Corridors June 2024

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M A G A Z I N E Corridors June 2024 In this issue: Member Articles, Nonprofit Spotlight, Legislative Corner, Educational Corner, and more!
CONTENTS 3 PRESIDENT MESSAGE 4 WEEKLY NETWORKING 6 CRANBERRY TWP PLANS FOR FUTURE PARKS 8 COMMUNITY BUILDERS 13 2024 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 21 JENNY LEE SWIRL BREAD 22 ARE YOU READY TO GROW GLOBAL 24 LUNCHBOX SESSION 25 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AND NONPROFITS NORTH 26 THE OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL OMBUDSMAN (ONO) 28 EMPOWERING PITTSBURGH’S FUTURE 31 JUNE EVENTS CALENDAR 32 THANK YOU 18 THE GREAT OUTDOORS 11 AFFINITY PARTNER CORNER 5 MEMBER OF THE MONTH NADIA BLOOM 14 NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT THE WOODLANDS 2 Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber Thank you to Chad Isaiah Studios for the cover photo.

FROM PRESIDENT

No matter how good the book is, you eventually read the final chapter. No matter how good the game is, eventually, it is over. No matter how great the night is, eventually, it is morning. That’s when you realize that it wasn’t about the destination, it was about the journey.

As I finish this chapter in my life, I feel fortunate for my journey. I have always believed that you cherish the small things because some day, they will be the big things. I have great memories of the people along the way. My hope is that I have made some kind of impact on their life, for they have made an impact on mine. No matter whether I was their friend or just an acquaintance, their boss, their coworker, or their employee, they have all given me big things to cherish.

To all, I simply say “Thank you!”

Sincerely,

the PghNorthChamber.com | June 2024

2024 ClickheretoregisterontheChamberEventsCalendar

Wednesday, June 5th

11:30a - 1p

Tequila Jalisco - Gibsonia 5517 William Flynn Highway Gibsonia, PA 15044 Register Here

Every Tuesday, 11:30a - 1p @ Discovery Christian Church in Mars

Every Friday, 7:30a - 9a @ Panera Bread in Wexford

Want to present at a Connections Meeting? Email Kelvin Mack

Thursday, June 27th

8a - 9a Virtual via Zoom

Celebrate Women in Business! Sign up HERE for the Zoom link

Presenting Sponsor:

Tuesday,June11th 5p-7p

WexfordPublic 12087PerryHwy, Wexford,PA15090 RegisterHERE

Zoom link for all virtual meetings will be provided after you register on the event page Thanks to the generosity of WesBanco Bank’s Cranberry Township Branch, we are able to provide virtual networking events

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Nadia Bloom

Best Western Plus Cranberry-Pittsburgh North

Nadia has been instrumental in serving as an Events Committee member over the last year. She has provided great input to the committee and has helped to make the Second Chance Prom fundraising event a huge success through donating her time to transform the Millvale Community Center into Candyland, as well as donating to our silent auction and gift basket raffle. She continues to help with and attend events like the Annual Awards Gala and the Women’s Leadership Brunch. Nadia, thank you for all of your time and generosity you have spent serving the members and the community of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber.

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Cranberry Township Plans for Future of Parks

Whether a walk in the park or a place to learn a new hobby, Cranberry Township’s parks are ready and waiting for fun all year long.

In recent years, the Township has expanded pickleball offerings and improved the dek hockey surface at UPMC Passavant Sportsplex at Graham Park relocated and expanded the Rotary Dog Park and Rotary Amphitheater in Community Park and made improvements to the Waterpark in North Boundary Park

With 345 acres in Community, North Boundary, and UPMC Passavant Sportsplex at Graham Park, another 309 at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course, 71 at various parklets, and another 71 acres at the former Powell Farm, the Parks & Recreation Department offers more than 2,000 programs to over 12,000 participants each year.

Based on the numbers alone, there’s no question that Cranberry is the place for parks

However, there’s always more to be done to make them even better. A Township committee spent almost two years creating an updated Comprehensive Recreation, Parks, and Open Space Plan Based on public feedback and deep research. The next decade of Cranberry’s commitment to parks stands to offer improved program offerings, continued investment into the Township’s parks, and the potential for a new recreation, arts, and culture facility.

