Corridors June 2018

June 2018

CORRIDORS

Serving Business Corridors in Western Pennsylvania Strategies to Make Your Business Sizzle This Summer 3 Tips To Avoid The Summer Slow Down Period

Member Accolades Photo Gallery

C O N T E N T S

Chamber Headquarters 5000 Brooktree Road, Suite 100 Wexford, PA Cranberry Twp. Office 2525 Rochester Road Cranberry Township, PA P: 724.934.9700

Jim Boltz President JBoltz@PghNorthChamber.com For more information on the Chamber’s program of work, please contact: Al Davidson Membership Accounts Executive ADavidson@PghNorthChamber.com Kristina Hall Program Director KHall@PghNorthChamber.com Heather Schwartzbauer Membership Coordinator HSchwartzbauer@PghNorthChamber.com Amy VanAtta Executive Assistant AVanAtta@PghNorthChamber.com

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From the President

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Business After Hours, Signature Events and Connections Schedules

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Is Your Business Stuck In A Rut?

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3 Tips to Avoid the Summer Slow Down Period

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Why Are We All Speaking Different Contract Languages?

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Virtual Currency Transactions and Income Taxes

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Community Connections

Member of the Month

From the The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber prides itself in being one of the largest, most active Chambers of Commerce in the region. With a thousand members, more than 300 events annually, educational programs and its online presence, the Chamber engages its members for the purpose of their success.

Our Chamber members, for the most part, are aware of the diversity of opportunities that are available to them. Networking, education, marketing and community involvement are all benefits of Chamber membership. Outside our organization, though, our activities aren’t as Jim Boltz, President well known. That is why it is especially gratifying that we recently were honored with not one, but two regional awards.

The first was the Pittsburgh Business Choice Award for Chambers of Commerce. Presented at the Pittsburgh Business Show, this award went to the Chamber that was selected as the best chamber in the Pittsburgh area through a popular vote.

The second award was presented by Slippery Rock University’s Student Nonprofit Alliance for the “Most Innovative New Program of the Year.” The category celebrates an innovative program that was launched within the past year that has already had a powerful impact on the people the organization serves. The Student Nonprofit Alliance chooses the winner from nominations that it receives.

Kim Yerace, President of Petroleum Technical Services, nominated the Chamber for its Educational Stakeholder Program. As she stated on the nomination form, “This program provides college and university students the opportunity to connect with the most powerful network of business leaders in the Pittsburgh North region.

Through partnerships with colleges, universities and organizations, the Educational Stakeholder Program offers student memberships in the PNRC, giving students and young professional’s access to many invaluable resources, including guidance and mentorship from established business professionals, internships in a variety of industries, volunteer opportunities and a full calendar of events and programs.”

In its first year, the program is responsible for attracting over 90 student members and involvement from seven colleges or universities.

We are flattered that we were chosen for these distinguished awards. Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without the unselfish support of our members who tirelessly volunteer their time to help us do the things that we do. I, as well as the entire staff, would like to thank everyone for your contributions that resulted in the PNRC receiving this recognition.

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B USINESS A FTER H OURS June 6 Nakama Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 10636 Perry Highway, Wexford

June 20 North Pittsburgh Summer Business Bash– Jergel’s 103 Slade Lane, Warrendale

5:00-7:00 p.m.

6:00-9:00 p.m.

E VENTS Innovation Pittsburgh Friday, June 8 8:00-11:30 a.m.

St. Barnabas Health System Kean Theatre 5847 Meridian Road Gibsonia, PA 15044 [Not Just] Food & Wine Classic Thursday, June 28 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center 3579 Masonic Way Pittsburgh, PA 15237

M ARKETPLACE L UNCH M EETINGS June 6 Monte Cello’s at The Hampton Shoppes 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 4655 William Flynn Highway Route 8, Allison Park June 25 Family Bowlaway Fun Center 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

540 Fairground Hill Road, Butler

CONNECTIONS Daily networking events for business leaders throughout our Pittsburgh North region.

Wexford: Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m.

