From the President Ribbon Cuttings, Connections Schedules, and Marketplace Lunch Meetings Member of the Month Volunteering with a Purpose Healthy Living 2020 Annual Meeting 2020 Annual Meeting Award Nominees Non-Profit Spotlight LunchBox Sessions Chamber Connections Ribbon Cuttings Legislative Corner Innovation Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week New Members
Our Annual Meeting is on February 13th at the Chadwick in Wexford. Susan Hoolahan, President of UPMC Passavant is our Keynote Speakers. Jim Roddey will be the Master of Ceremony. This year’s meeting will also take on adding significance. We will be celebrating the 10 year anniversary of our merger of the Cranberry and Northern Allegheny Chambers. We
Jim Boltz President
have over 200 members that are still members of the Chamber that were members then. All “Founding Members” that attend the event will get a special gift. This will be the beginning of a yearlong
celebration of our merger. At this meeting, we will also announce our annual business award winners. These awards are selected through a vote of our members. You will find the nominees for these awards on pages 12 and 13 of this month’s edition of Corridors. Our annual meeting is also the time that we recap our accomplishments of the previous year and speak to the exciting things that we have coming up for the new year. I hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Jim Boltz President, PNRC
PghNorthChamber.com
February 2020
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Friday, February 28
Home Based Ribbon Cutting 1pm-3pm Chamber HQ, Wexford
Daily networking events for business leaders throughout our Pittsburgh North region.
Wexford
Warrendale
McCandless
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 8:00am
Every Tuesday 11:30am
Every Thursday 11:30am
Chamber Headquarters 5000 Brooktree Road Wexford, PA
DoubleTree by Hilton Cranberry 910 Sheraton Drive Mars, PA
Fairfield Inn & Suites Pgh North 901 Providence Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA
Cranberry Twp
Valencia
Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday 8:00am
Every Friday 8:00am
Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA 2001 Ehrman Road Cranberry Twp., PA
Crystal Conservatories– St. Barnabas 100 Conservatories Court Valencia, PA
The Chamber is now offering afternoon meetings that will include open networking, lunch options, referral commercials and a sharing of ideas on best business practices. 1st Wednesday of Every Month 11:30am-1:00pm Monte Cello’s at the Hampton Shoppes 4655 William Flynn Highway, Route 8 Allison Park, PA
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4th Monday of Every Month 11:30am-1:00pm Family Bowlaway Fun Center 540 Fairground Hill Road, Butler PA
Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
Thomas Kvederis
The DoubleTree Hotel– Cranberry Twp.
"Tom Kvederis – The DoubleTree Hotel in Cranberry has gone through a lot of changes over the last few years. Through that time they have continued to be a great partner with the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber. We have Tom to thank for that. He does what he can to accommodate our needs. Not only do they host our Tuesday afternoon Connections meetings, but we also hold several events there a year. Each time, we get the same friendly and courteous service. This award
is just a small token of our appreciation." -Jim Boltz, PNRC President
PghNorthChamber.com
February 2020
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olunteering heals the heart and soul, builds the community, increases socializing, and promotes longevity. It can be as simple as helping a family member, volunteering at a school, or organizing a yard sale for charity. Volunteering allows organizations to thrive, and build a strong-
er bond with the community. Those who volunteer for Mars Family Services for example, provide the organization different tools and experiences in order to care for those struggling with mental and behavioral health issues. MHY Family Services (MHY) has proudly provided therapeutic support and services for youth and families for over 141 years. Today, MHY cares for those struggling with mental and behavioral health issues that adversely impacts their emotional and oftentimes physical wellness. MHY helps clients to improve family and peer relationships, regain success in school or work, and supports overall wellbeing. Serving the Pittsburgh area and beyond, MHY provides residential treatment for boys and girls, ages 9 to 18; education and credit recovery programs through Longmore Academy for students in kindergarten through grade 12; and community services for youth, families and adults in eight Pennsylvania counties. MHY recognizes that in addition to providing specialized therapeutic treatment, helping youth and families develop coping strategies can oftentimes make the difference in how one manages mental health disabilities, trauma and conflict. “Coping strategies are very individualized and unique for each person, ranging from recognizing one’s emotions to seeking a healthy distraction to manage stressors” said Allie Hamilton, MHY’s Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator.
