Southwestern Pennsylvania Business Journal - Fall 2023

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FALL 2023

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FIELDS OF GOLD sharing natural healing in cozy space

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{table of contents}

6PUTTING THE ‘DO’ IN DOWNTOWN

10 FIELDS OF GOLD turns grief into goodness

14 ALTA VISTA BUSINESS PARK

20 INCREASING BROADBAND ACCESS

NEARS FULL OCCUPANCY

as Mon Valley Alliance continues to support area’s growth

remains key for Washington County Authority

26 DESTINATION CANDY:

30 CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT:

Washington’s newest go-to sweet spot

Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce

{from the editor}

TAKE ME TO THE CANDY SHOP Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Business Journal! By the time this lands in your hands, fall will officially begin. Fall has always been my favorite season, so I’m looking forward to cooler days, crunchy leaves and all the other accouterments of this time of year. Fall means Halloween is right around the corner, and Halloween means candy.

As you can see on the cover, we’ve got a tasty new stop in downtown Washington: Destination Candy. Chris Adkins and Phil Agostinelli have partnered to highlight all sorts of treats focused on local favorites. Check them out if you want to pass out some unique goodies to the costumed kiddos this season. Or, if you’re looking for a gift basket for a loved one who used to live here and has since moved away, they can prepare a wonderful gift.

Also inside, Michele Gillis talked with Adrienne Guerke, who opened a holistic shop in Chalk Hill earlier this year. Guerke turned to yoga, meditation and other natural healing methods after a traumatic loss in her life. She’s used that experience to fuel her newfound passion and share what she’s learned with others. Her shop is warm and inviting, with peaceful music, essential oils and a welcoming atmosphere that begs customers to stay for a little while. Products are carefully curated, with many regional goods.

“I knew I had to share this with other people,” she said. “I have to let people know there is hope.”

Guerke plans to grow her shop to provide workshops, massages, meditation and other similar offerings. Store hours vary, so check online before visiting.

One significant story in Washington County this year has been increasing access to broadband internet, especially in more rural areas like the western half of the county.

Looking through our archive, we’ve written about a dozen different articles on the topic this year alone. Spearheading this endeavor has been John Timney, the Washington County Authority’s executive director, to improve residents’ lives and grow business access. Timney is also working on other projects, but for now, internet connectivity is a significant priority.

Find these stories and more inside. If you have suggestions for future potential stories, please let me know. Reach out with questions, comments or concerns to tthurston@observer-reporter.com or 724-222-2200 ext. 2421. As always, I would love to hear from you. Until next time, take care and be safe.

Editor 4 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • September 29, 2023

Photo courtesy of True Fit Marketing Destination Candy features local goodies like the Toffee House and Popcorn Willy.

An Niche Publication 122 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301 724.222.2200

Editor Trista Thurston Advertising Director Carole DeAngelo Graphic Designer Megan Morris Contributors Kristin Emery Michele Gillis Beth Seabright Rick Shrum Leanna Spada

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Putting the ‘do’ in downtown

By Beth Seabright Courtesy of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency

A visit to Washington County is not complete without a stop to the vibrant downtowns in the county, each with an individual flair.

Canonsburg

A town known for its celebrations, Canonsburg is a beloved destination point in Washington County. Visit Pike Street on select Saturdays during the summer for Alleyway With historic sites like the Bradford House Museum, Whis- Saturday, themed family-friendly events designed to bring key Rebellion Education and Visitor Center and the LeMoyne the community together. From concerts to bingo to comHouse, downtown Washington is rich and alive with history. munity flea markets, Alleyway Saturday always offers an But do not just visit for the history; downtown Washington is experience for visitors. also known for their great food. Southern Yanks Smokehouse With the second largest parade in Pennsylvania, capped off was named best BBQ in the ‘burgh by Pittsburgh Magazine in 2022. The Union Grill and Presidents Pub are also Washing- by a magnificent fireworks display, Canonsburg is the place ton favorite lunch and dinner spots. to be on July 4th. Nationally ranked on the list of the best American Oktoberfests, the Pennsylvania Bavarian OktoCombining history with a whole lot of fun, this past May berfest takes place in Canonsburg in September and welmarked the inaugural “Running of the Wools” in downtown comes over 60,000 people throughout the three-day festival.

