagon employees.
Adds Harrigan, Cheney really drew from his experience – the domestic political side – in negotiations. “He is able to bring the Congress along in ways that might seem to be impossible. Internationally he seems able to actually build coalitions where it might have seemed almost impossible to do that. You’ve got these two aspects of his personality that are kind of unlikely – he’s seems like he’s rather a gruff and direct man. But look at what he’s able to accomplish, and you have to realize that behind the scenes, he’s probably a lot more willing to compromise, more conciliatory, than you might realize.” Kengor describes Cheney as not only a great leader in this position, but also one of the best secretaries of defense in U.S. history. “Ironically, I think most liberals would – or at least should – applaud his actions as Bush’s secretary of defense,” explains Kengor. “Not only did he manage an incredibly successful Operation Desert Shield/Storm in the Persian Gulf from 1990-91, with very few American casualties ... but he closed military bases and downsized the post-Cold War military budget quite judiciously, saving the country billions of dollars in the process. He was a superb secretary of defense.”
Leader in the Private and Public Sector
After more than two decades in the political arena, Cheney left public life and assumed his new role as chairman and CEO of Halliburton, one of the world’s foremost energy firms as well as an engineering and construction company with 100,000 employees worldwide. As Halliburton’s leader, from 1995 to 2000, he oversaw oil and gas projects in the North Sea, the Indian Ocean, on the North Slope of Alaska, and in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
•
In regards to his choice to go to Halliburton, says Kozak, “I wasn’t surprised by that at all because he knows his way around the government and his way around the Pentagon.... But he goes to Halliburton with a great skill set, and as a great admirer and appreciator of the private sector.”
U.S. Department of Defense photo by R. D. Ward
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 37
We’re all about
environmental sustainability
We are passionate about our future and what resources will be available for next generations. We can offer you suggestions on paper, what to choose, where it comes from and how we take custody of that resource from the forest to the end manufactured product. When you plan your next printing project with us, ask us about “Green”. SFI, PEFC or FSC Sustainability
Printing Concepts, Inc. GRANDVIEW BUSINESS PARK • 4982PACIFICAVENUE. ERlE,PENNSYLVANIA 16506 814-833-8080 • FAX814-833-4208. 1-800-540-7805 • e-mail:printcon@erie.net.www.printingconceptsonline.com
According to Kozak, just as in the game of chess – or in this case, national policy – the Cheney decision would become one of the most important moves for the then-Texas Governor Bush in becoming president. “He left fingerprints on so many things,” notes Kozak. “He adds perspective onto the ticket, being Chief of Staff to the president, a member of the U.S. House – and not just a member of the House, but the Congressional leader, then secretary of defense during a war. Wow! So you total all that together... and he just brought this wonderful background onto the ticket.” According to Kengor, “George W. Bush said that he picked Cheney as vice president because he wanted a vice president to help him govern. That’s absolutely correct, and precisely what Cheney would do as Bush’s vice president. The liberal press said that Bush picked Cheney for the added purpose of adding ‘gravitas’ to the Bush ticket – in other words, to shore up Bush’s lack of foreign-policy experience. That’s true as well.” From an electoral point of view, notes Harrigan, it was a particularly good choice for Bush, well beyond the fact that Cheney is a conservative from Wyoming. “From an electoral point of view, the addition of Cheney to the ticket did not make much of a difference at the polls, but even if it didn’t help all that much electorally (Wyoming only has three electoral votes), it sure does help in terms of governance,” he explains. “When you win the presidency and now you’ve got to actually do the job, you look across the room and there’s Dick Cheney, with all of his experience in all of these many ways, how can that be anything but perfectly helpful? You bring him on board because he has more experience than the president-elect, in terms of the executive branch, in terms of dealing with the U.S. Congress. From his perspective, after the election is won, Dick Cheney is invaluable.”
“We have to make America the best place in the world to do business.” — The Honorable Richard B. Cheney 2001, he expanded the authority of the executive branch, and played a major role in creating policies that protected America from further terrorist attacks. His achievements, experts say, are both impressive and telling about his role as vice president and impact on the Bush years. Kengor, who authored the book, Wreath Layer or Policy Player, about the vice presidency, points out that prior to Cheney the most influential vice presidents, in chronological order, were Richard Nixon, Walter Mondale, George H. W. Bush, Dan Quayle and Al Gore. “All had significant (and often unappreciated) roles in foreign policy,” he states, “with the levels of responsibility seemingly increasing from one to the next. In the end, Al Gore had been arguably the most influential among them. Cheney, however, surpassed them all. That Cheney role and responsibility was a direct result of: 1) his previous experiences in defense and foreign policy, and 2) President Bush’s faith in him and his abilities.” According to Kozak, Cheney’s experience and running of the transition team, following the Florida recount of 2000, ushered in a new approach to the vice presidency that had not been seen before.
Following the closest presidential election in American history, there are many instances where Cheney plays an instrumental role in the transition to power in 2000, from overseeing the selection of Bush’s first Cabinet, and, later, screening nominees for the U.S. Supreme Court.
“President Bush very much embraced what is called the MBA model of management of big organizations where the president is CEO and then you have somebody else who is the COO – chief operating officer... ,” explains Kozak. “The president was ‘The Decider’ – and the vice president’s office grew in stature enormously because it then became the COO. They thought they could run the government better with a lot of the details being run by Cheney, along with a strong Chief of Staff Andy Card. They – President Bush, Cheney and Card – worked very, very well together.”
Domestically, he was pivotal in reorganizing the government to defend the homeland, negotiating the Bush administration’s tax cuts, chairing the Energy Task Force, and overseeing the annual federal budget process.
Over the course of his political career, Cheney has participated in many events that have shaped the nation, serving as secretary of defense as the Cold War ended, and vice president through 9/11 and the global war on terror.
Most importantly, while serving in the nation’s second highest office, Cheney transforms national security and intelligence policy. After September 11,
But it’s his role as a pivotal figure on the national security front, scholars say, that most Americans will always remember. >
Political Powerhouse
•
U.S. Department of Defense photo by Helene C. Stikkel
Vice President Dick Cheney speaks to family members at the September 11 memorial service at the Pentagon. Seated on the dais from left: Chaplain Lt. Col. William O. Barefield, U.S. Army, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace, U.S. Marine Corps and Chaplain Capt. Jonathan Frusti, U.S. Navy.
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 39
A Tradition of Trust
2222 W. Grandview Blvd. | Erie, PA 16506 | 814/833-2222 Phone | 814/833-6753 Fax | www.QuinnFirm.com
U.S. Department of Defense photo by Cherie A. Thurlby
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and U.S. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stand at attention as troops march in review.
“Everywhere you look, through difficult and exciting times, respectively, you see Dick Cheney,” notes Harrigan. “And he’s so quiet about his own role, and so reticent to speak openly about a lot of things that occurred on his watch that I think people don’t realize how pivotal a role he played, and probably won’t for a long time.” Take, for example, one of the most terrifying moments in U.S. history – the terrorist attacks of 9/11. “Unlike any other presidency, any other White House since the War of 1812, people had to run for their lives, and that moment in history really affected how they governed and how they approached the nation and the world,” explains Kozak. “And as (political consultant and former presidential adviser) David Gergen once said, ‘When you run for your life like that, and you’re wondering where the president is, and the vice president has been picked up by the Secret Service, it’s going to affect your view of the world.’ That was 9/11’s huge impact on the Bush presidency, the nation and the government of the United States.”
Voice of the Opposition
Cheney has remained a key voice in American politics since he left office in January 2009. For many he is viewed as a fierce defender of the Bush administration – a powerful political figure who is undeterred by media assaults on his character, his judgment and his performance as vice president. It is these traits of Cheney’s, scholars insist, that should be applauded. “Because,” explains Kengor, “Cheney really does see himself as interested in his country more than himself. His goal never has been political selfaggrandizement. Of course, that doesn’t mean he isn’t wrong or hasn’t made mistakes, but, for Dick Cheney, it has always been a matter of what he thinks is best for the country and not himself.” Harrigan describes Cheney’s strong opinions as “refreshing.” “He’s perfectly willing to say what he thinks out in public regardless of the consequences,” notes Harrigan. “This is to be applauded.” It’s one of the many reasons that he is strongly viewed as a spokesperson for the Republican Party. “The Republican leaders in Congress have got their hands full trying to offer a dissent with regard to health-care reform and some other major initiatives. It kind of just fell to him naturally.... He’s a forceful advocate for the Republican point of view during this Obama presidency. I think that is the role he has taken on himself, and I don’t see many Republicans trying to push him out of it.” In fact, in several interviews and speeches over the past year, Cheney has criticized President Obama’s policies as a significant threat toward the national security of the United States. He also has stated that he believes the current Commander in Chief will be a one-term president. According to those who study politics, these criticisms are not out of the ordinary. However, they are more often heard when a former vice president is looking to run for president or is in line to get his party’s nomination. “Consider Walter Mondale, for example, who was very critical of President Reagan from 1981-84,” states Kengor, “What’s unusual, in Cheney’s case, is to hear such criticisms from an ex-veep who’s not running for anything. Again, that’s because Cheney’s interests remains his country and not himself.” In his opinion, Harrigan says, Cheney is doing more in this respect than any other previous vice president has – a characteristic very typical of his brand of leadership.
“On one hand, it’s important for current politicians to know that there is some sort of loyal opposition looking after the interests of the American people, that might be being overlooked by the current administration,” notes Harrigan. “On the other hand, I think it’s very important to defend the administration for the sake of history. I think he is doing both of these things pretty admirably.” In a two-party system, experts say, you need to have someone who speaks strongly for the party out of office. In doing so, Cheney is having an impact on the Obama presidency. “Our country works best when you have a vibrant two-party system and the other side has an opportunity to take some of that criticism to heart, and we get better public policy,” notes Kozak. “It would be terrible to have oneparty rule. It doesn’t have a self-correcting mechanism. I think you get better public policy, better government out of it.” And what about Cheney’s statements that Obama will be a one-term president? “It seems, that even President Obama, on some level, thinks Dick Cheney is right,” explains Harrigan, “because President Obama himself came out and said he would prefer to be a good one-term president than a marginal two-term president. Who says such a thing unless he also realizes that he’s probably going to be a one-term president?”
Political Future
Even though, many would argue, Cheney is one of the most qualified candidates for the 2012 presidential election, the likelihood of that coming to fruition is highly doubtful. Publicly, Cheney has said that he doesn’t plan to run for the presidency in 2012 – a promise that scholars don’t seem him reneging any time soon. “I think if there is a tragedy in Dick Cheney’s life is that he has long been the most qualified person in the country to be president, and that’s just not going to happen,” states Harrigan. Kozak, on the other hand, is doubtful that the former vice president would change his mind, but admits he’s been surprised before. “Like I said, you could have knocked me over with a feather when he was put on the ticket in 2000, and my concern would be the same for his health.... Plus, as with Newt Gingrich or Hillary Clinton, when Bill Clinton was president – when you’re out on the point, become a forceful advocate for your party, or your party’s position, everybody really throws their javelins at you, and I think he’s been a javelin catcher now for the Republicans. You go out on the point and there’s some political risk in that.” >
“If we have reason to believe someone is preparing an attack against the U.S., has developed that capability, harbors those aspirations, then I think the U.S. is justified in dealing with that, if necessary, by military force.” — The Honorable Richard B. Cheney
•
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 41
Natural Gas For Comfort. For the Environment. For Savings. We can warm our homes and businesses, provide hot water, cook our food, dry our clothes, generate clean power, and fuel our industries, all without destroying our air. Clean burning natural gas helps protect our environment by significantly reducing greenhouse gases, smog and acid rain. And does so economically, with proven reliable technology. And it is produced right here in North America. All of which makes natural gas the clear winner for a cleaner community...
For You. For your Family. For Future Generations. Natural Gas is More Efficient
Natural Gas Has Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions Than Electricity or Oil (Lbs. of Greenhouse Gas Emissions per MMBTU)
73% Waste 100% Electricity
Emissions by Fuel
27% Delivered to Customer
10% Waste 100% Natural Gas
90% Delivered to Customer
/BUVSBM (BT
0JM
&MFDUSJDJUZ
Source: U.S. Environmental&NJTTJPOT SFTVMUJOH GSPN FOFSHZ VTF GPS TQBDF BOE XBUFS IFBUJOH Protection Agency - Greenhouse Gas Calculator DPPLJOH BOE DMPUIFT ESZJOH JO B TRVBSF GPPU IPNF
Still, Cheney has welcomed his role as a vocal opposition to the current administration. During a Conservative Political Action Conference earlier this year, Cheney said that he is excited for the opportunities November’s election presents for conservatives – a scenario that is growing more likely each day. According to Kengor, “If the election were held today, the Republicans might actually take back the House. Conservatives are leading that charge. Will that actually happen in November? We’ll see. A lot can change quickly in politics.” Harrigan, however, is confident that Cheney is right on track with his assessment of the upcoming election results. “I’m pretty sure the midterm elections this time around will mirror or even eclipse the midterm elections of 1994... ,” he notes. “I think we can say with pretty, pretty solid certainty that this midterm election is going to be a very good one for the GOP.” Historically speaking, according to Kozak, the out-party, with few exceptions, picks up seats during the midterms. “The Democratic brand is not very wellpositioned now,” he says, “but this is a time of enormous volatility and you can never count out what a president as chief executive can do to improve the position of the Party. If history is any gauge the midterm elections really go against the White House. But these are not ordinary times, and anything can happen.”
Cheney’s Memoirs and Legacy
Not long before the caucuses and primaries begin, Cheney’s memoirs are due to be published in the spring of 2011. And many scholars are highly anticipating the former vice president’s personal accounts of his life and career. Of critical importance, Kengor stresses, is that Cheney needs to share very specific details on precisely how the Bush administration and its policies truly did prevent another 9/11 and kept America safe. “Cheney,” he says, “was front-and-center in that effort. In his book, he should inform Americans of detailed examples of what kind of attacks were stopped after 9/11, even if that means declassifying material that he can incorporate into his book.” Harrigan too would like to know more about his post-9/11 thinking. “It would be nice to hear the steps the government took to keep Americans safe in the wake of the attacks,” he says. “I’d also like to see a serious evaluation of President Bush’s strengths and weaknesses – not as president, exactly, but as the Republican Party leader, and of his relationship with Congress, maybe, to a point.... I’d a like to hear Cheney’s take on Bush’s conservatism. I’m guessing that there’s a certain amount of loyalty there, and he’s going to see a lot of these things as probably off-limits. But these are the things that I would like to see.” Kozak is interested in hearing from Cheney on how Washington works, from his time in both the Congress and the executive branch, as well as how the political system has changed since the Bush-Gore presidential race to a more politically polarized America. He also wants to know about Cheney’s reflections on the role of the vice president from COO to a more traditional role assumed by Joe Biden. “If he could just give us a chapter of each of those jobs, and what he learned from each of those jobs, and also as a vice president and how Washington works, that would be a valuable asset to political scientists and their students,” Kozak says. While Cheney brings a unique perspective to the economic and geopolitical challenges of our time, he is also a man of strong convictions. Experts argue it will be a while before his legacy is balanced and precisely written.