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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
Amy Smith, Development Director shares “Through the support of many local community volunteers and donors, including individuals, families, churches, businesses and civic groups, MHY’s boys and girls are provided with the tools and experiences to help them develop new and healthy coping skills to better manage their response and regain emotional health.”
These are just a few of the MANY opportunities & activities provided to MHY youth by people just like you….
Swim Classes Zumba Flag Football Field Day Activities Arts and Crafts Sunday Church Services
Music Classes Painting Classes Supporting Birthday & Holiday Celebrations Job Skills Development Reptile Education Gardening and Landscaping
MHY is always in search of community support to provide more opportunities and experiences for the youth in its care. To learn more about MHY Family Services and how you can support this important mission, visit mhyfamilyservices.org for m or e information.
PghNorthChamber.com
February 2020
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or centuries, we’ve
known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how lifestyle choices may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. At any age, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain or potentially improve our health. These habits may also help to keep our brains healthy as we age and possibly delay the onset of cognitive decline.
February is American Heart Month. One of the programs we offer
through the Alzheimer’s Association® is the Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research program. Simply put, this program means that what’s good for your heart is good for your brain. The heart and brain are interrelated. What you do to protect your heart can also help your brain continue to operate at its best. The brain needs blood flow, it depends on oxygen and adequate blood flow to work well.
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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
Our Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body workshop covers four areas of lifestyle habits that are associated with healthy aging:
In each area, we discuss what we know, drawing on current research, as well as what we can do — steps to take now to improve or maintain overall health in each area. Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research is designed for individuals of any age who are looking for information on ways to age as well as possible. For more information on this program or others, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at info@alz.org or 800.272.3900.
PghNorthChamber.com
February 2020
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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
PghNorthChamber.com
February 2020
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The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the 2020 Annual Meeting. This event recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments and excellence of our business community each year. Join us this year as we commemorate the 10 Year Anniversary of the merger and honor the 200+ businesses that have been with us from the beginning for their decade of dedication.
The following individuals and businesses are the 2020 Annual Award Nominees: cv
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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
PghNorthChamber.com
February 2020
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F
or most people, a big part of who they are is what they do. And when someone loses their job, especially one in which they were successful and dedicated to their employer for many years, it can be very difficult: difficult not only to the now unemployed person but also on relationships with their spouse, children, relatives, friends and neighbors. Job loss also adversely affects the entire community by taking a productive, tax-paying, local business/ church/charity-supporting member out of the economic picture for months or even several years. And that’s where Priority2Work comes in. “P2W” is an all-volunteer, faith centered, 501c-3 nonprofit based in Wexford. P2W resulted from the merger of Priority Two and Discover HOPE Here, two separate nonprofits with similar missions who joined forces in May of 2017 to strengthen the support they provide to anyone in job transition: unemployed, underemployed, never employed, or reentering the workforce. Priority Two had been helping job seekers since 1982; Discover HOPE Here since 2009; combined having helped over 3,000 people over the years. “Our objective is straightforward” said Paul Hassett, P2W’s Board President, “we meet each individual where they are in their job search and provide them with all the support we can to help them land their next position.” To accomplish that, P2W provides services in three main areas: training, networking, and one-on-one emotional/spiritual support. P2W offers training in all aspects of the job search through its ten week, Career Marketing Program (CMP), and its Skills Seminars. CMP, sometimes called “the best job training program in the region” is offered three times per year. It is a comprehensive approach, starting with “Finding Your Gifts” and then working step-by-step through the entire job search process. Skills Seminars are on specialty topics, often with guest