EXPLORING MEADOWCROFT ROCKSHELTER AND HISTORIC VILLAGE: A JOURNEY THROUGH 19,000 YEARS OF HISTORY
26 RHODES CARPET MOVING ON DOWN THE ROAD
12
REGION’S SMALL BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION HEAD USES WASHINGTON
COUNTY ROOTS TO HELP LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS
30 ALTA VISTA BUSINESS PARK NEARS COMPLETION, BOLSTERING AREA’S COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE OFFERINGS
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DRIVEN BY HOPE GIVES COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRIDE IN THEIR WORK
20 AREA TRADE SCHOOLS REMAIN CONFIDENT DESPITE RECENT CLOSURES
{from the editor}
34 IT’S A SIGN: FROM DESIGN TO INSTALLATION, 84 SIGN SHOP SERVES MANY BRANDING NEEDS
We’ve got an exceptional edition of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Business Journal, though I’m likely biased as I think they’re all pretty spectacular. Our cover story comes from Michele Gillis. With the recent closure of two career and technical schools in our region, some might think that the demand for these programs is waning. Gillis chatted with two remaining schools about how they’re supporting these students and what other programs they’re working to grow. Inflation has the cost of everything pretty uncomfortable, but post-secondary education costs have been steadily on the rise for quite some time. Trade schools offer a flexible option for stable careers that can provide a great salary.
Rick Shrum was able to catch up with the director of the Pittsburgh District of the U.S. Small Business Administration, who lives in Deemston. Kelly Hunt has been leading the organization’s local chapter for a decade. Her expertise with her father’s small business, Lacey’s Auto & Truck Repair, which is still in business today, helped inform her even today.
“This job takes in everything I’ve loved in every job I’ve had,” she said.
Rick also takes a look at the state of commercial real estate ventures in the area like with Alta Vista Business Park and the Fort Cherry Development District. Alta Vista is nearing completion, and Fort Cherry is just beginning. The future is bright in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and I am pleased to be able to highlight some of that progress here.
If ever you have a story idea, please reach out. Email me at tthurston@observer-reporter.com, or give me a call at 724-222-2200 ext. 2421. Take care, stay safe and see you in the next edition.
Editor
38
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT: THE SOUTHWEST REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Editor
Trista Thurston
Advertising Director
Carole DeAngelo
Graphic Designer
Megan Morris
Contributors
Kristin Emery
Michelle Gillis
Mandi Pryor
Rick Shrum
Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency
Are you working overtime on your business needs? With First Federal of Greene County’s new Commercial Lending Department, your next step is closer than you think. From real estate-secured purchases to refinancing, your loan starts and stays here. We offer personalized service, more than 15 years of experience, and quick, local decision-making that puts you first. Partner with us, and we’ll help you take care of business.
Courtesy of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency
Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village offers visitors a unique window into the prehistoric past of North America. This remarkable site, located in Avella, is not only one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the United States but also a living history site that brings history to life through immersive experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover or someone looking for a family-friendly educational outing, Meadowcroft promises a memorable journey through 19,000 years of human history.
At the heart of Meadowcroft’s allure is the Rockshelter itself — a site that has profoundly reshaped our understanding of early human habitation in North America. Discovered in 1955 by Albert Miller, a local farmer, and later excavated by archaeologist Dr. James Adovasio, the Rockshelter has yielded evidence of continuous human occupation dating back nearly 19,000 years. This makes it the oldest site of human habitation in North America, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors to the Rockshelter can embark on guided tours that delve into the rich archaeological findings of the site. These tours offer a fascinating look at the tools, remnants of campfires and other artifacts left behind by some of the continent’s earliest inhabitants. The interpretive exhibits not only explain the significance of these findings but also place them in the broader context of human migration and adaptation over millennia.
Beyond the Rockshelter, Meadowcroft’s Historic Village offers a tangible way to experience life as it was lived by various peoples throughout the region’s history. The village is a meticulously recreated environment that spans multiple periods, showcasing the evolution of rural life in the Upper Ohio Valley.
Another key attraction at Meadowcroft is the 16th-century Monongahela Indian Village, which offers a glimpse into the life of the Native peoples who inhabited the region before European contact. Visitors can explore wigwams, learn about the agricultural practices of the Monongahela culture and engage with interpreters who demonstrate traditional crafts such as pottery and flintknapping.
The Village also includes an 18th-century Frontier Trading Post, where visitors can step into the shoes of early European settlers. Here, you can observe the day-to-day activities of frontier life, from blacksmithing to bartering for goods, all while gaining insight into the complex relationships between Native Americans, settlers and traders.
