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WINTER 2020
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NETWORK MAGAZINE™ is direct mailed to Lehigh Valley’s professional services industries as highlighted below along with manufacturing companies and attorney’s representing Lehigh County and beyond. • Accounting • Construction • Consulting • Engineering • Financial • Human Resources • Legal • Marketing • Medical • Real Estate • Technology
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contents 06 Offering the Benefit of
26 Leading The Way: The
Financial Peace of Mind to Your Employees
Benefits Of Civic Leadership And Community Involvement
08 Outsourced Bookkeeping:
A Better Bang for Your Buck!
10 Gravity Didn’t Come out of
28 Interviewing & Hiring: Should We be Surprised at Reality TV’s Bad Advice?
30 Dressing for as Many Jobs as
Thin Air
You Want
16 8 Drivers to Building Value
40 Recognizing and Responding to a Person in Crisis
42 Never Put Anything Smaller
Than Your Elbow In Your Ear!
44 The Forecast 46 Millennials vs. Baby Boomers: The Great Housing Market Debate
32 Unleash Your Niche! 52 Consider Italy for your Winter 34 Hey Doc, is that Prescription a Destination Vacation License to Drive? 54 Cigar Reviews 36 A Financial Power of Attorney
Before You Sell
20 Today, Boscov's is America's largest family-owned department store.
22 Great Fruit X Great Wine
is an Important Estate Planning Tool
= Boos-Rock Wine!
24 Coaching for Success: Finding 38 Protecting Your Business a Thought Partner to Help You Unlock Your Potential
From Employment-Related Claims: The Importance Of Training
•adindex 29 Alcom Printing 50 Anthony Limousine 41 ArtsQuest 09 ASAP Business Support Services, Inc.
23 Boos-Rock Winery 18 Buckno Lisicky & Company 55 Budget Self Storage 19 Boscov's 11 Cornerstone 33 Embassy Bank 33 ESQuisite Marketing 51 First United Land Transfer 27 Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber
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49 Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors
37 Historic Bethlehem Museum and Sites
39 Hoffman, Hlavac & Easterly 12 Huber, Waldron & Williams 56 John Brown & The Hatchets 25 MC IT – Technology Managed 57 & 58 Miller Symphony Hall 48 Morganelli Properties 45 Mortgage America 15 N2Growth 18 NFP 31 Norris McLaughlin
56 Olde Homestead Golf Club 55 OneHope 43 PenTeleData 13 Punch Garage 56 Queen City BBQ 05 St Luke’s OMS 01 State Farm, Tom Bartholomew, Agent
12 The Barristers Club 07 Tri Outdoor 03 Valley Wide Signs & Graphics
35 Weyerbacher Brewery
Attorneys at Law
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THESE ARE SIGNS OF G R E AT N E S S .
LET US MAKE YOURS.
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The partners of NETWORK MAGAZINE™ proudly present the latest edition of the Lehigh Valley's first ever, high end, business leader driven B2B magazine. Our goal is to continually present our readers relevant content to build your organization, from the region's top business leaders and experts on today’s industry news and trends. Our leading contributors will continue to change quarterly, sharing information that stays fresh and current. The opinions, tips, and insights on how to best navigate business pitfalls are all provided by the Lehigh Valley's best thought leaders. Our writers are un-censored giving you profound insight from their years of experience from their given field of expertise. To learn more about how you can become a part of NETWORK MAGAZINE™ as a Contributor, please contact Ray Bridgeman: ray@mynetworkmag.com, and as an Advertiser, please contact Chris Morganellli: ChrisM@mynetworkmag.com.
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Ray Bridgeman, Alai Caetano, Casey Damrose, Chris Morganelli, David Olson ART DIRECTOR Casey Damrose EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Ray Bridgeman BUSINESS EDITOR David Olson CIGAR AFICIONADO Steve Rowbottom COVER PHOTO Frank Smith EVENT PHOTOS Vanessa Guevara For advertising inquiry and rates please contact Chris Morganelli 610.248.6138 or email ChrisM@MyNetworkMag.com
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All Materials © 2020 Network Magazine, LLC. NETWORK MAGAZINE™ is a trademark of Network Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in full is strictly prohibited. NETWORK MAGAZINE™ is a quarterly publication. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NETWORK MAGAZINE™. NETWORK MAGAZINE™ assumes no responsibility for content of advertisement. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions.
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Offering the Benefit of Financial Peace of Mind to Your Employees KINDRA WALKER, PRESIDENT TREMONT FINANCIAL COACHING
We all know that employees don’t leave their personal lives at home. The stresses of home life are a shadow that can have very real consequences for your business. As a business owner, you are constantly under pressure to compete for customers, and in the current strong job market, the competition for the best employees is also at a peak. Offering your employees, a path to financial peace of mind can help you keep your best talent and keep your best talent focused on their jobs and your customers when they are at work. According to a survey conducted in 2017 by the Jobsite Career Builder, 78% of American families are living paycheck to paycheck. The Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Household in 2018 found that as many as 39% of households wouldn’t be prepared for a $400 emergency (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, May 2019). This kind of stress can cause strain on families; chances are good that some of those folks work for you. Financial stress can lead to loss of sleep, increased absenteeism, lower productivity, and higher health care costs. Additionally, financial difficulties are one of the leading causes of divorce in this country. Divorce is a traumatic, emotionally fraught time that leads to additional stress and distraction while your employees are at work. Most employers will say that their number one priority is for their workers to get home safely at the end of the day. Knowing that financial stress can lead to daytime fatigue and distractions, both of which are closely linked to safety incidents in the workplace, makes it imperative that we, as business owners care about the financial stress of our workforce. To help your employees avoid or deal with financial stress, consider one or all of these options: 1. Offer an Employee Assistance Program or (EAP) – According to the Society for Human Resource Management, an EAP is “An employer-sponsored employee assistance plan (EAP) a work-based intervention program designed to identify and assist employees in 6
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resolving personal problems that may be adversely affecting their performance at work, such as marital, financial or emotional problems; family issues; or substance or alcohol abuse.” EAPs are a benefit offered by 78% of employers. The quality and scope of EAP services can vary significantly. Additionally, EAPs are not intended to provide long-term assistance, but rather to get the ball rolling and then refer the employee to an external provider. That means your EAP may only be as good as their referral network. 2. Another benefit option to offer employees is financial coaching. Financial coaches are trained to work with individuals over a longer period of time to help clients address the underlying behavior that created their financial challenges in the first place, as well as to develop and track concrete plans/budgets to get their financial house in order. 3. Focus on financial wellness as part of your overall wellness program. Many employers offer wellness programs and incentives for exercising, losing weight, and getting healthier. Offering employees and their spouse's courses on budgeting and other financial topics as part of your wellness program promotes financial fitness and minimizes financial stress. The benefits of financial stress reduction to your employees and your business are endless. People who see a path out of their financial challenges begin to feel hope for their future and can better focus their attention on their job and your customers. While I don’t know of a study that has demonstrated the correlation of the reduction of financial stress to the increase in productivity, what if it was 5% or even 10%? What if it means you have less employee turnover, produce a higher quality product, and have happier customers? Clearly, good health means good business. When your employees enjoy physical, emotional, and financial health, there's a good chance your bottom line will be healthy, too! If you’d like to learn more about how to reduce financial stress in your workplace, contact Kindra Walker at 484-222957 or at TremontFinancialCoaching.com MyNetworkMag.com
Tri Outdoor, Inc. is a locally owned and operated outdoor company specializing in static & digital billboard advertising. Nothing generates more buzz than a creatively executed outdoor campaign. It takes risk and trust in going places that may feel a bit uncomfortable. Yet, when you deliver something relevant, funny, or thought provoking, people pay attention and they tell others about it. Don’t just buy a sign, CREATE ENGAGEMENT. And don’t worry, we’ll help you!
Tri Outdoor, Inc. 1749 Red Hawk Way Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-838-8870 | trioutdoor.com
Outsourced Bookkeeping: A Better Bang for Your Buck! STEPHANIE KOSTELNICK, PRESIDENT/OWNER ASAP BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES, INC.
The number one priority of a CEO, whether it is a small business venture or a Fortune 500 company, is long-term, sustainable profits earned in an ethical manner. As such, business owners are hard-pressed for time: providing services or products, overseeing employees, or creating and innovating to align with the market or consumers, to name a few. In addition to these responsibilities, handling the day to day tracking of income and expenses is a daunting and stressful task to keep up with. There is an alternative solution available today, which is the option to hire a private contractor to manage all aspects of bookkeeping. Choosing this option is a wise investment of resources for many reasons. Read below to see the many ways professional bookkeepers provide value-added services to those they work with.
payroll for peers comes into play. Hiring an independent bookkeeper will not only bring peace of mind through confidentiality but will also allow business owners to obtain full control over how data is shared and handled. Accuracy. Although tax season is usually synonymous with the month of April, bookkeepers understand the crucial need for businesses to stay in compliance with GAAP practices year-round. Having comprehensive accounting experience and being trained on QuickBooks will allow for high-quality bookkeeping, as opposed to an administrative employee who may have limited financial exposure or understanding. Since the data produced
“Through hiring an expertly trained bookkeeper as
Reduced overhead expenses. No matter how well a contractor, one can reduce administrative type versed a business owner is positions, thereby reallocating precious dollars to with finances, all understand that the largest contributor sales, marketing, or other support members. to expenses is through the wages and benefit expenditures required to pay employees on payroll. Through will be accurate, financial statements can be provided at hiring an expertly trained bookkeeper as a contractor, will to the bank, investors, or the owner for any business one can reduce administrative type positions, thereby needs or concerns. reallocating precious dollars to sales, marketing, or other Scalability and Flexibility. A new start-up or younger support members. Additionally, having less "in-house" business benefit from this aspect, in particular, as cash employees can also reduce the need for office space or flows are typically lower within the first five years of supplies and technology/software expenses. formation. The initial needs may be small, but over time, Confidentiality. Outside of compensation concerns, as the business grows, the terms of the arrangement can business owners also often have to grapple with the conbe altered as needed. Options exist at the onset and cerns of internal employees having access to secure and throughout the bookkeeping arrangement to fulfill the private data. This becomes especially concerning when needs at various stages of the business’ growth.
