Corridors April 2023

2023 April CORRIDORS

IN THIS ISSUE

Annual Gala, Women’s Leadership Brunch

Earth Day Tips and Activities for Small Businesses

Want a Better Workplace? Encourage Employees to Volunteer Days of Caring

During the months of April and May, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber is conducting a membership drive. Specials are being offered for new and returning members. We are also running a contest. The three members with the most referrals will be rewarded with gift cards. Further details are disclosed in another section of this E-magazine.

Joining a chamber of commerce has always been a value proposition for a business. It offers a variety of benefits in a cost effective way that can save time and money. With the challenges that face a business today, having a network of resources is more important than ever to its success. By being a part of a chamber, a business doesn’t need to do it alone. A chamber offers the support it needs to be successful.

Here are some of the top reasons that a PNRC membership benefits a business:

Credibility You will be part of one of the largest business organizations in Western Pennsylvania. Did you know that a recent study showed that 63% of consumers are more likely to use the products and services of a chamber member over a non-chamber member?

Connections By having over 100 eventsa year, many of them free, your business will have the opportunity to network and grow your business.

Visibility Increase your business exposure through numerous community events, the chamber’s digital presence, and many publications. The PNRC website gives you exposure to advertise, improve your SEO, and communicate important information about your business. The Chamber has a very active social media presence with a members only page that you can use to your advantage.

Personal Growth You and your team can be lifetime learners through the Chamber’s educational programming, workshops, and speaker events.

Discounts and consultation Take advantage of exclusive programs available only to Chamber members. Programs include health insurance, commercial insurance, credit card processing, energy, coaching, identity theft protection, IT services, welcome wagon services, and shopping discounts.

Advocacy All chamber businesses with less than 10 employees have the opportunity to belong to the PA Chamber at no extra cost.

Every employee of your company gets full benefits of its membership. With a small business membership (less than 50 employees) costing less than $30 a month average, it is the best investment a company can make.

Sincerely,

Jim Boltz President, PNRC

Jim Boltz, President

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5TH 11:30AM—1PM

TEQUILA JALISCO GIBSONIA

5517 William Flynn Highway Gibsonia, PA 15044

Register HERE

Tuesdays, 11:30AM-1PM

@ Discovery Christian Church in Mars

Fridays, 7:30AM-9AM

@ Panera Bread in Wexford

Want to present at a Connections Meeting?

Email Kelvin Mack

THURSDAY, APRIL 27TH 8AM– 9AM

Come Celebrate Women in Business! Sign up HERE for the zoom link

THURSDAY, APRIL 27TH 5PM-7PM

TEQUILA JALISCO GIBSONIA

5517 William Flynn Highway Gibsonia, PA 15044

Register HERE

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

“

Felipe does so much for the community, the chamber and chamber members. His company, Nothing Bundt Cakes, makes regular donations to local charities and provides Bundt cakes for chamber ribbon cuttings. As a newly elected chamber board member, Felipe also has made the commitment to donate his time for the betterment of the chamber. On top of that, he is a consummate professional. Felipe demonstrates everything about this award. It is well deserved and very much appreciated

-Jim Boltz, President PNRC

Upcoming Chamber Events:

May 3, 2023

TheAnnual Gala

Presented by:

Upcoming Chamber Events:

May 23, 2023

Women’s Leadership Brunch

Presented by:

Earth Day Tips and Activities for Small Businesses

Authored by: Constellation (Published Mar. 1, 2023)

Use these small business Earth Day tips to spark your creativity in finding ways to get your company involved in the celebration. Ideally, what you start on Earth Day will establish sustainable workplace practices that you build on through the year. Make real changes that have a measurable impact. s fine to start small, but to have an authentic impact, you’ll want to follow through. Small business Earth Day activities can be the kick-off for your company’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.

. Find creative ways to recycle and reduce waste

Recycling offers triple benefits to the environment. First, you get maximum utility from the inputs used to manufacture each item you recycle. Second, it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce waste in your business and decrease the amount of trash you send to landfills. Third, it prevents harmful chemicals and materials from entering the environment, such as the plastics and metals that

2. Pick up trash around your local community

This is among the more visible Earth Day tips for small businesses. Not only will your community see your employees cleaning up trash in the area, they’ll see the results of your efforts. You can directly improve your community and provide a high-impact way to engage employees. Consider turning trash pick-up into a year-round or annual activity.

3. Donate to an environmental organization or cause

Don’t limit yourself to hands-on small business Earth Day ideas. You can magnify the impact of your contribution by fundraising for an environmental organization or cause, especially one that is relevant to your business or has personal significance. You might also encourage your employees to give with a matching program.