The 19th-century Rural Village also presents a snapshot of life in a typical Western Pennsylvania community during the 1800s. Visitors can wander through a one-room schoolhouse, visit a log church and explore a variety of period homes and workshops. The attention to detail in these reconstructions provides an authentic sense of what life was like during this transformative period in American history. A newly renovated welcome center
In 2025, Meadowcroft will unveil a newly renovated Welcome Center, enhancing the visitor experience from the moment you arrive. The updated facility will include improved amenities such as expanded restrooms, a new gift shop stocked with unique souvenirs and a cafe offering light refreshments. The renovation reflects Meadowcroft’s commitment to accessibility, ensuring that visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their time at the site fully.
Whether you’re interested in learning the ancient history of the Rockshelter, experiencing pioneer life in the Historic Village, or enjoying scenic outdoor adventures, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village offers something for everyone. It’s a place where the past comes alive, inviting you to explore, learn and connect with the stories that have shaped the region.
As you plan your visit, be sure to check out the special events and educational programs offered throughout the year. From archaeology workshops to historical reenactments, there’s always something happening at Meadowcroft that promises to enrich your understanding of the past.
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village is not just a museum; it’s a gateway to another time. Whether you’re walking through the historic village, standing in awe at the Rockshelter, or soon, strolling down the new interactive walkway, your journey here will connect you to the deep history of this land in ways you never imagined.
Community Bank has been involved in the communities it serves since its founding in 1901. Community Bank strives to not only be part of the communities they serve but to actively support those communities through their employee’s engagement with community organizations and by providing direct financial support to many community organizations. The Bank’s personalized, attentive approach builds long-lasting relationships with clients whether they are business owners, nonprofit groups, government agencies, school administrators and/or individual personal account holders. Community Bank sees clients as friends and neighbors, and our newest Team Members in the Washington and Greene County markets are your neighbors, too.
Meet Sheila Stewart
Sheila Stewart is Vice President Market Executive for Greene and Fayette Counties and works in the Waynesburg, Greene Plaza, Carmichaels and Uniontown branch offices. Born and raised in Greene County, Stewart has spent her entire 40-year career in banking. “Most recently, I worked as a VP and Retail Market Manager with the responsibility of 15 branches for a large banking corporation,” says Stewart. “Prior to that, I was a branch manager in Greene County for over 20 years. I started with Community Bank last October and I am very fortunate to be able to be a part of such a great team.” Stewart is very familiar with the needs of small business owners as she and her husband are also small business owners. “I feel like our area is growing with more businesses opening all of the time,” Stewart says. “This year we have been helping existing clients and new businesses coming to the area. Even considering the higher interest rate climate, clients continue to make real estate purchases, equipment and vehicle purchases and the need for lines of credit remain consistent. While the current business climate has some businesses reworking their strategies, it creates an atmosphere that encourages us to think outside the box to help our clients meet their needs.”
Sheila’s focus is on business lending under $1million dollars. “I enjoy working with businesses to help protect their financial future,” she says. “My primary responsibility as a Market Executive is to represent Community Bank’s interests and to be the branch ambassador in Greene & Fayette Counties. I also am committed to developing new business in the market area. This includes personal, business banking, commercial lending and Treasury Management Services.” Her favorite part of being a Commercial Banker? Being a personal banker for local businesses. “I always make myself available outside of regular banking hours,” says Stewart. “I understand the challenges and opportunities that small businesses have in small communities. I enjoy being able to help individuals and businesses create a better future for themselves. Community Bank supports my efforts in being involved with various local non-profit organizations. I am also fortunate to be able to serve on several local boards, helping to shape the future of our area.”
Meet Doug Sheerer
Doug Sheerer is Assistant Vice President (AVP) Associate Commercial Banker based in the Greene Plaza Office at 100 Miller Lane in Waynesburg. “Our team supports our clients by serving their financial needs and providing ideas, insights and solutions to help them achieve their goals,” says Sheerer. “I am specifically responsible for servicing our clients and growing our market share in the Washington, Greene, and Fayette County markets.” Sheerer is a Western Pennsylvania native and spent most of his career working in our region. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Minor in Economics, Sheerer started his banking career with Allegheny Valley Bank and continued to grow his career at two other local banks. “I am fortunate to have had many roles that have helped me gain experience and have built a strong foundation to support the needs of my clients,” he says. “I manage a large commercial portfolio that covers parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio, allowing me to understand the markets well. This knowledge allows me to be a vital resource to my clients as they are considering expansion, growth, or other activities.”
Doug was born in Bellevue and currently resides there with his wife, Leann. He enjoys golfing, running, working out, and hiking. At work, Sheerer is seeing growth and profit-
Stewart VP Market Executive of Greene/Fayette
Sheerer AVP Associate Commercial Banker
ability in businesses in both Washington and Greene County, which both counties being in demand for business openings. “This is a huge win for the region because it will provide additional jobs, increase tax revenue to local municipalities, and provide additional resources to continue to make Washington and Greene counties a great place to live.”
