Business Woman September 2018

September 2018

Tradeshow marketing success Setting events in unusual local places

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Inside

WHAT’S 4 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

A Majority Woman-Owned Law Firm

•Family Law

•Employment Law

•Estate Planning/Elder Law

•Business Law

•Bankruptcy Law

•Agricultural & Farm Law

7 Tradeshow marketing

Success for small businesses.

9 Unemployment compensation

Understanding your rights.

11 business etiquette

Etiquette and the business luncheon.

13 New tax laws

How they benefit your business.

15 Events

Setting events in unusual local venues.

18 leisure and entertainment

635 N. 12th Street, Suite 101 Lemoyne, PA 17043

717-724-9821 Additional Offices in Harrisburg & Carlisle (By Appointment Only)

daleyzucker.com

Options around the region.

20 life insurance

What women need to know.

22 The eyes have it

Eye health concerns.

23 women to watch

New hires and promotions.

23 achievements & applause

Awards and accomplishments.

23 meet and greet

Regional networking events and meetings.

September 2018

TRADESHOW MARKETING SUCCESS SETTING EVENTS IN UNUSUAL LOCAL PLACES

NOW!

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5 cover story Elizabeth Agar is the director of sales and marketing at Radisson Hotel Harrisburg.

She is happy to help her clients plan and execute the perfect event whether that is a small or large celebration, a business meeting, a large tradeshow, or seminars held its many multi-function rooms. With a background in theater and having performed all over the United States, Agar knows what it takes to put on a great “show,” and she wants her clients and their guests to have a wonderful experience.

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Editor’S

Note

September 2018 Vol. 15 - No. 9

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER

Donna K. Anderson

EDITORIAL

“”

Every year, my husband Randy and I spend long after the event. Make sure your company takes a week at the beach with our four sons, wives, advantage of the great opportunity that these events grandchildren, and my parents and brother. I present to reach new and existing clients, engage with the can’t tell you how blessed I feel that I have such community at large, network with other vendors, and so a loving family who truly enjoys this much more. special time. The weather was perfect, And to make the most of your and we made so many happy memories. luncheon business meetings, be I hope you found time to relax and enjoy to read the article that provides “Everything is in the mind. sure summer with friends and family too! tips on etiquette. You don’t want to Now we’re looking forward to be the one with your elbows on the That’s where it all starts. fall and cooler weather, which also table or not knowing that it is means that event season will be Knowing what you want is the proper to tear off a piece of your roll picking up. There will be more first step toward getting it.” rather than buttering the whole roll! Little business meetings; corporate events; things can make a positive impression ~ Mae West expo and tradeshow opportunities; and help you succeed in your career. and wedding, anniversary, and If you’re like me, you’re constantly holiday celebrations. looking at a computer or other devise Be sure to think outside the box throughout the day. This can cause when securing a location for your event. We do indeed have “dry eye” because we don’t blink as much. But it’s not the beautiful conventions centers and hotels in this region that only reason you may experience dry eye. Find out more make wonderful sites, but many places with wonderful about this and other vision concerns. backdrops are sometimes overlooked. Check out the There are two Women’s Expos in October. See the unusual settings we found to get you started in thinking back cover and mark your calendar to attend and then go beyond the usual. online for your free tickets! You know they’re always fun We (On-Line Publishers, Inc.) host quite a few with a lot to do and see. I guess you’d say, “It’s a great way to Women’s Expos, 50plus EXPOs, and Veterans’ Expo & spend your day.”

Job Fairs in the fall (and spring), and we do everything we can to ensure our exhibitors have a good experience. If you are participating in an expo or tradeshow, be sure to check out the tips for a successful event. Success doesn’t Christianne Rupp start and end that day. It begins well before and continues Vice President and Managing Editor

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LANCASTER COUNTY

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Story

CAREER

COVER

The Main Event

By LYNDA HUDZICK

E

lizabeth Agar has successfully navigated a variety of opportunities over the years, and embraced everything she has learned along the way to her current career as the director of sales and marketing at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg.

All of those experiences taught her the importance of being willing to change, and she credits much of her success to learning that lesson.

“You must be open, fluid, and accepting that there can always be a new, more effective way to accomplish something,” she said.

Agar was born in Boiling Springs, where she currently lives with her young son. She attended college at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City. During those years, she “performed in three national theater tours all over the United States,” she said.

“I then traveled cross country and lived in Los Angeles for four years before returning back to central Pennsylvania to be closer to my family.”

Her connection to the hospitality industry goes back to her college years in New York City, but it was the discovery of a private event property in Harrisburg that really called to her after she moved back to Pennsylvania from Los Angeles.

“I fell in love … it had a fourtiered, Italian-themed garden to host weddings and events that was

Above: Agar at the entrance to the Radisson convention center.

Right: The Grand Ballroom at the Radisson, set for a reception.

Photo by www.ContePhoto.com

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exquisite,” Agar said. “They just so happened to be looking for a sales manager at the time, and so began the event-and-hotel side of my career.”

When she left that position, Agar moved into a catering manager position at the Radisson, later being promoted to director of catering for the convention center.

After a few years, she was presented with an opportunity to work at a corporate company that focused on marketing and decided it would be a good move.

“It was a wonderful experience that introduced me to many marketing and social media tools that are very helpful to me today,” she said.

Agar was offered her current position in June 2017, and she decided to take on the challenge.

Every day is different, and although her duties vary depending on the current business level on the property, Agar keeps busy handling sales appointments; working on forecasting, sales reports, and revenue meetings; and creating proposals, among many other responsibilities.

She enjoys working on events with the many chambers and organizations with which the Radisson is associated.

“The part I enjoy most is working with my staff and our clients,” she said. “We have the amazing opportunity to meet and interact with so many different people each day.”

Because the Radisson is such a large property, the events that are booked can range from small business meetings to family reunions and weddings to largescale, multiday conventions.

“What makes it a good day is when we, along with the other departments on the property, execute a busy day with multiple functions, meals, room turns, etc., and/or we land a new piece of business that we have been pursuing for a while,” noted Agar. “There is always lots of cheering on these days, and sometimes cake!”

Agar is quick to acknowledge that she could not do what the

hotel does so well all on her own.

“I have a very strong staff that I rely heavily on,” she said. “We work very closely with all of our other departments to ensure guest satisfaction for the hotel and banquet facilities.”

Agar appreciates the many opportunities to network with others on a daily basis.

“There are so many fantastic men and women in this area, in all kinds of businesses … We are very involved with all of the local chambers that host weekly and monthly events and have met so many valuable contacts,” Agar said.

Giving back to the community is important to Agar, and she is grateful to have so many resources readily available there on the property to help make that happen. She and her staff are involved with the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and other nonprofits that hold their events at the Radisson.

“We do our best to work within their budgets and always donate to their silent auctions,” she said. Her sales team has created a “Thanks for Giving” campaign where each manager chooses an organization to focus on, raising awareness, collecting monetary donations, and filling other needs of each organization.