4. Find sustainable replacements for single-use plastics

Eliminating single-use plastics from your workplace is a great way to make your business more environmentally friendly. Replace disposable plates and cutlery with sustainable alternatives like china and glass. Install a water filter and get rid of bottled water. Most single-use plastics don’t recycle well. You’ll be doing a huge favor for the planet by using as few throw -aways as possible.

5. Make Earth Day a carpool or public transportation day

Carpooling and encouraging the use of public transportation are small business Earth Day activities that work every day of the year. Getting people out of their cars on the commute to work reduces your company’s carbon footprint and helps cut traffic congestion. Reduced emissions on the streets of your community benefit everyone.

6. Plants trees or flowers around your business

Trees pull carbon out of the atmosphere, working as nature’s natural air filter. They can also be an effective windbreak and provide shade. In both cases, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard, which helps your business save energy Your property is also less of a heat island in the summer when your property is covered in greenery.

7. Offers incentives to customers and employees who take action

Many small business Earth Day tips concentrate on group activities, yet individual employees can have an impact. Match employee donations with an additional contribution. Offer employees time off for volunteer work. Engage your customers, too. Offer them discounts for making contributions to certain charities. These individual efforts add up to big results.

8. Look for ways to limit paper use

Reducing the use of paper in your small business saves trees. It also reduces energy involved in manufacturing and shipping it. Less paper leads to less trash and less space needed to store paperwork. Going paperless in your business may make it possible to scale down areas you need to heat and cool.

9. Share information on how to reduce water and electricity consumption

Replace fixtures in your place of business with those that use less water and electricity. Low flow toilets and highly efficient dishwashers can dramatically cut your water and power usage. Perform regular maintenance to reduce wasted water and electricity consumption. Use signs to remind employees to turn off lights and to make sure they don’t let faucets drip.

10. Set sustainability goals for the future

Use this day to engage your employees in identifying and setting small business sustainability goals for your company. When you get everyone involved in creating a small business sustainability plan, it heightens their commitment and increases follow through. Make a formal plan, execute it well, then keep people updated on your progress and achievements. Customers and partners prefer to do business with a sustainable company, and it also helps attract and retain good employees.

More ways to promote sustainability in your business

Here are some small business Earth Day tips for making your workplace more sustainable on Earth Day and every day. Now is a great time to be going green in your business.

Use high-efficiency light bulbs. ENERGY STAR® certified light bulbs use up to 90% less energy and last 15 times longer than standard bulbs.

Set the thermostat lower or higher. Lowering your thermostat in the summer burns more energy. The reverse happens in winter. A temperature difference of even five degrees can help to limit your power usage.

Upgrade to energy-efficient office equipment. Upgrading computers and printers is an effective way to trim your business’s overall energy consumption.

Switch to an eco-friendly cleaning service. They use efficient equipment, products that are sustainably made and safer for the environment, and employ multiple use linens.

Source locally. Use locally-produced inputs as much as possible to minimize carbon emissions involved in shipping.

Reduce travel. Encourage working from home and meeting clients online instead of flying to see them. You’ll burn less fossil fuel.

Celebrating Earth Day reminds your employees, partners, and customers of the power your business has in addressing challenges to the health of our environment. You’ll raise awareness, not just of the need to do more to protect our planet, but also how people and groups in your community can do their part. Earth Day can be the start of a new commitment to the environment or can mark your company’s expanding activities in caring for the earth. To

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

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

Ace Handyman Services Pittsburgh North

Alliance for Nonprofit Resources

Ameriglide

Another Level Ministries

Arvos Schmidtsche Schack, LLC

Atria McCandless

Atria’s Restaurant & Tavern– O’Hara Township

Axis Business Consultants

Banc Card of America

Big Spring Spirits Seven Fields

Bill Few Associates, Inc.

Bosland Electric, LLC

Butler County Symphony Orchestra

CHROME Federal Credit Union

Clean Express Auto Wash

Clearview Federal Credit Union

CTR Payroll Services

Charles P. Leach Agency, Inc.

Charter Homes & Neighborhoods

Choice Restorative Medicine

Colbert Law

Coldwell Banker - Jan Stevens

Cole Management, Inc.

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

Common Sense Cleaning, LLC

Community Bank

Compass Self Storage-Gibsonia

Concordia

Cranberry Highlands Golf Course

Cranberry Supply Co.

Cranberry Township

Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Co.

Cranberry Men’s Choir

Cranberry Village Estates

Crea Excavating, Inc.

Creese Smith Hune and Co.

Creative Real Estate Development Co.

Curio412, LLC

C.W. Howard Insurance Agency, Inc.

