April 2018
CORRIDORS
Serving Business Corridors in Western Pennsylvania
Interviewing Etiquette Make the Most of Your Chamber Membership Member Spotlight Photo Gallery
C O N T E N T S
Chamber Headquarters 5000 Brooktree Road, Suite 100 Wexford, PA Cranberry Twp. Office 2525 Rochester Road Cranberry Township, PA P: 724.934.9700
Jim Boltz President JBoltz@PghNorthChamber.com For more information on the Chamber’s program of work, please contact: Al Davidson Membership Accounts 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 President
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Business After Hours, Signature Events and Connections Schedules
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Member of the Month Interviewing Etiquette
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6 Tools That Any Kind of Business Will Find Useful
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Make the Most of Your Chamber Membership
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Affordable Care Act and Employer Responsibilities
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Community Connections
From the The Pittsburgh North Regional…Charity The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber is well known for the networking events that we hold. With over 10,000 attendees annually, members take full advantage of this part of their membership. But, did you know that the Chamber has an Educational Foundation that supports community involvement? With the Night of the Races approaching on April 13th, it is a good time to highlight the efforts of the Foundation. The proceeds for this event, along with the Food and Wine Classic, go directly to our scholarship funds.
Jim Boltz, President
Every year, the Foundation awards at least five college scholarships. Last year we were fortunate enough to be able to award seven. The applicants are mostly from local high schools but open to any high school graduate. Typically approximately eighty seniors apply for these awards. Decisions on this year’s winners will be announced soon. We also award up to ten tech/trade school scholarships annually. There is no deadline for these scholarships. They are awarded on a rolling basis and are open to anyone who plans to continue their schooling in the tech/trade fields. This includes older adults and those changing careers. It is also part of the mission for the Foundation to schedule Days of Caring. During these planned events, Chamber members volunteer their time to physically support a member charity. Landscaping, painting and help with events are just some of the things that we have offered our assistance. The Giving Tree is also part of the Chamber’s efforts to give back to the community. We collect gifts for individuals that are in need and served by several of our charitable organizations. Every year, the number of gifts that we have collected has increased. Last year, we were able to provide over 500 gifts for people, young and old that might otherwise went without. The Chamber’s Outreach Committee is primarily responsible for coordinating all the above mentioned programs. We, the Chamber members and staff, are indebted to them. If you would like to become involved in the Outreach Committee, contact the Chamber office.
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B USINESS A FTER H OURS April 5 Double Wide Grill 100 Adams Shoppes, Mars Mars, PA 16046
April 17 Knickers Tavern at Conley Resort – SHOWCASE 740 Pittsburgh Road, Butler
Business After Hours are from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
E VENTS Night at the Races Friday, April 13 6:00-10:00 p.m. Adam’s Ridge Clubhouse 100 Adams Ridge Blvd. Mars, PA 16046 Meet and Move Luncheon Monday, April 30 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pittsburgh Marriott North @ Cranberry Woods 100 Cranberry Woods Dr. Cranberry Township, PA 16066
M ARKETPLACE L UNCH M EETINGS April 4 Monte Cello’s at The Hampton Shoppes 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 4655 William Flynn Highway Route 8, Allison Park April 23 Family Bowlaway Fun Center 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 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 Sponsored by Dittman EyeCare, Inc. Warrendale: Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. DoubleTree By Hilton, 910 Sheraton Drive Sponsored by Dollar Bank 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 Sponsored by Sally Power of Treasure House Fashions Breakfast provided by Bountiful Baskets Valencia: Fridays, 7:30 a.m. The Crystal Conservatories, 100 Conservatories Court
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2018 B OARD
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D IRECTORS
E XECUTIVE C OMMITTEE Ann Gatty, Ph.D. – Board Chair Strategic People Solutions Philip J. Scolieri, J.D.– Chair-Elect Scolieri Law Group, P.C. Andrew Chiapusio—Vice-Chair First National Bank John Tubridy—Past Chair Franchise Network of Pittsburgh Gregg Hill—Foundation Chair Dollar Bank Lisa Hunt—Treasurer USX Federal Credit Union Kim Yerace—Secretary Petroleum Technical Services, LLC Jim Boltz—President Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber James Roddey—Advisor to the Board St. Barnabas Health System
B OARD
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D IRECTORS
