Business Magazine - January 2019

J anuar y201 9

WINNING

Recruitment & Retention Techniques for Today’s Tight Job Market!

We have heard it in the news, in meetings and in our conversations with many of our members who say one of their biggest challenges is attracting and retaining skilled workers. Today’s tight labor market is indeed affecting businesses of every size and every type – from entry level to senior management positions. This “perfect storm” of a good economy coupled with low unemployment is especially challenging for employers that are expecting numerous retirements in the near future and/or worry that other “in-demand” employees with critical skills may be looking for greener pastures. So what should these employers do?

EXPERT PANEL (8 - 9 A.M.): Join us January 24 to hear from a panel of fellow MBA members on the strategies they use to recruit and retain a top-notch workforce!

INTERACTIVE FORUM (9 - 10 A.M.): MBA President John Krahe will facilitate an open discussion about the issues and ideas presented as a group.

Creative techniques to attract a pool of qualified candidates Kim Hirst, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, AINS, Talent Acquisition Manager Five winning recruitment strategies for 2019 Jim Roddy, Business Coach and Author of Hire Like You Just Beat Cancer Retention policies and practices to keep the best people working for you!

Ryan Betts, Director of Human Resources

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: BUSINESS OWNERS, EXECUTIVES and HR PROFESSIONALS DATE: THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • TIME: 8 - 10 a.m.

ERIE: MBA Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue COST TO ATTEND: $45 members; $65 nonmembers (Continental Breakfast included) SAVE YOUR SEAT! Visit mbausa.org or call Terry Nunez at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or email tnunez@mbausa.org.

BUSINESS VOL. XXXII NO. 1 | JANUARY 2019

MAGAZINE

BETHESDA LUTHERAN SERVICES

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS

SPOTLIGHT Q&A:

PNC LOOKS AHEAD TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW YEAR

SPECIAL SECTION:

MBA MEMBERS MARK MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

FEATURES FEATURE STORY | WHAT’S INSIDE

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A New Beginning for 2019 Why employers should make a resolution to refocus and aim high for the year ahead.

COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE

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Bethesda Lutheran Services As the agency celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019, Bethesda’s team of nearly 180 professionals continue to be an invaluable support system for more than 900 children and youth (birth to age 21) and their families in 23 counties across the Commonwealth.

SPOTLIGHT Q&A | BANKING

9 DEPARTMENTS

SPECIAL SECTION

12

BUSINESS BUZZ

EVENTS & EXTRAS

13

PEOPLE BUZZ

23

HR CONNECTION

24

LEGAL Q&A

WHAT’S NEW

25

AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS

EDITORIAL

See photo coverage of the Association’s recent Economic Forecast IMPACT Luncheon on December 6 in Erie.

WORKPLACE TRENDS

GET ANSWERS

HEALTH MATTERS | WELLNESS

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

Feature Photography Rob Frank Bethesda Lutheran Services

Contributing Writers Amanda Budzowski Brian K. Cressman Jezree Friend

Additional Photography Casey Naylon iStock Photography Design, Production & Printing Printing Concepts Inc. printcon@erie.net

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

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

How employers can reduce risk when hiring employees from a competitor.

Brian K. Cressman

ON THE HILL | GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

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David Thornburg 814/833-3200 dthornburg@mbausa.org

The MBA’s Jezree Friend discusses the new year with a new Congress and what’s worth watching in 2019.

SPECIAL SECTION | MEMBERSHIP

On the Cover: Bethesda Children’s Home was established in Meadville in 1919 as an orphanage and now, in its 100th year, has grown to become one of Pennsylvania’s leading providers of residential care and other mental health services for children, youth and families. See page 4 for full story.

Mission Statement: The Manufacturer & Business

Simple steps you can take to improve your health at work.

Amanda Budzowski, MS, MPH, CHES, NBC-HWC

LEGAL BRIEF | EMPLOYMENT LAW

Executive Editor Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org

Jim Stevenson, PNC’s regional president for northwestern Pennsylvania, shares his thoughts on the company and its outlook for the new year.

Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street | Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org

© Copyright 2019 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.

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Happy anniversary! Join us in celebrating the hundreds of MBA members that are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year.

mbabizmag.com • JANUARY 2019

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FEATURE STORY | WHAT’S INSIDE

A New Beginning for 2019

MAKE A RESOLUTION TO REFOCUS, AIM HIGH New Year’s is the time for resolutions. It’s when we get to reflect on all things that we could’ve, should’ve done but now have the opportunity to start again and improve in the year ahead. The new year is indeed a chance for everyone, especially employers, to set themselves on a path for greater success.

And, as experts suggest, even if last year was a good year for your business, it’s worth making an effort to make this one better.

Here is a compilation of a few helpful tips: 1. Review your business plan, If you have a business plan from the previous year, review what you did and didn’t achieve — this way you’ll be able to see how far — or how little — your business has come since last January. It also may motivate you to work harder and highlights where you may have set unrealistic goals in the past.

2. Consider your staffing needs.

The people who work for you are one of the most important parts of small business success. But you don’t want to get complacent and assume the few good people you’ve hired already are all you need.

Take time to talk to your current employees and really analyze where your needs are. If you determine new hires are needed, get to work putting together some job ads and starting your search.

3. Check in with your customers.

It’s important not just that you have customers (obviously), but that you work to understand who they are, why they buy from you and what their experience with your business is.

Commit in the coming year to making customer feedback and outreach a priority

and put specific plans in place to make it happen. Your business will only get stronger and more successful for putting customer experience first.

4. Revisit your technology demands.

Review your current tech products to confirm whether or not they’re working well for your needs now. If they are, you may not need to change or replace any of what you’re using now, but if your employees find the software you have now hard to use or feel it’s missing functionality they really need, then it’s time to look at your other options.

5. Give back to your community Nothing will seed and grow goodwill for you and your business better than giving back to your community. Make this the year that you serve on a committee, be a mentor, volunteer, or make regular donations to the groups in your community that try to make the place you live better.

In this edition of the Business Magazine, we’re not only looking at ways to drive business success in the new year, but also celebrating the MBA members marking milestone anniversaries in 2019. One agency, in particular, Bethesda Lutheran Services,

was established in Meadville in 1919 as an orphanage and now, in its 100th year, has grown to become one of Pennsylvania’s leading providers of residential care and other mental health services for children, youth and families.

Plus, we’ll also talk with PNC’s Jim Stevenson about the new opportunities that the bank is involved with for the new year, as well as take a look at what’s worth watching with the 116th Congress in 2019. And don’t miss photo coverage of our recent IMPACT Luncheon, which focused on the economic outlook, as well as tariffs and trade.

The Manufacturer & Business Association is always looking for ways to help its members prosper and suceed. Be sure to check back with us for more exciting events, programs and services!

THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

mbabizmag.com • JANUARY 2019

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COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE

Bethesda Lutheran Services was founded in Meadville in 1919 and is now recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s leading providers of residential care and other mental health services for children, youth and families. Shown here are the original buildings on the Meadville campus.

Agency Celebrates 100 Years as a Leader in Behavioral, Mental Health At Bethesda Lutheran Services, the light is always on.