"
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Financial Advising. Not only do bookkeepers understand how to construct balance sheets, income statements, and cash flows statements, they also comprehend how to interpret them. The bookkeeper will be able to advise on business decisions based on spending activity, which could result in improved cash flow, assist with budgeting, or develop future projections. In addition to these five key assets, professional bookkeepers will also help you save a precious resource: your time. If any one of these skills could assist your business to flourish, don't hesitate to reach out to your local bookkeeper today! ASAP Business Support Services, Inc. has been supporting Lehigh Valley businesses for 25+ plus years. Please visit our website (https://www.asap-business.com) for more information.
Gravity Didn’t Come out of Thin Air KEVIN KARPUK, CFA CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER CORNERSTONE ADVISORS ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC
History is taught in short tales of inspired genius. Actual events are more complex. Humans build off the knowledge of those who have come before. Newton did not discover gravity by sitting under an apple tree; his revelations about gravity were the culmination of hundreds of years of human study and experience with the topic. Newton was standing on the shoulders of the giants who learned about the subject and shared their insights. Like scholars contemplating their intellectual legacies, parents can spend angst-filled hours trying to decide how to divide their assets amongst their progeny. “How much is enough for them to live comfortably without being spoiled?” is not an uncommon discussion. But what if that is the wrong conversation? What if these parents instead focused on sharing their family values and history so that regardless of how much the kids receive; the family’s legacy will persist? What if your purpose was to provide the shoulders from which your kids could embark on their own future? How would you go about that? START EARLY: You do not need to share the extent of your family’s wealth to begin teaching your children and/ or grandchildren about the impact they can have on society. You can separate your charitable assets from the rest of your net worth. Many organizations sponsor donor-advised funds that allow you to make a charitable contribution now with the final recipient of those dollars to be named later. If you set up such a fund, you can engage your heirs about why you give to certain organizations and allow the youngsters to opine on the types of charities important to them. Donor-advised funds can be established with as little as $5,000. EDUCATE: Utilize your trusted advisors to share the concepts of financial prudence. A well-educated family with a solid understanding of the wealth available to them is more prepared to avoid the “shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations” stereotype than one with “unlimited” wealth foisted upon them after mom and dad are no longer able to protect them from themselves. These advisors can 10
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also discuss your charitable intentions and serve as the institutional memory of the family, assuming the advisors themselves have developed their own intergenerational transition plans. WRITE IT OUT: A personal note can last a lot longer than a spoken lecture. Take the time to record your contribution to the family story. What were the good and the bad times? What were your motivations? How has society benefited from your existence? What was your personal "why"? Why do you live as you do? Why have you committed to specific causes? Like any game of whisper down the lane, if you rely purely on the spoken word, your meaning can be distorted quickly. If you write it down, there can be no confusion about your intentions for future generations. There are things that you may be more comfortable committing to paper than discussing directly with your heirs. That is okay. Even if you are not able to have that conversation with your kids, be sure to have it with your trustees and executors. They will be positioned to interpret any potential points of confusion. Imagine the vantage point you would have if you were standing on the shoulders of giants. Then envision that you did not have to climb up there yourself and instead were given a well-intentioned boost, avoiding years of toil. We are all able to provide that same advantage to future generations. The beauty of the American way of life is that dynasties can exist. The equally beautiful corollary is that no family is ensured its status – we have no hereditary aristocracy. The American Dream is to want better for your kids than you have. In conjunction with establishing wills and trusts to direct your financial assets, you should be investing time into sharing your values and history. That could be one of your most fulfilling endeavors. Securities offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management, LLC, which is independently owned and operated. MyNetworkMag.com
610-694-0900 cornerstone-companies.com
Insight. Influence. Integrity.
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NETWORK MAGAZINE™ Fall 2019 Release Party at Wyerbacher Brewery PHOTOS BY Vanessa Guevara
Donnell Snyder and Mark Mearhoff
Casey Damrose and Judd Walter
Colleen Daigle and Karen Ingram
Matthew J. Creciun and Ray Bridgeman
Mark Haldaman, Ron & Nancy Semanick and Tyler Papaz
Renee & Robert Keiderling
Michael & Carrie Wilson
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Rob Donchez, Maggie Latimer, John Morganelli and James Serratelli
Pat D’Amico, Todd Kurz, Emrich Steller Jr. and David Olson
Richard Witson, Jim Beenders and Keith Weitknecht
Steven Gingras and Brain Rodenbach
8 Drivers to Building Value Before You Sell DAVID OLSON, PRINCIPAL AND SENIOR ADVISOR N2GROWTH
I have been coaching business owners for over 20 years now with growth-oriented engagements helping to improve businesses through strategy, culture, and leadership with an acute focus on the people side. It has been very rewarding, creating client friendships and impacting the company's and employees. Still, as I've gained a few more laps around the racetrack of life, I am becoming slightly more sensitive around helping those business owners transition well. Did you know that 100% of businesses transition? They transition to employees, family members, investors, or to dust, but they do transition. Here are a few additional startling statistics before I unveil the 8 Drivers for business owners to focus on long before they get to the doorway of transition. • 95% of business owners have unrealistic expectations of their company’s worth
1) Growth 2)
Dominant Market Share
3)
Recurring Revenue
• Business owners leave almost 30% of their business value on the table when they transition
4)
Barriers to Entry
5)
Product Differentiation
• 83% of business owners need to grow their businesses before they transition to meet wealth goals
6)
Margin Advantage
• Only 12% of companies secure LOIs (Letter of Intent) for sale, and only 20% of LOIs survive the first pass at due diligence: that's a 97.6% failure rate
8) Brand
• 95% of business owners have operational or market issues that will impact selling their company
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These stats are alarming, and if you are a business owner, I hope they grab your attention. It is wonderful to help my clients with strategy, leadership, and culture, but ultimately, they need to transition well so that life's investment in your company properly takes care of your loved ones. About two years ago, I incorporated CoreValue®, the #1 best-selling business consulting system for business growth (& exit). The methodology was born out of MIT, and it identifies 18 Drivers that impact the value of a business when a transition arrives. Maybe I will unpack all 18 in a later article, but with over 25,000 companies on their platform, they have identified 8 Drivers that have the greatest impact on the transition process. The 8 Drives in no particular order are as follows:
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7) Innovation
Let us spend time breaking each Driver down to understand why they are critical to your transition plan and can impact your estate by as much as 30%. MyNetworkMag.com
1) Growth – this Driver refers to your company's topline revenue number. Company's that have a consistent track record of growth better than the competition make them very attractive. It means there is a strategy in place that is working to grow faster than the rest of the pack and means security for the buying party. It also means that your company has some special recipe that makes it desirable for a potential suitor. 2) Dominant Market Share – this Driver can be a double-edged sword. Your market is the location where you sell your products and services. Buyers of your business want to see a strong market share position to ensure company strength and resilience, but they also want to see growth opportunities. If you own 80/90% of your market, the likelihood of losing market share is higher than the opportunity to grow and gain market share. 3) Recurring Revenue – this Driver is gold! Who doesn't want recurring revenue? Buyers will pay a premium for recurring revenue that they can take to the bank and fund other business initiatives. Many companies have a tough time building this into their business model, but if you can crack the code in your industry and market, even if it's in smaller steps, it will be an investment well made. 4) Barriers to Entry – this Driver can potentially be the lowest hanging fruit to increasing enterprise value but takes some serious creativity. Barriers to Entry are the obstacles facing a new entrant into your business' market. Most industries have low barriers to entry outside of capital and know-how. However, barriers can be added to your company by patenting products and processes, making it difficult for competition to replicate your exact delivery to the market. 5) Product Differentiation – this Driver is specific to your company's products and services and is tied directly to the customer's desire for your products and services. If you think your products and services are different than the competitors, but the customer is only willing to buy from you overprice, then you do not possess a differentiation edge. This is one area where customer surveys can flesh out your differentiators or who you learn ways to build differentiators into your products and services. 6) Margin Advantage – this Driver is challenging to prove, but if you can, buyers will be willing to pay an extra premium for your business, and it will be worth the effort to prove it. When you can show gross and net margins above the industry norms along with the logical reason behind the numbers, you will find yourself in the catbird seat. Who doesn't want to be more profitable than the competition?
invaluable in creating an ongoing competitive advantage. Does your company have a proven and systematic way to drive and capture innovation at all levels and encourage innovation in every area of the business? If you do, you are more likely to be able to stay ahead of industry changes and continue to prosper. 8) Brand – this Driver refers to how recognizable your brand and business is within your marketplace that reinforces the business' presence, supports the company's objectives, and helps drive customer engagement. A strong brand name that resonates with your customers can add significant value to your company, especially if it’s a brand with a history of a positive reputation in the market. Where are you on your company transition journey? Have you reflected on your exit from your company and how it will impact your life? It is never too early to pre-plan. I would encourage you to get away for a long weekend, somewhere with solitude, a new journal, good music, and your favorite beverage. Take some time to capture your journey and grade your company in these 8 Drivers. Are you excelling in them, or do you need to put some focused attention on them? If you take me up on my advice, you may be investing time in one of the most critical financial junctures of your life. Travel well.
David Olson is a management consultant at N2Growth with over 20 years of experience specializing in CEO Business Coaching delivering services related to Strategy, Sales & Marketing, Culture and Leadership. He is also a CoreValue® certified growth consultant and creator of The Culture Compass®.
