Enthusiasm is a Success Strategy Building Customer Loyalty Through Relationship Marketing Member of the Month
February 2017
C O N T E N T S
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4 Chamber Headquarters 5000 Brooktree Road, Suite 100 Wexford, PA Cranberry Twp. Office 2525 Rochester Road Cranberry Township, PA P: 724.934.9700 F: 724.934.9710
Jim Boltz President JBoltz@PghNorthChamber.com For more information on the Chamber’s program of work, please contact: Patty Bittle Marketing and Events Director PBittle@PghNorthChamber.com Al Davidson Membership Account Executive ADavidson@PghNorthChamber.com Kristina Hall Program Director KHall@PghNorthChamber.com Heather Schwartzbauer Membership Coordinator HSchwartzbauer@PghNorthChamber.com Amy VanAtta Executive Assistant AVanAtta@PghNorthChamber.com
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From the Our Annual Meeting is on February 9th at The Washington Place of St. Barnabas. At this meeting, we will announce our annual business award winners. These awards are selected through a vote of our members. The finalists for these awards are as follows: Distinguished Business of the Year Dittman EyeCare, Inc. Dollar Bank Panera Bread Outstanding Volunteer Award Kandy McCool, Legal Shield & Identity Theft Robert O’Friel, Luttner Financial Group George Payne, Federated Mortgage Women Entrepreneur Excellence Award Kelly Amorose, Amorose Family Chiropractic Tracy Armstrong, North Pittsburgh Greeting Co. Tonya Edinger, Weddings of Pittsburgh Tiffany Nolan, i.e. Insurance Prestigious Business Leader Todd Harris, Liberty Insurance Tricia Prichard, Family Bowlaway Dr. Dan Turo, Turo Family Chiropractic Young Professional Leader Award Sara Kaluzny, Live Well Chiropractic Amanda McCollough, Dittman Eyecare, Inc. Kim Yerace, Petroleum Technical Services, LLC All are very deserving candidates. We are fortunate to have such great members in our Chamber. Our annual meeting is also the time that we recap our accomplishments of the previous year and speak to the exciting things that we have coming up for the new year. One of the most exciting things that we have planned for 2017 is a new quarterly speaker series, in partnership with St. Banabas, called Innovation Pittsburgh. Jim Roddey, formerly the Allegheny County Executive will be hosting these informative sessions that will include a variety of experts that will speak on the numerous issues that affect local businesses. The first one will be on March 17th. All will be held at Kean Theatre at St. Barnabas with a continental breakfast and optional lunch. We will provide more information as we finalize the details.
Thank you to our Valued Corporate Sponsors and Chamber Partners
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B USINESS A FTER H OURS February 13 Ditka’s 12980 Perry Highway Wexford, PA
February 28 Jergel’s Rhythm Grille 103 Slade Lane Warrendale, PA
Business After Hours are from 5-7pm
E VENTS Thursday, February 9th The Washington Place St. Barnabas Health System 5847 Meridan Road Gibsonia, PA 15044 Friday, March 17 8am—11:30am The Washington Place St. Barnabas Health System
M ARKETPLACE L UNCH M EETINGS February 1: Bravo! Cranberry, 11:30am - 1:00pm 20001 Route 19, Cranberry Twp February 8: Monte Cellos at The Hampton Shoppes 11:30am1:00pm 4655 William Flynn Highway - Route 8 , Allison Park February 15: Cranberry Sports Grill, 11:30am - 1:00pm 1294 Freedom Road, Cranberry Twp. February 27: Family Bowlaway Fun Center, 11:30am—1:00pm 540 Fairground Hill Road, Butler
CONNECTIONS Daily networking events for business leaders throughout our Pittsburgh North region Wexford: Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m. Chamber Headquarters, 5000 Brooktree Rd., Suite 100 Warrendale: Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, 910 Slade Lane Cranberry Twp.: Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m. Council Chambers, 2525 Rochester Road Ross Twp.: Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. Treasure House Fashions, 7607 McKnight Road Gibsonia: Fridays, 7:30 a.m. Sports Medic 2 The Rescue, LLC , 5895 Heckert Road
2017 B OARD OF D IRECTORS E XECUTIVE C OMMITTEE John Tubridy – Board Chair Franchise Network of Pittsburgh Ann Gatty, Ph.D.– Chair-Elect Strategic People Solutions Philip J. Scoliere, J.D.– Vice-Chair Scolieri Law Group, P.C. Lisa Hunt - Past Chair USX Federal Credit Union
Gary Basilone – Foundation Chair Basilone Executive Search Kent Clifton - Treasurer AXA Advisors, LLC Gregg Hill – Secretary Dollar Bank Jim Boltz - President Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