Washington. This family-friendly event highlighted WashingThis authentic Bavarian event features food trucks, vendors, ton’s prominence as the top exporter of wool in the 19th century and featured sheep races through the streets of downtown live bands performing traditional German music, and, of Washington, as well as a full day of sheep-filled activities, course, German beers.

Washington

including a children’s area featuring “lambies in pajamies,” kitchen clash, breakfast crawl, educational activities like sheep shearing and many other engaging exhibitions. The fun carried into the following day with Washington County Free Museum Day, which offered free admission to six local museums.

6 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • September 29, 2023

Above: Courtesy of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency The Bradford House, a National Historic Landmark, is a heritage home with guides in period clothing, authentic furnishings, educational exhibits, and an 18th-century garden, complete with a well house and log kitchen cabin.

Cap off your year at Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas celebration in December. Recognized by VisitPA.com as one of Pennsylvania’s most “Hallmark movie-esque” locations in the state, you can enjoy a parade, tree lighting, food and craft vendors. No visit to Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas is complete without spending time with Santa and posing for a family photo in front of the signature 1952 Ford truck, the centerpiece of the celebration.

Monongahela Community is the lifeblood of downtown Monongahela. With over 20 community organizations and 17 churches, chances are you will encounter some sort of celebration, event or parade when you visit downtown Monongahela. A weekly farmers market, live music, pet events and a 5K run throughout the warmer months, in addition to a growing retail sector complete with gift, clothing and other shops, as well as a charming ice cream/candy shop and newly opened winery featuring live entertainment most weekends, make downtown Monongahela a vibrant stop on your summer bucket list.

The Monongahela Aquatorium is venue that hosts live music and other events.

The Monongahela Aquatorium, an entertainment venue that juts out into the Monongahela River, is the only large amphitheater of its kind in the region and is the perfect destination point for summer fun. Grab a seat by the river, bring your own chair or blanket, or dock your boat in the Mon to catch a show on the semi-hexagonal stage. Make a point to visit this venue for their summer concert series, food truck festival and other events, and be sure to catch Angelo II’s magnificent inflatable holiday decorations that light up the town leading up to Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Attendees at Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas pose with a festive truck in front of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop.

September 29, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 7

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Adrienne Guerke next to Norah’s photo and memorial angel wings

Fields of Gold turns grief into goodness

By Michele Gillis Photos courtesy of Fields of Gold

Sometimes, soul-crushing things happen in our lives that just don’t make any sense.

But beautiful things can take shape when you pull yourself out of the ashes and rise again. That is exactly what happened to Adrienne Guerke.

Guerke opened Fields of Gold, a unique holistic shop located at 2944 National Pike in Chalk Hill Plaza, on May 13, 2023.

“There is so much out there that people don’t think of or know that is useful,” said Guerke. “How can you even think when you are in that time of need? I felt like there had to be more. I had to survive this. I had two other children. I had no qualms that this was the end for me, too. But, I knew there had to be more.”

Through a wellness retreat, Guerke started finding hope and relief through natural healing modalities such as yoga, meditation and essential oils and knew she wanted to share what she discovered.

The vision for Fields of Gold began in 2018 after the sudden and unexpected death of her third and youngest daughter, Norah Claire Guerke, of SIDS, at just 111 days old.

“I knew I had to share this with other people,” said Guerke. “I have to let people know there is hope. When you are that deep in grief, I would pray to God that I would just be able to breathe because some days I couldn’t even catch my breath. The chest pain that comes with the anxiety and grief is so overwhelming that I needed a break from the pain. Those were the things that could get that deep feeling out of my body, even if it was for ten minutes.”

Fields of Gold is located at 2944 National Pike

Eventually, she realized that the lessons she was learning were all tied back to nature and to things that we are all inherently given. She also realized that if they could help her, they could help others, so the idea for her store was born.

People who lived on the mountain were using what the Earth gave them as they sourced their land, but it wasn’t being offered to others who visited the mountains.

“This would be the perfect place to offer a shop that provided healing modalities,” said Guerke.

Her planning started with journal writing. It began as a business plan that took about two years to come to fruition.