Each holiday season, Agar is proud to co-sponsor a fundraiser called the “Parade of Trees” with Highmark Caring Place, where money is raised for children who have lost a loved one.

“Companies in the area sponsor a tree that gets decorated and displayed at our property, which is usually between 20-25 trees,” she said. “Guests can then come and walk the parade of trees and vote for their favorite ones.”

As she continues her work with the Radisson, Agar looks forward to the exciting developments that are always taking place in the hospitality industry. It is “always changing and being reinvented by trends, business needs, travel, budget limitations, etc.,” she said.

“I have learned that I will constantly be learning and growing, especially in this business.”

CAREER

Tradeshow Marketing Success for Small Businesses

By NIMLOK

W

here can a small business develop new contacts and business for their new business? One of the best ways for a growing company to market their small business to hundreds, if not thousands, of potential new customers over a day or a couple of days is to exhibit at a tradeshow.

Each year, tens of thousands of tradeshows are held across the United States that give the opportunity for small businesses and people interested in their products or services to meet faceto-face. The tradeshow is an incredible opportunity for small businesses to share their service or products with a specific, targeted audience and build relationships with customers who are attending the tradeshow.

Tradeshow Exhibiting Can Be Expensive Even though marketing at a tradeshow can be a very lucrative opportunity to get your small business in front of a lot of people, it can definitely be an expensive marketing option. It’s incredibly important to take the time in due diligence to plan the costs and the strategy for marketing at a tradeshow.

From the cost of the space in the exhibition hall and the cost of the tradeshow display itself, to the marketing literature, giveaway items, promotional swag, and, of course, the cost of transportation, food, and lodging for staff working at the tradeshow — all these expenses must be considered.

Once you’ve estimated and budgeted for marketing at a

your business can attract people to your booth.

4. Preshow Promotions Social-media marketing via your blog, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social channels is a great way to target people who may be interested in your business.

Inviting your current customers and your prospective customers in your pipeline of relationship building is just as important.

Building preshow buzz is an important part of marketing your tradeshow presence.

Utilizing an incentive—such as a special event at your booth, the promise of a free gift, or entry into a contest for a creative prize—can motivate people to visit your booth. tradeshow, here are 10 tips and a bonus secret that can help make tradeshow marketing a success for your small business.

1. Establish Goals Smart businesses regularly set goals for their business, and setting goals for tradeshow exhibiting is no different.

Whether it’s to generate new sales and increase name recognition and branding while meeting new people or to grow your email and marketing database, establishing goals will help you set your business up for success and give you the best return on your investment.

2. Decide at Which Tradeshow(s) to Exhibit Research is so important in the planning stage. You want to be exhibiting at a tradeshow that will

be attracting the type of customers interested in your business. Searching a tradeshow directory for events locally, regionally, and nationally is a good start.

From there, you’ll want to check out their websites and contact the tradeshow coordinators to get a feel if it’ll be the right fit for your business. Even take the time to contact other exhibitors listed from previous tradeshows to see if the tradeshow event was a success for them.

3. Attend Other Tradeshows Especially important for people who’ve never been to a tradeshow, attending a tradeshow can be a revelation. Seeing how people work their booths, what their booth displays look like, and what they’re doing to drive traffic to their space can give you ideas on ways

5. Get Media Exposure Tradeshows are known to be frequented by media personalities who cover the tradeshow niche.

Pitch your ideas well in advance of the event to acquire interview opportunities with key editors or writers in your industry.

Not only does this open up the chance to get exposure for your business if they write about you, but establishing and building a relationship with key representatives in the media can be a major asset for future media opportunities.

6. Prepare Your Staff The team you assemble to work the tradeshow is critical to the success of your tradeshow presence.

They should be well educated in what to say when people visit your booth.

Staff should know how to give a quick description of what your

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company does, what services or options your company offers, and additional details about your products, services, and the promotions you are having at the show.

They should know what type of qualifying questions to ask visitors to identify those people who are truly interested your company. Role playing sales-floor scenarios can be extremely helpful in retaining that knowledge and ensuring a natural conversation from the sales team.

booths that make an impact. Having a space that is open and inviting is important so your visitors aren’t stuck out in the tradeshow aisle and can walk into your space.

In addition to your booth space, you want to make sure you have sales material to distribute to those attendees who show an interest in your company. An interactive contest of some kind to continue to draw attention and visitors to your booth can be a huge win for your business.

9. Get Social While at the show, you should have one of your staff members be the point person for social media at the event!

From live tweeting about the upcoming contest, using the tradeshow hashtag, inviting people to come to your booth, and uploading pictures to video clips of customer testimonials, utilizing social media to keep the buzz going about your booth continues to be influential in driving traffic to you.

7. Prepare Your Tradeshow Booth Space Besides the cost of the space, the tradeshow booth will be your biggest expense.

You should design a tradeshow booth space that is eye catching. It should be able to be seen from about 20 feet away and convey to attendees in a couple of seconds what your company is all about.

There are companies, such as Nimlok, that are experienced in developing and designing tradeshow

8. Lead Capture There are many ways to get contact information from show attendees. Whether it’s a drawing for which they leave their business card, an iPad demo with a landing page on which visitors fill in their information, or a signup sheet for people who participate in your contest there at the show, make sure there are several ways to capture their information.

Leads are the lifeblood of business, especially at tradeshows.

10. Network, Network, Network The show is a networking event. Make sure to have some time during the day to get out of your space and meet the other exhibitors.

You never know if they may need your product or services or if what you do may be complementary to what they do and result in referrals to others.

Networking can end up being a goldmine of new leads and/or potential business partners. Go forth and network!

Bonus … FOLLOW UP! This really shouldn’t be a tip, but so many businesses make this critical error. Following up with people who left you their contact information should be “Business 101” knowledge. They know full well they will at some point be contacted by your business because they left their information.

From thank-you emails to outreach phone calls that ask qualifying questions, it’s about getting to know the guests and them getting to know more about what your company does and offers.

Your company’s focus should be on nurturing these leads into a relationship that leads to business or referrals. Don’t try to hard sell them on the first contact. Build relationships.​ • Nimlok is a reputable, quality brand of exhibit and display solutions, offered through a network of expert dealer partners. For more information, visit www. nimlok.com.

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CAREER

Etiquette and the Business Luncheon

By DUFFY JOHNSON

G

ood business etiquette helps to ensure that participants are focused on the business at hand.

It involves respect for others and respect for your position and the company you represent.

Etiquette is shown in your words and actions, as well as in your nonverbal communication.

Practicing good etiquette will help to build good business relationships and to achieve your specific business goals for each meeting, and it will be beneficial to your longterm professional goals.

Much of the etiquette involved with business meetings is common sense, but reminders are always in order.

Set a timeframe for the meeting.

