Southwestern Pennsylvania Business Journal - Winter 2023

$

2

WINTER 2023

BEST OF THE BEST PERSON OF THE YEAR DARLENE BIGLER

on ending her 30-year career at Blueprints

LITERACY COUNCIL OF SOUTHWESTERN PA

helping immigrants through ESL classes

CHANGES TO HIRING

in a post-COVID world

CENTERVILLE CLINICS

You Should Hear What They Say About Us “Fantastic staff! Wonderful, helpful doctors and nurses!”

“Great service. Every waiting area is clean and neat. All tests are done in a timely manner. The technician doing x-rays was very pleasant and polite. They didn't rush me -- I'm a senior citizen and don't get around very easily.”

“I love the personal care that I receive. Everyone treats me like family.”

“I’ve been going to the Connellsville office for years. They are great!”

“Very responsive to your specific needs. Convenient to get lab work done, x-rays, etc. in one convenient location. No long wait times!”

“I love the patient portal for communicating with my physician and requesting refills of my medications.”

“They help out of a sense of mission, not profit.”

“An awesome team. I can’t say enough good things about them.”

“I am grateful that Centerville Clinics is here to serve the community.”

THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR Primary Medical Care

We put our patients first! Centerville Clinics received local and national honors for outstanding patient-centered care.

Diagnostic Services

We can be your primary care physician – and much more. With more than 40 providers in medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare, our specialty services include sleep medicine, dermatology, podiatry, laboratory services, and an X-ray department. We have a full-service pharmacy.

Behavioral Health Care Services

Perhaps most importantly, we’re there when you need us. We believe in convenient, same-day appointments and minimum wait times.

Patient Portal to Access Records, Request Appointments and Message Your Care Team

We participate in most insurance programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, UPMC and Highmark. We provide medical care regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

Dental Services Black Lung Clinics Program

Our future is bright! The recently completed $1.9 million renovation of Carmichaels Clinic and our new mobile van are the latest examples of growing to meet the needs of our neighbors. We are accepting new patients at all of our locations.

For more information, visit centervilleclinics.com.

For a convenient appointment, call 724-632-6801.

All services at Centerville Clinics are provided without discrimination based on financial ability, race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, parenthood, ethnic background, national origin, physical or mental handicap, or disability.

2 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

Washington Office

724-940-9000

Tri State Neuropathy Centers has a satisfaction rate over 90% and the experience of seeing over 11,000 patients Take a qualifying survey at MaryDancedIn.com to determine if you are a candidate.

Dr. Michael Scarton Chiropractic Physician, Tri State Neuropathy Centers

Tri State Neuropathy Centers 1385 Washington Road, WASHINGTON, PA 15301 Call 724-940-9000 For a FREE consultation.

Learn More at

www.MaryDanceIn.com December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 3

{table of contents}

6

DARLENE BIGLER, BLUEPRINTS CEO,

to retire

22

CANDY, COCOA AND CARAMEL

12

BEST OF THE BEST

First place winners

24

INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIER ECI moves headquarters to

The sweet smell of chocolate is Cecil Township complex in the air in Washington County

16

18

the post-COVID world

works to transform immigrant lives and boost local economy

28

30 CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

MANY CHANGES HAVE LITERACY COUNCIL OF EVOLVED for employers in SOUTHWESTERN PA

NETL LASER EXPERT DUSTIN MCINTYRE

Greene County Chamber of Commerce

on sustainable energy, personal passions

{from the editor}

Making my own Christmas magic this year

I know this time of year can either be the most wonderful or most difficult, depending on your life circumstances. This Christmas will be the first without my mother; she was my life’s magic maker. She was the one keeping spirits bright all throughout my childhood and early adulthood. I’m trying to establish new traditions and take care of myself. If this season is hard for you, I’m thinking of you.

I’ve written a lot about grief since I lost both of my parents within six years, with a healthy dose of the COVID pandemic in between. Sadness has touched much of my 20s, but I try my hardest to stay resilient, optimistic and thankful, especially during this season.

So, in the midst of mourning my mother, I hope you will give me just a little bit of space to honor her and recount to you my thoughts on moving forward without the ones you love.

Grief and morning are like the ocean. At first, you’re out so far that the waves crash over you constantly. You feel overwhelmed by their intensity. Breathing is challenging as another forceful wave knocks you back. You think, can I make it through this? Am I strong enough to go on? As time marches forward, you get closer and closer to the shore. The sandy beach is now in sight, but the waves keep coming. Now, they sneak up behind you when you’ve let your guard down, when you least expect it. They still overwhelm you with their power. Eventually, you crawl to the shore, spent and exhausted. The waves always come, but now you’re equipped to handle them. You have tools, and you can even, sometimes, see them coming.

Others are with you on the beach to hold your hand or simply be with you, experiencing the sadness lapping at your toes.

I share this with you not because I don’t think you’ve experienced loss. I know we’ve been through some tough times. I’m sharing this so you feel less alone. Grief can be all-encompassing and isolating. If you’re like me and you’re missing the ones you love this season, there’s no making the hurt go away. You learn to live with and appreciate it because if you stop hurting, you stop remembering.

Thank you for reading my most vulnerable editor’s letter.

I’m wishing you and yours love and light in the coming days.

Editor 4 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

Cover: Katherine Mansfield/Observer-Reporter Darlene Bigler and Jeffrey Fondelier have worked closely together for nearly two decades to lead Blueprints through challenges and transitions, including the renaming and rebranding of the nonprofit in 2017. On Jan. 1, Fondelier will step into the CEO role while Bigler heads off into the land of retirement.

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 Sarah Calvert Kristin Emery Michele Gillis Katherine Mansfield Beth Seabright

DARLENE BIGLER, BLUEPRINTS CEO, TO RETIRE Story and Photos by Katherine Mansfield

Darlene Bigler hopes to write the next Darlene Bigler will retire at the end of this year after 30 years as the Blueprints CEO. Bigler, who oversaw much change, including the nonprofit’s expansion into West Virginia, renaming and rebranding, is great American novel. looking forward to embarking on new journeys, like traveling with her husband and blogging.

“I just never really had a chance to spend a lot of time on creative things,” said Bigler, who will retire after 30 years as Blueprints CEO at the end of December. “I hope to do a lot of writing. I’ll be doing some stained glass, which I’ve always wanted to do.”

And traveling.

