Business Magazine - February 2024

BUSINESS

VOL. XXXVII NO. 2 | FEBRUARY 2024

MAGAZINE

UPMC CHILDREN’S IN ERIE DEDICATED PEDIATRIC UNIT, EXPANDED SPECIALTY SERVICES MEANS TOP CARE CLOSER TO HOME

SPOTLIGHT Q&A:

WHY EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ARE BECOMING A NECESSARY BENEFIT

LEGAL BRIEF:

CAN YOU DISCLOSE AN EMPLOYEE’S HEALTH CONDITION TO YOUR STAFF?

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FEATURES WHAT’S INSIDE | FEATURED STORY WORKERS LEAD 3 HEALTHY TO HEALTHY BUSINESSES The importance of fostering a healthy workplace.

COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE

4 UPMC CHILDREN’S IN ERIE

UPMC continues to advance pediatric care in the region with the addition of UPMC Children’s pediatric inpatient unit at UPMC Hamot and expanded outpatient services located at the UPMC Children’s Specialty Care Center – Erie inside UPMC MageeWomens.

SPOTLIGHT Q&A | RESOURCES

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DEPARTMENTS BUZZ 12 BUSINESS WHAT’S NEW 13

EVENTS 21 NETWORKING AND MORE See the latest milestones happening the MBA’s membership region

PEOPLE BUZZ

READ ON THE GO!

AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS

For the most current Business Magazine updates, visit mbabizmag.com

HR CONNECTION

17 WORKPLACE TRENDS 18

James Kinville, senior director for Workpartners’ LifeSolutions Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is designed for employees and members of their households, discusses the importance of EAPs as an increasingly valuable benefit plan option in 2024.

EDITORIAL LEGAL BRIEF | PRIVACY

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Can you disclose an employee’s health condition to your staff?

Lauren A. Holler

ON THE HILL | REVITALIZATION

HR Q&A

GET ANSWERS

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Executive Editor Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org

Feature Photography R. Frank Media UPMC Hamot

Contributing Writers Rose Bruno Tracy Daggett Jeff Nobers Lauren A. Holler

Additional Photography iStockPhoto.com

Advertising Sales Shawn Netkowicz 814/833-3200 snetkowicz@mbausa.org

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PROFILE | LECOM HEALTH

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A leader in education, innovation and transformation.

PROFILE | SIGHT CENTER OF NW PA

19 On the Cover: UPMC recently unveiled a new UPMC Children’s pediatric inpatient unit at UPMC Hamot while

Setting the record straight on PA’s economic growth and the environment.

Jeff Nobers

The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a yearlong lifestyle change program proven to reverse pre-diabetes.

continuing to expand specialty care services in northwestern Pennsylvania – and pediatric care closer to home.

For full story, see page 4.

Mission Statement: “We are dedicated to creating and

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© Copyright 2024 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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WHAT’S INSIDE | FEATURED STORY

HEALTHY WORKERS LEAD TO HEALTHY BUSINESSES The adage “healthy workers, healthy businesses” underscores a fundamental truth in today’s competitive business world. Fostering a healthy workplace is not only important for health and wellness but it can also improve your employees’ productivity and, ultimately, their performance too.

Experts agree that when employees are in good health, they are more energetic, focused and resilient.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet not only enhance physical fitness but also improve cognitive functions, leading to increased efficiency and creativity. Companies that invest in wellness programs and encourage an active lifestyle among employees often witness a noticeable boost in overall performance and a decrease in absenteeism.

Mental health is equally important, and fostering a supportive work environment can significantly contribute to a positive mindset among employees. Stress reduction initiatives, mental health resources and open communication channels contribute to a workplace culture where employees feel valued and supported. This, in turn, translates into improved morale, reduced turnover rates and increased employee loyalty.

A healthy workforce can contribute to a positive organizational culture as well. An organization that prioritizes health sends a powerful message to employees about the company’s commitment to their well-being.

This fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances teamwork, collaboration and overall job satisfaction.

As health-care costs continue to rise, preventing illness through wellness programs is becoming a cost-effective strategy. Healthy employees lead to lower health-care expenses, reduced turnover costs, reduced absenteeism and ultimately contribute to a more robust bottom line.

In this edition of the MBA Business Magazine, we’ll explore the many programs and services that can assist employees — and their families — with their health-care needs. This

includes the addition of the new UPMC Children’s pediatric inpatient unit at UPMC Hamot and expanded outpatient services located at the UPMC Children’s Specialty Care Center – Erie inside UPMC Magee-Womens.

Plus, we’ll hear from Workpartners about the increasing need for employee assistance programs (EAP) as part of employee benefits packages today.

Be sure to check out our other expert articles on employee health information and how to manage the winter blues, as well as our quick, one-minute workout that you can start today.

To learn more about how the MBA can assist your organization in the area of employee health and wellness through EAPs, benefits and more, visit mbausa.org.

PRIORITIZE A HEALTHY WORKPLACE mbabizmag.com • FEBRUARY 2024

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COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE

UPMC Children’s in Erie

Dedicated Pediatric Unit, Expanded Specialty Services Means Top Care Closer to Home Caring for a sick child can be a heart-wrenching experience.

Being able to access the highest quality of care close to home can certainly help.

Experts say not only can proximity to top care lead to better outcomes, but it can also provide practical, emotional and financial benefits for families — and a more supportive and integrated health-care experience within the community.

UPMC recognizes this and has made great strides to advance pediatric care in the region with the addition of the UPMC Children’s pediatric inpatient unit at UPMC Hamot and expanded outpatient services located at the UPMC Children’s Specialty Care Center – Erie inside UPMC Magee-Womens.

The integration of a dedicated pediatric unit within UPMC Hamot signifies a commitment to providing comprehensive and specialized care

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for children, ensuring that the youngest members of the community receive the highest quality medical attention.

According to Lynn Rupp, UPMC Hamot’s vice president of Administrative Services, the expansion has been a gradual evolution. ”It was always UPMC’s plan when they integrated with Hamot that we would look to grow and gain services in Erie County to keep the care here,” she says.

“We have done a lot with the development of women’s services, and now we’re taking pediatric services to the next level of UPMC Children’s.”

Today, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is recognized not only regionally but nationally for its medical care. In 2023,

UPMC Children’s Hospital was once again named to U.S. News & World Report’s Honor Roll of Best Children’s Hospitals — one of only 10 children’s hospitals in the country to earn this recognition.