It is on for the children and youth who need the programs and services to help them get through a difficult time in their lives.

It is on for the parents and guardians who need extra support when they don’t know where else to turn.

It is on for the educators and school districts to ensure every student gets a chance for a promising future.

And, it is on for the community, knowing it has a neighbor that is investing in the future of its youth.

As the agency celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019, Bethesda’s team of nearly 180 professionals continue to be an invaluable support system for more than 900 children and youth, birth to age 21, and their families in 23 counties across the Commonwealth.

“At Bethesda, we believe there are no bad kids,” explains CEO George Trauner, “but there are children, youth and families who need our support and we are here to help. “ Trauner is certainly proud of what Bethesda has accomplished during his time with the agency. Before being named CEO in 2015, he served as Director of Operations and was actively involved in the agency’s dayto-day operations. During his time as CEO, not only has Trauner stayed active in the day-to-day operations but has helped propel the agency forward while emphasizing family-focused treatment in programs and services.

In fact, as Trauner puts it, Bethesda’s team of professionals is a family that works to provide promising futures for children, youth and families through individualized mental and behavioral health services provided in a residential, school or community setting.

Theirs is not a job but rather a calling — of service, education and compassion that can transform lives.

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JANUARY 2019 • mbabizmag.com

“At Bethesda, our goal is to provide quality programming that can help children, youth and their families create promising futures,” Trauner says. “We know that over the next 100 years, we will open even more doors.”

LaTicra Barnett, a former client turned employee, knows the impact that Bethesda can have firsthand.

“Bethesda Lutheran Services has been a component of my life for over 20 years. I started as a participant in the after-school program, and I am now an employee,” she says. “Bethesda has been a support in many different George Trauner, aspects, which I feel has helped in my success. As an Chief Executive Officer employee, it is rewarding to be able to assist youth and families with effective, efficient, quality services. It is my way of giving back and providing the same support that I received while being a recipient of services.”

A Century of Caring

Over the last 100 years, Bethesda, much like the children and families it serves, has been on a transformational journey but has never waivered from its commitment of care. The agency, which was founded in Meadville on more than 300 acres of farmland donated by William S. Wise, was incorporated as the Orphans’ Home of the Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. As the needs of the community evolved over the years, so did the services provided. As the agency shifted from an orphan’s home to one that served youth in need in a residential and educational setting, the agency’s name was changed to Bethesda Children’s Home. Since that time, the agency has become far more than just a children’s home.

In 2017, Bethesda underwent a rebranding to more accurately depict the agency as it is today. The new name, Bethesda Lutheran Services, pays homage to its Lutheran heritage, while recognizing its evolving continuum of care.

“We are so much more than what the name implied,” says Trauner. “We needed our name change to reflect that mission.”

Along with the name change, the agency also introduced a new logo to better symbolize the services it provides. Within the design, the mountains depict the challenges its youth work every day to overcome, while the house represents Bethesda’s beginning as a safe place for

children and youth who have nowhere else to go. A windowpane designed in the shape of a cross represents the agency’s Lutheran heritage, and the yellow in the window symbolizes that, at Bethesda, the light is always on.

Today, Bethesda is widely considered a leader in providing all aspects of behavioral and mental health services for children, youth and families.

Residential services entail everything from Group homes, Diagnostic and Emergency Shelter services and Intensive Treatment Units. In addition, the Right Start for Young Mothers is a highly successful behavior stabilization, education and parenting program established in 2013.

Bethesda’s Meadville campus offers a recently renovated, state-ofthe-art Education Center, which houses a multitude of programs.

The Alternative Education program provides educational services to students in grades 6-12 who have been removed from the regular education setting for certain disciplinary reasons. Students are provided with comprehensive academic instruction along with therapeutic and developmental counseling to assist them in meeting their behavioral goals and returning to the regular school setting.

Bethesda’s Partial Hospitalization day program is available for children and youth ages 5-18, offering a safe, structured environment while enabling the children or youth to return home at night and maintain important family and community relationships. Services include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric evaluation and medication management. The child/adolescent Acute Partial Hospitalization Program provides short-term, clinic-based crisis stabilization services to children and adolescents with emotional or behavioral challenges impacting their day-to-day functioning in the home, school and community setting.

To round out the programming in Meadville, Bethesda is a State Wide Adoption Network (SWAN) affiliated Foster Care and Permanency service agency and also offers Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS) in Crawford County.

Bethesda also has two locations in Erie, the Trinity Center and the Leadership Center. The Trinity Center is considered one of Erie’s oldest neighborhood community centers and is dedicated to providing children, youth and families with programs and resources to live a healthy and productive lifestyle. Services include Drug & Alcohol Prevention Programs, After-School Educational and Summer Recreational Programs with an emphasis on education. In addition, the Center has partnered with the Erie City Police Athletic League (PAL) to create an athletic league to keep students engaged and off the streets. The Trinity Center also has added an educational music program in the state-of-the-art music studio, to give children and youth access to hands-on lessons by partnering with Penn State Behrend and Mercyhurst University. All programs offered at Bethesda Trinity Center are provided free of charge and open to children in the Erie Community. Bethesda’s Trinity Center is also the hub for its Erie County BHRS program.

Programs (SAPs) to assist school personnel in identifying issues, including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and mental health issues that can hinder a student’s success in school.

Focused on Family

One of the reasons for Bethesda’s longevity has been its ability to stay ahead of the ever-changing culture. “This is especially true in the last few years. When we see a need, we try to fill it,” explains Trauner. “We don’t wait for someone else.”

Jerrad Rimel, Bethesda’s Director of Operations, explains one way Bethesda has filled a need in the community can be seen in one of its newest programs, its Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF).

The PRTF is a high-intensity mental health treatment for up to six females, ages 12-18, which relies heavily on family participation as the cornerstone to its success. “They have meals together, communication training and are better able to support the child when she is home.”

Starting this February, Bethesda will implement its Community and School Based Behavioral Health program (CSBBH) for 15-20 students, in grades K-2, in Corry School District. The program, based on a needs assessment, teaches children new ways to manage their feelings and behaviors so they are better able to learn. A team works with the child, family and school officials to provide services that are flexible and meet the needs of the child and family.

Administrators say the need for programs, such as CSBBH, is a result of the growing demand for mental and behavioral health services for children and youth in the region — and across the country. And Bethesda, according to Trauner, is already answering the call. >

Bethesda’s Leadership Center is home to the Erie County Independent Living Program (ECILP). The program assists youth in Erie County, ages 14-21, with transitioning from placement to independent living with the skills and resources necessary to make them productive members of society. ECILP helps youth accomplish goals with employment, enrollment in educational or vocational training, and maintaining a stable place of residence after discharge.

Also in Erie County, Bethesda works to combat truancy by partnering with the Union City and Erie City School Districts by placing truancy officers inside the schools and also provides Student Assistance

Residential Units that will be replaced during the 2020 Capital Campagin.

mbabizmag.com • JANUARY 2019

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In 2016, Bethesda completed a $3 million renovation of its school, which added 17,000 square feet of space including a new cafeteria, six additional classrooms, a new library, additional office space and meeting rooms.

