Corridors December 2022

2022 December

IN THIS ISSUE GIVING BACK DURING THE HOLIDAYS 2022 DAYS OF GIVING WAYS TO VOLUNTEER DURING HOLIDAYS GIVING TREE PROGRAM

CORRIDORS

From the President

Upcoming Networking Events

Member of the Month

Days of Giving 2022

Sponsorship Opportunities 2022

How Companies Can Give Back During the Holidays

Community Builders

7 Ways Your Company Can Volunteer This Holiday Season

Affinity Partner Corner

Affinity Partners Program 2022

Nonprofit Spotlight— Giving Tree Program

Holiday Social Sponsorship Opportunities

December Events Calendar

Educational Corner

Acton Academy — Pittsburgh

2022 Board of Directors

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Every month, we honor a member who has made major contributions to the Chamber, its members, and the community. At this time, as the year is ending, I would like to recognize our 2022 honorees one more time. These are people, who, through their unselfishness, have made a difference.

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January- Curtis Armstrong, Total Card Processing

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February- Tony Drescher, Direct Payment Consultants

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March- Bradley Wilkins, Key Bank Wexford

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April- Tom Baker, North Hills Community Outreach

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May- Jada Lehman, Expense Reduction Analysts

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June- Amy Schafer, Dollar Bank

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July- Nancy Iglesias, Oasis Senior Advisors

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August- Amanda Mitchell, Mr. Electric of Cranberry Twp.

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September- Dawn Petrosky, Rex Glass & Mirror

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October- Amy Knight, Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios

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November- Art Ianuzzi

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December- Retiring Board members

Jim Boltz President

-Tracy Armstrong, North Pittsburgh Greeting Co. -Gary Basilone, Basilone Executive Search -Andrew Chiapusio, First National Bank -Lorry Perkins, Travel Blogger -Calvin Sales, New York Life Sincerely,

Jim Boltz President, PNRC PghNorthChamber.com | December

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 11:30AM—1PM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15TH 8AM-9AM

PRIMANTI BROS. — ALLISON PARK

Come Celebrate Women in Business!

4679 William Flynn Hwy, Allison Park, PA 15101

Virtual event via Zoom

Register HERE

Register HERE

Every Tuesday, 11:30AM-1PM @ Discovery Christian Church in Mars

Want to present at a Connections Meeting?

Email Kelvin Mack

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 5PM-7PM CRANBERRY TWP MUNICIPAL BUILDING 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066

More Info 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.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Retiring Board Members While every year, we recognize retiring board members in December, their efforts and generosity are continuous. The hard work of individuals that serve on the Board benefits all Chamber members.

Calvin Sales, New York Life Calvin has served on the board for three years. In the past year, he has served as the secretary on the Executive Committee. Calvin has also served as chair on the membership committee. Calvin was selected member of the month in September of 2018 and the chamber’s Young Professional of the Year in 2018.

Tracy Armstrong, North Pittsburgh Greeting Company Tracy has served for seven years on the Board. In that time, she has served on the Executive Committee for four years, including serving as Board Chair. She also served on numerous committees: steering, strategic planning, personnel, and nominating. She has chaired the steering and personnel committees. In 2016, Tracy was awarded the chamber’s Women’s Entrepreneurial Award and, in 2021, she received the chamber’s Board Champion Award.

Lorry Perkins, Travel Blogger Lorry served on the Board in 2022. She has also served on the outreach and events committee. In 2020, Lorry was chosen as member of the month in January.

Gary Basilone, Basilone Executive Search Gary has served on the Board for two separate six year stints. He has served in numerous capacities including Board Chair and Educational Foundation Board Chair . He has also served on several committees including the executive, steering, strategic planning, personnel, and nominating, chairing the nominating committee. Twice, Gary has been chosen as the chamber’s annual Prestigious Business Leader and, in 2020, Gary was awarded the chamber’s Board Champion Award.

Andrew Chiapusio, First National Bank Andrew has served for six years on the Board. In that time, he has served on the Executive Committee for four years, including the office of Board Chair. He also served on numerous committees including steering, strategic planning, personnel, legislative, finance, facilities, and nominating. He has chaired the steering, legislative and facilities committees.

PghNorthChamber.com | December

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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Chamber Days of Giving dates: Monday, December 5th - Tuesday, December 20th What Are The 12 Days of Giving?

We want you to make the most of your membership, however it best fits your needs as an individual or business owner! Every business day from 12/5-12/20, we offer specials on Events, Advertising, Networking Packages and more!

Each “Day of Giving” we will announce a new special!

Stay informed on upcoming 2022 Chamber Specials by checking your email each “Day of Giving.”