“We are fortunate to be a top 10 pediatric hospital in the nation and we’re so proud of that,” explains Diane Hupp, president of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. “But our mission is to

The new pediatric unit incorporates a playroom, colorful decor and interactive elements to create a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere.

Hospital officials gathered for the official ribbon cutting at the UPMC Children’s pediatric inpatient unit at UPMC Hamot in November 2023. From left are: Dale King, M.D., medical director for pediatric services and pediatric gastroenterology specialist at UPMC Children’s Specialty Care Center - Erie; Michael Comunale, vice president of UPMC Children’s; Diane Hupp, president of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh; Brian Durniok, president of UPMC Hamot; Lynn Rupp, vice president of Administrative Services at UPMC Hamot; Kathleen Stark, D.O., division chief of pediatric hospitalist medicine; and Emma Mack, clinical director of nursing, UPMC Magee-Womens.

take care of every child we can in the best possible way, delivering top ranked quality pediatric care. With that, our goal is to keep children in their towns and home regions.”

The new unit adds to the strong complement of care already available to pediatric patients at UPMC Hamot by expanding access to specialty care and streamlining care for children treated in the hospital’s Emergency Department.

“When a child comes to our Emergency Department, we want them to have as much access as possible to subspecialists onsite, so they stay in Erie for care," explains Rupp.

Kathleen Stark, D.O., division chief of pediatric hospitalist medicine, has been instrumental in the efforts to expand the Erie hospital’s pediatric medical services.

As Hamot’s first pediatric hospitalist, she was pivotal in the development of UPMC Hamot’s inpatient physician group.

This team, formed in 2017, now employs Dr. Stark, along with three full-time pediatricians. She has worked tirelessly with Children’s to devise protocols that standardized pediatric care delivered at all UPMC facilities.

Erie, the nine-bed pediatric unit provides care to children and their families throughout northwest Pennsylvania and southwestern New York.

The unit, which features cutting-edge medical equipment and child-friendly spaces, is designed to minimize stress and anxiety, and create an environment conducive to healing. It is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, allowing health-care professionals to conduct thorough assessments and provide accurate diagnoses. The tools are often hidden from plain sight — tucked behind paintings, for instance — creating a more comfortable and engaging experience for young patients.

The design of the new unit also reflects a child-centric approach, acknowledging the unique needs and sensitivities of pediatric patients. The hospital has incorporated a playroom, colorful decor and interactive elements to create a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere.

“Our hope is that with this partnership we can keep Erie’s best-kept secret from being a secret,” she says. “We want to help those regional transfer patients who need expert inpatient care here in Erie, closer to their communities.”

Administrators explain that the childfriendly environment goes beyond aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in the emotional well-being of young patients, contributing to their overall healing process.

Dedicated Inpatient Pediatric Care Located on the fifth floor of UPMC Magee-Womens on East 2nd Street in

“Being in a hospital is probably one of the scariest times for kids,” explains Hupp.

“This helps them feel as if they’re not in a scary place.”

UPMC Children’s nurses in Pittsburgh work with the pediatric nurses at UPMC Hamot through shared standards of care, policies and procedures, and clincial effectiveness guidelines for pediatrics. The team also includes a master’s-prepared child life specialist, who provides emotional support and education to help patients and families cope with being in the hospital.

According to experts, the consistency in providing standardized care leads to better patient outcomes. “Evidence has shown us that,” explains Hupp, “so we are working side by side with physicians on key diagnoses. The very common diagnoses that we see in pediatrics, like asthma, bronchiolitis and gastrointestinal issues, are what brings children into the hospital, even if it’s just for 24, 48 or 72 hours. But we want that care to be standardized.”

More Specialty Care Services The significance of the new pediatric unit extends beyond general medical care to specialty services that address a wide range of pediatric health issues. The availability of specialized care close to home is a game-changer for families in Erie and the surrounding areas.

UPMC Hamot and UPMC Children’s have worked closely over the past two years to reduce the number of children who are transferred out of town for pediatric 

Left: Cory Gotowka, D.O., a pediatric hospitalist, examines a patient in the new UPMC Children’s inpatient unit at UPMC Hamot. Many of the diagnostic tools are hidden in plain sight, behind local artwork, to make the hospital experience less frightening.

Right: The new pediatric unit is tailored to the area�s youngest patients, including gaming systems in each room.

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Today, most pediatric patients in northwest Pennsylvania can now stay in town for specialty care. There are more than a dozen pediatric specialties available through UPMC Children’s Specialty Care Center - Erie. Shown here is a patient with Dale King, M.D.

all of those expand,” he says. “The idea is to get the foundation established with the primary care and pediatric hospitalist medicine, and build from there.”

care. The new pediatric unit and expanded specialty services for children makes that a reality.

to highly skilled specialists who provide outpatient services, including diagnostic evaluations and follow-up care.

“We know that over the past year we’ve had close to 7,000 patients travel to Pittsburgh to receive pediatric specialty care. Our goal is to keep many of those children back in their hometown, making it easier on them and their families, while still receiving top-notch pediatric care,” says Hupp.

Specialty services in Erie include: allergy, diabetes, endocrinology, hematology, genetics, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery, pulmonary medicine, cardiology, telenutrition, Down syndrome clinic and child advocacy. During the past two years, the hospital hired two full-time pediatric cardiologists and a pediatric gastrointestinal specialist to see patients at the pediatric outpatient clinic.

For example, a child with gastroenteritis, an asthma exacerbation, or a routine pediatric illness — those who don’t need an intensive care unit (ICU) — can now be cared for locally instead of being transferred out of town.

Another big benefit is the accessibility to infusions. Instead of traveling to Pittsburgh for treatment, UPMC Hamot can provide infusions for pediatric patients who have idiopathic juvenile arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or immunodeficiencies. Previously, pediatric infusion patients were traveling two hours to Pittsburgh and spending a few more hours hooked up to an IV before traveling back home.

“We want to keep our kids in the community,” explains Stark. “Our hope is that through the affiliation with UPMC Children’s, we can bring in more subspecialists into the inpatient side.”

Currently, UPMC Hamot has telemedicine services for many of the pediatric subspecialties, which has been extremely helpful.