“This has been one of the most significant political figures in recent American history, and one who always placed his country above himself,” explains Kengor. “It is extremely rare to find figures in politics who don’t care if what they say and do makes them unpopular. This was true for Cheney – and for his boss (George W. Bush) as well. It will take historians quite a while (because of their political biases) to interpret Cheney accurately.” Harrigan is confident that history will be kind to the former vice president, especially as time goes by, given the demonization that has occurred over the last few years. “I think he’s going to be remembered for his 40 years of service with unwavering conservative straight-shooting, culminating the most powerful vice presidency in American history,” Harrigan notes. “I think his ultimate legacy will be one of keeping Americans safe in a very difficult world.” In a time of great polarization, Kozak reiterates that Cheney has willingly become the lightning rod for the conservative base, which carries with it some controversy. How his legacy will be remembered is still being debated. “I think historians are going to be obligated to say that he had a unique variety of experiences, and he became, after his tenure as vice president, a forceful spokesperson for the Republicans amidst the vacuum in the out-party. And he filled that vacuum,” he says. “Dick Cheney is a man of history and some of it he is going to write himself. The story is still being constructed.”
The Manufacturer & Business Association Annual Event is the tri-state region’s premier business networking event, featuring the nation’s most prominent figures in business, politics and journalism. Among these past speakers are: 1980 1983 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Dick Thornburgh Howard K. Smith George F. Will Dr. Jeanne Kirkpatrick Judge Robert Bork Robert D. Novak, Christopher Matthews and Kenneth M. Duberstein Admiral William J. Crowe Jr. Lt. General Thomas W. Kelly Dr. William J. Bennett John Sununu and James Carville Jack Kemp Tom Ridge Dan Quayle William Saffire Steve Forbes Newt Gingrich Tim Russert Tom Ridge Benjamin Netanyahu Rudy Giuliani President George H.W. Bush General Colin Powell Bill O’Reilly Mary Matalin and James Carville Fred Thompson, John Edwards and Ari Fleischer President George W. Bush The Honorable Richard B. Cheney
•
— Reported by Karen Torres
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 43
Smart Clients Wanted. Wanted. Smart and and Savvy Clients
Wewant wantclients clientswho whoexpect expect nothing nothing but but the the best. best. We Schaffner,Knight, Knight,Minnaugh Minnaugh&& Company, Company, P.C., P.C., we we don’t AtAtSchaffner, don’t meet your needs; we exceed them. By having the job done meet your needs; we exceed them. By having the job done rightthe thefifi time,you youactually actuallysave save money money and and time. time. right rstrsttime, Plus,you youreceive receiveguidance guidanceand andchoices choices from from professionals professionals Plus, witha aconcentration concentrationininservicing servicing businesses businesses like like yours. yours. with Wedo doour ourhomework homeworkon onyour yourindustry. industry. We We are are small small enough We enough to personalize, but large enough to specialize. When you are to personalize, but large enough to specialize. When you are ready and want nothing but the best, call us. We want you! ready and want nothing but the best, call us. We want you!
Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C. ... Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C. ... World Class service for World Class clients. World Class service for World Class clients.
www.skmco.com www.skmco.com Certified Public Accountants Certified Public Accountants
Erie Offices Erie cesStreet, Suite 1300 1001Offi State 1001 State Street, 16501 Suite 1300 Erie, Pennsylvania Erie, Pennsylvania 16501 814-454-1997 814-454-1997
Jamestown Offices Jamestown OffiSuite ces 14 500 Pine Street, 500 Pine Street, Suite 14 Jamestown, NY 14701 Jamestown, NY 14701 716-483-0071 716-483-0071
For over 25 years, Lillis, McKibben, Bongiovanni & Co. has been specializing in group employee benefit plans for employers big and small in Northwestern Pennsylvania, Western New York, and Northeastern Ohio. As one of the largest providers in the area, our experienced Plan Managers will partner with you to create a benefit plan strategically aligned with your company’s goals Please contact us today to see why Lillis, McKibben, Bongiovanni & Co. should be a part of your Group Benefits team.
CRAFTSMANSHIP QUALITY RESPONSE
Sharpsville Container is known for high quality fabrication in stainless steel and exotic alloys. Our vessels, whether they are process or transport, ASME, UN, or Heat Transfer are manufactured for the Food, Chemical, Beverage, Petro-Chemical and Pharmaceutical markets. The size of vessels that we manufacture range from 1 gallon to 25,000 gallons. With our standard line and custom design expertise, we are capable of meeting or exceeding your fabrication requirements. Our reputation for quality and service continues to exceed our customers’ expectations.
600 Main St • Sharpsville, PA 16150 (800) 645-1248 • sales@scacon.com www.sharpsvillecontainer.com
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 45
MBA
Now’s the time. Penn State’s the place.
In this economy, getting your MBA from a university that’s respected worldwide can make all the difference in starting or advancing your career. Erie Insurance Group’s Ann Scott knows the value of a Penn State MBA. Find out how to get yours—right here at home. Visit behrend.psu.edu/mymba or call 866-374-3378.
Ann Scott, Vice President and Director of Diversity and Community Outreach for Erie Insurance Group, is one of the many MBA graduates of the Sam and Irene Black School of Business enjoying professional success across our region and around the world.
Company PROFILE
Career Concepts Staffing Services Inc. 4504 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509 Phone: 814/868-2333 Fax: 814/868-3238
Career Concepts
Web Site: www.careerconceptsinc.com
Company Description Career Concepts with three offices in Northwest Pennsylvania is currently Erie’s largest full-service and independently owned staffing firm, as well as Erie County’s 23rd largest employer. The company provides clerical/ administrative, professional, technical, information technology, and light industrial staffing on a temporary, full-time-to-hire, contract or direct hire basis. Specialty services include professional placement, payrolling and onsite staffing. An Extension of Your HR Department Business Managers today are being challenged by constant changes in the marketplace, necessitating newer ways of doing business and hiring personnel. The use of temporary personnel, for example, has become a permanent hiring trend and that will certainly continue because it is both efficient and cost effective. Voted the #1 Staffing Service for six consecutive years, Career Concepts works with more than 250 core corporate clients, serving as an extension of their HR departments in
Career Concepts President Charles Campagne (above) and VP of Operations Rick Eberlin (below).
interviewing and staffing. The firm screens candidates and provides 397 different types of tests in 16 major categories from clerical/administrative, technical, light industrial and others. What Sets Career Concepts Apart from the Competition? The difference between Career Concepts and other staffing services and other staffing services, says President Charles Campagne, is that the firm has the experience and the personal, face-to-face contact, that is essential to matching the right employee with the right employer. Today, job seekers are much more schooled at resume writing and interviewing, and it takes a knowledgeable staffing professional to screen one person from another. Career Concepts is also a member of two national affiliations: InterCity Personnel Associates (IPA), a national executive recruiting association, and the National Independent Staffing Association (NISA), an association for the temporary end of the business.
Career Concepts screens candidates and provides nearly 400 different types of tests.
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 47
1DWLRQDO )DE
0DFKLQH ,QF
3URSHUW\ /LDELOLW\ DQG :RUNHUV¶ &RPSHQVDWLRQ ,QVXUDQFH $JHQWV -RKQ & %ORRPVWLQH &3&8 $50 ƒ &KULV : %ORRPVWLQH ƒ :LOOLDP & %ORRPVWLQH &3&8 $50 -HUHP\ 6 %LGGOH $,& ƒ
-DFN ) *ULPP $50 ƒ 5REHUW 3 0DUFROLQH ƒ 5LFKDUG 6 0LOOHU ƒ ) &ROH 6WHDUQV (VT
:HVW WK 6WUHHW (ULH 3$ ƒ 3KRQH ƒ )D[ ƒ ZZZ LPFHULH FRP
/·$5&+( (5,(
,QGXVWULDO 6DOHV 0DQXIDFWXULQJ ,QF
<RUNWRZQ *LDQW (DJOH =HJDUHOOL (QWHUSULVHV ,QF
6HUYLFH %H\RQG ([SHFWDWLRQV LQ 6WDWHV DQG &RXQWULHV &RQWDFW -RKQ %ORRPVWLQH#LPFHULH FRP
&KULV %ORRPVWLQH#LPFHULH FRP
:HVW WK 6WUHHW (ULH 3$ ƒ 3KRQH ƒ )D[ ƒ ZZZ LPFHULH FRP
Standing Strong in a Tough Economy
We know how to treat people.
TM
Courtesy of Rectenwald Architects Inc.
fi
Founded 135 years ago by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania as Erie’s rst hospital, Saint Vincent Health System has evolved into a multi-faceted regional health care leader. The values instilled by the Sisters are what make Saint Vincent unique and help maintain its mission of bringing God’s healing love to all, even in the midst of a challenging economy.
ffi
fi
Last year, Saint Vincent achieved 4.4-percent revenue growth despite federal and state funding cutbacks. In addition, Saint Vincent has seen gains in operating e ciency, reaching a 3-percent increase in employee productivity and an 8-percent improvement in inventory management, allowing supply chain expenses to remain relatively flat. Property, plant and equipment investments have decreased the average age of plant statistic by 10 percent. All in all, Saint Vincent has managed well in these tough economic times, while continuing to provide quality care to the community and remain faithful to its mission.
Serving the Growing Needs of the Region
In scal year 2009, Saint Vincent spent more than $22 million in charity care to serve those most in need. fi
fi
fi
“Our mission is more than words on a page. It gives us direction and serves as a constant reminder to all who work here that we truly live and believe in what the Sisters established many years ago,” says President and CEO C. Angela Bontempo, MHA/MBA, FACHE. “Like the Sisters, we’ve been dealt our own set of challenges. We’ve had to gure out ways to do more with less. And I’m proud to say that Saint Vincent was able to remain scally responsible to our associates, physicians and the people we serve.”
Saint Vincent Health Center, the foundation of this health network, is a 425-bed, not-for-pro t, tertiary care hospital with nearly 3,000 associates and more than 300 physicians representing over 40 specialties. The Health System also includes a free-standing, same-day surgery center; more than 20 primary and specialty care practices; four outpatient rehabilitation sites; inpatient rehabilitation; inpatient and outpatient behavioral services; a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; and strategic a liations with several community hospitals, physicians and providers. Additional outpatient centers include the Saint Vincent Imaging Center, Saint Vincent Endoscopy Center, the Saint Vincent Occupational Health Center and two new Saint Vincent Urgent Care Centers.
ffi
ffi
fi
It has not been an easy year for our country, but tough economic times do not mean that personal illness and disease come to a stop. Saint Vincent Health System has been able to stand tall through this economic turmoil and give more to the Erie community without eliminating jobs, all while remaining pro table. Many organizations had di culty achieving these goals, so how was Saint Vincent able to do so? The answer is in the fact that Saint Vincent is more than just a hospital, it’s a major health network and an economic pillar of the Erie community.
fi
fi
fi
Saint Vincent implemented two Community Care programs in response to the nancial concerns affecting patients, such as layoffs, job loss, and in turn, the loss of health-care bene ts. The quali cation level for the Community Care program was increased to 350 percent above the poverty level, a level In the chapel at Saint Vincent Health Center, President and CEO C. Angela Bontempo (far right) is joined by several of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania who are active in the hospital’s ministry and mission. Inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Saint Vincent Health System is a community of caregivers dedicated to bringing God’s healing love to all, and committed to compassion and excellence in the delivery of a continuum of holistic care.
50 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
ffi
fi
that is among the highest in the country. This increase gives the uninsured or underinsured patients the assistance they need to pay their medical bills. Another process was also created that allows patients to make arrangements to satisfy insurance co-payments if they are facing nancial di culties.
ffi
In addition, Saint Vincent continues to work hard to meet consumer demands for faster, more convenient access to health care with the opening of two urgent care centers. The centers are strategically located in Erie County on the west and east sides, to provide patients with convenient access to care for minor injuries and illnesses, without making a trip to the emergency department. Saint Vincent has the busiest emergency department in the county, and these urgent care facilities help make it less crowded and more e cient.
Building for the Future
Saint Vincent is currently in the midst of a 10-year multimillion-dollar building improvement plan involving several high-volume patient areas.
Saint Vincent prides itself in providing patients with unparalleled care and state-of-the-art medical technology, including the new da Vinci® Surgical System, the most advanced resource for minimally invasive surgery.
“Our location, in the heart of Erie, allows for our building projects to expand upward, rather than outward, due to the forward thinking of the original builders to provide a foundation that will allow for additional floors throughout the hospital,” explains Bontempo.
Bringing Innovation Close to Home
Saint Vincent’s commitment to providing the best care also means bringing the most advanced care to the region with cutting-edge technology.
Saint Vincent Health System 232 West 25 Street Erie, Pa. 16544 Phone: 814-452-5000
Another exciting, new technology at Saint Vincent is the da Vinci® Surgical System, currently being used for partial kidney, prostatectomy and lap band procedures, and soon for gynecology. Powered by state-of-the-art robotic technology, the da Vinci® gives surgeons the ability to operate with improved visualization and increased dexterity and allows for more precise access points than human ngers. The future may be uncertain in terms of the economy, but you can count on one thing to remain the same: Saint Vincent’s commitment to bring the best possible health care to all of northwestern Pennsylvania with the most advanced technologies, state-of-the-art facilities, expert providers and the compassion that you can only nd in this mission-driven health system. fi
fi
ffi
Phase two of this plan will begin soon and includes the construction of a building to be anchored underground by a new highly e cient energy plant, a new emergency department on the ground level and an Courtesy of Rectenwald Architects Inc. expansion of the existing operating rooms on the rst floor. A redesign of the front entrance of the hospital will allow easier access and a larger area for patient drop-off and pick-up.