Tracy Armstrong, North Pittsburgh Greeting Company Gary Basilone, Basilone Executive Search & Staffing Ryan Breen J.D., Breen Law Firm, LLC Steven W. Diffenderfer, Community Bank Todd Harris, Liberty Insurance Agency Nicholas D. Kennedy, FamilyWealth Management Group Jim Logan, Battery Giant of Pittsburgh Al Marschke, ACN Business Essentials Alyssa Marsico, Alzheimer’s Association Tiffany Nolan, i.e. Insurance Robert O’Friel, Luttner Financial Group Tim Sechler, Sechler Law Firm, LLC Jan Stevens, Coldwell Banker Nicky Voynick, Salem Media Group
Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
PNRC Member Nicky Voynick Salem Media Group Jim Boltz, President of PNRC said, “Nicky supports the Chamber is so many ways. She has introduced numerous new members to the organization, attends a majority of our events, was newly elected to the Board and Co-chairs the Membership Committee. With her welcoming smile and demeanor, no matter what she is involved in, she makes the Chamber a friendlier place.” “Nicky has the gift of connection - she is able to bring people together in a very special way. She approaches her work with a genuine desire to help others and that's why she is a true joy to work with. Nicky makes a real difference at the Chamber and for its members; this recognition is well earned!” said Dan & Erin Turo, Turo Family Chiropractic. Steve Deal, Owner at Create A Legacy said, “"Nicky Voynick embodies servant leadership and serves others from a space of grace, caring, and sincerity. She is truly a “networker’s networker.” If you’re needing someone that paints houses only with any shade of green paint on Sundays, check with Nicky. There’s a very good chance she knows that very house painter. If she doesn’t know them personally, she knows someone that can connect you with that house painter. Regardless of your job, company, goals, or ambition, Nicky sincerely wants you to be successful and to achieve everything your heart desires.”
PghNorthChamber.com
April 2018
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Interviewing Etiquette By: Gary Basilone, Basilone Executive Search & Staffing Interviewing requires significant preparation. Provided below are a few tips to help you prepare. Introduction Research the employer, visit their website, research business journals and current press releases Using the job description, write out ten reasons why you are a good fit for this position (Skills and Qualifications sheet). Address this information at the end of interview – summarize how your skills and qualifications are a great fit for this position. Share this sheet with the employer by giving them a copy. -Example Job Description: General Accounting/Accounts Payable -Example Experience: Over ten years of experience in A/P and A/R and Quickbooks Carry a professional portfolio with pen and notepad containing copies of your resume, Skills and Qualifications sheet and questions Dress conservatively and professionally to show respect (wear subtle perfume/cologne if any) Prepare ten questions in advance. Be careful not to ask questions you can find the answers to yourself (via the website or job description). Be careful not to ask ‘What’s in it for me’ questions (i.e. – How many weeks of vacation?). Instead, ask questions regarding these three focus areas (1) Company (2) Position (3) Personal - Interviewer -Example questions: -Company -What sets you apart from your competitors? -Position - What does a typical day in this role entail? What challenges do you anticipate for this role? -Personal – What do you enjoy most about your position and the company? Leave your mobile phone in the car as not to disturb the proceedings/interview Arrive early - do not enter the building until ten minutes prior to your appointment Enter with a warm smile and firm handshake Build rapport with the interviewer Open your portfolio and ask the following questions, “May I supply you with a copy of my resume?” and “May I take notes?” Biography Employer may start by asking that age old statement, “So tell me about yourself” -Your answer should not exceed 60-90 seconds -You should write out a mock answer – Do not memorize it – Just have a mental outline of your answer. Answer every question in its entirety – then ask a short, succinct, open ended question as a follow-up Have a short reason for leaving every position you have held in the last ten years -Example: Downsize/Position was eliminated/Company changed their direction -Never speak negatively of a former employer What are some of your strengths? -Prepare for this question by writing 20 things you do well -If you cannot tell the employer what you do well, you shouldn’t get the job. This question is extremely im portant. What is your biggest weakness? -The classic ‘weakness’ answer is where the weakness is a strength in disguise. -Example: “I am a bit of a perfectionist, which can bother people.” -Remember – this is not a confessional! Do not shoot yourself in the foot! Closing At the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions. At this point, ask your questions and then finish with your Skills and Qualifications sheet. -Example: “I’ve asked all my questions, but I also took the liberty of putting together why I think I am a great fit for this position and I would like to share it with you at this time.” -Provide the interviewer with a copy of your Skills and Qualifications sheet and verbally review it. Remember to request and obtain the interviewer’s business card Shake hands and thank the interviewer for the opportunity After the Interview Send a brief email thanking the interviewers immediately following the interview Send a neatly hand-written thank you note to each of the interviewers