Deals and Promotions will also be listed on the PNRC Facebook and Instagram pages.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

FOR 2022 SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES, CONTACT CARRIE NOLAN-ROBSON AT CROBSON@PGHNORTHCHAMBER.COM PghNorthChamber.com | December

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How Companies Can Give Back During the Holidays in 2022 Authored by: Anna Webber, Team Contributor | TeamBonding The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the opportunity to help those in need and give back to the community. This is also a great opportunity for you to show your gratitude to those who have dedicated so much of their time and effort to furthering the success of your organization in the past year.

According to America’s Charities Snapshot Employee Donor Research, 71% of surveyed employees say that it’s important for them to work for a company that is supportive of giving back and volunteering. This leads us to a conclusion that giving back during the holidays is first and foremost a meaningful way to show your appreciation and honor the spirit of giving, but it can also provide plenty of great business benefits.

But what exactly are those great business benefits, and what are some of the best ways to give back during the 2022 holidays? Read on to find out what you can do right now to make this holiday season a more joyous time for your employees, as well as your local community.

The Benefits of Giving Back As a leader in your organization, you’re always looking for those win-win situations in which good deeds and acts of charity can also prove beneficial to the company. That kind of synergy can go a long way toward furthering your organization’s goals, improving employee engagement, and strengthening your community all at once. So, why not seek it out wherever you can?

Here are some of the many benefits your organization can enjoy when you decide to give back this holiday season.

Stronger Relationships When your organization lends a helping hand, be it to charities, to employees, or to your community as a whole, it lays the foundation for a strong relationship that can prove beneficial to all involved. The recipients of your organization’s charity will reap the rewards of those contributions, while your organization can garner a good reputation and the goodwill that charity evokes.

Increased Employee Engagement You know by now how important employee engagement is to the success of any organization. According to a recent report from Gallup, companies with highly engaged employees are 21% more profitable and outperform competitors by 147%. In other words, companies that are committed to improving the overall employee experience can directly impact the customer experience, which ultimately leads to higher profits.

One of the best ways to improve employee engagement is to give back to the community during the holiday season. Whether by allowing employees to volunteer at a charity of their choice, by volunteering your own time, or by donating to causes that speak to them, you can inspire and motivate your people to connect with their place of work and become more engaged and productive.

An Improved Community Making your community better by investing in projects and initiatives that people care about not only helps the community grow but can also directly impact the prosperity of your organization. Whether you’re beautifying public spaces, putting forth an effort to combat issues afflicting the community, or making donations to improve schools in your area, your company gains just as much from your giving as everyone else.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

4 Simple Ways to Give Back for the Holidays Now that you know just how beneficial to your organization giving back can be, you’re probably wondering how best to make it happen. Let’s look at a few of the best ways to show your gratitude to your workforce and your community during the holiday season this year.

1. Donate to a Meaningful Cause Donating to a charity is one of the simplest ways to extend a helping hand during the holidays. Not only does it provide funding for a noble cause and offer help to those that need it most, but it can also help to build a strong reputation for your company within your community and among your employees.

Choosing a charity that reflects the values that your organization strives to uphold is a great way to strengthen company culture. If you want to go a step further, you can even ask your employees which charities they wish to support and then make donations in their names. This way, you are essentially taking the spotlight off your corporation or business and placing it on your deserving employees.

2. Organize a Charity Event Simple donations to a meaningful cause can go a long way, but holding a charity event can go even further than that. Seek out a foundation that reflects your company’s values, and then organize an event to raise funds.

Provided your event is a successful one, you should be able to raise far more than what your organization would have been able to donate all on its own. In doing so, you’ll also be providing a great time for all of those involved. A fun holiday event that provides money to a great cause is one of those win-wins that you just can’t pass up.

Consider virtual team building events like Impact Online that have a charitable aspect. Engage your employees with fun challenges, quizzes, and trivia while also enabling them to make meaningful contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

If you’re looking for more localized charitable initiatives, Paws For a Cause is a unique team building workshop that also uses games and trivia to get people involved in making the community a happier place for everyone. What better way to achieve that than by having your employees work together to make and donate essential supplies to local animal shelters.

3. Corporate Volunteering You can give back to your community and your employees at the same time this holiday season by creating a workplace initiative to encourage corporate volunteering. Providing your employees an opportunity to volunteer for a charity that’s meaningful to them can help to improve employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, while also providing a great cause with a helping hand when they most need it.

This method of giving back should prove to be especially useful with the younger members of today’s workforce, as they’re more motivated to do work that they find meaningful. In fact, the 2014 Millennial Impact Study found that 53% of Millennials said that having their passions recognized by employers is one of their main reasons for not leaving the company. In a separate study, 77% of surveyed companies believe that they can attract more job applications from Millenials if they offer employee engagement opportunities.