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Tracy Armstrong, North Pittsburgh Greeting Company Judith Bernhard, Advance Sourcing Concepts, LLC Ryan Breen J.D., Breen Law Firm, LLC Steve Carpenter, Northwood Realty Andrew Chiapusio, Mars National Bank Steven W. Diffenderfer, NexTier Bank Todd Harris, Liberty Insurance Agency John Laslavic, ThistleSea Business Development, LLC Al Marschke, ACN Business Essentials Amanda McCollough, Dittman EyeCare, Inc. Robert O’Friel, Luttner Financial Group Dan Penberthy, NexTier Bank Jan Stevens, Coldwell Banker Kim Yerace, Petroleum Technical Services, LLC
Coffee and bagels provided at Connections by: page 4
Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
PNRC Member Sally Power Treasure House Fashions “Sally is always willing to lend a hand, and brings her own special brand of enthusiasm, kindness, and integrity to everything that she does. Be it co-chairing the PNRC Food & Wine Classic, opening her doors at Treasure House Fashions to the PNRC every Thursday morning, or even volunteering on her day off at an event for my company (Thanks again Sally!), her effervescent personality and incredible work ethic make Sally a person that I know I can always count on.”, said Lisa Hunt, Past Board Chair. Dr. Gene Gatty said, “One of the most active, loving and dedicated women I have had the privilege to know is Sally Power. The founder and major person of Treasure House Fashions, she is unrelenting in providing services to women who otherwise would not have the fashions available to them. She is an extremely hard worker who does all she can to provide the inventory found at Treasure House and the finances to make it a success.” “Sally is a Tremendous Advocate for the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber ( PNRC). She is so Accommodating that she opens her doors at Treasure House Fashion( A Non Profit Women’s Resale Shop) to let us conduct the Thursday Morning Connections Meeting. She enthusiastically volunteers her services for every event possible. She is always generous, jovial, courteous, and professional. She embraces the art of being a “Great Member”. We are lucky to have her onboard ,” said Gary Basilone. “Treasure House Fashions is the closet for over 60 agencies serving women, as well as women in the community. Executive Director, Sally Power works tirelessly to promote the self-worth and dignity of women. She embraces inclusion, rather than a competition, of working together as a whole to make the world a better place for others. When the chamber needed a home for Thursday morning networking, Sally opened her doors to fellow chamber members. If you haven’t taken the time to stop in and shop or just say HI, you’re missing out. As you step through the door, you’ll experience a warm greeting as you browse through the high quality clothing Treasure House offers. You can always find your treasure or meet a new friend at Treasure House Fashions”, said Autumn Edmiston, Edmiston Group.
Member Testimonials One of the first things I did when I started out as a Realtor was to join the Chamber, and it's the most productive marketing I do. My business is over 75% referral-based, and every year the Chamber is by far my largest source of referrals. In addition, the Chamber is a great resource for business and community information, and I consult the directory often to find services and products for myself, my family, and my clients.
Jan Stevens, Realtor Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services
Member testimonials are the Chamber’s best and most effective way to promote the benefits and services that a Chamber membership provides. Share your success with the Chamber and your story may be featured in an upcoming edition of Corridors. Email all testimonials to Patty Bittle
PghNorthChamber.com
February 2017
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Valentine’s Day Chamber Treasures Looking for something special to do this Valentine’s Day? Check out these local deals and enjoy a nice evening with your loved ones! Dtika’s Wexford is offering a delicious Valentine’s Day menu. Choose
from a variety of steak chops, seafood and salads or a delightful Dinner for Two. Call (724) 934-3660 to reserve your spot! For more information, click here.
DoubleTree by Hilton is the perfect getaway. Celebrate time away with
your special someone with relaxing amenities such as sparkling wine, breakfast, and a late checkout. Ember & vine will also be providing a special Valentine’s menu starting on February 10th. Beat the Valentine’s Day crowds and reserve a spot early. Catch the Love & Laughter Comedy show on Friday February 10th to kick off the weekend! Click here for more information.