“My husband and I have a camper van, and we plan on taking six-month trips across the country and Canada,” said the avid reader and explorer.

Bigler is looking forward to filling her retirement with quality time with family and friends, creative endeavors and everything she never had time for in her three decades as CEO of a large area nonprofit. Of course, she’ll miss her work and the people who make going to work every day such a joy.

And after 30 years, she’s leaving behind quite the legacy.

Bigler began her tenure at Blueprints in 1993 after serving for a couple of years as executive director for a different community action agency. When she arrived at the Washington-based nonprofit, which aims to end poverty by providing the tools people need to become self-sufficient, it was an $11 million organization with about 120 staffers struggling through uncertain times.

6 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

“The agency was really, at that point, really experiencing some growing pains and had been without a leader for a while. There was a lot to do and a lot to work through,” Bigler said.

So Bigler got to work effecting change.

“I remember in the early years, working in my office until like 3:00 a.m., just trying to solve big problems, and doing that for a significant number of years before the agency really started to shine,” she said.

When she began at Blueprints, Head Start, which prepares children for pre-K, kindergarten and beyond, offered half-day programs in local church basements.

“On Friday afternoon, the staff would have to tear apart the whole classroom because the churches would be holding Sunday school. And then on Monday morning, they had to come back and put the classrooms all back together,” Bigler said.

Today, Blueprints’s Head Start programs are held in high-quality classrooms, including in school buildings, making it easy for children to transition from the program to kindergarten.

“We really expanded. I think we served 500 kids when I started, and we serve 1,200 children now. I’m especially proud of that,” Bigler smiled.

She’s also proud of the fact that in three decades, the nonprofit has increased its staff to about 330 employees and its budget to $34 million, and has expanded the number of people it provides services to, from a couple thousand a year to 20,000 each year, Bigler said.

Perhaps her biggest accomplishment is the expansion of Blueprints services into West Virginia in 2015, which allowed Blueprints to expand its services and the number of lives touched.

“We acquired another nonprofit agency — Try Again Homes. They were kind of just at the size where they needed a lot of administrative services but couldn't really afford them.

Our boards worked together, and we merged the two organizations. That added a whole new book of business to what we did. We had to learn all about foster care, adoption, truancy prevention and all the services they provide,” Bigler said.

Jeffrey Fondelier began at Blueprints 19 years ago. Come Jan. 1, the current vice president of operations will step into former CEO Darlene Bigler’s shoes.

The merger offered Blueprints the opportunity to rebrand, which has helped the nonprofit become better known in the community.

“When I first came to the agency, we were known as Community Action Southwest.

We’d had another name prior to that: Washington Greene Community Action Corporation. Often people confused us with a government agency, and we’re not, of course, we’re a nonprofit,” Bigler said.

West Virginia has its own community action agencies, and Bigler and her team jumped at the chance to rebrand.

“We really wanted to clarify who the organization was and be able to talk about all our programs and services.

We changed our name in 2017 to Blueprints and completely rebranded. I think that did have the impact of getting the organization out there in the community more and really enabling people to learn more about us,” she said.

This year, Blueprints was named the Observer-Reporter’s Best of the Best nonprofit agency and the number one business in Greene County, “which, for a nonprofit, is really pretty phenomenal,” Bigler said.

“It’s just been gratifying to see the community really recognize our expertise and help us share in that pride.”

Bigler herself was named the person of the year at the Best of the Best awards. Though the accolades and the nonprofit’s growth are tangible and rewarding, for Bigler, the real reward is witnessing firsthand the impact of her work.

“We really work to empower the people we provide services to to speak up for themselves and to become involved in the

December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 7

community,” Bigler said. “We have folks who have worked with us on our board of directors, on what we call our Head Start Policy Council, who gain leadership skills and then have moved on to be on their PTAs, to be on school boards, to really take an important role in our communities and continue to advocate for themselves and their families. I’m always really very proud of that.”

So, too, is Jeff Fondelier, vice president of operations, who will step into Bigler’s shoes on Jan. 1, when he takes the helm as Blueprints CEO. “We have a staff person right now who was a Head Start child. She idolized her Head Start teacher. From the time she was four or five years old, she wanted to be a Head Start teacher, and now she is,” Fondelier said. “As a Head Start child, she was growing up in poverty, and now she’s about to buy her first home. It’s those kinds of stories that are just amazing to me because it’s not easy to escape poverty.”

Fondelier began his career at Blueprints nearly 20 years ago. The enthusiastic hiker, homebrewer, husband and father of two is invested in the nonprofit and the community, believes in Blueprints’s programs and appreciates the workplace culture.

“I think I would make a mistake if, come January 1, I make sweeping changes across the organization. This is a 30-year icon in the community Darlene Bigler and Jeffrey Fondelier have worked closely together for nearly two decades to lead Blueprints through challenges and transitions, including the renaming and rebranding of the nonprofit in 2017. On Jan. 1, Fondelier will step into the CEO role while Bigler heads off into the land of retirement.

that I’m replacing. It’s a daunting challenge,” he said, adding he has plenty of ideas but will implement them slowly.

His first focus is “looking at diversifying our funding so that we can continue to advance our mission” (because Blueprints is largely government-funded, constant funding changes are something the organization continuously juggles to ensure all who live within the service area get their fair share of services).

He also hopes to cement Blueprints’s reputation within the community.

“We’re a large organization. We do a lot of things for the community. Some people know us as Head Start, some people know us as WIC, some people know us as the housing people, the tax people. We do all of those things. I’m proud that when I talk to people, and I say ‘Blueprints,’ there’s recognition.

But it’s not crystallized,” Fondelier said. “I’d like to encourage people to learn more about what we do and get involved in what we do.”

During his time with Blueprints, Fondelier has made connections within the community, including with local banks and corporations that understand the organization and support the nonprofit’s work. He may be filling Bigler’s big shoes, but he’s up to the task.

“Darlene has made it look effortless for 19 years that I can attest to,” Fondelier said. “You don’t know what you don’t know, and the minute you think you have it all figured out, you’re really in trouble. There’s a lot of things that I don’t know.

I’m comforted by the fact that we have a strong executive team that has been here for decades. I know that there are tremendous challenges in front of me, but I’m ready, willing and able to lead.”

Fondelier certainly is ready, willing and able to lead, and Bigler is ready for her promotion to “retired” after working for 30 years to grow Blueprints into the reputable community asset it is today. She’s confident that she is leaving Fondelier in a good place with nowhere to go but up.