Direct Payment Consultants, LLC

Dairy Queen Cranberry

Dollar Bank

Dukovich & Associates

Edward Jones Investments- Andrew Dobies

Encompass Health and Rehabilitation

Express Employment Professionals

EZ Storage

Fairfield by Marriott Pittsburgh North/ McCandless Crossing

Federated Mortgage Corp.

Find Your Destination, Travel Agency

First City Company- McIntyre Square

Fun Fore All Family Fun Park

Goddard School- Hampton

Goldfish Swim School Wexford

Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center

Guardian Storage- Hampton

Guardian Storage- Ross

H2R CPA

Handel's Ice Cream McCandless

HEARTH

Heritage Hospice

Highmark Caring Place

Holsinger

Home Depot - Cranberry

House of 1000 Beers

I-Clean, Inc.

IMA | ESS

Innovate E-Commerce, Inc.

InVision Human Services

Jason's Deli- Cranberry Twp

Jeff Brooks Landscaping

Jewelry by Alicia and Scott

Jireh Mobile

Joe Palmieri Construction, Inc.

Junior Achievement of Western PA

Juniper Grille

Just In Thyme Catering and Events, Inc.

Kress Restoration

Laurel Business Institute

Laurelwood/West Realty Land and Development Co.

Leathem Creation Co.

Legal Shield & Identity Theft Protection

Liberty Insurance Agency

Link to Visibility, LLC

Lisowski Tree Service and Landscaping LLC

Lou Negley’s Bottled Water Inc.

Masonic Village at Sewickley

MEDIA - The Creative Agency

Maria Valdez-In Memory of Bruce Conley

Mars Bank

Mascari Auto Body, Inc.

McCall Scanlon & Tice, LLC - CPA

McCandless Corporate Center

McGuire Memorial Foundation

MHY Family Services

MSA - The Safety Company

Muhlenkamp & Company, Inc.

Mullin Landscape & Winter Management

Myers, Patsy & Associates, LLC

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

Newt & Ruby Interiors

NexTier Bank

NFP

Nick Scotti Concrete Contractor Inc.

Nicole Zirnsak State Farm Insurance

North Hills Family Dental

North Pittsburgh Greeting Company

North Star Buick GMC

Olive Garden– Cranberry

Oliver Outdoor

OMEGA Federal Credit Union –North Hills

OMEGA Federal Credit Union- Wexford

Once Upon A Hero

Organic Remedies, Inc.

Owl Cleaners, Inc.

Passavant Hosp. Foundation

Pawlowicz Dentistry

Pearl Insurance Agency, LLC

Penn National Insurance

Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty

Phelps Nursey PGH, North Inc.

Pittsburgh Jet Center

Pittsburgh Skin

Pittsburgh Mercy Pittsburgh Job Corps

Polesky Agency Erie Insurance

Pressley Ridge

Priority2Work

R.M. Stoof & Associates Inc.

Restart, Inc.

Richard Goettle Inc.

Richland Mall

Right Electric, Inc.

RiteRug Flooring

Riverview Carpet & Flooring, Inc.

Rj Community Management

Salem Media Group

Sarver Landscape Maintenance Co.

Scolieri Beam Law Group PC

Sechler Law Firm, LLC

Seneca Valley School District

SERVPRO of Southern Butler County

Sheeley Agency- Allstate Insurance

Sheetz Communications

SPARK SIGNS & GRAPHICS

Special T Electronics LLC

Specialized Staffing and Industry Recruiters, Inc.

Staples- Cranberry Twp.

Terry’s Plumbing, Inc.

The Arc of Butler County

The Block Northway

The Chadwick

The Exercise Coach- Cranberry Twp.

The Lynch Law Group

The Pavilion at Star Lake – Live Nation

The Payroll Shoppe

The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School

The Wilson Group, LLC

Thought Process Enterprises

Three Rivers Paintball, Inc.

Tierra Realty Management

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

Township of Hampton

Township of Ross

Treasure House Fashions

Treesdale Golf & Country Club

Treesdale Life - BeLocal Cranberry

Trib Total Media

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

T-Mobile

Ultimate Granite Surfaces, Inc.

Urish Popeck & Co. LLC

Vincentian

Vitalant (Central Blood Bank)

Wain Landscaping, LLC

Walnut Grill Wexford

Weber Insurance Agency

WesBanco Bank Cranberry

WesBanco Bank Perry Highway

West Penn Multi-List, Inc.

White Deer Run Treatment Network

Wichman Landscape Construction, LLC

Win-Son Inc.

Wine Concrete Products Inc.