If it’s a one-hour or a two-hour meeting, let people know ahead of time and stick to it. If you are meeting someone for lunch and there is no set timeframe, ask how much time they have and be sure to honor that.

Show up on time for a meeting, in a restaurant, at the office, or wherever it may be. It demonstrates to others that you have consideration and respect for their time. Of course, life happens and it’s not possible to always be on time, but call ahead if you’re delayed and make the proper apologies.

Be prepared for the business that will be discussed or conducted over the meeting. Do your research, gather information, and bring any necessary materials.

Always introduce yourself to anyone you have not already met, and do the same for others who are

meeting for the first time. Greet others properly, usually with a handshake, which applies equally to men and women in business. In social situations, women may or may not shake hands. In business settings, it is always proper for women to shake hands.

Bring business cards.

Have a couple topics for polite conversation, such as sports, movies, or vacations. It’s nice to have a little small talk to start your interactions, and then move into the business topics.

Bring your good listening skills.

It is so important to actively listen to others and to do so with an open

mind so that you might really understand what others have to say.

Talk in a positive manner, demonstrating value for others’ input and not dominating the conversation.

Also, it is important to recognize the impact of your appearance.

Your attire is a large part of your

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non-verbal communication, which tells others so much about you and your professionalism. This is not to say that you must be dressed formally or in designer clothes.

It means that you must be be expected to reflect the culture of the business and dress in a more traditional business manner.

In addition to your clothing, pay attention to your grooming and other details — clean hair and nails, fresh breath, neat beard, clean shoes, buttons intact, etc.

While these details may seem unimportant, understand that we all are continually making subconscious observations about others, and you want others’ impressions of you to be helpful to your goals.

Be sure that your appearance supports your business at hand, as well as your long-term professional goals.

If you are meeting over lunch, you may want to brush up on your dining skills. Allow the host to

choose his or her seat first. Follow the cues of the host or hostess as to where you should sit, what to order, when to start eating, and most everything.

When you sit down at the table, put the napkin on your lap. Sit up straight at a comfortable distance from the table, and maintain good posture throughout the meal.

Personal items should not be on the table, with the exception of materials needed for the business to be discussed.

Be sure to silence or turn off your cellphone during a meeting.

Certainly it would be bad behavior to take a phone call during a meeting, unless absolutely necessary.

Take notes if information is discussed that you’ll need to reference afterward. If you have called the meeting, be sure to thank people who attend, and if you are a participant, thank the person who put the meeting together.

During the meal, elbows should not be on the table. There should be no personal grooming at the table,

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and if you must sneeze or cough, turn your head to the side and cover your mouth with your napkin.

Eat slowly and don’t talk with your mouth full. You generally will use silverware from the outside, and move in as you progress through the meal. When in doubt, watch the host or hostess.

Your bread plate is to the top left of your place seating. Please break off one bite-size piece at a time, butter, and enjoy your bread or roll before breaking off another piece.

Glasses are to the top right of your place setting.

As far as ordering, choose from the middle, not the most or the least expensive item on the menu. Always treat staff with courtesy, as this will reflect greatly on your character.

Tip servers fairly, even if the food was not prepared well, as it is probably not the server’s fault.

Finally, when going out to lunch or any business meal, the person who did the asking should pay.

Of course, after a meeting, it’s

a good idea to follow up with an email outlining the outcomes, and you should follow through with any assignments.

While this may seem like a lot of rules, know that etiquette is really a set of guidelines for successful interactions, not hardand-fast rules. Nobody expects perfection, just that you show respect and consideration for others.

Embrace the business luncheon.

Try to relax and enjoy yourself while maintaining professional behavior and appearance. Successful meetings, whether in the office or over lunch, will help to build your professional relationships and accomplish your goals.

• Duffy Johnson is an etiquette consultant with The Etiquette School of Central Pennsylvania. They teach business etiquette, and dining, social, and personal skills to those just beginning their careers and to senior executives, as well as programs for children, teens, young adults, and families. www.etiquetteschoolofcentralpa.com

CAREER

Understanding Unemployment Compensation

By SYLVESTER E. WILLIAMS IV, ESQUIRE

A

s part of working as an agent for an employer, certain rights and obligations have been established to provide an employee with compensation in the event that she loses her job. It is important for the employee to understand what rights she has and for the employer to understand her obligations as well.

For an employee to be eligible for Pennsylvania unemployment compensation, they must have earned $50 a week for at least 16 weeks. However, an employee will not be eligible for UC benefits if they are terminated for “willful misconduct” or they voluntarily quit.

In Pennsylvania, it is very difficult to obtain unemployment benefits when an employee quits their job.

More specifically, to obtain unemployment benefits after quitting in Pennsylvania, a claimant would have the burden of proof to establish that the claimant

had necessitous and compelling reasons for quitting her job and that all alternative solutions were exhausted prior to quitting.

In some limited situations, quitting employment to care for a sick family member is often considered cause of a necessitous and compelling nature, but the more difficult part of the eligibility analysis will take place when the board of review examines whether or not all alternatives were exhausted prior to quitting.

If an employee meets these requirements, upon being terminated she should immediately apply for unemployment compensation benefits. In Pennsylvania, claims can be submitted through an online portal using the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website.

The claimant will be required to submit an application. The online application will prompt the claimant to submit contact information, employer’s information,

and the reason for termination. It is essential that the claimant truthfully responds to each question. Any claimant who knowingly makes a false statement or representation to secure UC benefits may face criminal and civil penalties.

In Pennsylvania, most employees are eligible to receive UC benefits for a duration of 18-26 weeks.

However, the total number of eligible weeks an employee can receive is ultimately determined by the number of weeks they actually worked for the employer.

For instance, if an employee has not worked enough credit weeks, she will not receive the full 26 weeks of Pennsylvania UC benefits.

Alternatively, if the employee has not worked for the employer for at least 16 weeks, she will not be entitled to any unemployment benefits. If she has worked for the employer for 16 or 17 weeks, she will receive 16 weeks of benefits.

If she has worked for her employer for more than 18 weeks,

she will then be entitled to the full 26 weeks of Pennsylvania UC benefits.

It is important for an employee to know how many weeks she worked for the employer to determine the UC benefit.

PDLI provides UC benefits to part-time workers who lose income through no fault of their own.

The employee is required to qualify using the standard requirements, and as long as she is eligible, payments can be obtained.

Furthermore, PDLI guidelines permit an employee to work part time and still receive benefits if the amount of her wages is small enough. The employee must disclose any and all income made at the time of submitting a week’s claim for UC benefits. In most cases, PDLI permits an employee to make a definite sum without an employee compromising the receipt of full UC benefits for that week.

PDLI requires that employers provide adequate notice to

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employees about UC benefits. More specifically, employers are required to post a notice (poster) regarding Pennsylvania unemployment claims in a conspicuous place for all employees. The poster must state that your business is registered with the PDLI under Pennsylvania’s UC law and provide basic information on how an employee can file a claim for unemployment benefits.