“This is a lovely store that focuses on items for healing,” said Bob Merlin, a customer of Fields of Gold. “It also has books, plants, clothing and jewelry. It is a great little place. Take a ride up the beautiful mountain above Uniontown. Lots to see and do, now including this great little store. They have lots of great stuff, and the store was started based on a compelling vision.”

Guerke grew up in Hopwood but left when she went to college and never saw herself living in or near mountains as an adult. Guerke and her family were living in Pittsburgh when her daughter died and had started camping in the mountains because nature was healing for them.

“We loved camping, and it helped us escape the city,” said Guerke. “So, after her death, we needed the most peace we could ever feel in some capacity.”

10 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • September 29, 2023

Courtesy of Fields of Gold A view inside Fields of Gold shop where you will experience a journey for your senses.

Kat & Abs Chakra Jewelry

Courtesy of Fields of Gold Healing Paws offers essential oil rollers and soaps.

When they were purchasing their home, the notary they used had a small Items in the shop include plants and botanicals, essential space that was located in the Chalk Hill Plaza. While they were in her office, oils, diffusers, candles, incense, bath products, skincare, tincshe told her husband the space would be the perfect size for her future busi- tures, salves, herb bundles, potpourri, herbal vinegar cleaner, ness. Eventually, the notary moved out, and the location became available. teas, snacks, books, journals, greeting cards, inspirational card “In 2019, we decided it was decks, stickers, blankets, nature and wellness-inspired apparel time for a change of pace and a change of space, and we moved and natural artisan jewelry. from the suburbs of Pittsburgh to the peaceful mountains from which my family is rooted,” said Guerke. “Unfortunately, just a few months later, our world fell victim to a pandemic that turned millions of others’ lives upside down, too. It was then I realized that Norah’s death may be what brought us here, but her life and her light are what has guided me to this destination.”

Angel art created by local artist Sam Hice

Though the products come from all over the country, Guerke named a few local vendors she offers in her shop, including Kat & Abs Custom Jewelry, Tomko’s Treats, Vibrant Roots Farm’s Down Home Naturals, Healing Paws and Mountain Vibes.

Teas, shortbread cookies and local honey featured on Guerke’s grandmother’s cabinet. “She loved teas and biscotti,” said Guerke.

“Her name was Assunta so I call this ‘Assunta’s Assortments.’”

Her husband helped her create her envisioned space by constructing a checkout countertop with live edge wood. She used wood from her yard, items from her home and other decorative pieces to create a sanctuary where people could come in and relax. The shop is very rustic, and everything is re-purposed from her family or the local area.

The shop’s name came from the Sting song “Fields of Gold,” which reminded them of Norah.

Fields of Gold provides a journey for your senses the second you walk in the door.

“Sensory engagement was one of my biggest ways of healing,” said Guerke. “Literally just breathing, being present and what your body is experiencing at that moment. In the shop, I always have Native American flutes or beating drums playing and essential oils diffusing or incense burning. Everything is geared toward engaging the senses.”

Customers can relax in the cozy, aesthetically pleasing space, filled with calming scents and therapeutic sounds, relax and disconnect while sampling some herbal teas specifically created to care for the mind and body, curl up in the warmly lit reading nook with one of their favorite books, discover the many holistic goods and treasures that you can enjoy at home or create a unique gift for someone special in a gift basket.

Products in the shop are propagated and produced by 40 carefully selected small-business vendors, all based in the U.S. September 29, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 11

Also in the shop, Guerke displays art from local artist Sam Hice, whose art she picked up when working at the local farmers’ markets.

Thanks to our customers and friends for your continued support!

“Adrienne is so personable when I come into the shop,” said Hailey Popson, a customer of Fields of God. “She helps me determine what’s going to help me most instead of letting me wander around aimlessly.

I love the tallow cream immensely. And I always love the smell when walking into the shop.”

Guerke shares two daughters with her husband, Hank: Addison, 13 and Sydney, 10.

After college, Guerke worked at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh as a nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit and the neonatal ICU and then became a nurse practitioner. She has also worked in infectious disease research and patient care at the University of Pittsburgh.