“But the more we can build and have those subspecialists seeing patients in person on our pediatric floor, the better we’ll be able to take care of even a very medically complex patient,” adds Stark. “We can take care of everything that does not need an ICU.” Today, there are more than a dozen pediatric subspecialties available through UPMC Children’s Specialty Care Center – Erie. The office provides convenient access

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Hupp says the availability of such services can remove challenges often associated with traveling for treatment. “I talked to a parent whose son has been treated for years with congenital heart anomalies.

Having the cardiologist right here at Hamot is a game-changer for her.”

Dale King, M.D., medical director for pediatric services and pediatric gastroenterology specialist at UPMC Children’s Specialty Care Center, had been traveling back and forth to provide outpatient GI services for the past 12 years. He introduced endoscopy clinics in 2022 and then moved to Erie full time in 2023. In his new role as medical director, he oversees the broader expansion of pediatric services in the region — from Meadville to southwestern New York and northeast Ohio.

“It’s not just subspecialities, but it’s primary care, hospitalists and other services that support them — psychologists and social workers — I would love to see

According to King, the ultimate goal is to continue to grow the Children’s facility in Erie. “We’ve got the inpatient unit with the hospitalists, and we have all the major subspecialties represented. We have a very solid foundation in primary care and general pediatrics,” he says. “The long-term vision would be eventually for this to be recognized as a mini UPMC Children’s that can offer a lot of what the main campus can offer.”

As families in Erie and the surrounding areas navigate the complexities of pediatric health, the presence of a worldclass pediatric facility close to home is a beacon of hope. The positive impact of this development extends beyond medical treatment, fostering a sense of community, collaboration, and support for families facing pediatric health challenges.

UPMC Children’s in Erie has not only elevated the standard of pediatric care but has also become an integral part of the fabric of the Erie community, nurturing the health and well-being of its youngest residents.

“Our plan is to continue to invest and grow in additional subspecialties, additional research and additional services, increasing our level of care as we see the needs,” states Rupp. “Our plan is to continue to grow and keep higher level of acuity of kids right here in town, and this is just the beginning.”

For more information, visit UPMCHamot.com/Childrens.

This is a paid advertorial by UPMC.

The UPMC Children’s Specialty Care Center is located on the first floor of UPMC Magee-Womens in Erie.

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Learn more about how the Y can help your team learn, grow and thrive through our classes and programs – in our locations or on the go at Y360.

To engage your team in volunteering or to partner on any of our 2024 Special Events or Sponsorship Opportunities, contact Deanna Renaud at drenaud@ymcaerie.org or call (814) 452-1432 x1252.

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SPOTLIGHT Q&A| RESOURCES

Why Employee Assistance Programs Are Becoming a Necessary Benefit When it comes to health and wellness in the workplace, experts agree that there is a direct correlation between an employee’s mental health and his or her performance at work. Here, James Kinville, senior director for Workpartners’ LifeSolutions Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is designed for employees and members of their households, discusses the importance of EAPs as an increasingly valuable benefit plan option in 2024.

Workpartners has been a longtime partner of the MBA when it comes to employee assistance programs (EAPs). What is the financial incentive for MBA members to participate?

Workpartners and the MBA have partnered for the past eight years. Through this partnership, MBA members have access to an exclusive 10-percent discount on EAP services provided

by Workpartners.

What exactly is an EAP and how does it work?

An EAP is a collection of programs and services, run by various experts, licensed professionals, and qualified individuals that support employees and their household members with personal and workplace issues. Services are private and confidential and available at no cost to the employee or household member.

Why are EAPs gaining ground as a critical part of an employee’s benefits package?

Today, employees and employers are more open than ever to talking about mental health and wellbeing, and many organizations purposefully seek to create an atmosphere of mental health and well-being for their employees. Post-pandemic, it has become clear that its effects will be long-lasting. The crisis has exacerbated mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and substance use disorders, as millions face increased stress around health, work and family.

As a result, demand for more comprehensive and accessible mental and behavioral health solutions is on the rise. Remarkably, 35 million Americans who haven’t done so in the past will be seeking some level of behavioral health support. The pandemic has forced employers

and leadership to create a culture of support around mental well-being.

What sets Workpartners’ EAP services apart from other resources?

Workpartners understands that employees are more than just their roles at work. Today, we all face numerous challenges, such as finding childcare, managing resources for elder care, handling college debt, or facing stress at home or work. To meet the challenges of our extraordinary times, Workpartners has built an EAP that is flexible, proactive, and socially conscious to offer real solutions to today’s most pressing concerns.

• We have a clinical first model, meaning our calls are answered 24/7 by a mental health clinician who can assess callers for a variety of mental well-being needs.

• We are available anywhere, anyway, any time.

We provide coaching/counseling via several modalities — in person, telephonic, virtual and texting.

• We have roots in UPMC and access to UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital and UPMC Western Behavioral Health and UPMC Community Care Behavioral Health.

• We have been delivering services for 40 years.

What are the benefits of EAPs for employers and employees?

About 200 million workdays are lost each year due to depression, costing businesses $17 billion to $44 billion. An EAP helps employers reduce their healthcare expenses and workers’ compensation costs, decrease absenteeism, reduce injuries, and enable injured workers or those on leave to return to work faster.

An EAP offers support for: • Mental health challenges, like depression, anxiety and stress • Substance or alcohol misuse • Health coaching • Finding child or elder care options • Financial or legal services • Access to our digital health solution, RxWell

Leaders, managers and HR can receive guidance and support with organizational changes, responding to traumatic events, coaching, and resolving workplace conflicts.

We also offer Mental Health First Aid Training, Mindfulness Programs, and a Coaching Course for new or seasoned leaders.

• We provide integration with wellness, workers’ comp, leave and absence.

How can MBA members learn more about Workpartners’ LifeSolutions EAP services?

• We boast a 97-percent retention rate, serving 13,000 organizations.

To learn more, visit workpartners.com/ advocacy/employee-assistance-programs/.

• We have 12 proprietary clinical offices, a very large network of contracted affiliates, a partnership with BetterHelp, and we can support organizations with employees who are abroad.