As a Commercial Banker, Sheerer strives to help companies excel to help make communities stronger. “I have solutions to help both the business that is focused on managing their income and expenses and the one that is experiencing tremendous business growth and looking for exposure opportunities,” he says. “In the first half of the year, Community Bank has helped existing and new clients of various industries execute their success strategy for the future. I welcome the opportunity to partner with businesses in the region to not only help them to achieve their goals, but also to make a positive impact on the communities that we serve.” Doug says his favorite part of being a Commercial Banker for Community Bank is building relationships with clients. “By nature, I am a person that enjoys getting to know people and helping them in any way that I can,” he says. “As a Commercial Banker, I strive to be a trusted advisor to my clients by taking the time to understand their business and personal goals to provide solutions that assist in achieving those goals.”
Meet Joy Eggleston
Joy Eggleston, Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Human Resources Officer, was also born and raised in Greene County on a small family farm where she still lives today. Joy enjoys cooking and spending time with friends and family. After graduating from Syracuse University and earning an MBA at Waynesburg University, she spent most of her career in healthcare as Director of Operations for what is now known as UPMC Greene (formerly Washington Health System Greene). “Most recently, I worked for a national vertically integrated multistate operator (MSO) as VP of Human Resources where I built the HR program from the ground up, which was an incredible experience,” says Eggleston. “I started with Community Bank at the end of January and love being back to work in the local community.”
EVP Chief Human Resources Officer
Eggleston plays an important recruiting role at Community Bank in Human Resources. “I provide executive oversight for all aspects of Human Resources including strategic planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, payroll, benefits administration and employee engagement.” While experience matters, Joy says Community Bank focuses heavily on other attributes as processes and procedures can be taught. “We are looking for team members who are friendly, reliable and passionate about ensuring our clients have the best possible experience,” she says. “We are currently hiring Mortgage Originators, who are responsible for marketing Community Bank’s mortgage loan products and services. We are also hiring Universal Bankers for our float pool.” These employees rotate through branches to cover vacations and other staffing needs. Universal Bankers are responsible for providing services to clients within the branch network.
Community Bank recognizes its employees as its greatest asset. “This is evident through our very generous benefits program,” Eggleston says. “In addition to medical, dental and vision, we also offer a matching 401(k) program, bonus program, company paid long and shortterm disability, tuition reimbursement and a generous PTO plan. Anyone interested in pursuing a career with Community Bank should monitor the career page on our website at www.cb.bank.”
Visit Community Bank at their convenient regional locations including Brookline, Carmichaels, Claysville, Greene Plaza, McMurray, Rostraver, Uniontown, Washington and Waynesburg. West Virginia branches are located in Moundsville, Warwood and Woodsdale. For more information about Community Bank and its commercial banking services, visit www.cb.bank. MEMBER FDIC
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By Rick Shrum
Small businesses are a big endeavor for Kelly Hunt — and should be. She is the director of the Pittsburgh District of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“People see the importance of supporting small businesses,” Hunt said. “Some say they want to eat out and don’t want to go to a chain. I think that makes for a perfect atmosphere to enhance communities, and we’re seeing growth in that.”
Hunt — a Washington County native, longtime county resident, military veteran and former university administrator — has been in charge of the SBA’s Pittsburgh office for 10 years. Her duties, and those of seven staff members, are formidable: striving to help smaller enterprises launch, grow and succeed.
The region served by the Pittsburgh office likewise is huge, covering 27 counties from State College to Pennsylvania’s western and southern borders. Philadelphia, the only other district office in the state, is responsible for the other 40 counties.
Yet as demanding as her position is, Hunt revels in taking care of business every day and taking care of business in every way. “This job takes in everything I’ve loved in every job I’ve had,” she said. “It allows me to do everything I’m passionate about. I can teach, I can counsel small businesses … It’s a job I couldn’t pass up.”
The regional SBA, according to its website, provides numerous resources for business clients. They include “funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.”
Hunt insists, “it is important for us to get in front of people. Say you want to start a business. We have an entry-level course for people who want to do that. We do training and talk about money. We bring out microloan lenders for up to $50,000.”
SBA also gets support from Small Business Development Centers, which provide individualized business advice and technical assistance. SBA administers the SBDC program, including centers at the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne and West Virginia universities.
And speaking of staff getting in front of people, the district office conducts workshops across Western Pennsylvania. A session in June at Charleroi Area Public Library attracted a generous crowd of would-be entrepreneurs.
“We’re taking it on the road in 27 diverse counties, with SBA staff and sometimes microlenders and the SBDC. This has been very successful. We bring it all to you,” said Hunt, a motivated motorist who is among the workshop travelers. Those commutes are in addition to the daily round-trips between her Green Tree office and Deemston home.