In addition to running the shop, she works full-time as a provider educator for a medical software company where she has worked since 2015.

She also runs a booth at the local organic and farmers markets on the mountain to share the products with the community on the weekends.

Therefore, the current hours of operation of the shop vary from week to week. To ensure you stay informed, they update their hours weekly on their social media platforms, so visit their website fieldsofgold111.com, Facebook page or email them at fieldsofgold111@gmail. com for more information.

Guerke plans to expand the shop to offer customers workshops, massages, meditations and other healing modalities.

Fields of Gold’s ribbon cutting ceremony, sponsored by the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, was held on Aug. 18.

3 S. Gallatin Avenue • 36 E. Church Street Uniontown, PA 15401 neubauersflowers.com • 724-437-5500 Natural jewelry offered includes blown glass necklaces, wooden and handpainted jewelry and essential oil beaded bracelets with meanings based on the stone. The cabinet that houses the jewelry is part of a buffet cabinet that belonged to Guerke’s great-grandmother from the late 1800s or early 1900s.

12 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • September 29, 2023

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Alta Vista Business Park nears full occupancy as Mon Valley Alliance continues to support area’s growth

By Rick Shrum

Observer-Reporter file photo

Alta Vista Business Park sits on 256 rolling acres in Fallowfield Township, high above Interstate 70. It is substantially larger than most golf courses and affords fabulous views of the bustling highway and countryside.

The park is taking care of business as well. “Alta Vista is as busy as ever, and access to I-70 is second to none,” said Jamie Colecchi, CEO of the Mon Valley Alliance, which oversees operations there.

And there are plenty of operations on this tract, which became fully pad ready with road access 10 years ago. A mere decade later, Alta Vista is near capacity – only two lots are available for sale.

The latest transaction occurred in mid-August, when Tustin Group, an HVAC company, cut the ceremonial ribbon on its new location, a 35,000-square-foot building at 204 Simko Blvd. Tustin’s move followed its acquisition of DeLattre Corp., a longtime Mon Valley HVAC firm, about three years earlier.

Tustin was a $4.5 million project featuring two $1 million grants – one from the state, one from the Washington County Local Share Account – and $2.5 million from the MVA. Colecchi pointed out that Alta Vista’s development has been enhanced by being a Keystone Opportunity Zone, a state Department of Community and Economic Development program. DCED says on its website that “by eliminating specific state and local taxes within specific underdeveloped and underutilized areas, communities within Pennsylvania are experiencing economic growth.”

“That’s been a great incentive to develop out that park,” MVA’s leader said. “KOZ has been major.”

Alta Vista is an integral initiative of MVA, specializing in renewal and revival in the Mid-Mon Valley, which has absorbed heavy losses in heavy industries over the past 40 years. The park has been a success.

However, it is not the only enterprise of an organization that was formed via the 2016 merger of the Mon Valley Progress Council and the Middle Monongahela Industrial Development Association. “Overall, we’re busy with community development initiatives,” said Colecchi, the MVA’s CEO since May 2022.

The alliance strives to foster positive change with programs such as the Charleroi Neighborhood Partnership Program, a six-year plan to draw $1.5 million to the borough for community improvement projects and social services. The program, administered by the DCED, was the first instituted in the mid-Mon Valley. The NPP was announced in late December 2022, making it a viable Christmas gift. The Charleroi program evolved through a partnership of the MVA, the Greater Charleroi Community Development Corp. and several nonprofits and business partners.

14 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • September 29, 2023

Courtesy of the Mon Valley Alliance Mon Valley Alliance staff outside of the organization’s building. From left, Mary Stollar, director of real estate and economic development, CEO Jamie Colecchi, Kelly Jo Ellin, office manager, and Madison Codeluppi, marketing and development specialist.

“Charleroi presents great opportunities,” Colecchi said. “Local leaders are business-minded and are positioning themselves where opportunities lie.” He is further excited by the partnership program because the borough’s 2020 population was 3% higher than in 2010, fueled partly by an influx of immigrants.

“It was the only community that has grown in the mid-Mon Valley,” he said. “That is the reverse of a trend, which everyone is after. This increases the tax base, increases home ownership.”