Whether it’s residential or outpatient treatment, agency administrators say every program that Bethesda offers is unique. “Not every child is the same,” notes Administrative Assistant Marci Dickson, “but we try to build the program around their needs.”

In the spring of 2019, Bethesda is planning to break ground on a new house that will serve as a home for four to six youth who are younger than Bethesda is able to currently serve in a residential setting. The unique appeal of this house will be creating a family-like environment while continuing treatment at Bethesda. “There’s no secret that ‘institutional’ settings have not provided great success,” explains Rimel, “but the house layout feels like a family environment.”

The agency also is launching a $2 million to $3 million capital campaign for 2020 that will enable Bethesda to replace the living quarters of two residential facilities at its Meadville campus. The last capital campaign ended in 2014 and was used to fund the 2016 completion of a $3 million renovation of Bethesda’s Education Center. More than 17,000 square feet of space was added, including a new cafeteria, six additional classrooms, a new library, additional office space and meeting rooms. In addition, a new outside pavilion was recently added courtesy of a generous donation

by LORD Corporation.

“My goal is to expand and grow the agency so that all Pennsylvania families will have access to the services we offer,” Trauner says. And Bethesda is well under way.

In 2017, thanks to a generous donation from one of Bethesda’s Lutheran supporters, the agency was gifted a beautiful, $3 million state-of-theart facility in Elderton, PA. The goal for that location is to work with the people of Elderton and Armstrong County to develop programing that will serve the needs of that community.

A Bright Future

Because of Bethesda’s committed staff, successful programs and the support of Bethesda’s boards of directors, the agency looks forward to a bright and promising second century.

Ki Kim, who represents UPMC Health Plan and is a member of the Bethesda Foundation for Children Board, is impressed by what Bethesda has accomplished. “The impact that Bethesda Lutheran

Services has on the children, youth and families throughout Pennsylvania is overwhelming,” says Kim. “And to do this for 100 years is even more impressive. Bethesda provides the resources and services to treat and care for the most vulnerable in our communities. Their mission is to change lives, and I see that every time I am on their campus in Meadville or here in Erie.”

Erie lawyer and Bethesda legal counsel Gery T. Nietupski, Esq., also commends Bethesda’s team for the impact it has had on the community. “For 100 years, Bethesda has provided the ingredients for success — faith, unconditional love, support and motivation — to the youth of our community who need it the most,” he says. “Bethesda and its tireless staff do more with less than any other organization of its kind and make a difference every day. Thanks to Bethesda, kids can still dream, and hope lives!”

When Trauner reflects on Bethesda’s centennial year, he points to all the old photographs of the children that Bethesda has helped over the years.

“I think it all comes back to family. For 100 years, our Bethesda family has provided services for those who need them most, and we have no plans of stopping.”

For more information about Bethesda Lutheran Services or to support Bethesda’s Mission of Promising Futures, visit https://www.bethesda1919.org.

Locations: Bethesda Lutheran Services 15487 State Hwy 86 Meadville PA 16335 814/724-7510 Trinity Center 462 West 18th St. Erie, PA 16502 814/724-7510 Leadership Center 349 West 18th St. Erie, PA 16502 814/724-7510 Elderton 309 Saltworks Street Elderton, PA 15736 Awards and Accreditations: • 2018 Finalist for Erie Nonprofit of the Year • 2017 Winslow Award Winner for Contributions to the Economic Growth of the Greater Meadville Area by the Economic Progress Alliance • 2015 Diamond Award Winner-Large Nonprofit of the Year from the Meadville/Western Crawford County Chamber of Commerce • Accredited member of Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services • Bethesda Lutheran Services is accredited through the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations Website: https://www.bethesda1919.org

Bethesda’s Chapel of the Good Samaritan

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JANUARY 2019 • mbabizmag.com

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When you’re expanding your business,

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We’re making business banking easier.

At PNC, we understand that expanding your business for the first time can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ll work closely with you to understand your unique needs and offer customized lending solutions that will help make your life easier. So, whether you’re looking to expand your office to meet increased demand or purchase a piece of state-of-the-art equipment, we’ll be there to help your business enter its next phase of growth.

Learn more at pnc.com/momentsmatter All loans, lines of credit and PNC Bank credit cards are subject to credit approval. Requires automatic deduction from a PNC business checking account. Bank deposit, treasury management and lending products and services are provided by PNC Bank, National Association, a wholly owned subsidiary of PNC and Member FDIC. PNC Bank is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. ©2018 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

SPOTLIGHT Q&A| BANKING

PNC Looks Ahead to New Opportunities in New Year The longevity of a company speaks volumes about its reputation and track record for success. One such example is PNC Financial Services, Inc. PNC, which traces its history to the Pittsburgh Trust and Savings Company, was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 10, 1845 and, later, celebrated its charter in 1864. Here, Jim Stevenson, PNC’s regional president for northwestern Pennsylvania, shares his thoughts on the company and its outlook for the new year.

PNC Financial Services, Inc. has been a major employer in our region for more than 100 years. Describe the company’s footprint in NWPA — number of locations, employees and clients it serves, as well as assets under administration.

PNC’s NWPA market serves a variety of clients of all sizes from Lake Erie, south to New Castle, east to Bradford and southeast to Punxsutawney. This market also encompasses the Western New York areas of Buffalo and Rochester, where PNC offers middle-market and corporate finance services.

In NWPA, we provide a range of services, including but not limited to, retail banking for individuals to investment management for individuals and corporations. The Northwestern Pennsylvania Market ranks third in the entire company in the amount of investable assets managed by PNC. PNC is one of the largest diversified financial institutions in the country.

Please provide a snapshot of some of these services that can benefit our members and their employees.

PNC has products to fit the needs of every business and individual, whether they’re seasoned professionals seeking wealth management advice or just beginning to dabble in the stock market.

We can help entrepreneurs with products such as small business loans and lines of credit. PNC also has tools to help veterans and women start a business.

PNC provides the full spectrum of financial services for established businesses, such as treasury management, capital financing and corporate banking.

If a business owner is ready to retire, PNC can assist with succession planning and transition — starting with priming the business for its next chapter to completion of the sale and beyond.

How has PNC assisted our members, particularly many small and mid-size businesses, grow and flourish?

Small and mid-size businesses are the heart of the NWPA region. PNC advises these companies in matters beyond traditional banking of loans and deposits. We help these family-run companies strategize for success by figuring out how to weather the current market and plan for the future.

Many rely on PNC to determine what financial tools can help them realize their dreams. It’s part of our Main Street Banking philosophy, in which we couple personal service on the local level with the competitive solutions of a big bank.

How would you describe the outlook for the financial industry in 2019?

The financial industry in 2019 is likely to be characterized by continued intense competition for deposits, the real/perceived impact of a flattening and, in some cases, inverted yield curve and by growing concerns about late cycle underwriting standards.

In addition, the industry will be impacted by the continuing trend toward digital distribution channels. Lastly, an expected slowdown in economic growth is forecasted with a corresponding impact on loan demand.

What are some opportunities and challenges that you see for PNC in the NWPA region in the year ahead?

The NWPA region is improving, specifically with

development in Erie. PNC is proud to have a hand in designing Erie’s future by partnering with the Erie Downtown Development Corp.