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LEGAL BRIEF | PRIVACY

Can You Disclose an Employee’s Health Condition to Your Staff? regulations, including: 1) supervisors and managers who need to know the necessary restrictions on the employee’s duties and necessary accommodations; 2) first aid and safety personnel who need to be informed should emergency treatment of the employee become necessary; and 3) government officials who need the information to investigate compliance with the ADA. Similarly, there are privacy rules that employers must follow under the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).

The FMLA requires employers to keep employee health information confidential in virtually the same way as the ADA. All health information exchanged while facilitating FMLA leave must be placed in the employee’s confidential medical file.

Lauren A. Holler is a labor and employment attorney at MacDonald Illig where she helps a variety of public, private, and nonprofit employers develop mutually beneficial labor relations with employees.

The issue of what employers can reveal about an employee’s health condition is not new. After all, employers are often privy to employee health information.

Information is most commonly exchanged in relation to a work-related injury or when an employee requests medical leave or a disability accommodation. In these instances, many would say it is considerate to be concerned about a co-worker’s health. It is almost second nature to ask questions like “are they OK,” “what is wrong,” and “when are they returning to work.” However, by answering even well-intentioned questions, employers can accidentally run afoul of the understandably confusing laws affecting workplace confidentiality. This article attempts to clarify the obligations of employers when dealing with employee health information.

The Laws Contrary to popular belief, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) generally does not apply to employee health information maintained by employers.

This means that employers, in most circumstances, do not have to implement measures to protect the privacy of personal health information pursuant to HIPAA. Nonetheless, privacy rules under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) restrict employers from sharing personal health information of an employee. When an employer obtains personal health information from a disability-related inquiry, medical examination or voluntary disclosure from the employee, the employer is required to treat that information as a confidential medical record.

The ADA requires employers to maintain this information in a confidential medical file that is kept separate from the employee’s personnel file. Comingling of medical and personnel files violates the ADA. The employee medical file should be accessible only to designated human resource personnel on a need-to-know basis. Employee health information may be disclosed only in limited situations and to individuals specifically outlined in the ADA’s

As a general rule with very narrow exceptions, employers should never request genetic information from an employee. But in the event genetic information is inadvertently obtained or otherwise lawfully acquired, GINA requires employers to treat an employee’s genetic information as a confidential medical record. It must only be disclosed pursuant to court order or to government officials who are investigating compliance with GINA. Genetic information can be maintained in the same confidential medical file as disability-related health information.

The Bottom Line Employers should never disclose an employee’s health information to co-workers or others without pausing to carefully assess the situation. Improper sharing of information could lead to violations of the ADA, FMLA, GINA and other laws. Notwithstanding these laws, employers may disclose employee health information with an employee’s express or written authorization. Even with authorization, requests should be examined closely and disclosure limited.

Human resource personnel, supervisors and managers should be educated on these laws so they can safeguard employee health information and limit employer risk.

For more information, contact Attorney Lauren A. Holler at 814/870-7605 or lholler@mijb.com.

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BUSINESS BUZZ | WHAT’S NEW ERIE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION DONATES $30K IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL HUNGER AWARENESS AND FOOD ASSISTANCE For the fourth year in a row, Erie Federal Credit Union (EFCU) has held its “Give Hope – Feed the Need” campaign in support of local hunger awareness and food assistance.

Once again, $30,000 was distributed to 10 Erie area organizations: • Meals on Wheels • Erie Salvation Army • Emmaus Soup Kitchen • Community of Caring • St. Martin Center, Inc. • Erie Martin Luther King Center • Home House of Erie Food Pantry • Lake Erie Food Rescue • Edinboro Food Pantry • Northeast Community Food Pantry Each of these amazing organizations received a $3,000 check to be used for programs affiliated with supplying meals, nourishment and warm companionship to families and individuals who will be affected this winter.

Since its inception in 1936, Erie Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Northwest PA, has been serving its members in and around the Erie, Pennsylvania area. Erie FCU has grown its membership to over 76,000 with assets of more than $775 million with over 200 full and part time employees with a corporate office and 9 branch locations. As a fullservice, federally insured credit union, anyone that lives, works, worships, or attends school in Erie or Crawford County is eligible to join.

For more information, visit eriefcu.org.

Erie Federal Credit Union once again donated $30,000 to 10 Erie area nonprofit organizations. Shown are several of the programs to benefit from the campaign.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE AWARDS MORE THAN $881 MILLION IN MULTIPLE CORE CONTRACTS TO FEDERAL RESOURCES CORPORATION

The Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA) and Bureau of Global Talent Management (GTM) offices have awarded three 5-year firm fixed price (FFP) contracts to Federal Resources Corporation (FRC) for direct Technical and Functional Support Services, Software as a Service (SaaS), and Hardware in direct support of the Government Modernization of its Communications and Marketing Platforms. The contracts include: 1. Technical and Functional Support Services, Software as a Service (SaaS), and Hardware for $378 million over 5 years.

2. Technical and Functional Support Services, Software as a Service (SaaS), and Hardware for $382.385 million over 5 years.

3. Software, hardware, and all-personnel equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision and other items necessary to support services for GTM Recruitment for $121 million over 5 years.

According to a press release, FRC will support the Mission of GPA to effectively communicate U.S. foreign policy priorities and the importance of diplomacy to American audiences and engage foreign public audiences to enhance their understanding of and support for the values and policies of the United States.

“As a Mission-Focused Aggregator, FRC will enable GPA to streamline and improve governance processes, enhance interoffice coordination and external outreach, and support the team across all areas,” says Jeremy Young, FRC chief executive officer. “It will also allow GPA to implement emerging digital tools and capabilities, and integrate data-driven insights into foreign policy communications.”

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FRC is a provider of cybersecurity solutions and professional services designed to empower the federal government through its consultative, comprehensive and collaborative approach tailored to meet unique requirements. The company provides a diverse range of services, including cloud migration, process reengineering, HR Modernization, and security assessments.

For more information, visit fedresources.com.

DCED INVESTS $71,500 FOR UPGRADES TO ST. ANN’S CAMPUS OF SARAH A. REED CHILDREN’S CENTER

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Community Affairs and Development Rick Vilello announced a $71,500 investment in Erie from tax credit dollars during a tour of the St. Ann’s campus of the Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center, which will use a recently announced Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) award to renovate the campus.

The Center will be replacing the roofs over our main St. Ann’s building and north gym with these funds thanks to the PA DCED, NAP, and generous corporate donors — UPMC Health Plan, C.A. Curtze Co. and Knox Law. These three corporate donors have committed a total of $130,000 towards this project.

The Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center has been providing treatment of traumatized and troubled children for over 150 years in Erie. Sarah Reed’s St. Ann’s Campus is home to the Sanctuary® Education for Learning Fundamentals Program (SELF) and the Sanctuary® Based Learning Program (SBLP), which serve children in grades 3–12 from the Erie City School District.

For more information, visit sarahreed.org.

PEOPLE BUZZ | AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS HIGHMARK HEALTH ANNOUNCES FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS AT ALLEGHENY HEALTH NETWORK, ENGEN

Highmark Health recently announced the appointment of new financial leadership at two of its subsidiary organizations, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and enGen. Brian Devine, most recently the chief financial officer for enGen, has been named AHN’s new CFO, and Melissa Stephens Williamson, most recently the senior vice president for Strategic Programs and Operations for Highmark Health, will succeed Devine as enGen’s CFO. AHN is a western Pennsylvania-based health care provider system, and enGen (formerly HM Health Solutions) is a Pittsburghbased health technologies company.

As CFO for AHN, Devine will report to AHN President Jim Benedict and oversee the network’s financial performance, including direction of its accounting and revenue cycle operations, budget planning, and capital investments. In her new capacity, Stephens Williamson will maintain her responsibilities for Highmark Health strategic enablement & business planning, enterprise program & project management, and technology & operations finance, with dual reporting accountabilities to Karen Hanlon, Highmark Health chief operating officer, and Mick Malec, enGen CEO and Enterprise Technology & Operations officer.

“Both Brian and Melissa are exceptionally talented and proven financial leaders within the health care industry, and both have a deep understanding of our organization and the challenges and opportunities we face,” said Carl Daley, Highmark Health’s CFO. “I look forward to collaborating with them in their new roles as we work together to implement our Living Health model by enhancing the consumer experience and creating a more engaging, effective and affordable approach to health care.”

In addition to his role as CFO and senior vice president of Finance and Commercialization for enGen, Devine has held several other important leadership positions at AHN, Highmark Inc., and Highmark Health, including director of the Highmark Health Strategy and Transformation Office; vice president, Financial Operations for Highmark Health, where he held the role of CFO and treasurer for the Healthcare@Home business; and vice president of Finance for AHN. His career spans more than 20 years, most of it spent at Highmark Health and its subsidiaries.

Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org) is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region.

The Network is composed of 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home and community-based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization.

YMCA OF GREATER ERIE ANNOUNCES NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The YMCA of Greater Erie Board of Directors announced that Jim McEldowney has been appointed as the new chief executive officer for the YMCA of Greater Erie.

“The YMCA of Greater Erie is excited to welcome Jim into this new role and we look forward to everything that he will accomplish, not only for the Y, but for the Erie Community as well,” said Julie Wilson, YMCA of Greater Erie chairwoman, in a press release. Wilson served as chair for the adhoc search committee that worked with Y-USA to conduct a nationwide CEO search.

McEldowney previously served as chief operating officer for the YMCA of Greater Erie and as executive director of the Glenwood location. He has extensive YMCA knowledge and is an accomplished and passionate leader with an unparalleled commitment to community and economic development.

With almost 30 years of experience in serving the YMCA of Greater Erie, McEldowney has inspired the Y with the exceptional qualities that he will bring to the helm of the organization.

McEldowney has an impressive track record of executing significant initiatives that have made the YMCA of Greater Erie better for the Erie Community. His work across the private and nonprofit sectors makes him the ideal choice to lead as the Y continues to fulfill our mission of fostering opportunity for all.

LECOM’S HUNTER-PETTERSEN NAMED TO CITY & STATE PENNSYLVANIA’S 2023 IMPACT 75 LIST The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) recently announced that faculty member Teresa Hunter-Pettersen, M.D., M.P.A., M.S., has been named an honoree of the 2023 City & State Pennsylvania Impact 75.

The list is comprised of citizens who have helped to make communities in the Commonwealth more equitable, sustainable and prosperous. To be selected for the Impact 75 list, nominees must be considered an “influential difference-maker.”

Hunter-Pettersen is an associate professor of medical education and LECOM’s institutional director of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

She began teaching at LECOM Bradenton in 2007 and has served LECOM for over 18 years in several different capacities.

Hunter-Pettersen is passionate about equity for all, and this is shown through the tremendous work she has done to promote inclusivity throughout LECOM. Hunter-Pettersen has also been involved in Type 2 Diabetes research, a disease more prevalent among communities of color.

After completing her Bachelor of Science in biology at St. Joseph’s college, HunterPettersen went on to pursue her medical degree at La Universidad del Noreste.

She obtained her MPA in health service management at New York University, then received her master’s in medical education from LECOM.

“I am so blessed to have been part of the YMCA of Greater Erie for the past 30 years. I look forward to leading our wonderful staff and volunteers in helping to make a difference in the Erie Community,” said McEldowney.

In addition, the Y announced Zach Miller as the new executive director of the Downtown location.

Miller has been with the Y for more than 12 years and served as the executive director of the County YMCA in Edinboro for the last seven years. In his new role, Miller will oversee operations of the Downtown Y, including the Teen Center.

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14 FEBRUARY 2024 • mbabizmag.com

ON THE HILL | REVITALIZATION

Setting the Record Straight On PA’s Economic Growth and the Environment Jeff Nobers is the executive director of the Builders Guild of Western PA and Pittsburgh Works Together.

Pittsburgh Works Together, an alliance of companies and labor unions in the energy, manufacturing and construction industries, launched in March 2020 to provide data and analysis to lawmakers, the media and public about our role in the economy.

Our industries are at the foundation of modern society and provide economic opportunities for all. But these critical industries seem to be under constant attack.

Our hallmark research report, recently published for the fourth consecutive year, concerns the air quality in the sevencounty Pittsburgh region centered on Allegheny County. Environmental groups routinely claim the air quality in the region is among the worst in the country and want to solve the “problem” by shutting down industry.

Our research, using the very data compiled and used by federal, state and local regulatory agencies, tells a different story. The data shows the region’s air to be typical of urban regions across the country, better than some, worse than others.

You’d never know it from the headlines, but the home counties of Austin, San Diego, and Seattle have worse air

quality than Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, according to the most recent Environmental Protection Agency data.