“People ask all the time about starting small businesses, and one thing I tell them is to take advantage of all resources that can make yours successful,” she said. “But the longer you wait to get that help, the tougher it is to get it.”
Dave Pinkosky is among the staffers who are driven to drive. “We spend a lot of time on the road, no doubt,” he said, laughing.
Pinkosky is a business opportunity specialist for the Pittsburgh office, and his many duties include sharing his contracting expertise at workshops and instruction sessions. He asserts, “We are not staff members who are tethered to our desks. We’re all very passionate about what we do. Some have been small business owners.
“Our job is to be out in our communities, working with local businesses, veterans outreach groups, getting businesses in touch with them.”
“Tough” often is the operative word in business, and Hunt, 57, is aware there are peaks, valleys, plateaus and, unfortunately, abysses.
“I think we have seen over the last 10 years how resilient small businesses really are,” she said. “I started this job well before the pandemic. Through the pandemic and a few years afterward, one thing that has been consistent is that small businesses are still starting and still growing.
“I do have to say that bankruptcy filing numbers are up for businesses, and some have been closing. One thing that doesn’t stop is the cycle of business. But we’re still starting and growing businesses.”
Some businesses, she said, accepted loans during the pandemic, including the Paycheck Protection Program, which enabled them to survive. “But a lot of businesses took
on additional debt. Some businesses really have to look at their finances to see what they have to pay back. We want to help them before they get in over their heads.”
Hunt’s office has been affected by cuts. She had 10 employees when she started this job in 2014 and now has three fewer. “Like everything else, we are doing more with less,” she said. She is familiar with that dynamic, having grown up amid modest circumstances. Her father, Mel Lacey, raised her and her brother Joe in Centerville. He launched Lacey’s Auto & Truck Repair there in the 1980s and sometimes worked a second job. The shop is still operating and run by Mel and his son.
“It’s a great small business that has made it in a rural area,” Kelly said proudly.
Hunt graduated from Bethlehem-Center High School, the school district in which she still lives, but wasn’t considering college as an option. At 18, she enlisted in the Air Force despite a distinct unfamiliarity with the military. Hunt ended up serving for nine years as a security police officer and gaining a revised set of perspectives.
In a 2014 interview, she told the Observer-Reporter, “the military gave me confidence and self-discipline I’d never had before. And while I was on active duty, I started to go to college, and education became a passion.”
She eventually earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees and worked for eight years in the Entrepreneurial Leadership Center & Student Incubator at PennWest California. Hunt was the center’s executive director for two years before leaving for the SBA.
She also found a spouse and a new surname in the military when she met Terry Hunt while both were stationed in England. They married in 1987.
The Hunts have three children, seven granddaughters and no grandsons — but that will change. An eighth grandchild is on the way — “finally, a little boy,” Kelly said.
As if she weren’t busy enough, Kelly also has been on the school board at Central Christian Academy for a number of years.
She is a driven person, and in hindsight, she came to realize that the auto shop also enhanced her journey.
“At the time,” she said, “I never thought anything beyond my father had a garage,” Hunt said. “When I got older, I realized I had a skill set ingrained because of that.”
Friday, November, 8 • 6 PM
Celebrate Washington County’s whiskey heritage at the 2024 Whiskey Rebellion Dinner Friday, Nov. 8, at 6 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn in Southpointe. Enjoy a oneof-a-kind whiskey-themed meal complete with whiskey tasting and dessert with silent auctions, hands-on 18th century history, and more! Scan the QR code to register or visit BradfordHouse.org for more information.
Electrical work can be dangerous and should always be handled by a licensed and certified electrician. Whether you are adding electrical outlets in the family room or need complete wiring for new or existing construction, call the experts now for a free estimate.
Nels Bjornson, a Washington Hyundai salesperson, has served on the Driven By Hope selection committee since the program’s inception.
The group selects a monthly nonprofit to receive a $1,000 donation from the Washington Auto Mall. The awardee is also featured in the Observer-Reporter with a story. The group aims to select lesser-known nonprofits to give them a little limelight and boost their fundraising efforts.
The Driven By Hope committee features employees from each Washington Auto Mall dealership, allowing participants to network with their peers at the quarterly selection meetings. More importantly, it gives the members the opportunity to meet those in the community who are doing important, necessary work.
“It’s chicken soup for the soul,” Bjornson said of serving on the Driven By Hope committee. “It keeps me culturally aware of what’s going on in Washington.”
Beneficiaries must be an accredited 501(c)(3) and within Washington County so these funds remain in the community. Bjornson said he enjoys hearing what the charities plan to do with the donation; seeing it in action is incredibly rewarding. Meeting the nonprofit’s participants and then seeing them active in the community provides numerous full-circle moments, Bjornson said.