Walnut Grill will be featuring a special Valentine’s Day Menu with various salads, chef-cut steaks & seafood and desserts to provide a romantic evening for you and your loved one. Call (724) 933-8410 to share in this experience! To see their menu, click here.
Bravo! Cranberry is providing a special Tuscan way to celebrate the food you love with the one you love this Valen-
tine’s Day. Come in on February 14th to enjoy a 2 course select menu featuring soup or salad accompanied by a delicious entrée of your choice. To reserve a spot, call (724) 772-8150.
The Butler County Humane Society is hosting a Wine and Whiskers event at Narcisi Winery on Monday, February
13th from 6 pm to 10 pm. Win your sweetheart over with wine tasting, a tour of the winery, dinner, wine and dessert! Buy your tickets online or call 724-789-1150. Bring your family and celebrate Valentine’s Day early at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille on Sunday, February 12th from 2:307:00 pm. Chris Jamison will be performing an Acoustic Valentine’s Special. Support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and win raffles, auctions, prizes, and much more! Buy tickets online. Looking for something sweet to give your sweetheart? Gigi’s Cupcakes is featuring a special Valentine’s Day cupcake menu from February 9th to February 14th. Stop in to provide perfectly decorated cupcakes for your Valentine. To see the menu, click here. Join Juniper Grill for a variety of Valentine’s Day Features including appetizers, seafood, lamb, and desserts. Treat your special someone to an enjoyable evening filled with great food. Don’t miss out! Call (724) 591-8850 for reservations. For information can be found on their website. What better way to treat your sweetheart than with a massage from Elements Massage. Enjoy a special Valentine’s Day price for both 1-hour and 90-minute massages and give the gift of relaxation. Call (724) 799-2593 to request an appointment. Check out their website for a complete list of services. Share a romantic Valentine’s evening at Paint Monkey making memories and paintings that will last a lifetime. Create a Couples Lock & Key painting or Pittsburgh Yellow Bridge Love with that special someone. Reservations can be made online.
Massage Envy Wexford understands the stress of finding the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day. Candy, flowers, wine, dinner reservations? You’ve done it. Until February 14, when you buy $100 in gift cards get a free $25 promo card. When you buy $150 in gift cards get a free $50 promo card. Purchase gift cards in store and relieve the stress. Be whisked away to a complete getaway for you and your honey with a Valentine’s Day Soiree. Join Weddings of Pittsburgh for a fantastic evening on February 10th or 11th. For more details and to get your tickets today, visit their website. Use CHAMBER as your code for $20 bar credit! Grab your gals for a Galentine’s Day event at Hosanna Industries on February 9th. Enjoy wine & heavy hors d’oeuvres, while painting your own champagne glass & shopping from various vendors. Ask questions from makeup & jewelry experts, have a mini photoshoot with all your girlfriends in the photo booth & enjoy a night out! Register online.
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Enthusiasm is a Success Strategy
By Kathleen Himler, Dale Carnegie Training
Enthusiasm is rooted in the Greek language – “God within”. Deep huh? I prefer to put it in every day context. Think of enthusiasm in terms of this visual. Open up a can of coca cola (any brand!). What do hear? Pour it out. What do notice. Take a sip. Describe it. Now do the same with a can that has been sitting out open overnight? Which beverage do you want to buy and drink? Every day we have the ability to be the one people prefer! Enthusiasm is in our control and as professionals, it behooves us to be mindful of strategies to find and keep this healthy spark. On the other hand, negative attitudes can spread like the plague (who hasn’t had the pleasure of working alongside “Debbie Downer”) and become a huge drag on performance. The good news is that enthusiasm and positive attitudes spread quickly and positively affect performance. “The greatest discovery of any generation is that a
human being can alter his life by altering his attitude”. — William James
Now do it. It takes a minimum of 21 consecutive attempts at a new activity in order for it to become a habit.