(EDDC) on a project that will revitalize our downtown. Our grant will fund core operations, laying the foundation to breathe new life into a strategically important area and make Erie a destination.

PNC also has advised EDDC on potential use of tax credits and Opportunity Zone possibilities for this project. A healthy city core leads to a stronger region overall, and we’re excited to be part of the solution.

Is there anything you would like to add?

In addition to providing full financial services, PNC takes care of its friends and neighbors, especially the youngest residents.

PNC Grow Up Great is a $350 million initiative to support high-quality pre-K education, which is proven to better prepare children for success in school and life. We work with pre-K classrooms throughout the region to provide much-needed resources to enhance education, which will help develop the next generation of workers.

But children can’t focus in school if they’re cold. To solve that problem, PNC launched Operation Warm Coats in 2008 to provide coats for pre-K children in our Grow Up Great program. PNC has since provided more than 9,000 coats, including 1,300 in 2018. Our employees donate new hats and gloves for the children.

As a community partner, it’s the right thing to do. We believe in the next generation.

mbabizmag.com • JANUARY 2019

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JANUARY 2019 • mbabizmag.com

HEALTH MATTERS | WELLNESS

Improve Your Health at Work A Few Simple Steps Can Add Up

follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a break to stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

7) Make time for physical activity. Use part of your lunch break to walk, schedule walking meetings, park farther away, take the stairs as much as possible. All are simple ways to incorporate more activity into your day.

8) Change your snacking habits. It’s important to pack small meals that you can eat when you’re moving from meeting to meeting. If you don’t, you may make unhealthy food choices if you allow yourself to become too hungry. Develop a habit of keeping healthy snacks in your lunch bag or desk. Easy go-to options include hard-boiled eggs, rice cakes, almonds and protein bars.

Amanda Budzowski, MS, MPH, CHES, NBCHWC, is the director of Clinical Training and Quality Assurance at UPMC Health Plan.

The average American spends more than 40 hours each week on the job. This adds up to about a third of our lives! With so much time spent in one place, it’s important to make sure we are making the most of that time and doing what we can to stay healthy.

Managing stress and practicing healthy habits can seem like a lot to handle on top of a busy schedule. But, in this month’s Health Matters article, we’ll discuss ways you can make healthy changes manageable by starting small and adding a few things at a time.

Here are some tips and tricks to improve your health while at work: 1) Eat a good breakfast. Most Americans admit skipping this important meal, citing a lack of time. But eating breakfast will help you feel fuller longer, prevent unhealthy snacking and improve your concentration and mental sharpness.

2) Prepare for the stress you can’t avoid. Unmanaged stress in the

workplace can take a toll on your performance. It’s important to identify your triggers and have a coping technique planned.

3) Reduce your sitting time. Many of us have long commutes and even longer periods of sitting once we’re at work. Find ways to cut your sedentary time and add minutes of activity to your day. Doing so can lower your risk for health problems, including back pain.

4) Build a healthy lunch routine. One of the common barriers to eating healthy (and managing weight) is the lunchtime rut. We’ve all been there: You rush out the door, forget your lunch and have to eat takeout. Typically, those meals are not the healthiest. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy a healthy lunch every day!

5) Wash your hands. Hand washing is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from getting sick or spreading germs to others, yet many people don’t do it often enough. Always remember to wash before eating, after encountering someone who’s sick, and after using the restroom.

6) Avoid digital eye strain. The average office worker spends six to nine hours each workday on a computer or staring at a screen. To give your eyes a break,

9) Stay hydrated. This healthy habit plays an important part in both fitness and weight loss. Your body uses water to maintain your temperature, lubricate your joints, remove waste and much more. For most people, water is the best option to stay hydrated, but foods like fruits and vegetables also have a high percentage of water.

10) Get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep can affect all areas of your health and wellness. In addition, it can impact your productivity at work. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep (or the amount that works best for your body) will help you begin each workday feeling energized and refreshed.

11) Practice good hygiene. Many of us eat lunch (and sometimes breakfast) at our desks. This habit can be make you sick. There are bacteria lurking on our desktops. Make sure you protect yourself from food-borne illness by cleaning your area before and after you eat, properly storing hot and cold foods, and eating office snacks when they are their freshest.

Staying healthy at work doesn’t have to be a chore! The best advice is to start slowly and add healthy habits as you can. In time, you will find that you feel better, are more productive and are a lot less stressed! What tip will you try today?

For more information, contact Amanda Budzowski at 412/454-8369 or budzowskar@upmc.edu. mbabizmag.com • JANUARY 2019

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BUSINESS BUZZ | WHAT’S NEW

LORD CORPORATION OPENS $12 MILLION MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN FRANCE LORD Corporation, a global diversified technology and manufacturing company, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina with facilities in northwest Pennsylvania, has officially unveiled its new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pont de l’lsère, France. According to a press release, the 83,000-square-foot facility positions LORD for future growth while enabling the company to enhance its customer service. The new center replaces the company’s previous facility in Saint-Vallier, with all 200 employees relocating to the new building.

Photos courtesy of LORD Corporation

Ed Auslander (center), LORD president and CEO, cuts the ribbon at the company’s new manufacturing facility in France in fall 2018.

GE TRANSPORTATION ANNOUNCES FIRST LOCOMOTIVE DEAL IN MOLDOVA

II-VI INCORPORATED TO ACQUIRE FINISAR

“LORD is focused on developing innovative electromechanical solutions that provide long-term value for the aerospace and defense industry,” said LORD President and CEO Ed Auslander. “Having a modern facility for research, development and manufacturing is key to exceeding our customers’ needs and expectations.”

Moldovan Railways (CFM) has selected GE Transportation to supply 12 Evolution Series locomotives, as well as parts, training and services. This is the first locomotive order in Moldova for GE Transportation and marks a significant step as the country seeks to upgrade its existing fleet to haul freight trains, primarily carrying grain and ore, as well as passenger trains.

II-VI Incorporated, a global leader in engineered materials and optoelectronic components with headquarters in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, and Finisar Corporation, a global technology leader in optical communications based in Sunnyvale, California, recently announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which II-VI will acquire Finisar in a cash and stock transaction with an equity value of approximately $3.2 billion.

The facility supports LORD’s Electromechanical Solutions business, and is 30 percent larger than the business’s previous facility with development and test labs, machining, mounting operation, a repair shop, customer service, engineering, sales and marketing, and general administration. Unique features include a showroom with demonstration equipment and an aircraft cockpit simulator, which puts you in the pilot seat to experience the LORD cockpit controls and test how well you maneuver the aircraft. Additionally, nearly half of the parking lot will be installed with electric vehicle charging stations.

Designed for the CIS region’s wide temperature and operating conditions, the TE33AC locomotive features a 12-cylinder, 4000-horsepower Evolution Series engine with EU3A emissions-level compliance, delivering high power output, enhanced productivity, greater flexibility, lower lifecycle costs, and improved reliability in heavy-haul operations.

Compared to the legacy Moldovan fleet, the TE33AC can significantly reduce harmful emissions, economize on fuel and oil costs, and increase time between maintenance overhauls.