“Folks are extremely kind,” Bjornson added. It’s also helped to shift his perspective, and he hopes others get the same opportunity. Getting the word out about these hardworking organizations is worthwhile. He enjoys seeing the good done firsthand, and projects come to fruition thanks to an assist from the Washington Auto Mall.
Bjornson said he is proud to work for such a giving company.
“This is the company I’m most proud to work for,” he said. “All the folks at the Auto Mall are fantastic people to work for.”
The theater on Lakeside Drive in Canonsburg, just off Route 19, is the August Driven By Hope recipient. Little Lake Theater has been putting on shows for 76 years and is still going strong, embodying the spirit of community theater. Little Lake usually puts on around 10 productions yearly, along with summer musical theater and acting camps from June through August.
July’s Driven By Hope awardee was the Washington Area Senior Center. It aims to give nutritional meals and some company to dine with, along with engaging programming, to the aging population. Membership for seniors is $5 per year. The center hosts craft get-togethers, Bible study or exercise classes that draw participants between the ages of 60 and 97.
WCGSA began in 2005 and expanded programming for all ages and the entire community in 2012. The group provides resources to the community, a safe, confidential environment and programming for the transgender community and seniors. WCGSA hosts a monthly dinner called Second Friday Nights, which has been happening since 2014. The group’s biggest event is Washington PA Pride, which returned for its third year on June 15 at Washington Wild Things Park. The festival’s mission is to host a free, family-friendly event designed to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community in the Washington area. Turnout this year was big, with more than 51 craft, health and wellness and nonprofit vendors. The daylong event featured lawn games, music and drag performers.
By Michele Gillis
Photos courtesy of Penn Commerical Business/Technical School
Pittsburgh has recently faced the closure of two trade schools, Pittsburgh Technical College and Triangle Tech, creating a gap in the availability of vocational and technical education.
When two different trade schools close in a particular area, many may worry that reality implies trades are not worthwhile. However, the trade schools in the region that are or have closed are working to create a smooth transition for students to complete their education either at another school or to finish out their classes and graduate at the closing school by the closing date.
In June, the Post-Gazette reported that Pittsburgh Technical College closed permanently, citing declining enrollment, market pressures and inflation, as well as what it described as “orchestrated attacks against the institution,” the college said in a release.
Also, it was reported that Triangle Tech, a technical school with six locations in Pennsylvania, announced that it would close all of its schools by 2025. The schools will remain open for the 2024–2025 school year to allow students to graduate. The DuBois, Greensburg, Pittsburgh and Sunbury
locations are expected to close on or after Feb. 7, 2025, and the Chambersburg and Bethlehem locations are expected to close on or after May 30, 2025.
“For eight decades, a Triangle Tech diploma has been a source of pride and a pathway to good jobs for our students,” said Timothy McMahon, president emeritus. “Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic, changes in the industry landscape and strenuous government regulations have changed the economies of many post-secondary schools. As a result of these factors, as well as declining enrollments, we have made the very difficult, but necessary, decision to close.” But, Penn Commercial Business/Technical School, Douglas Education Center, Laurel Business Institute and the Rosedale Technical College are all ready to fill that gap.”
“Initially, we urgently focused on trying to help the students stranded in the middle of their programs,” said Dennis Wilke, president of Rosedale Technical College. “After personalized conversations with these students and their families, we have integrated them into our campus to minimize their stress.” Wilke said that whether it’s bringing in extra faculty or customizing course schedules, they are doing whatever it
takes to help the students graduate and succeed. PTC has officially closed its doors, but Triangle Tech is teaching out its programs to allow students close to graduation to graduate.
“So far, we have accepted about 30 transfer students, mostly from PTC, because Triangle Tech is admirably doing their own full teach-out,” said Wilke.
Wilke said the school was already seeing a big increase in fall enrollments even before the PTC and Triangle Tech closures.
“We have been remodeling our facilities to create extra capacity and we are adding a new program in carpentry starting later this fall,” said Wilke. “The demand for skilled trade professionals seems to be ever-increasing. Our campus-wide drive towards continuous improvement has Rosedale Tech positioned as a regional leader in training the future workforce.”
Another trade school in the area weighed in on the impact on the area. Penn Commercial is also still open and growing, offering training programs that equip students with the skills needed for various trades and technical professions.
Rick Szymanski, director of marketing at Penn Commercial, said his school is ready and willing to accept students from the closed schools into their programs.
“We have an agreement with PTC where we’re transferring in students in their CAD program, which is their computeraided drafting program and the nursing program,” said Szymanski. “So students can transfer straight in for those programs. We are accepting their other students as well. We would just have to analyze their other credits in their classes and transfer credits where we can for those courses. But basically the CAD and the nursing programs, it’s like they can transfer straight in, no problem.”