Chamber Headquarters, 5000 Brooktree Rd., Suite 100

2018 B OARD

OF

D IRECTORS

E XECUTIVE C OMMITTEE Ann Gatty, Ph.D. – Board Chair Strategic People Solutions Philip J. Scolieri, J.D.– Chair-Elect Scolieri Law Group, P.C. Andrew Chiapusio—Vice-Chair First National Bank John Tubridy—Past Chair Franchise Network of Pittsburgh Gregg Hill—Foundation Chair Dollar Bank Lisa Hunt—Treasurer USX Federal Credit Union Kim Yerace—Secretary Petroleum Technical Services, LLC Jim Boltz—President Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber James Roddey—Advisor to the Board St. Barnabas Health System

B OARD

OF

D IRECTORS

Tracy Armstrong, North Pittsburgh Greeting Company Gary Basilone, Basilone Executive Search & Staffing Ryan Breen J.D., Breen Law Firm, LLC Steven W. Diffenderfer, Community Bank Todd Harris, Liberty Insurance Agency Nicholas D. Kennedy, FamilyWealth Management Group

Warrendale: Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.

DoubleTree By Hilton, 910 Sheraton Drive Sponsored by Dollar Bank

Jim Logan, Battery Giant of Pittsburgh

Cranberry Twp.: Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m.

Council Chambers, 2525 Rochester Road

Alyssa Marsico, Alzheimer’s Association

Ross Twp.: Thursdays, 7:30 a.m.

Treasure House Fashions, 7607 McKnight Road Sponsored by Sally Power of Treasure House Fashions Breakfast provided by Bountiful Baskets Valencia: Fridays, 7:30 a.m.

The Crystal Conservatories, 100 Conservatories Court

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Al Marschke, ACN Business Essentials

Tiffany Nolan, i.e. Insurance Robert O’Friel, Luttner Financial Group Tim Sechler, Sechler Law Firm, LLC Jan Stevens, Coldwell Banker Nicky Voynick, Salem Media Group

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PNRC Member Seth Prentice ARMSTRONG Jim Boltz, President of PNRC said, “Seth’s contributions have gone a long way in the development of our fast growing young professional’s program (HYPE).

Through his involvement and guidance, that group has created unique and fun events that engage its members. We are fortunate to have his leadership and appreciate all that he does for us.”

“Seth is a tremendous advocate of the PNRC. His positive contributions, attention to detail and fresh ideas add a lot to the committees he is involved in.

Seth’s energy is infectious and you can’t help but be excited while working with him during an event,” said Amanda McCollough, Dittman EyeCare.

Lisa Hunt, U$X Federal Credit Union said, “Seth has been an integral member of the Chamber’s HYPE group from the start, and is a driving force within the group. He is always coming up with new and different ideas to get more young professionals involved in the PNRC and grow HYPE, like our recent Beer & Ice Cream speed networking event. I always look forward to working with Seth, whether it’s at a HYPE meeting or scouting out locations for a new and different event. Seth is an invaluable member of the PNRC and truly deserving of this honor.”

PghNorthChamber.com

June 2018

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Is Your Business Stuck In A Rut? By: Autumn Edmiston, Edmiston Group Do you often feel you are in a rut? You do the same thing over and over with less than desired results? The sales and promotions you ran in prior months no longer have the same effect. When your small business gets stuck in a rut, you need to find a quick way to snap out of it. This can mean finding a new source of inspiration, following some new trends or kick starting your marketing efforts.

What stops you from moving forward?  FEAR. Are we doing the right thing? Going down the right path? What will others think? INDECISION is the seedling of FEAR! Indecision crystalizes into DOUBT, the two blend and become FEAR! The “blending” process often is slow. This is one reason why these three enemies are so dangerous. They germinate and grow without their presence being observed.  PROCRASTINATION. It’s easy to always do the simple tasks of being busy. But what happens when you have a large project, or need to focus on something new? Do you spend your time being busy, or block off time at the front end of the day to tackle the project? Try breaking the project into smaller chunks so it seems more manageable and schedule time to accomplish those chunks.

 I CAN DO IT ALL. Often this is where I see business owners get stuck. They have the mindset that they can do everything themselves, yet by not releasing tasks to either outside consultants or employees the business owner is the bottleneck in their own growth.  DECISIONS. As you move about your day decisions pile up. Interruptions occur and your head becomes full of deadlines and stuff. Make the most important decisions early in the day while you are fresh.