2. Surround Yourself with Positive People Positive energy attracts positive energy. And relatedly, positive energy reduces the negative. That’s one of the keys to success of this Chamber! Have you ever attended an event here and didn’t feel a surge of positivity (at least to some degree) afterwards? It’s not just about being in a comfort zone either. Expand your social circle! This is easier to do than ever before with social media platforms. Via keyboard we can see what people are talking about, chime in, and learn. It is critical that you minimize contact with those that drain us. Venting is necessary, I get it. What I’m talking about are those people in your life that don’t add, they only subtract. This includes those contacts on Facebook whose posts are entertaining but not in a good way. Defriend (is that the term?) them asap. Put your time in (in person or virtual) with people that are a net positive. Remember this: “Great people talk about ideas. Average people talk about things. Small people talk about other people”. Author: Unknown
Enthusiasm looks different on everyone; some show it in animation and volume, others show it with intensity and Expand your circles and your enthusiasm for life and focus. When you are enthusiastic, whatever your mode, it learning will soar. shows and most important, YOU feel it. Let’s spend our time here with ways to be intentional with your 3. Be a Possibility Thinker enthusiasm strategy. A possibility thinker considers what could be, what Here are my favorite 3 strategies that work to increase should be, despite current status. This is not being your enthusiasm for life and work: delusional. This requires a different perspective. The alternative zaps us of our creativity and our enthusiasm 1. Make an Enthusiasm Commitment for challenge. Too often we talk ourselves out of trying something new before we give it a go. This strategy says, Stephen Covey says, begin with the end in mind. suspend your disbelief and try something new. Trust Accordingly, take the time to think about the benefits of yourself. being more enthusiastic. In my experience, this is easier than it sounds. Most people know where they are lacking “It doesn’t depend on who you are or what you have. It in this department. Consider, do you have a pattern of depends solely on what you think. So think positive rolling your eyes? Are you stressed at the same time thoughts and approach issues as opportunities”. - Dale every day? Do you find yourself in the excuse mode way Carnegie too often? Is your resolution list always the same? The practice of greenlight thinking is super helpful here; Now decide what you are going a) to do more of, or b) do effective in solo or group mode. Here, all ideas are differently? It can be as simple as getting up earlier on helpful. Write them down on separate post it notes. work days, giving yourself a daily pep talk or intentionally Seeing all ideas on paper, on walls, charted, etc lends taking “no” out of your vocabulary. itself to better decisions. In group settings, this process
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Enthusiasm is a Success Strategy continued When we live with intentional focus on enthusiasm, we have more control over maintaining our own positive attitudes.
can be lively and productive when done right. One of the primary benefits is that you land on a decision/approach with team buy in. I’d be remiss if we stop here. Final segment – here are strategies for sparking enthusiasm in others 1. Talk in terms of their interests. (shift from me to you, in verbal and digital communication) 2. Let them feel the idea is theirs (careful not to be condescending) 3. Give honest appreciation and be specific (platitudes don’t cut it) 4. Praise the slightest improvement and every improvement (the workforce has changed so recognize this “need” as we on-board and manage employees) 5. Enroll them in a Dale Carnegie Course! (you knew that was coming)
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It is a cycle; think differently, behave differently, produce new exciting results. Watch for the ripple effect! Be bold and curious; adopt the Columbo attitude. For those who don’t recognize that reference, be curious to explore and take notice of the changes you can achieve when the of the changes you can achieve when the focus is on being more enthusiastic. For cynics, prove me wrong! Put in the effort, treat this as a grand experiment and then let’s talk. Dale Carnegie Local Office: 20 Stanwix Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-471-3500
Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
PghNorthChamber.com
February 2017
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Build Customer Loyalty through Relationship Marketing BusinessDictionary.com defines "relationship marketing" as:
"Marketing activities that are aimed at developing and managing trusting and long-term relationships with customers." Relationship marketing should not be confused with transactional marketing. It's not about selling or promotion. It's about building customer loyalty by understanding and responding to their needs. And, it's about showing them that you value their business and trust. Relationship marketing involves finding ways to make two-way communications between you and your customers easy and beneficial. It requires tracking customer activities and providing information, offers and incentives that are tailored to them. With more and more marketing tools and techniques at the disposal of business owners, relationship marketing is taking on a greater role as they look for ways to distinguish themselves and create memorable and meaningful customer experiences. Loyalty programs, referral incentives, even seasonal discounts to current customers all go a long way toward building a relationship that stretches beyond the transaction. Offering rewards, helpful tips and specials enables constructive one-to-one relationships that help you create a great