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The plan, adopted by the Board of Supervisors in early 2024, focuses on the quality and diversity of parks and facilities, the corridors of connection and open space, and innovative programs to enhance the quality of life.

A common theme found throghout the process was a lack of community gathering space and limited programmable areas. While renovations at the Municipal Center and the construction of the Armstrong Great Lawn will alleviate some of those issues, the committee found that serious consideration is needed for a recreation, arts, and culture facility.

Such a facility would allow for additional indoor and outdoor programmable space and expanded recreation and fitness offerings The committee suggested completing a Community Center Feasibility Study to gain a better understanding of appropriate amenities, location, and associated costs.

Elsewhere, a continued focus on the Community Park North expansion project is ongoing. The project aims to transform a roughly 10-acre parcel of land near the Rotary Dog Park into a complex featuring multiple amenities, including two multipurpose fields to be programmed by the Parks Department. Such fields were called for in the 2012 Parks Plan and confirmed in the recent update.

Other goals outlined in the plan include building out the cycling and pedestrian networks, increased nature programs, and engaging the community to determine best practices and uses.

To learn more about the Township’s Parks & Recreation offerings, visit cranberrytownship.org/parks.

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COMMUNITY BUILDERS

Thank you to our Members who have generously contributed to furthering the mission and vision of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber!

2 Krew Security & Surveillance

A Comfort Service

Advantage Energy Partners, LLC

AdVenture Development dba McCandless Crossing

AJ Technology Group

Alliance for Nonprofit Resources

Anchor Wave Internet Solutions

Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry

Arvos Schmidtsche Schack, LLC

Ashton Commons

Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh

Atria at Cranberry Woods

Atria McCandless

Axis Business Consultants

Baierl Auto Group

BDS Supply Chain

Bethany Christian Services of Western PA

Bill Few Associates, Inc.

Borough of Seven Fields

Boy Scouts of America - Laurel Highlands Council

Bridge Home Realty

Bruster's of Ingomar

Butler County Symphony Orchestra

C. W. Howard Insurance Agency, Inc.

CHROME Federal Credit Union

Clean Express Auto Wash

Clearview Federal Credit Union - Wexford

Cole Management, Inc

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

Community Park Storage

Concordia of Cranberry

Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh North

Cranberry Highlands Golf Course

Cranberry Messenger Service

Cranberry Public Library

Cranberry Supply Co

Cranberry Township

Cranberry Twp Volunteer Fire Company

Cranberry Village Estates

Cremation Society of Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh

Crisis Center North, Inc

CTR Payroll Services

Dairy Queen - Cranberry

Dented Keg Brewing Company

Dillon McCandless King Coulter & Graham L.L.P.

Diversified Plan Services Inc

Drayer Physical Therapy - Cranberry

Early Years Community Learning Centers

ECCA Payroll+

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Harmarville

Express Employment Professionals

Fairfield by Marriott Pittsburgh North / McCandless Crossin

Fairground Market, Inc

Farmers National Bank of Canfield

First City Company-McIntyre Square

First Commonwealth Bank - Wexford

Flowers by Gerard

Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant

Fun Fore All Family Fun Park

General Rental Center

George A. Reed Agency, Inc.

Glade Run Foundation

Goddard School - Wexford

Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center

Green Apple Barter

Guardian Storage- Hampton

Guardian Storage- Marshall

Guardian Storage- Ross Twp

Guardian Storage- Seven Fields

Hand & Shoulder Center

Handel's of McCandless

HEARTH

Herbein + Company, Inc

Highmark Caring Place

Hill, Barth & King LLC

Holsinger

Home2 Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh/McCandless House of 1000 Beers

ie Insurance

IMA | ESS

Instant Imprints

Izzazu Salon, Spa & Blowout Bar

Jason's Deli- Cranberry Twp

Joe Palmieri Construction, Inc.

Juniper Grill

Kontos Mengine Law Group

Kress Restoration

Limbach Company

Lisowski Tree Service and Landscaping,LLC

Living in Liberty

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

Thank you to our Members who have generously contributed to furthering the mission and vision of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber!