7) Innovation – this Driver takes serious discipline to build into the culture of a small business. Innovation is MyNetworkMag.com
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Today, Boscov's is America's largest family-owned department store. But like all family businesses, its beginning was small and humble. JIM BOSCOV, CHAIRMAN & CEO BOSCOV’S DEPARTMENT STORE
At only 18, Solomon Boscov left his family in Russia and immigrated to the United States in 1914. He settled in Reading, PA, where the Yiddish he spoke at home was similar to the German spoken by the Pennsylvania Dutch farmers throughout Berks and Lancaster County. With a pack on his back and with the few dollars he had, he began peddling household goods to the farm families in the surrounding area. He developed a reputation for fairness and honesty. As his business and reputation grew, he was able to buy the dry goods store that had provided the merchandise he peddled, and the first Boscov's Department Store was established. It was a true neighborhood store providing honest pricing and quality merchandise to the community in good times and through the bad times of the depression.
and small appliances. Within each department, we offer a broader assortment of products at a wider range of prices than you're likely to find elsewhere. That means that if you're shopping for coffee makers, you'll find twenty-five models at prices to satisfy the gourmet coffee connoisseur as well as the bargain hunter. The same holds true whether you're buying outerwear or a dress – a larger selection at prices to please everyone.
The core principles established by Solomon continue to be the keys to success today. A Vast Selection of Quality Merchandise Including Your Favorite Brands Unlike other "department stores" that only carry apparel, we offer a full range of departments, including toys, candy, 20
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Incredible Pricing We believe that it’s about how much you sell and not the margin you make on each item. If you sell enough, profitability takes care of itself. We know our pricing is good because we do so much business in Texas and California – but we don’t have stores in Texas or California. Here’s what happens – online shoppers search for an item on a competitive shopping tool, and Boscov's comes out on top. They place the order; we ship it to them - even in areas that don’t know what a Boscov’s is. Knowledgeable and friendly coworkers provide the kind of customer service that's hard to find anymore
We believe that what happens on the sales floor is more important than what happens in an office. The customer tells us what we need to do. As a result, all of our executives spend lots of time visiting stores and listening to our customers and coworkers We open one store a year, and we hire about 300 new coworkers in the process. In addition, we ask over one hundred of our seasoned coworkers to spend time both before the new store opens and after the store opens, working side by side with new members of the team. We believe you teach the culture of a company by example, not from a handbook.
Don’t tell the competition but having helpful coworkers on the sales floor is an asset. There’s nothing more frustrating than having an item you’re ready to purchases and having to look for a salesperson to ring it up. Buying from a real person who is knowledgeable and empowered to help is a better experience than buying from Alexa. Commitment to Community Involvement
We’re your neighborhood family store. We live here, we work here, and we play here. It's only natural that we should be a part of the community. Our store openings reflect our commitment to the community. Grand openings include a day devoted to raising money for the community non-profits. And that's just the beginning. We have an ongoing partnership that brings these organizations into the store for meetings, fashion shows, and classes throughout the year. For example, we recently held a family health and wellness event for young families that brought in eighteen different organizations offering information and demonstrations on things from mommy and baby yoga to financial planning for college.
As a privately-owned family business, we have the luxury of being able to make smart decisions for the long-term health of the company. Working for the customer and not for the market gives us added flexibility and allows us to make decisions that are right for the customers and ultimately better for the business.
We know that shopping is social. People like to shop with a friend and family. While some commodities can certainly be bought online, if you're shopping for a dress, it's important to see how it moves when you walk and how the color goes with your complexion. MyNetworkMag.com
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Great Fruit X Great Wine = Boos-Rock Wine! From Basement to Today! THE BOOS ROCK WINERY TEAM Once upon a time, there was a guy named Bryon, and even though he had a full-time job running one of the country’s largest paint production plants here in the Lehigh Valley, he exhausted all of his spare time following his passion and making wine in his family basement. All with the dream of maybe someday owning his own winery. He invited neighbors and friends to come to his home weekly to make and drink wine in his basement. One could argue the level of quality of that wine, but it was good enough, and it made everyone happy who made and drank it. Unbeknownst to Bryon, his neighbor David (who had many businesses of his own) was a huge wine connoisseur. David had a great love for the best California Cabernets. He had also always dreamed of one day owning a winery and maybe even moving to Napa Valley. Every October, large refrigerator trucks carrying grapes would come to Bryon’s house to be made into wine. Right on cue, all of his friends and neighbors would show up, and the winemaking and celebrating would ensue into the late hours of the night. On one evening, David looked over at his neighbor's house to see all the happiness & laughter & hijinks and decided to find out for himself what the heck was going on over there... When Bryon told David, “it's cool we're just here making and drinking wine." David said, "I love wine, let's try some." As folklore has it, David was not impressed. He suggested instead that we make some really great wine together with only the best grapes from California and use Oak barrels. They started in Bryon's basement with one American Oak barrel and some real quality grapes from California. At the first tasting of this new elixir they had created, after six months of fermentation, they danced in glee in Bryon's basement to celebrate what they had done. It was so good that they invited their friends and neighbors over to taste it too. When it became time to bottle it 1 ½ years later, there was only ½ of a barrel left. They decided they needed to produce more and get even higher quality grapes and barrels. They then decided to go to a wine show in Lancaster. When they went to the registration table to sign in, the guy at the counter said: "Well, what's your winery name"? They looked at each other said," we don’t have one yet." The guy at the registration booth looked at their names and took half of each of their names – Boos & Rothrock and said, "well, your name today is BOOS-ROCK Winery." They looked at each other and claimed "BRILLIANT" and the name stuck! Next up, where are we going to make this great wine as it was time to move out of the basement.
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As luck would have it, David's family owned a 6-acre parcel of land out in Breinigsville (complete with a spring-fed pond). It was a perfect fit for a winery and a vineyard. They started off in 2012 with one room and 14 brand new French Oak Barrels along with amazing grapes from Napa Valley. The grapes were picked right off the vines and shipped across the country in refrigerated tractor-trailers. Once they arrived, they were destemmed and fermented with the best nutrients until the brix levels were just right. At that point, they were pressed and fermented in the French Oak Barrels. They were then racked every 4 months. After 2-years in the Oak barrels, the wine was put into stainless steel fermenters to settle down for 6 more months. Then the wine was bottled and left to rest for 6-months and later released to the public. The results and feedback from everyone were fantastic! The wine was amazing! So many people loved the wine that they started to come up and volunteer on weekends, and the winery continued to grow. First, it was 14 new French Oak Barrels, then 30, then 50, then 70, and now 100. They also continued to expand into different grapes and wines like Merlot, Cab Franc, Super Tuscan Blend, Chardonnay, and even superior sweet wines like Pink Catawba & Red Raspberry. But their passion was California Cabernet Sauvignon. So, they set out to make the best Cabernet possible east of Napa Valley. They were able to start purchasing their grapes from some of the finest vineyards in Napa, Lake County, and Mendocino, California. They were also ready to begin purchasing from some of the top growers, including the grower considered the best in California, Andy Beckstoffer. Today, Boos-Rock Winery is producing some fantastic Cabernets from all different regions in California as they continue to perfect the process and use the best grapes, nutrients, and Oak Barrels available. They are now open for sales, private tastings, and private events for Club Members. A new Wine Club is coming with over 30,000 bottles available. Their wine is also now being sold in local Restaurants and Country Clubs in the Lehigh Valley. Not bad for a couple of guys in a basement 8 short years ago with a vision and passion for great wine. Great fruit * Great Wine = BOOS-ROCK Wine! For more information, please contact Doreen Carl, Director of Operations at 484-223-0625 or email at doreen@boosrock.com.
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Coaching for Success: Finding a Thought Partner to Help You Unlock Your Potential AMY DAWS, FOUNDER YOU SAY TOMATO LLC
It seems like each time my peers ask about my job, it makes a little more sense to them than the last time. They finally asked me to write an article explaining what I do! There are so many different kinds of coaches, the title can be confusing, so I’ll start by describing what coaching is and isn’t – to me. There are other types of coaches, and they are free to use the term as they wish. I’ll describe my own definition below. Then I’ll give you tips on finding the right coach for you. WHAT COACHING IS NOT: 1. It’s not therapy. Therapy for past trauma, childhood issues, and severe anxiety (to name but a few topics) are necessary. The coaching I do does not claim to take the place of psychological therapy or counseling. 2. It’s not mentoring. Mentoring is a process of training, advising, and passing down wisdom to a younger or less-experienced colleague. I do this for aspiring coaches in Heidrick & Struggles’ Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance (LCOP) program, a post-grad certificate offered at Rutgers and American U. Although I use some coaching skills in that role, my function there is more that of a mentor than a coach. 3. It’s not a consultancy. A consultant is an adviser with expertise in their field, which they will use to help you problem-solve or strategize.
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WHAT COACHING IS: • Coaching is neutral. My background is in Communications, Business, HR, and Leadership, but in a coaching session, my knowledge is on the back burner. The reason is that research shows advice rarely works. People are more likely to change if they make their own discoveries. I’m trained and practiced at actively listening without getting attached to a certain outcome or action I’d like you to take. If you’ve ever been annoyed by unasked-for advice (and who hasn’t?), you’ll understand how powerful my active listening (without trying to control the outcome) really is. • Coaching is powerful! A good coach is specifically trained in how to ask questions in a way that opens your eyes to answers you just wouldn’t discover on your own. And thinking out loud with someone who knows what to ask and how to ask it is totally, shockingly different from sharing your thoughts with a friend or loved one. I often get client comments about the “magic” that seems to happen when our conversation leads to crystal clarity about exactly what to do next. • Coaching is a codiscovery process. What interests me is what you may discover about yourself. If this sounds too airy-fairy to you, hang on: usually, the barrier between you and the success you want is MyNetworkMag.com
something you could change if you only could identify and face up to it. It's like the proverbial monster under the bed. It's a lot less scary when someone comes in and shines a light under there. By the same token, during our sessions, I help you gain insights about yourself that help you pull down the barriers that stand in your way.
What to look for if you’d like a coach as described above: • ICF qualification. Whether you’re looking for an executive coach or a life coach, make sure they are accredited and qualified through the International Coach Federation (ICF). Look for ICF ACC or PCC on their website or card. • Accessibility. Make sure your coach is local enough to easily meet with you face to face or has experience with virtual sessions. Research shows that telephone (audio-only) coaching is as good as or better than video-conferencing. But the coach should have the training and/or experience in virtual coaching to be effective. And of course, face-to-face is still golden.
