See photos of the MBA’s recent computer, HR and professional development training graduates.

The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) recently recognized the graduates of its HR, professional development and computer courses. To learn more about upcoming training offerings, visit mbausa.org.

From left: Amanda Daniels, Erie Insurance Group; Stacy Stalsitz, Gannon Small Business Development; and, Valerie Savoia, Brevillier Village.

Dakota Songers, Erie Insurance Group.

From left: Shannon Goodwin, Walker Filtration Inc., and Scott Scheiwer, Ameridrives International

Tracy Stanley, Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency, Inc.

From left: Maximilian Kennedy, BlueWater Thermal; Sean McFarland and Kirt Sherwood, Penn Pallet; Mike Colson and Garrett Mosier, BlueWater Thermal; Rich Swoope, Penn Pallett; and, Dan Fye, Symmco.

Front row, from left: Christopher Graves, Port Erie Plastics Inc.; Bruce Hordusky, Parker LORD; Derek Connors, Deist Industries Inc.; Dean Benedict, Corry Manufacturing Company; Matt Szerszen, Deist Industries Inc.; Michael Tatters, Deist Industries Inc.; Raffaele Bell, Plastikos, Inc.; Jennifer Maya, Erie Water Works; Mike Dzurko, Erie Water Works; Ernie Mittelstadt, INEOS Pigments; John Kirk, INEOS Pigments; Scott Dean, INEOS Pigments; Renee Gwinn, Community Health Net; and, Tracey Haire, ACL. Back row, from left: Samuel Braun, Parker LORD; Nicholas Schroeck; Plastikos, Inc.; Adam Chase, Corry Manufacturing Co.; Alexander Strain, Plastek Industries Inc.; Douglas Hirz, Port Erie Plastics Inc.; Mike Harter, St. Mary’s Home of Erie; Ashley Yochim, Plastikos, Inc.; Ashley Wickham, C&J Industries Inc.; Debbie Sceiford, Wm. T. Spaeder Company Inc.; Halle Sullivan, WQLN Public Media; Erica Czuwara, Zurn Industries, Inc.; and, Paul Powers, INEOS Pigments. Not Pictured: Sherrai Holland, Community Health Net, and Jennifer Valerio, Erie Water Works.

“With over 252 million women starting businesses worldwide and another 153 million women running established businesses worldwide, women entrepreneurs are having an enormous impact on the global economy.” Women founders know that research finds very little difference in business outcomes between men and women business owners growing similar types of businesses. (DIRI Research) Here are just a few of Erie’s business owners who know what it takes to be successful, offering innovative expert service and products. To learn more about how you can participate check out www.athenaerie.org.

The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) regularly hosts a variety of member engagement events in the region, including member briefings, legislative events and awards presentations. To learn about the latest happenings at the MBA, visit mbausa.org.

Stacey Hellman of the St. Martin Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, was the winner of the MBA’s HR CoffeeTalk basket for January.

Rachel LaRoche of Channellock in Meadville, Pennsylvania, was the winner of the MBA’s HR CoffeeTalk basket for February. The Mercyhurst Child Learning Center in Erie celebrated its 40th year in operation in 2021.

LRI Logistics Corporation in Pittsburgh recently celebrated its 40th year in business. The company is one of the nation’s most experienced suppliers of transportation and distribution personnel.

You’ve given a lot of thought to your employees’ health coverage. And you’ve come to a familiar conclusion — nothing’s better than UPMC Health Plan. Choose us for affordable plan options. Full in-network access to UPMC along with other doctors and hospitals in the community. Access to 24/7 virtual urgent care. Service from a designated Health Care Concierge. And digital health tools that keep up with busy lives and schedules. All this is worth sticking with, don’t you agree? To learn more, visit UPMCHealthPlan.com/employers.