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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
PghNorthChamber.com
July 2017
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6 Tools That Any Kind of Business Will Find Useful By Elizabeth Blakely, Link to Visibility As a marketing strategy and web design professional I spend quite a bit of time working with a wide variety of tools for content management, customer relationship, email marketing, web design, graphics, social media, and analytics etc. While these are the chief ”tools of my trade,” they are not the only ones I use and rely upon. Like all business people l have tools that make my business easier to run. Here are six tools that I love and use just about every day and just about any business will find useful. 1. Snagit This nifty little program is a powerful combination of screen capture and image editor. Use it to take a picture or screenshot of your computer screen and edit the resulting image in dozens of ways. You can add annotations, highlight text, use arrows to point to parts of the image. The software also allows you to crop, resize or cut and blur sections of an image out. All of these functions make it a great way to show how data needs to be changed, highlight relevant data for a client, or just make simple edits to existing images. Snagit is a great option for those don't have the money to purchase a full editing program like photoshop, time to learn a more complicated program, or just need a more flexible program than your PC's native screen capture/editor. Best of all this program is very inexpensive, it costs just $49.95. Learn more at: https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html. 2. SimpleMind Simple mind is mind mapping software. I use it all the time to map out processes, project plans, organizational charts, web navigation trees, and more. Creating a chart to demonstrate an idea or project plan can help everyone better understand what is involved and who is responsible for different elements because they make intangible or undeveloped ideas visible. Since maps can be edited and shared in a variety of different formats it is a snap to create, share and then change a map. There are many mind-mapping tools available and many of them are online. I chose SimpleMind because it is laptop based, not internet-based. I can use it anywhere, any time without worrying about an internet connection. The export/email option makes it extremely easy to share maps. There is a free version from this EU based company (https://simplemind.eu) but go ahead and but the full version for your ipad; the app costs only $7.99. There is also a version for your laptop; it is a bit more expensive at $25 (Mac) $35 (PC) but I must admit I have had great luck just using the iPad version. 3. CYFE (Data Consolidation) I use this web service to create data dashboards that pull together critical statistics from Google Analyitcs, Social Media, Adwords campaigns, Search Engine Ranking, and dozens of other internet tools and resources. These dashboards make it easier to look for trends across a variety of internet services and keep track of important keywords. It doesn't replace direct access but it provides a quick snapshot that can show how well an ad campaign did or work that needs to be done. There is a free version but most will really appreciate the flexibility a membership brings, the cost per month: $19. Learn more at https://www.cyfe.com. 4. Zoho Books Using an outdated accounting system can cause headaches for you and your clients. I appreciate the simplicity of Zoho books because it allows me to very easily create and track invoices, record payments, track expenses, and more. My subscription also includes a login for my accountant, so he can handle my taxes and make sure that my books are in good shape. This tool is a little more expensive ($9/month and up) but if you accounting software is more than a few years old or it drives you crazy, it would be a great investment. Zoho books is part of a large and growing set of business tools that includes CRM (Customer relationship management) email, context-based help and app creator. 6. OfficeTime Keeper Pro (Time Tracking) If you work as a consultant and/or you bill clients according to the time you spend you need a reliable way to track that time, note it, and then transfer the data to your invoicing system. After trying a bunch of apps for my iPhone I discovered OfficeTime Pro. This app has a great interface and it is easy to use. I can easily add clients, rates for different types of work, track time spent, and write session notes. OfficeTime Keeper’s reporting mechanisms allow me to see reports about the time spent per client, money earned, and kinds of work done. I can either export the data or enter it into Zoho books for my monthly invoices. The app, by Productive Monkeys, costs $7.99, or the desktop version (Mac or PC) costs $47. Learn more at http://www.officetime.net. Continued on Page 11
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Member Accolades Dittman Eyecare Wins GOLD Dittman Eyecare is the first recipient of the gold medal in BOTH Best Optometrist and Best Optical Store categories in the Butler Eagle Readers Choice Awards!