PDLI provides a link for employers to download a notice (Form UC-700, Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation) from the Mandatory Postings section of the PDLI website. The notice posting via the PDLI online portal meets all legal requirements that an employer must follow.

It is important for all firms operating in Pennsylvania to determine if their business is required to follow regulations for unemployment compensation benefits. Most firms operating with employees in Pennsylvania are required to follow them, although

“”

It is important for the employee to understand what rights she has and for the employer to understand her obligations as well.

there are some exceptions.

In some situations, an employee will not be eligible for UC benefits if they did not accept work. Under section 402(a) of Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation, an employee shall be ineligible for compensation for any week in which their unemployment is due

to failure, without good cause, to accept suitable work, provided that the employer who offers the work notifies the department of the refusal within seven days from when the offer is made.

To make submission to PDLI easier for the employer, a new form, UC-1921W, was created

so employers can notify the department that suitable work was refused. The form can be saved, printed, and submitted directly to PDLI using the online portal.

PDLI must be notified by the employer within seven days of the offer.

Unemployment compensation benefits are an important right for employees who are involuntarily terminated.

Employees should understand the eligibility requirements and submit claim using PDLI’s online portal.

Employees can find details about this benefit using the poster provided by the employer or by going to PDLI’s website. The benefit is not determined by the employer; instead, it is based upon an evaluation of the claim submitted by the employee.

This benefit is administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and is useful in helping employees transition to other jobs after being released by the employer.

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CAREER

New Tax Laws and Your Business

By SYLVESTER E. WILLIAMS, IV, Esquire

O

n Dec. 22, 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which provides significant tax benefits for individuals and corporations.

Of particular note are the tax benefits afforded corporations in the United States. The tax benefits are intended to help stimulate our economy and allow corporations to compete effectively against global competition.

The following are important provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that corporations need to be aware of for the upcoming year. It is vital for a corporation to understand the changes made and how they may affect the business in the short and long terms.

Corporations derive enormous benefit from several provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. For instance, the corporate tax rate was reduced from 40 percent to a flat rate of 21 percent, and it became effective Jan. 1.

Likewise, the new law abolished the special tax rate on professional or personal service corporations.

Entities that are considered passthrough, such as S-corporations and limited liability companies, are taxed at the individual owner’s tax rate. Therefore, the tax rate for pass-through businesses can be different, depending on the level of income.

The new tax law allows passthrough entities to deduct up to 20 percent of their income. This

change will assist pass-through entities in reducing their overall tax burden and increase equity in the business.

Beginning in 2018, the new law reduced the withholding rate from 25 to 22 percent on supplemental wages that are less than or equal to $1 million. Simply stated, employers should withhold a flat 22 percent on any bonuses, commissions, or any other supplemental-wage payment that is less than or equal to $1 million.

In like manner, if the supplemental amount exceeds $1 million, the withholding rate of 37 percent should be used instead of 39.6 percent.

The new law temporarily eliminated the personal income tax exemption from 2018 through 2025.

Additionally, the individual rate for standard deductions nearly doubled. This is a significant change, as it drives more taxpayers to use the standard deduction instead of itemizing. To illustrate this change, a single taxpayer will see a new standard-deduction rate of $12,000 instead of $6,350.

Beginning in 2019, the penalty for an individual who does not purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is reduced to 0 percent. Most certainly, some individuals will opt out of purchasing health insurance.

As a result of fewer individuals purchasing health insurance, insurance companies will probably

look to raise premiums on individuals and employers and transfer costs to those individuals who don’t have health insurance.

In the end, with fewer people in the health insurance pool, the costs to offer employees health insurance may go up.

One very significant change under the new law pertains to treatment of employees who use the Family Medical Leave Act. Under the new law, employers can receive a tax credit for paying employees while they are using FMLA. However, the employer must have in place a written policy that allows full-time employees no less than two weeks of annual paid FMLA leave. Also, the employee has to be paid at least 50 percent of the employee’s regular wages. Under the new law, an employer will receive a tax credit equivalent to 12.5 percent and up to 25 percent of the amount paid to the qualifying employee.

There are several other changes under the new tax law that will impact benefits to employees.

For instance, food and beverage provided by the employer for the

benefit of the employee will no longer be fully tax deductible.

Starting in 2018 and going through to 2025, businesses will only be permitted to deduct up to 50 percent of those costs, and after 2025 they will not be permitted to take a deduction for food and beverage.

The new tax law makes significant changes to employee commuter benefits. As a result of the new law, employers are able to take a maximum monthly amount of $260 for transit passes and qualified van pools. The amount provided for employee parking exclusion was increased to $260.

Similarly, the bicycle-commuting tax-free reimbursement of up to $20 was eliminated starting in 2018 and is effective through 2026.

Also effective for calendar year 2018 are changes in tax reporting of business expenses for both employees and employers.

According to Dana S. Nonnenmocher, principal and shareholder of Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz, CPAs and Business Advisors, “Reimbursements of employee business expenses under

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an ‘accountable plan’ are not taxable.

An accountable plan requires employees to submit their business expenses eligible for reimbursement with appropriate supporting documentation.

“Payments rendered under a ‘non-accountable plan’ (where an employer pays a flat allowance to the employee and does not require any accounting for the use of the funds) are to be included in the employee’s W-2, subject to all taxes.”

Prior to 2018, employees paid under non-accountable plans were able to deduct qualified business expenses on their personal income tax returns against the income included in their W-2 using Form 2106, Nonnenmocher said. Form 2106 then flowed to Schedule A, miscellaneous itemized deductions, limited to the 2 percent of adjusted gross income floor.

“However, beginning in 2018, these miscellaneous itemized deductions are suspended through 2025 and, therefore, unavailable until at least 2026,” he added.

“Also beginning in 2018, businesses can no longer deduct any payments or reimbursements of entertainment costs, such as admission to sporting or other events.

Prior to 2018, these items were 50 percent deductible.

Conversely, business-travel expenses continue to be 100 percent deductible by employers.”

Another provision that has been modified pertains to the treatment of moving expenses. Under the new tax law, from 2018 through 2026, employees will not be allowed to deduct qualified moving expenses.

The only exception provided for pertains to active-duty members of the armed services.

Along the same lines, employees will no longer be permitted to exclude employer-provided qualified moving-expense reimbursement from income. These changes will be a significant impact to relocation policies and moving-expense reimbursement.

Under the new law, the firstyear bonus depreciation percentage

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~ September 2018 | BUSINESSWoman

increased to 100 percent for qualified property placed into service between Sept. 28, 2017, and Dec. 31, 2022. The new law expanded the category to allow for both new and used qualified property.

Furthermore, the new law allows 100 percent bonus depreciation for qualified film, television, and live theatrical productions that are placed into service on or after Sept.