With the help of a grant from the Federal Communications Commission, Saint Vincent launched the Regional Telemedicine Network to provide convenient access to specialized health care when geographic distance is a barrier. Through the use of the most sophisticated audio and video equipment, telemedicine allows health care professionals to access services that may not be available in their own communities. Currently, primary care physicians and their patients in Warren and Titusville are being connected with Saint Vincent specialists through this two-way highly precise audio and video link.
fi
The recently completed $7.8-million expansion of the maternal child health area includes the renovation of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that was completed in late 2008, creating a state-of-the-art facility with a 19-bed modern pod design. In addition, 10 private rooms were opened for women undergoing gynecological procedures and for pregnant women who require hospitalization prior to delivery. Saint Vincent also is proud to unveil 27 private mother/baby rooms with personal bathrooms and showers along with a new nursery.
Founded: 1875 Employees: Nearly 3,000 We know how to treat people.
TM
Web site: www.SaintVincentHealth.com
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 51
Families helping families, Friends helping friends. Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services provides premium quality service to past, present, and future clients. Founded in January 2008 by Marsha Marsh, her husband Greg and their sons Laban and Levi (also known as Marsh Team Realty) after being the market leader in two nationwide real estate brokerages for 10 years. Along with a variety of other independent real estate agents, together we specialize in:
• Residential and Commercial Real Estate • Elite Estates division for homes with distinction and a price tag of $350,000+ • Relocation Specialists ur home Begin yaroch at • New Construction se arsh.com • Investment Properties MarshaM • Property Management As a team and family business, we are changing the face of real estate in Erie, Crawford, Venango, and Warren Counties. We closed more than $35 million in real estate transactions in 2009 and continue to work hard to make Erie the best place to live.
Laban Marsh Broker, REALTOR® 814.440.8545
REALTOR®, ABR, CDPE, President of G.E.B.O.R.
Levi Marsh REALTOR®, ABR 814.392.0342
Greg Marsh REALTOR® 814.881.9410
Dan Bennett REALTOR® 814.882.4105
Joe Chiprean REALTOR® 814.873.0923
Chris Davison REALTOR® 814.873.9672
Jake Delsandro REALTOR® 814.873.1214
Crystal Ellsworth REALTOR® 814.881.1867
Lorraine Fox REALTOR® 814.460.0883
Shelly Hansen Office Admin. 814.866.8840
Bob & Sandy Howles REALTOR® 814.881.5348
Don Johnson REALTOR® 814.882.4194
Linda Foll Johnson REALTOR®, Associate Broker 814.397.0615
Shannon Kincade REALTOR® 814.460.4170
Dan Lehr REALTOR® 814.440.1295
Christy Lingle REALTOR® 814.402.0081
Nanci Lorei REALTOR®, Associate Broker 814.881.0580
Christie Mahany REALTOR® 814.440.1269
Cheri Marks REALTOR® 814.602.2128
Debra Mihalak-Hensler REALTOR® 814.218.9588
Dan Omniewski REALTOR® 814.490.9739
Andrea Orzechowski Admin. Assist. 814.866.1865
Therese ‘TJ’ Penn REALTOR®, CDPE® 814.490.8405
Jenny Poff Brand Manager 814.866.8840
Stacey Santos REALTOR® 814.323.3153
Suzanne St. John GPA, RRS, ASR, REALTOR® 814.449.3355
Marsha Marsh 814.440.8181
Here are three reasons why you need us ...
Your customers may not recognize you
Electronic communications aren't always the answer
You're wasting time, and more importantly, money
In uncertain economic times many try to forego advertising in a misguided attempt to save money, or even worse, they try to create sales materials themselves. This leads to unprofessional and mismatched looks. Our graphic design department excels in creating corporate identity packages, including logos, capabilities brochures, newsletters, and sales materials that will get you noticed and brand your company as the leader in your industry. If you've been thinking about a change, give us a call. It's easier and less expensive than you think.
Even with steadily declining mail volume, direct mail remains an important part of an effective multichannel marketing campaign. It is still the most targetable form of advertising available. Today's most sophisticated e-mail marketing is being blocked by improved spam filtering software, and if it does reach someone, it's most likely read once and quickly forgotten. So put something tangible and relevant in your customer's hands. We can get your message directly to your target audience efficiently and cost effectively.
Many local companies either outsource their statement processing to an outof-town vendor, or process statements inefficiently in-house, leading to poor cash flow, wasted staff time, and thousands of dollars in needless postage expense each year. We have the technology. If you mail any documents regulated by HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley, or Gramm-Leach-Bliley, or send sensitive medical or financial data through the mail, call us today for a free consultation. We offer the most secure 100% accurate, barcode-protected statement processing services available.
This is why you should choose Thomas Lee.
One-Stop Shopping. While we have most anything you need under one roof, we also have a reliable network of quality vendors to produce jobs outside of our in-house capabilities. You don't need the headaches of juggling multiple vendors. We'll manage your entire project from start to finish.
Experience. Our dedicated staff has hundreds of years of experience. We stay atop of the rapidly changing printing and mailing industries so you don't have to, always adding to our extensive knowledge base and ideas. Simply put, we know what we're doing .
3721 West 12 Street I Erie, PA 16505 ph 814.833.3233 I toll free 888.838.5230 ma i I@thomasleeprinting.com
We Guarantee Our Work.
Customer Service.
Everybody says it, but we mean it. Period.
A one word description at Thomas Lee - unparalleled.
THOMAS LEE
-
PRINTING & MAILING INCORPORATED
Since 1967, we've provided the highest quality design, printing, and mailing services available, at a fair price.
TLPM ... committed to your success.
Career Concepts
Are you in the comfy chair or the hot seat?
As business regulations continue to change, it’s easy to find yourself in the hot seat. Does your organization have a plan to mitigate risk and remain compliant? ADP Workforce NowTM helps you minimize risk and avoid costly penalties by helping to improve the accuracy and timeliness of tax payments, time collection, and employee communication. ADP’s flexible solutions also deliver the tools to help you focus on the more strategic HR needs of your organization, including recruitment, employee retention, talent development, and performance management. Don’t let changing regulations escalate your administrative burden or your exposure to costly penalties. Get the ADP Workforce Now advantage. For more information contact Ken Polk at (814) 460-4570, ken_polk@adp.com or visit www.adp.com/workforcenow. ADP does not give legal advice as part of its Workforce Now 0ffering. While every effort is made to provide current information, the law changes regularly and laws may vary depending on the state or municipality. Workforce Now is not a substitute for legal advice or your professional judgment. You should review applicable law in your jurisdiction and consult experienced counsel for legal advice. fThe ADP Logo and The Business Behind Business are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc. ADP Workforce Now is a trademark of ADP, Inc.
54 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
in business, in in business, in business, business,
high energy costs can quickly quickly cut into high high energy energy costs can quickly cut cut into into high your energy costs can quickly cut into profits. Controlling these costs your your profits. profits. Controlling Controlling these these costs your profits. Controlling thesecosts costs is our business is our business is our business business
as one of the largest purchasers of local appalachian gas as as one one of the largest largest purchasers purchasers ofof local localappalachian appalachian gas gas as of purchasers of appalachian gas on the national fuel Gas Distribution system, our supply as one one of the the largest largest purchasers of local local appalachian gas on on the the national national fuel fuel Gas Gas Distribution Distribution system, system, our our supply supply on the national fuel Gas Distribution system, our supply portfolio combines local production, long haul supplies on the national fuel Gas Distribution system, our supplyand portfolio portfolio combines combines local local production, production,long longhaul haul supplies supplies and and portfolio combines local haul supplies a large amount of storage capacity tolong insure andand portfolio combines local production, production, long haultimely supplies and a a large large amount of of storage storage capacity capacity toto insure insure timely timely and and a large amount of storage capacity to insure timely and secure deliveries even in the most critical supply situations. a large amount of storage capacity to insure timely and secure secure deliveries deliveries even eveninin the themost mostcritical critical supply supply situations. situations. secure deliveries in critical supply no other natural even gas supplier is better equipped to provide secure deliveries even in the the most most critical supply situations. situations. no no other natural natural gas gas supplier supplier isis better better equipped equipped toto provide provide no other natural gas supplier is better equipped local, reliable, lowgas cost naturalisgas supplies. no other natural supplier better equipped to to provide provide local, local, reliable, low low cost cost natural natural gas gas supplies. supplies. local, reliable, low cost natural gas supplies. local, reliable, low cost natural gas supplies.
Consult with us directly – sourcing proximity Consult Consult with us us directly directly ––sourcing sourcingproximity proximity Consult with directly Consultlower means with us us pricing! directly – – sourcing sourcing proximity proximity means means lower pricing! pricing! means means lower lower pricing! pricing!
Company profile Company Companyprofile profile Company profile Company profile inc. national fuel resources,
national nationalfuel fuelresources, resources,inc. inc. national resources, 349 east fuel Grandview Blvdinc. national fuel resources, inc. 349 349 east eastGrandview GrandviewBlvd Blvd 349 east Blvd erie, pennsylvania 16504 349 east Grandview Grandview Blvd erie, erie, pennsylvania pennsylvania16504 16504 erie, pennsylvania 16504 erie, pennsylvania 16504 phone: 814-825-1891 phone: phone: 814-825-1891 814-825-1891 phone: 814-825-1891 fax: 814-825-1896 phone: 814-825-1891 fax: fax: 814-825-1896 814-825-1896 fax: 814-825-1896 fax: email:814-825-1896 rtullio@nfrinc.com email: email: rtullio@nfrinc.com rtullio@nfrinc.com email: rtullio@nfrinc.com email: rtullio@nfrinc.com Website: www.nfrinc.com Website: Website:www.nfrinc.com www.nfrinc.com Website: Website: www.nfrinc.com www.nfrinc.com National Fuel Resources, Inc. (NFR) is a National National Fuel Fuel Resources, Resources,of Inc. Inc. (NFR) (NFR)isis a a National Fuel Inc. (NFR) a wholly owned subsidiary National National Fuel Resources, Resources, Inc. (NFR) is isFuel aFuel wholly wholly owned owned subsidiary subsidiary of of National National Fuel wholly owned subsidiary of Gas Company (NYSE: NFG) FormedFuel in wholly owned subsidiary of National National Fuel Gas Gas Company Company (NYSE: (NYSE: NFG) NFG) Formed Formed in Gas Company (NYSE: NFG) Formed in 1991, NFR markets natural to ap-in Gas Company (NYSE: NFG)gas Formed in 1991, NFR markets natural gas to ap1991, NFR markets natural gas to ap1991, NFR markets natural gas to proximately thousand residential, 1991, NFR twenty markets natural gas to apapproximately twenty thousand residential, proximately twenty thousand residential, proximately twenty thousand residential, commercial and industrial clients in New proximately twenty thousand residential, commercial and industrial clients in commercial and industrial clients inNew New commercial and industrial clients in York and Pennsylvania. commercial and industrial clients in New New York and Pennsylvania. York and Pennsylvania. York York and and Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania.
no one puts you closer to the well head than nfr. By no no one puts you you closer closer toto the thewell well head head than thannfr. nfr. ByBy no one you closer to well head nfr. By eliminating betweens” pricing no one puts putsthird youparties closer and to the the“go well head than thanyour nfr. By eliminating eliminating third third parties parties and and “go “go betweens” betweens” your your pricing pricing eliminating third parties and “go betweens” your pricing will improvethird dramatically. We have the expertise, experience eliminating parties and “go betweens” your pricing will will improve dramatically. dramatically. We We have have the the expertise, expertise, experience experience will improve dramatically. We have the expertise, experience and resources to be the one-stop your needs to will improve dramatically. We have thebusiness expertise, experience and and resources to to be be the the one-stop one-stop your your business business needs needs to to and resources to be the one-stop your business needs to control your natural costs. since formed in 1991, and resources to be gas the one-stop yourbeing business needs to control control your natural natural gas gas costs. costs. since since being being formed formed in in 1991, 1991, control your natural gas costs. since being formed in 1991, nfr hasyour been the supplier of choice natural gasinto1991, thoucontrol natural gas costs. since for being formed nfr nfr has been the the supplier supplier ofof choice choice for for natural natural gas gas toto thouthounfr has been the supplier of choice for natural gas to sands of customers which include industrial and gas commercial nfr has been the supplier of choice for natural to thouthousands sands of customers customers which which include include industrial industrial and and commercial commercial sands of customers which include industrial and commercial groups, and local governments, and schools and sands ofstate customers which include industrial and commercial groups, groups, state and and local local governments, governments, and and schools schools and and groups, state and local governments, and schools universities throughout york andand pennsylvania. groups, state and localnew governments, schools and and universities universities throughout throughout new new york york and and pennsylvania. pennsylvania. universities throughout new york and pennsylvania. universities throughout new york and pennsylvania.
Let us do what we do best…Control your energy Let Let us do what what we we do dobest…Control best…Control your yourenergy energy Let do we best…Control Let us costs usand do what what improve we do do your best…Control bottom line.your your energy energy costs costs and improve improve your your bottom bottom line. line. costs and improve your bottom line. costs and improve your bottom line. it’s time your business relied on our local DereGulateD it’s it’s time time your business businessrelied relied on on our ourlocal localDereGulateD DereGulateD it’s time relied on expertise forbusiness your natural it’s time your your business reliedgas. on our our local local DereGulateD DereGulateD expertise expertise for your your natural natural gas. gas. expertise for your natural gas. expertise for your natural gas.
D e r e G u l at e D e n e rGy e x p e rt i s e D er r ee G Gu ulllaa ttee DD ee nnee rrGG y ye e xx pe pr e tr itsii es e D De er re eG Gu ula at te eD D e en ne er rG Gy y e ex xp pe er rt tis se e
national fuel resources, inc. 349 east Grandview Blvd . erie, pa 16504 . 814-825-1891 . rtullio@nfrinc.com national national fuel fuelresources, resources,inc. inc.349 349east eastGrandview Grandview Blvd .. erie, erie, pa pa 16504 16504. ..814-825-1891 814-825-1891. rtullio@nfrinc.com . rtullio@nfrinc.com national national fuel fuel resources, resources, inc. inc. 349 349 east east Grandview Grandview Blvd Blvd . erie, erie, pa pa 16504 16504 . 814-825-1891 814-825-1891 .. rtullio@nfrinc.com rtullio@nfrinc.com
total health care for a lifetime It’s a whole new concept in health care – combining the resources of medical experts and health care organizations to help you get well, stay well, and feel better than ever. It’s more than conventional health care. It’s total health care for a lifetime. And it’s brought to you by The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, LECOM, the nation’s largest medical school which prepares physicians for lifetimes of service; Millcreek Community Hospital, an acute care hospital and the region’s leader in behavioral health and senior care; Medical Associates of Erie, a network of primary care physicians and specialists who not only provide health care but also teach it; LECO M Medical Fitness and Wellness Center, a medically integrated facility designed to focus on your total well-being, through exercise, health education, spa services, rehabilitation and physician offices; and the LECO M Institute for Successful Aging, which provides geriatric assessments for physical and mental health. To find out more about our total health care team, visit LECOMtotalhealthcare.com.
www.LECOMtotalhealthcare.com
Company PROFILE McCormick Coffee 1514 Liberty Street Erie, PA 16502 Phone: 814/453-3192 or 800/759-5942 Fax: 814/453-2101 E-mail: info@mccormickcoffee.com Web Site: www.mccormickcoffee.com
McCormick Coffee Company has been in operation since 1989, and in that time it has become one of the area’s best-known businesses. Recently, the Business Magazine had a chance to sit down with Anita Rose Marcoline, president of McCormick Coffee since 2004, to find out more about this wellestablished industry. How did you get into the coffee business? I started an office coffee service in 1978 called “The Coffee Mill.” It was one of three coffee services purchased by the McCormick family that then became McCormick Coffee. In 2004, I was invited to take the reins again and happily accepted the challenge.