Lou Negley's Bottled Water Inc

Lutheran SeniorLife

Mark Mashuda Excavating Inc

Masonic Village at Sewickley

McCandless Corporate Center

McCandless Floral

McGuire Memorial Foundation

Medicine Shoppe of Ingomar

MHY Family Services

MOD Wash - Wexford

Mr. Electric of Cranberry Township

Myers, Patsy & Associates, LLC

NexTier Bank

Nexus Financial Network, LLC

North Hills Family Dental

North Pittsburgh Greeting Company

Northland Public Library

Nothing Bundt Cakes - Cranberry

Oliver Outdoor

OMEGA Federal Credit Union- North Hills

OMEGA Federal Credit Union- Wexford

Organic Remedies, Inc

Owl Cleaners Inc

Penn National Insurance

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Perform Physio, LLC

PetSuites Cranberry Township

Phelps Nursery PGH, North Inc

Piatt Sotheby's International Realty

Pittsburgh Business Times

Pittsburgh Jet Center

Pittsburgh Job Corps

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

PNC Investor Center - Wexford

Polesky Agency, Scott Berney - Erie Insurance

Pressley Ridge

Print Tech of Western PA

Priority2Work

Pursuit

R.M. Stoof & Associates Inc.

Realty ONE Group Gold Standard

Restart, Inc

Restore It

Rex Glass & Mirror

Richard Goettle, Inc

Richland Mall

Ridge Insurance Agency, Inc

Riverview Carpet & Flooring, Inc

Rose E Schneider Family YMCA

Ross Township

Rossman Hensley, Inc

Rt 228 Auto Mall

S & T Bank- Cranberry Township

Salem Media Group

Sam's Club

Scolieri-Beam Law Group, PC

Seneca Valley School District

SERVPRO of Southern Butler County

Sherwin-Williams Cranberry

Signature Settlements Services Agency

Skander Tire Service, Inc.

Special T Electronics

Specialized Staffing and Industry Recruiters, Inc.

SportClips

SSB Bank

St. Barnabas Health System

Staples-Cranberry Twp

Star Limousine Service Inc

Strutz International

Terry's Plumbing, Inc

The Arc of Butler County

The Blessing Board

The Block Northway

The Haven at North Hills

The Haven at North Hills

The Lighthouse Foundation

The Payroll Shoppe

The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School

The Thrasher Group, Inc

The Waters of Wexford

The Woodlands Foundation

Three Rivers Paintball, Inc.

Tierra Realty Management

Toplak & Associates

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

Township of Hampton

Treasure House Fashions

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PghNorthChamber.com | June 2024

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

Thank you to our Members who have generously contributed to furthering the mission and vision of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber!

Trib Total Media

Two Men and A Truck

Ultimate Granite Surfaces, Inc.

UPMC Passavant

Urish Popeck & Co LLC

USX Federal Credit Union

Vector Security

Vincentian

Vitalant (Central Blood Bank)

Vogel Disposal Service, Inc

Vrabel Plumbing Company, LLC

Wain Landscaping, LLC

Walnut Grill Wexford

WesBanco Bank - Perry Highway

West Penn Multi-List, Inc

Wichman Landscape Construction, LLC

Wiest Asphalt Products & Paving Inc

Williams Industrial Sales

Wine Concrete Products Inc.

Win-Son Inc.

Your CBD Store - Shaler

Your CBD Store- Gibsonia

Your CBD Store- North Hills T h a n k Y o u

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

The Benefits of a Hybrid Work Model

Initially viewed as a way to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus, remote work has gained a foothold in the business community. Although it’s still an evolving trend, most employers have found that after the initial surge where most of the work was done remotely, the share of employees working from home on a full-time basis has declined and appears to be stabilizing at around 25-30%.

Of course, there are large variations in these percentages based on the location of the company, its workforce, and the type of business. Technology, business, and professional operations are more likely than service jobs in retail, food, transportation, and hospitality to have large numbers of employees working from home After much of the initial fear and anxiety over this transition faded, it appears that both employer and their employees have found benefits in the new arrangement.

From the employee’s perspective, the increased flexibility and extra personal time that work from home provides has been a tremendous benefit. Workers spend less time getting ready for and traveling to work, allowing them more time tend to personal needs like picking up and dropping off kids for school and other activities, running errands, and visiting doctors and dentists

Employers, on the other hand, have found that by reducing the size of their office footprint, they can save money and increase productivity in a variety of ways Less workspace required means less money spent on monthly rent and utilities. The ability to recruit talent from a wider geographic area means a larger pool of potential workers, and wage growth can be tempered by factoring in the value of remote work benefits for the employee.