By giving yourself 24 hours, it allows you to “Sleep On It” with a fresh look first thing the next morning. You will find it easier to be clear on your decision.  TIME MANAGEMENT. How often do you check your email? Do you make a plan and/or a list for tasks to be completed with a due date? Do you assign tasks to others and hold them accountable? There are a variety of project management tools to do that. Asana is a tool that I use with members of my team.

The first quarter of 2018 is over. As you review your marketing plan going into spring/summer, what are you going to do differently that will yield results? If you don’t have a plan, now is the time to put one together. If you don’t have time to create and execute the plan, let the Edmiston Group help.

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com

July 2017

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3 Tips to Avoid the Summer Slow Down Period By: Heather Cherry, Communications Specialist, Alliance for Nonprofit Resources Summertime means barbecues, vacations, and breaks from school, and unless you’re a seasonal business, a slow-down period. Clients and customers take vacations, and as a result new projects and purchases are usually delayed until after the vacation season dies down. Here are three tips to make the most of the summer slow-down period: Make learning a priority when productivity wanes.

It is important for company leaders and team members to commit to lifelong learning. Often times there aren’t enough hours in the workweek, so this gets pushed to the wayside.

Instead of worrying about the summertime lulls, keep yourself busy by learning a new skill or brushing up on industry trends. Continued learning keeps both the body and mind in shape. It can also fortify and round your skillset needed to excel in your career.

Learning also promotes long-term health. According to a 2016 Harvard Health article, learning a new skill can slow cognitive aging. The article states, “It can be about learning new skills, like speaking a foreign language, learning how to paint, or playing a musical instrument. You can even study how to improve things like fixing a car or becoming more computer-savvy.”

Consider taking a summer course through a local community college, or enroll in a self-paced course to learn a new software. If time is an issue, read a book that relates to your industry. If you’re interested in a different department at work, consider cross-training another employee’s job.

Analyze procedures and get organized.

Use the slower periods of summer to analyze operations of your position/company. Summer is a midway checkpoint, allotting the perfect time to reevaluate your business goals for the remainder of the year.

Review goals you made at the beginning of the year and see how well you’re sticking to them. Are there any less important tasks distracting you from your top priority goals? Do you need to adjust your day-to-day tasks to align with your most important goals, or to promote overall efficiency?

Consider writing informal procedures about how things are done. This will help you understand a specific task, allowing you to intricately examine how things operate. It also creates a backup plan should you end up sick, or earn a promotion and need to train a new hire.

Once your procedures are complete, survey team members of other departments to see if things are efficient.

How effective are they are executing the tasks?

Update your digital content.

According to a Statista 2018 study, the number of worldwide social media users reached 2.34 billion, and is expected to grow to some 2.95 billion by 2020. Keeping your digital content, specifically social media profiles updated is becoming a more common prerequisite to business.

It is especially important since social media can be an effective tool to market yourself and your company to potential clients.

The same is true for your website. Be sure to review your verbiage, images, content, and more. Has anything changed since you first updated your website? Take time to sift through the content analyzing its relevancy and accuracy.

Summer is a joyous time, but often dreaded due to its slower than normal production periods. Use these slow periods to prioritize learning you never have time for, evaluate procedures, and get your digital content updated; your post-summer self will thank you.

Resources https://www.statista.com/statistics/278414/number-of-worldwide-social-network-users/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/learning-new-skill-can-slow-cognitive-aging-201604279502 About the Author: Heather Cherry is the Communications Specialist at the Alliance for Nonprofit Resources (ANR). She oversees marketing and communications for its affiliates, Center for Community Resources (CCR), and Nonprofit Development Corporation (NDC).

She holds a Master’s degree in Professional Writing from Chatham University. Heather specializes in content marketing strategy, brand management, editing, and content creation.

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Member Accolades Sears Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning is 5 Star Certified

Sears Carpet Cleaning & Air Duct Cleaning is the first & only 5 Star Certified Carpet, Air Duct & Upholstery Cleaner by the American Pet Association.