“To be absolutely honest, in ‘93, when I started, we were somewhat of a troubled organization.

There were a lot of problems. To get to this today, I never imagined that we would be recognized in such a way,” she said, alluding to the recent Best of the Best honors. “You can’t do anything by yourself. You need to surround yourself with really good people who are dedicated to your mission. It really does take a community and an excellent staff to move things forward.”

8 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 9

Slovenian Savings & Loan Association of Canonsburg, PA appreciates you!

12 Month CD 5.5% APY* New OR Existing Money We appreciate our loyal customers & look forward to meeting new ones! www.SlovenianSavingsAndLoan.com

130 Boone Avenue Strabane, PA 15363

724-745-5000 *APY =Annual Percentage Yield. APY for above Certificates effective October 23, 2023 and is subject to change without notice. Minimum $1,000 for opening balance required and to obtain the APY for the 12 month Certificate. After Certificate matures the Certificate will automatically renew at the current Certificate rate unless you indicate otherwise. Subject to penalty for early withdrawal.

10 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 11

2023

MEET OUR 2023 BEST OF THE BEST WINNERS!

12 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

Thank You

For Voting Us Best Furniture Store

2023

#1 Chamber of Commerce

The best selection of furniture in the Mon Valley & the place to go to buy local (724) 483-3507

42 W. Main St. Monongahela, PA 15063

724.258.5905

Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce members@mvrchamber.org

December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 13

THANK YOU!

Thank You

For Voting

Vinyl Siding Doors & Windows Railings & Columns Interior & Exterior Painting Decking Roofing Kitchens & Baths Renovations & Additions

Medved’s Pharmacy

• Home Improvement Store • Siding/ Windows/ Roofing

for Voting us

THE BEST

Mon-Fri 8-5 Sat 8-Noon

7 Mckean Avenue • Chaleroi www.shophomewarehouse.com

724-483-8111

14 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

The BEST

Best Pharmacy/ Drug Category Your BEST kind of PHARMACY! Find the right remedy for your symptoms, from vitamins & supplements to natural remedies, over-the-counter drugs & prescription medications, we have a variety of options to take care of your needs, your way!

Rudy Medved, Owner

Medved’s Pharmacy

536 McKean Avenue Charleroi, PA Tel: 724-483-6589 Fax: 724-483-6580

Thank You for Voting Us the #1 Hair Salon

#1 Dining Experience & Steakhouse

625 Lincoln Ave Suite 209 • Charleroi, Pa 15022

(724) 483-4500

Shaun & Kim Coulson

We appreciate you Voting Us #1!

backprchrestaurant.com 114 Speers Ave, Belle Vernon, PA 15012

Thank You

For Voting Mon Valley Key Services, LLC

BEST Locksmith!

The Go-To BEST Power Equipment Dealer in Rostraver Township, PA

Mon Valley Key Services, LLC

Charleroi, PA 15022 monvalleykeyservices.com (724) 208-6730

T hank You for Voting!

THANK YOU for Voting Us THE BEST: LEARNING CENTER • PRESCHOOL

DEL SUPPO S&

POOL SPAS

1

# NOW ENROLLING PreSchool, ages 3-5 Keystone Stars Level 2 Voted Best of the Best in 2023 Kindergarten PA Dept. Ed Approved 1st Grade PA Dept. Ed Approved 2nd Grade PA Dept. Ed Approved Before & After Care K through 6th Preschool and School Age Summer Program UNIQUE EDUCATION & LEARNING • Degreed & Certified Faculty • Handicapped Accessible • Accommodating Children With Special Needs • Award Winning ABEKA Curriculum • STEM Incorporated Learning • Address Music & Drama • Spanish • Outdoor Education • Sign Language

GRACE CHRISTIAN ED CENTER

420 California Dr, Coal Center, PA 15423 • Mon - Fri 7:00 - 5:30 724.330.5123 • gracechristianed@gmail.com

BEST POOL & SPA RETAILER

• Inground pools • Spas / Hot tubs • Pool Covers

We are honored for your support!

26 McKean Ave, Donora Pa 724-379-5066

December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 15

Many changes have evolved for employers in the post-COVID world

By Michele Gillis

Employers are eager to fill positions with qualified candiAll sources say that they are seeing tremendous growth in dates but are finding it challenging to do so. As a result, they the services sector. are getting creative with how they interview, hire and even “Specific industries that are hiring include healthcare, inplace new staff. formation technology, personal services (beauty, fitness and Dr. Stephanie Adam, associate professor of human resource counseling), travel and hospitality (restaurants), and financial management at Penn West University, sheds light on why that is. services,” said Roy. “While layoffs may be company-specific and location-specific, some industries overall are seeing a con“From my perspective, employers are eager to fill positions traction in their workforce. These industries include transporwith qualified candidates; however, due to a variety of factors, tation, construction and professional services.” finding those candidates is proving challenging,” said Adams.

With the holidays approaching, service industries seem to be “Employee expectations have changed since COVID-19, and the most in need of help at this time. not all employers can operate in a flexible manner. Additionally, due to the loss of previous employees, there’s a serious skills “I see openings in all industries we work with, but the service gap that employers are facing.” industry is recruiting the most, and with the holiday season Kris Piscatelli, co-owner of Personnel Staffers, said she sees that coming up, the employers have a great need right now to add even though there are a lot of opportunities for candidates, employ- staff to their already shorthanded situations,” said Piscatelli. ers are taking more time to interview and make hiring decisions.

Adam said she sees engineering, skilled trades and the ser“Some employers are changing their mind on hiring right vice sector are always hiring, but not as much in the informanow because they are not getting the applicants they need to fill tion technology or the technology sector currently. certain roles,” said Piscatelli. “So, right now, it is a slow proDuring and after COVID-19, many people transitioned to cess, but it is well worth the effort because, for the applicant, working from home, and many companies continued with that there are long-term positions available.” because it was economical as long as the work was getting done.

Dr. Jennifer Roy, assistant professor of business adminPiscatelli said that remote work has been around for years, istration at Waynesburg University, said the labor market and there are situations that it works well in, but some cases remains tight overall. need employees to be in an office setting.

“That forces employers to re-think their strategy to hire talent,” said Roy. “Organizations may raise starting wages, which is costly and contributes to inflation. Employers are also offering unique benefit packages to maintain a competitive advantage.