The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at pnrc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Craig Pritts at (800) 377-3539

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AffinityPartner Corner

PNRC Affinity Partners Program

Your Chamber membership is a valuable business tool that is complemented by our Affinity Program Partners who help you to save time and money. Save on everything from payroll to energy and you don’t have to spend your valuable time researching - your Chamber has done it all for you!

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Nonprofit Name: The Woodlands

Mission: To enrich the lives of children and adults with disability and chronic illness.

Upcoming Events: You can view upcoming fundraising events here: https://mywoodlands.org/ways-to-give/fundraising-events/

Information/donation contact: To learn more about The Woodlands and ways to support our work, visit: mywoodlands.org or call us at 724-935-

Nonprofit Spotlight 14 Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Nonprofit Spotlight

Spotlight Questions

What impact does your organization wish to make in the world?

The Woodlands signature programs, expert staff and adapted facilities are all designed around our mission to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families navigating the journey of disability and chronic illness. We also collaborate with other nonprofits serving individuals with special needs to deepen our offerings and expand resources available to participants and caregivers.

Our barrier-free environment encourages everyone, of every ability and disability, to safely explore what’s possible and discover new levels of independence. Hands-on experiences guided by our caring staff help to reinforce social, cultural, environmental, recreational and life skills growth. Participation is encouraged at every level, and celebrated in a welcoming and approachable group setting such as our camps, retreats, clubs, and events.

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Nonprofit Spotlight

We welcome prospective participants and their families to come explore our 52-acre site in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Nestled on serene, private wooded property, our grounds feature: an indoor heated pool, 48-bed lodge, dining hall, creative arts lab, activity center, camping area, sports court, nature trail, adapted zip line, amphitheater, adapted kitchen, adapted archery range, and a par-3 adapted golf course. Every experience at The Woodlands is made to be as accessible as possible so participation can be enjoyed by all.

What needs would help your organization to put your mission into action?

The Woodlands is frequently described as “the best kept secret”. We want to expand our reach and impact by encouraging those that know and love The Woodlands to share their stories with others. Additionally, we are always looking for volunteers to support our programs and 52-acre campus. To volunteer, you can reach out the Melissa Pavlowsky at mpavlowshy@woodlandsfoundation.org.

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Nonprofit Spotlight

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The Great Outdoors - Churchill, Cultured Travel

There certainly are a lot of “great” things about the great outdoors! Spending time in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of it all is a perfect way to recharge and reset. While that can be done in many of the lovely forests, rivers, and parks we have here in Pennsylvania, sometimes it is nice to get away and experience truly remote locations with scenery unlike anything we can see in our own backyards.

One of my favorite and most memorable places to experience the magnificence of nature and appreciate remoteness is Churchill, Manitoba Whenever I mention this location, most people have never heard of it. Originally founded as a trading post for the Hudson Bay Company, Churchill is a very small village in northern Manitoba and is known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World. This town is connected to the rest of the world only by a multi-day train trip or a charter flight typically accessed through the fabulous city of Winnipeg.

Each year, polar bears migrate through this area and can be viewed by a limited number of tourists in their natural habitat from the comforts of a giant vehicle known as the Tundra Buggy. The best way to describe a Tundra Buggy is two school buses welded together on 5.5 foot wheels with a bathroom and a viewing deck off of the back. Drivers of Tundra Buggies are also well-educated guides who are versed in all things polar bear as well as the lay of the land and the climate of the region. This vehicle takes you out onto, you guessed it, the tundra, where you have absolutely nothing else as far as the eye can see BUT nature.

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While polar bears are the main attraction in Churchill, beluga whales are also a major draw in the summer months. If you want to go kayaking with the belugas in their natural habitat, Churchill is the place! Arctic foxes are present, as well as a variety of other unique wildlife Many photographers seek out this destination for the wildlife and the general beauty that surrounds you there. The lands are dotted with wind flagged spruces, shorelines, ice capped waters, and snow. It’s also famous for its indigenous culture and northern lights.