Fun Fore All Awarded the GOLD Community Choice Award
Fun Fore All has been voted the Most Family Fun, Best Miniature Golf, Most Charitable Business, Best Children’s Party Place, and Best Family Business in Cranberry by The Cranberry Eagle!
Pittsburgh Business Times Women of Influence for 2018 Winners of the inaugural Women of Influence awards were honored on March 14 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel. These awards honor women working in our region who've made a difference in their communities. Members include: Claire Zangerle, Chief Nurse Executive, Allegheny Health Network, Laurie Barkman, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, Burns White LLC, Debra Killmeyer, Assistant Vice President and Dean, CCAC.
Mars Bank Wins GOLD Community Choice Award
Mars Bank received a Gold Community Choice Award for Best Mortgage Lender as voted by the readers of the Cranberry Eagle. This award is the sixth community choice award received by the bank since 2013!
CHROME recognized with the Lending Activity Award
CHROME was recognized for their commitment by the U.S. Small Business Administration SBA Pittsburgh District Office in their inaugural lending activity award. This distinguished award recognizes CHROME's support in local job creation and commitment to local small businesses capital needs in the community.
Christina Tarantola received her Certification in Hypnotherapy
Dr. Christina Tarantola, PharmD, CHC, CHt was recently trained in Neo-Ericksonian Hypnosis in New York City. Hypnosis is a relaxing, gentle and safe way to help you shift behaviors and transform your life. Dr. Christina creates a calming environment where you can let go of old patterns and step into your highest potential. Dr. Christina is looking forward to helping the Pittsburgh community transform their health!
Chatham's 2-year-old Women's Business Center ranked top in U.S. Chatham's Women's Business Center was selected as the 2018 Women's Business Center of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The award named Chatham the top women’s outreach center in the nation. The center is one of more than 100 throughout the country that work to assist women in starting and growing small businesses. Sally Power spotted at the Glass Slipper Gala Sally Power was featured in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette at the Glass Slipper Gala on March 24. The event raised funds for three charities, including Treasure House Fashions. Over 16 years, this Glass Slipper Ball has raised $1.5 million for critical women’s initiatives.
PghNorthChamber.com
April 2018
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Make the Most of Your Chamber Membership By Amanda McCollough, Dittman EyeCare How do you know if you are getting the most out of your chamber membership? Are you doing everything you can to maximize your return on investment? Simply joining a chamber will not grow your business, but there are countless opportunities available with your membership in the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber. Are you looking for exposure for your business? Networking opportunities? A way to give back to your local community? Educational workshops and seminars? The PNRC provides its members options for all of that and so much more. This chamber is great at supporting its members and providing them with as many ways to succeed as possible. Here are some helpful tips to think about when questioning if you are maximizing your ROI with the PNRC. Have you attended a Member Benefits Orientation? This is a great way to find out all that is available within the chamber. Affinity programs, member discounts, events, the PNRC mobile app…there’s so much valuable information covered in a Member Benefits Orientation! After you attend a session, schedule a meeting with Heather, the PNRC Membership Coordinator, so she can share her expertise with you and show you how to navigate the chamber website and use it to your best advantage. Attend Chamber Connection meetings and other PNRC events. Consistency is the key to success. Just because you join a gym, it doesn’t mean you are going to be healthy and in shape – you have to go to the gym and put in the effort, and the same is true for your chamber membership. The more you attend, the more people become familiar with you and your business, the more likely they are to refer you when someone they know is in need of a service or product you provide. Join a Chamber Committee. This is a great way to get involved with people you may not see on a regular basis. No matter what your interest or expertise, the chamber most likely has a committee that will fit both your interests and your schedule. Joining a committee allows you to have a voice, participate, and help make decisions that directly affect your chamber membership. Schedule One on One meetings with other PNRC members. The best way for a person to get to know you and your business is by meeting and talking with you. After you talk someone at an event or a committee meeting, schedule a meeting over coffee or lunch. Find out not only about their business, but about them as an individual too. We do business with people we know, like, and trust. The more you get to know your fellow chamber members, the better they will get to know you and your business and send referrals your way. Sponsor a PNRC event or a Connections meeting. Branding is a very powerful tool. It makes people more aware of your presence within the Chamber, even when you cannot be there in person. The more your logo is out there, the more brand awareness you receive. Sit down with one of the outstanding chamber employees and they can help you find sponsorships that fit your business needs and your budget. Just remember, sponsorship isn’t a replacement for attending in person, but it’s a great way to help promote your brand when you aren’t able to be at an event or meeting. Think “Chamber First”! This is the most important one of all! The next time you hear someone say, “Do you know _______?” or “I’m looking for a ____________.” let them know that you do! Be a referral source for your fellow Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber members. If you follow the tips that I’ve shared and as you get to know your fellow chamber members, you’ll find that “you’ve got a guy” for just about any business need, product, or service that anyone asks about.