The Second and McKean Development, also in Charleroi, is another key project. MVA plans to build a 6,300-square-foot office building in the downtown area at McKean Avenue and 2nd Street, with off-street parking. A spring opening is planned for where the Atlas and Bill’s Feed buildings once stood.

And as if Colecchi’s office were not active enough, MVA also oversees two other business complexes nearby: Donora Industrial Park and Speers Industrial Park.

“We do have a lot going on,” the alliance’s CEO said, laughing.

Courtesy of the Mon Valley Alliance Mon Valley Alliance staff gather in the office, looking over plans for the Mon Valley Resource Center. From left, Madison Codeluppi, Mary Stollar, Kelly Jo Ellin and Jamie Colecchi.

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Courtesy of John Timney Broadband internet is installed in Washington County in this undated photo.

Increasing broadband access remains key for Washington County Authority

By Rick Shrum The Washington County Authority has had many focuses during its 72 years of oversight in the local community. Land development was a major initiative a few years ago, featuring the continued buildout of Southpointe I and II, which transformed the mixed-use park in Cecil Township into a vibrant mega-park. There also was the construction of the correctional facility.

John Timney is steering the Authority toward a new identity. “It’s more on telecommunications space now,” said the organization’s executive director, who succeeded Bill Sember in that position. “It’s not just for residents, but businesses too. A lot of places have had no service at all.”

Timney has been on the job for two years. He occupies an office at 100 W. Beau St. in downtown Washington and works with a board of seven. “Our board is very sophisticated, very diverse and very experienced. Their eyes are pretty wide open on what we could be doing.”

He said the Authority is now “working on projects in five unserved areas by implementing fiber to impact 7,500 people over the next 24 months.” These would be projects that have been awarded, are in contract negotiation or permitting, are in physical construction or are done.

“If Aunt Betty Smith calls and complains about her lack Broadband now highlights a broad list of Authority projects, and for of connectivity, she’s your boss.” good reason. A formidable number of residents, businesses and commutThe Authority has embarked on several projects since ers across this rural county’s 861 square miles are either unserved or unit started a broadband initiative in January 2022 – four derserved because of poor internet connection. The sparsely populated months after Timney was hired. At that time, the organiwestern half of Washington County, especially, has been affected. zation partnered with Hickory Telephone Co. to kick off a pilot project that would provide high-speed internet to 50 homes and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village.

The Authority followed up on that success later that year, working with DQE Communications in towns along Route 40 in eastern Washington County.

Then, less than a week before Christmas, Timney conducted an internet speed test at the Century Inn in underserved Scenery Hill that merited a passing grade and cheers from a small crowd watching it unfold.

About eight months later, the Authority undertook a high-profile project: the 225th annual Washington County Fair. Telecommunications issues have historically beset the fairgrounds in Chartiers Township. Those issues were alleviated this August thanks to a collaboration of the Authority, Verizon, DQE and a group of local organizations.

Courtesy of John Timney John Timney, executive director of the Washington County Authority 20 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • September 29, 2023

Enter another cow at the fair, one that should be an award winner. Verizon sponsored and paid for a “Cell on Wheels” COW – a 60-foot-high mobile tower that enhanced connectivity. Timney said the roots of that endeavor were planted at last year’s fair when County Commissioner Diana Irey Vaughan mentioned the poor connectivity. “I made calls,” he said, “and we were able to find a Verizon tech who was able to lift up the adjustable towers.

“I think the board of commissioners was very pleased, and our board was pleased (with the COW).”

A Beaver County native, Timney came to the Authority with a hefty telecommunications background. He was a 22-year employee and a vice president at Crown Castle, the nation’s largest provider of shared communications infrastructure. Its Southpointe location is one of the largest employers in Washington County.

He is an energetic individual, thoughtful and eager to work with others. “With an organization this small, I don’t see us getting much bigger. But we have to stretch, work and collaborate.

The private-public partnerships we have are invaluable. We must harvest and generate revenue.

“Being cognizant of all working parts of programs and constraints is important, and so is working through the nuances of governmental organizations.”

Timney and his wife, Juanita, reside in Peters Township with their two adopted children: Harper Lee, 13, and Liam, 11. The Authority’s executive director also maintains a fast pace off the job, coaching sports at St. Louise de Marillac Church in Upper St. Clair, volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and pursuing photography.