• A good rapport. You need to feel comfortable with your coach. If you feel intimidated or self-conscious with your coach, this will hinder your journey to peak performance. If your would-be coach doesn’t put you at your ease, you may simply not be a good match for each other. Any good coach will be plugged into the coaching community and more than happy to recommend others you could try. • A trial session. Some coaches offer a no-obligation 20-minute laser-coaching session for you to experience what coaching is like. You simply need to be prepared with a decision or challenge you’re facing that you’d like to take action on. The coach will take it from there. I offer this because I want to spread the word about what ICF executive coaching is like. Call me with questions, or text me to book your complimentary 20-minute laser-coaching call!
Leading The Way: The Benefits Of Civic Leadership And Community Involvement ROSEMARY LAMAESTRA, CPA CFE – MANAGER RLB ACCOUNTANTS If you missed the presentation, so sorry. It was worth your time to hear from a panel of experienced professionals on this topic, not to mention the networking and delicious snacks as well as CLE and CPE for the attorneys and accountants in attendance. On Monday, October 28th, Lori Molloy, Madlen Miller, and I discussed the importance of being involved in the community, in particular, being part of a Board of Directors for a non-profit organization. The presentation focused on Leadership by Leading the Way. Although it was geared to emerging professionals, information was shared that benefited all professional levels in our community. As members of society, it is our responsibility to build up our communities and see that they thrive, putting our talents to good use. Part of this responsibility rests with volunteer work – whether giving legal advice, dishing out food at a soup kitchen, delivering meals to the elderly, or building homes.
Madlen Miller is the Director of Marketing and Analytics at Morton Brown Family Wealth and has years of experience coaching new members of firms by assisting them in growing their talents and strengths. She shared tips on how to juggle work, voluntary, and personal time. Maddy suggested to start, you should discover your passion, so volunteering will be enjoyable as opposed to a chore. As a stepping stone, you may want to become part of the Board, which will further enhance your appreciation of the organization. She explained that employers must be on-board with allowing their employees to give back to the community through their time and talent on company time. Many firms allot time for this to take place. The benefits for both employer and employee are endless. The community sees first-hand through the employee how the employer is involved, and that in-turn, promotes their business.
In addition to being an attorney, Lori Molloy is the Executive Director of North Penn Legal Services. She shared her thoughts on what she looks for when choosing a Board member. In particular, for her organization, the person must be an attorney, so her pool of candidates is much smaller than that of a typical search where the Board would include professionals from diverse backgrounds to enhance the skills and vision of the organization.
I am a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner. I shared my thoughts on the importance of the fiduciary responsibilities – paying attention in Board meetings and keeping a watchful eye on the spending of the organization to remain fiscally responsible. All too often, we hear what happens to small non-profits because no one was watching - someone walks away with the money. The Board must be fully involved to prevent this from happening. Although the name, non-profit, connotates no profit, income as a result of activities is used to cover expenses and can show a positive bank balance. In fact, this income can be essential to an organization’s survival.
Lori addressed such topics as Duty of Care and Duty of Loyalty – both fiduciary responsibilities of a non-profit Board of directors. Duty of Care means that Board directors must give the same care and concern to their Board responsibilities as any prudent and ordinary person would – they must actively participate in board meetings. Duty of Loyalty requires Board directors to place the interests of the organization ahead of their own interest at all times and not use Board service as a means for personal gain. An annual retreat allows Board members to develop a strategic plan and goals for the future. It also builds camaraderie among the Board members, oftentimes allowing them to get to know each other on a more personal level. 26
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Our emerging professionals are the next generation of Leaders in our community. In their professional role, they are looked to for sound advice and guidance, their voice is impactful to the community, and they are considered trusted advisors in their field. A transition to Board Leadership is something that will round out their life experiences and help them grow as a person. As quoted by John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” MyNetworkMag.com
Interviewing & Hiring: Should We be Surprised at Reality TV’s Bad Advice? PAT D’AMICO, FOUNDER ABOUT-FACE DEVELOPMENT SR. PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT, MATRIX ACHIEVEMENT GROUP America just loves Reality TV. So much so that even respected business publications are succumbing to celebrity infallibility in place of good advice. Now you may be thinking, “Who in their right mind would take business advice from a reality TV personality?” The answer might surprise you. An article in Inc. magazine recently highlighted the one interview question which Shark Tank star and accomplished businesswoman Barbara Corcoran swears by. As a former head of recruiting for Johnson & Johnson, and now a consultant teaching interviewing and hiring, this is the type of article I live for. With the show’s popularity, especially amongst businesspeople, this sort of information can provide engaging anecdotes when impressing on hiring managers the paramount importance of a sound interviewing and hiring process and practice. The article, however, centered on a question which, if applied, could result in a legal battle with the interviewer being unquestionably in the wrong. That's right, Inc. magazine published 28
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an article with Barbara Corcoran sharing an illegal interview question. The question? "Tell me about your family." That question is so far out of bounds today that debating its merits, or illegality, is mute. The bigger issue is the fact that a publication such as Inc. actually published it! While Inc. would probably call to the disclaimer that states, "The opinion expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com," the fact remains that many readers certainly would double-down on its validity. Avoiding illegal questions is only one of the key success factors for today’s hiring managers. If your organization isn’t properly trained on interviewing and hiring practices and guidelines, or worse, your organization doesn't have a process at all; you are going to flounder in what is possibly the most competitive job market ever. Although there are many things to consider when attempting to find and hire the best talent, there are three pieces of advice I typically share, and none of them will put you in jeopardy: MyNetworkMag.com
IDENTIFYING PASSIVE JOB SEEKERS We’ve always known that passive job seekers, those that are not actively seeking another opportunity, are often the most desirable. These candidates are typically the most successful in their roles, and the companies that employ them know it and work to keep them. This is why managers should always be recruiting, specifically when they do not have an opening. The best managers I have seen at this are constantly identifying top performers from other companies, building relationships with them, and (most importantly) selling them on the merits and value of their company. It’s constantly puzzling to their peers when these managers are able to fill an opening with a superstar quickly. It shouldn't be.
INTERVIEWING AND HIRING FOR CULTURE The cost of a bad hire is significant. While some estimates put the cost of onboarding and training a new employee at $240,000, the true cost of a bad hire goes even further when you consider the loss in productivity, morale, etc.. With the war for talent, and the shifting demographics of employees to newer generations, the importance of matching an employee to the company's culture has become critical in identifying and keeping them. The Lehigh Valley enjoys tremendous access to many talented individuals who would gladly trade their long commutes
for a great culture and opportunity closer to home. As a consultant, working with organizations to define their culture and then training managers to interview for it has become one of the most important factors for hiring success.
A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE A candidate’s opinion of your organization will be formed during the interview process. Glassdoor.com estimates that 72% of job seekers that have a bad experience will share that feedback online. How the candidate is treated during the process can mean the difference between hiring and losing the best candidates. To ensure a positive experience, the process should be timely and include frequent and positive communication that keeps the candidate excited about the organization and the opportunity. Also, timely and professional communication with candidates that are not selected is just as important. These same individuals may fit another role in the future, or recommend the company to others, and leaving them with a positive opinion will pay dividends.
Dressing for as Many Jobs as You Want REBECCA PRICE, ESQ. NORRIS MCLAUGHLIN , P.A.