Why do most environmental and healthoriented groups ignore this readily available, public data? Perhaps fund-raising and the desire for media coverage have something to do with it.

Most recently, we took environmental groups such as PennFuture to task in an op-ed published by the Pittsburgh PostGazette as they celebrated their scuttling of plans for a natural-gas power plant in southern Allegheny County.

We specifically noted that these groups never discuss or disclose the true cost of trusting our energy supply to a thus far unreliable and expensive technology, renewables. They also don’t like to discuss the rising energy rates that tend to come along with solar and wind-generated power.

Perhaps most significant is what it would take for solar or wind to equal the output of the natural gas-fired power plant that was shelved. Our co-chair, Tom Melcher, business manager of the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades noted in the op-ed:

“Invenergy’s 639-megawatt power plant would have reliably powered half a million homes by producing six hundred times more electricity than a solar farm on that same 15acre site, which is about the size of Acrisure Stadium.

For a solar plant to produce as much electricity over the course of the year would require 14 square miles — roughly every inch of land between

the Allegheny and Mon rivers from the Point to the Pittsburgh Zoo. And of course, storage and meeting peak demand would remain serious issues.”

These are just a few examples of Pittsburgh Works Together taking publicly available facts and data from regulatory agencies and industry to put issues in the proper context.

The primary focus of our corporate and union members is on the economic growth we can achieve by using our unparalleled advantage of natural gas and abundant water to attract and expand business. To do that, we need to eliminate job- and development-killing regulations and policies that have allowed neighboring states like Ohio and West Virginia to outpace us when it comes to business development and private investment.

By addressing these issues, we can then turn the table and provide familysustaining job growth and reverse our declining population trends.

We recognize that we face many social issues, but we believe the best first step to combating those issues is to provide robust economic and job opportunities to all, no matter where they live or what level of education they possess.

We have a generational opportunity to revitalize our region and state but it’s a window that will be open for a short period of time. The time to act is now.

To learn more about Pittsburgh Works Together and access our research briefs and reports, visit pghworks.com.

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1858 West Grandview Blvd.

Erie, PA 16509 As a national leader in osteopathic medical education and health-care innovation, LECOM Health has a major impact on the tri-state region.

Shown here is the Peach Street Campus in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania

Phone: 814/866-4400 Website: lecomhealth.com

COMPANY PROFILE

LECOM Health Remains at the Forefront of Education, Innovation and Transformation LECOM Health is the nation’s only osteopathic academic health center and at its core is the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), the largest medical school in the United States. Founded in 1992, the college was established to help meet the need for physicians to practice in underserved areas across Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Since then, LECOM has added a School of Pharmacy, School of Dental Medicine, School of Health Services Administration, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and most recently a School of Podiatric Medicine.

LECOM recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and over three decades has realized its foundational promise under the direction of President and CEO John M. Ferretti, D.O., who has established, expanded and advanced the mission of LECOM and LECOM Health.

Today, LECOM Health employs more than 2,900 people, including more than 2,300 in the Erie region, and has an annual economic impact of more than $1.4 billion nationally.

The LECOM Health footprint stretches throughout the tri-state area of Northwest Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and Western New York.

Physician Network Medical Associates of Erie — the clinical practice network of LECOM Health physicians — consists of 20 locations and provides access to specialists offering personalized, osteopathic care to their patients.

Aligned with its mission of providing care to underserved areas, LECOM Health operates Corry

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Memorial Hospital, and four rural health clinics located in Corry and Union City, Pennsylvania; Clymer, New York; and Ashtabula, Ohio.

Senior Services The LECOM Institute for Successful Aging provides a comprehensive approach to wellness for older adults. As a nationally recognized leader in integrated health care, the Institute provides residents and patients a full continuum of care including geriatric physician offices, senior living facilities, in-home services and more.

LECOM Health currently operates 10 senior living communities in Northwest Pennsylvania, featuring the newest state-of-the-art skilled nursing facility in the region, the LECOM Senior Living Center, along with the Parkside network of independent and personal care communities.

Behavioral Care LECOM Health has grown to become the third largest behavioral health-care provider in Pennsylvania, and the largest provider of outpatient services in Northwest Pennsylvania.

Psychiatric care and therapeutic services are available for all ages through the Achievement Center of LECOM Health, Corry Counseling Services, and the LECOM Institute for Behavioral Health.

Home Health and Hospice The Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Erie County, is a partnership of LECOM Health and Allegheny Health Network. The VNA provides home health and hospice services to Erie County residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Wound Care The LECOM Institute for Advanced Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine located inside Millcreek Community Hospital has consistently been recognized as a Center of Distinction and specializes in the treatment of non-healing, chronic wounds.

Vaccination Education Since 2020, LECOM Health has become the region’s leader in vaccination education, distribution and infectious disease control. The LECOM Center for Health & Aging functions as a Vaccination Testing & Treatment Center providing educational resources, vaccines and treatments for COVID, influenza and RSV. Pharmacy Services Colonial Family Pharmacy of LECOM Health has two Erie locations and are the only pharmacies in the region to still offer free home delivery of prescriptions.

Same-Day Surgical Care In 2024, the LECOM Ambulatory Surgery Center will open on Peach Street in Erie. This 23,000-squarefoot facility will provide same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures.

Hospital Expansion LECOM is currently expanding Millcreek Community Hospital as it continues to meet the needs of the region. The expansion of 34,000-square feet across two stories includes a new emergency room, an intensive care unit, and a state-of-the-art cardiovascular laboratory.

The well-equipped space will address community behavioral health needs and medical-surgical emergencies and will aid in infection control in the event of a future pandemic.

Looking Ahead From its humble beginnings over 30 years ago, LECOM Health continues its growth as a national leader in osteopathic medical education and remains at the forefront of health-care innovation and transformation throughout the tri-state area.

HR CONNECTION | WORKPLACE TRENDS SURVEY SHOWS CONTINUING UPTICK IN WORKFORCE MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS Mental health needs among workforces continued to climb in 2023, with 77 percent of large employers reporting an increase and another 16 percent anticipating one in the future, according to Business Group on Health’s 2024 Large Employer Health Care Strategy Survey.

This represents a 33 percentage-point surge over 2022, when 44 percent of employers saw an increase in employee mental health concerns.