The combination of II-VI and Finisar would unite two innovative, industry leaders with complementary capabilities and cultures to form a formidable industry leading photonics and compound semiconductor company capable of serving the broad set of fast growing markets of communications, consumer electronics, military, industrial processing lasers, automotive semiconductor equipment and life sciences.

Together, II-VI and Finisar will employ more than 24,000 associates in 70 locations worldwide upon closing of the transaction.

“Our employees are the foundation of our success – their excellence and passion drive our performance,” said Joel Rood, president, LORD Dynamic Systems Global Business. “Providing them with state-ofthe-art tools and interactive work spaces helps fuel collaboration and deliver the highest quality products to our customers.”

The deal is part of the broader Project for the Restructuring and Reorganization of the State Enterprise Moldova Railways and includes funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank and the European Union.

“Disruptive megatrends driven by innovative uses of lasers and other engineered materials present huge growth opportunities for both of our companies,” said Dr. Vincent D. Mattera, Jr., president and CEO, II-VI Incorporated.

“In communications, materials processing, consumer electronics and automotive, we expect that the combination with Finisar will allow us to leverage our combined technology and intellectual property in InP, GaAs, SiC, GaN, SiP and diamond to achieve faster time to market, cost and scale.

LORD celebrated the opening of its new facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 4.

For more information, visit www.lord.com.

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JANUARY 2019 • mbabizmag.com

The locomotive kits will be produced in the United States later in 2019, and then shipped for regional manufacturing, with anticipated final delivery in 2020.

For more information, visit www.getransportation.com.

For more information, visit https://www.ii-vi.com.

Celebrating 50 years of business in Erie

ENHANCING HOW PEOPLE

Live. Work. Play.

BY IMPROVING YOUR EVERY DAY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

• • • • • • •

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JANUARY 2019 • mbabizmag.com

Program Management Construction Services Environmental Planning Design Urban Video Productions Urban Training Institute

urbanengineers.com 814.453.5702

LEGAL BRIEF | EMPLOYMENT LAW

Reduce Risk When Hiring Employees From a Competitor asking questions that call for confidential information.

Brian K. Cressman is an associate at MacDonald Illig. His practice focuses on a range of areas including Business Transactions, School Law, Real Estate, Estate Planning and Litigation Support.

Cressman received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the Pennsylvania State University, and his Juris Doctor from the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. Whether it’s a superstar salesperson, a key manager or a trusted senior adviser, employees are often the most important asset to a business. Employees don’t just represent a significant investment of time and money, but also trust, since they often have access to an employer’s confidential information.

Due to these factors, employers routinely take measures to restrict the mobility of their employees and to protect valuable confidential information when an employee separates from employment.

Typically, employers protect themselves at hiring by requiring new employees to agree

2.

Require Full Disclosure. Require that applicants disclose copies of all restrictive covenants by which they are bound and review with legal counsel.

3.

Assess the Likelihood of Litigation Before Hiring. Consider the circumstances surrounding an applicant’s separation from, and relationship with, the former employer. On the basis of these circumstances, assess whether the former employer would likely file suit to enforce its restrictive covenants.

4.

Implement a Policy. Adopt a company policy respecting the rights of third parties.

The policy should expressly state that the company respects the contractual rights of former employers and does not tolerate violations of third-party restrictive covenants.

5.

Obtain Written Protections. At hiring, obtain a signed acknowledgment from the employee regarding the company’s policy with respect to rights of former employers, and that the company will not defend or indemnify the employee for violations of third-party restrictive covenants. If the employee is not “at will,” then include a provision in the employee’s contract clarifying that the employee’s violation of a third-party restrictive covenant is cause for termination.

6.

Implement an Ethical Wall. If the employee’s work for your company would cause a conflict of interest, screen the employee from the conflict. For example, if an employee is subject to a non-solicitation provision and a customer of his former employer independently comes to your company, the best practice would be to screen that employee from any contact with the customer or with other employees that work with the customer.

to restrictive covenants as a condition of employment. Common restrictive covenants include: non-compete, non-solicitation, non-hiring and confidentiality restrictions.

Additionally, an employer’s confidential trade secrets are protected from misappropriation by the Defend Trade Secrets Act and the Pennsylvania Uniform Trade Secrets Act. If a former employee violates any of these restrictive covenants, the former employer has a clear right to file claims against the employee.

However, a former employee’s violation of these restrictive covenants may also expose the new employer to liability.

Depending on the circumstances, a former employer could bring a number of claims against a new employer, including: tortious interference with contract, unfair competition, misappropriation of trade secrets or vicarious liability for the acts of its employee. Due to the potential liability arising from routine contractual protections, particularly in a geographic area or industry with a concentrated labor pool, employers should be proactive to reduce risk when hiring a current or former employee of a competitor. Actions that an employer can take to mitigate risk include: 1.

Avoid Violations During the Interview Process. Solicit applicants based on an individual’s skills and abilities, not inside industry knowledge or prior experience in an identical position. Attempt to determine whether an applicant is subject to restrictive covenants, but avoid

Although most employers implement restrictions to protect themselves when an employee leaves, rarely do employers implement procedures to reduce the risk from hiring an employee subject to restrictive covenants. However, the steps outlined above provide a roadmap for employers to detour around costly litigation when hiring employees from a competitor by prospectively taking steps to reduce risk.

For more information, contact Brian Cressman at 814/870-7702 or bcressman@mijb.com. mbabizmag.com • JANUARY 2019

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For more than 80 years, the Sight Center has helped individuals in our community who are blind or losing their vision live independent lives.

Services include: preventive vision screenings, diabetes prevention program, vision rehabilitation, Experience children’s program and specialized support services including a transportation program.

Join us on Friday, February 22, 2019 for our 2nd Annual Margaritaville event at Rainbow Gardens. BYOB, best “beachy” attire contest, help us find the lost shakers of salt, music and photo booth by Erie Encore Entertainment. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased online at www.sightcenternwpa.org/donate.

Lake Erie Logistics is proud to announce the rebranding of our Local Asset-Based Transportation Division...

New Name…Same Great Service!!

Offering LTL and TL Service to the Tri-State Area Same Day and Next Day Service Available LET us help with your shipping needs!!

Call Us Today…

814-825-9891 Family of Companies

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JANUARY 2019 • mbabizmag.com

ON THE HILL | GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

New Year, New Congress:

What’s Worth Watching in 2019 Jezree Friend is the Manufacturer & Business Association’s government relations representative and is responsible for developing legislative priorities and strategies; encouraging membership grassroots activities; and lobbying on behalf of a pro-growth, pro-business agenda.

Contact him at jfriend@mbausa.org.

Welcome to 2019 and the 116th U.S. Congress. The Republicans increased their majority in the Senate to 53, while the two Independent senators will join the other 45 in the Democratic Caucus. The U.S. House is controlled by the Democratic Party for the first time since the end of 2010. This is a product of historical consistency rather than the highly advertised “blue wave” that never materialized.

Historically, the party of the president loses around 30 House seats during a midterm election. The 2018 midterm proved to be no exception as the Democrats picked up 38 seats since the end of the previous Congress.

Slightly better than the course average, the plus-35 vote majority pales in comparison to President Obama’s first midterm in 2010 when his party lost 63 seats.