4. Improve Your Local Community You are almost certain to feel the impact of your organization’s giving much more if you focus on local causes. Perhaps the goods or services that your company provides can be offered for free to members of your community who need them most during the holiday season, or maybe you can give donations to areas of your community that require repair, reform, or renewal.

Whatever you choose to do this holiday season to better your community is just as much a gift to your company and its employees as it is a gift to your neighbors.

To read the full article, click HERE PghNorthChamber.com | December

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

Ace Handyman Services Pittsburgh North Advantage Energy Partners, LLC Alliance for Nonprofit Resources Ameriglide Another Level Ministries Armstrong Comfort Solutions Arvos Schmidtsche Schack, LLC Atria’s Restaurant & Taverm - Fox Chapel Axis Business Consultants Banc Card of America Big Spring Spirits Bill Few Associates, Inc. Bosland Electric, LLC Butler County Symphony Butler Eagle CCK Consulting | tHRive-People Practices 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. Common Sense Cleaning, LLC Commonwealth Charter Academy Community Bank Compass Self Storage-Gibsonia Cranberry Highlands Golf Course Cranberry Supply Co. Cranberry Township Cranberry Village Estates Crea Excavating, Inc. Creative Real Estate Development Co. Creese, Smith, Hune & Co. LLC Curio412, LLC C.W. Howard Insurance Agency, Inc. Daniel Novakovich Insurance Agency Dented Keg Brewing Company Direct Payment Consultants Dollar Bank Page 10

Dukovich & Associates Ed Cline Appraisals Edward Jones Investments- Andrew Dobies 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 Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant Fun Fore All Family Fun Park Goddard School-Hampton Goldfish Swim School Wexford Guardian Storage-Cranberry Guardian Storage-Hampton Guardian Storage-Ross Guardian Storage-Seven Fields H2R CPA Handel's of McCandless HEARTH Heritage Hospice Highlander Waterproofing & Foundation Repair Hill, Barth & King LLC Holsinger Home Depot - Cranberry House of 1000 Beers I-Clean, Inc. IMA | ESS InVision Human Services Innovate E-Commerce, Inc. Jason's Deli- Cranberry Twp Jeff Brooks Landscaping Jewelry by Alicia and Scott Jireh Mobile Joe Palmieri Construction, Inc. Junior Achievement of Western PA Just In Thyme Catering and Events, Inc. Kress Restoration Landmark Properties Group Laurel Business Institute Laurelwood/West Realty Land & Development Co. Leathem Creation Co. Legal Shield & Identity Theft Protection Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

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

Liberty Insurance Agency Link to Visibility, LLC Lisowski Tree Service & Landscaping, LLC Masonic Village at Sewickley MEDIA - The Creative Agency MHY Family Services Mainstream Boutique Maria Valdez-In Memory of Bruce Conley Mars Bank Mascari Auto Body, Inc. Masonic Fund Society McCall Scanlon & Tice, LLC - CPA McGuire Memorial Foundation Mcintyre Square Associates Morella & Associates MSA - The Safety Company Muhlenkamp & Company, Inc. Mullin Landscape & Winter Management Myers, Patsy, & Associates, LLC Newt & Ruby Interiors NexTier Bank Nick Scotti Concrete Contractor Inc. Nicole Zirnsak State Farm Insurance North Hills Family Dental North Pittsburgh Greeting Company North Star Buick GMC Northland Public Library 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. Pawlowicz Dentistry Phelps Nursery PGH, North Inc. Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty Pittsburgh Skin Polesky Agency — Erie Insurance Priority2Work R.M. Stoof & Associates Inc. Realty ONE Group Gold Standard Restart, Inc. PghNorthChamber.com | December

Right Electric, Inc. RiteRug Flooring Riverview Carpet & Flooring, Inc. Rj Community Management SERVPRO of Southern Butler County SPARK SIGNS & GRAPHICS Scolieri Law Group P. C. Sechler Law Firm, LLC Sheeley Agency- Allstate Insurance Special T Electronics 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 Joint...the Chiropractic Place The Lynch Law Group The Pavilion at Star Lake – Live Nation The Payroll Shop, LLC The Wilson Group, LLC Thought Process Enterprises Three Rivers Paintball, Inc. Tierra Realty Management TownePlace Suites Township of Hampton Treasure House Fashions Treesdale Golf & Country Club Treesdale Life - BeLocal Cranberry Trib Total Media Ultimate Granite Surfaces, Inc. Vincentian Vitalant (Central Blood Bank) Wain Landscaping, LLC Walnut Grill Weber Insurance Agency WesBanco Bank West Penn Multi-List, Inc. White Deer Run Treatment Network Win-Son Inc. Wine Concrete Products Inc. Young Adult Survivors United Page 11

7 Ways Your Company Can Volunteer This Holiday Season Authored by: Kyrsten Ledger The weather’s getting chilly, leaves have fallen off the trees, and snow is on its way! That means the holidays are right around the corner and so is the time of giving! While receiving presents is nice, being generous to others is even better, especially as a business. Taking the initiative to give to others as a company is rewarding, engages employees to work as a team, and promotes your business.