Young Adult Survivors United

Your CBD Store– North Hills

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

Want a Better Workplace? Encourage Employees to Volunteer

Article by: Jordan Bishop, Business News Daily (Published Feb. 21, 2023)

Creating a culture that encourages volunteering can help employers boost employee morale, workplace atmosphere and brand perception.

• Volunteerism can positively affect a company’s culture and morale while enhancing brand perception.

• Employees often don’t have free time to pursue volunteerism, so they feel empowered and grateful when their workplaces help them give back to the world.

• Volunteer programs allow businesses to embrace corporate social responsibility and boost their appeal to customers, investors, and employees.

This article is for business owners seeking creative ways to improve their workplaces and enhance corporate social responsibility.

Creating a company culture of volunteerism in your organization can help your community and the world while improving your business. Employee-sponsored volunteerism appeals to consumers who prefer doing business with socially responsible companies and employees who want to make a difference in the world. Whether you focus on climate issues, racial injustice, diversity and inclusion, poverty, or another concern, the shared mission can create a stronger workplace culture and help businesses embrace corporate social responsibility

We’ll explore how volunteering helps businesses and their employees and share best practices for creating an employee volunteer program.

How does volunteering help employees?

According to the 2022 Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose Giving in Numbers report, 84 percent of companies offer flexible scheduling or paid time off for their employees’ volunteer opportunities. Some businesses even allot up to 60 hours of volunteer time off. Here are some of the benefits volunteerism brings to employees.

1. Volunteerism helps employees feel more empowered

Employees feel empowered when they can contribute to causes close to their hearts. According to the Giving in Numbers report, employees are more likely to participate in volunteer programs when the cause resonates with them. Deloitte s Global 2022 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that today’s Gen Z and millennial employees feel the need to balance work lives with a drive for societal change. They’re drawn to businesses that allow them to be of service to the community. In return, employees will feel a heightened level of commitment to their company and team, offering substantial growth and development opportunities for both.

2. Volunteerism helps employees develop and share talents and skills

Employees are hired for the talents and skills necessary to perform their jobs. However, most, if not all, likely have untapped skills they’d appreciate exploring ones that would bring enormous value to their organizations. Volunteer programs open a new world for employees to explore their talents, improve skills, and learn new skills. In fact, the Giving in Numbers report revealed that employees volunteer more when the employer offers skills-based programs. Of companies offering employer-sponsored volunteerism, 73 percent offer skills-based volunteer programs that allow employees to practice and explore tangible skills to help their communities. Whether employees learn new skills or hone current talents, they’ll bring this expertise back to their organization along with higher self-worth and a higher value to the company.

3. Employees will feel happier when they participate in volunteerism

A Journal of Happiness study found that volunteering can positively impact physical and mental health, alleviate stress, and experience increased life satisfaction. In other words, people who volunteer are happier.

Employees who participate in volunteerism benefit from higher morale and an increase in overall happiness and happier employees see significant productivity boosts. When employees feel good about being at work, they tend to work harder and take pride in their company.

4. Volunteering helps employees develop leadership potential

Volunteering can help employees discover untapped talents and may even help them realize their leadership potential. Volunteer programs are an excellent platform for employees to discover a natural affinity to lead, especially when participating in activities that require sharp management and organizational skills. For the company, discovering new leaders is a valuable opportunity to strengthen the entire organization.

How does volunteering help

companies?

Volunteer programs also benefit the companies that sponsor them. Some advantages of sponsoring volunteerism include the following:

1. Volunteer programs help businesses attract and retain talent

According to the Deloitte survey, millennials and Gen Zers say a sense of purpose is critical along with a positive worklife balance and pay when choosing new employers. Nearly two in five of the younger generations, and nearly half of those in leadership positions, have rejected a job because it didn’t align with their personal ethics.

Today’s employees want to make a societal and environmental impact, so companies that offer employer-sponsored volunteer programs are more attractive. Companies that help their employees impact the world through volunteerism have a better chance of attracting and retaining top talent.

2. Volunteer programs can improve a brand’s image

Just as employees want to work for a company that positively impacts the world, today’s consumers prefer supporting companies and brands that are public and transparent about their corporate social responsibility initiatives. Volunteer programs that feature employees connecting with communities through social initiatives are positively received by the public, which can improve a brand’s image organically.

3. Volunteer programs boost employee engagement

According to Gallup, only 36 percent of employees feel positively engaged in their positions, although they want to be invested in, connected to and enthusiastic about their employers. Volunteer programs are an excellent way to create and boost employee engagement, motivating employees to invest time and energy into their employer relationship.

The values and skills they acquire via a volunteer program allow them to perform better while fostering a deeper sense of loyalty to the company. More engaged workers are more productive, making volunteer programs a win for employers, employees, and the causes they support.