These benefits may include tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness, flexible schedules and even pet insurance.”

“It is very dependent on the industry and the resources that are available to the company,” she said. “The work-from-home trend has definitely brought this into the conversation for employers who need employees to use as an added benefit. I do also see that it is not for everyone, and those candidates are asking for in-person work for the support and social aspects Roy said companies are attempting to upskill or re-skill their that it brings to their work life.”

Employees and job candidates want flexible schedules and incumbent workforce by creating more learning opportunities. hybrid work options.

“That can be accomplished through training and developRoy said that as more employers are trying to bring their ment, professional development programs, or offering internworkforce back to in-person arrangements, they recognize the ships, apprenticeships or tuition benefits,” said Roy. 16 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

Roy said there is a difference between where people are lookcost-savings in offering hybrid options as well as the benefit of higher job satisfaction among employees. ing for jobs and the best place to find a job.

“Job candidates, including college students about to enter the “Your personal network remains a great source to find a job,” workforce, are looking for remote and hybrid options,” said Roy. said Roy. “Organizations rely on referrals as much as possiSince working from home has become a norm in some ble. LinkedIn is a professional website that can improve your fields, it makes sense that the hiring process would also have networking access. In-person networking is important as well. to evolve as well.

I always encourage my students to use the holidays as an op“It has changed the expectations of employers,” said Adam. portunity to talk to family and friends about their jobs to get “It also has made certain aspects of life more flexible for em- information about open positions.” ployees. Therefore, if you can now, say, get your kid on and off Roy said that websites such as Indeed and Glassdoor are popthe bus and get your work done, that’s not something you want ular for reviewing job postings. to give up. It has also changed the way we interview. More artificial intelligence and technology are used in initial screen“Social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and X are ings than ever before.” also good places to find jobs,” Roy added.

Roy also sees AI as a trend in hiring applicants.

But, locally, staffing agencies, such as Southwest Training “One of the biggest hiring trends we are seeing is the use Services or Personnel Staffers, offer a personal touch to help of AI,” said Roy. “AI is being used to write job descriptions, walk you through the job application process and give you the assess job applicants and evaluate employees. skills needed to land a permanent long-term placement.

Additionally, hybrid work arrangements are in demand and “We support our candidates through their job search, from something that more organizations are offering to attract talent.” helping with their resume to communicating to potential emAdam agreed that employers want a more blended approach ployers why they would be good potential employees,” said Pisinstead of fully remote. catelli. “Looking at job boards is frustrating and can return no “By this, I mean, employers are trending toward wanting results or can generate lots of calls about jobs that do not interworkers to either come into the office full weeks or partial est the candidates. We get to know our applicants and our emweeks at home, partial weeks in the office,” said Adam. “If ployers and ask questions that lead to permanent placements.” an employee wants to continue in full remote agreements, The good news is that according to the Pennsylvania Departthat trend is shifting.” ment of Labor and Industry, Pennsylvania’s unemployment Another trend seen in the employment industry is quiet rate was unchanged over the month, remaining at the record quitting, when employees come to work and do the bare minlow of 3.4 percent in October. imum to keep their jobs without going above and beyond or putting in extra effort.

“Pennsylvania is experiencing a historically low unemployment rate and a competitive market for skilled workers,” said “I cannot overstate how costly this is to employers,” said Adams. “There are many reasons to do it, including burn- Trevor Monk of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and out, being overwhelmed with work/home responsibilities, Industry. “The Shapiro Administration is actively navigating no longer liking the position or feeling fulfilled but not find- this dynamic job market by making investments in working a new opportunity.” force training and vo-tech programs, apprenticeships and the According to Piscatelli, quiet quitting has been happening Schools-to-Work program through the bipartisan 2023-24 for years. budget, which Governor Josh Shapiro signed in August 2023.”

“These employees decide they will do the minimum at work Additionally, Monk said that Governor Shapiro recentbecause they do not think doing more will get them ahead,” ly signed an executive order launching the Commonwealth said Piscatelli. “Employees that have communicated issues to Workforce Transformation Program, a groundbreaking job their employers and have not seen any change may feel this is training initiative. their only option.”

“This program, funded by federal legislation, is a $400 milPiscatelli said it is always best to communicate with your emlion investment in workforce development, creating 10,000 ployer about issues to find a solution. new jobs over five years in Pennsylvania,” said Monk.

“One thing these people aren’t getting is the sense of accomMonk said the PA CareerLink is also uniquely positioned to plishment, which generates energy and the desire to return the next day to do it all again,” said Piscatelli. “I am not sure how help job seekers upskill into careers and to help employers conlong someone can ‘phone it in’ at work before they bring them- nect with talented individuals. PA CareerLink and its commuselves down with it.” nity partners connect employers with untapped pools of talent Searching online at Indeed or LinkedIn for a new job and that are critically needed in industries where job openings outapplying for numerous jobs with no response can be draining. number available workers.

December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 17

Literacy Council Of Southwestern PA works to transform immigrant lives and boost local economy

By Kristin Emery Photos courtesy of the Literacy Council of Southwestern PA

The Literacy Council of Southwestern Pennsylvania has lived up to its mission statement since its founding in 1985 by empowering adults and families with literacy skills that enable them to lead successful, fulfilled lives as members of our communities. Its teachers, tutors and volunteers have helped students from over 65 countries.

Each decade has brought a new set of challenges to the volunteer-run, privately funded nonprofit organization. The council works in collaboration with Intermediate Unit 1 to provide adult tutoring services through their adult basic education, English as a second language, citizenship preparation and GED test preparation programs while also supporting the families of its students by offering a children’s literacy program. All of the Literacy Council’s classes are free, and while the program has seen growth through the years, nothing has challenged its leaders, board members, teachers and tutors more than the explosive growth they’ve seen since 2020.

“We’ve actually tripled in size since the pandemic,” says LCSWPA Executive Director Brandi Miller. “In a typical year, we’ll see around 250 students. In Literacy Council of Southwestern PA Executive Director 2022, we ended with 602 students. Through November 2023, we already have Brandi Miller. over 500 students.” speaking English, and you can’t do much without that.

We figure out what kind of goals they want and what they want to achieve, and we try to help them.”