Things we take for granted, like books, warm clothes, toiletries, food, and shelter, are often luxuries that millions of people don’t have. Even if your business isn’t able to donate or purchase items to give away, you can still devote time by volunteering to help those in need.

Check out ways your business can make the holidays special for everyone

1. Host a Drive A lot of drives require a minimum of participants to either donate items or help volunteer with set up and registration.

That’s why companies are the perfect candidates for hosting any type of drive. No matter what you choose, remember that most organizations will help you coordinate the drive; however, you must sign up or apply in advance. Not every area is going to have programs that help companies host drives and that’s okay! Some will still offer their assistance to make sure you’re successful and allow you to mail in any donations you receive.

There are many different drives you can look into, including books, clothes, blood, and food.

Hosting a drive takes a lot of preparation, therefore it’s best to figure out which kind will be the most suitable and make sure your company meets all of the requirements. To find out what drive best suits your employees, send out a survey and have them vote on a date they’re available to volunteer/donate and what type of drive they would be willing to participate in. For example, some of your staff might be squeamish about blood and most likely wouldn’t want to be a part of a blood drive.

2. Adopt-a-Family If you want to take donating a step further, try adopting a family for the holidays. Once your company has signed up and “adopted” a family, you will receive their Christmas lists. Place the lists in your break room and have staff members sign up for certain items. This way you prevent any duplicates and ensure that everyone gets an equal number of gifts. Set a deadline for everyone to bring in the gifts they purchased and throw a wrapping party with holiday music and festive drinks, like apple cider or hot chocolate.

I used to work for a company who adopted a family through their church community, but there are other organizations like Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army that offer sign-up services. Remember when you adopt-a-family, you aren’t just getting gifts for the kids, but everyone in the household. This includes parents, grandparents, and any other relatives that might live in the home, like cousins or aunts and uncles.

3. Make Care Packages Not being able to afford or receive presents during the holidays can be disheartening, but being surrounded by loved ones is truly what matters most. That’s why making care packages for soldiers overseas or animals left in shelters can give someone a little piece of home. Do some research and provide a list of items needed for the care packages. Then set a deadline for each staff member to bring in their own individually-made care kit. This ensures that each one is unique and includes personal touches.

Organizations like Support Our Troops, Just Our Soldiers Helpers, and Operation Gratitude all offer care package opportunities for active military members. From sunscreen and movies to candy bars and beef jerky, there’s no shortage of items you can send. There are also non-profit animal rescues or local animal control centers that accept donations such as food, toys, litter, blankets, or dog beds. Some even have Amazon wish lists to make it easier on you, your employees, and the shelter staff. Overall, you can always call to find out what they need.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

4.Send Handwritten Holiday Cards Some places, like hospitals or nursing homes, don’t allow care packages but will allow you to send cards. Conduct a short staff meeting and have everyone brainstorm holiday card ideas and agree on a destination to send them when they’re completed. Once you have a general idea of what the cards will look like, get them printed and hand out one for each member of your staff. Every employee will have the ability to write their own holiday-inspired message.

Of course, there’s going to be some generalness to each card because you won’t know these people personally, but I can promise you the thought alone is what matters. After years of experience with nursing home residents at my mom’s facility, I can vouch that the smallest gesture can make all the difference in the world. That’s why letting others know you’re thinking about them this holiday season will keep them from saying, “Bah Humbug!” The thought of receiving a piece of mail that isn’t a bill or junk is enough to make anyone feel warm and fuzzy inside.

5. Help the Homeless If you want to be more involved with who you’re helping and put a face to the cause, try finding a homeless shelter near your company. Pick a date, usually on the evenings or weekends, and put signup sheets in your lunch room or send out a mass email asking for volunteers. Once you have enough volunteers, agree to either meet at work and carpool or all meet at the homeless shelter. Here at Quality Logo Products®, we like to donate our unused promos to our local homeless shelter, Hesed House, including jackets, blankets, and reusable water bottles.

Winter is by far one of the worst seasons to not have proper clothing, a good meal, or an adequate heat source. Food pantries and soup kitchens are ways your company can make sure that people have enough food to eat. Since shelters fill up fast, hot foods will help warm up those that have to spend a lot of time outdoors. Aside from food, the homeless are in desperate need for hats, mittens, winter coats, socks, and boots to help keep warm. You can donate extra or outgrown winter gear, including kids clothing items. Most people don’t realize there are over 1 million homeless kids in the United States between the ages 5-18. It’s vital for their overall health and well-being that they also stay warm. Try calling your local homeless shelters, including women’s domestic shelters, to sign up and help!