After a typical-yet-stressful day of lunch packing, bus catching, a contested hearing, client meetings, and parent pick up, I raced back to my office for a trick or treating event that my kids did not want to miss. After dressing them in their costumes, my son looked at me and said, “You look like you’re dressed as a lawyer for Halloween.” I laughed and replied, “I suppose you’re right,” though, as it turns out, I dress like a lawyer most days. I also dress like a mom. And a wife. And a friend. And a daughter. And a volunteer. And the list goes on and on... The problem is, I can only wear one outfit at a time. I know I am not alone in the struggle the find the perfect balance to be all things to the people who rely on me and to be a success in my career, well-rounded, happy, and content. (That's not too much to ask for, right?) I also know I am not the only one who feels like I am constantly coming up short. In fact, as I write this article, I am home with my children on a would-be snow day that ended up being a bust. Being here with them means I am not in my office. Not being in the office means potentially missing an important phone call, losing out on a new assignment, and definitely getting behind in billable hours. It also means another bout of fighting the never-ending perception that I cannot be totally present as a lawyer because I am a mom. Mostly, it means feeling guilty that I am not focusing on my career. Yet, here I am, working at my kitchen table while my kids play games and watch tv. I am billing some hours, but not enough. I am snuggling on the couch while checking emails and dictating letters. So, am I really with them? It feels more like I am in between work and home, and lawyer and mom. A purgatory – and sense of guilt – I am all too used to. I do not know the answer to the ultimate work-life balance question. I have been dressing up for these competing and not too often complementing roles for so long now that I have come to the determination that there really is no answer. I do know this, though – I am doing it. I might 30
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not be able to convince everyone that I can lawyer and mom, but I don’t have to – my accomplishments speak for themselves. In fact, the constant pressures exerted upon me from all sources of my life have molded me into a supremely efficient multi-tasker. I can meet the deadlines and bake the cookies and attend the events. I can do it all in my heels. But I also know this – I cannot do it alone. As a working mom, I have concluded that my personal, professional, and familial network is more valuable than even the biggest book of business. My network includes bosses who are understanding and flexible and who will help me fight the negative perception that often looms large over lawyer-moms. It means family who help with the children and do not judge when the dishes have not been done. It means a husband who recognizes my desire to be a good mom and a good lawyer, and who is constant and present. It means children who will grow up knowing their mom sacrificed time with them to work hard but also sacrificed her career to be there for every concert and ball game. But mostly, my network includes a group of strong, independent, multi-talented, and supportive women. They listen when I complain, celebrate my successes, and lift me up when I am down. I find that I turn to these women more than any other group because they understand. They know what it feels like to have professionals judge them for being away from the office and, at the same time, other parents judge them for being away from their kids. In response, they work harder and longer and mix and match until they find the perfect way to dress as both a professional and a mother. In the age of the working mother, I count myself lucky to be surrounded by so many of them. When I look back at this time in my life, I will not recall it being easy. I will, however, recall feeling supported, well-rounded, happy, and content regardless of how I was dressed. I guess it isn’t too much to ask for after all. MyNetworkMag.com
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Unleash Your Niche! CADY DARAGO & ED MILLER ESQUISITE MARKETING
What is niche marketing? According to businessdictionary. com, niche marketing is defined as Concentrating all marketing efforts on a small but specific and well-defined segment of the population. Niches do not 'exist' but are 'created' by identifying needs, wants, and requirements that are being addressed poorly or not at all by other firms, and developing and delivering goods or services to satisfy them. As a strategy, niche marketing is aimed at being a big fish in a small pond instead of being a small fish in a big pond. Also called micromarketing. Pretty self-explanatory, right? So, what does it have to do with those who work in professional services? You know, accountants, architects, engineers, financial planners, IT consultants, lawyers, and management consultants. Niche marketing has everything to do with these folks if they want to build a profitable business, and maybe have some fun while doing it. As food for thought, the following are possible niche markets. The accountant can create a niche representing the legal industry. The lawyer can market legal services to the accounting industry. We have seen many lawyers with niche practices such as cemetery law, food law, selfstorage law, and equine law to name a few. The architect can market her expertise in all things regarding historic homes and buildings. A civil engineer can market a niche targeting school design and building. The management consultant can build a niche helping family-owned business or women-owned businesses. The possibilities are endless as long as there is a market for your services. The benefits of building a niche are plenty. You can become a true leader in a narrow space. With this leadership, you can create a premium brand. As we all know, people will pay more for a premium brand - so be that brand. Also, premium brands, by their nature, are more in demand. Using simple math, your niche allows you to charge more, and there is a higher demand. That is 32
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a formula for high profits and a huge success. Because this concept is not new to us, we have heard many of the common arguments against this approach. Niche marketing is about marketing. We have clients that will push back and tell us, we do more than that. Don’t fret, you can do other things, just market appropriately to the niche. Just because an accountant has many law firm clients doesn’t mean she can’t have a restaurant client. As mentioned earlier, for a niche marketing to be successful, there has to be a market for the services. For the youngsters out there, you may not remember Y2K. Many lawyers thought that Y2K was going to be the next legal boom. They put all their marketing eggs into the Y2K basket. It was a bust. The point is to make sure there is a buying market for your niche. It may not be a good idea for the architect to market a historic building niche in a rural area with no historic buildings. However, maybe this architect can develop a niche, designing buildings for the agriculture industry. Also, we highly recommend that whatever niche you choose, you have a passion for it. Or, at least an interest. Marrying your passion with your job can be very lucrative as well as fun and satisfying. We love the legal industry, saw a need for high-level marketing services in an underserved market. This was the birth of ESQuisite Marketing. So, to sum, identify a niche that will have demand, build the niche using a strategic marketing plan, try to include a passion, make more money, and have more fun. ESQuisite Marketing is a professional service marketing company with a niche in the legal industry. Clients include large and small law firms, solo practitioners, certified legal nurse consultants, public speakers, financial services firms, and nonprofits in the Lehigh Valley and throughout the U.S., including New Jersey, Florida, Nevada, Michigan, Tennessee, and New York. MyNetworkMag.com
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Hey Doc, is that Prescription a License to Drive? SCOTT M. WILHELM, ESQ. WINEGAR, WILHELM, GLYNN & ROEMERSMA, P.C.
As societal norms have changed in recent years, the use of controlled substances, legal and illegal, has increased exponentially. While there are divergent views on whether we benefit from a more medicated populace, one thing is certain. We all agree that the roadways should be safe from impaired drivers. Just because you hold a prescription from a physician, that does not mean you can, or should, operate a motor vehicle as that prescription is not a license to drive. We are all familiar with the statistics. At least ten states have completely legalized the use of marijuana. More than 40 states permit some form of medicinal marijuana, and most of those states have decriminalized the posses-
licensed prescriber, whether recreational or due to an addiction, and it is evident that you and nearly everyone with whom you have contact ingests something into their body which is intended to have a physiological effect on the mind or body. Every State prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle "while under the influence of alcohol." Even though there is no scientific method to determine whether someone is actually under the influence of alcohol, there is a consensus that having a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater has a physiological effect, which makes the inherently dangerous task of operating a motor vehicle much more difficult and dangerous. Accordingly, all States make it an offense to drive with that level of alcohol in one’s body.
“More than 85% of those over the age of 60 are regularly prescribed medicine." sion of a small amount of marijuana for personal use. Recent studies have shown that one-half of everyone in the United States has taken a prescription medication within the past thirty days. More than 85% of those over the age of 60 are regularly prescribed medicine. More than 10% of adults use anti-depressants. Millions of children, including driving-age teenagers, take central nervous system depressants for attention deficit disorder and similar conditions. Tens of millions of adults are prescribed analgesics for pain. Add all of the preceding to those who take over-the-counter medications or who use controlled substances illegally, that is without a prescription from a 34
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Given the thousands of controlled substances – narcotics, hallucinogens, stimulants, depressants, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, to name a few – and all of the illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines, and the infinite combinations and permutations of controlled substances and illegal drugs, the scientific community has not been able to quantify at what levels of ingestion someone is so impaired to render his operation of a motor vehicle dangerous. Consequently, every state has made it illegal to operate a motor vehicle "while under the influence of a controlled substance, drug or any combination thereof," without reference to a level of impairment.
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So, if your physician prescribes medication for your chronic back pain, or if you are taking an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication in strict accordance with the instructions of your physician or pharmacist, you can still be charged with, and convicted of, operating a motor vehicle “while under the influence of� that medication if your driving is affected. Without a scientific determination of impairment due to ingestion of controlled substances or drugs, most states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, permit police and law enforcement officers, with no or minimal medical training, to render an opinion in court that they believe someone has operated a motor vehicle while "under the influence of" a substance. These opinions are often the only evidence used to convict someone of driving under the influence offenses.
So, consider the following scenario. You are driving home from work one evening with the right-of-way, obeying the speed limit and all other traffic laws, when, without prior notice, another driver does not stop at a red light and crashes into your car. Fortunately, you are not injured. The police arrive at the scene to investigate the accident. You are asked if you used any medication, legal or illegal, prior to the collision. You truthfully tell the police officer that you took your physician-prescribed anti-anxiety medication that afternoon, which occasionally causes you drowsiness or has some other minor side effect. You are upset that your car has been damaged in the collision, which impedes your ability to think clearly and to communicate with the police officer. The officer, both observing you and considering your admission that you took medication, and further taking into consideration the other driver's insistence that his light was green, decides to arrest you for driving while under the influence of a controlled substance – your prescription medication. It happens. How are you going to demonstrate in court at a later date that you were not drowsy, and therefore not under the influence of your prescribed medication when you were driving? Likewise, consider the same scenario above, but instead of you, it is your employee who is on-duty. The other driver who ran the red light is severely injured in the collision with your company vehicle, which is driven by your employee. Even though the other driver was at fault, he makes a claim for injuries because your employee was arrested for driving under the influence, or even if not arrested, admitted to taking the medication prior to driving. The decision of whether or when to operate a motor vehicle while using medications, and the consequences of driving in this hyper-medicated society, requires deliberation and consultation with your physician because a prescription to use medication is not a license to operate a motor vehicle and does not grant immunity from a driving under the influence charge or from civil liability.
A Financial Power of Attorney is an Important Estate Planning Tool THOMAS A. CAPEHART, ESQ. GROSS MCGINLEY, LLP If you become incapacitated or are not mentally capable of making decisions, who will handle bank accounts in your name alone, sign checks, deal with your retirement accounts, or otherwise make financial decisions for you? Following a traumatic incident, you and your family may not have the time or ability to address those issues, but a bit of advance thought and planning can be extremely beneficial and potentially save significant time, money, and heartache. You may think if anything happened to you that your spouse or kids could automatically take care of your financial affairs, but that may not be true. To avoid issues and make things easier on your family should something happen to you, it is best to have a comprehensive Durable Financial Power of Attorney in place. What is a Power of Attorney? Generally speaking, a Power of Attorney is a document in which you (the "principal") designate someone to act for you (the "agent"), either for your convenience or because you become physically or mentally incapacitated. Under a financial power of attorney document, you appoint an agent to handle your financial affairs-for example, pay your bills or handle your bank accounts, real estate, business interests, IRAs, other retirement accounts, and insurance. A power of attorney may also authorize your agent to make gifts on your behalf or create or change a retirement plan or insurance beneficiaries, among other things. Given those broad powers, your agent must be someone you trust, such as your spouse, your child(ren), or a trusted friend. Generally, Pennsylvania law requires i) the principal of a financial power of attorney to sign the statutorily required notice, ii) the principal's signature or mark to be witnessed by two individuals (not the agent or the notary) and acknowledged before a notary public, and iii) the agent to sign the approved acknowledgment to essentially act in good faith. The agent must act in accordance with, and within the scope of, the specific powers set forth, act in accordance with the principal's reasonable expectations, if known, and, otherwise, act in the principal's best interests. The Power of Attorney remains in effect unless and until revoked by the principal 36
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or by court order. The agent's authority to act under the Power of Attorney ceases upon the principal's death. What makes a Power of Attorney durable? In the context of a Power of Attorney, Durable means the powers conferred upon the agent are exercisable even if the principal subsequently becomes disabled or incapacitated. Under Pennsylvania law, and absent language to the contrary, all powers of attorney are presumed to be durable. What are Some Benefits of a Power of Attorney? Choosing your agent. For the vast majority of us, it is critically important that we decide who makes decisions on our behalf. Most of us would rather name and appoint our agent(s) to handle our finances and make financial decisions for us, rather than rely upon the court to later appoint a guardian (who you may not even know) to do so. By creating a Power of Attorney, you control who will act for you and can consider the specific powers or limitations of your agent, the best person for the position given your particular assets and circumstances, as well as give thought to your particular family dynamics, such as a second family situation. The power to select an agent of your choosing cannot be overstated. Opportunity to review with your agent. Advance consideration, thought, and preparation of a Financial Power of Attorney provides an opportunity for you to discuss your needs and expectations with your agent before a disabling physical or mental illness or condition undermines that opportunity. You may discuss your specific intent and wishes in detail with your agent, so your agent is prepared to act when the time comes or discuss how your needs are likely to change as your family changes or as you get older. Through a properly drafted Durable Power of Attorney, you can address all of those issues with your agent. Avoid confusion. With your intent and wishes specified and set forth in a properly executed Power of Attorney, you typically avoid confusion and uncertainty regarding how your affairs should be handled during your lifetime in MyNetworkMag.com
the event you become incapacitated. A well-drafted Power of Attorney can remove the disputes between family members regarding how your financial needs should be handled. Should you become legally incapacitated, your family members should not spend time fighting over how your finances should be addressed. Instead, there should be someone ready and willing to step in and make the necessary decisions. If you plan ahead, with the assistance of a durable Power of Attorney, you can avoid most of those disputes. Avoid time and expense of legal guardianship proceedings. In the event you become incapacitated and are without a Power of Attorney, your family members (or some other interested party) may be required to file for the appointment of guardian to act for you. Guardianships are legal proceedings where an interested party files a petition with the court requesting the court to appoint a guardian (most often a family member but in frequent instances an attorney or another unrelated third party) to act for you due to your incapacity. Once appointed by the Court, the guardian handles your financial affairs under the supervision of the Court. Not only can guardianship proceedings be time-consuming and expensive, as well as be emotionally painstaking for your family, but your assets/finances (for most of us sensitive and private information) will be reviewed by the Court, or court-appointed third parties. You can generally avoid this situation by executing a Du-
rable Financial Power of Attorney while you are healthy; in fact, your Power of Attorney may actually name who you would like to be your guardian if future circumstances so require. You make the decision about who is to act for you in the future, not the Court. Provide flexibility for asset protection. This becomes particularly important when an individual enters a nursing home. If someone fails to take proper steps to protect their assets before becoming a nursing home resident, those assets could be taken to pay for nursing home care. Through a properly drafted Power of Attorney, your agent may take certain steps to properly shelter your assets or a portion of your assets. For example, your agent may deed real property or make gifts that help protect your assets. The Durable Power of Attorney is an important component of one’s estate plan, along with a Will and Health Care Power of Attorney/Living Will. So, while healthy, take the time to protect the assets you worked so hard to acquire and accumulate by preparing a well-drafted and comprehensive Durable Financial Power of Attorney. This article is intended as general legal information and not as legal advice. Should you have any questions regarding the subject matter of this article or wish to discuss your particular circumstance or situation, please contact the author.