Growing demand

The surging demand for ESL classes is due to a growing immigrant population Demand for the classes was so high that they’re now across Washington, Greene, Fayette and Westmoreland counties over the past few held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, averaging years. Charleroi, in particular, is home to about 2,000 immigrants from 44 coun- between 70-90 students and include people with protries, including China, Spain, Indonesia and African countries. fessional backgrounds in their countries, ranging from doctors, lawyers and business owners to police officers Charleroi is home to a growing Haitian immigrant population fleeing political and teachers. unrest and increasing gang violence. “There’s an agency that worked with Fourth Street Packaging, Inc. that provided jobs, mostly for the Haitian community,” explains Rachel Zilcosky, supervisor of career readiness and adult education at InterPart of the rise in immigration to the Charleroi area mediate Unit 1 and a Literacy Council board member. “What we’re finding now is family members are now coming because other family members are here. Because stems from workers being hired by local businesses. of the situation in Haiti, people are leaving and have temporary protective status Teaching students to be bilingual helps them obtain here in the United States. When they get here, they know there’s family and com- employment and higher education here. munity.” LCSWPA began offering immigrants ESL classes in 2021, held on Sun“We have a lot of professionals that come over who days in the back room of a local Haitian grocery store. The classes later moved to Fourth Street Packaging Inc. and now have a permanent home at the Presbyterian aren’t able to work because they don’t have university status,” Miller says. “Transcripts don’t transfer over, so Church of Charleroi. they have to take a test to either get their credits trans“They come to us for the first reason to learn English,” Miller says. “English is ferred so they can attend a university here.” The Haitian definitely their second language. It can also be their third or fourth or fifth or sixth. population, in particular, has had difficulty since many We have professionals coming over from different countries … we’ve had students immigrants fled with no credentials or paperwork to prove their education. from 69 different counties walk through our doors in Washington County.”

Growing economy

“Once their English skills are improved, some are Once these immigrants learn English, the doors open for getting a driver’s license, employment and even citizenship. “They want to get a job, a better job, they coming into a high school equivalency or GED class to want to be able to go to the doctor and understand,” Miller says. “There’s a num- get that credential so they can get into the universities ber of reasons why they come over and why they come to us. Their first barrier is because they don’t have their transcript showing that

18 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

they completed high school education,” Zilcosky explains. “We have students now requesting they want to take the GED test so that they can get that secondary school diploma from the state that allows them to pursue post-secondary education.”

That work correlates directly with a positive impact on the local economy. “Our goal and what we’ve been working with the Workforce Board in Washington and Greene counties on is we’re hoping once the students become more comfortable with English, they can get their credentials,” Zilcosky says. “There is a growing need for healthcare workers at every level, at the hospital system.”

They’re working with many students in hopes of fulfilling an economic need for local hospitals. “That’s our goal: to help the population get on their feet, making sure they have their credentials, making sure they have the status they need for employment,” she adds. “Manufacturing and healthcare, especially in this region, because that’s where there’s going to be a need in the coming years, and they’re very interested in working with the immigrant population.”

Miller echoes that sentiment and has already talked with local businesses with staffing needs. “We have companies that are actually coming to us and asking us if we know anybody who would work in their warehouses,” Miller says. “So, companies are coming to us and asking if we have anyone interested.”

Growing need With a growing immigrant population comes an increasing need for services and resources. Zilcosky says there has been an incredible response from all community partners in the Charleroi area.

SAVE DATE

“They are revitalizing the community,” she says. “They’ve opened businesses, and I feel like the community is pulling together to figure out how to best serve the population, get them what they need, get them engaged in the workforce, get them engaged in the schools, so their kids feel welcome.” That can start both with English classes but also with continuing education. The Literacy Council partners with IU1 on the GED side to provide adult education classes and teachers. While IU1 receives state and federal grant money, the Literacy Council is a nonprofit and relies on fundraising and donations.

THE

2 02 4

Kids Fest March 23 Washington Crown Center

Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival May 22, 23 & 24 Hollywood Casino at the Meadows

Founding Day June 29 Downtown Uniontown

All For Her October Washington

Corks & Kegs August 24 & 25 Hollywood Casino at the Meadows

Best of the Best November 21 Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe

“There’s a need for fiscal support, and also, we have a need for getting more people to tutor,” Zilcosky says. “We’re definitely in demand. We need more tutors and aid in all four counties.” Miller sees their services as a win-win for both the community and for its newest residents. “They want to go to class,” she stresses. “They want to try to better their lives, and they want to work and help the workforce, and they want to be productive members of our society and our communities.”

First Friday May 3, June 7, & August 2 Downtown Washington Community Pavilion

September Thistlethwaite Vineyards

Holiday Market December 6 Downtown Washington Community Pavilion

For more information, contact Jessica Tennant jtennant@observer-reporter.com 724-223-2632 December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 19

Thank You for Voting me Best of the Best!

Jeff Selvoski

Toll Free: 1.888.3977352 x 758 Cell: 724.825.0102 jeffrey.selvoski@exprealty.com Find me on & @selvosells 20 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 21

Candy, cocoa and caramel The sweet smell of chocolate is in the air in Washington County

By Beth Seabright Photos courtesy of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Promotion Agency

Pink House Chocolates When you see the two-story pink house home to Pink House Chocolates in Finleyville, you know you are in for a special treat and a truly unique chocolate experience unlike any other in the region.

Pink House Chocolates transformed a house into a chocolate boutique. Open the front door to be welcomed into the foyer complete with a decorated fireplace surrounded by shelf after shelf of delicious chocolates. To your right is a room dedicated to chocolate-making supplies. From chocolate molds to sprinkles to flavorings, Pink House Chocolates has everything you need to make the perfect dessert.

You will find a vast selection of delicious vegan and gluten-free chocolates as you continue through the house. Pink House Chocolates also has a traditional candy counter with various filled chocolates, truffles and even sugar-free candy.

The ice cream shop at the back of the house is a local favorite.

Enjoy your cool treat at one of the tables in the parlor area, or take it to the back deck in the warmer months and watch your children enjoy the candy-themed playground.

The delicious chocolate aromas will guide you to the candy All chocolates are handcrafted on-site using sustainable co- counter, where you can build your own custom assortment coa beans that are ethically sourced. of chocolates. All made on-site, Sarris’s signature meltaways, caramels, creams and chocolate-covered pretzels are always a favorite.

The holidays are a highlight for Sarris Candies, with a room dedicated to chocolate novelties that are an ideal gift for an Easter basket, a stocking stuffer or just to bring a smile to a loved one’s face.