6. Be Unique With so many opportunities to spread happiness, some of the simplest ways to make someone’s holiday can get overlooked, like leaving a generous tip at your local coffee shop, donating poinsettia bouquets to district teachers, or buying donuts for your county law enforcement. You can choose something different each year or have your company come up with unique ways to give back and say thanks and take a vote! Once something is decided on, set up a donation box that everyone has access to and let your staff know how long they have to contribute. You can set a minimum of $5 for each staff member or leave the amount entirely up to them!

After the donations are all collected, it’s time to execute your company’s idea! If your employees chose donuts, use the money to buy a wide variety at your neighborhood donut shop and drop off the donuts at the police department closest to you. Keeping these opportunities local not only spreads holiday cheer, but also gives back to your community and promotes internal economic growth.

7. Volunteer If none of these options work for your company due to a shortage of staff or you would rather donate time, you can always volunteer. There are tons of different organizations to choose from, such as Feed My Starving Children or Meals on Wheels, that can help spread some holiday cheer. All you have to do is gather a list of how many of your employees would like to volunteer, sign-up, and pick a date and time!

There are places all over the United States where you and your company can volunteer. Need somewhere to start? Ask your employees for some ideas or you can try finding your perfect volunteer match here. Over 100,000 non-profits rely on Volunteer Match to find volunteers for their programs.

No matter what you decide to do, whether it’s a personal or team decision, you’re sure to brighten someone’s day by donating your time this holiday season. Who knows, maybe you’ll make their whole year! There is always going to be people and animals out there that need help, especially when the weather gets colder. In the end, spreading happiness, warmth, and kindness is never a bad thing.

Does your company volunteer or give back at the end of the year? Share your stories below. We’d love to hear what you do to make the world a little more joyful!

To read the entire article, click HERE PghNorthChamber.com | December

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Keeping Employee Benefits Simple It’s possible to overcomplicate employee benefits.

Depending on the size, demographics and level of benefit knowledge among the people

who comprise your workforce, there may be value to keeping your benefit program simple and understandable. Most employees already juggle a variety of responsibilities between home life and work life and piling on additional complications from a poorly planned or communicated benefit program without sufficient supporting resources doesn’t help.

Companies can start by showing their employees they care by developing a well-thought out, consistent benefit strategy that evolves over time rather than undergoing drastic

shifts from year to year. By communicating the cohesive strategy and its associated details on a regular basis through an organized, user-friendly multi-media campaign, employees can better understand their benefit options and make more confident, informed decisions. And by providing employees with ample and targeted resources to facilitate a smooth decision making and enrollment selection process, employers also win, since their benefit dollar expenditures will yield maximum returns and help improve employee morale and productivity.

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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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

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.

PghNorthChamber.com | December

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NONPROFIT Each Holiday Season, Chamber member businesses and the community join together to help individuals in need through our local nonprofits. This year, the 17 nonprofits who have submitted lists of individuals include: Bethany Christian Services Crisis Center North Glade Run Lutheran Services In Vision Human Services The Lighthouse Foundation Lutheran Services Society

MHY Family Services North Hills Affordable Housing (HEARTH) North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) Pittsburgh Job Corps Pittsburgh Mercy

Pressley Ridge Treasure House Fashions Verland Vincentian Collaborative Services Wesley Family Services Young Adult Survivors

Pick up your tag at any of the locations (listed below) or visit the Giving Tree Square booths at the Holiday Village Market on Saturday, December 3rd from 5-8pm to fulfill the wish of a child or adult in need this holiday season.

Giving Tree tags are available for pick-up at the following locations: AHN-Wexford Hospital AJ Technology Group Amy’s Embroidery & More Beyond Parallel Fitness Bradford Woods Community Church Camp Bow Wow Carpenter, McCadden, Lane, LLP CFS Bank Clear Choice Enterprises Coldwell Banker Realty-Cranberry Ferguson Financial Consulting, Inc. Flour Power Kid’s Cooking School Flourish Group Franklin Inn G & G Fitness Goldfish Swim School-Fox Chapel Goldfish Swim School-Wexford Hand and Stone Spa-Cranberry Innovative Family Wellness Jodie Erickson Joseph Lane & Co. Employees of Keybank-Wexford Knichel Logistics Lifeline Therapy

Loan Depot-Skippy Cottrell Lynch Law Group Melanie Marsh, Realtor Meyers, Patsy, & Associates Minuteman Press Morella & Associates MyDog’s Care Center My Salon Suite North Hills Dental Nothing Bundt Cakes OMEGA Federal Credit Union Outback Steakhouse PINNACLE Financial Strategies, LLC Pittsburgh Optical Ridge Insurance Agency, Inc. Rowdy Roots Salon Salon Reflections-Wexford Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Splash a Division of Nicklas Supply Tierra Realty Management Toto Community Resource Turo Family Chiropractic Unishippers of Pittsburgh/Greensburg Valley Pool and Spa

The community can drop-off gifts through December 12th, 2022. Collection of gifts will be coordinated with each nonprofit at the Chamber offices following the last collection day.