McCormick Coffee
Who are your customers? Any company using three or more pots of coffee a day is our perfect customer. Employers understand that offering coffee to their staff increases productivity and employee morale, which is especially important given today’s economic climate. Recently, we have expanded into restaurants, health-care facilities and convenience stores. Our customer list includes Country Fair, Hamot Medical Center, Saint Mary’s Homes, Meadville Medical Center and Presque Isle Downs & Casino. In addition, we are especially proud of our long relationship with the Manufacturer & Business Association.
Anita Rose Marcoline, president of McCormick Coffee Editor’s note: Anita Rose Marcoline was recently chosen as one of our Most Admired CEOs (Business Magazine, March 2010). Congratulations, Anita!
What kind of coffee are these customers drinking? The top seller is McCormick Private Reserve, but several other blends, and our own 100-percent Colombian, are also very popular. There is
currently a strong interest in gourmet national brands, and we proudly offer Starbucks, Green Mountain, Seattle’s Best and Caribou to name a few. Our customers recognize the value; for the price of one cup from a fancy coffee shop, you can brew the whole pot in your office! What do you see in your company’s future? There is tremendous growth in Keurig singlecup coffee brewers. While the traditional method of brewing a full pot will always be popular, single-cup brewers offer a wide variety of products from one machine. Numerous gourmet coffee choices, flavored coffee, tea, hot chocolate and even lattés are available. There is no waste and every cup is freshly brewed. As with traditional coffee brewers, we provide this equipment at no charge. For high-volume locations, McCormick offers “Coffee Keurig B3000 on Demand.” These units can dispense one cup or hundreds of cups as needed and are very popular with health-care and banquet facilities. Even large break rooms can benefit from this innovative beverage solution. It is a very exciting time to be in the coffee industry, and I expect the company to continue to prosper as our entire business community grows.
Standing, from left: Keith, Brenda, Greg, Pam, John, Jana and Tony On truck, from left: Joe and Max
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 57
Entertainment
The Little River Band, from left: Rich Herring, Mel Watts, Chris Marion, Wayne Nelson and Greg Hind.
International Recording Artists to Perform at Annual Event After-Party
58 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
What’s in a name?
a change in the way people listened to music.
For years, the etymology of band names has been analyzed by those from Music City to Anytown, U.S.A.
Nelson has said that the group, like many classic rock acts, has been a “victim of FM radio.”
Some groups owe their names to literature, such as The Doors, who derived their name from Aldous Huxley’s The Doors of Perception, and late ‘60s-band Steppenwolf, who took their name from Herman Hesse’s autobiographical novel.
Hopes were high that a 20th anniversary tour in 1995, “Reminiscing,” and a two-CD boxed set would spark new interest in LRB, but it wasn’t the case. It seemed their harmony-centric songs would be relegated to spins on the “oldies” stations.
Groups like The Beatles and Pink Floyd went through a string of names before landing on the “right” one.
But satellite radio and the Internet have changed all that.
But for others, they just sort of stumbled onto a moniker. Take Little River Band, for example. The boys from Melbourne were on their way to their first performance in Victoria, Australia, when they passed an exit sign for a small town called Little River. Someone suggested that they be called Little River Band for the evening’s performance … and the name stuck. Thirty five years, 25 million records and 13 American Top-40 hits later, the rock group from Down Under still performs under the Little River Band (LRB) name. Current members Wayne Nelson, Greg Hind, Chris Marion, Rich Herring and Mel Watts bring new energy to arrangements of the group’s classic hits. It’s one reason they’re certain to entertain guests at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s exclusive 105th Annual Event After-Party, a private VIP event being held June 16 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie.
A Long Way There
Whether on vinyl or MP3, Little River Band is still considered to be among Australia’s most significant bands. In 2001, the Australasian Performing Right Association named LRB’s “Cool Change” as one of the Top 30 Australian songs of all time. “Reminiscing” has achieved 5 million airplay status on American radio, with “Lady” close behind with more than 4 million spins. In 2004, the band was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame. Despite the fact that many of their contemporaries have long since hung up their guitars, the band continues to tour extensively, breathing new life into LRB classics that are, according to Nelson, “relatable regardless of the time.” “We try to make it fun for audiences with some sing-a-longs. It’s engaging,” says Nelson. “We have a lot of people who’ll bring their kids to the show for the first time. People still keep turning people onto Little River Band music.” So what’s in a name? A lot, if you’re Little River Band. The guys from LRB took the word “little” and gave it new meaning – “little” else to accomplish.
Formed in 1975, the group’s original lineup came from other successful Australian acts from the ‘60s and ‘70s, such as The Twilights, Axiom, Zoot and Mississippi. But those bands were unable to find success overseas; LRB would become the first Australian group to find consistent commercial and chart success in the States.
Little River Band Discography
Fueled by the success of “Curiosity Killed the Cat,” the band began touring abroad in the fall of 1976. Their subsequent U.S. hit single – “It’s a Long Way There” – broke the Top 30. More stateside concert performances followed, and in 1977, they scored again, with “Help Is on Its Way” and “Happy Anniversary.” From 1978 until 1981, LRB achieved six consecutive U.S. Top-10 singles, including “Lady,” “Lonesome Loser,” “Cool Change,” “The Night Owls,” “Take It Easy on Me,” and their biggest hit, “Reminiscing.” The band toured on the strength of those hits, but the stress of success and life on the road began to take its toll, and members moved on toward new ventures.
‘Test of Time’
Like most bands of their longevity, LRB went through a shuffling of the deck over the past three decades. Since 1983’s “You’re Driving Me Out of My Mind” – their last single to reach the Top 40 – LRB has been much like a revolving door of talent. While turnover in the band occurred, so too did
1975 - Little River Band
1991 - Classic Collection
1976 - After Hours
1992 - Live Classics
1977 - Diamantina Cocktail
1995 - Reminiscing 20th Anniversary Box Set
1978 - Sleepercatcher 1979 - First Under the Wire 1980 - Backstage Pass 1981 - Time Exposure 1982 - Greatest Hits 1983 - The Net 1984 - Playing to Win 1986 - No Reins 1988 - Monsoon 1989 - Get Lucky
1996 - Too Late to Load 2000 - Expanded Greatest Hits 2001 - Where We Started From 2002 - One Night In Mississippi 2003 - Test of Time 2006 - Rearranged 2007 - Standing Room Only 2008 - We Call It Christmas 2009 - Outback
1990 - Worldwide Love
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 59
~: a where they can just . . . .
Kids
Company PROFILE Perry Construction Group, Inc. Today, the Doyle’s commercial construction company, Perry Con1440 West 21st Street struction Group, Inc., which in 2009 Erie, PA 16502 marked its second-largest building Phone: 814/459-8551 Fax: 814/453-5653 Web site: www.perryconst.com
Perry Construction Group, Inc.
Founded: 1990
year on record, is on track for another successful and profitable year with contracts exceeding $40 million. The fourth generation, family-owned business has grown in project size and scope to become one of the region’s premier construction firms, providing a full range of renovations and turnkey design-build services for industrial, commercial and municipal projects.
Tops Plaza
The construction business is built on promises… •
Hamot Women’s Hospital
•
• Hamot Generator Fit-Out
•
Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Iroquois Elementary School
Though the scope and size of the projects may have changed over the years, the Doyle’s say the way of doing business has not. Being successful in such a labor-intensive and deadlinedriven industry requires keeping on budget and on time. Perry Construction Group boasts a 70-percent repeat customer base because of its attention to detail. Its core clients receive highly personal attention and rely on what Perry says and when it will done. “Keep your word. Keep their trust,” explains Chairman John J. Doyle. “That is more valuable than anything. People have to trust you, because you can lose that overnight. For the Doyle’s and their company, the future holds great promise with each construction project and bid. “It’s not standing still,” says President and Treasurer Robert Doyle of the work ahead. “It’s expanding.”
Pennsylvania General Energy
Warren Elementary School
Major Construction Projects in Progress Cathedral Prep New Event Center Erie, PA Phase II Women’s Hospital Fit-out Erie, PA Behrend College Metzgar Hall Behrend College Dobbins Hall Intermodal Facility Warren, PA Regional Center for Workforce Excellence Erie, PA Behrend College Otto Behrend Renovations Behrend College Erie Hall Copy & Multimedia Center & Irvin Kochel Center Renovations
Erie Intermodal Facility June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 61
Mission: A faith-inspired network of rehabilitation and long term care providers committed to personalized attention.
Vision: To be the first choice for families and employees.
It’s better to do one thing and do it well. That’s why at Delta Dental we focus on giving you the best group dental plans you can find. That’s all we do. It’s also why we give you more than 134,000 dentists to choose from. A wide range of customized plans. And hassle-free claims. So it’s really no surprise that more people choose Delta Dental than any other dental carrier. Visit us online at www.deltadentalins.com or call 800-471-7091.
Consulting for Success since 1984 Serving business and nonprofit organizations
Strategy • Executive Search • Marketing • Exit Planning Market Research • Maximizing Business Value Organizational Development • Human Resource Assessments
1540 East Lake Road • Suite 100 • Erie, PA 16511 • 814.528.9400 www.DecisionAssociates.net June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 63
The Manufacturer & Business Association The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), with offices in Erie, Williamsport, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is, “dedicated to providing information and services to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their business and community interests.” As a manufacturer and businessman, I believe that mission statement, which is prominently displayed at the Association’s headquarters in Erie, is even more relevant today. Throughout my tenure as chairman, the Association has continued to lead by example, developing and introducing new and valuable resources for you, our members, to increase your efficiency, productivity and improve your bottom line.
Mark C. Kulyk Immediate Past Chairman of the Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors and president of Albion, Pennsylvania-based Rogers Brothers Corporation
From our new MBA Blue Ocean Strategy Center and low-cost energy provider, the Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc., to our Government Affairs Department, discounted Insurance Services, regionally recognized computer and professional development training courses, and attorney-supported HR & Legal services, our programs are proven and have an excellent track record of success. But much of this would not be possible without a very visionary Board of Governors or our wonderful professional staff. Thanks to the direction and guidance of these committed business leaders and the Association’s dedicated employees, we have sought new ways to stretch your membership dollar, and ensure that our services are tailored for your needs. It is why I am so proud to have served as your chairman, and why it is such a pleasure to be a part of this forward-thinking group as we move ahead.
2010-2011 Board of Governors
From left: John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E., president and CEO, Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.; Richard Knight; Dale Deist, chairman of the Board, Deist Industries, Inc.; Bob Pursell, senior executive, Jersey Shore Steel Company; Yvonne Atkinson-Mishrell, president, Presbyterian Homes; Dennis Prischak, president and CEO, The Plastek Group; Mark C. Kulyk, president, Rogers Brothers Corporation; Sue Sutto, president, Sue Sutto Realtors, Inc.; John Cline, president, Sunburst Electronics; Timothy Hunter, president, McInnes Rolled Rings; Dan Ignasiak, president, SEPCO-Erie; Philip M. Tredway, president, Erie Molded Plastics; and Lorenzo Simonelli, president and CEO, GE Transportation. 64 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
— Visionary Leadership And there’s more work to do. With our current Board, including new Board members, Bob Pursell of Jersey Shore Steel Company and Yvonne Atkinson-Mishrell of Presbyterian Homes, I expect great things from the Association as we head into our 106th year. As immediate past chairman, I’m honored to have an opportunity to provide leadership in that effort, and I look forward to working closely with our Board to do so. Finally, on behalf of the Board, I want to thank all of you who have supported us in the past. Your commitment to the Association, and its future success, is truly a testament to who we are and what we believe so strongly:
“The value of the Association to its members could never surpass the value of the members to the Association.” Sincerely,
Mark C. Kulyk
Executive Committee
Chairman Dan Ignasiak, president of SEPCO-Erie
Vice Chairman John B. Pellegrino, Sr., P.E., president and CEO of Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.
New Board Members
Treasurer Dale Deist, chairman of the Board of Deist Industries, Inc.
Manufacturer &Business ASSOC A
ON
www.mbausa.org
~ Blue Ocean Strategy Center Bob Pursell, senior executive, Jersey Shore Steel Company
Yvonne Atkinson-Mishrell, president of Presbyterian Homes
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 65
RUNWAY 6-24 IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2010 SCHEDULE · DESIGN COMPLETION · LAND ACQ!JISITION COMPLETION · BID PACKAGE 1 AWARD · MID YEAR CONSTRUCTION
Great Things Are Happening At l ij
CHRIS RODGERS. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BOARD OF DIRECTORS DALE ROTH. PRESIDENT FRANK STEFANO JR.. VICE PRESIDENT JANET ANDERSON. PRESIDENT PRO TEM LOUIS BIZARRO. SECRETARY LISA CAPPABIANCA. TREASURER NAMON MCWILLIAMS KATHLEEN HORAN CHARLIE AUGUSTINE MARY TSENG
We}J-bat;flI:/;# Skip Papa & Bella PAPA Advertising, Inc
e4sy 10 else.
fh.;'(oll +¥ ~/i",s sbJ<. - ~Vt( WIVV\. a.ccrJ(a~ryV4fd.V\ke:! .' c(/5bv.i~hk
a1
ECCA Payroll + Business Solutions offers customer-focused, comprehensive payroll, tax, timekeeping and human resource services to businesses ranging from one to one thousand or more employees. Web-based discounted programs are available to all MBA members.