Here, in Pennsylvania, largely fueled by the PA Supreme Court establishing its own map and a couple resignations, the congressional delegation ratio

has moved from 12 to 6, in favor of Republicans, to a 9-to-9 split. As confusing as this most recent map change experience has been, it will change once again in two years following the 2020 census — more on that soon.

Brace yourself, we may actually see bipartisanship in the next two years.

If the new leadership doesn’t get in their own way, there are three policy initiatives you can expect to see: prescription drug prices, infrastructure and immigration.

What Can We Expect?

There has been a plea by those from the left for investigations and hearings into executive branch leadership to include the president.

If this continues to receive traction, it could more closely resemble a witch hunt than legitimate concern. Should this become the order of the day, the Democratic leadership will discover two things: 1) The president doesn’t have as much money as he let on; who could have guessed he could exaggerate? 2) They will have spun their wheels without being able to stand on principled legislation for the 2020 election.

President Trump has been vocal on his willingness to work across the aisle on price setting and regulation of prescription drug prices. This is something, regardless of political affiliation, legislators are hearing about from their constituents. It just may be the time they deliver.

For the sake of civil discourse, I would hope the Democrat-controlled House takes former Governor Ed Rendell’s election night advice when he told his party to “Legislate, legislate, legislate, and forget about investigate, investigate, investigate.”

Additionally, the new leadership may attack provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, namely, increasing the federal corporate tax rate. This will be used against Republican senators for liberal policy support should they pursue legislation and not investigations. It is also likely the successor to NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement) could be fast tracked as the Democratic leadership has been outspoken about trade.

Infrastructure is something the president campaigned on and has bipartisan support. The mutual support could lead to progress on an immigration bill. Contrary to some, the president has softened his tone on immigration, namely DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).

Lastly, the next two years will be the most influential on the 2020 elections.

Over the next year, Democrats looking to make a run will jockey for relevancy, but as it stands, there is no real front-runner or at least no one who concerns the Republican leadership.

I heard a previous Democratic presidential nominee may try, for a third time.

It’s possible the president will get a third Supreme Court nominee and his increased muscle in the Senate should make that a lock. As far as his re-election bid, his “tone” undoubtedly will play a role. More so will be his party’s ability to tell the story of his policy successes, something they failed to capitalize on in the 2018 midterms. mbabizmag.com • JANUARY 2019

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Whether you’re celebrating your 10th year or 110th, the Manufacturer & Business Association is proud to recognize the hundreds of MBA members that are marking milestone anniversaries in 2019. We applaud your achievements and countless contributions to the industries and communities you represent. To the milestone anniversaries listed on the following pages, please accept our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for continued prosperity in the year ahead. As always, the Association’s Board of Governors and staff are dedicated to helping you succeed!

215 Years

155 Years

115 Years

75 Years

Clearfield Township Hepburn Township Muddy Creek Township

Borough of Kane First National Bank of Pennsylvania PNC Financial Services, Inc. (charter)

Joseph McCormick Construction Co., Inc. Reinhardt’s Agency, Inc.

205 Years

150 Years

Mercer Borough

Erie Diocesan Cemeteries First Baptist Church Gibson Township Welch Foods Inc.

Congregation Ohev Sholom First United National Bank Mayer Brothers Construction Company

Axeman-Anderson Company Drafto Corporation James H. Cross Company Philip Weiner and Company, Ltd. Van Air, Inc.

195 Years Linesville Borough Washington Township

North East Borough Pleasant Township Supervisors Sandycreek Township

175 Years Glade Township

Borough of Sharpsville Eureka Electrical Products Inc. Hart, McConahy & Martz Inc.

140 Years

100 Years

Meadville Public Library

Bethesda Lutheran Services Church of the Holy Nativity Clarkson Chemical Co. Inc. Credit Bureau of Erie Inc. Dias Spring Service, Inc. Elderton State Bank FirstEnergy Corp.

H. L. R. Anderson Agency Potratz Floral Shop & Greenhouses Preece Heating & Cooling Swanson-Erie Corporation

135 Years

170 Years Borough of Saegertown

Cooper Township Road District Saint Mary’s Home of Erie

165 Years

130 Years

Forward Township Summit Township Board of Supervisors Summit Township Supervisors Worth Township

125 Years

160 Years Albion Borough

Children’s Aid Society of Mercer County First Baptist Church

Anderson & Kime Inc. Baldwin Brothers, Inc. Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory Corry Journal Kurtz Bros., Inc.

120 Years First Alliance Church Marsh, Spaeder, Baur, Spaeder & Schaaf YMCA of Corry

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JANUARY 2019 • mbabizmag.com

105 Years Heeter Lumber Company Inc. J. H. Bennett Moving & Storage Inc. Shiloh Baptist Church United Way of Erie County Wm. T. Spaeder Company Inc.

145 Years

185 Years

110 Years

90 Years C.Y.S. Club E.E. Powell & Company Inc. Erie Day School First Presbyterian Church of Covenant Lake Shore Country Club New Bethlehem Burial Service Inc.

80 Years A. Anthony & Sons, Inc. Colfax Power Plant EFCU E. D. Fee Transfer Inc. Georgino Industrial Supply Inc. Warren Electric Cooperative, Inc.

70 Years CH Reams & Associates Inc. Hill, Barth & King, LLC. Klapec Trucking Company Parker’s Appliance The One Federal Credit Union

60 Years Americo FCU Arrow Castings Company Community Development Corporation of Butler County Cornish Lumber Co. Inc. Dambach Lumber & Supply Co. Inc. Hegedus Aluminum Industries, Inc. Henry’s Meat Market Lions Eye Bank of NW PA Inc. McKean’s Paramount Die Corporation Seaway Manufacturing Corporation Store Owner’s, Inc. The Resource Center Weber Harris Ford, Inc.

50 Years Air-Con Inc. Allegheny Bradford Corporation Bond Spring Corporation C & E Containers Inc. C. P. Spiridon Inc. Central Heating & Plumbing, Inc. Clyde, Ferraro & Co., LLP Crotty Chevrolet, Inc. Farma Parks Inc. Greenhill Farms Equipment Inc. H & R Block Harbor Steel Inc.

International Track Systems Inc. Kittanning Suburban Joint Water Auth.

Laser Creations by Identification System Mahoning Builders Inc. Maplevale Farms, Inc. Meadville Plating Company Inc. Metalized Ceramics for Electronics, Inc. Micro Tool & Manufacturing Inc. Miller Brothers Furniture Inc. Moore Research Services, Inc. Northwestern Legal Services Orthopedic Associates of Meadville, P.C. Printing Concepts Inc. St. Benedict Day Care Center St. Martin Center, Inc. St. Marys Metal Finishing Inc. Swanson, Bevevino & Gilford, P.C. Team Hardinger Transportation Urban Engineers Inc. Wettekin Electronics Wiest Asphalt Products

40 Years Ace Viking Electric Motor Co. Inc. Alcor Corporation Apel Electric Inc. Bellucci Enterprises Inc. Buckeye Hone Company Buttercup Woodlands Campground Cambridge Springs Tire Company, Inc. Corry Contract Inc. Crawford Area Transportation Authority D&M Tool Inc. Dave Roman Excavating, Inc. Devine & Kuftic Law Office Diagnostic X-Ray Service Inc. Duffy, Inc. Erie Metal Basket Inc. GEM Bldg Contractors & Developers Inc. General Care Services Inc. Gerald W. Priebel Inc. Glendale Area Medical Association Glowacki Management Company Grant Lumber Pole Buildings LLC H & H Materials Inc. Hickory Plaza Travel Agency, Inc. Kessel Construction Inc. Larson Texts, Inc. Lemco Tool Corp.