Nonprofit Spotlight Sponsored by

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Midterm Election Results

T

Authored by: Jon O’Data | Funeral Director, Cremation Society of Pennsylvania

he busiest midterm election is history is over, at

least in Pennsylvania. The projected Red Wave did not materialize as election winners for the most part followed registration and voting patterns, as generally Republicans won in Republican areas and Democrats won in Democrat areas. Democrat Attorney General Josh Shapiro won the governor’s race and Democrat Lt. Governor John Fetterman won the Senate seat vacated by retiring Senator Pat Toomey. Although the majority of Pennsylvania counties trend Republican, Democrats have a 550,000 advantage statewide in registered voters due to large numbers in the cities. This bears out locally for example, as Republican U.S. House candidate Jeremy Shaffer, running in a district containing all of Beaver County and part of Allegheny County, won Beaver County by 12,000 votes but lost in Allegheny County by 35,000. Curiously for the Republicans, Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz won Beaver County by 6200 votes but gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano lost Beaver by 2000 votes, indicating a lot of ticket splitting. Josh Shapiro, John Fetterman, and U.S. House candidate Chris DeLuzio won Allegheny County by large margins, again following voter registration patterns.

Jon O’Data is a funeral director at the Cremation Society of Pennsylvania in Wexford and a member of the chamber’s Legislative Affairs Committee. He is a graduate of Geneva College, Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, and is an elected member of the Republican Committee of Beaver County.

PghNorthChamber.com | December

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com | December

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2022 Board of Directors Election Results Every year the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber has an election for its Board of Directors. It is our members’ opportunity to be involved in the process of selecting the leadership of the Chamber. The voting results will be paramount in setting the direction of our organization for the next few years. Each member company had one vote, while companies with multiple locations got a vote for each location listed as a member.

The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber elected six Directors to its Board. Five new Business Leaders and One Board incumbent will represent the business community in the region on the Chamber's Board of Directors for a 3-year term (2023-2025).

Incumbents include: • Lisa Hunt, U$X Federal Credit Union New leaders include: • Steve Diffenderfer, Dollar Bank • Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania • Ryan Kociela, Butler County Community College • Chuck Reese, Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in the North Hills • Felipe Valdez, Nothing Bundt Cakes.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

The Corporate Net Income Tax Rate is Finally Reduced!

EDUCATIONAL

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

Today let’s luxuriate in the start of a phase-down for Pennsylvania’s Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) rate. Our 9.99 percent CNIT – which has been the highest flat rate in the country –has always been a Stop Sign for businesses considering locating to Pennsylvania.

Beginning January 1, 2023, the tax rate will decrease one percentage point to 8.99 percent. Each year thereafter, the rate is scheduled to decrease 0.5 percentage points until it reaches 4.99 percent at the beginning of 2031. The full reduction takes PA from the highest flat CNIT rate in the country to the sixth lowest and marks the first change in the rate since 1995.

It is so easy to say, “Well that’s good but now we need the Net Operating Loss percentage limitation to be phased out,” and “Yes but now we need permitting reform,” True, but stop for one moment and enjoy a victory lap.

Take a deep breath, count to ten and visualize all of the invisible work of many advocacy organizations who have worked tirelessly, putting in hours and hours of strategy meetings and meetings with lawmakers to achieve the rate reduction.

If you have ever wondered, “Does advocacy really work? Is there a Return on Investment (ROI) or is it just like throwing money down a rabbit hole?” now you know the answer. Yes, advocacy does work.

Personally, it was a challenge to make the switch from running a small business to advocating for a pro-business environment. Advocacy is not like running a business where there is a Profit and Loss statement to review, inventory to count and a ROI. Those are concrete metrics. Working on legislation is much different. The results are not immediate or tangible. Advocacy requires patience, the ability to take the long view, working for what can be done politically known as “playing small ball,” the ability to compromise, and above all, persistence.

Our organization has worked for years with the Compete PA Coalition where reduction of the state’s corporate net income tax rate has been at the top of their policy agenda.

According to Carl Marrara, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, “This is the first major business tax reform package in decades,” …In 1995, then Governor Tom Ridge signed a tax code that lowered PA’s tax rate from 11.5% to the current 9.99%. As more overseas operations are being reshored, states are competing for business talent, capital, and investment.”