Managing the Winter Blues Managers have a lot of responsibilities. They oversee employee production, efficiency, safety, attendance, deadlines, development, morale — the list goes on and on. The months of November and December can provide some relief and can be a nice distraction as we all enjoy the holiday season, but what happens when the holidays are over? January through March, the winter season, which brings with it colder weather and less daylight can take a toll on many. The pressure to accomplish more in these months, coupled with the fallout from the holiday season and financial pressures of a new year, causes people to struggle with their mental well-being.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a recurring, seasonal depression that typically peaks during these months, can also play a role in declining mental health levels. SAD affects around 10 million people in the United States, and women are more likely to be diagnosed, according to Psychology Today. Seasonal affective disorder symptoms range from difficulty concentrating, to changes in appetite and depressed mood, according to the American Psychiatric Association. It may also include thoughts of death or suicide, changes in sleep and feelings of guilt.

During these difficult months, leaders in your organization need to make a conscious effort to check in on their employees. Be on the lookout for low or negative moods, loss of interest and lack of motivation which are also major signs of depression.

Simply asking, “How are you?”, “How are you feeling?”, “Is there anything you need?” can be a step in the right direction. Talk to leadership about encouraging your staff to engage in self-care, which includes staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, sleeping enough and incorporating some sort of physical activity in their daily routing.

For employees who work from home and lead sedentary lifestyles, it’s important to move around during the day, even if it’s just taking a walk or doing a five-minute stretch. The workplace culture would also benefit from holding planned staff events, team building or employee outings to break up the winter doldrums and provide an emotional jump-start to the new year. Remember: It’s not just a great resolution, but also a big boost for your organization too.

Tracy Daggett, PHR, is the manager of Professional Development Training Services at the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact him at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or tdaggett@mbausa.org.

The Business Group survey, released recently in Washington, D.C., also showed that cancer was still the top driver of large companies’ health-care costs while rising prescription drug costs also proved to be a leading concern.

Yet as businesses respond to the increase in mental health needs, grapple with soaring health care costs and address issues of health equity and affordability, they will continue to invest strategically in diverse health and well-being offerings for the year ahead, the survey also showed.

“Our survey found that in 2024 and for the near future, employers will be acutely focused on addressing employees’ mental health needs while ensuring access and lowering cost barriers,” said Ellen Kelsay, president and CEO of Business Group on Health.

A total of 152 large employers across varied industries, who together cover more than 19 million people in the United States, completed the survey between June 1, 2023, and July 18, 2023.

SAFETY COUNCIL LISTS TOP 10 OSHA VIOLATIONS OF 2023

The National Safety Council recently released the Top 10 OSHA violations for the year, the most frequently cited standards following inspections of worksites by federal OSHA for all industries.

These violations are published to alert employers about these commonly cited standards so they can take steps to find and fix recognized hazards addressed in these and other standards before OSHA shows up. The top 10 most frequently cited standards for the fiscal year 2023 (October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023) are: • Fall Protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501) – 7,121 violations • Hazard Communication, general industry (29 CFR 1910.1200) – 3,213 violations • Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053) – 2,978 violations • Scaffolding, construction (29 CFR 1926.451) – 2,859 violations • Powered Industrial Trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178) – 2,561 violations • Lockout/tagout, general industry (29 CFR 1910.147) – 2,554 violations • Respiratory Protection, general industry (29 CFR 1910.134) – 2,481 violations • Fall Protection Training, construction (29 CFR 1926.503) – 2,112 violations • Eye and Face Protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.102) – 2,074 violations • Machinery and Machine Guarding, general industry (29 CFR 1910.212) – 1,644 violations.

To stay updated on the latest OSHA regulations and guidance, visit osha.gov. mbabizmag.com mbabizmag.com •• FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2024

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HR Q&A | GET ANSWERS WHAT ARE SOME EASY WAYS TO INCORPORATE MOVEMENT INTO THE WORKDAY?

Here are a few simple ways to consider to keep your body moving during the workday: • Stand while talking on the phone or while eating lunch.

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator, when possible.

• Go for brief walks as often as possible.

• Consider sit-to-stand desk options, when possible.

• Walk or go to the gym during your break, when possible.

• Replace desk chairs with an exercise ball for all-day core strengthening and reduced stress on the lower back.

HAVE AN HR QUESTION? THE MBA CAN HELP!

The MBA knows that urgent employment issues can arise at a moment’s notice.

Members can call our certified HR specialists and labor and employment law attorneys anytime, at no charge for counsel on a broad range of workplace-related issues including: • Hiring and firing practices • Company policies • Compensation and benefits • Employment law • Employment agreements • Workers’ compensation • Affirmative Action Plans • Unemployment compensation claims • Employee handbook policies • OSHA compliance • Sexual harassment • Family Medical Leave Act • COBRA • Americans with Disabilities Act Call today at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660, or email hrservices@mbausa.org.

Make Time to Exercise

With One-Minute Office Workouts

Even if a job requires sitting for eight or more hours, there are a few ways to combat the effects of prolonged sitting with a variety of one-minute office workouts — right at your desk — to keep active and improve your strength and flexibility.

For Lower Body Strength Sit in your chair. Extend one leg out in front of you. Hold it straight for five seconds. Raise it as high as you can and hold for five more seconds. Switch legs and repeat, for a total of three times on each side.

For Your Core and Arms Sit in your chair with your legs crossed in front of you (like a pretzel), and your feet on the seat. Place your hands on the armrests, engage your core and raise yourself a couple inches above the seat. Hold for 10 seconds. Rest a few seconds, and repeat five more times.

For Your Biceps Sit tall with your abs pulled in. Hold a dumbbell or filled water bottle in one hand, with your arm stretched out straight and your palm facing the ceiling. Curl it up towards your shoulder and then back to the starting position 15 times. Alternate arms, and repeat.

To Stretch Stiff Muscles and Relieve Tension Sit straight, facing forward. Turn your head to the left while turning your torso to the right.

Hold for 5 seconds. Keep alternating sides for a total of 60 seconds.

Every Little Bit Counts The impact of movement — even a leisurely walk — can be compelling. The muscle activity needed to move the body triggers important processes related to the breakdown of fats and sugars. This burns more calories, which can lead to weight loss and increased energy. In contrast, these processes stall when sitting, and health risks increase. Standing and actively moving kicks the body’s vital processes back into action.