The first time I led a group to Churchill in 2022, I couldn’t quite believe my eyes when I stepped off of the plane, as it seemed like I had landed on the moon. If not the moon, certainly somewhere with a landscape unlike anything I had personally ever seen elsewhere. After boarding the Tundra Buggy and bouncing around incredible terrain gawking at bears all day, the evening culminated in several bears converging on the ice as if putting on a spectacle just for us. It was magical and left me wanting to return for a deeper dive

I headed back with another group in the fall of 2023, this time for an overnight and a day tour of the area in addition to the Tundra Buggy, bear-watching experience. After a day of bear hunting with our cameras, we were able to go further out into the wilderness and spend the evening watching for the northern lights while meeting with an indigenous Métis woman and discussing life as a resident of Churchill and the culture of her tribe, who have lived in the area for so many years. While a breathtaking place to visit, living in an area so remote is not for the faint of heart and those who live and have lived here have had to be creative and resourceful. Examples of the resiliency of the people of Churchill can be seen in artwork and murals which are part of something called Sea Walls Churchill and are located throughout the area

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After spending the night in a quaint hotel (as all lodging in Churchill is fairly basic - do not expect any luxury hotels or chains) in the “downtown” area, we took off on a small bus to do more exploring. On our tour, we were lucky enough to see what one calls a lift-off from Polar Bear Jail: the location bears are housed if they continue to get too close to the main part of town After a certain period of time in “jail”, the bears are tranquilized and lifted off by helicopter to be carried 1000 kilometers away. This was certainly an experience you don’t get to see every day and especially not in the city!

Frontiers North, the company owning the Tundra Buggies, explains “Churchill sits in the epicenter of three important converging biomes; the subarctic tundra, the boreal forest, and the Arctic ocean. Each of these biomes provide amazing views that will leave visitors in complete awe of the beauty of Canada's North, regardless of the season.” They are not wrong I have never felt the power and the beauty of the outdoors like I have when visiting Churchill and immersing myself in its past and present. It has left me with a sense of wonder, calm, and understanding of what a small place I occupy in this amazing world. Once wasn’t enough Twice wasn’t enough I’m ready to go back again

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Are You Ready to Grow Global?

With 95% of the world’s consumers located outside of U.S. borders, international sales can be a key component of your company’s growth strategy, but how do you know when you are ready? In this article, we walk through some questions to determine if you are prepared for a successful international business expansion

Intellectual Property Protection – Do you have an IP strategy for global markets? Intellectual property (IP) is the foundation of your business; therefore, it is important to protect your IP. Evaluating your IP portfolio, taking the steps to protect your IP, and understanding the IP registration requirements in potential target markets are good first steps in determining your company’s export readiness.

Management Commitment and Experience - Is your company’s management supportive of going global?

It can take up to 18-24 months to properly develop a new export market and realize sales Having management’s support to develop and implement an export strategy will ensure sufficient company resources are committed to the effort. Additionally, those companies whose founder or C-suite executives have previous international sales experience can leverage this knowledge and shorten the learning curve.

Market Potential – Does your company have a proven track record in the United States for its product/service?

Companies that have a product or service that has been successful in the U.S. market are generally well positioned to explore international market opportunities. Thorough market research will help you find the right target market markets for your product/service This can include an analysis of the competitive environment, cultural considerations, legal and regulatory frameworks, and examining the political and economic conditions in an export market

Operational Capacity - Can your company increase its manufacturing capacity to meet international demand?

When assessing operational capacity, determine if your company can scale operations to deliver a reliable customer experience. This could include modifying a product/service to comply with international standards, regulations, or cultural norms, adding manufacturing capacity to meet increased demand, and optimizing shipping and distribution processes to address the complexities of exporting.

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Financial Resources – Does your company have the financial resources to support international sales?

Additional financial resources will be needed for international market development such as translating marketing materials, traveling to target markets to meet with potential partners, or participating in trade shows or trade missions. Available trade finance tools can help you prepare for international business and to mitigate risks. Companies with an understanding of the different payment methods as well as a strong financial balance sheet are better equipped to enter new markets.

Legal & Regulatory Compliance – Does your company know about the legal and regulatory requirements related to exporting?

Exporting opens a new growth channel but requires companies to take measures to remain in compliance with regulations. The U.S. Government controls the export of some commodities, software, and technologies, where U.S. companies can export, and to whom. Understanding U.S. export regulations, due diligence requirements, and prevailing reporting and documentation requirements, such as the import regulations for prospective target markets is an important aspect of a company’s export readiness assessment.