Chamber events in March engaged over
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Pennsylvania's Dynamic Chamber of Commerce
By Jerry Walkins, Send Out Cards
What is the advantage of being a member of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber? Good question, so here are a few answers. The present membership in the organization is around 1,000, representing retail, wholesale, non-profit, service, professional, educational, financial organizations from the mid-North Western Region in Pennsylvania. Not too bad, wouldn't you say? Within the membership there are many who join, put the decal in their window and sit back expecting to leverage their business upward. What happens? Nothing. So we lose their membership. Again, the 80/20 rule. The 20% are active. They join in, becoming members of committees, as well as participating in networking meetings. In short, leveraging their business upward. In addition, the Chamber offers a variety of business and social networking events, programs, training, legislative and economic development activities. The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber offers Signature and Educational programs and events including a Home Show/Business Expo, Drive to Thrive Golf Outing, Food and Wine Classic and Taste of Cranberry. As part of the Regional and Educational programs, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber Educational Foundation offers five $1,000 Scholarships and ten $500 Career and Technical Scholarships sponsored by Baierl. Should you feel your interest is beginning to peak, you can follow up by logging on to the Chamber's website (www.Pgh.NorthChamber.com) and review the “Six Reasons to Join.” The 6 are as follows: 1. Relationships 2. Visibility 3. Promotion 4. Community Connection 5. Ongoing training and education and 6. Programs & Events. You can and should become a part of the area's “Dynamic Civic Organization.” If not, why not?
6 Tools That Any Kind of Business Will Find Useful (Continued from Page 8) 5. Project Management Like many small businesses I have a growing number of clients, projects, tasks and due dates. The projects and tasks I am working on are often associated with webbased resources and a variety of documents. Linking handwritten notes, documents, and emails simply doesn’t work. Trying to keep track of everything and prioritizing what needs to be done can be difficult unless you can easily visualize all the work. Web-based project management tools make a huge difference by allowing you to see what needs to be done, establish priorities, and add new tasks on the fly. There are two kinds of online project management tools, hosted and site-based. Most hosted and site-based tools often offer a free version so you can try the program out, but the functionalities or number of users are so limited that you will need to purchase better access to make full use of them. Hosted tools are run by a third party like BaseCamp, Trello, or Asana. To use these tools you will pay a monthly subscription for access based on the number of users and projects you need to support. If your site is based on a content management system like WordPress you can add a project management tool to your own website by using a plugin such as UpStream and WP Project Manager. Site-based tools have an annual cost to keep the software updated. The cost is probably lower because the price is based on the number of sites on which you install the software, not the number of users or projects. Either hosted or site-based options will allow you to create projects, milestones and tasks and then assign them to your staff. Most project management tools include space for basic client information, calendars views, and progress information for the tasks or projects created. Some project management tools also provide Gantt Charts that show how a project should progress, permit comments from staff and clients, and provide opportunities for document sharing. When used properly, project management tools create a work hub so people know what to do and when it needs to be done. Using these tools’ document and comment sharing can create a more efficient information trail than everything through email. Selecting a project management tool can also be frustrating. My favorite tool, a hosted solution, stopped being developed as it was swallowed up by Microsoft. Another hosted tool had horrible pricing. In the end I found a project management plugin that is working pretty well: Upstream. The price is reasonable, its has great features and I can give access to my clients and partners as needed. Using the right tools will make your business more efficient allowing you to focus on growing your business instead of how to get mundane tasks done. If you have the right tools to support everyday business tasks, do you have right tools for marketing? One of my specialties is developing marketing strategies and tools for businesses who want to grow. Let me be your Link to Visibility, contact me today: Elizabeth Blakely: eblakely@linktovisibility.com or 724- 473-5543