experience for your clients and lay the foundation of long-term brand loyalty. Not Sure Where to Begin? How about a good old-fashioned thank you card? Data shows that cards received in the mail get a 100% open rate. Try to accomplish that with your Constant Contact account. People also tend to hold onto cards they receive. It demonstrates warmth that is nearly impossible to convey in "cold" media, like e-mails and Internet marketing. Humility is a great way to demonstrate your values while indirectly promoting your business. Services like SendOutCards make is too easy and affordable to ignore. Looking for a way to reward and promote at the same time? How about branded merchandise? Send your most loyal clients a mug or branded gift card as a sign of your appreciation for their continued confidence. These items also work well if the relationship is just beginning. Staying consistently active in social media plays a huge role in relationship marketing. You want to welcome new followers, share meaningful and helpful content and reply, by name, to those who take the time to comment. Engage them and build a dialog that creates a sense of community and helps you keep your finger on the pulse of your market. Build your customer profiles and understand what their shopping habits and emotional buttons are. Do they have families? Maybe there's something you can offer them that they can all appreciate. It doesn't have to be related to your business, but that is a bonus. A restaurant gift card works extremely well by connecting with them outside of the business setting. It's a great way to make a lasting impression. Granted, you can't be giving away $25.00 gift cards to every client or prospect. That's why it helps to have multiple options at different costs. A thank you card and personal note only costs a couple of bucks. Social media costs little more than your time and attention. Aren't your clients and prospects worth that? Don't Be a Stranger. Get to know your customers on a more personal level and understand what's behind their buying decisions. Make them feel special and important. Engage them while listening between the lines about their needs and concerns. You're not just providing a product or service; you're providing a unique and positive experience that will distinguish you from your competitors and lead to more referrals. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ron MacDonald believes that every person, business or organization is great at something. Perhaps, your product is similar to others, but you add special value that sets you above them. Or you have a unique way of doing things that distinguishes you in a positive way. Step2 Branding & Design helps their clients identify what makes them great and use it as the foundation of a brand that connects with their prospects, builds loyalty and adds value to their businesses. Effectively reaching the right audience with the right message and a polished, professional look is what distinguishes market leaders. Learn more at Step2Branding.com
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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
Build Customer Loyalty through Relationship Marketing Continued from page 10 Helpful Tips from Jerry Walkins of SendOutCards Only 3% of our mail is personal. How do you feel when you receive a personal letter or card? Your clients and prospects are no different. We potentially lose up to 19% of additional business because we don't ask for referrals. The average company loses 52% of its customers every five years. Often, it's because they think they were forgotten or feel their business was taken for granted. The cost of replacing them can be 6-7 times more expensive.
Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
Acquaintances, contacts and friends all become strangers without personal contact. A simple act of caring creates an endless ripple that comes back to you. A written follow-up is preferred by 80-85% of your contacts. The life of a business card exchanged in a casual meeting is 32 seconds. A personal card has proven to have a 100% open rate!
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Community Connection
Cranberry Township Spotlight on Mental Health Suicide awareness and prevention will be the topic of the Network’s Spotlight on Mental Health in the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA. Sponsors include the Cranberry Area Diversity Network, Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA, Butler County Suicide Awareness Task Force, the Seneca Valley School District, Cranberry Rotary Clubs, Cranberry Psychological Center, and Cranberry Township. February 15, 2017 - 4pm
Hazardous Waste Collection Those who wish to attend one of these collections must call our collection contractor ECS&R to pre-register to attend. Nominal fees are charged for items dropped off and the program is open to all area residents, regardless of where they live. Items accepted include: paint and paint products, pesticides, poisons, pool chemicals, cleaning chemicals, auto fluids, gasoline and flammable liquids, auto and household batteries, fluorescent bulbs, all types of electronics and SMALL freon appliances such as dehumidifiers and apartment-sized refrigerators. February 18, 2017 - All Day
Preschool Open House
Our philosophy is simple...we're all about kids, learning and fun. Tour our school and meet the staff. Registration is open for fall 2017. February 20, 2017. All Day
Valentine Book Sale The Friends of the Library is hosting their annual Valentine Bag sale. A sweet deal for Valentine's Day with a decorated bag with 3 books and sweet surprises for just a $5 donation. February 1 - 13.
Pine Township Daddy and Daughter Valentine’s Dance February 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Pine Community Center. Dads bring your little valentine’s (ages 5 & up) for a special evening and create memories that will last a lifetime! Dinner and refreshments will be provided.