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Protecting Your Business From Employment-Related Claims: The Importance Of Training GEORGE C. HLAVAC, ESQ. HOFFMAN HLAVAC & EASTERLY
We all know that it's coming, and there is nothing that we can do to stop it. January 1. New Year's Day. A time to reflect. A time to turn our attention to making "changes" that we know we need to make. New Year's resolutions. Eat better. Exercise more. Unplug from the Matrix! Easy to say, but often difficult to do. Like Jerry Seinfeld once said: "You know how to take the reservation, but you don't know how to hold the reservation. And that really is the most important part of the reservation!” The same is true for employers across the country. You know that there are things that you can and should do to limit your potential liability for employment-related claims. You often commit to doing these things, but either don’t follow through or find some excuse for not doing them. Here is one New Year’s resolution that is a MUST for all employers in 2020. Train your employees. I don't mean to train them with respect to how to make widgets or how to operate machinery. I mean, train them in the critical areas of employment law. When is the last time that you conducted harassment training for your employees? In light of the #MeToo movement, harassment training has become even more critical to protecting employers from potential liability. The only way to establish the affirmative defense to harassment liability is to show that you did two things: (1) took reasonable steps to prevent harassment in the workplace; and (2) took prompt and appropriate corrective action once you had knowledge of the harassment complaint. In order to establish that you took reasonable steps to prevent harassment, you must be able to show that you “regularly train your employees with respect to harass38
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ment.” Regular training is not once every 2 or 3 years. In order to show that your business is committed to preventing harassment at work, you will need to show that you conduct at least annual harassment training. Sticking your employees in front of a computer for on-line harassment training, however, will not satisfy this requirement. In the EEOC’s “Guidance on Harassment,” it has clearly warned employers that on-line harassment training is not sufficient. According to the EEOC and some states that have adopted mandatory training statutes, in order to be effective, harassment training must be "interactive" and conducted by a live instructor who can answer questions from attendees and involve them in hypothetical situations or role-playing exercises. This type of "live" training forces attendees to be involved in the training, to think about the issues, and to answer questions. They cannot simply turn off the volume and click their way to a certificate of completion. Your harassment training also has to be tailored to the appropriate audience. Supervisors and non-supervisors should not receive the same training. Although many of the issues will be the same, supervisors require specialized training that teaches them about their obligations to protect employees from harassment and to take prompt and appropriate corrective action in response to complaints. Supervisors not only need to know what harassment is, but they must also understand that they play a critical role in the prevention and elimination of harassment in the workplace. They must understand that failure to satisfy these responsibilities could lead to potential personal liability. MyNetworkMag.com
issues, disciplining and terminating employees; and the importance of proper documentation? When you hired someone as a supervisor or promoted someone from a non-supervisory position, did you simply assume that they knew how to be a good supervisor? Did you assume that they had all of the skills necessary to effectively manage other employees? Did you assume that they could just figure it out? I am sure that I don’t need to remind you what happens when you assume things. Most new supervisors have no idea how to interview potential employees, how to conduct a proper workplace investigation, or how to prepare a performance evaluation. They also don’t understand how asking the wrong question in an interview, botching an investigation, or creating an inadequate performance evaluation can result in significant potential liability for the employer. Supervisors everywhere are busy. It is a universal truth. Because of this, they often fail to document critical employment-related issues: performance counseling, behavioral problems, disciplinary steps; employee meetings; and many others. Unfortunately, when faced with an employment-related claim, this documentation is absolutely critical to protecting the employer from liability. Without it, the employer’s ability to defend itself (and its supervisors) will be significantly limited. Finally, in order to be effective, the training must devote the necessary time actually to cover the subject matter. Thirty minutes is not enough. This is not a tanning session or a nail appointment. It is not a pizza delivery guarantee. At a minimum, your non-supervisor training must be at least one hour, and your supervisor training needs to be two hours. Anything less is nothing more than window dressing, and the EEOC will view it as such. Beyond harassment training, have you trained your supervisors with respect to how to be a good supervisor? Have you provided your supervisors with any training in these critical areas: interviewing, handling employee complaints, investigations; performance evaluations; ADA and FMLA
1605 North Cedar Crest Blvd., Suite 517 Allentown, PA 18104 (484) 408-6001 info@HHE-Law.com
The only way to ensure that your supervisors have these critical skills and understand the importance of these critical issues is to train them. Yes, the training will undoubtedly have a cost. Yes, it is easy to convince yourself that you don't need it. Yes, you've gotten this far without training, and its never been a problem. In this regard, however, I have a saying that I frequently share with employers: "It's not a problem until it is. And when it is, it will undoubtedly be a BIG problem.” Happy New Year! Time to go. I’m meeting a friend for lunch (salads) and then I have to hit the gym. Time to eat better and exercise more!
Hoffman Hlavac & Easterly represents private and public employers in all aspects of the employment relationship. The Firm’s clients include employers of all sizes in a broad industry range, including health care, banking, manufacturing, education, retail, hospitality, and car dealerships. HHE can help your company with all of its employment related needs and ensure that you are not the next target for an employee’s claims. www.HHE-Law.com
Recognizing and Responding to a Person in Crisis KEVIN BROCKEL, MS PROGRAM DIRECTOR, PENNSYLVANIA MENTOR
When working in the mental health field, it is not uncommon to interact with an individual in a crisis state. For those who do not work in the mental health field, it is also likely at some point, you may come across someone in your personal life who is struggling to cope with the stressors of everyday life. When these stressors become unmanageable, a person could go into a crisis state. So, what is a crisis state? A crisis state is defined as a temporary state of disorganization, characterized by an individual’s inability to cope with internal or external stressors using common methods of problem-solving. There are 3 stages of the cycle to achieve a crisis state: the emotional trigger, the escalation, and the crisis state. A person begins the crisis cycle by first being exposed to an emotional trigger. The death of a loved one, a divorce, or losing one’s job are all some common examples of emotional triggers that we see in everyday life that may be very difficult for someone to cope with. When an individual is unable to cope with these emotional triggers, the situation begins to escalate. Some common reasons an emotional trigger can escalate into a crisis are because the individual may not understand "why" the trigger is happening to them; they may misperceive a situation, have not yet developed healthy coping skills, or are easily overwhelmed. What does this escalation stage look like in terms of a person’s behavior? They may become loud or threatening, refuse to cooperate, defiant, aggressive, withdrawn/run away, and talk about self-harm or suicide. There are not only behavioral signs that a person is in the escalation stage of a crisis cycle but also physical warning signs as well. These physical changes may include dilated pupils and direct stares, clenched fists and muscle constriction, flushed and angry appearance, invasion of other's personal space, and rapid, deep breathing. These are all warning signs that 40
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an individual is entering a crisis state and will need either intervention or professional support. Once the trigger has occurred, and the emotional response escalates to the inability to manage that trigger effectively, the crisis state is realized.