28, 2017.

In some cases, the 100 percent first-year bonus depreciation is not available. If that is the case, a business can use the Section 179 tax break, which allows the business to deduct the entire cost of qualifying new and used depreciable property in year one.

Of course, this benefit is subject to certain limitations. Under the new law, Section 179 deduction for qualified property placed in service starting in 2018 is raised from $510,000 to $1 million, and the phase-out is increased from $2.03 million to $2.5 million. In later tax years, the amounts will

be indexed for inflation.

The new tax law expanded the definition of eligible property and included certain depreciable, tangible personal property used to furnish lodgings. The definition for qualified real property under section 179 was expanded and includes items relating to improvements to nonresidential property. Some of the items included under this expanded definition include roofs, security systems, alarm system, and HVAC equipment.

Given the enormous amount of changes under the new tax laws, it is highly advisable to consult with a tax professional to determine how these changes specifically impact your business. At a minimum, some changes to your employee handbook will be in order.

Lastly, the IRS has a lot of work ahead of it to set up guidelines to implement these changes. You should plan on working with your tax consultant to make sure that your business is in compliance with the new laws.

CAREER

Setting Events in Unusual Local Places

By BARBARA TRAININ BLANK

B

usiness meetings and personal celebrations needn’t take place in humdrum places. Or at long distances.

Here are some nearby venues you might consider.

Even though most locals still refer to it by its old name, Ski Roundtop is now Roundtop Mountain Resort, said Lutricia Eberly, director of sales.

“We have diversified as more than a facility for three months out of the year [when people ski],” she said.

As a supplement to indoor business meetings, Roundtop offers facilitated outdoor activities for teambuilding, such as low-rope, zip lining, and paintball.

“We’re one of only a few places in the country that provides an 11-foot zorb,” said Eberly. “Many people have the misconception that being in a zorb ball would cause you to flip upside down.

But the experience is like going down a water slide, where you might bank up on the turns, but you never flip.”

Outdoor activities can complement celebrations from bar and bat mitzvahs to bachelor and bachelorette parties.

“We also do weddings,” Eberly added. “We have space for about five weddings, depending on the size.

[A wedding performed] at the top of the mountain overlooking the valley is beautiful.”

Zembo Shrine, in the capital city across from rustic Italian Lake,

Auditorium inside the Zembo Shrine, with a seating capacity of 2,251. is a popular venue for club or organization meetings or fundraisers, tradeshows, weddings and receptions, banquets, concerts, seminars, anniversary and birthday parties, proms, festivals, graduations, and more, said Richard Smith, potentate.

The shrine has three larger spaces available for rental. They are the main vestibule; the Tile Room, which Smith called a beautiful venue for receptions and special meetings up to 200 guests; and the Zembo Auditorium.

“Decoration of the Tile Room is only limited by your imagination,” said Smith. “We work with the renters to have access to the facility the day of or even the day prior to the event to prepare their decorations. Details can be

The Mountain View Lodge at Roundtop Mountain Resort prepared for a corporate evening banquet.

Roundtop Mountain Resort’s Main Lodge prepared for a wedding.

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Winners of a corporate teambuilding event at the Escape Room Lancaster.

escaperoomlancaster.com

Can you escape within 1 hour?

Book online a date and time Select from 3 customized rooms, each with a unique way to escape.

Private party rates available Reservation accepted by booking through website 16

~ September 2018 | BUSINESSWoman

discussed with our rental manager.”

The auditorium boasts the largest wooden floor in the entire region as well as concert seating for more than 2,000 patrons, depending on the stage-floor setup. Several unit rooms surrounding the auditorium also can be rented, and typically are whenever the auditorium is rented. They can be used as additional dressing rooms, VIP rooms, and the like.

In addition, the Potentate’s Reception Hall, boasting many Moorish arches and columns, is ideal for smaller, more intimate gatherings of 120 guests or fewer, said Smith.

The small dining room is suitable for gatherings of 60 guests or fewer.

Escape Room Lancaster is known for teambuilding events for businesses and other groups that emphasize the mental more than the physical.

The facility gives participants the opportunity to select from three customized rooms, each with a unique goal to be solved within an hour.

Each room fits up to 30 people; there is also a reception area for refreshments.

“An escape room offers a unique and interactive entertainment experience that appeals to a wide range of demographics, including co-workers interested in teambuilding, couples looking for an interesting date night, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or a group of friends who want a challenge and a laugh,” said Mary Papadimitriou, co-owner, along with her husband, Dimitri.

“People come here looking for something different.”

The York County History Center is two venues in one: the Historical Society Museum and the Agricultural & Industrial Museum. Both are still operating museums, but during the “off hours,” area is available for rentals, said Melanie Hady, director of public relations and marketing.

AIM is housed in a complex of renovated factory buildings, some of which date to 1874. The

The courtyard of the Agricultural & Industrial Museum at the York County History Center.

The lobby of the York County History Center’s Agricultural & Industrial Museum.

LandisValleyMuseum.org

717-581-0431 2451 Kissel Hill Road Lancaster PA, 17601 The Agricultural & Industrial Museum’s Hall of Giants.

Conveniently located just north of Lancaster near routes 30 and 222.

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CAREER

outdoor courtyard can be used for cocktails or for a wedding ceremony, seating up to 160.

In addition, the lobby can seat 100 at round tables or 170 for a standing event, and the Hall of Giants can seat 160 for a seated meal or 250 for a standing event.

The Hall of Giants is so-called because it houses some very large artifacts, like the A-frame compressor, the two fire trucks, and the crane.

At the Historical Society Museum, the Founders’ Hall can accommodate 140 for a seated meal or 170 for a standing event. The Meeting Hall can handle 100 for a seated meal, 150 for a standing event, or 120 for a seated wedding ceremony.

“Both museums have multiple spaces, and you may choose to rent one space or two, according to your event style and size,” said Hady.

“Both museums are frequently rented for events other than weddings.

We have organizations holding their fundraisers and gala events here, businesses and nonprofits holding training sessions and company celebrations, and holiday parties and birthday events as well.”

The two museums have two very different “vibes,” she added.

A traditional bride might choose the Historical Society Museum, a historic building that was once an automobile showroom.

“On the other hand, the Agricultural & Industrial Museum has a very funky, industrial feel, great for the bride looking for something different and unique.”

AIM does not have a full kitchen, but the Historical Society Museum does. Both require outside catering.

In all, Hady said, the History Center museums have been called “a best-kept secret” by brides and other renters.

So, when looking for a venue that’s exciting, perhaps not well traveled, and responsive to the needs of your meeting or celebration, consider everything … even those that are perhaps off the beaten path.

Historic Landis Valley Museum, the perfect place for your next meeting, corporate event or company picnic.