To read the full article, click HERE

LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS REVIEW

Although long term disability (LTD) benefits may lack the appeal of other more often utilized programs in a company’s benefit portfolio, for an employee who becomes disabled due to an accident, injury or illness, it becomes a critical and much appreciated safety net.

Designed to replace lost income when an employee is unable to work for an extended period of time, business owners have a choice to provide coverage to all employees as part of an employer-paid core benefit or make the program optional and employee paid, often as part of the company’s voluntary benefits portfolio. However, most insurance companies require a minimum level of participation when underwriting an LTD plan, providing an incentive for employers to automatically enroll all employees in the plan and make it a 100% employer paid benefit.

It should be noted that the upside for employees paying for the program with after-tax dollars or paying through a voluntary program is that if they become disabled and receive benefits, the payments will be tax-free.

LTD plans typically have a waiting period of 90 or 180 days, and pay 50-60% of the disabled employee’s monthly income up to a stated maximum length of time, based on a very specific definition of “disability”. The carrier may or may not include commissions and bonuses in an employee’s income. Of particular importance is the carrier’s definition of disability. The most liberal definition of the term is “own occupation”, which allows the employee to collect benefits if they are unable to work due to illness or injury, in their current profession. On the other end of the spectrum is a definition requiring an inability to work in “any occupation”, making it much more difficult for the employee to collect benefits.

The pricing for the benefit program is based on the level of benefits provided and the demographics of the company’s workforce, among other factors. Larger companies and those with prior coverage will usually be required to submit past rate history or utilization information.

For the business owner, it is worth shopping carriers on a regular basis to compare not only pricing, but the specific benefits offered by each insurance company, including any exclusions and limitations. Brokers and benefit consultants typically know the best carriers in each region for various industries and can more effectively shop and compare programs for the business owner or designated benefit manager.

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.

Your Chamber membership is a valuable business tool that is complemented by our Affinity Program partners who allow you to save time and money. Save on everything from payroll to energy and you do not even have to waste time researching-your Chamber has done it all for you.

Nonprofit Name: Living in Liberty

Mission: “Living in Liberty restores dignity, freedom, and a new life to victims of commercial sexual exploitation by creatinga safe, secure, loving, and nurturing communitywhere healing occurs and a new life begins.”

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

Living in Liberty is a faith-based, anti-human trafficking organization in Southwestern PA. Living in Liberty works to combat human trafficking in Southwestern PA by supporting survivors on the streets and in our safe home, and by providing community education about the realities of commercial sexual exploitation in our city. Our work is supported by our Repurposed thrift store, and is sustained by the efforts of over 150 faithful volunteers. Our prayer is that through sustained, intentional effort we can offer hope, love, and recovery to women exiting a life of commercial sexual exploitation.

Upcoming Events: Fundraising Event: Annual Golf Outing at Olde Stonewall – June 23rd Volunteer Events: Human Trafficking Volunteer Training – Monday, April 17th

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

Our greatest need is committed volunteers who are driven to fight to end human trafficking in our city. We currently have great need in our safe home and in our street outreach ministries, although we can also always use volunteers in all aspects of our ministry. Although monetary donations are graciously welcome, most of our work is funded through our non-profit thrift store called The Repurposed Store. Any lightly used items donated to our store would be greatly appreciated! For more information on our thrift store, please visit https://repurposedpgh.com

Information/Donation Contact: Catherine Denny Volunteer Coordinator volunteer@livinginliberty.org

PNRC Membership Blitz

By: Kelvin Mack, Director of Membership and Marketing at PNRC

As a membership organization, our members are the life force of the Chamber. The more members the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber has, the more value all of our members receive; from a larger network of potential partners to a larger voice on important issues.

We are running two different membership campaigns this April and May.

• A membership drive for new members.

• A membership campaign for previous members

All of our current members are eligible to participate in the Membership Drive. You will receive one point for every qualified referral of a nonmember. You will receive an additional point for any of your referrals that join the Chamber by the end of the Membership Drive on May 31st, 2023. Previous members count as well, as long as they are a legitimate referral from you.

At the end of the Membership Drive, the top three individuals with the most points (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) will be able to select a $100, $50, and $25 (respectively) gift card to any of our current members that offer gift cards.

We are offering all new members a $75 value of a one-week ad in our Monday Morning Coffee Newsletter at no cost to them! Monday Morning Coffee goes out at 8:30am every Monday to over 4,000 recipients with a 30% open rate.

As an added bonus, we are offering a one-time use voucher to attend the next Business After Hours (BAH) networking event for free to all referrers and referrals.

*Limit of one BAH Voucher per membership/organization.