experts on subjects like Linked-In or Behavioral Interviewing. Panel discussions with HR professionals, local business owners, or past successful job seekers are also presented at Skills Seminars 70-80% of all jobs are found through networking. P2W has three structured networking offerings. Evening Networking sessions are offered three times per year with 20 or more business representatives networking with participants in a professional but relaxed environment. Coffee with HOPE, held the first Thursday of every month, brings together job seekers to share contacts, job hunting tips, and offer each other support. P2W’s Linked In Group offers participants an “instant” network of over 400 people, all former participant or P2W Team Members. “Informal” networking occurs at every CMP and Skills Seminar session. Working through job loss has been compared to coming to grips with the death of a close family member or friend. Job seekers often need help to navigate the wide range of emotions and challenges they and their loved ones encounter as the job seeker pursues their next position. P2W offers “Priority One” sessions, focusing on the role faith and spirituality can play in helping a participant in their search. Members of P2W’s Listening Team are available to discuss emotional and other issues one-on-one with participants. “The bottom line is we are people who have been there, we care, and we are here to help” said Hassett. For more information check the P2W website www.priority2work.org or email office@priority2work.org. Jobseekers are invited to register at http://priority2work.org/registration/ and someone from the P2W Intake Team will contact them. Employers who are looking for top talent are also encouraged to contact P2W. Businesses are welcome to present company profiles, interview or recruit on-site, and post job openings and hiring events on the P2W website. Please email office@priority2work.org
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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
February Lunchbox Session Wednesday, February 12 12PM-1PM Chamber HQ, Wexford Come Network and Learn with us from industry leaders during our monthly Lunchbox Sessions! Session Topic: “How To Stay Healthy While Growing and Maintaining a Successful Business” Presenters: Dr. Gi Ming “Lili” Chan Pamela Biasca Losada, MS
Lunch Sponsored By: Walnut Grill
PghNorthChamber.com | February 2020
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Connections Meetings provide the opportunity to meet the business leaders that make up your Chamber membership in a casual networking meeting, Regularly scheduled in convenient locations within the operational footprint, Connections is the ideal way to engage with potential clients and customers.
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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
The Chamber is very fortunate to celebrate the grand openings of new businesses into our growing region. On behalf of our members and Board of Directors, welcome!
PghNorthChamber.com | February 2020
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2020 U.S. Census
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usinesses in Butler County play an important role in getting an accurate population count in the 2020 U.S. Census, according to the 2020 Census Butler County Complete Count Committee. Census Day is April 1, 2020. County officials urge all Butler County residents to participate in the once every decade Census count since an accurate population tally has a significant impact on the County. Businesses are encouraged to promote participation in the Census to all of their employees. Owners and managers should inform their workers that the Census will occur in the spring of 2020 and that they should complete Census forms either in the mail or, for the first time ever, online. Here are some important facts about completing Census forms that businesses can pass along to their employees:
It is easy to complete with just a few questions to answer. It is secure. No individual or family information will be released publicly. It is the basis for numerous State and Federal programs and actions.
For example, Congressional and State Legislative Districts are established using these figures. State and Federal programs such as highway projects, low-income housing assistance, Head Start, rural electrification loans, sewage system programs and school breakfast programs are based on Census counts. According to studies, a Census undercount can result in the loss of as much as $2,100 for each uncounted person in m u nicipa lity pr og r a m s a nd g r a nts. These programs and grants affect thousands of County residents on a daily basis. The County Census committee is asking businesses to become educated about the 2020 Census and inform their workers as well so everyone in the County can participate starting on April 1, 2020. For more information about what you can do to help with this important event, contact the 2020 Census Butler County Complete Count Committee at:
Butler County Planning Commission, Mark Gordon, Chief of Economic Development and Planning 724-284-5300 Or email SSholes@co.butler.pa.us Page 18
Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
PghNorthChamber.com | February 2020
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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
PFEW – An Incredible Opportunity for Our Local Students, and for You!