Cyprowski Candy Company A family-owned business in Washington, Cyprowski Candy Company is your stop for hand-dipped chocolate delights. Cyprowski Candy Company got its start 25 years ago by making one of its signature items, gourmet apples covered in luscious layers of caramel, chocolate, nuts and other tempting toppings.

Other specialties include chocolate-covered homemade marshmallows, s’mores, chocolate-covered strawberries, pretzels Sarris Candies is a Washington County family tradition. Step and gourmet popcorn. All orders are custom-made on-site. inside the old-fashioned ice cream parlor featuring over thirty In addition to the candy store, Cyprowski Candy Company flavors of ice cream and homemade toppings. Sit in one of the is also home to Blossoms & Blooms. This floral and balloon red booths and enjoy a larger-than-life sundae, a massive ba- shop features custom floral creations, helium balloons, balnana split or a decadent milkshake. loon garlands and balloon backdrops. Their meeting room is

Sarris Candies

The Sarris chocolate castle is a child’s dream. Made from 2,600 available for chocolate-themed birthday parties, and new this pounds of chocolate, this candy confection towering at twelve feet year are floral classes for adults, including wreath making and flower arranging. is a showstopper sure to make your imagination run wild.

22 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

This holiday season, help Bonnie Loya & Jett feed the homeless animals It’s estimated that one in five Pittsburgh residents – roughly 60,000 people – suffers from food insecurity. And if people are hungry, so are their pets. We know that many families depend on Animal Friends’ Chow Wagon Pet Food Pantry to feed their pets. But we need your help to help them.

To make a donation, simply drop off unopened cat or dog food in the Coldwell Banker Peters Township office lobby.

We also accept treats, cat litter & rabbit food. Or purchase one of our much-needed items from our wish list – all of which will be shipped directly to Animal Friends.

WISH LIST

Peters Township Office 3244 Washington Rd. McMurray, PA 15317 724.942.1200

December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 23

Industrial supplier ECI moves headquarters to Cecil Township complex

By Rick Shurm All photos courtesy of Krakoff Communications

Dan Smith was seeking an opportunity to relocate his com- said. “Oil and gas has been a very good catalyst for us. We have pany’s headquarters to a Cecil Township tract where Equip- been very involved with helping our natural gas customers get ment & Controls Inc. already occupied four buildings. Then, a gas out to consumers in an environmentally responsible way.” fortuitous opportunity arose.

ECI is also a premier service provider for Emerson, a global “We made the decision a year ago when a building became technology, software and engineering giant. Equipment & Conavailable,” he said. Purchasing that fifth structure, previous- trols delivers control valves, isolation valves, actuation products ly owned by Black Box, an information technology company and pressure management devices across North America. based in Texas, enabled ECI to purchase an ample space that, following renovation, would provide 108,000 square feet of This spiffy new operations center at 2 Park Drive is now the room to operate. The company shifted its operations center brain center for a firm that has six locations in three states, from Monessen to this Lawrence location, a more modern en- including three in Ohio (Columbus, Lima and Solon) and two deavor that would open for business this fall. in West Virginia (Salem and Dunbar).

724-228-5869

www.seschultzelectric.net

“We were able to move our business team to our backyard,” said Smith, president and CEO of the industrial equipment supplier. The company’s southwestern Pennsylvania operations are now, conveniently, on a single campus, where five buildings sit within a quarter-mile, providing employees with easy access to the entire campus via foot or golf cart.

Actually, it is a brain center-plus, where Smith said, “there is a lot of skilled labor.” The center, according to ECI.us, provides “flexible work areas designed for efficient workflows — and growth; increased lifting capabilities for larger projects; optimized warehouse storage; increased inventory capacity; and advanced technologies, including a robotic welder.” There also “It’s much easier to expose all employees to see what others is a skid fabric shop. are doing instead of being an hour away and hearing about it,” The company had two grand openings in September — one he added. “The ability employees have to collaborate with each a soft one for employees and retirees, the second for customers, other pays dividends and gives us the capability of realizing employees, benefactors and other invitees. better customer income.”

ECI is an employee-owned firm that, according to its website (ECI.us), has “a great workplace culture.” It was founded in 1956 as J.G. Chilcoat Co. in Castle Shannon, where it ran for two decades before assuming its current name and relocating to Lawrence.

Smith, who has been president/CEO since 2000, said the company has an overall workforce of about 330, including about 200 in Cecil. Like many firms, he said, ECI has had to deal with a tight labor market but strives to attract employees with a package of incentive-related programs related to fitness, nutrition, mental health and retirement.

Today, the company describes itself on LinkedIn as specializing “in providing best-in-class process control systems, autoHis roots are in West Virginia, where he was raised, edumation products, pumps and related solutions for manufactur- cated at West Virginia University, and embarked on his caing and industrial customers.” reer with Equipment & Controls Inc. in Charleston. Smith Its list of clients includes those who operate in a a substan- relocated to Pittsburgh in 2007, where he feels at home tially wide range of industrial fields: oil and gas, steel, chemi- personally and professionally. cal, power, food and beverage, mining and metals, life sciences, “We’re excited about continuing to invest in our business pulp and paper, refining, petrochemical, original equipment and bettering ourselves,” Smith said. “We’ve been in busimanufacturing and nuclear. ness for nearly 70 years, and if we continue to hire productive “The last couple of years, we’ve worked with companies in try- people, we will ensure that our business will be around for ing to sustain a footprint to be environmentally sound,” Smith the next 70 years.”

24 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

net

PA039012

9

Residential • Commercial • Industrial

2023

Serving our community for over 30 years!