During the same time frame (April and May), we are also reaching out to previous members, letting them know about everything the Chamber is doing and how much we would like them back as a member of your Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber! We are offering all returning members a $50 value by waiving the one-time administrative fee.

Recognized as a Top 3 Chamber of Commerce in 2021, come and see all that the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber has to offer. From weekly networking meetings and signature events to educational programs and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber has something of value for everyone.

Graphic by: Minuteman Press Cranberry

Connecting Over Coffee

You asked for more networking events, and we have heard you!

Starting in January, we are holding 'Connecting Over Coffee' from 8:30am to 10:00am on the third Wednesday every month.

This rotates around our various coffee shop members, so stay tuned for the event locations. This month, we will be meeting at Coffee Brake at Meeder.

This is a free networking event!

Wednesday, April 19th

8:30 10:00 AM

Coffee Brake at Meeder

305 Tillary Lane

Cranberry Twp., PA 16066

Governor Shapiro’s Budget—What May Be of Interest to Businesses

Authored by: Eileen Anderson, Director, Government Relations, Manufacturer & Business Association

Governor Shapiro presented his 2023-24 budget on March 7. The $45.8 billion spending proposal is a six percent spending increase over last year. There are no new tax increases in either income or sales tax the state’s two main revenue sources. Senate and House budget hearings to evaluate the proposal will run March 20 through April 14. The goal is to pass a balanced budget by June 30 and have it signed into law by Shapiro. These are spending PROPOSALS. Included are other actions taken early in his administration.

Elimination of a Tax – The state cell phone tax (gross receipts and sales tax) may be eliminated saving Pennsylvanians $124 million every year.

Corporate Net Income Tax Rate – Under a law approved last year, the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) rate will phase down to 8.49 percent this year and to 6.49 percent in 2028. As a candidate Shapiro said that he would like to accelerate the reduction, but no mention was included in his budget.

Minimum Wage – The Governor called for more than doubling the hourly minimum wage from the federal level of $7.25 to $15 an hour by January of 2024.

Office of Transformation and Opportunity – This was established by executive order (EO) and is a one-stop shop to help businesses cut through red tape and streamline operations. It is housed within the Governor’s office and the Economic Development Strategy Group.

Acceleration and streamlining of permitting, licensing, and certification processes (EO) – The order calls for a comprehensive review of how long it takes agencies to process applications and how workers and businesses apply online. It will establish a date whereby applicants for a license, permit or certificate will receive a response. If the date is not met, the agency responsible will refund the applicants’ application fee.

The Manufacturing Innovation Program – This connects Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities with businesses to spur innovation and may increase by 50%. It includes $20 million for the creation of a program to supplement previous federal investments and support for historically disadvantaged businesses.

Worker Shortages – $24.7 million is proposed for job retention and recruitment efforts for frontline personnel such as nurses, teachers, and law enforcement. They will receive three years of tax credits for earning certification in those fields.

The selected occupation approach misses a worker shortage that extends far beyond those occupations as many Pennsylvania industries report hiring challenges.

$23.8 million is dedicated for workforce training, apprenticeships and strengthening skills-building programs.

Child Care – $66.7 million investment in Child Care Works to give more parents access to stable childcare for their kids.

Legalization of Recreational Marijuana – Shapiro included in his budget proposal revenue from marijuana legalization for non-medical use. His proposed 20% tax at the wholesale level would be one of the highest in the country. It will be collected from sales beginning in 2025.

Education – An increase of $567.4 million is proposed.

Student Mental Health – $500 million in mental health over the next five years so schools can fund mental health counselors and services on site

Transportation & Gas Tax – The newly created Public Safety and Protection Fund is a dedicated funding source to reduce the government’s reliance on gas taxes by $100 million per year for the next five years. Background: Gas taxes are the primary funding for the state’s Motor License Fund, along with driver’s license and registration fees. That fund is used to pay for road and bridge improvements, but it also helps cover the cost of state police operations.

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – The budget includes $633 million funding from RGGI. When campaigning, Shapiro stated concerns about RGGI and promised to work with the House and Senate, where both D’s and R’s voted in majorities to block entry into RGGI. This new tax that will increase electricity prices for all.

PNRC Days of Caring

By: Carolyn Keller (Curio412) , Sheila Talarico (Glade Run Foundation) and Cat Miceli (Gateway Rehab Services)

Last year, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber launched our Days of Caring, a program designed to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and demonstrate commitment to strengthening our communities and region. Coordinated by the Community Outreach Committee, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber organizes multiple Days of Caring each year that connect volunteers in the beautification of our Chamber's footprint and support of our nonprofit partners.