Leisure and Entertainment Options Abound in the Region

Lifestyle

By BARRY SPARKS

S

Live shows at Whitaker Center’s Sunoco Performance Theater are a concert-goer’s dream.

outh-central Pennsylvania has a long history of leisure and entertainment options:

• The York Fair, a 10-day event billed as “America’s First Fair,” began in 1765.

• The State Museum of Pennsylvania, the official museum of the commonwealth, was established in 1905. The Harrisburg museum showcases the state’s cultural and natural history.

• Hersheypark, named one of the Top 10 amusement parks in the United States by USA Today readers in 2017, opened in 1907.

• Hershey Stadium, the most prominent outdoor stadium between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, opened in 1939. It can accommodate 30,000 for concert-goers.

• The free summer music series at Long’s Park in Lancaster began in 1962.

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Over the years, there has been tremendous growth in leisure and entertainment activities, and today, south-central Pennsylvanians have more options than ever.

Regardless of your interests, there’s plenty to do. For the outdoors oriented, there’s a network of county and state parks that offer boating, swimming, camping, hiking, or fishing. Golf courses, regulation and miniature, present a mix of competition and fun.

Sports fans can attend professional baseball games in York, Lancaster, and Harrisburg. At Roundtop Mountain Resort in Lewisberry, adventure seekers can try zip lining, super water slides, a ropes course, and more.

Live concert venues attract the biggest names in the music business, such as Luke Bryant, and legends, such as Tony Bennett, as well as up-and-comers and eclectic performers. Community theaters give patrons the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of plays, from South Pacific to Million Dollar Quartet.

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Turnpike Troubadors performing at the Capitol Theatre. Photography by Jon Major

There are numerous community fairs, festivals, and carnivals.

Outdoor art shows, river walks, and cruises on the Susquehanna River attract sizable crowds.

Families can add a dose of education to their activities with visits to numerous museums in the area, including the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, the Agricultural & Industrial Museum in York, and the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum in Harrisburg.

“Our region has so much to offer,” emphasizes Ashlee Hurley, director of marketing and sales at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg. “The Whitaker Center was built to be a cultural hub for the region.”

The center reflects the diverse programming available in the area. It features the 700-seat Sunoco Performance Theater; the three-story Harsco Science Center, filled with hands-on exhibits; and the Select Medical Digital Cinema, with its 38-foot-high screen.

While south-central Pennsylvania isn’t a primary entertainment

market like Philadelphia, the area’s multiple options benefit each other.

There’s definitely a symbiotic relationship, says Hurley: “A rising tide lifts all ships.”

“People in our region are very fortunate to have so many leisure and entertainment options,” says Becki Fellin, director of marketing for the Appell Center for the Performing Arts in York. “Many people outside the area are amazed by the variety of opportunities we have.”

Fellin points out that whatever your preference is, it’s available in south-central Pennsylvania. Jazz, symphonic music, ballet, live concerts, plays, comedy clubs, and classic film series all can be found.

“Studies have shown that people want to live where there are cultural events, as well as plentiful leisure and entertainment options,” says Fellin. “The more variety, the better.”

Fellin is excited about the $1.6 million renovation to the Capitol Theatre, which will increase the number of programs for area

Sister Act, performed at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. atmosphere of the region is a positive factor for those considering relocating to the area for their job. It also attracts vacationers and retirees.

“Leisure and entertainment are quality-of-life factors people look for when they are moving, or even for college students looking to move back to Lancaster,” she says. “This also is bringing more diversity to the area, as Lancaster has become a trendy city to live in, and theater is just a part of that.

Theater presents opportunities

to meet new people and just have fun or challenge ourselves.”

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, in its 31st year of operation, strives to attract a variety of audiences.

“The makeup of our audiences depends on the show and the time of year,” Trupe says. “Our biggest shows tend to be April – October, such as our national tour of The Wizard of Oz that came here this summer before heading back out on the road in October.

“Audiences are made up of a strong percentage of subscribers

that are not only local, but also from New Jersey, Delaware, New York, and other surrounding areas,” Trupe says. “Tourists are also a large part of the audience, whether it is families or groups who are daytrippers or staying for a few days.”

Dutch Apple’s audiences tend to be more local in the winter months, and the shows are smaller boutique shows, such as murder mysteries, jukebox musicals, or even comedies.

And the new served-dinner menu on Thursday evening has brought in another option for those who don’t like buffets.

“People in the area sometimes take the leisure and entertainment opportunities we have for granted,” says Trupe.

She adds that besides the quantity and quality of the options, there’s something to fit everyone’s budget.

“I think we are all conscious about serving our communities and meeting their needs, as far as what we offer in the shows and the costs.”

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Lifestyle

residents. The renovation includes the replacement of all 450 seats, improving the sight lines from the balcony; improved audio; the purchase of a new cinema projector; and all-new ADA-compliant restrooms. The renovated theater is expected to open at the end of October.

“The renovated Capitol Theatre, which hosts our CAP Live series, as well as our film and comedy series, will be more conducive to introducing new events,” she says. “The small, intimate theater venue will be more appealing for rentals. We hope to have 200 events a year there.”

Denise Trupe, vice president of marketing for APEX Touring and former general manager/ marketing director for Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, says, “People in our area are fortunate to have such a myriad of theaters.

You would have to go to larger cities to find a similar variety of theater companies in the past.”

Trupe says the cultural

Why Women Need Life Insurance What Female Executives, Mom-Preneurs, and All Other Working Women Need to Know

Lifestyle

By BRIAN GREENBERG

I

n the 21st century, women are redefining their roles at work and at home. Women have more options than ever, from full-time careers outside the home to careers as full-time homemakers, with stops nearly everywhere in between.

While women are achieving an unprecedented work-life balance, a piece of the puzzle that is more often missing than not is life insurance.

Other types of insurance — such as health, auto, and homeowner’s — are top of mind, but life insurance tends to slip through the cracks.

According to the Life Insurance and Market Research Association, 48 percent of women are without any type of life insurance.

Although this number has risen about 5 percent in recent years, it still isn’t high enough. Now more than ever, women need life insurance.

Here’s why: 1. You provide financial value, regardless of your employment or marital status.

Today, many women are making more money than their spouses or they are working as a single parent and the head of a household.

For stay-at-home moms, recent estimates valued their contribution at approximately $120,000 a year (taken from the duties performed

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in the household on a regular basis, such as childcare, cooking, and housekeeping, among others).

2. Life insurance replaces your income.

Because your contributions bring value, that value needs protecting.

According to Loretta Worters, vice president with the Insurance Information Institute, if a stayat-home spouse dies, the family would need someone to handle the household duties.

That’s no small task. The cost could be substantial, and a life insurance policy would help to cover those expenses.

If your income helps to support you, your children, and/or your

~ September 2018 | BUSINESSWoman

partner, a life insurance policy will provide financial support for them in the case of your death.

This can help cover not only the cost of the funeral and anything related to it, but also with everyday living expenses.