How do we respond to a person who is now in a crisis state? There are both physical and behavioral ways that we can respond to a person in crisis in the hopes to deescalate the situation. In terms of your physical response, first, begin by using a calm and soothing voice. Manage your volume not further to escalate the situation. Use a relaxed and open body posture to appear non-threatening. Maintain soft gestures and facial expressions. Finally, keep a safe distance from the person to not endanger yourself. Behaviorally, we want to attempt to verbally deescalate the individual to prevent any physical harm to them or anyone else present. Use empathy statements to validate the feelings of the individual. Reflect on the emotion that you hear. Use encouraging and soothing words. Don't lead with the rules or consequences of the individual's behavior. Also, do not use critical language or express your own negative emotions. In summary, whether you are a professional in the mental health field or just a normal person in everyday life, you will most likely encounter a person in a crisis state at some point. The number one priority is to maintain the safety of everyone involved, including the individual in crisis. If you find yourself in such a situation and the above suggestions are not useful in deescalating the individual please, reach out to the authorities or dial 911. We always want everyone to remain safe in a crisis situation. MyNetworkMag.com
NEVER PUT ANYTHING
S
M
A
L
L
E
R
THAN YOUR ELBOW
IN YOUR EAR!
JENNIFER STINSON, AU.D. | DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY STINSON AUDIOLOGY SERVICES
Ear wax medically known as Cerumen is generally a mystery to the average person. Most feel that if there is wax in their ears, then they are "dirty." This is simply not the case; it's supposed to be there! But if that's true, then what is it for? Why is it there, and most importantly, how do I clean my ears??? Cerumen is made up of oil and sweat glands, the fancy term for these glands are apocrine (oil gland) and sebaceous (sweat gland). One interesting fact is that the body products different consistencies or colors of Cerumen depending on your ethnicity. Hormones and age-related changes can also play a role in its makeup. Sometimes these changes do cause it to build up or get stuck in the canal and require professional removal but more on that later. The role of Cerumen is to naturally work its way out of your canal to clear the ear of debris or foreign objects. It mostly ends up at the bottom of the ear canal due to a little thing called gravity! I'm sure you are now thinking that if that's the case, how DO I clean my ears? The answer to that for most people is using a washcloth when bathing. Cotton swabs were not designed to be inserted into the ear canal. They should only be used to clean the outer ear.
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Some people’s ears do require a visit to the clinic for the cleaning to be done professionally. This includes tortuous or bendy ear canals, smaller or collapsing ear canals, and ear canals that have undergone surgery or radiation. In these ears is the Cerumen may build up and can cause a significant degree of hearing loss if not treated professionally. Finally, a few demographic populations that need extra care to their ears are people diagnosed with Dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Downs Syndrome. Down's syndrome tends to affect the shape of the ear canal along with the makeup of the Cerumen, which makes it more difficult to move out of the canal. In addition, people who suffer from cognitive impairments, such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, generally do not realize that their hearing is becoming impaired. It's more and more common that someone having memory problems or becoming confused are found to have some degree of hearing loss, which may be exasperating their symptoms. These ears should be looked at regularly by a professional such as an audiologist, otolaryngologist (or ENT), or nurse who has been trained in cerumen management.
MyNetworkMag.com
The Forecast JASON BREIDINGER, MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR MORTGAGE AMERICA Just over a year ago, the month of November brought our area a snowstorm, a weather pattern called a nor’easter. The forecasters told all of us it was coming. The television was alive with color-coded spinning swirls, and the weather forecasters were vivaciously sending the message... forces outside of our control are on the way; be ready.
THE STORM CAME. Inches of snow, piles of snow landed quickly. In a single moment, people and their cars were stuck in place. Some were stuck for under an hour, and some were stuck for hours and hours. Some handled the situation with grace and patience, while others dealt with the situation with contentment. Some went out of their way to help their fellow man while others managed to help only themselves. Some, given the circumstances, behaved with common sense, while others clearly did not. Whether spectator or participant, everyone reached a meeting of the minds on one single solitary notion…. where were our services? Why wasn't the road prepped in advance with that top-secret mixture that eats away the bottom of our cars? Why weren't the plows circulating to scrape up the very first flake that tried to accumulate on the surface of our causeways? Why weren’t we given the clearest straightest possible path to our desired destination? It’s not the early 1900’s it’s the early 2000’s; we have the bestlooking color-coded spinning swirls ever imagined, and yet everyone was stuck. Have you thought about the fact that each and every one of those fighting the nor’easter spectate or participate within our local real estate market in very much the same way? During a real estate transaction, we see examples of grace, patience, contentment, help, and hopefully common sense; moreover, the same fundamental expectation for services is in place.
MORE COLORED CIRCLES THAN EVER. Still, negotiations need to take place, the inspections have to be scheduled, title insurance needs to be cleared, and financing must be handed over timely, all on a silver platter and at the right temperature. That means people need services. Who preps the path; before the buyer or seller finds themselves in the thick of it? Who plows the way while the struggle takes place? So, they don’t get stuck, so they get home safely; we do. For almost 40 years, Mortgage America has provided Local Loans for Local Homes. Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, swing, bridge, construction, firsttime buyer with assistance programs that reduce the burden of seller assist, no down payment options, and jumbo loans with attractive rates and terms. We directly underwrite and service your loan. The majority of our approvals are issued without the need for the buyer to sell their home before they buy. At Mortgage America, time is taken to ensure you can focus on negotiations without fear of the unknown. Many of our employees have been with us for over 30 years. Our average closing occurs within 35 days, we often close in just eight days, and we wire the money to the title company early. Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency ranks us #1 in the State Pennsylvania year after year after year. What apps don’t tell you is that a home purchase is negotiated 3 times. One is at the start, twice during inspections and third at the final walkthrough prior to closing. All the while, it's the Real Estate Broker/Agent who will oversee every single aspect, speaking with the 15- 20 different people who work independently of one another; to consummate the transaction. The Real Estate Broker/Agent keeps all of that functioning properly (they prep and plow daily) so that you can't get stuck.
HOUSING IS STRONG.
Seller’s, it’s a very good time to sell. Marketing times are measured in days, not weeks. Call a real estate agent today. They know the local market…they’ve seen the inside of the homes you are considering. They compare them to others by actually walking through them… their experience provides the leadership, guidance, and a multitude of talents the colored circles can only aspire to achieve.
In the year 2020, information, data, and reports about the real estate market will be found everywhere and in bulk. Advertising apps wear service as their mask and rest assured the industry will continue to make things appear like the path is easily traveled, with the touch of a finger.
A new year is upon us. Make the resolution to call a Real Estate Broker and Mortgage America. We won’t just give you the forecast; we’ll provide the actual services that ensure you weather any storm.
The current market has fewer homes for sale than buyers who are looking to buy them. Multiple offers are commonplace. Supply is lower than demand driving the value of homes higher through competition.
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• Conventional • PA Housing Finance Agency First Time Home Buyers • Federal Housing Administration • Veterans Administration • USDA Rural Housing • Jumbo
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Millennials vs. Baby Boomers: The Great Housing Market Debate JENNIFER KHAWAM, MARKETING ASSOCIATE GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY REALTORS® An ever-evolving housing market is something everyone in the real estate industry can expect and agree on. Lately, however, there’s a debate surrounding the current buyer-seller stalemate, for lack of a better phrase, and who, exactly, is to blame. Is it those pesky millennials? Or, perhaps, the baby boomers? The National Association of REALTORS® defines millennials and baby boomers in their 2019 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report as follows: • Older millennials were born between 1980 and 1989 • Younger millennials were born between 1990 and 1998
• Older baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1954 • Younger baby boomers were born between 1955 and 1964 Each side agrees on one thing: The housing market is changing. The debate centers around which generation is to blame for the negative experience many are having with the buying and/or selling process. On one side, millennials apparently aren’t buying homes. What gives? On the other hand, baby boomers apparently don’t want to sell their homes. Huh? Let’s dive into the details and act as a referee.
SHARE OF BUYERS AND SELLERS BY GENERATION
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The chart above shows that millennials are buying, and baby boomers are selling. The issue, however, is this: Neither side is doing enough buying or selling. So, what’s the deal? Let’s start with millennials.
Rising prices and low inventory are being seen right here in the Lehigh Valley. Local housing prices hit an all-time record this past July. The Median Sales Price reached $222,000, beating out June’s record of $216,500.
According to Business Insider, housing prices are one of the reasons why millennials may not be buying houses as their predecessors did at their age: “Housing prices have soared by nearly 40 percent in the past three-plus decades, far outpacing wage increases and making homeownership much more of a challenge for today's buyers… While traditionally renting an apartment or house while saving up to buy your own residence was once a logical approach, since the 1960s, average rental rates have increased by 46 percent, meaning just affording a rental is harder than ever, let alone saving up to buy.”
Factor in the student loans that are hitting millennial’s wallets with gusto, and it’s no wonder they’re struggling to achieve the dream of homeownership. According to the Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, 47 percent of younger millennials have student debt at a median of $21,000, while 42 percent of older millennials have student debt at a median of $30,000. Money (or lack thereof) is one of the main inhibitors that keep millennials from buying and owning homes. That’s pretty obvious. But there are other things to consider, like the general habits and trends of the millennial generation.
BUYERS WHO HAVE STUDENT LOAN DEPT
As each decade comes and goes, so do trends and cultural movements. The millennials who can afford to buy a home, according to another Business Insider article, don't want to buy the big houses that baby boomers (the ones who are selling) are offering up. "Most millennial homebuyers are looking for smaller, more manageable properties than the mini-mansions so popular a generation before," Business Insider said. “And they like sleek, simple interiors. The result is a steep drop in the value of many of the homes baby boomers are now hoping to sell as they downsize after emptying the nest or retiring.” Millennials are also deviating from the traditional timeline in which previous generations sought to get married, buy a house, have children, and so on and so forth. The Washington Post described it as “postponing key traditional inflection points that stimulate homebuying.” Thus, MyNetworkMag.com
millennial home buying statistics are down compared to previous generations that followed a more “traditional” timeline. As for baby boomers, the main argument going around, according to news outlets like CBS News, is they’re refusing to sell their homes, whereas previous generations often downsized once they reached a certain age. “Boomers are healthier and working longer than previous generations, which means they aren't yet ready to sell their homes and strike out for retirement developments,” CBS News reported. “And some may not want to sell their homes because they then must jump into the homebuyers' market, which is suffering from low inventory and high prices.” Some baby boomers are even deferring retirement, according to USA Today. “Many boomers are staying in NETWORK MAGAZINE™
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their longtime homes and communities because they’re deferring retirement,” the news outlet said. “About 20 percent of Americans 65 and older are working or looking for jobs, up from 12.1 percent in 1996, Labor Department figures show.”