Szymanski said he has noticed at least a 25 percent jump in leads coming into the school since there has been a pronounced reduction in the number of trade schools in the area.
Szymanski said they don’t have any current plans to expand at his location, but as classes grow, they will bring in more instructors.
Trade schools generally offer classes such as phlebotomy, cosmetology, nail technician, welding, esthetics, practical
nursing, CAD, electrician, commercial driving license courses, information technology and more.
Going to a trade school allows students to learn a skill usually faster and less expensively than a university. Also, graduates can generally go to work immediately as the trades learned are in high demand.
“We’re doing what we can to appeal to those people that are looking for alternatives to a traditional university education because the costs of tuition are exorbitant,” said Szymanski.
“One of the benefits of coming to a trade school, and especially our school, is that programs are completed in 18 months or less, some within just a year.”
Szymanski said his school’s enrollment jumped during COVID and has been close to maintaining that level ever since.
“We’re working to get the name Penn Commercial out there more and more through our marketing and advertising efforts so that people know that we’re here,” said Szymanski.
“I like to say that we’re the best-kept secret in Southwest
Pennsylvania because a lot of people are surprised that we’ve been educating people in the region in the trades for more than 95 years.”
Szymanski noted that Southwestern Pennsylvania is a bluecollar region and that people in the area understand the benefits of hard work.
“They know what it takes to build this great country of ours,” he said. “I like to say the trades keep America working because you need people to build the buildings, build the roads and basically to create the world around us. I think younger people are now realizing the importance of the trades, and it’s a great alternative to a traditional university where you’re hoping to get a job. You get a white-collar job afterward, and you might graduate from a university, and it might take you two, three, four, or five years before you even get into the industry you studied.”
With a trade school, most graduates get hired right after graduation because these industries need employees immediately, and there is such a need for skilled workers.
“It’s supply and demand, so wages have gone up to draw people into those industries,” said Szymanski. “So a lot of these trade workers right out of school are making a very good living, and their schooling is in half the time that their friends that go into a university are dealing with.”
Younger people are noticing that their peers are getting an education in months compared to years, and they’re out working early.
“So, I think a lot of the younger people now are seeing that the trades are a great alternative to traditional university, to make a good living and do something with their lives,” said Szymanski.
An alternative to attending a trade school is doing a paid apprenticeship, which is basically learning on the job. This is also another route to breaking into a trade industry without going to a university or a trade school. However, despite recent closures, the region’s technical school industry is robust, and trades are in high demand.
Though the closures of other technical schools could cause some alarm, Wilke isn’t the least bit concerned.
“I’ve been leading Rosedale Technical College for 19 years now, and I’ve never felt more confident in our future than I do right now,” said Wilke.
By Kristin Emery
It’s been a fixture on the South Main Street landscape for over a quarter century. Rhodes Carpet and Installation uses the catchphrase, “Generation to generation, our customers say: Why go anywhere else?” Starting this month, the flooring company itself is giving its loyal customers a good reason: A brand new showroom and base of business located less than two miles from its current location. Though it’s a big move for the company, it’s not a large distance. “We wanted to stay in Washington,” says Carly Jones, store manager and daughter of owner Ken Rhodes. “We didn’t want to not be in Washington. Over the years, other locations have come up in Houston, Canonsburg or surrounding areas, but we really wanted to stay in Washington. So, when the old North Franklin Township building came up, it just kind of seemed like a really great location.” Starting in late September, the new location will be at 620 Franklin Farms Road.
Rhodes Carpet celebrated its 50th anniversary last year and is still going strong. Ken Rhodes started the business in 1973 without a physical location until the showroom opened in 1998 at 408 S. Main St. in Washington. “He was an independent contractor who worked for another flooring store. He started installing 51 years ago,” says Carly Jones, Ken’s daughter and now store manager. “Twenty-six years ago is when he branched out and opened up Rhodes Carpet here at 408 S. Main St..”
Though Ken Rhodes no longer installs flooring, he still handles much of the measuring and clerical work and has no plans to retire. “I don’t think he’ll ever truly retire,” laughs Jones. “He does all our measurements for us. So anytime that we need an estimate, whenever we need to go take measurements at customers’ homes, he still deals with that.
We’ve had customers come in and say their parents or their grandparents had come to us, too. We deal with multiple generations.”
Rhodes Carpet & Installation is a full-service flooring store selling carpet, hardwood, luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring. Though luxury vinyl plank flooring has become extremely popular along with a resurgence of hardwood flooring and ceramic tile, Jones says carpet is still number one. “We still do a ton of carpet. That really is still our bread and butter, honestly, which some people are surprised about. But, you know, it’s not warm here all the time, so people want carpet.”