PAYROLL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
P 874835
F800. 864';::: ext. T03 874.838.5099
, Owner Tony Davis Service, LLC Davis Auto
John Johnson, Pre sident Port Erie Plastics
Dave Zimmer, ERIEBANK President
ERIEBANK, the power of the people.
Lorie Pustelak, Owner rant ie’s Lor Wildridge Restau
It’s all about the people —their hopes, their dreams. Taking care of customers is at the heart of what we do, and our customers are the Main/Interchange Office 2035 Edinboro Road • Erie, PA 16509 • Phone (814) 868-7523
Asbury Road Office 2615 Asbury Road • Erie, PA 16506 • Phone (814) 835-1116
reason we’re here. ERIEBANK is small-business focused, with retail banking services for business owners and individuals seeking a comprehensive financial relationship delivered locally.
Downtown Office & Private Banking 101 West 10th Street • Erie, PA 16501 Phone (814) 454-3477 • Private Banking (814) 454-3444
Harborcreek Office 5723 Buffalo Road • Harborcreek, PA 16421 • Phone (814) 899-5101
Meadville Office 885 Park Avenue • Meadville, PA 16335 • Phone (814) 336-1223
The ERIEBANK team is comprised of seasoned, local professionals who understand the business community and are familiar with our local economy and market conditions. We make decisions based on local knowledge, not national trends and speculation.
ER~E BANK A division of CNB Bank
We encourage you to visit us at any of our offices, or take a moment to give us a call. We are accessible, and would appreciate the opportunity to get to know you better. Come enjoy the many relationship rewards that
www.eriebank.net
are waiting for you at ERIEBANK.
Williamsport
Manufacturer & Business Association Central PA Division 67th Annual Event The Manufacturer & Business Association Central PA Division recently held its 67rh Annual Event on May 7 at the Genetti Hotel & Suites in Williamsport, featuring keynote speaker, award-winning journalist John Stossel. Sponsors of the event included Susquehanna Health, Fisher Mining and the Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc. For complete photo coverage, visit the Photo Gallery on www.mbausa.org.
Advisory Board Chairman Bob Pursell of Jersey Shore Steel Company welcomes Central PA Association members to the 67th Annual Event.
President John Blaschak (far left) of major sponsor Fisher Mining with John Stossel and guests.
Business leaders and their guests filled the historic Genetti Hotel Ballroom. 70 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
Major sponsor Susquehanna Health, represented by Executive Vice President and CFO Charlie Santangelo (left) and President and CEO Stephen P. Johnson (left of Stossel) and guests.
Keynote speaker John Stossel addresses Association members.
Father Michael McCormick, assistant pastor for Our Lady of Lourdes in Montoursville, leads the invocation.
Dale and Barbara Deist of Deist Industries; Attorney Alan Balla, Association Benefits Counsel; Sue and Gary Schneider of Howard Industries; and Dan Ignasiak of SEPCO-Erie and his daughter, Annie.
Roger Sheets of Woolrich (second from left) and guests pose with Stossel. The Association’s dinner meeting celebrated the consolidation of the Manufacturers’ Association of Central Pennsylvania and Manufacturer & Business Association and the formation of the MBA Central PA Division.
Advisory Board Member Jerry Wertz of Data Papers (at right) and his wife, Barbara, with John Stossel.
Advisory Board Member Dennis Beck (at right) of L-3 Communications Electron Devices with Mrs. Beck and Stossel.
Each guest was treated to a special edition of the May Business Magazine, which featured an exclusive interview with John Stossel.
From left: Andree Phillips of Radiant Steel Products Company, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Smith of ConAgra, and Bonnie and Pete Axeman of Axeman-Anderson Company.
Stossel greets Advisory Board Member JoAnn DiPasquale of Jersey Shore State Bank.
Guests mingle at the VIP cocktail reception.
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 71
The premier manufacturer of precision machined components.
American Turned Products’ precision machine products are the result of a manufacturing environment based on superior technology. It is this technology that has earned ATP a premier status that spans the globe. Our customers no longer exist only in North America but around the world, and we have positioned ourselves to provide them with advanced products and services from right here in Erie County. Our automotive products can be found in vehicles from North America, South America and Europe to Asia and the Far East. It is our commitment to provide our customers with the “excellence” they have come to expect from American Turned Products. Excellence in Quality, Delivery and Ingenuity are standards necessary to successfully meet and exceed the challenges of today’s global markets. ISO/TS16949:2002 CERTIFIED
7626 Klier Drive • Fairview, PA 16415 (814) 474-4200 • Fax: (814) 474-4718 • atpteam.com
72 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
M A R K E T
R E S E A R C H
COLLEEN MOORE MEZLER Company: Moore Research Services Location: 2675 West 12th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.moore-research.com Colleen Moore Mezler is the president and CEO of Moore Research Services, Inc., 2675 West 12th Street in Erie, PA. A second-generation business owner and seasoned professional with 23 years in the market research industry, Mezler is described as ahead of the curve, diligent, and the consummate professional. Moore Research is a highly regarded global research company due to Mezler’s significant experience in both quantitative and qualitative research. Mezler serves as the past president for the Marketing Research Association (MRA) and is also certified by the MRA as an expert in market research. The savvy business owner received the 2009 Distinguished Service Award from the MRA and was the 2009 Athena Powerlink Recipient. In May 2010, Mezler received the SBA Woman Owned Business of Western PA Award. In addition, Moore Research Services, Inc. was a finalist for the Economic Development Corporation 2010 Employer of the Year. Moore Research Services, Inc., established in 1969, is a leading market and opinion research company for regional, national and global organizations. Traditional research (telephone surveys, focus groups, product placements, etc.) remains a key component for serving clients, but the progressive company continues to embrace technology. Moore Research performs virtual focus groups, complex online surveys and surveys via cell phones. The company has a growing national database of survey participants and also utilizes social networks, like Facebook, to communicate with respondents about upcoming surveys and projects. Mezler served as the 2010 co-chair for the Women in Leadership Development Conference as well as the 2010 chair of the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days Campaign. Mezler gives back to Athena PowerLink program through her continued support and involvement as a mentor. Mezler and her husband, Frank, have a 14-year-old son, Anthony, and reside in Erie.
2 0 1 0
A N N U A L
R E P O R T June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 73
a school of
“firsts”
Graduate Master of Business Administration Master of Public Administration Undergraduate Accounting Advertising Communications Business Administration Entrepreneurship Finance International Business Management Marketing Risk Management and Insurance Sports Management and Marketing
74 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
Gannon University was the first college in Northwestern Pennsylvania to offer a Business Program and the first university to gain international accreditation from the ACBSP for its MBA program. These are only two of the many “firsts” for Gannon University’s Dahlkemper School of Business Administration. Whether you’re a high school student planning a career in business, a graduate student advancing your potential business opportunities or a seasoned professional expanding your horizons, Gannon University offers more than eleven undergraduate and graduate degree business programs to help you reach your goals. For more information visit www.gannon.edu/business or call (814) 871-7240. Who knows, you may be the next “first” for Gannon.
gannon.edu/business
R E T I R E M E N T
C O M M U N I T Y Company Name: Rolling Fields Location: 9108 Highway 198, Conneautville, PA Web Site: www.rollingfields.com Nursing home owners Kim Moody and Cindy Godfrey hold tight to the wheel as they lead their team down a long and bumpy road called “culture change.” These two forward-thinking and hard-working women have stepped out of the box, bringing to life a culinary experience that places them on the forefront of culture change. These sisters own and operate a private skilled nursing home in the heart of Northwestern PA. Rolling Fields is home to 181 Elders, a children’s daycare and a specialized Alzheimer’s unit. Their home follows the Eden Alternative Philosophy believing that relationships are the key to true Elder-centered care. They have successfully eliminated the hierarchy of administrative rule, shifting focus toward a supportive role as their Leadership team takes the form of “Eden grandparents.” Their “home-style” environment breathes life for Elders with flower and vegetable gardens, frog and koi ponds, a fishing lake and live-in pets. Kim and Cindy believe in promoting and educating from within their organization, employing more than 250 health-care professionals. They have made it possible for many years to offer a Certified Nursing Assistant training program in their home. Their home sets the standard and raises the bar for other nursing homes nationwide. All of this is made possible through the leadership of these two women. Rolling Fields has spent the past several years implementing the largest and most important nursing home culture change project imaginable. They call it Jump off the Cliff or JOTC for short. This project offers Elders 24hour made-to-order room service and restaurant dining options. The change was much more than just adding a restaurant menu and calling it room-service. Under Kim and Cindy’s direction, their team worked to reconstruct a new way of caring for Elders in a nursing home environment, changing the way everything is done in the home. They eliminated traditional work “shifts” and have implemented team scheduling, created a peer disciplinary board, and developed blended job descriptions. In 2009, the Rolling Fields family was selected nationally by their peers to receive Long Term Living’s Optima Award for Excellence for their 24-hour made-to-order culinary experience. The team was featured in September 2009’s issue of the magazine.
2 0 1 0
A N N U A L
R E P O R T
KIM MOODY AND CINDY GODFREY
Rolling Fields continues to share their journey with other homes. Many have made the trek to the home to see the changes made with hopes to implement the same opportunities in their facilities. This dining program is truly one of the largest steps ever taken toward de-institutionalizing a nursing home and Rolling Fields is one of the first to make such an accomplishment in the industry. June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 75
A D V E R T I S I N G
A D V E R T I S I N G
C. EILEEN GRAY SEAN MORPHY Company Name: Gray Matter Media, Inc. Location: North East, PA Web Site: www.graymattermediainc.com
C. Eileen Gray is the president and hands-on operator of Gray Matter Media, Inc., an innovative multimedia advertising agency. Nearly 20 years ago in Erie, Gray began her storied career in AM radio; however, after immediate success, she soon made the leap to the broadcast television industry. Her constant drive for absolute customer satisfaction soon found her clients with unprecedented growth and success. Many businesses began asking her advice on other elements of their advertising campaigns, such as radio, print and the Internet. At the literal request of her clients – Gray opened the doors of Gray Matter Media in 2002. The family operated advertising agency headquartered in North East, PA has since blossomed into a full-service entity, providing the best in television, radio, and print production using the latest technology, including an HD camera and editing system, while utilizing Gray’s “Smart” media buying savvy. Other categories such as Web site design, promotional products, creative script writing and branding round out Gray Matter Media’s diverse organization. Today, Gray Matter Media, Inc. offers unparalleled multimedia advertising and marketing services to more than 30 active clients, in countless industries, covering Northwestern and Central Pennsylvania and beyond. For more information on Gray Matter Media, Inc. and its “Smart Advertising” strategies, call 814/725-3888.
C O N S T R U C T I O N
B A N K I N G
Let us help you . . .
Company Name: LINEAR LLC Location: 460 East 26th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.createdbylines.com
LINEAR LLC was formed in June of 2009, and since then the partners have never looked back. Facing a layoff with their previous employer, Sean Morphy & Raychel Adiutori took a giant leap of faith to form a new company. Now, one year later, LINEAR LLC is an award-winning advertising and production agency in Erie, Pa. LINEAR has the capability to serve their clients as an agency of record or as a production house for smaller companies and organizations. Television, online video, print or radio advertising is within reach with LINEAR. Sean Morphy, CCO (Chief Creative Officer), is the man behind the camera and the creative. Morphy has several years of experience in the production and graphic design field. He has a distinct style and creative concepts that give LINEAR a look that is rarely seen in the area. Filming in High Definition and primarily working with Adobe After Effects for motion graphics and visual effects in post-production, each project is given individual attention and a creative style. As an Erie native, Morphy graduated from Cathedral Prep High School and obtained a communications/graphic design degree at Gannon University. He is also a winner of six Addy Awards.
C O N S U L T A N T S
with all of your Small Business Needs Business & Commercial Checking Workplace Advantages Checking Sweep Accounts • Express Deposit Payroll Direct Deposit • Commercial Loans SBA Loan Programs With our knowledgeable Corporate Banking professionals and local decision making capabilities, we can offer you and your small business the strength, stability, and security you’re looking for in your financial institution.
877.862.9326
www.farmersnb.com
C O N S U L T A N T S
TIM ASINGER JOE PEZZE ADAM MOOK Company Name: Kessel Construction Locations: Erie and Bradford, PA Web Site: www.kesselco.com
Tim Asinger’s involvement with Kessel Construction began in 1997 when the corporate office in Bradford, PA charged Asinger with opening an office in Erie, PA. Asinger quickly became recognized for exceeding its goals and new customer development with a reputation for bringing difficult parties and complex projects together. Asinger is located in Bradford at the corporate office and will be moving into the president’s role in the second quarter of 2010. Kessel President Dick Kessel and Asinger are executing a succession plan over the next 10 years. The Kessel team has been serving the construction industry for 75 years and has been a Butler Builder for over 50 years. They are one of the oldest Butler dealers in the country.
Company Name: The Hillcrest Group, LLC Location: 838 Hillcrest Circle, Wexford, PA
Knowledge isn’t contained in the size of the company or the number of employees. It is contained in the knowledge and experience of its employees. The Hillcrest Group, LLC provides that knowledge and commonsense approach to your environmental issues. Let us introduce one of our principals, Joe Pezze, QEP. Prior to starting Hillcrest, Pezze worked for PA DEP and was The Air Quality Manager in the Pittsburgh Office from 1986 until Hillcrest was founded. He is also an adjunct professor teaching environmental courses at Duquesne University and is a member of the PENNTAP (Penn State’s Technical Advisory Group) Action Council. Pezze has been vice president of The International Air and Waste Management Association and chairman of the SW PA Ozone Action Partnership. He is viewed as an expert on Air Quality issues.
Kessel Construction is committed to the excellent execution of each building project. Their numerous awards for projects throughout the years are evidence. Our knowledge and experience allows us to develop buildings that fit your unique needs and to meet your expectations. Kessel self performs: Site Work, Concrete Foundations & Slabs, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Steel Fabrication and Erection.
Hillcrest provides services for: environmental permitting, compliance audits, enforcement negotiations, site development and site assessments, emission inventory submittals, test observations, MACT analysis, PPC and SPCC Plans, and other services needed by you.
Some of our most active areas of industry: Oil & Gas, Plastics Industry, Food & Beverage Manufacturers, Warehouses, Specialty Manufacturers, Motor Vehicle Dealerships and Municipal Facilities.
The Hillcrest Group – Experience, Intelligence and Knowledge. Your source for environmental regulatory solutions. Call or e-mail Joe Pezze today: 724/935-2730 or jpezze@zoominternet.net.