Snow Day Bundle up, grab your skates and head to the Pine Community Center ice rink for a day filled with excitement! This FREE event is for all ages and will include games, bonfire, snowman building contest. Hot cocoa and hot dogs will be provided! Dates: Saturday, February 4 / Saturday, February 18 / Saturday, March 4 Time: 1:00 - 3:00pm While this event is FREE, registration is required. Please note: This event is weather dependent
St. Patrick Day Zumba Fundraiser Party into St. Patrick's Day with a fun-filled Zumba class to benefit the Four Diamonds Fund. Visiit http:// www.fourdiamonds.org for more information. Fee: $10.00 - $15.00 (cash only) Purchase tickets in advance Limted
tickets at the door
Mother Daughter Tea Party Moms and their little princesses are invited to enjoy an afternoon of royal fun. Food, refreshments, nail painting, live princesses, crafts, games, and more! Date: Saturday, March 18 / Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm. Register by March 11. Fee: Member Queen $10.00 Member Princess: $20.00 Non-Member Queen: $15.00 Non-Member Princess: $30.00
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NexTier Bank Nonprofit Spotlight Founded in 1985, The Lighthouse Foundation is a Christian outreach organization meeting the needs of impoverished individuals and families in northern Allegheny and Butler Counties. The mission of the Lighthouse Foundation is encouraging others to find hope in Christ by meeting their immediate needs and empowering them towards self-sufficiency. The Lighthouse Foundation delivers high quality programs and ministries that provide immediate relief and equip people for a brighter future. The Lighthouse Foundation operates the largest food bank in Butler County and is the sole provider of transitional and interim housing for young adults, single parents, and families in its service area. They promote individuals and families towards selfsufficiency through faith based job training, financial literacy for low income families, computer classes, and low income car ownership opportunities. The goal is see lives transformed through hope and faith in Jesus Christ and by providing people with the resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency. The Lighthouse Foundation relies on many volunteers to accomplish their mission. If you would like to be a volunteer, the following ministries could use your help:
Food Bank (Thursdays 2pm-6pm and Fridays 9am-1pm) Produce to People (4th Tuesday of each month 4pm-6pm) Drivers for Food Bank (weekdays - must have experience driving a box truck) Computer Class Instructors (2017 Winter and Spring Sessions) All volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and attend a one hour Volunteer Training session. In addition, due to recent changes in Pennsylvania's Child Protection Law, all volunteers must undergo a criminal background check and child abuse history. These forms can be completed at the Volunteer Training or you can obtain them online at https://www.thelighthousepa.org/volunteer. According to a former Lighthouse Resident, “the Lighthouse Foundation is a diamond in a coal mine. You don’t
just give food to the hungry or homes to the homeless- you give hope to the hopeless.”
Simply email Pbittle@PghNorthChamber.com your nonprofit organization’s logo and brief description and we will add you to the NexTier Nonprofit Spotlight!
The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce along with St. Barnabas Health Systems is proud to announce our new educational series, Innovation Pittsburgh. This will be a quarterly series hosted by James Roddey, former Allegheny County Executive. The series will bring in industry experts to educate local business leaders on critical community issues, regional economic development and pertinent issues that affect businesses today. To register, click here.
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The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber would like to thank those who have renewed.