Photo courtesy of John Timney State Sen. Camera Bartolotta helps Brian Jeffers splice fiber at the event, which she later learned will be the actual wires that are installed for customers in the community.

Other projects are ahead, but for now, internet connectivity is a major priority for the Authority.

“Broadband really set the tone for me getting hired,” Timney said. “I interviewed three times, and in the final stages of the interviews, broadband came into play. The commissioners asked how interested I was in a broadband project. My experience at Crown Castle probably benefited me in getting the job.”

He and the Authority board are now striving to benefit those who are unserved and underserved, telecommunications-wise, in Washington County.

Mike Jones/Observer-Reporter Washington County Authority Director John Timney, right, conducts an internet speed test at the Century Inn in Scenery Hill while Joe McGuinness of DQE Communications looks on in this photo from December.

September 29, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 21

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Courtesy of True Fit Marketing Destination Candy features local goodies like the Toffee House and Popcorn Willy.

Destination Candy: Washington’s newest go-to sweet spot

By Kristin Emery

Courtesy of Destination Candy 26 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • September 29, 2023

Downtown Washington just got a lot sweeter! Aug. 13 marked the grand opening of Destination Candy, which features confections, sweet treats and local goodies from businesses all around Washington County. Eighty Four native Chris Adkins is the creative force behind Destination Candy along with his partner, Phil Agostinelli of Houston.

Adkins’ property management career is in Los Angeles, but his vision to create a retail business focusing on hyper-local products was always destined for downtown Washington. “I am always on the prowl for different opportunities, and I’m really huge into community,” Adkins says. “I was speaking to different people around town and was fortunate to get connected with Shana Brown, the Washington Business District Authority’s Main Street manager.” They put their heads together and devised a plan to create a candy store featuring delicious sweets plus local Washington area products. “Many of the products you are going to see on the shelves are actually local, made in Washington or made in a surrounding county or area.” Of course, that starts with delicious baked goods from L.A. Sweets next door, which is owned and operated by Chris’ mom, Linda.

“I bought that property about a decade ago,” says Adkins.

“We subdivided the space from Main Street. On the left is the bakery, and on the right is the candy shop. We’re neighbors. She’s our biggest vendor! You’re absolutely going to see L.A. sweets all over our shelves. They’re going to be one of our headliners!”

Courtesy of True Fit Marketing Phil Agostinelli and Chris Adkins, center, surrounded by family during the Destination Candy ribbon cutting.

Finding inspiration Inspiration for Destination Candy came from just down the street at the Main Street Farmers Market. “When I moved to Los Angeles, I fell in love with the year-long farmers markets,” Adkins says.

“When I was home for the farmers market on Main Street, I loved it but obviously realize it’s limited because you can only have it through the warm months and the fall.” He wanted to explore a way to bring the farmers market indoors where they could sell their goods all year. “The Toffee House is someone we’re going to partner with, Three Rivers Salsa, Popcorn Willy, Bedillion Honey. They will absolutely be on the shelves.”

The perfect partner How do you open a business by yourself all the way across the country? Adkins needed a partner here, and Shana Brown knew the perfect person in Phil Agostinelli. His 40 years of hospitality and restaurant expertise and the timing were

both perfect fits. Health problems had forced Phil out of the restaurant business. “I went from 80 hours a week to not being able to stand on my feet long enough to be able to walk. I had to redefine myself,” explains Agostinelli. “I started volunteering at Harmony Life, and my daughter was telling Shana about that. Shana said he needs to talk to Chris. We met, and the rest is history.”

A stepping stone “Chris always had this backstory of wanting to develop a community and business to give back and develop people,” says Agostinelli. Both men have had family members’ lives changed due to bad decisions or substance abuse. “First and foremost, we are business owners, so we do believe in the profit-making business,” he stresses. “But the second is, we believe in helping our community.” For Adkins, it goes back to a close relative who made a bad decision when he was young. “That one night, that one decision forced our paths to go in very different directions,” Adkins explains. “Phil and I are focusing on implementing what I’m calling a disadvantaged hiring program… people who are in reentry, people who are former addicts who are going through recovery or who have a blemish on their record.