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HOME SHOW
& BUSINESS EXPO
Affordable Care Act and Employer Responsibilities ADVERTORIAL The health care law contains tax provisions that affect employers. The size and structure of a workforce–small or large–helps determine which parts of the law, like the Affordable Care Act , apply to which employers. Calculating the number of employees is especially important for employers that have close to 50 employees or whose workforce fluctuates during the year. The Affordable Care Act contains two parts that apply only to applicable large employers. These are the employer shared responsibility provisions and the employer information reporting provisions for offers of minimum essential coverage. The number of employees an employer has during the current year determines whether it is an applicable large employer (ALE) for the following year. For example, you will use information about the size of your workforce during 2017 to determine if your organization is an ALE for 2018. Applicable large employers are generally those with 50 or more full-time employees or full-time equivalent employees. Under the employer shared responsibility provision, ALEs are required to offer their full-time employees and dependents affordable coverage that provides minimum value. Employers with fewer than 50 full-time or full-time equivalent employees are not applicable large employers. There are many additional rules for determining who is a full-time employee, including what counts as hours of service, but in general: A full-time employee is an employee who is employed on average, per month, at least 30 hours of service per week, or at least 130 hours of service in a calendar month. A full-time equivalent employee is a combination of employees, each of whom individually is not a full-time employee, but who, in combination, are equivalent to a full-time employee. An aggregated group is commonly owned or otherwise related or affiliated employers, which must combine their employees to determine their workforce size. To determine your workforce size for a year, you add your total number of full-time employees for each month of the prior calendar year to the total number of full-time equivalent employees for each calendar month of the prior calendar year and divide that total number by 12. If the result is 50 or more employees, you are an applicable large employer. To read more information on this, click here.
Ribbon Cutting The Chamber is very fortunate to celebrate the grand openings of new businesses into our growing region. On behalf of our members and Board of Directors, welcome!
We were honored to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of CHROME Federal Credit Union in Wexford on Thursday, March 22. The Ribbon Cutting celebrated the merger of Pittsburgh Central Federal Credit Union and CHROME, providing innovative solutions to manage your money.
Member Spotlight USX Federal Credit Union has provided outstanding member service along with the highest quality banking products and services for over 75 years. Our FREE Preferred Partner Program allows a business to offer the benefits of credit union membership at USX FCU. We help employees take charge of their financial lives with quality products and cost saving financial services including: -FREE Credit Score Analysis – helping our members save MILLIONS -FREE Checking -FREE VISA® Debit Card -Over 97,000 FREE ATMs nationwide -FREE Online Banking/Bill Pay -FREE Mobile Banking -FREE Remote Check Deposit -FREE CardValet® App - Protect your USX FCU debit & credit cards through your mobile device
-LegalShieldSM – our partner in Legal and Identity Theft Protection -New and Used Vehicle Loans -Fixed Rate VISA® Credit Cards -Private Student Loans -Personalized Retirement, Insurance, and Investment Services -Mortgage/Home Equity Loans/HELOC -Many more FREE/low cost products and services
Today there are many choices when deciding where to go for banking needs. Are you interested in learning how you can bank where things like great service, free products, mobile banking options, advice on financial matters, and low loan rates are normal, not limited time offers? Do you want to bank where you are a valued member and not a random number? Stop by USX Federal Credit Union today. Contact Lisa Hunt • 724.779.4814 • lmhunt@usxfcu.org • www.usxfcu.org
Community Connections will provide the latest updates from our municipality partners. Stay up-to-date on what is happening in the areas that you live and work in.
Cranberry Township CranFest: Folk & Food Festival and Cranberry At Your Service Folk & Food Festival, a presentation of the Cranberry Area Diversity Network, has been a huge attraction for the past three years. This year it will again celebrate Cranberry’s ethnically and culturally diverse population. The Folk and Food Festival will feature culturally distinctive entertainment by residents of the Cranberry area drawn from six different continents as well as other diverse populations in the region. Click here for more information.