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e hear it all the time – “I can’t find great employees!” With the improving economy, many of our members are having trouble finding people with the knowledge and skills they need to help their business grow and thrive. We have a solution – Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW). This aw ar d-winning summer economics education program has benefitted our local students for over 40 years. PFEW immerses rising high school juniors and seniors in the world of business, allowing them to experience firsthand what you face each day. Offered by the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, PFEW was founded to teach students about the American private enterprise system and help students develop skills that make them the great employees and employers of the future. PFEW annually holds five week-long sessions in July and August on the campuses of Lycoming College and the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA, serving nearly 2,100 students and 200 volunteers each year. PFEW participants form teams of approximately 18 students and one volunteer adult business mentor who become the simulated management team of an underperforming manufacturing company in direct competition with other student companies. Each company must determine, through 12 business quarters, their selling price, marketing costs, production levels and budgets, banking needs, R&D costs and more. In addition, teams must develop a marketing strategy, create a print and media campaign, and design a website. Sound familiar? The Chamber has proudly supported PFEW for many years, and we encourage all our local companies and civic organizations to provide sponsorship for our students and, if possible, volunteers for the sessions. Every student attends PFEW on a fully tax-deductible $625 sponsorship (the actual value of which exceeds $1,500) which is provided by a local firm, foundation, civic organization, or individual. PFEW is an approved Educational Improvement Organization through the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. Sponsorship donors are prominently recognized in several publications circulated throughout the state, and each student wears the name of their sponsor on their photo ID badge throughout the week. Students write their sponsors after graduation to report on what they have learned. The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, in cooperation with the SIFMA Foundation, offers another award-winning economics education program called the Stock Market GameTM (SMG). SMG is an exciting, interactive game that teaches students in grades 4-12 about investing, global capital markets, and personal finance, leading to long-term financial freedom. Each school year, this program serves over 8,000 students statewide. If you would like to learn more about either award-winning program and how you can get involved, please visit the Foundation’s website, www.pfew.org, or contact Scott Lee, vice president of marketing & development for the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education at (814) 833-9576 ext. 8, or scott@pfew.org. Picture Caption: Co m pan y Adviso r Joanie Norelli (far right), customer manager small format for PepsiCo, takes a break on the quad with her team, Solaris, a power tool company, on a sunny Wednesday.
PghNorthChamber.com | February 2020
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Win-Son Inc. CCAC - North Campus OMEGA Federal Credit UnionMcKnight Holsinger North Hills Community Outreach McIntyre Square Western PA Montessori School Pittsburgh Mercy Health System ESS NexTier Insurance Group, LLC
Morella & Associates Medicine Shoppe of Ingomar McCandless Corporate Center R.M. Stoof & Associates Inc. Town of McCandless Legend Financial Advisors, Inc. Fun Fore All-Family Entertainment C Reliance Financial Advisors Creese, Smith & Co. LLC Cole Management, Inc. EZ Mini Storage Crisis Center North, Inc Guardian Storage- Cranberry
Hand and UpperEx Center
Cranberry Village Estates
Councilman Tom Baker
CORE Environmental Services, Inc.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Huck Printing
Steve Carpenter - Berkshire Hathaway
Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant
Gateway Clipper Fleet
HomeServices The Preferred R
Medallion Wealth Management Inc.
CompuWiz
Dollar Bank
Richland Mall
Advantage Energy Partners, LLC
Greater Pittsburgh Revival Center
Federated Mortgage Corp.
Cremation Society of Pennsylvania -
Greater Cranberry Men's Chorus-
Ross Schonder Sterzinger Cupcheck North Allegheny School District Township of Ross St. Barnabas Health System Northland Public Library Janney, Montgomery, Scott, LLC Nocito Enterprises Bates, Barksdale, Ickert & Co. Restore It UPMC Passavant Hill, Barth & King LLC West Penn Multi-List, Inc.