You may wonder why the CNIT rate reduction took so long and how was it finally accomplished. State lawmakers worked in a bipartisan manner and Governor Tom Wolf did not insist on attaching provisions that would erase the benefits of the CNIT reduction. Here’s how the vote played out for this year’s tax code, House Bill 1234, part of the budget, that included rate reduction: The House voted 184-16 and Senate 38-12.

To increase your understanding of how MBA Government Affairs works know that we join with several coalitions to accomplish legislative goals. The Power PA Jobs coalition opposes Pennsylvania’s entrance into the Regional Greenhous Gas Initiative (RGGI), The PA Coalition for Civil Justice Reform, as its name implies, and Stop New Energy Taxes- think severance tax. MBA partners on occasion with Pittsburgh Works Together, the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber, PA Chamber, NFIB, the Commonwealth Foundation and others.

Our goal is always to do what is in the best interest of businesses.

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About Acton Academy — Pittsburgh Acton Academy Pittsburgh is a school based in the North Hills where kids are free to be kids while learning how to be kind, compassionate, and confident individuals empowered to thrive in a world that needs independent, motivated thinkers and learners. Supported by the latest in technology and cognitive science, our school is a self-paced learning environment that is designed to foster responsibility, goal setting, and teamwork. Our students (ages 5 – 14) are independent learners who find great joy in learning in a tight knit community that upholds the highest standards of excellence.

The Acton Academies are an affiliate network of schools operated by entrepreneurial families whose own children participate in the program. The schools provide each other with feedback and resources, but each school remains independent and unique to its own community. At its core, the Acton Academy model focuses on: •

Learning to learn by adopting methods, routines and mental models as habits;

•

Learning to do in a way that delivers real world skills; and

•

Learning to be by espousing moral habits and life lessons deep in the heart.

Coupled together, all three of these ways lead to a next great adventure in life, that eventually blooms into a calling that changes the world.

We move beyond the traditional tools of lectures, homework, high-stakes tests, and grades. Our learners work at their own pace to achieve mastery in the core skills of reading, writing, and math. In mastery learning, children take the time they need to master a topic before moving on to the next, more advanced level. We replace external motivators like high-stakes test scores and grades with an intrinsic growth mindset. Students work with a guide to differentiate their core curriculum and progress at their own pace utilizing a blend of hands-on and online learning tools. They showcase their mastery by meeting their goals, earning badges, assembling portfolios and taking part in public exhibitions of their work.

Our students learn in collaborative classrooms of multi-age learners. Multi-age studios mean learning can be shared peer-to-peer and within squads through critiques and joint projects in a way that shares and accelerates learning in an exponential way and includes high levels of fun and engagement. Our flexible approach challenges each student with their differentiated learning plan, coupled with realworld projects and experiences. We believe students learn by doing. Whether it’s launching a startup business, creating a football helmet to prevent concussions, playing a musical instrument, painting a mosaic, or designing a trinket with our 3-D printer, Acton students are building real-life skills in the classroom every day.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

We believe the learning experience is much richer when the teacher (“Guide”) offers insightful questions and facilitates hands-on learning. Asking the right questions is equally as important as knowing the answers. Each day is launched with a Socratic discussion to highlight the focus of the day and build energy, bring up a community need, or just inspire and encourage students. Launches often begin with a story or video that sets the framework for the discussion. Or a guide might simply read a quote, such as this one by Maya Angelou: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” The students might then grapple with whether they believe what you do, what you say, or how you make someone feel has a more lasting impact. Socratic discussions develop listening skills, logic, perspective, and judgment that lead to powerful critical thinking.

Acton Academy is “student led.” Inspired by Montessori principles and Socratic teaching methods, our school fosters a holistic environment that aims to stimulate children’s minds, spirits, and bodies as they figure out the world around them and their place in it. This means young people take ownership of their education and peer relationships. Acton students learn to think independently, take responsibility, and embrace challenges.

The hallmark of our school is aimed at developing personal virtues in every child: responsibility, kindness, empathy, hard work, excellence, and integrity. Whether it’s setting up rules for the studio, holding a friend accountable during group work, leading a studio maintenance team, or highlighting something a peer did that was honorable during our daily character callouts at the close of each day, students are constantly exercising and honing life skills.

Armed with purpose and good character, we believe our students will launch into adulthood prepared to find their calling and change the world.

Asking questions is far more powerful than delivering answers – not just at Acton Academy, but also at home! It’s challenging to come up with good questions when you’re under the stress of all that comes with children and “school.” So, here’s a list for those days to spark meaningful conversation with your young heroes: When did you feel most challenged today? Do you want me to just listen, to give advice or to help?

What is one step you could take toward your goal? What strategies could you use to move forward?

What story are you telling yourself about this situation? Has something like this ever happened to you before? If so, how did you handle it? What can you learn from this? How did you participate in this?