When we think about volunteerism, we understand that creating purposeful opportunities to connect with the community can be a powerful asset for local businesses of all sizes. Since both consumers and employees often identify with a company’s commitment to the community, volunteering has the ability to boost employee engagement and retention as well as enhance company reputation. Not to mention, the impact that individual and organizational generosity has on making our communities a better place.

Each week, through Connections Meetings, Nonprofits North, ribbon cuttings and so much more, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber encounters wonderful businesses and nonprofits doing great work. We are committed to providing unique ways to bring these organizations together so that our region can build resilience and support one another. Through Days of Caring, Chamber members are able to give back, engage in employee team building, and network with other businesses.

The Community Outreach Committee organizes several events each year, providing members of the Chamber and the community with a satisfying volunteer opportunity. In 2022, the Chamber committed to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Adopt a Highway program as the core element of Days of Caring. Chamber members and volunteers clean and beautify a two mile stretch of roadway located along Route 910 in Wexford/ Pine Township from North Chapel Road to Pearce Mill Road.

This year's Adopt a Highway events are scheduled for April 23, June 27, and October 6, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Volunteers meet at New Community Church and all supplies and safety equipment are provided. This year's Adopt a Highway Days of Caring are sponsored by Curio412. An additional Day of Caring event will be hosted in collaboration with PNRC member and nonprofit organization Gateway Rehab. Taking place on July 28, 2023, volunteers will work together on landscaping, cleaning, and painting projects to promote campus beautification for patient experience enhancement. Please watch your email for the opportunity to sign up to participate in any of this year's Days of Caring!

Presenting Sponsor:

Days of Caring Schedule 2023:

April 23

June 27

July 28 Gateway Rehabilitation Center (volunteers will work together on landscaping, cleaning, and painting projects to promote campus beautification for patient experience enhancement).

October 6

All Days of Caring are scheduled 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Interested in participating in Days of Caring this year? Be on the lookout for signups on the Chamber website!

Our Next Great Workforce Begins at Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week!

“PFEW is unique in that it gave me a glimpse into the business world in a way that I don't think I could have experienced otherwise. There have also been incredible speakers with powerful messages that will change my life. The lessons in business and in life that I have learned here will be unmatched in any other event that I attend. Students need to experience this hands-on learning that will prepare future generations to become the next community leaders and understand what employers want and need.”

This quote from PFEW 2022 graduate Julia Bianchin from Butler Area Senior High School in Butler County describes why we support Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week. PFEW prepares students like Julia to assume roles as our next great employees, employers, and community leaders. Because workforce development remains the top priority of Pennsylvania businesses, this program is needed more than ever.

Offered by the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education (FFEE), PFEW is a hands-on program entirely funded and taught by practitioners from the PA business community, and that’s why it is so effective. Students form teams and run a modern manufacturing company using a powerful college-level simulation. They make the same decisions you make every day. Volunteer mentors provide guidance and insight into modern business operations.

Students attend PFEW on a fully tax-deductible $695 sponsorship donated by a business, foundation, organization or individual, and they will discover business, the American free enterprise system and develop the skills today’s employers need. FFEE is an approved Educational Improvement Organization through the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. I encourage you to provide PFEW sponsorships for our local students and, if possible, volunteers for the sessions.

FFEE offers two additional programs that prepare students for the workforce. The Stock Market Game (SMG) teaches students in grades 4-12 about investing and financial literacy, and the Speaker Series helps students explore careers and discover the knowledge and skills needed to become great employees. All Foundation programs are singularly focused on promoting the ideals of free enterprise and developing our young people into productive, engaged employees and leaders. To learn more about these fantastic FFEE programs, visit www.pfew.org or contact Scott Lee, VP of marketing & development for the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education at (814) 833-9576 ext. 8, or scott@pfew.org.

Julia is pictured here, front row, second from left, with her team, Chewnines, a Pet Supply company, at PFEW 2022.

By: Jessica Giorgi, Co-Director, Fit-Learning Pittsburgh

To the Parent Who Feels Lost with a Child Struggling in School…

Do you suspect that your child has ADHD, ASD, or a learning disorder? Have they recently been identified? Are they unable to keep up with the rest of the class? Are they taking medication to stay focused? Do they run away from teachers or the classroom? Is your child a frequent visitor to the principal’s office?

If this sounds like your child, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Have you identified or are you actively seeking the root of your child’s struggle? The school is a valuable place to start. They have trained staff, such as psychologists and behavior specialists, who can help determine the answers to these questions. If this process does not feel complete, there are private and public agencies you can turn to for more information.

2. Has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504C been suggested for or designed for your child? This specialized document that you create with the district maps out the detailed plan to support your child. This plan will be monitored and updated as your child progresses towards their goals. These plans can address both academic and social needs.