Remember to consult with a doctor before starting any type of exercise regimen.

Rose Bruno, PHR, SHRM-CP, is an HR consultant at the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or rbruno@mbausa.org.

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THE NATIONAL DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM 2545 West 26th Street Erie, PA 16506 Phone: 814/455-0995 Website: sightcenternwpa.org

The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a year-long lifestyle change program that is clinically proven to reverse pre-diabetes. Shown here is a current participant only five months into the program.

COMPANY PROFILE

Your Unhealthy Workforce: The Cost & The Cure People with diagnosed diabetes now account for one in every four health-care dollars spent in America. Over the past decade, medical costs for individuals have increased by 35 percent related to diabetes treatments. That is a terrifying prospect for the future, considering that one in three American adults without diabetes actually has pre-diabetes, which means progression to diabetes within three to five years without intervention.

• On average, your employees with diabetes cost you 2.6 times more than those without.

• The cost of insulin has increased by 24 percent in the last 10 years.

• Reduced work productivity due to poor health costs American businesses $35.8 billion annually in indirect costs.

• Absenteeism accounts for $5.4 billion in annual indirect costs.

(Date Source: ADA Economic Report 11/23, Arlington, VA)

complications like heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and limb amputation.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program Authorized by Congress in 2010, this yearlong lifestyle change program is clinically proven to reverse pre-diabetes. Participants are guided by a Certified Lifestyle Coach in building healthier daily habits. Nutritional education starts with the basics of balance, portion control and label reading. Physical exercise guidance provides gentle nudges toward becoming more physically active and building planned exercise into our schedules. Participants learn to “get off of autopilot,” and keep an “active mind” in making everyday choices that determine their overall health.

A Healthier Workplace in 2024 The Sight Center of Northwest PA delivers the program throughout Erie, Crawford, Warren, Venango, and Clearfield counties in an effort to crush the leading cause of working age blindness in America: diabetes.

Pre-Diabetes Is Reversible & Diabetes is Manageable Pre-diabetes is a silent epidemic in America. It is a medical condition where daily blood sugar is too high, but not yet high enough to warrant a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Through decades of clinical research by The National Institutes of Health, we now understand that moderate lifestyle changes in nutrition and exercise can significantly lower blood sugar levels. This means that your employees can save themselves from developing diabetes!

The Sight Center maintains Full Plus Certification with the CDC for program quality and effectiveness. A dedicated Certified Lifestyle Coach would be assigned to your workplace to personally guide your employees to better health and vitality.

You can’t afford to put this off another day!

Your employees who already have Type 2 diabetes should also take heart! Through the same moderate lifestyle changes, they can regain control over their blood sugars and avoid costly

To learn more, contact the National Diabetes Prevention Program at the Sight Center of NWPA at lanak@ sightcenternwpa.org or beccas@sightcenternwpa.org.

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When more women are empowered to lead, everyone benefits. In fact, many women leaders are powerhouses in the business community, inspiring not just their employees and the people around them, but also other women and the next generation of female leaders.

Join us for the MBA’s Women in Leadership IMPACT Luncheon on March 14 when guest speaker Jennie Hagerty, executive director of the Mercy Center for Women in Erie, Pennsylvania, shares her journey and experiences as a woman leader and the profound impact the Mercy Center for Women is having on women in our area.

Since 2017, Hagerty has led the Mercy Center for Women, a nonprofit and sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas in Erie, whose mission is to provide transitional housing and support services to women and their children who are homeless. Prior to that role, Hagerty was the director of advancement at Saint Jude the Apostle Church and Saint Peter Cathedral.

She graduated from Gannon University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management. In 2018, the American Fundraising Professionals Northwester PA Chapter awarded her the 2018 Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year.

Hagerty goes to great lengths to fight for the underserved, the poor, the homeless and others who are overlooked or disregarded. Her most recent accomplishment is the conceptualization, oversight and fundraising efforts to transform the vacant Holy Rosary School into an affordable housing and resource hub, the first of its kind in Erie, now named the Mercy Anchor Community Center.

Hagerty is a Board member of the Erie County Housing Authority, Erie Family Center, and the Loyal and True Foundation. She sits on the Steering committee for the Erie Women’s Fund and is a member of the United Way’s Women United. She also is on the executive committee for the Erie Home Team, a coordinated group that works to eradicate the problem of homelessness in the local community.

PRESENTED BY:

REGISTER TODAY AT MBAUSA.ORG OR 814/833-3200

| NETWORKING & MORE | CONFERENCE EVENTSSECTION SPECIAL

The Manufacturer & Business Association is proud to recognize the accomplishments of our members throughout the tri-state region,including their milestone anniversaries celebrating their service and many years in operation. To learn about networking opportunities to meet up with MBA members and other special events, visit mbausa.org.

 Dawn Coburn Joy, Ph.D., and Ramon J. Johnson of Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services in Erie showcase their milestone anniversary award recognizing 70 years of serving the NWPA community.

 ELLWOOD National Forge, located in Irvine, Pennsylvania and a leader in steelmaking, forging and finish machining, recently marked 20 years in business.

(Above right) Congratulations to Networking Technologies in Erie on celebrating 25 years in business. Shown are Wendy DeArment, Wendy Bahm and Jim Bahm.

 Congratulations to Todd Leroy of Shurfine Warren’s Hometown Market on celebrating 25 years in business.

Jim Willats and Mark Wilkosz at Machining Concepts Erie recently were presented an MBA milestone anniversary plaque from MBA’s Patty Welther to celebrate 30 years in business.   Pictured above is Fred Cherico (right) who has had a remarkable 40 years of success at Computer Support & Associates, Inc. in Clarion. Congratulations on your anniversary!

(Above right) NaviTek Machining Corporation in Fairview Township recently marked 70 years in business.

Shown is the MBA’s Shawn Netkowicz (left) with Navitek CEO Harvey Downey.

Steve Jones of Ron Jones Hardwood Sales, Inc. with locations in Union City and Franklin, Pennsylvania was recently presented with a 40th MBA member milestone anniversary plaque by MBA President and CEO Lori Joint (center) and Member Engagement Manager Patty Welther (left). 

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ERIE, PA PERMIT #199

Erie’s best hospital eight years in a row.

Visit erie.ahn.org or scan the QR code to learn more.