76 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
We have the know-how for your environmental problems.
Company Name: Strategy Solutions, Inc. Location: 2402 West 8th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.getstrategy.com
As senior manager, Corporate and Community Services for Strategy Solutions, Adam Mook is responsible for providing leadership, organization, project management and client coordination support. His consulting capabilities include the areas of training, research, planning, facilitation, organizational and market development for corporate and community/government clients. Mook’s consulting experience includes a specialization in international trade regulations and logistics, supporting both American businesses who wish to export as well as international businesses who wish to locate in the United States. His background in international trade consulting has led him to recently achieve the NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential. The NASBITE CGBP designation demonstrates an individual’s ability to conduct global business including global business management, global marketing, supply chain management, and trade finance. Mook is also an adjunct professor at Gannon University within the Dahlkemper School of Business where he teaches International Marketing and Exporting. Strategy Solutions, Inc. is a business development firm that focuses on strategic planning, market research and project management, all to help organizations and communities grow and thrive. Adam Mook can be reached via 814/480-8000 or Adam@getstrategy.com.
C R E D I T
U N I O N
C R E D I T
U N I O N
E D U C A T I O N
SANDI CARANGI MARY BETH WILCHER DR. DONALD BIRX Company Name: Erie Federal Credit Union Location: 1959 East 36th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.eriefcu.org
Company Name: Erie Federal Credit Union Location: 1959 East 36th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.eriefcu.org
As vice president of Business Development, Sandi Carangi heads up the business relationship division of the Erie Federal Credit Union. Over the past three years, the credit union has expanded business services to include a full suite of products that are helping area businesses grow and succeed. Carangi helps businesses by providing a competitive analysis that matches the business’ financial needs with the benefits and features of credit union services. “We actually tailor our business services to fit the needs of the business,” Carangi says, “whether it’s financial products for the business itself or for the employees of the business, we can customize a program to match the services our credit union offers.”
Mary Beth Wilcher will be assuming the position of CEO of the Erie Federal Credit Union on July 1, 2010. Norb Kaczmarek, who currently holds the CEO position, will be retiring on June 30, 2010. Wilcher previously served as the chief marketing officer for the Erie Federal Credit Union prior to her appointment as incoming CEO. She is a lifelong Erie resident, earning her undergraduate degree from Mercyhurst College in 1986. She has been employed in the credit union industry since 1987 and has been with the Erie Federal Credit Union for 17 years. Wilcher also worked for CUNA Mutual Group, a credit union insurance provider, serving more than 350 credit unions in Northwest PA.
In addition to business and personal account services, the Erie FCU offers something that no other financial institution in this area offers – Merchant Direct Loans. Through the Merchant Direct Loan program, Carangi works with businesses to offer loans to customers of the business – offering convenient and affordable loans locally through the credit union. There are more than 300 businesses and organizations in Erie and Crawford County that belong to the Erie Federal Credit Union. For more information contact Sandi Carangi, at 814/825-2436 Ext. 1035 or scarangi@eriefcu.org.
The Erie Federal Credit Union is a member owned fullservice financial institution that has served the community since 1936. The credit union has more than 37,000 members, six branch offices and one corporate facility. The credit union serves both residents and business owners in Erie and Crawford County, PA with affordable and convenient full-service financial solutions that improve the financial well being of the members and the businesses in the community. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works or owns a business in Erie or Crawford County, PA.
F I N A N C I A L
F I N A N C I A L
Steven Rinn, CFP® Financial Advisor
5121 Zuck Road Erie, PA 16506 (814) 836-9968 • (866) 536-5776
srinn@hbksorce.com
Steve is a Financial Advisor in the Erie, Pennsylvania office of HBK Sorce Financial LLC (HBK Sorce). He began his financial services career in 2003 and became part of HBK Sorce in 2005. Steve has experience in comprehensive financial planning, retirement planning, insurance and asset management. Insurance products offered through HBK Sorce Insurance LLC. Investment Advisory Services offered through HBK Sorce Advisory LLC. Securities offered through Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 18 Corporate Woods Blvd., Albany, NY 12211. HBK Sorce Insurance LLC and HBK Sorce Advisory LLC are not affiliated with Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments. NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPLE. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY
Gregory Sorce, CFP®, MSFS Principal, Senior Financial Advisor
Stonewood Dr. 235 West 6th Street 7000Suite 300 Erie, PA 16507 Wexford, PA 15090 (814) 459-1116 (724) 934-8200 (800) 823-0617 (866) 649-8201 gsorce@hbksorce.com
Greg is a Principal and Senior Financial Advisor in the Erie and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania offices of HBK Sorce Financial LLC (HBK Sorce). He cofounded The Sorce Financial Group and has extensive knowledge in retirement and estate planning, business succession and consulting. Greg began his financial services career in 1982 and became a part of HBK Sorce in 2000 when the Sorce Financial Group merged with Hill, Barth & King LLC. During his career, Greg hosted a financial radio show for four years and also hosted “Money Matters” for three years during the evening news on the local CBS television affiliate. He has also been a frequent contributor to newspapers and magazines. Insurance products offered through HBK Sorce Insurance LLC. Investment Advisory Services offered through HBK Sorce Advisory LLC. Securities offered through Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 18 Corporate Woods Blvd., Albany, NY 12211. HBK Sorce Insurance LLC and HBK Sorce Advisory LLC are not affiliated with Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments. NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPLE. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY
Organization Name: Penn State Behrend Location: 4701 College Drive, Erie Web Site: behrend.psu.edu
When Dr. Donald Birx comes to Erie as the next chancellor of Penn State Behrend, he will bring with him experience in both higher education and industry and an interest in collaborative approaches to academics and outreach. With his varied background, Dr. Birx will introduce a unique perspective to the college’s continued development of innovative programs in education, research, and economic development. As chancellor, Dr. Birx will be responsible for Penn State Behrend’s academic programs in teaching, research, and service and its overall operations, including strategic planning, human resources, fundraising, alumni and community relations, and outreach. He will begin work July 1, replacing Dr. Jack Burke, who is retiring June 30. Since 2006, Dr. Birx has been vice chancellor for research at the University of Houston System. Before that, he was interim vice provost/president for research and professor of physics at New Mexico State University, while also serving as president and founder of a corporate entity of NMSU focused on technology development and incubation. Prior to this, he spent 19 years at Systems Research Laboratories Inc., in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Birx holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics, a master’s degree in biophysics, an MBA in finance, and a doctorate in electrical engineering.
F I N A N C I A L
Christopher Zehner, CFP® Financial Advisor
235 West 6th Street Erie, PA 16507 (814) 459-1116 • (800) 823-0617
czehner@hbksorce.com
Chris is a Financial Advisor in the Erie, Pennsylvania office of HBK Sorce Financial LLC (HBK Sorce). He specializes in writing comprehensive financial plans and asset allocations. Chris began his financial services career in 2000 and became a part of HBK Sorce in 2001. Along with having his own financial advisory practice, Chris works with Gregory Sorce with advanced client planning issues. Insurance products offered through HBK Sorce Insurance LLC. Investment Advisory Services offered through HBK Sorce Advisory LLC. Securities offered through Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 18 Corporate Woods Blvd., Albany, NY 12211. HBK Sorce Insurance LLC and HBK Sorce Advisory LLC are not affiliated with Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments. NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPLE. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 77
F I N A N C I A L
F U N E R A L
H O M E
H E A L T H
C A R E
JOHN EVANS KAREN BURTON HORSTMAN PHYLLIS MCCRACKEN, SSJ Company Name: Evans Advisory Services, Inc. Locations: 1137 West 38th Street, Erie, PA and 375 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA Web Site: www.evansadvisoryservices.net
Company Name: Burton Funeral Homes and Crematory Locations: Erie, Girard and Millcreek Township, PA Web Site: www.burtonfuneralhome.com
CRPC® began his financial and strategic planning work more than 30 years ago, working first with institutions and organizations and, since 1993, with individuals and small-business owners. Incorporated in 2004, Evans Advisory Services’ motto is “Helping you Preserve the Future.”
For over 130 years, Burton Funeral Homes and Crematory has been a trusted member of the Erie community. The company is now owned by the fifth generation of the Burton family, Peter Burton and Karen Burton Horstman. The company’s mission statement: “We serve families from all walks of life, all financial circumstances, all religions and we are flexible to meet anyone’s wishes and desires” has served the company well over the years.
Because the second half of life brings many new challenges and opportunities – the firm specializes in helping those planning for or living in this exciting time. “We provide comprehensive financial, retirement and estate planning services tailored to each person’s circumstances, goals, objectives and dreams,” says Evans.
In 2007, according to Vice President Karen Burton Horstman, Burton combined their multifaceted businesses onto one property located at 26th and Powell Avenue. In addition to the state-of-the-art funeral home, this location also houses Ericson Memorials, Pet Loss Services by Burton, and Horstman & Sons Country Store, which is a pet feed and supply store. By locating Burton affiliated businesses on one location, synergy and convenience has been provided to the families served.
John Evans, MBA, CPA, CFP®,
As an independent financial planner and investment advisor, Evans has no conflicts of interest, promotes no proprietary products and has access to the full universe of financial solutions to meet his clients’ needs. Please call 814/464-0224 today to schedule a complimentary consultation on Evans Advisory Services, Inc. your personal situation.
I N S U L A T I O N
Education and preplanning are important services also provided. In May, a Veterans Benefits Seminar will provide consumers with the valuable information on local, state and federal benefits for those homebound Vets and their survivors. The Burton family serves the area with four affiliated locations, in Erie at 10th and Cherry, East Erie on Norcross and Koehler Roads, Millcreek at 26th and Powell Avenue and on Main Street in Girard.
I N S U R A N C E
Organization Name: Saint Mary’s Home of Erie Locations: Erie and Millcreek Township, PA Web Site: www.stmaryshome.org
Phyllis McCracken, SSJ held various positions at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie over the past 25 years before assuming her current position as President and CEO. These positions include the Assistant Director of Nursing, Acting Director of Nursing, Vice President for Patient Care Services, Vice President for Special Projects and Vice President for Planning where she oversaw the expansion of Saint Mary’s into two campuses: Saint Mary’s East and Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge. Most recently, the organization embarked on a $21-million Replacement and Renovation Project at Saint Mary’s East, which now features all private nursing rooms for residents. Sister McCracken is a native of Polk, PA, a graduate of Villa Maria College and a holds a master’s degree from Boston University. Under Sister McCracken’s direction, Saint Mary’s was accredited as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in 2005. Saint Mary’s Home of Erie now proudly offers the Erie Community a continuum of specialized services that includes Independent Living, Residential Living, Personal Care Services, Adult Day Services, Rehabilitative Therapies, Respite Care, Nursing Care and Alzheimer’s Care. Today, caring for more than 400 seniors, Saint Mary’s Home of Erie is licensed for 514 beds, which allows accommodations for couples in some residential rooms. It is also licensed for 49 Adult Day Services clients. The 2009 occupancy level was 98 percent, which reinforces the quality of care that is offered.
I N V E S T M E N T S
MATTHEW BAUER BRAD ALLEN JERRY KEMICK Company Name: Bauer Specialty Location: 4002 Main Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.BauerSpecialty.com
Bauer Specialty is a family owned business specializing in insulation and air sealing. Their roots go back to general contracting with over 30 years experience — from building and remodeling to gutter protection with LeafGuard — Bauer Specialty has continually grown to take care of insulation issues for their customers. Bauer Specialty uses a variety of insulation materials: multiple sprayfoams, airkrete non-expanding foam, and variations of cellulose to satisfy needs of improved energy savings, sound control, fire proofing and moisture control. They serve commercial, industrial and residential clients in multiple states. Bauer Specialty can consult with best practices to assist any sized project requiring quality insulation and air sealing. Owner Matt Bauer developed numerous techniques and efficiencies for installing airkrete cementitious foam from the exterior in brick and sided homes. Bauer Specialty is among the top installers of airkrete in the world! No other insulation company has the options or knowledge available to Bauer Specialty. They have insulated multiple schools, hundreds of businesses and thousands of homes over their years of service — saving customers millions of dollars on wasted heating and cooling energy. Contact Bauer today at 814/8988517.
78 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
Company Name: Rossbacher Insurance Service Location: 133 Park Street, Corry, PA Web Site: www.TeamRossbacher.com
Rossbacher Insurance Service is an independent insurance agency founded in 1928. Located in Corry, PA, Team Rossbacher serves clients in northwestern PA and the southern tier of NY with a special emphasis on commercial and industrial clients. Brad Allen, CIC, CRM, CPIA, AIS and J.T. Colwell are the two principal agents of Rossbacher Insurance Service. Allen has an extensive insurance background for the manufacturing industry and J.T. specializes in the insurance needs of the lumber industry in which he has several years of grading, sales, and service experience. Among its many accomplishments, Rossbacher Insurance was recognized as one of the IIABA Best Practices Agencies. The “Best Practices” recognition is based on a number of financial performance measures including customer retention and overall agency performance. Team Rossbacher is proud to be affiliated with the MBA workers’ comp program. The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) recently introduced their group dividend workers’ compensation program, which will offer participating members competitive Association rates, superior claim service and an extensive risk management. Underwritten by one of the top 10 workers’ compensation carriers in the state, the MBA program will pay a dividend based on the Association overall results. If you are interested in reviewing the benefits of the MBA workers’ comp program, contact Team Rossbacher at 877/378-4880 for a P.S. *Personal Service consultation. P.S. * Personal Service since 1928!
Company Name: Erie General Electric Federal Credit Union Location: 1595 West 26th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.egefcu.org
Jerry Kemick is the Investment Services manager at the Erie General Electric Federal Credit Union. A Series 7 General Securities Investment Professional, Kemick is licensed to purchase and sell a wide-spectrum of securities including: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and various insurance products. He also is responsible for the administration of multiple 401(k) plans at companies throughout the region with more than $35 million in assets under management. In addition to helping companies manage their retirement plans, Kemick is also available for your personal estate, collegiate and retirement planning needs. Are you an employer who is concerned about your employee’s 401K plan? Are you a personal investor interested in getting help with a rollover due to the changing job market? Jerry Kemick can help! Contact him today at: jkemick@egefcu.org or 814/4566231 Ext. 260 to schedule your no-fee, no-obligation consultation! Note: You do not have to be a member of the Erie General Electric FCU to utilize these investment services.