Leonardi Group Inc.

Marlan Tool Inc. Michael G. Machuga, DMD PC Momentum Builders, Inc. Odyssey Builders, Inc. Peters’ Heat Treating Inc. Simpson Excavating, Inc. Transportation Equipment Supply Co. Travaglini Enterprises, Inc.

30 Years 4Front Solutions Advanced Business Computing Services Inc. Advanced Cast Products Amatech/Polycel Inc. B. Burford Construction Bay Valley Foods Betres Group Clarion Wood Products, Inc. Clinton County Economic Partnership Contact Technologies Inc. Coppola Enterprises Inc. CSI Corporate Security and Investigation CSR Enterprise Networks Curtis Oil, Inc. Diversified Coatings Inc. Diversified Manufacturing Systems, Inc. Dunhuntin Machine Shop, Inc. Electronic Communication Services Inc. Erie Aviation Inc. Ford City Riverside Great Lakes Construction Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity Greiner Extrusion US Inc. H.W.C. Inc. Himes Machine Inc. J & K Consultants, Inc. Junior Coal Contracting, Inc. Lycoming Cnty Water & Sewer Authority Metkote Laminated Products Inc. Metrobrand Services LLC Michael J. Rahner Family Dentistry Pacileos Great Lakes Motor Company Paper City Transfer, Inc. Perseo-Erie Inc. Plastikos Inc. R & D Coatings Inc. REMAX Real Estate Group Riggs Financial Inc.

Senior Retirement Management Skip Knoll Inc. Smock & Schonthaler Industrial The Trading Post WPSE Radio

25 Years Accu-Chek Machining, Inc. Advanced Polymer Technology Corporation Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring Americut Corporation APG Sintered Metals Wilcox Automotive Excellence Inc. Belco Tool & Manufacturing, Inc Bob Martin, CLU Ins. Agency Inc. Bomar Auto Repair Bossard & Crawford, Inc. Cable Hardwoods, Inc. City of St. Marys Crawford County CASA Inc. Dew Services Don Hick’s Auto Service Douglas, Joseph & Olson E. Long Holdings Inc. Erie Batteries, Alternators & Starters/BAS, LLC FASTSIGNS Great Lakes Metal Finishing Greenville Comfort Systems Hards Fabrication and Welding Inc. Hopkins Heltzel LLP Life and Independence for Today LNS ChipBlaster, Inc. Manor Motel McCormick Structural Systems Inc. Medart, Inc. Mental Health Assoc. of Northwestern Pa. Paragon Print Systems Inc. Phaztech, Inc. Pine Haven Veterinary Clinic Precision Profiles LLC Presque Isle Partnership Romolo Chocolates Inc. Sagewood Incorporated Secondary Development & Research Slippery Rock Materials Inc. Valcomi Inc. Warren Plastics Mfg. Co.

20 Years Advanced Cleaning Systems, LLC Cherry Hill Manufacturing Inc. Church Towne Gas & Welding Supply LLC CSI Industries Girard Family Chiropractic Center Harrisville Memorials LLC Kraft Lumber Inc. Leafguard of Lake Erie Inc. McManis Associates Inc. Millcreek Paramedic Service Northwest PA Pet Emergency Center Rapid Mold Solutions Inc. Rapid Reaction, Inc. Signal Technologies Inc. Sunnyside Farm Transit Inc. Tim’s Maintenance, LLC Tony DiLulio’s Exxon Tool City Welding, LLC Tussey Mountain Custom Kitchens W. W. McFarland Lumber

10 Years 180 Physical Therapy Inc. AJ & JJ Holdings Inc. Alan Balla Esquire LLC Bayless Fuel Service, Inc. Cunningham Caring & Assoc. Inc. Donjon Shipbuilding & Repair LLC Etzel’s Automotive LLC Good Samaritan Pain Clinic Hays Service Center Institute of Medical & Business Careers J. McGraw LLC Jo’s Brooklyn Bagel Knorr Electric, LLC Marcus Machine Tool Systems LLC Marks’ Family Motors LLC Mitchell Milk Hauling LLC Nicklas & Son Enterprises Inc. Northcoast Ventures Inc. Reese Dairy Inc. RGS Products Inc. SilcoTek Corporation The Investment Center of Erie

*Anniversary information is based on member records as of October 2018. We regret any errors or omissions. Please contact the Manufacturer & Business Association at 814/833-3200 or 800/8152660 with updated information for inclusion in future publications.

mbabizmag.com • JANUARY 2019

19

A

Wettekin Electronics Automation for Industry

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

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

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

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

Wettekin Electronics also specializes in instrumentation and process control, with the addition of sensors and metering of machine variables and the utilization of programmable logic controllers and human

machine interface (HMI) displays to improve customers’ production accuracy, repeatability and operating efficiency.

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

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

Industries Served

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

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

mbabizmag.com • JANUARY 2019

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TEAM RESULTS Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. has been delivering sound legal advice for 60 years.

Our skilled team of nearly 40 attorneys, over 20 paralegals, and a dedicated support staff is driven by results. Whether you are the CEO of a large company or a young family developing an estate plan, we understand your needs and strive to fulfill them in a friendly, responsive and cost-effective manner. When you need a team, we pull together to help you come out ahead.

Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights • Business & Tax Elder Law • Environmental Law • Estate Planning & Administration Governmental Practice • Health Law • Intellectual Property & Technology Labor & Employment Law • Litigation • Public Finance & Bonds Real Estate • Workers’ Compensation

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. Erie | North East | Pittsburgh | Jamestown, NY 814-459-2800 | www.kmgslaw.com

Attract, Develop, and Retain Talented Employees

Helping manufacturers implement strategy that enhances and supports a desirable company culture.

(814) 217-6060 www.nwirc.org

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JANUARY 2019 • mbabizmag.com

HR CONNECTION | WORKPLACE TRENDS OSHA OFFERS TIPS TO PROTECT WORKERS IN COLD ENVIRONMENTS

Prolonged exposure to freezing or cold temperatures may cause serious health problems such as trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia. In extreme cases, including cold water immersion, exposure can lead to death. Danger signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue and confused behavior. If these signs are observed, call for emergency help.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Cold Stress Card provides a reference guide and recommendations to combat and prevent many illnesses and injuries. Available in English and Spanish, this laminated fold-up card is free to employers, workers and the public.

Great Leaders Learn to Lead; Who is Your Next Rising Star?

Tips include: • Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that may be dangerous.

• Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries and what to do to help workers.

• Train workers about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.

• Encourage workers to wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions.

• Be sure workers in extreme conditions take a frequent short break in warm dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up.