Of course, it’s unpleasant to think about and plan for your own death, but it is a responsible way to make sure your family doesn’t have to worry about such things on top of having to cope with your loss.

3. Life insurance protects your interests.

If you’re single and you don’t have any children, you still may have a need for life insurance. If you carry a high amount of debt,

have a co-signer for a loan, or if you take care of an aging or ill parent or family member, having life insurance will help protect your estate, your co-signer, and those you care for.

If you don’t have insurance but do have debt, typically the executor of your estate will sell whatever they can to help pay off your debts when you die. If you have a cosigner on a loan, however, that person will be responsible for repaying it.

If these scenarios do not apply to you, you can probably put off purchasing a life insurance policy temporarily. But keep in mind: It’s less expensive to purchase a policy when you’re younger rather than when you’re older.

age, so it’s important to speak with a life insurance agent.

You can also select a term life policy at a cheaper premium for a specific amount of time, or you can select a permanent plan that will last the rest of your life and provide you with additional financial-planning options.

The type of insurance you choose and the amount you purchase depends on what your goals, needs, budget, and family situation are. For instance, if you are still young and single, your life insurance needs will be much different than if you are a bit older, married, and/or raising a family.

A LIGHT IN YOUR LIFE

Lifestyle

4. Life insurance is less expensive for women.

Life insurance premiums are priced largely according to the average life expectancy for your gender and age. Women pay less than men, primarily because men have a shorter life expectancy than women. In fact, women reportedly outlive men by about five years.

Women also tend to develop cardiovascular problems, like heart attack or stroke, later in life than men do. This longer life expectancy results in lower life insurance premiums.

If you’re wondering how much or what type of life insurance you need, here’s a tip: Multiply your income by anywhere from three to 15 times to arrive at the amount of life insurance you should consider buying.

For example, if you’re a 40-yearold woman making $50,000 per year at your job, you will want to look at buying a policy that’s worth about $750,000. This is a general rule of thumb and does vary by

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7/30/18 1:57 PM

The ‘Eyes’ Have It

Y

By ROCHELLE A. SHENK

Wellness

ou may have heard the saying “the eyes are the window to the soul,” or perhaps read the Biblical verse Matthew 6:22-24: “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.”

This, and other literary phrases about eyes, point to the importance of the eyes and eye health.

Eye health concerns can include diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, and dry eye syndrome. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes.

Diabetic Retinopathy Dr. Melvin Wagner, an ophthalmologist with Stoken Wagner Ophthalmic Associates, Carlisle, said high blood sugar causes changes in the blood vessels in the eye — they can leak, swell, or close.

“The longer a patient has diabetes, the more likely they’ll have retinal damage.

It tends to occur more frequently in people who don’t have their diabetes under control. Most patients show signs of diabetic retinopathy 10-15 years after they’ve been diagnosed with diabetes,” Wagner said, adding that having high blood pressure controlled is also important.

Diabetic retinopathy has several levels: mild, moderate, and severe.

Wagner explained that in the early stages patients may not be aware they actually have diabetic retinopathy.

“It usually progresses until patients begin experiencing symptoms such as loss of vision or an increase in ‘floaters’ (bleeding from blood vessels can cause the appearance of floating spots). That’s why it’s so important for diabetics to have annual eye exams,” he said.

During an eye exam, the eye can be scanned using optical coherence tomography, a noninvasive imaging test that uses light waves to take crosssection pictures of the retina.

“It’s a wonderful tool. It allows us to see the blood vessels and the retina,” Wagner said.

If blood vessels are leaking or swollen, he said there are two main treatments: laser treatment to seal the

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blood vessel or injections targeted at the leaking blood vessel.

“We’re doing less and less laser treatment. Now it’s more common to use injections — the medicine is the same as what’s used to treat macular degeneration,” Wagner said.

In advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy, surgery to remove vitreous gel and blood from leaking vessels may be needed. It also treats any scar tissue that may be present.

Retinal Tears The retina is a thin, pliable tissue at the back wall of the eye near the optic nerve. Wagner likens it to wallpaper. The eye is filled with vitreous, a gel-like substance. As we age, the vitreous shrinks and pulls away from the retina.

Wagner said 70 percent of people by age 70 have the vitreous pull away from the retina or detach, but this may not cause issues in every case.

Additionally, people who are nearsighted have thin areas of the retina and are more prone to retinal tears.

Wagner said symptoms of a retinal tear commonly include floaters and, in some cases, what appear to be flashes of light, like a lightning strike, on the periphery.

“Most people have floaters, but any change in frequency or what you see is something to be concerned about, and an eye exam should be scheduled immediately. A retinal tear could lead to a retinal detachment, but most patients who develop a retinal tear don’t develop retinal detachment,” he stressed.

A retinal tear is often treated with laser and can be done in-office.

“When we see a tear in an exam, we often can do laser treatment in a few hours. When we seal the tear, it creates scar tissue and helps stabilize the retina. Tears are usually in the periphery, so the scar tissue doesn’t really affect vision — you can’t see the scar,” Wagner explained.

Retinal Detachment People who are diabetic and nearsighted, who have had an eye injury, or who have had an eye surgery, such as cataract removal, have a higher

~ September 2018 | BUSINESSWoman

Dr. Melvin Wagner, ophthalmologist with Stoken Wagner Ophthalmic Associates, Carlisle.

risk of suffering a detached retina. While there is no pain to warn of a detached retina, there are some symptoms.

Wagner said they can include the sudden appearance of many floaters and flashes of light, blurred vision, reduced peripheral vision, black spots, or a curtain-like shadow in the field of vision. If these symptoms occur, seek treatment immediately. Treatment options include laser surgery.

Dry Eye Syndrome Dr. Geoffrey Brent, Premier Eye Care Group, Camp Hill, said dry eye syndrome is a very common condition.

It can cause a scratchy sensation, like something is in the eye.

“It’s more common as we get older, and it’s more common in women [due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause]. Dry eye is also one of the reasons that people cite for discontinuing contact lens wear,” he said. “A lot of people have issues with dry eye at work, where the environment may be dry, or during winter when the heat is on.”

Dry eye can be the side effect of some over-the-counter and prescription medications.

They include antihistamines and nasal decongestants.

Working at a computer for a long time without breaks can also be the cause of dry eye; we tend to blink less when we’re staring at the computer screen.

He said one of the main symptoms of dry eye is blurry vision, and another, surprisingly, is watery eyes.

Dry eye occurs when the quantity or quality of tears fails to keep the surface of the eye lubricated.

Brent explained that tears consist of a water part, an oil part, and a mucin part (mucin is the general term for the proteins that give mucus its slimy consistency). The mucin part coats the eye and allows tears to spread over the surface of the eye.