While this list is not exhaustive, it provides a framework to assess your company’s readiness to develop an export business plan. To prepare for eventual international sales, use your time to attend export training programs and build your network of contacts within the export ecosystem. If you are interested in learning more and developing your international business strategy, contact Ryan Russell at the U.S. Commercial Service in Pittsburgh to take the next steps!

Ryan Russell is the Director of the US Commercial Service Pittsburgh Office and can be reached at Ryan.Russell@trade.gov or (412) 644-2817.

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The Office of the National Ombudsman (ONO)

The Office of the National Ombudsman (ONO). Heard of it? Don’t feel bad if you didn’t as many people have not.

So, who or what is ONO? ONO, established in 1996 by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, assists small business when they experience excessive or unfair federal regulatory enforcement actions, such as repetitive audits or investigations, excessive fines, penalties, threats, retaliation, or other unfair enforcement action by a Federal agency.

ONO is unique because:

They are an external-facing office with jurisdiction over any federal regulatory issues affecting a small business.

They foster accessibility to the Federal Government by being responsive to the needs and concerns of small businesses.

They provide a bridge between small business owners and the Government when they are otherwise ignored or have limited options.

They act as a conduit of change – alerting Congress and Federal Agencies to repetitive issues and concerns that need to be addressed and resolved.

Essentially, they are an independent voice for small businesses including entrepreneurs, associations, non-profits and small government entities. So how do you make your voice heard?

ONO has established Regional Regulatory Fairness Boards across the United States that can connect you with resources, provide advice and policy recommendations and elevate your voice. I sit on the Region Three Board and am here to be that connection when you need it. You can also file a comment or complaint directly to the Small Business Administration’s Office of the National Ombudsman via its website: sba.gov/ombudsman/comments, or contact the Regulatory Fairness Helpline at 1.888.REG.FAIR (734.3247).

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Another way to participate in Government regulatory actions that are affecting your business is to attend or host a Regional Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Roundtable or public hearing hosted by the SBA’s National Ombudsman. These venues allow you a unique opportunity to amplify your concerns about the challenges you and your business are facing.

If you would like to assist others in elevating their voice, your organization can team with a Fairness Regulatory Board Member, such as myself, and host a roundtable in your area. To contact me please email mlandis@basicbusiness.biz or call 412-527-3476.

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Empowering Pittsburgh's Future: Innovations in Job Corps’ Education and Career Training

The Pittsburgh Job Corps stands at the intersection of educational excellence and workforce readiness, with programs like its new Eckerd Connects Academy (ECA) pilot, applied academics intertwined with trade programs, and the collaborative efforts of its college program with local community colleges leading the charge.

Job Corps has always been at the forefront of matching academic credentials with real-world, hands-on career preparation to prepare Pittsburgh’s future workforce. For 60 years, the program has transformed the minds and career aspirations of over 3 million young adults nationwide.

In Pittsburgh, the Job Corps program’s educational landscape is undergoing a transformation with initiatives like the ECA pilot, which offers a hybrid learning model designed to meet the diverse needs of students seeking high school diplomas. ECA's hybrid learning approach combines online instruction, direct teacher-led sessions, and self-paced coursework, ensuring a flexible and dynamic educational experience. This model aligns with national standards of academic excellence, and ECA holds both national and regional accreditation, cementing its commitment to quality education.

"At the Pittsburgh Job Corps, we are dedicated to serving young adult learners, providing them with the opportunity to achieve a high school diploma," shares Bob Gottschalk, Campus Director of Pittsburgh Job Corps. "Job Corps isn’t always about preparing our young adults for a job, but for a career that requires academic experience and credentials, and also real-world career preparation skills Our complete commitment to making the learning experience both satisfying and productive sets us apart as a premier educational institution."

Educational
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Corner

In January 2024, President Joe Biden designated the City of Pittsburgh as a workforce hub, which underscores the city's pivotal role in shaping the future workforce landscape. In a time when the cost of college is rising, Pittsburgh Job Corps emerges as a beacon of opportunity, offering students a pathway to education and career skills acquisition without the burden of hefty tuition fees.

n addition to Pittsburgh Job Corps’ academic services and career technical training, the campus offers a fusion of college-level programs with career training which is revolutionizing how students approach their educational journey. Specifically, Pittsburgh Job Corps has collaborated with the Community College of Allegheny County, Beaver Community College, and Butler Community College to offer a path towards a debt-free college education. Students can choose to enroll in the Pittsburgh Job Corps while also becoming college students. Pittsburgh’s College Program is the most unique program in the U.S. and is undoubtedly opening doors to diverse academic pathways – ensuring students are equipped with the skills and knowledge demanded by today's industries.