What might be the other side of the story? What tools or resources do you have to deal with this? What are the consequences of your actions? Can you see an opportunity in this crisis? Can you give me an example? What would you advise someone in your situation?

If you’d like to learn more about our story, visit actonacademypittsburgh.com and request a copy of the book Courage to Grow by Laura Sandefer PghNorthChamber.com | December

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Alicia Photography American Cancer Society Diversified Plan Services Inc Fun Fore All Family Fun Park

McCandless Corporate Center Minuteman Press Cranberry

North Hills Monthly Magazine Restore It Three Rivers Paintball, Inc. Tierra Realty Management

Ace Handyman Services Pittsburgh North Allstate- Reuss Agency Another Level Ministries Banccard BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. Bosland Electric, LLC Camp Bow Wow Cranberry Colbert Law Coldwell Banker - Jan Stevens Common Sense Cleaning, LLC Concordia of Cranberry Drayer Physical Therapy Edward Jones Investments- Andrew Dobies Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Harmarville f5 Construction Services, LLC Find Your Destination Focus-CFO G.T.E.V. D'Lustigen Isartaler Inc. Green Apple Barter

GT Entrepreneurs Heasley's Nurseries Inc. Herbein + Company, Inc. Heritage Hospice I-Clean, Inc. Janitors Supply Company, Inc Jeff Brooks Landscaping Jireh Mobile Just In Thyme Catering and Events, Inc. Leathem Creation Co. Legal Shield & Identity Theft Protection Lender Laurie at Heroes First Home Loans Lithia Motors, Inc. dba Baierl Auto Group Media- The Creative Agency MMC Land Management Mortgage Planning Group Muhlenkamp & Company, Inc New Directions Counseling Services, Newt & Ruby Interiors NFP Nicole Zirnsak State Farm Insurance

North Hills Health & Rehabilitation Northland Heights, LLC Northwest Bank Nutritional Specialties, Inc Oil & Vinegar PGHBatteries.com Priority2Work RiteRug Flooring Salem Media Group Securing Memories Sheeley Agency- Allstate Insurance Sheetz Communications Spark Signs & Graphics Tait Engineering, Inc. The Haven at North Hills Town Square Publications Treesdale Life - BeLocal Cranberry Tusick & Associates Architects, Inc Verland Vivial Walnut Grill Wexford Weber Insurance Agency

Dail Digital DeMaster Dog Training Extended Stay America Premier Hormone Center

iR;se to Save Lives 501(c)3 Peoples Security Bank & Trust Prana Med Spa Sencak Orthodontics

Sound Advice Entertainment, LLC. Tapville Social Truth at Work Tuff Shed

Jim Boltz Gregg Hill

Kelvin Mack Mark Prentice

Carrie Nolan-Robson Brian Stevens

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Small businesses are what keep our communities vibrant - that's why a growing group of companies have come together to provide support to them during this time. Visit StandForSmall.com to learn more. #StandForSmall

What a great time of year to market your business and be charitable! Create a basket to donate for the holiday social’s raffle! It’s a great way to be a part of the giving season. All donations can be dropped off at the Wexford office until December 20th.

PghNorthChamber.com | December

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2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Mark Prentice—Chairman of the Board Valpak of Western PA

Lisa Hunt—Chair Elect U$X Federal Credit Union

Rakesh Unnithan—Vice Chair WesBanco Bank

Tracy Armstrong—Past Chair North Pittsburgh Greeting Company

Kathleen Kuznicki—Foundation Chair The Lynch Law Group

Rich Coyner—Treasurer Minuteman Press—Cranberry Twp.

Calvin Sales—Secretary New York Life

Jim Boltz—President Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Board of Directors Jada Lehman Expense Reduction Analysts

Tom Baker North Hills Community Outreach Gary Basilone Basilone Executive Search Elizabeth Blakely Link to Visibility Niki Campbell The Flourish Group

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Andrew Chiapusio First National Bank Carolyn Keller Curio412, LLC Perry Latimer Butler County Tourism

Sally Power Treasure House Fashions Craig Pritts My Benefit Advisor Sheila Talarico Glade Run Foundation

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

JIM BOLTZ

PRESIDENT

JBOLTZ@PGHNORTHCHAMBER.COM

KELVIN MACK

DIRECTOR, MARKETING & MEMBERSHIP

KMACK@PGHNORTHCHAMBER.COM

CARRIE NOLAN-ROBSON

DIRECTOR, EVENTS & PROGRAMS

CROBSON@PGHNORTHCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER HEADQUARTERS

5000 BROOKTREE ROAD, SUIT 100 WEXFORD, PA

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP OFFICE 2525 ROCHESTER ROAD CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA PHONE: 724.934.9700 FAX: 724.934.9710

PghNorthChamber.com | December

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