Duncan Financial Group Celebrates 40 Years of Customer Service

From a small insurance agency opening its doors in 1978 with just four employees, John (Jack) Duncan, Sr., launched what has now been hailed as one of Western Pennsylvania’s fastest growing companies— Duncan Financial Group.

Under the current leadership of Jack’s sons, David and John, Jr., Duncan Financial Group has grown over the past 40 years from a small local insurance agency to a diversified insurance and financial services operation and a single source for all things financial.

The Lynch Law Group Attorneys named 2018 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars Congratulations to 5 attorneys from The Lynch Law Group selected as 2018 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Charles Hadad, Michael Oliverio, Blair Preiser, David Weber and Kayleigh Cowser!

Chamber Members nominated for Pittsburgh Post Gazette "Pittsburgh Fan Favorites"

Congratulations to My Dog’s Care Center, Turo Family Chiropractic, Treasure House Fashions, USX Federal Credit Union, Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant, The Lynch Law Group, and Scolieri Law Group for being nominated as Pittsburgh Fan Favorites! The nominations are certainly well-deserved!

Member Testimonial The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University greatly benefits from our membership to the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber, which helps us expand our reach and boost awareness of our programs that assist women entrepreneurs and business owners start and grow companies in the Greater Pittsburgh region. Many of our Center’s members are also active members of the Chamber and we look forward to enhancing our great relationship.

-Anne Flynn Schlicht, Director, Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship

PghNorthChamber.com

June 2018

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Why Are We All Speaking Different Contract Languages?

By: Antonio Fratangelo, JA Cost Engineers & Advisors There has been much in the way of advancements in the construction industry. From the evolution of materials and equipment used to construct more efficient and sustainable projects, to how technology and communication has changed the way we view, process, and share data. It is certainly evident that the construction industry has gone through a renaissance.

With all the advancements that have evolved from the construction industry, one thing has essentially remained the same; some form of construction contract or agreement is typically set in place before a project gets moving. I say some form of an agreement because there can be so much variation into what is considered standard. Sure, there have been some attempts to standardize construction contracts. The American Institute of Architecture (“AIA”) certainly has a few standard form agreements, including the A101 and A201. The ConsenseDocs are another group of construction contract documents that offer standardized terms. The intent of these documents is that they are viewed as templates and should be modified by owner and contractor to include terms that are agreeable to all parties. Often, owners and contractors have spent so much time budgeting, bidding, negotiating, and working through all the other project stepping stones, that when it comes time to signing a contract everyone believes they are on the same page.

We have heard of projects dying on the vine because of budgeting issues, and while projects are sometimes stalled due to contract agreements, it is assumed that the contract terms will be worked out to something that is agreeable to all parties. If a contractor finds issue with some of the language to the point they walk away from the project, the owner is likely to find someone that will agree to those same terms. We have even heard the contract as being a “check the box” item because everyone has already agreed to everything. This is not a very healthy way to start a project, for any party.

You may also have heard the saying that “no two projects are the same,”. Even if an owner is constructing two identical building on different sites, it is likely that the total project cost will be different. That is because each project has its own nuisances. No good architect would just hit print on a set of plans for one project and assume that it can build the same project on another site. The proper due diligence is required to make sure that there are no curve balls that would cause a need for something to change.

Much like other aspect of construction, the quality of the project depends on the amount of time that is spent understanding the implications of the parts and pieces. If there are a ton of hours making sure the budget is where it needs to be, should not the same diligence be used to make sure the drawings are up to the expectation as well? If that is the case, should this concept not also trickle down to how the contracts are viewed and structured? To have a successful project, the same level of commitment should be applied across all aspects of the project, including making sure that the contract is agreeable and acceptable to all parties.

The construction industry is shifting to become a much more transparent business. The “open book” concept is certainly one major example of this. Contractors are required to show the owners their books to validate the cost spent on the project. But even with this greater level of transparency some contractors try to keep their most coveted secrets guarded. This concept alone has the capability to jeopardize the element of trust at the very onset of the project that can be crucial to its success.

It often seems that the goal of the contract terms is that one side feels like it won, while the other side feels like it lost. Some owners may feel even better when they know that a contractor makes less money than they set out to make. This mentality is not healthy for construction.