What makes a great team leader? There’s not one standard answer, but there are some common traits that contribute to success.

Great team leaders are confident in their knowledge and ability to do their jobs and show that by leading by example. They are people who communicate expectations well and are ready to train and help in whatever way a team member needs to get their day-to-day and long-term projects completed. They work hard, listen to team members and are accountable.

There are many more aspects to consider, but how do people gain these abilities? Are they just natural traits a person may have and when we recognize them, we promote them? Good employees may self-select out of leadership positions because they don’t feel they have the traits or skills needed to succeed.

For free copies of OSHA’s Cold Stress Card, visit www.osha.gov or call 1-800-321-OSHA.

EMPLOYERS EXPECTED TO HOLD DOWN HEALTH COSTS FOR 2019

Employers often make the mistake of promoting a dedicated and successful worker to the team leader position but without first providing the guidance and training time needed to develop the skills to effectively lead others. The team leader’s success is now gauged by their team members’ success — a very different role.

Employers’ health-care spending increases will slow again this year, while employees’ share of plan expenses holds steady, new reports indicate.

Based on 1,566 preliminary responses to its National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans, HR consultancy Mercer projects that employers making plan changes will spend on average 4.1 percent more per employee for health benefits in 2019. If they didn’t make any changes to their health-care plans, employers said their own costs would increase 5.3 percent.

There can be quite a lag time while this new leader learns by trial and error, and it can be a daunting task. Instead, provide training and a way for employees to further develop within your company. Keep in mind: With our workforce getting younger, we are finding Millennials (and the soon to follow Z Generation) are interested in learning and development more than in other kinds of benefits and are interested in moving into leadership positions more quickly. Now may be a good time to develop their leadership skills.

The typical employer in Mercer’s survey has 500 or more employees, and “the 4.1-percent increase figure can obscure significant differences between large and small employers,” said Beth Umland, director of Mercer’s health and benefits practice.

At the MBA, we can help. Our five-part Leadership for Team Leaders Certificate series teaches and reinforces the critical skills for team leader success in a highly interactive and relaxed atmosphere, setting up your future leaders for success. To learn more about the program, visit the Training section of our website at www.mbausa.org or call me at 814/833-32000.

Last year, when Mercer weighted its findings to be nationally representative of U.S. employers, the firm reported that: • 34 percent of employers with 10 to 499 employees saw their health plan costs increase by more than 10 percent.

Lisa DeFilippo is a training specialist at the Manufacturer & Business Association where she is involved in creating and presenting professional development educational programs for a wide range of employers. DeFilippo has a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has been training for more than 25 years on numerous business and leadership topics both nationally and throughout the region.

• Only 11 percent of employers with 20,000 or more employees experienced similar doubledigit increases.

mbabizmag.com • JANUARY 2019

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LEGAL Q&A | GET ANSWERS WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF AGE-BASED HARASSMENT? Age harassment involves unwelcome and offensive conduct in the workplace that is based on a person’s age (age 40 or older).

The harasser can be a supervisor, a coworker or someone who does not work for the employer, such as a client or customer.

Age harassment can include age-based jokes or comments, offensive cartoons, drawing, symbols or gestures, and other verbal and physical conduct based on an individual’s age.

CAN I ASK APPLICANTS THEIR AGE? The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) does not explicitly prohibit an employer from asking an applicant’s age or date of birth. However, such inquiries may deter older workers from applying for employment or may otherwise indicate possible intent to discriminate based on age, contrary to the purposes of the ADEA. If the information is needed for a lawful purpose, it can be obtained after the employee is hired.

CAN I PLACE A JOB AD THAT REFERENCES AGE PREFERENCE? The ADEA generally makes it unlawful to include age preferences, limitations or specifications in job notices or advertisements. A job notice or advertisement may specify an age limit only in the rare circumstances where age is shown to be a “bona fide occupational qualification” (BFOQ) reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the business.

Federal Age-Discrimination Law Applies To All Public Employers, Regardless of Size On November 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States unanimously ruled that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) applies to all states and political subdivisions — regardless of their size. In its ruling of Mount Lemmon Fire District v. Guido, the Court reasoned that a 1974 amendment to the ADEA extended its reach to public-sector employers by adding state and local governments to the definition of “employer.” However, this extension to public-sector employers did not include the size requirement that applies to other covered employers under the ADEA — which is 20 or more employees.

The ADEA states that “employers” may not discriminate against persons on the basis of age. The ADEA originally applied only to private employers, but in 1974, Congress amended the definition of “employer” to read as follows: The term ‘employer’ means a person engaged in an industry affecting commerce who has twenty or more employees. . . . The term also means 1) any agent of such a person, and 2) a State or political subdivision of a State. . . . 29 U.S.C. §630(b).

The central issue in Mount Lemmon Fire District v. Guido was whether the phrase “also means” in the definition clause added new categories of employers or merely clarified the employers identified in the first sentence of the clause. The Court agreed to hear this case due to a circuit conflict on this issue.

The Court held that the definition of employer establishes “separate categories: persons engaged in an industry affecting commerce with 20 or more employees; and states or political subdivisions with no attendant numerosity limitation.”

This decision resolves the issue of whether small public-sector employers are required to comply with the ADEA. For the latest employment law updates, visit www.mbausa.org.

Tammy Lamary-Toman, JD, PHR, SHRM-CP is vice president and employment counsel for the Manufacturer & Business Association.

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JANUARY 2019 • mbabizmag.com

The 2019 economic outlook, as well as tariffs and trade, were the focus of the Manufacturer & Business Association’s (MBA) IMPACT Luncheon on December 6 at the Association’s Conference Center in Erie. The event was presented by the MBA, in conjunction with the Business Magazine, the Economic Research Institute of Erie (ERIE), Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association and sponsor PNC Financial Services, Inc. To see photos from the luncheon, visit www.mbausa.org

chief executive officer David N. Taylor, president and rers’ Association, of the Pennsylvania Manufactu and trade by focusing shared his thoughts on tariffs ct on the economy. on security topics and their impa

Representatives from event sponsor PNC Financial Services, Inc. joined the MBA, MBA Business Magazine, Economic Research Institute of Erie and Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association in presenting the IMPACT Luncheon.

The Business Magazine staff was proud to organize the IMPACT event. Show n here are (from left): Christine DeSantis, David Thornburg, Casey Naylon, Frank Mehler and Karen Torres.

crowd of nearly The IMPACT Luncheon drew a Center.

80 people to the MBA’s Conference

MBA Marketing Director Tammy Polanski introduced Jim Stevenson, regional president of PNC Financial Services, to the audience.

Ken Louie, Ph.D., director of the Economic Research Institute of Erie (ERIE) at Penn State Behrend, discussed the statistics and trends for the regional and national economic outlook.

Ashley Senger of Language Colla borations,LLC was the winner of the MBA Business Maga zine’s “all things merr y and bright” raffle basket. The winni ng name was drawn at the December 6 event.

l Shop & Greenhouses Janel Levin (left) of Potratz Flora ettias for the IMPACT in Erie donated the beautiful poins David Thornburg (right) Luncheon. Levin is pictured with of the Business Magazine.

mbabizmag.com • JANUARY 2019

25

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