We thank you for your continued support! Passavant Hospital Foundation Greater Cranberry Men's Barbershop Chorus-''Bogmeisters'' Greater Pittsburgh Revival Center Woodlands Foundation, The Crisis Center North, Inc North Hills Boro & Twps Police Asso Western PA Montessori School North Hills Community Outreach Northland Public Library North Hills School District Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry Women's Choice Network Method Automation Services The Joint...the Chiropractic Place Worgul Law Firm LLC Woodforest National Bank Cranberry Holistic Pet Care and Rehabilitation Ed Cline Appraisals JML Landscaping European Wax Center Allegra Pittsburgh/ Image360 Medallion Wealth Management Inc. PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation ConnectedHealth Beauty First Grove City Country Club Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant The Wilson Group, LLC Cranberry Village Estates
Hampton Inn Pittsburgh/Cranberry Massage Envy Spa - Wexford Double Wide Grill Desmone Architects Landmark Properties Group MedExpress Urgent Care - Allison Park Cybertary Pittsburgh Daniel Novakovich Insurance Agency George A. Reed Agency, Inc. Franchise Network of Pittsburgh Climate Systems Northwood Realty Services - Steve Carpenter - Adams/Cranberry Twp ManorCare North Hills #339 CORE Environmental Services, Inc. Hand and UpperEx Center Bill Few Associates, Inc. Guardian Storage EZ Mini Storage Cole Management, Inc. Koehler, Hinds & Assoc. LLC Creese, Smith & Co. LLC Dukovich & Associates Reliance Financial Advisors Fun Fore All-Family Entertainment C Legend Financial Advisors, Inc. David Brenner CPA Stoof & Associates, R.M. McCandless Corporate Center Medicine Shoppe of Ingomar The Chadwick
ESS NexTier Insurance Group, LLC Parsons Associates Berkshire Hathaway Home ServicesCranberry T.G. Chemicals McIntyre Square Holsinger OMEGA Federal Credit Union West Penn Multi-List, Inc. Win-Son Inc. Hill, Barth & King LLC Marsetta Lane Staffing White Heating Inc. Brandt Funeral Home Inc, H.p. Mather PC Restore It Bates, Barksdale, Ickert & Co. Nocito Enterprises Janney, Montgomery, Scott, LLC Ross Schonder Sterzinger Cupcheck P Morella & Associates Hampton Township La Roche College Town of McCandless CCAC - North Campus North Allegheny School District WesBanco Bank - Perry Highway #1 Cochran Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers Dollar Bank
Welcome to those who have joined!
Thank you for your referrals! page 14
Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
Guidance Through Latest Individual and Business Tax Changes in Planning for 2017 As the New Year rolls around, it’s always a sure bet that there will be both individual and business tax changes for 2017. From health savings accounts to tax rate schedules and standard deductions, here’s a checklist of tax changes to help you plan the year ahead. Individuals and Tax Changes n the tax changes for 2017, more than 50 tax provisions are affected by inflation adjustments, including personal exemptions, AMT exemption amounts, and foreign earned income exclusion. While the tax rate structure, which ranges from 10 to 39.6 percent, remains the same as in 2016, tax-bracket thresholds increase for each filing status. Standard deductions and the personal exemption have also been adjusted upward to reflect inflation. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption amounts for the AMT, which was made permanent by the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA) are indexed for inflation and allow the use of nonrefundable personal credits against the AMT. For 2017, the exemption amounts are $54,300 for individuals ($53,900 in 2016) and $84,500 for married couples filing jointly ($83,800 in 2016). “Kiddie Tax” This tax changes for taxable years beginning in 2017. The amount that can be used to reduce the net unearned income reported on the child’s return that is subject to the “kiddie tax” is $1,050 (same as 2016). The same $1,050 amount is used to determine whether a parent may elect to include a child’s gross income in the parent’s gross income and to calculate the “kiddie tax.” For example, one of the requirements for the parental election is that a child’s gross income for 2017 must be more than $1,050 but less than $10,500. For 2017, the net unearned income for a child under the age of 19 (or a full-time student under the age of 24) that is not subject to “kiddie tax” is $2,100. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) Contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) are used to pay current or future medical expenses of the account owner, his or her spouse, and any qualified dependent. Medical expenses must not be reimbursable by insurance or other sources and do not qualify for the medical expense deduction on a federal income tax return. A qualified individual must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and not be covered by other health insurance with the exception of insurance for accidents, disability, dental care, vision care, or long-term care. For calendar year 2017, a qualifying HDHP must have a deductible of at least $1,300 for self-only coverage or $2,600 for family coverage and must limit annual out-of-pocket expenses of the beneficiary to $6,550 for self-only coverage and $13,100 for family coverage. Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) There are two types of Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs): the Archer MSA created to help self-employed individuals and employees of certain small employers, and the Medicare Advantage MSA, which is also an Archer MSA, and is designated by Medicare to be used solely to pay the qualified medical expenses of the account holder. To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage MSA, you must be enrolled in Medicare. Both MSAs require that you are enrolled in a highdeductible health plan (HDHP).
To be continued next month Please contact Holsinger P.C. to start your tax planning for 2017!
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5000 Brooktree Road, Suite 100 Wexford, PA 15090