Wide open spaces
As for why the decision to move after 50 years, Jones says it’s all about space. “When you walk in now, it’s a full display room,” Jones says. “But when he first started it, he had a very small showroom, and the other half was used as a warehouse. A couple of years later, he was able to build the garage upstairs to have the warehouse upstairs and the full showroom down here. We’ve just been very fortunate over the years, and we’ve been very successful thanks to our loyal customers. We’ve just gotten to the point where we have grown, and we’d like to have more space for more product.”
Jones says they want to be able to offer more space for customers to come in and browse their products. “There are times when customers come in, and they already have something in mind that they want, and just because of space, we just don’t have the space for a ton of product in our showroom,” she explains. “In this new space, we’re going to have a room designated for hard surface and a whole other
room designated for carpet. It’ll just be nice to have a lot more square footage to work with for a showroom. It’ll also be nice for deliveries.”
Currently, she says they make it work with trucks getting in and out for deliveries. But having a bigger space for them as well as more parking for employees and customers will be an added bonus.
As for the current building on South Main, its future is up in the air. It’s part of the Judson Wiley & Sons, Inc. complex, which Ken’s father-in-law started. “That was my grandfather’s business, and he passed away two years ago,” says Jones. “So my mom and my aunt took over ownership whenever he passed. This building is actually part of the property, so I’m not sure if it’ll be rented out or if they’ll expand and use this for Wiley’s.”
Moving day is scheduled for mid-September, with plans to be fully opened at the new location by the final week of September. The new address is 620 Franklin Farms Road, and Jones says a grand opening celebration will occur at the month’s end. Customers can visit the new Rhodes Carpet & Installation showroom from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
“We’re very thankful for our loyal customers and very thankful for our installers,” says Jones. “They do a great job for us. We’re really looking forward to people coming to visit us at the new location and checking us out and seeing what we have to offer.”
Lisa A. Bateman, Proprietor 2310 Moyer Road, Connellsville, Penna. 15425
phone 724-603-3150
facebook.com/bizypeddler bizypeddler@hotmail.com
Repair&rebuildingofstarters,
By Rick Shrum
There was nothing ominous in Jamie Colecchi’s response to a question about Alta Vista Business Park. He was buoyant, in fact.
“Alta Vista is kind of coming to an end,” the Mon Valley Alliance’s CEO said of the 256-acre tract, which is nearing a positive end to a positive run. In a little more than a decade, the park in Fallowfield Township, Washington County, is near total capacity.
“Lot 13 is the only one that is available for sale,” Colecchi said.
Commercial and industrial real estate projects have become prevalent in a region striving to energize many of its towns and build up its workforces. Alta Vista Business Park has been at the forefront of an ambitious effort to revive the Monongahela Valley, once the focal point of steelmaking in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
“Nearly 950 jobs have been created since this development started,” Colecchi said of Alta Vista. “This is exactly what the region needs and what the county needs.”
The business park is a Keystone Opportunity Zone development, where companies locating there pay little in state or local taxes for up to 10 years.
About 30 miles to the west, Imperial Land Corp. is continuing to ramp up Fort Cherry Development District, an industrial park near the Southern Beltway in Robinson Township, Washington County.
Location, location, location is a major attribute for Alta Vista, which is situated along rolling countryside high above Interstate 70. The top elevation there is about 1,150 feet. Every building there has a panoramic view of the pleasant countryside.
More importantly, the park has quick, easy access to five counties via I-70, Interstate 79, PA 43 and Route 51.
MVA also oversees Donora and Speers industrial parks, and other projects in the Valley.
Colecchi said a 6,700-square-foot office building “was built from the ground up” at Second Street and McKean Avenue
in Charleroi, where the blighted former Atlas Warehouse had been razed.
“It was a very challenging project, which we started in midDecember, and it took six months,” he added. “We reached full occupancy there on July 17.” MVA also is planning to develop the former Charleroi stadium site into a park.
Brian Temple, president of Imperial Land Corp., said Phase I of the Fort Cherry Development District has been completed “as far as all utilities and infrastructure go — water, electric, gas, storm sewers. He said a new road, Campus Boulevard, was created off Fort Cherry Road.”
His company has sold one lot, to Burns Scalo Real Estate for $2 million. The Green Tree-based firm plans to construct a building for light industrial use.
“They have completed work on the site, but have not started building,” Temple said.
The project, which has been beset by pandemic-related and supply chain issues, encompasses 875 acres of reclaimed strip mine and underserved land near the Midway exit of the Southern Beltway.
Housed in a large warehouse at the 84 Lumber team headquarters campus, the 84 Sign Shop is bustling with activity as associates fulfill orders not just for 84 Lumber and Nemacolin Resort,but for area businesses as well.