“Dry eye syndrome runs the gamut. It can be a mild annoyance or a vision-threatening issue,” Brent said. “Vision loss could occur as a long-term issue. If left untreated, dry eye could lead to scarring of the cornea, or an infection of the cornea

Dr. Geoffrey Brent, Premier Eye Care Group, Camp Hill.

could develop. For the majority of people, dry eye is more of an annoyance than a serious condition.

There are a lot of treatment options.”

Easy treatments include warm compresses, which help unblock the oil gland in the eye. Brent uses the analogy of oil in the blocked glands being similar to Crisco; when unblocked, the oil turns back into olive oil.

If a dry environment is the cause of dry eye, installing a humidifier should help alleviate the issue. Looking away from the computer screen or standing up to stretch can relieve dry eye caused by staring too long at the computer screen.

Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops are also a treatment option.

There are a variety of over-thecounter brands to choose from, but Brent offers a word of caution.

“Visine and similar products are OK for periodic use, but ongoing use can actually cause redness of the eyes,” he said.

Artificial tears also are available in gels and ointments, which provide longer-lasting relief.

Prescription medications, such as Restasis and Xiidra, encourage eyes to make more tears. As an extreme measure, Brent said some people have artificial tears created from their own blood plasma.

Another treatment option is placing plugs in the eye. They’re placed in tear-drainage ducts so tears don’t drain and remain in the eye longer.

“It’s an easy procedure to do.

But we’ll try other options, such as artificial tears, first,” Brent said.

Watch

Women to

Brandy F. Burnham was appointed

Linda Fedrizzi-Williams, Ed.D., was

president of AHEDD, a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1977 to meet the employment needs of people with disabilities and the business community.

Nicole L. Geary has joined the team

named the 10th president of Central Penn College. Fedrizzi-Williams joined the college in July 2016 as provost/vice president of academic affairs and has been serving as interim co-president for the past nine months.

at Wohlsen Construction Company as project engineer at Oakwood Hills Development. Geary is responsible for submittals, requests for information, and for attending various meetings in the office and at the jobsite.

Applause

ACHIEVEMENTS & April M. Koppenhaver, founder

and owner of Mulberry Art Studios, received an Award of Achievement from Lancaster City Alliance in recognition to growing Mulberry Art Studios and being a force of change and artistic vision in the community.

Carol Tracy, executive director of the Women’s Law Project, was presented the 2018 Visionary Voice Award by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. The award is presented annually to honor outstanding work toward ending sexual violence.

From left: PCAR Chief Public Affairs Officer Kristen Houser, Women’s Law Project Executive Director Carol Tracy, and PCAR CEO Karen Baker.

Do you have an announcement?

Please email your announcements of career advancements and professional new hires to crupp@onlinepub.com. Electronic photos should be saved as a tiff, jpeg, pdf or eps at 300 dpi.

Or mail to: BUSINESSWOMAN, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512. Photos sent through mail will not be returned. Please – no duplicate releases.

Meet and

Greet

5th Wednesday Networking Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Held ONLY 5th Wednesdays of the year Rotating location – West Shore Area Wicked Kitchen 30 S. Main St., Mechanicsburg Mitzi Jones mhjsunshine@aol.com

American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Camelot Chapter 6 p.m.

3rd Monday of the month The Radisson Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center, Camp Hill Marianne Troy, President 717.802.5622 mariannetroy@gmail.com www.abwa.org/chapter/camelot-chapter Lancaster Area Express Network 7:15 – 9 a.m.

3rd Wednesday of the month Lancaster Country Club 1466 New Holland Pike, Lancaster Amy Winslow-Weiss www.laen-abwa.org

Insurance Professionals of Lancaster County (IPLC) 5:45 p.m.

3rd Tuesday of the month, Sept. – May Heritage Hotel 500 Centerville Road, Lancaster Krista Reed, Treasurer kristamariereed@gmail.com www.internationalinsuranceprofessionals.org

Yellow Breeches Chapter 6 p.m.

4th Wednesday of the month Comfort Suites 10 S. Hanover St., Carlisle Kerina DeMeester kerina1011@gmail.com

International Association of Administrative Professionals Capital Region of Pennsylvania LAN Meeting locations vary Pam Newbaum, CAP-OM, LAN Director 717.782.5787 pneubaum@pinnaclehealth.org www.iaap-harrisburg-pa.org

Central PA Association for Female Executives (CPAFE) 1st Wednesday of each month Refer to website for the meeting location Lori Zimmerman, President 717.648.0766 www.cpafe.org

Pennsylvania Public Relations Society 5:30 p.m.

Last Thursday of the month Larissa Bedrick, President pprshbg@gmail.com www.pprs-hbg.org

Executive Women International Harrisburg Chapter 5:30 p.m.

3rd Thursday of the month Rotating location Julie Young 717.713.7255 www.ewiharrisburg.org

Shippensburg Women’s Area Networking (SWAN) Noon 1st Wednesday of the month Rotating location Lisa Mack, President shipswan@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/shipswan

Women’s Business Center Organization (WBCO) A program of the York County Economic Alliance 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

2nd Tuesday of the month September through May Heritage Hills Golf Resort & Conference Center Windows Ballroom (next to Oak Restaurant) 2700 Mount Rose Ave., York For more information on registering or membership, contact Sully Pinos at spinos@ycea-pa.org Women’s Capital Area Networking (WeCAN) 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

3rd Wednesday of the month Radisson Hotel 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill Abeer Allen, President info@wecanconnect.org www.wecanconnect.org Women’s Network of York 11:30 a.m.

3rd Tuesday of the month Out Door Country Club 1157 Detwiler Drive, York Laura Combs, President laura.combs@integritybankonline.com www.facebook.com/wnyork

BUSINESSWomanPA.com

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September 2018

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Connections

Lebanon Valley Chapter 6 p.m.

4th Wednesday of the month Hebron Fire Hall 701 E. Walnut St., Lebanon Penny Donmoyer 717.383.6969 www.abwalebanonpa.com

Penn Square Chapter 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.

1st Thursday of the month Hamilton Club 106 E. Orange St., Lancaster Laurie Bodisch, President 717.571.8567 abwapennsquare@gmail.com www.abwapennsquare.org

Escape, Indulge, Explore Please Join Us!

ng Shoppi tions stra Demon inment Enterta tments a Spa Tre nars m Se i izes Door Pr re! and mo

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Oct. 6, 2018 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Lebanon Expo Center

omen’s Expo Lancaster County

80 Rocherty Road Lebanon

Oct. 13, 2018 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Spooky Nook Sports

omen’s Expo Cumberland County

Nov. 10, 2018 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Carlisle Expo Center 100 K Street Carlisle

2913 Spooky Nook Road Manheim

Sponso rship and ex hib applica itor tio now be ns ing accept ed.

aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com 717.770.0140 • 717.285.1350

FREE advance guest registration online! ($5 at the door) 717.285.1350

3912 Abel Drive Columbia, PA 17512 businesswomanpa.com

~ career ~ lifestyle ~ wellness ~ connections