With each side of the debate having its own reasons for not buying and not selling, how can anyone choose a side to blame and pick on? Each side is deviating from previous buying and selling trends and, therefore, creating a new housing market.
If baby boomers are physically able to continue making money, then why not? It makes sense for baby boomers who still have kids at home who can’t afford to move out due to today’s high rent and home prices, as well as mounting student loan debt. According to CBS News, “More than one-third of adult children between the age of 18 to 34 are living with their parents. That may make it tougher for the parents to decide to sell, especially in expensive markets where their children might have difficulty finding affordable homes.”
So, what can you do if you're a millennial or a baby boomer looking to enter the housing market (we're also looking at you, Generation X, Generation Z, and everyone before, after, and in between)? You can find yourself a REALTOR®. From honest representation and clear communication to cooperative involvement with other REALTORS®, our members are educated, equipped, and ready to serve you.
USA Today lists these other possible reasons why baby boomers aren’t selling: • Plans to downsize in the future (like when they’re 80 years old). • Housing supply shortage keeping them from finding smaller homes with smaller prices. • Mortgages are paid off, so why sell? • Focused on upgrading their homes, not downsizing them.
When you’re looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable guide through the property-buying or selling process, no one else can offer the service of a certified REALTOR®. To find your REALTOR®, visit www.GreaterLehighValleyRealtors.com, and utilize the "Find a REALTOR®" search in the middle of the page.
We
Professionals
RealtorsÂŽ adhere to a strict code of ethics with your best interest at heart.
Find your RealtorÂŽ today at glvr.org
Consider Italy for your Winter Destination Vacation PATRICE SALEZZE PAPAVERO VILLA RENTALS
Winter can be a great time to visit Italy – Skiing the Italian Alps, uncrowded art cities, plenty of cultural events, Italian comfort foods, and leisurely tastings at wineries where the pace slows and becomes an intimate afternoon with a winemaker. Shoppers will find deep discounts in stores from January through March in every region of Italy. Here are a few suggestions for a winter vacation in Italy:
WINTER SPORTS
The Italian Alps offer the ultimate winter getaway. The Dolomites are a UNESCO Heritage Site and offer some of the best skiing in a majestic setting. Cortina d'Ampezzo was home to the 1956 Winter Olympics and will again be hosting in 2026. It is part of the Dolomiti Superski, one of the world's largest ski circuits with over 450 miles of slopes across 12 ski regions and one ski pass. Cortina is one of Italy's most charming villages. Trentino's Val di Fassa also has excellent ski zones with incredible views of the Swiss and Austrian Alps, and the Sestriere resort in Piedmont's region has 146 trails covering over 250. The nighttime skiing is an added 52
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bonus, becoming a magical trip down the mountain into the twinkling lights of the town below. The Corno alle Scale in the region of Emilia Romano is perfect for families. With over 15 miles of ski slopes and the longest slope on the Apennines, uninterrupted for almost 2 miles. There are also two cross country ski loops, snowboarding, and snowshoeing trails, and a baby park where every Bolognese child has learned to ski. For non-skiers, there is a lot to entertain on any mountain slope: Go for the outstanding views, including the beautiful jagged peaks of the Dolomites soaring above you and picturesque towns and ice-covered lakes tucked in the valleys below. Clear blue skies and dazzling sunshine frame the snow-covered mountains while cable cars and gondolas not only accommodate skiers and non-skiers but are also the only way to the many "rifugi" - the wooden chalet restaurants that dot the mountains. Here you can have a long leisurely lunch or warm up with a hot drink called a Bombardino, a mixture of Zabaglione and brandy. The villages are charming with Tyrolean architecture and cobbled streets, ideal for strolling, shopping, and dining.
THE ART CITIES OF FLORENCE, ROME, AND VENICE The cities are less crowded, except of course for Venice's Carnival. Italian cities are famous for lighting their buildings and monuments, and early winter sunsets give you more time to enjoy the cities in the dark. Evening walks on the quiet and picturesque streets, and squares are quite impressive without the crowds and something you won't soon forget. While Museums may have shorter hours, they won't have the long lines or crowds, allowing you to move at your MyNetworkMag.com
own pace. Theaters, concerts, and operas abound in the winter months, and outdoor skating rinks can be found in some of the cities. Italy's high-speed trains connect most of the country's major cities, making it easier to expand your itinerary.
CARNEVALE
4. Carnevale di Putignano – Apulia. Dating back to 1394, it is the longest celebration lasting from December 26 up until Mardi Gras ending with an all-day parade celebrating the Carnival's end with large floats. 5. Carnevale Mamoiadino – Sardinia. This ancient pagan tradition features the Mamuthones, men in black masks and dark fur coats with cowbells on their backs dancing against the Issohadores, who are distinguished by white masks in red uniforms. They march through the village of 2500 performing traditional dances around bonfires.
SICILY The winter months are pleasant, and the crowds are the gone making it an ideal destination in the winter.
The most famous "final party" before Ash Wednesday is held in Venice. But Carnevale is held in other cities across Italy. Some of the most well-known to Italians can be found in Tuscany, Verona, Apulia, Piedmont, and even Sardinia. 1. Carnevale di Viareggio in Tuscany takes place in the seaside village of Viareggio, located along the Tuscan Riviera. The highlight is the parade of floats with satirical caricatures of famous people, many political. It was first organized in 1873 to protest high taxes. Today it still keeps its satiric wit to vent their discontent. 2. Bacanal del Gnoco – Verona, Veneto region. This Carnival dates back 500 years when Verona was suffering from a food shortage. A local nobleman donated flour to every citizen so they can make gnocchi. From that time on, he mandated to donate gnocchi and wine every year on the last Friday of Carnival. Now the day is in his honor when housewives and restaurants all serve gnocchi. The parade is led by Papa de Gnocchio - the symbol of the generous nobleman who fed the entire population during the famine.
Like the major art cities on the mainland, Sicily's villages and cities are ideal for enjoying them alongside the Sicilians. The piazzas will be full sunny, streets will be free of tourists, solo walks on the beaches of seaside villages offer a new experience in an intimate way. Restaurants return to the natives and are serving seasonal dishes you won't find on the menu in the summer. Agrigento's annual Almond Blossom Festival and Siracusa's Festival of Saint Lucia are celebrated each February. The average temperature is in the 60's but also promises good skiing in the northern areas of Etna and the Palermo mountains. The food festivals, or Sagro, shift to chestnuts, citrus fruits, mulled wine, sweet and savory fried dumplings. And of course, each city holds their own Carnevale with colorful floats and parties.
3. Battle of the Oranges – Ivrea, Piedmont. One of the most popular festivals in the world, it recalls the Battle of the Oranges of 1194 against the Barbarossa and the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick of Swabia. Each year they ride large carts through town hurling oranges at each other. The ultimate and largest food fight. MyNetworkMag.com
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STEVE ROWBOTTOM CIGAR AFICIONADO, CIGARS INTERNATIONAL
E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic Dominican Republic
5.6” x 52
Medium-Full
96-Rated
John Bull The Dark Hour Churchill Dominican Republic
7” x 50
Medium
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Macanudo Heritage Nuevo Toro DominicanRepublic
6.0”x 52
Mellow-Medium
94-Rated
My Father La Promesa Corona Gordo Nicaragua
5.5” x 48
Medium-Full
92-Rated
Southern Draw Cedrus Belicoso Fino Nicaragua
5.5” x 52
93-Rated 54
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Medium-Full
Spoiler Alert: this is among the finest cigars I’ve ever burned. I describe this cigar as luxurious. I also call it unique, because every leaf that comprises this cigar is grown in the black soils of Nicaragua and has been aged ‘en tercio’ for a minimum of 2 years, resulting in a refined yet interesting bouquet. Big notes of rich tobacco and sweet cedar boom with each puff. Sweet, savory notes linger after each exhale. From time to time I pick up some caramel and some tea. The entire time I’m soothed by the cigar’s deceivingly bold profile. Make time for this cigar, and make sure your palate is clean prior to lighting. I typically review expensive, top-shelf cigars. But the value hound in me never overlooks a cigar, or wine, or scotch, or whatever, due to price. John Bull The Dark hour is my latest reason why. This inexpensive cigar is jam-packed with the rich, bold flavors I prefer: dark tobacco, espresso, earth, cocoa. It’s made with aged longfillers from the Dominican and an oily Maduro wrapper that lends a natural sweetness to the mix. The cigar is legitimately complex and savory, and something I can burn daily after a big lunch or early dinner. I highly suggest this cigar for the full-flavored fan. While my taste has evolved beyond the classic Macanudo Café, I still crave a mellow cigar from time to time and Macanudo Heritage Nuevo hits the spot. I consider the cigar sophisticated, with subtle notes of cedar, cashew, toast, and sweet tobacco present throughout the burn. There’s an underlying creaminess from the Ecuador Connecticut wrapper, and a sweet pepper influence from the Mexican long-fillers. For a mellow cigar, there’s a lot going on here, and enough to interest those typically reaching for stronger cigars.
The product of Jose ‘Don Pepin’ Garcia, My Father La Promesa employs a bold blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers, creating a rich core of oak, leather and nuts with each puff. The Ecuador Habano Oscuro wrapper is thick and leathery, adding a hickorylike element to the smoke, along with a dash of pepper on the finish. The cigar pumps out heavy clouds of gray smoke, emitting an oily, almost charcoal-esque aroma that fills the room. I love the bold complexity of this cigar and find it to be a nice nightcap alongside a tawny port. Please know, I highly recommend this cigar. Please also know, this cigar can be hard to find at times. Four vintage long-filler varieties marry inside a Nicaraguan Habano 2000 binder, before a milk chocolate brown Sumatra wrapper from Indonesia completes the cigar. The result is a delicious, medium to full array of deep, complex flavors including cedar, baked bread, cream, coffee and white pepper. Low production may lead to touchy availability, but I promise the experience is worth the potential search. MyNetworkMag.com
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