Now they have a place they can get training, get back on their feet, have a good job.” Their goal is to become a stepping stone to help those employees get their footing and prepare them as competitive candidates for other opportunities.

The big picture Destination Candy’s grand opening was just the first step. Adkins’s work experience includes property management for retail outlets in airports, and his longterm vision would be to franchise Destination Candy into airports across the September 29, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 27

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country. Those airports inspired him to create a children’s activity book for traveling families to keep kids occupied and happy in transit. That’s one more item you’ll find on the shelves at Destination Candy. What comes next? Adkins is already pondering a cookbook featuring recipes that include local products. “I’m a huge candy lover,” admits Adkins.

“I will probably be the candy tester.” The store will feature local, international and domestic candy such as Reese’s and Hershey’s. While the duo wants to bring candy from around the world to Washington, they also want to take Washington to the rest of the world by offering gift basket delivery featuring local products. “Destination Candy is going to be the spot like nowhere else,” says Agostinelli. “It is going to be a spot when you walk in, the first words out of your mouth will be, ‘Wow, I love it!’” You’ll find Destination Candy at 148 N. Main Street in Washington.

Courtesy of True Fit Marketing From left, Phil Agostinelli and Chris Adkins cutting the ribbon for their new joint venture, Destination Candy

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CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT: MON VALLEY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

By Executive Director Leanna Spada

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce board.

From left, front row: Executive Director Leanna Spada, Laura Williams, President Armand Ferrara, Treasurer Deborah France; second row: Kenneth Wiltz, Lisa Neil, Ashley Seman, April Cacia, Roberta Ritter, Alyssa Mendola, Don Good, Kellie McKevitt, Vice President Richard Mudrick, Phil Sparacela, Ray Mosco and Joan Rakosky.

Not pictured are Rachel Rotolo, Deb Puglia, Jamie Colecchi and Corinne Laboon.

Editor’s note: This is part of a series from area chambers of Coming up in the last quarter of 2023, the chamber still has big commerce to provide these vital organizations a space to show- plans to end the year. On Nov. 4, the chamber will once again hold its annual Love Local Mystery Bus tour. This tour includes two busloads case their efforts and members. of participants, approximately 80 people, who spend the day going The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce from one chamber business to another without prior knowledge of has been a leader and respected voice of business in the stops. An example of some of the stops during this fun-filled day the region for over 100 years. It is one of the most en- are retail stores, wineries, restaurants and event centers. This event during and successful business organizations that the brings between $12,000 and $15,000 back into the local economy in Mid-Mon Valley has known. just one day. This event sells out every year, and if anyone is interestThe organization is headquartered at One Chamber ed in purchasing tickets to attend, please call or email the chamber at 724-483-3507 or members@mvrchamber.org. The chamber will be Plaza in Charleroi. The chamber has been ranked for holding its Celebrating the Season of Business Christmas and awards several years among the largest organizations of its kind celebration to finish the year. This will take place on Dec. 1 at Nemain terms of membership by the Pittsburgh Business colin Country Club. The chamber will present four awards categories Times. It is one of the founding members of the Unitthat evening, along with dinner, dancing and mingling. There will be ed States Chamber of Commerce. MVRCC has also remore information to come regarding this event. ceived the Observer Reporter’s Best of the Best award for The upcoming 2024 year will continue to bring new and excitthe last three years. MVRCC credits much of its success to the dedication and commitment of its membership. ing things to the Mon Valley Region. Economic growth is up and The organization is honored to serve and support 350 looks to continue on a positive trajectory for the upcoming year. The local member businesses, economic development orga- Mon Valley Regional Chamber will connizations and community foundations, as well as four tinue to be at the forefront, representing county governments and dozens of communities rang- its members and helping to grow the region for the future. If you want to join or ing from Elizabeth to Brownsville. learn more about the Mon Valley RegionRelationships are critical to a community’s success. al Chamber, please call 724-483-3507 or Tthe MVRCC will continue to create opportunities for visit mvrchamber.org. people to foster and build strong relationships to enhance Photos courtesy of Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and grow the community.

30 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • September 29, 2023

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