Ed Cline Appraisals
Pittsburgh
''Bogmeisters''
Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry
The Flourish Group - Communications &
Passavant Hospital Foundation
Cranberry Holistic Pet Care and Rehabilita-
Wellness Consulting
Daniel Novakovich Insurance Agency
tion
Realty ONE Group Gold Standard
Cybertary Pittsburgh
My Dog's Care Center
True REST Float Spa
Dale Carnegie Training
The Joint...the Chiropractic Place
Pearl Insurance Agency, LLC
Township of Hampton
Worgul Law Firm LLC
Compass Self Storage- Gibsonia
Township Of Pine
CS Studio
John Marshall Catering
Landmark Properties Group
Healthcare Council of Western PA
PCMA Advanced Pain Medicine and Wellness Center @ Seven Fields Beaconsfield FinancialRobert Archbald
LaserTek Solutions New York Life Insurance Company-Wendy Branowitzer DigiGroup Entertainment
Plum Chamber of Commerce
Laura Arnold, Northern Connection
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College Nannies Sitters + Tutors Dented Keg Brewing Company CCK Consulting/ Center for Victory
PBX/ Kevin Trout
Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
PghNorthChamber.com | February 2020
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Executive Committee Andrew Chiapusio—Chairman of the Board First National Bank Tracy Armstrong– Chair Elect North Pittsburgh Greeting Company Mark Prentice—Vice Chair Valpak of Western PA Philip J. Scolieri, J.D.– Past Chair Scolieri Law Group, P.C. Dr. Ann Gatty, Ph.D.—Foundation Chair Strategic People Solutions Lisa Hunt—Treasurer USX Federal Credit Union
Tiffany Nolan– Secretary i.e. Insurance Jim Boltz—President Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
Board of Directors Gary Basilone Basilone Executive Search
Jim Logan Pgh Batteries
Ken Scott Salem Media
Elizabeth Blakely Link to Visibility
Alyssa Marsico Alzheimer’s Association
Strawberry Ridge Golf Course
Bruce Conley The Computer Coach
Nick Mazzoleni Pittsburgh Improv
Rakesh Unnithan WesBanco Bank
Calvin Sales New York Life
Nicky Voynick Sechler Law Firm, LLC
Steven W. Diffenderfer Community Bank Kathleen Kuznicki The Lynch Law Group
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Cynthia Stirling
Valerie Wieloch Dollar Bank
Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber
PghNorthChamber.com | February 2020
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JOIN A COMMITTEE
One of the best ways to take advantage of your membership is to get involved in a committee. You can impact your business by building relationships within the Chamber and advertise your talents by demonstrating them through committee service. Choose an area of interest and get involved! Contact the PNRC to join: info@pghnorthchamber.com
Ambassador Committee is designed to assist and promote the Chamber’s program of work as part of its recruitment and retention efforts in the Pittsburgh North region. Ambassadors are focused on three core functions Legislative & Economic Development for the Chamber: member recruitment, member Committee w or ks to encou r age and services, and member retention. support the growth of local businesses within the geographic areas served by the Chamber. This Community Outreach Committee focu ses committee will be proactively involved as an on service and promoting goodwill within our information gathering and disseminating regional footprint. This includes endeavors such organization on issues that impact business as scholarships, Days of Caring and Angel Giving growth, development and the infrastructure of Trees, etc. The committee works in conjunction our communities. The committee continually with the staff and the Board of Directors of the informs our members as to current political and Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber to identify legislative issues that affect the membership of worthwhile outreach endeavors to promote and the Chamber and businesses in our footprint. support. Marketing Committee is r esponsible fo r Events and Programming Committee creating innovative ways of promoting the serves as a support system to the Chamber staff Chamber and its program and services. This in the planning, development, execution, and committee is responsible for supporting the follow up for the Pittsburgh North Regional initiatives of the staff, Board of Directors and Chamber’s Signature events and programs. The committees. Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber offers a range of events and programs designed to Membership Committee su ppor ts the strengthen and grow businesses within the strategic direction of the Chamber to improve its regional footprint. value proposition and ensure programming and service excellence. The committee is responsible HYPE, Helping Y ou ng Pr ofessionals Excel, for identifying the needs of the members to supports the growth and involvement of talented ensure the Chamber offers a solid return on the young professionals by creating business membership investment. The committee provides opportunities, supporting community valuable insights on the best ways to: grow involvement, and fostering an overall investment membership, engage and retain current in the future of our region. HYPE brings together members, evaluate and make recommendations young professionals with the most powerful on member benefits and identify opportunities network of business leaders in the Pittsburgh and business trends in specific industries. North region by providing opportunities, information, and mentorship to the next generation of leaders.
Thank you to our Valued Corporate Sponsors and Chamber Partners