J E W E L E R
L E G A L
L E G A L
LINDA BREAKIRON JOHN LEEMHUIS VALERIE KUNTZ Company Name: Breakiron Jewelers Location: 4026 Pine Avenue, Erie, PA Web Site: www.breakironjewelers.com
At Breakiron Jewelers, it is a privilege to help our clientele choose a piece of jewelry that will become a part of their lives. Breakiron Jewelers has held a reputation of honesty and integrity since 1964, and the second generation still holds these values. “Jewelry is a fabulous way to express how much you care for a person,” says Owner Linda Breakiron. “My goal for Breakiron Jewelers is to help create a WOW moment for every customer. After all, what’s better than giving a gift that is loved, cherished, and shown to friends and family for years to come. The personal touch is very important in finding the right piece of jewelry; every Breakiron employee enjoys getting to know those who come in. Each person is more than just a customer; they become part of our family. Our relaxed, friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable sales associates, vast array of diamond and colored gemstone jewelry, PANDORA Jewelry, quality workmanship in jewelry repair and custom jewelry design will meet your jewelry needs and exceed your expectations.” View Breakiron’s jewelry collection online at www.breakironjewelers.com, or stop in. We look forward to making your jewelry purchase an enjoyable and positive experience. For more information, call 814/825-2647.
L E G A L
Company Name: The Quinn Law Firm Location: 2222 West Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA Web Site: www.quinnfirm.com
Attorney John Leemhuis represents entrepreneurs and various business entities in matters such as choice of business entity, raising capital through the sale of securities, and in fundamental business transactions such as mergers and acquisitions. These business clients range from small, single owner organizations to mid-size public companies with international sales. He provides counsel throughout the life cycle of the business and offers guidance in planning for a business’s future or in navigating challenges and opportunities as they arise. His representation of larger businesses can involve ongoing reporting and disclosure required by state and federal securities law. Smaller entities often require counseling on entity structure and shareholder matters and the effect of doing business internationally or simply in other states. Common issues for all clients include contract preparation and review as well as resolution of disputes among owners. Representation of individuals involves significant estate and business succession planning. His practice has also included municipal bond law as either bond counsel or issuer’s counsel.
N O N P R O F I T
ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǯ ǯ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ
ȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ŚśŜȱ ǯȱ ȱ ǯȱDžȱ ǰȱ ȱŗŜśŖŝȱ
ŞŗŚȦŚśŜȬśřŗŞȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ ¢ ǯ ȱ
ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱŗşŞŜȱ
Attorney Valerie H. Kuntz recently joined the Quinn Law Firm as an associate. She is licensed to practice law in both Pennsylvania and Ohio, and she focuses her practice in tax law, business formation and operation, commercial bankruptcy and litigation, wills, powers of attorney, trusts and estate administration. Kuntz was previously employed as a staff accountant and auditor with Malin, Bergquist & Company, LLP, in Erie. She is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. Her unique work experience makes her a wonderful addition to the Quinn Law Firm team. Graduating first in her class, Attorney Kuntz earned her Juris Doctor degree from Regent University School of Law in Virginia, where she served as managing editor of the Law Review. Attorney Kuntz graduated summa cum laude from Grove City College and was valedictorian of McDowell High School, as well. She is an active member of First Alliance Church of Erie, the Erie County Bar Association, and the Pennsylvania Institute for Certified Public Accountants.
N O N P R O F I T
GENE WISINSKI AL MESSINA Organization Name: Bethesda Children’s Home Location: 15667 Highway 86, Meadville, PA Web Site: www.bethesda-home.org
Company Name: The Quinn Law Firm Location: 2222 West Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA Web Site: www.quinnfirm.com
Gene Wisinski, CEO of Bethesda Children’s Home of Meadville, Pennsylvania, has been a leader in the Social Service field for more than 35 years. A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, Wisinski graduated from Gannon University in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work/Education. He received his master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in 1987. Wisinski is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he served proudly during the Vietnam conflict. Wisinski began his career working with troubled youth at Harborcreek School for Boys as well as the Children’s Home, Inc. of Tampa, Florida; he has been with Bethesda Children’s Home for 25 years. Wisinski has dedicated his life and career to helping troubled children, youth and families. His professional accomplishments have been numerous over the years; however, his highest achievement has been to guide Bethesda to becoming a leader in providing superior behavioral and mental health services to children, youth and families. Wisinski and his wife Toni have three children and have lived in Meadville since 1985. Wisinski lends his expertise and experience serving on many local, state and national boards and committees; he enjoys golf as well as coaching basketball, golf, baseball and hockey.
Organization Name: Boys & Girls Club of Erie Location: 1515 East Lake Road, Erie, PA Web Site: www.bgce.net
Al Messina, an alumnus of the Erie Boys Club, is the seventh executive director in the 115-year history of the Boys & Girls Club of Erie. He is the former assistant national director of program services for Boys & Girls Clubs of America where he was engaged in the development and administration of national programs in leadership development. Messina has keynoted regional and national conferences. He has addressed the White House Fellows, the Attorney General of the United States and senior Justice Department staff, and was a founding member of a national youth space sciences program at Stanford University. Messina serves as a speechwriter for the national president of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and as a member of the president’s national advisory council. He also is on the national board of the organization’s professional association, and is a former regional chairman of that group. Messina is the current chairman of the national executive leadership organization, The Princeton Group. Locally, Messina is a past president of the United Way Executive Director’s Forum and a past secretary and president of the Erie Rotary Scholarship Foundation. He is a Times Old Newsie, has served on the boards of Erie Hospice and Family Services, and is a Hamot corporator. Messina is the 2005 recipient of the Thomas Garth Character and Leadership Award, which is presented to one executive each year from the more than 5,000 Boys & Girls Clubs in the U.S., Europe and Asia. He and his wife Jan have two daughters, Denise and Alyssa, and two granddaughters, Halle and Leah.
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 79
N O N P R O F I T
N O N P R O F I T
N O N P R O F I T
MICHAEL L. BATCHELOR KEVIN E. MOORE SHILOH TURNER Organization Name: The Erie Community Foundation Location: 459 West 6th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.eriecommunityfoundation.org
Michael L. Batchelor, has been at the helm of The Erie Community Foundation since 1990 when he was selected as the first executive director. He was named president in 1995. Under his management, assets have increased from $20 million to over $180 million. This market value rates 55th among the nation’s 700 community foundations. Named endowment funds have grown from 53 to 610. Annual grantmaking has dramatically increased with nearly $8 million distributed in 2009. Under Batchelor’s leadership, The Erie Community Foundation received national recognition for expanding access to opportunity. He founded the Nonprofit Partnership, a membershipbased capacity building nonprofit. He also established regional affiliate foundations serving Corry, Union City, North East and Findley Lake. He is a two-time president of Pennsylvania Association of Community Foundations and a national elected leader of the Council of Foundations. He also served on the National Governing Council. He consults for community foundations across the country and is a well-known instructor for the Center for Community Foundation Excellence in Washington, D.C. He earned both a Bachelor of Science (cum laude) in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Public Policy Analysis from Kent State University.
N O N P R O F I T
Organization Name: The Erie Community Foundation Location: 459 West 6th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.eriecommunityfoundation.org
Kevin E. Moore joined The Erie Community Foundation as vice president of Stewardship and Regional Affiliates in 2008. He helps donors create endowments, build scholarship funds, address wealth preservation and encourages estate plans through the Elisha H. Mack Community Bequest Society. He also serves as a consultant for regional affiliate community foundations in Corry, Findley Lake, North East and Union City. His goal is to connect donors to their favored causes. Prior to joining The Erie Community Foundation, Moore was the associate director of Development and Alumni Relations for Pennsylvania State Behrend. During his tenure, he was responsible for fundraising efforts generating more than $50 million and permanent endowments over $35 million. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Pennsylvania State University at Erie, The Behrend College, he earned his master’s degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg. Moore has been an organizational member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. He is a member of the Delta Sigma Pi International Business Fraternity and the Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society of Public Affairs and Administration. He also is a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association.
N O N P R O F I T
Organization Name: The Erie Community Foundation Location: 459 West 6th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.eriecommunityfoundation.org
Shiloh Turner, MPA, joined The Erie Community Foundation as the vice president of Programs in 2008. She develops policies and programs that effectively evaluate and address community needs, promotes responsible philanthropy and facilitates positive community change. Turner coordinates externally funded projects, partnerships and collaborations. She spearheads the Community Advisory Panels that focus on access to health care, early childhood education and workforce development, which are the antecedents to poverty. Prior to joining The Foundation, Turner was the director of Health Data Improvement at the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati. She is an accomplished author, published in peer-reviewed publications such as Health Affairs and the American Journal of Public Health. Most recently, she co-authored a book chapter on Appalachian health identity. Turner earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in women’s and minorities’ studies from Xavier University. She obtained her master’s degree in Public Administration with a finance concentration (magna cum laude) from the University of Cincinnati. Throughout her career, Turner has been honored with numerous awards including the “Top Ten Women in Nonprofits” by Women’s Business Cincinnati, the Ohio Program Evaluator’s Group Outstanding Evaluator of the Year, and the Council on Foundations Wilmer Shields Rich Award.
N O N P R O F I T
PASTOR AL DETTER MARK A. NEIDIG, SR. WILLIAM F. MCCARTHY Organization Name: Grace Church Location: 7300 Grubb Road, McKean, PA Web Site: www.whoisgrace.com
Pastor Al Detter has led Grace church for over 30 years. His vision got Grace into a brand new $6.5 million facility on Grubb Road and then let the region know about it through their community-wide whoisgrace campaign. Under his leadership, the church has become a regional hub for ministry and outreach. Grace developed connections with several local service agencies to provide Thanksgiving meals to 1,500 families in need this past year. Grace Church also spearheads the ministry ServErie, joining with Erie agencies to help people in our community on an ongoing basis as well as quarterly big projects at ServErie Saturday. The church has many unique ministries that are designed to provide assistance and guidance to a variety of different population groups including mothers of young children, business leaders, women who have recently moved into the Erie area, men who are interested in martial arts, people coping with divorce, single mothers, and many more. Grace is known for its innovation while remaining deeply rooted in the ancient scriptures. Worship services are modern and make extensive use of current technologies. Grace is successfully attracting college students and young adults, a demographic that is walking away from church across the rest of the nation. Grace Church has services on Sundays at 9:15 and 11 a.m. To find out more, visit whoisgrace.com.
80 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
Organization Name: Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation Location: 1001 State Street, Suite 1400, Erie, PA Web Site: www.KanziusCancerResearch.org
“This is different.” With that, Mark Neidig sums up his passion and focus for raising awareness and attracting contributions to bring the Kanzius Non-Invasive Radio Wave Cancer Treatment to human trials as soon as possible. Named executive director of the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation just 11 months ago, Neidig is seemingly everywhere, talking to everyone about the need to bring the promising cancer treatment to reality. Most recently, he led a team of volunteers to Times Square in New York City to garner national attention and votes to win a $250,000 grant for the Foundation in the Pepsi Refresh Project. Prior to coming to Erie, Neidig led development initiatives at hospitals in Washington, D.C. and Indiana. His 30-year career also includes extensive management experience in sales, marketing and administration as well as international humanitarian work. “We are very fortunate to have someone with Mark’s proven skills and fundraising success to enable us to continue the vision of the late John Kanzius,” said Maryann Yochim, president of the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation Board of Trustees. “With Mark’s leadership, the Kanzius Foundation is moving aggressively forward to secure the funds required to advance the research for the Kanzius Non-invasive Radio Wave Cancer Treatment.” For more information about the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, contact Mark Neidig at 814/480-5776 (office), 814/806-6449 (mobile) or Mneidig@ KanziusCancerRe search.org.
Organization Name: Stairways Behavioral Health Location: Erie and Crawford counties Web Site: www.stairwaysbh.org
Fifty years ago, a few determined women resolved to answer the profound need of individuals recovering from mental illness in our community. Major advancements in psychiatric treatments and medication resulted in the annual discharge of hundreds of patients from state hospitals. Many of these individuals lacked self-care and social skills and knew little about life outside of the hospital. On April 6, 1961, 22 members of the Erie Chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women launched “Stairways” – named for the staircase clients walked up to arrive at the social rehabilitation center and toward a new life. Today, according to President and CEO Bill McCarthy, Stairways Behavioral Health is Joint Commission certified, and is the most progressive mental health care provider in Erie and Crawford counties, serving more than 8,000 people annually and employing more than 450 full and part-time mental health professionals. The conviction of the founders remains Stairways’ mission 50 years later: assisting persons with mental health care needs at any stage of life in their recovery by providing comprehensive rehabilitation, treatment and supports essential for living, working, learning and participating fully in the community.
CELEBRATING
YEARS 1961-2011
N O N P R O F I T
N O N P R O F I T
P A Y R O L L
&
H R
LINDA HACKSHAW CHRISTOPHER KING KEN POLK Organization Name: The Sight Center of Northwest PA Location: 2402 Cherry Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.sightcenternwpa.org
Organization Name: The Sight Center of Northwest PA Location: 2402 Cherry Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.sightcenternwpa.org
Linda Hackshaw became CEO of The Sight Center of Northwest PA in February 2009, with the challenge of moving the agency into the 21st century. She likens her job over the past year to “turning the Titanic on a dime”: They have changed the name, the leadership, the mentality, the morale, and the business model of one of Erie’s oldest social service agencies, while maintaining the mission and the quality of service that have been its hallmarks — in addition to renovating and moving to new headquarters in the coming months.
Christopher King is the current chief operations officer for the Sight Center of Northwest PA, a regional Community Benefit Organization providing preventive eye care services and support services to those interested in overcoming vision loss. His knowledge in the fields of business and eye care has provided him with a tremendous platform from which The Sight Center draws. Educated through the University of Pittsburgh in business, King has continued to further his education by attending Erie’s renowned Sam and Irene Black School of Business located at Penn State Behrend in search of his MBA.
A native of Rochester, NY, Hackshaw holds a degree in business administration from the University of Alaska, where she was mentored for three years by the vice chancellor. Returning to Rochester, she was part of the development team at the International Museum of Photography at the George Eastman House that conducted a successful $10.5-million capital campaign. She was assistant director of the Rochester General Hospital Foundation prior to coming to Erie. She stayed at home with her three children for nine years before joining the staff at The Sight Center, formerly known as Erie’s Center for the Blind and Visually Handicapped and then Vision and Blindness Resources, in 1999. She held a variety of positions at The Sight Center before being named CEO.