McCandless Township Roadside cleanup to be held April 7 The Town of McCandless is seeking volunteers for a roadside cleanup on Saturday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. The main focus of the cleanup will be roads in the vicinity of Pine Creek. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes, as well as long sleeves and long pants. Child volunteers must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers should meet at Town Hall by 9:30 a.m. A continental breakfast will be served before everyone breaks out. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact 412-364-0616 Ext. 118 or eac@townofmccandless.org. Click here for more information. Opening day for park pavilion permits! Residents can apply for the pavilions at Devlin and Wall parks at the Public Works office M-F, 7-3. Cost is $40. Parks open on April 1. For the application and more information, click here.
Pine Township Mother Daughter Royal Tea Party Queens and their little princesses are invited to enjoy an afternoon of royal fun! This event includes light appetizers, refreshments, nail painting, crafts, games and more! It will be held on Saturday, April 21 from 11:00 AM1:00 PM. at the Pine Community Center. It is for 4-7 year olds. The pricing for members: $20/child, $10/adult, nonmembers: $30/child, $15/adult. Registration is required by Thursday, April 14. Click here to learn more.
Thank you for your referrals! Kathleen Himler, Dale Carnegie Training
Mike Hall, General Rental Center
Nicky Voynick, Salem Media Group
Steve Carpenter, Northwood Realty
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NexTier Bank Nonprofit Spotlight Grace Youth and Family Foundation
Grace Youth and Family Foundation was started in 1990 by its Founder and CEO Bill Halle and later received its designation as a 501C3 Domestic Non-profit Corporation on July 13, 1994. GYFF was born out of a Friday night community youth outreach in Cranberry Township, Butler County Pennsylvania. Youth initially attended with anticipation of having fun with their friends playing volleyball, eating food and hearing a short message about God’s love. What brought youth back week after week was the relationships developed with adult volunteers who loved and accepted them unconditionally and truly cared about what was happening in their daily lives. Bill quickly learned that consistent demonstration of unconditional love and acceptance, along with a willingness to reach out and engage others in a nonjudgmental manner, helped people openly and honestly share the realities of their life struggles. Bill’s belief and understanding that “people really don’t care how much you know until they know how much you really care”, guided his simple, loving and honest approach and has enabled him to help thousands of youth and their families overcome significant life struggles for over 30 years. Through development of open and honest real-life relationships, Bill and GYFF volunteer staff learned there was very little help available for youth and families who struggled with serious problems. In addition to personal experiences, research showed 90% of those identified as having need of specific services, did not receive the help they needed. This fact is due to a myriad of barriers ranging from economic limitations of poverty, to a simple lack of awareness that help existed. Bill was driving to work one morning after being promoted for the third time in only two and ½ years while working for one of the world’s most recognized international companies. During that drive Bill decided that he could no longer live his life as if he did not know the struggles of youth and families he tried to serve. He could no longer accept that nothing could be done about it. That very afternoon, Bill started the steps that led to the creation Grace Youth and Family Foundation and to his resignation from his dream job and answered the call to full time ministry.
Grace Youth and Family Foundation celebrated 28 years meeting the physical emotional and spiritual needs of youth and their families in January 2018. When Founder and CEO Bill Halle is questioned about his calling to full time ministry and the significant success GYFF experiences over so many years, he very quickly gives all glory, honor and praise to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He then offers Matthew 21:2 as the explanation. In this portion of scripture, you will find the account of Jesus sending two of his disciples to a village to find the donkey he would ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, tied to a post. Bill uses this scripture to share that he has no significant skill, talent or education upon which he can point to or rely on for his and GYFF’s success. He states he just happened to be an ass tied to a post that the Lord has chosen to use. Bill Halle and Grace Youth and Family Foundation have definitely impacted their world around them. They have proprietary programming that has been duplicated in other states, multiple programs have grown from being under their umbrella to becoming their own independent nonprofit organization, and GYFF currently operates over twenty independent programs. Some examples of their broad range of programs include emergency homeless programs, drug and alcohol prevention education programs, youth leadership development programs, children’s summer food and activity programs, urban missions training programs, youth and family counseling, physical health and nutritional programing, Martial arts and self-defense training programs. Because GYFF is an independent faith-based nonprofit, their programs are made possible only through the committed service of their volunteers and the generosity of local individuals, businesses and churches in their community. If you would like to help GYFF financially help others, checks should be made payable to Grace Youth and Family Foundation and mailed to 100 Center Avenue Butler PA 16001, Donations can also be made electronically online at their website www.gyff.org. If you would like to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 724-282-0507.
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