PRE-PREPARED FOOD FOR CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY The holidays are very hectic. Maybe we can help by taking some of the stress of preparing your holiday parties with full or half trays of some of your favorites from Angelo's. We prepare these items and give them to you on December 24th, cold and ready to finish in your home oven. Our entire party tray list (online) is available, but here are the most popular items ordered every year. pan of chicken romano, piccata or marsala ......................... 30 pieces $160 half pan $85 pan of lasagna and sauce ....................................................................... $175 half pan $90 pan of meatballs 50 count ........................................................................ $95 half pan $50 pan of rigatoni ............................................................................................................... $70 pan of hot sausage with 2 dozen rolls ........................ $95 half pan with 1 dozen rolls $50 pan of green salad with 2 dressings and bread .............................................................. $65 hot wings 100 pieces .................................................................................................... $100 pan of cajun pasta salad .......................................................................... $80 half pan $40 grilled vegetables half pan ............................................................................................ $80 flatbread kits roll it out and bake it fresh at home........................................................... $8 mushrooms with crabmeat 25 count ............................................................................ $50 walnut farina torte or tiramisu whole pan .................................................................. $45 meat and cheese trays with fruit and crostini for 15-20............................................. $60

Orders Taken Until December 21st • Pick Up Times Are 12-3 Gift Cards Also Available 12-3

Curbside Takeout Available Full menu online at www.AngelosRestaurant.com

724-222-7120 www.AngelosRestaurant.com

Lean on Our Experience in the Law

Lean on Our Experience in the Law – Call a Free Consultation – Lean on Ourfor Experience in the Law – Call for a Free Consultation –

– Call for a Free Consultation – & Abuse Nursing Home Neglect Nursing Home Neglect & Abus and media reports confirm that sometimes the LeanNursing on OurGovernment Experience in the Law facilities we trust to care for our loved ones aren’t providing Home Neglect & Abuse the level of care patients expect, need, and deserve.

Government and media reports confirm that sometimes the facilities we trust to care our loved ones aren’t providing the level of care patients expect, need, and deserv Our loved ones ignored, pain, and mistreated.

Ourare loved ones areinignored, in pain, and mistreated.

Government and media reports confirm that sometimes the facilities we trust to care for If you suspect that your loved one has been neglected or abused If youproviding suspectthe that your lovedpatients one has beenneed, neglected or abused our loved ones aren’t level of care expect, and deserve. while living in a nursing home, please call our office.

Our loved ones are ignored, in pain, and mistreated. while living in a nursing home, please call our office.

– Call for a Free Consultation –

Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse

If you suspect that your loved one has been neglected or abused while living in a nursing home, please call our office.

Social Security Disability & Supplemental Security Security Disability SocialSocial Security Disability && Income Supplemental Security Income upplemental Security Income If you can’t work because of physical or mental conditions,

Government and media reports confirm that sometimes the facilities we trust to care for our loved ones aren’t providing the level of care patients expect, need, and deserve.

Our loved ones are ignored, in pain, and mistreated.

If you suspect that your loved one has been neglected or abused while living in a nursing home, please call our office.

If you can’t work because of physical or mental conditions, please contact our office for a free evaluation of your case.

Social Security Disability & Supplemental Security Income

please our office or a free evaluation of denied, your case.

If youcontact have applied for disability benefi ts and been you need our experience you can’t work because of physical or mental conditions, please contact our office on your side to fight for the benefits you deserve. We handle cases at free evaluation of your case. benefits and been If for youa have applied for every level ofdisability appeal and there’s no fee unless we win. denied, you need our experience on your our sideexperience to fight you have applied for disability benefits and been denied, you need for the benefits you deserve.

We handle cases at everyour office youfight can’tfor work of you physical or mental pleaseatcontact on your sideIf to thebecause benefits deserve.

Weconditions, handle cases for a free evaluation of your case. every levellevel of appeal and there’s no fee unless win. we win. of appeal and there’s no feewe unless If you have applied for disability benefits and been denied, you need our experience “Lean on Our Experience in the Law” on your side to fight for the benefits you deserve. We handle cases at every level of appeal and there’s no fee unless we win.

ROBERT PEIRCE & ASSOC., P 707 Grant Street, 125 | Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ROBERT PEIRCE & Suite ASSOC., PC “Lean on Our Experience in the Law”

25 Plus Years Experience handling Disability Claims.

“Lean on Our Experience in the Law”

25 Plus Years Experience handling Disability Claims.

ROBERT PEIRCE & ASSOC., PC 1-800-543-9859 LOCAL

707 Grant Street, | Pittsburgh, PAClaims.

15219 25 Plus Experience handling Disability S Years125 NTSuite

www.peircelaw.com APPOINTME N 125 | Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ABLE Street, Suite VAILGrant A707 UNLESS CALL US FOR A FREE EVALUATION OF YOUR CASE ANYTIME. Any costs for medical reports or records will be paid by the client if successful, but if the claim is unsuccessful, client pays no co

1-800-543-9859

LOCAL NTS LOCAL www.peircelaw.com APPOINTME NO FEE TS www.peircelaw.com AVAILABLE APPOINTMENCALL NOWIN! FEE UNLESS WE US FOR A FREE EVALUATION OF YOUR CASE LE for medical ANYTIME. AVAILAnyABcosts reportsCALL or records be paid the client if successful, but claim CASE is unsuccessful, client pays no costs orWE fees. WIN! UNLESS USwillFOR A by FREE EVALUATION OFif the YOUR

1-800-543-9859

ANYTIME.

Any costs for medical reports or records will be paid by the client if successful, but if the claim is unsuccessful, client pays no costs or fees.

December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 27

NETL laser expert Dustin McIntyre on sustainable energy, personal passions

By Rick Shrum Photos courtesy of National Energy Technology Laboratory Dustin McIntyre does not have a boring job — That service also has extended beyond where he reor a boring life. sides. NETL has five labora“I like to shoot stuff with lasers,” said this hutories nationwide, including man whirlwind, an award-winning researcher locations in South Park and with the National Energy Technology Labora- Morgantown.

McIntyre, tory, during a Zoom interview. NETL, which a 21-year employee, now operates under the U.S. Department of Energy works strictly in Morganumbrella, is a multi-tentacled operation that, as town but used to rotate bedefined by Wikipedia, “focuses on applied re- tween those two sites. While search for the clean production and use of do- doing so, he became involved mestic energy resources.” with Future Steps Child De“We’d like to continue using fossil energy with- velopment Center, a daycare out damaging the environment or having as lit- operation in Monongalia tle of an impact as possible,” McIntyre said. “We County, where he was vice have those technologies. We’re seeking money president of its board of difrom multiple government organizations to test rectors for five years.

different technologies. These days, I’m involved He is a busy individual with coming up with new ideas to patent.” who has become busier. Add journalism to the mix.

Striving to be a cutting-edge researcher and environmental steward for his planet is among his McIntyre recently joined primary professional duties, but work is not the the editorial board for Scionly thing to which this South Strabane Town- entific Reports, which NETL described in a news release as “an open-acship resident devotes his time. McIntyre also is a cess journal that publishes original research from across all areas of the community servant, a family man with two Trin- natural sciences, psychology, medicine and engineering. The editorial ity Middle schoolers — son Hayden and daughter board makes final decisions on whether papers should be accepted and is Olivia. Among his voluntary endeavors is being composed of experts from all major fields within the clinical, biological, the current scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 1315. chemical, physical and earth sciences.”