Prior to his business education, King was a Navy Hospital Corpsman specializing in eye care and eye surgery. He has had the pleasure and opportunity to serve our country by providing humanitarian work across the globe on foreign soil and has been fortunate to provide eye examinations to many of our nation’s dignitaries, senators, generals, and even the President of the United States of America.
R E A L
E S T A T E
As a 1994 graduate of Harbor Creek High School, King was pleased to have an opportunity to return to the Erie area with his wife and three daughters. Now a Millcreek resident, he has taken an active role in the community serving as a member of the Eastside YMCA’s advisory board, as a member of the Erie Lions Club, and as a varsity football coach at his alma mater, Harbor Creek High School.
R E A L
E S T A T E
Company Name: Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) Locations: Erie, PA and Jamestown, NY Web Site: www.adp.com
Ken Polk is the district manager for ADP’s Major Account Services Division in the Erie, Pennsylvania and Jamestown, New York areas. With over 15 years of experience with ADP, Polk has worked with all size companies in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, health care, nonprofits and more. By utilizing best-in-class Web-based technology and integration, more than 100 Erie-based businesses have benefited from the business tools and solutions that ADP provides. Ultimately, ADP specializes in helping these organizations achieve better business results by streamlining key back-office administrative duties including payroll and human resources administration along with time and attendance and benefits management. ADP caters to both large and small businesses, so whether you do business around the corner or around the world, you can count on ADP to help you succeed. “At the end of the day, it’s our commitment to our clients and our belief in their goals that has given ADP such a trusted name,” states Polk, “I believe this is the reason why businesses in Erie count on ADP.” To learn more about ADP’s solutions, contact Ken Polk at 814/460-4570 or ken_polk@adp.com.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
GREG RUBINO SUE SUTTO KEVIN CARTER Company Name: Passport Companies Location: 240 West 11th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.passport-companies.com
Gregory J. Rubino is president of the Passport group of companies, headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Passport Realty, LLC and Passport Development, LLC. Throughout his more than 30-year career, he has participated in the land acquisition, land sale, listing, leasing and/or development of some of the region’s most high-profile projects, including the following properties: Restaurants: Applebee’s; Damon’s; Taco Bell; TGI Friday’s; Kenny Rogers Roasters; McDonald’s; Quaker Steak & Lube; Chuck E. Cheese’s; Old Country Buffet; Golden Corral; The Elephant Bar; Bob Evans Millcreek Square: More than 55,000 square feet (tenants include Norwest Financial, Sprint Cellular, Northwest Savings Bank, etc.) Peach Tree Square: More than 650,00 square feet (tenants include Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, Media Play, Panera Bread, Verizon Cellular, Kohl’s Department Store, etc.) Summit Towne Centre: More than 550,000 square feet (tenants include John V. Schultz Furniture, Giant Eagle Foods, Sam’s Club, etc.) Rubino also acted as the developer for the $250 million Presque Isle Downs Racetrack and Casino, located south of Interstate 90 in Summit Township. His specific area of concentration is handling the sale or leasing of commercial properties for third-party clients.
Company Name: Sue Sutto REALTORS, Inc. Location: 3838 West 12th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.suesutto.com
Sue Sutto, president and owner of Sue Sutto REALTORS Inc., has been active in local Real Estate service for over 38 years. She has been a member of the Greater Erie Board of REALTORS since 1972, serving as president and MLS chairperson. She was the recipient of “The REALTOR of the Year” award in 1990. Sutto was a faculty member of Villa Maria Academy and an adjunct faculty member of Gannon University. Sutto believes in community involvement and has been active in many organizations. She is currently a board member of St. Mary’s Home, the Erie County Convention Center Authority, the Erie Cemetery Association, NW PA Advisory Board of PNC Bank and EMERGYCARE. She has also has served on the boards of Mercyhurst Prep, Family Services, YMCA, Discovery Square Corporation, Erie Day School, St. Vincent’s Health Center, the Regional Cancer Center, the former Erie Conference and United Way. She is a past president of the Junior League of Erie, Inc. Sutto is a graduate of Mercyhurst College and received her M.A. from Gannon University. In 1974, she graduated from the REALTORS Institute (GRI) and became a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) in 1978. In 1990, she received her designation as a Certified Residential Broker (CRB).
Company Name: Business Records Management Locations: Erie, Johnstown and Pittsburgh, PA Web Site: www.businessrecords.com
Kevin Carter joined forces with Business Records Management LLC (BRM) in January 2007. He initially entered into employment with BRM as a member of its sales team. During his tenure, he has taken on numerous challenges as Erie Operations Manager and in his current position as Erie District Manager. An Erie native who served in the United States Army and Air Force, he is also a 1988 graduate of Academy of Health Sciences. Through BRM and personal interests, he supports numerous charitable and community related events. BRM entered the Erie market in 2006 through the acquisition of the former Record Management Services and has since expanded its Erie based Operations through the acquisition of J.H. Bennett Records Management. BRM now services over 3,000 clients throughout Western PA, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and New York while celebrating its 25th year in business. BRM is the leader in records management services that include Off-Site Records Storage, Computer Media and Rotation Services, NAID Certified Secure Document Destruction, Software Escrow, E-mail Retention and Digital Imaging. “We are especially excited about our expanded services for the Erie region in the area of digital imaging and the ability to offer our customers a truly budget based scanning solution without losing the assurances that only a full service document management firm can offer,” states Carter. “Our scanning services offer both on-demand needs and back file conversions. Regardless of our customer’s needs, we will provide the most cost-effective, secure and efficient solution. We look forward to continued growth, commitment and loyalty to our current and prospective clients in all markets that we service.”
June 2010 > www.mbausa.org > 81
S E C U R I T Y
S E C U R I T Y
S TA F F I N G S E R V I C E S
R. A. NELSON CAMERON WILKINS CHARLES CAMPAGNE Company Name: Fisher Security Location: 20 West 24th Street, Erie, PA Phone: 814/452-3475
Fisher Security, a division of R A Nelson & Associates, Inc., is the only locally owned industrial security services firm serving the Erie area. According to President and Owner R. A. Nelson, the firm has been in business since l973, more than 36 years, and specializes in providing local industrial facilities, businesses and institutions with onsite uniformed, unarmed security personnel, and a nightly security patrol service that covers Erie. Fisher Security’s security personnel are available 24/7, depending on the clients’ requirements. The firm’s security patrol service is available during the night time hours to check local industrial complexes and business facilities to make sure the properties are secure at the time of the nightly visit(s). The patrol service is a cost effective alternative to on-site security guard coverage. This service can provide a deterence to vandalism and break-ins during off hours. This patrol service is very flexible, and can be tailored to suit clients’ needs. Most of the firm’s clients have used other contract security firms prior to using their services. Fisher Security provides clients with a quality service at very competitive rates. If your site security has been weak and unreliable, please call Fisher Security at 814/452-3475.
FISHER SECURITY
S TA F F I N G S E R V I C E S
Company Name: The Wilkins Company Location: 3255 West 38th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.wilkins-security.com
The Wilkins Company has been family owned and operated since 1981. As an electronic security integrator, Wilkins designs, installs, monitors, and maintains systems that focus on: fire detection, intrusion detection, access control, video surveillance, environmental monitoring, and GPS asset tracking. Every system is unique and should blend equipment to reflect the potential risks at the property where it is installed. “Our expertise allows us to service and inspect a wide range of equipment from various manufactures,” says Cameron Wilkins, CET (Certified Engineering Technician). “We have many customers that appreciate using a local company for service rather than an out-of-town provider that needs to charge an exorbitant travel fee. Do you have a fire alarm system? The state-adopted building code requires that fire alarm to be inspected at least annually. Let our NICET certified technicians provide you with a detailed inspection complying with the National Fire Alarm Code.” From a small residential intrusion alarm to a large scale, multi-site commercial, educational, or industrial facility, The Wilkins Company is qualified to meet your needs. Operational risks affect every business — Wilkins is in the business of empowering you to control those risks.
Company Name: Career Concepts Locations: Erie, Girard and Meadville, PA Web Site: www.careerconceptsinc.com
Career Concepts, with three offices in Northwest Pennsylvania, was founded by President Charles Campagne in 1967 as Professional Recruiters and is currently Erie’s largest fullservice and independently owned staffing firm, as well as Erie County’s 23rd largest employer. The company provides clerical/administrative, professional, technical, information technology, and light industrial staffing on a temporary, full-time-to-hire, contract, or direct hire basis. Specialty services include professional placement, payrolling, and onsite staffing. As Campagne explains, by functioning as an extension of a client’s human resource department, Career Concepts recruits specific candidates to meet an employer’s unique business needs and diversified working environments. The company’s personalized staffing approach facilitates streamlined costs and increased productivity for client, while providing long-term staffing solutions in almost every occupation available.
Contact Cameron Wilkins, CET at 814/833-6376 or CameronWilkins@wilkins-security.com to review your electronic security needs.
T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
T R A V E L
DENISE CHRISTIANSON KENT MITCHELL KIMBERLY ZBOYOVSKI Company Name: Advanced Placement Services, Inc. Location: 2216 West 8th Street, Erie, PA Web Site: advancedplacementservice.com
Advanced Placement Services, Inc. (APS) is celebrating its 11th year in business. APS started July 12, 1999 by Denise Christianson and currently has two locations in Erie and Girard. “As one of Erie’s top full-service staffing firms, our staff’s Number One objective is to provide the best possible service to our clients. We have over 60 years of combined experience providing the Erie region with skilled and qualified individuals in areas such as accounting, engineering, industrial, legal, professional, technical, labor and others,” says Christianson. “We can custom fit our services to complement your company’s current procedures, or assist you in implementing your personnel services. Our comprehensive database puts the latest technology at our fingertips, in order to seek out the best local and regional talent.” “Although we want you to be familiar with our capabilities,” she notes. “We feel it is even more important that you know our approach as a service provider. We believe that skill and industry experiences are crucial in providing high quality service; therefore, we only accept engagements for which we are qualified. We are then able to give 100 percent of our time and energy into finding the best individuals for each situation.”
82 < www.mbausa.org < June 2010
Company Name: J.H. Bennett Moving & Storage, Inc. Location: 1705 Raspberry Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.jhbennett-moving.com
Kent Mitchell came to J.H. Bennett Moving & Storage during a time of major change. The year was 1989, the same year the company was transitioning to its third generation of leadership. Prior to joining the company, Mitchell was a partner in a retail business in Waterford, Pennsylvania. With a leap of faith and a desire for change, he came onboard as a local dispatcher. Through course study at United Van Lines and industry programs made available in Washington D.C., he soon became a knowledgeable and valuable member of the J.H. Bennett team. In 1994, Mitchell was promoted to Operations Manager and became General Manager in 1999. His distinct ability to treat the customer with respect and fairness, as well as a passion for excellence, was the perfect match for J.H. Bennett. During more than 20 years with the company, he has been directly involved with the creation of a document company and building a new headquarters at 1705 Raspberry Street, the region’s only facility specifically designed for the storage of household goods and high value products, and was integral to the formation of Piper Moving Systems, a Mayflower agency, of which he is a partner, and the start up of Go Mini’s of Erie, a portable storage and moving company intended to serve the do-it-yourself market. Under Mitchell’s management, J.H. Bennett has been recognized by United Van Lines as one of the top quality agents within the system, a particularly difficult position to sustain since the bar of excellence is continually raised. He has been recognized by United Van Lines for his quality initiatives and best practices, and he was a guest speaker at a national convention on claims prevention and safe handling of furniture and appliances. He is a resident of Waterford and an active member of the Erie Rotary Club.
Company Name: J and J Travel Location: 2690 Cherry Street, Erie, PA Web Site: www.jandjtravel.com
Since 1983, J and J Travel has been providing impeccable service to leisure and corporate travelers alike. “My goal is to provide you with the absolute best experience every time you call or visit,” says Kimberly Zboyovski. “Years of experience have proven to me that the one-on-one customer service, is the best method for delivering a great travel experience, to all of our customers. Wherever you want to go, whether it’s just an airline ticket, a honeymoon or a trip around the world, J & J Travel can plan and book your trip!” With constant policy changes and stricter rules, an agent’s knowledge, specialties, and resources have become essential, when assisting clients with all their business and leisure travel plans. At J & J Travel, states Zboyovski, “our staff serves as more than just reservation agents, they are seasoned travel consultants with an average of 25 years of experience. I am dedicated to helping you find the holiday that will match up with your vacation needs and your budget. Providing extremely high-quality and personalized service is our number one goal and I can assist in coordinating every detail of your travel plans. We look forward to making your next vacation a memorable and enjoyable one, or your next business trip smooth and effortless.” For more information, call Kim Zboyovski at J and J Travel at 814/452-4682 or 800/544-6289.
Resources around the globe. Experienced people around the corner. Put the global strength of Citizens Bank to work for your company. Managing a successful company in today’s competitive global marketplace requires vast resources, connections, and experience. And it requires a financial provider that is able to bring them to you. That’s Citizens Bank. Every day, we customize financial solutions for a wide range of companies. Backed by the strength of our corporate parent RBS Group, one of the world’s top ten financial services groups, we’ll deliver the solutions you need to succeed in today’s global economy. To learn more about how we can help your business prosper, contact our team of experienced local professionals.
CITIZENSBANK.COM/COMMERCIAL John C. Dill Sr. Vice President 814-453-7265
Edward J. Kloecker Sr. Vice President 814-453-7233 Member FDIC. Citizens Bank is RBS Citizens, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. 67530
Doug Patton Sr. Vice President 814-453-7212
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ERIE, PA PERMIT #199 UPHP_E-option_Save Green_MANP:Layout 1
2/5/10
11:06 AM
Page 1
Introducing a health plan option for small business designed to save green. asy to use, conomical and Environmentally friendly.
Enjoy a discount and the ease of 24/7 on-line access for all of your health plan needs. Has there ever been an easier business decision? At UPMC Health Plan, we want to make it that simple. That’s why we’ve introduced the region’s most comprehensive all-electronic option. It’s called and it’s an easy-to-use, paperless option that complements any of our Small Business Advantage health plans. With , all enrollment, billing, claims, and payments are conducted online – providing you and your employees with greater convenience. Your employees also enjoy easy access to all their health information, wellness tools, and health support. And, as always, you and your employees have access to our network of more than 80 hospitals and 7,000 physicians, and the award-winning member service you expect from UPMC Health Plan. In other words you get more for less. To learn more about how you can save, go to upmchealthplan.com.
Shouldn’t the people who insure your health understand it? This managed care plan may not cover all your health care expenses. Read your contract carefully to determine which health care services are covered. If you have questions, call Member Services at 1-888-876-2756.