“We were initially established some 20 years ago to support 84 Lumber’s printing and signage needs,” said Jessica Messmer, the 84 Sign Shop manager. “Each 84 Lumber location across the country has similarly branded graphics and signage for stores but we also had a need for signs targeted for our associates. By bringing print operations under the 84 umbrella, it allowed for full creative and production control.”
After a couple of years, 84 Lumber saw an opportunity to extend the 84 Sign Shop’s services to external, non-84 Lumber customers. Those customers grew and eventually included casinos, universities, gas and oil companies and other local businesses — if there’s a need for large format printing, 84 Sign Shop is the place to go.
“As you drive down the road, you’ll see small yard signs, large building logos, vehicles with full graphic wraps or vehicles with door logos — all examples of the work we can do,” said Messmer. “Banners, parking signs, wayfinding signage, sandwich boards, cut vinyl on glass — you name it. We can do it all.”
84 Sign Shop is a large format printer and graphics company offering a wide range of installation services.
“The term ‘large format’ refers not only to the printers that we have but also the materials that we print,” said Messmer. “The printers that we have are larger than what you would find in most business settings — they require space, specific power supply requirements, software to operate, and, most importantly, a person capable of operating the printer. The materials we use are also larger than what you’d find at a big box store. The sheets that we print are usually 4x8 feet and some as large as 5x10 feet. When comparing us to other printing companies, we are in the large format digital print class.”
Comprised of various team members in several roles, 84 Sign Shop has someone available to assist with all parts of the business. From a shop manager to an operations manager, a sales team, graphic designers — also known as production artists — and a print operator, 84 Sign Shop is more than capable of getting any job done. Those interested in getting something made just need to contact the team.
“There are many ways to contact us here at the shop. The best way is to visit our website at 84signshop.com and click on the ‘Work with Us’ tab, and fill out an inquiry form. You can also send an email to signshop@84lumber.com or give us a call directly at 724-229-2783.”
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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.
Recently, the South West Regional Chamber of Commerce Chamber held its first municipal forum at Collier Township Community Center, sponsored by Cozza Law Group. The chamber worked closely with Katie Wickert, a local government planning specialist for the Office of Community Planning through the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services with the Department of Community and Economic Development. The multi-municipality forum featured officials from Bethel Park, Bridgeville, Carnegie, Collier, Green Tree, Heidelberg, North Fayette, Oakdale, Scott and Upper St. Clair in attendance to learn about new programs and opportunities for municipalities.
Joanna Pro, George Newsome and Stephanie Edwards from the DCED, Adriene Smocheck from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Brian Schimmel from the Department of Environmental Protection, Joy Ruff and Olivia Policicchi from Local Government Academy, and Tim Tagmeyer and Stephanie Ma from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation presented to township officials on ways to address continuing issues within the confines of each municipality, as well as regionally.
The forum was developed in response to the recent municipal panel discussion with recurring themes, which took place during Community Outlook 2024 at The Club at Nevillewood.
As more and more of our local borough and township managers spoke of similar and ongoing issues at our Community Outlook event, the more hosting an educational forum seemed a necessity. Katie Wickert jumped on board quickly to help develop an exceptional presentation in collaboration with the South West Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The forum marks a significant step in fostering regional cooperation and providing local governments with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate their unique challenges.
Through the Nonprofit Clinic at Pittsburgh University, the South West Regional Chamber of Commerce is developing a brand-new ambassador program to help support their ongoing growth in 2024. The ambassador program is designed to help the chamber reach more members and potential members and give better oneto-one support to business owners in both Allegheny and Washington counties.
By Executive Director Mandi Pryor
By focusing on one-to-one interactions, the program aims to strengthen connections within the business community, ensuring that the SWRCOC can better meet the needs of its diverse membership and foster economic development across the region.
Higher Images of Carnegie is currently designing the chamber’s new website, and an app is being developed through the company Appetizers. All these efforts will help members and potential members have easier access to events and programming, education and support, as well as a faster, more efficient way to network in the region.
Additionally, the South West Regional Chamber has a robust lineup of programs for the fall, including annual events such as the Excellence Awards and the Holiday Luncheon with hundreds of attendees from around the region. Also, the South West Regional Chamber will host Impactful Women: Women in Military alongside the Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce in October, sponsored by Musugneggi Financial Group of the South Hills, as well as continuing the popular Coffee Hour monthly events and RISE: Networking for a Cause member volunteer sessions.
Those interested can support the South West Regional Chamber of Commerce this year by purchasing a ticket to the annual Car Raffle and $20,000 giveaway sponsored by Chick-fil-A. The fundraiser drawing party is on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. at Colussy Chevrolet. No ticket is necessary to attend.