28 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

He said the prospect of joining the publication piqued his interest “because it provides the opportunity to help guide the quality and impact of important work.” That dovetails with his duties at NETL, which led to widespread acclaim within his industry in 2019 when McIntyre was presented the R&D 100 Award for laser research work.

Sean Plasynski, Ph.D., acting director of NETL, said of McIntyre’s appointment to the board: “This is a recognition of the value and impact of the Department of Energy and, more importantly, NETL’s research and program direction.”

McIntyre spearheads research on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy — a technique supporting environmentally sound development of affordable, reliable energy. He helps to develop laser-based probes for use in the subsurface, harsh chemical environments and waste processing facilities.

This work assists researchers in sorting out valuable rare earth elements and lithium domestically, assisting natural gas producers in their quest to improve shale-drilling operations, and bolstering the effort to ensure safe and permanent carbon storage. “Lasers are my specialty these days,” McIntyre said.

“Projects I’m working on include ways to help fossil energy become cost-effective while preserving the environmental aspects,” McIntyre said. “But we have to take care of aspects like carbon management.

“We also want to play a role in trying to reduce dependence on foreign countries for critical rare minerals and lithium, which is used for computer parts and batteries. We are looking at ways to improve extraction at a lower cost. We also are looking for critical minerals in produced water.

They are in acid mine drainage, which would give us the incentive to clean up acid mine drainage.”

McIntyre is quite familiar with the area where he plies his trade. He grew up in southern West Virginia and then matriculated to West Virginia University, where he was a man of letters — many letters. McIntyre earned Ph.D. and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering at WVU, where he previously received bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and computer engineering.

He grew up amidst coal, now a notorious energy resource because of its impurities. Yet he insists, “We can continue to use coal,” an energy source that is plentiful and integral to the production of steel and plastics. That, he added, comes with a caveat: “We have to have carbon capture.”

December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 29

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT: GREENE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

By Executive Assistant Sarah Calvert

Editor’s note: This is part of a series from area chambers of commerce to provide these vital organizations a space to showcase their efforts and members.

Gathering to celebrate

Over the years, Greene County Chamber of Commerce staff have held many events, but the largest gatherings of the year occur in the latter months — the first being the Annual Membership Banquet.

Member businesses and outstanding individuals from the community come together with their families to celebrate the chamber’s accomplishments throughout the year and honor impactful community members, businesses, and organizations with the notorious Distinguished Service Award and McCracken Legacy Award.

This year marked the 35th anniversary of the banquet, which took place at Valley View Farms on Nov. 15. Though the In this 2021 file photo, Miss Rain Day Emily Bennett joins Santa and Mrs. Claus location and faces may change, the joy and acknowledgment in waving to those attending the Greene County Chamber of Commerce’s Revere of those shining stars in the community remains. The Distin- Christmas Parade float contest at the county fairgrounds on Dec. 4. guished Services award winners this year were Joe Ayersman, Waynesburg University President Doug Lee, Barb Wise and Debbie Wilson. The winner of the McCracken Legacy Award was Waynesburg Milling Company. The chamber wants to take a moment to thank every well-deserving award winner.

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do within our community.

Just a few short weeks after the banquet is the biggest bash in town: the annual Downtown Christmas parade! The chamber Legacy Award winner Distinguished Service Award Winner Joe is proudly hosting this event for the 85th year! Even when the McCracken Waynesburg Milling. From left, Greene Ayersman. From left, Chamber Executive COVID-19 pandemic eliminated the option of marching down County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melody Longstreth, presenter Wayne Hart, winner Joe Ayersman, Chamber High Street, modifications were made, and a reverse parade still Director Melody Longstreth, Chamber Board President MaChal Forbes, Jeanette Board Vice President Sheila Stewart and brought Santa into town at the Greene County Fairgrounds. In Lindsay and Janice Blair-Martin from Chamber Board President MaChal Forbes 2022, the parade joyfully returned to High Street, and Santa Waynesburg Milling Company, Chamber Vice President Sheila Stewart and descended into downtown once more. The 2023 event hosted Board award presenter Jeff McCracken another full slate of entries, from floats and firetrucks to bands and beauty queens.

This year’s parade expenses are underwritten by West Penn Power, a First Energy company, and the chamber is grateful for their past support. Large amounts of staffing, ranging from volunteers to police, are essential to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely. The chamber is so very thankful for all the support from many agencies, businesses, and volunteers, some who have been working the parade for numerous years and happily return each year. For over 30 years, Waynesburg Service Award Winner Debbie Distinguished Service Award Winner University has videotaped the parade and volunteered to do so Distinguished Wilson. From left, Greene County Chamber Waynesburg University President Doug once again this year. of Commerce Executive Director Melody Lee. From left, Greene County Chamber Longstreth, presenter Greene County of Commerce Executive Director Melody As technology evolves, university students find new and ex- Historical Society Matt Cumberledge, winner Longstreth, presenter Larry Stratton from Wilson, Chamber Board President Waynesburg University, Doug Lee, Chamber citing ways to cover the parade and share it with the commu- Debbie MaChal Forbes and Chamber Board Vice Board President MaChal Forbes and nity online. Through the coordination of the chamber, the bor- President Sheila Stewart Chamber Board Vice President Sheila Stewart ough and state police, Greene County Emergency Managemen and the County of Greene, we hope this tradition will continue for another 85 years.

As the winter months approach, we hope that the feeling of joy and celebration from gathering together is evident. Nothing beats the smiles of those in our community, whether from seeing the Grand Marshalls lead the way down High Street, Santa welcoming Christmas to town at the end of the parade, or seeing a long-lost face at our yearly banquet. You are never Santa in front of the courthouse on too old to feel the spirit and warmth of the Holidays and reflect High Street welcoming Christmas to it to those around you. As we prepare for next year and closing Greene County for the holiday season, we wish nothing but good tidings, great Photos courtesy of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce memories, and safe travels to each and every one of you.

30 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • December 15, 2023

December 15, 2023 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • 31

Banking that invests in the community we all call home.

That's the beauty of local banking.

washfin.bank