Is the current plan addressing their needs? Are you seeing measurable progress such as:

- Scores on progress monitoring going up - getting closer to grade level?

- Behaviors of concern going down?

- More time in the mainstream classroom with less pull-out services?

If you are not seeing this type of progress, actively work with your team to determine what interventions should be put into place. You want information that can be observed, measured and compared. For example; test scores, total number of errors, or total time needed to complete a task. Arbitrary measurements such as “student is making progress” or “doing great” does not give you a complete picture of the child’s performance. A stronger description could look like this: “Has gone from reading a first grade passage at 45 words per minute with 8 errors to 60 words per minute with 4 or fewer errors in six weeks.”.

3. Do you have a good support team? You are the primary driver of your child’s education plan and you choose who is on your team. It is essential for you to be supported by people who know and understand your child’s needs. Team members can include professionals, school psychologists, educational experts, advocates, social services, case managers, behavioral teams, family, and friends.

Fit Learning Pittsburgh partners with families and schools to design and navigate educational plans. We help connect families to resources, professionals, agencies, and providers that may become part of your support team. Our model produces academic growth by identifying and targeting your child’s missing component skills. Your child can see a years’ worth of measurable improvement in just 40 hours of our services. These services have been proven successful for every kind of student, regardless of age, disability, challenge, or label.

Presenting Sponsor:

American Cancer Society

Armstrong

A.W. Beattie Career Center

Basilone Executive Search and Staffing

Baierl Auto Group

Borough of Seven Fields

Butler County Community College

CCAC North Campus cfsbank

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 L.L.P.

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

Innovate E-Commerce, Inc.

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 Monthly Magazine

Seneca Valley School District

The Chadwick

Three Rivers Paintball, Inc.

Tierra Realty Management

WesBanco Bank– Cranberry

WesBanco Bank– Perry Highway

Win-Son Inc.

AdVenture Development

Armstrong Comfort Solutions

Atria McCandless

Baker Consulting Services, Inc.

BNI Western PA

Bridge Home Realty

Camp Bow Wow– Cranberry

Chatham University Eden Hall Campus

Cranberry Supply Co.

Farmers National Bank of Canfield

Glade Run Foundation

Greater Pittsburgh Business Connection

ALSAC/ St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh

Butler County/North Hills Home Show

Cranston IT, Inc.

Jason’s Deli– Cranberry Township JazzHR

JDog Junk Removal and Hauling Cranberry

Township

Kress Restoration

Liberty Insurance Agency

Living in Liberty

McCandless Floral

MHY Family Services

Mr. Electric of Cranberry Township

NexTier Bank

Nick Scotti Concrete Contractor Inc.

Olive Garden/Cranberry

Phelps Nursery PGH, North Inc.

FocalPoint Business Coaching of Greater Pittsburgh

Gaskill Architecture Insperity

Lolev Beer

Piatt

Pittsburgh Jet Center

Pressley Ridge

Print Tech of Western PA

The Exercise Coach– Cranberry Township

The Pavilion at Star Lake Live Nation

USX Federal Credit Union

Vincentian Charitable Foundation

WesBanco Bank Perry Highway

Wessel & Company Accountants & Advisors

Wine Concrete Products Inc.

Keiran Mazzoni

Pittsburgh Safe Floors LLC

Scrubd Esthetics

Sunny Spaces Organizing WoodmenLife

Mark

Brian

Sotheby’s International Realty

Alicia Photography

Jim Boltz

Christina Grzybek Gregg Hill

Lisa Hunt

Kelvin Mack

Carrie Nolan-Robson

Kathleen Kuznicki

Prentice

Stevens

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lisa Hunt Board Chair U$X Federal Credit Union

Mark Prentice Past Chair Valpak of Western Pennsylvania

Sheila Talarico Vice Chair Glade Run Foundation Rakesh Unnithan Chair Elect WesBanco Bank

Carolyn Keller Foundation Chair Curio412, LLC

Kathleen Kuznicki—Secretary The Lynch Law Group

Jada Lehman Treasurer Expense Reduction Analysts

Jim Boltz President Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Board of Directors

Tom Baker North Hills Community Outreach

Niki Campbell The Flourish Group

Rich Coyner Minuteman Press– Cranberry

Steve Diffenderfer Dollar Bank

Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher United Way of Southwestern PA

Ryan Kociela Butler County Community College

Perry Latimer Butler County Tourism

Sally Power Treasure House Fashions

Craig Pritts My Benefit Advisor

Bradley Wilkins Key Bank

Felipe Valdez Nothing Bundt Cakes