Sharon Fuller, Pittsburgh Job Corps' College Administrator, says: "Our goal is not just academic achievement but also the improvement of students' self-esteem, leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. We offer an array of education and career training options for Pittsburgh young adults, which is the unmatched pathway to their personal and professional growth."

Celebrating its 60th anniversary in the summer of 2024, Job Corps is not just marking a milestone, but also embracing a future of innovation and collaboration. Initiatives such as modernizing enrollment practices, enhancing career technical training, and forging partnerships with organizations like the Pittsburgh Transit Authority, City of Pittsburgh, CVS Health, Allegheny Health Network, and local unions underscore Job Corps' commitment to relevance and impact in today's ever-changing education and workforce landscape.

Educational Corner
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Juliana, a Building Construction Technology (BCT) student reflects on how her time at Pittsburgh Job Corps has helped her grow, not only professionally but also personally. “When I first started here, I was really nervous because I’m very introverted and this is a big space to be in. In BCT, I’ve had to work with others and open up to others. It’s helped me develop more into who I am today. Pittsburgh Job Corps has not only given me the tools to succeed academically, but also the confidence to pursue my dreams The hands-on training and mentorship I've received here have truly prepared me for a bright future."

As Pittsburgh embraces new horizons, its educational institutions are at the forefront, empowering individuals to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic world. For more information about the Pittsburgh Job Corps, please contact Ariel Cypher at (412) 441-8700 or cypher.ariel@jobcorps.org.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

June 2024

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Alicia Photography

American Cancer Society

Armstrong

AW Beattie Career Center

Basilone Executive Search and Staffing

Baierl Auto Group

Borough of Seven Fields

Butler County Community College

Coldwell Banker - Jan Stevens

Cole Management Inc

Concordia of Cranberry

CORE Environmental Services

Costco Wholesale

Cranberry Public Library

Cranberry Supply Co

Cranberry Township

Creative Real Estate Development Co

Creese, Smith, Hune, & Co LLC

Crisis Center North, Inc

Dillon McCandless King Coulter & Graham

LLP

Dollar Bank - Pine Twp

Dollar Bank Loan Center - Cranberry

Dukovich & Associates

EZ Storage

First City Company - McIntyre Square

Fun Fore All Family Fun Park

Glade Run Foundation

Hill, Barth & King LLC

Holsinger

Huntington Bank - Wexford

IMA | ESS

Kawneer Cranberry - An Arconic Company

Lifesteps

McCandless Corporate Center

Medicine Shoppe of Ingomar

Minuteman Press - Cranberry

MSA- The Safety Company

North Allegheny School District

North Hills Community Outreach

North Hills Monthly Magazine

Seneca Valley School District

The Chadwick

Three Rivers Paintball, Inc.

Tierra Realty Management

WesBanco Bank - Cranberry Twp.

WesBanco Bank - Perry Highway

Win-Son Inc.

Capriottis-Murray Springs LLC

CTR Payroll Services

DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh Cranberry

Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Pittsburgh

Dukovich & Associates

ELF Operations

Alterations Express - North Hills

Alterations Express - Warrendale

Ascent 430 Apartments

Basic Business Concepts, Inc

Fire Fighter Sales & Service

George A. Reed Agency, Inc.

Heritage Hospice

MEDIA - The Creative Agency

Oliver Outdoor

Rogers Driving School

ELF Operations

Koman and Kimmell Family Practice

NIQUEAD Boutique

Scandinavian Designs

Sciullo Insurance and Financial

Services (State Farm Ins. Agency)

Stroll Treesdale/BeLocal Cranberry

The Joint the Chiropractic Place

Wesley Family Services

Prequel Solutions

RPM Skyline

Sylvan Learning Cranberry

Union Savings Bank

32
Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
Tim Carney Chris Pentrack
33 PghNorthChamber.com | June 2024
34 Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
35 PghNorthChamber.com | June 2024
2024

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