Certainly, the AIA and ConsensusDocs are great starting points for any construction agreement, but these documents should require the same level of dedication that other aspects of the project require to reduce risk. The Project Team, which includes the Contractor, Owner, Architect and others should all strive to work as just that ‐‐a Team. Therefore, the goal should be to create an agreement that provides an equally good feeling to all parties. If the contracts champion the idea of transparency and fiduciary responsibility, would that not be better for the industry? Let’s work on the having an open dialogue of the sticky items that are a typically surrounded by vague nebulous language within the contract. This includes:  General Conditions  Labor Rates  Multipliers and percentages  Fees  Changes I can imagine a scenario where the contractor is rewarded by showing that they are sitting on the same side of the table as the owner, not across it. Rather than looking for ways for each party to bend the language of the contract to protect themselves, let’s attempt to make it a team effort. Construction has always been an emotional, risky, and rewarding endeavor. Why not structure our agreements so everyone shares in the project’s success?

About the Author: Antonio Fratangelo is the Vice President of JA Cost Engineers and Advisors. JACEA is an Advisory firm helping construction owner and contractors avoid risk on the risky endeavor of construction. He frequently speaks at conferences for the National Association of Construction Auditors (NACA) and Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineers International.

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6 Strategies to Make Your Business Sizzle This Summer By: Monica Zent, Founder and CEO of Foxwordy Is a summer slowdown inevitable for your business? According to a survey by digital media company Captivate Network, summertime can have a negative impact on the workplace. The survey found people reporting drops in productivity, dips in attendance and increased project turnaround time.

However, such setbacks need not be the case. For instance, a recent survey conducted by Paychex found the majority of small businesses have plans to grow their businesses by hiring over the next six months. Perhaps what these small-business owners know is that the summer months actually can be the ideal time to grow your business.

Depending on your industry, the summer can be a valuable time in which to get a lead on the competition while they are taking time off. Here are six tips to make your business sizzle this summer: 1. Meet in person.

Ah…summer, the days are longer, the weather is great and people are more social. Technology has enhanced our ability to stay connected all year, from anywhere and everywhere, but there’s still value to be gained by meeting in person. Summer is the perfect time to catch up on face time with contacts, colleagues and prospects. The options are endless. Grab a drink, enjoy an iced coffee, have lunch al fresco or simply go for a walk. You’ll get outdoors, enjoy the summer weather and build your business in the process.

2. Host a party.

Everyone loves a great party. Celebrate summer by hosting an event. Any kind of open house or get together will be fun and a great way to thank and celebrate your customers.

It’s also a great time to host an event for your internal team. Get your team to bond and know they are appreciated by taking them to a fun event off-site, maybe an outdoor concert, camping or an amusement park.

3. Launch a gratitude campaign.

Giving thanks isn’t just for Thanksgiving. You can turn summertime into a season of appreciation. Send a note, take clients out to lunch or just call them to simply say, “thank you.” Everyone is busy these days. Taking time to show you care and appreciate your customers and clients goes a long way.

4. Offer summer promotions.

Summer sales and special offers are pervasive in the retail industry. Why not take a cue from retail and offer a special limited-time summer promotion or discount? For instance, offer a promotion in which clients can refer friends and colleagues and get 10 percent off their next service, visit or purchase. Depending on the nature of your business, this type of summer promotion may or not may not be successful, but it’s worth trying. If the promotion succeeds in generating new or increased business, you can tweak and repeat the same campaign during the winter holidays as well.

5. Hop on a plane.

Summer affords you greater freedom and flexibility to get out of the office for both business development as well as your own professional development. It’s an ideal time to take the trips you might not have time to take during the rest of the year. If you have clients in other cities, head out of town and pay them an in-person visit. Another great idea is to schedule attendance at conferences, trade shows or industry events in which you might not usually have time to attend.

6. Get a jump start.

During the potential summer “down time,” a great way to grow your business is to simply keep your head down and get to work. Depending on your industry, this may be possible with clients or customers out of town on vacation, making this the perfect time to plow through projects you might have put on hold. Get organized and ahead of the game for the rest of the year. Once Labor Day rolls around, you’ll have a jump start on the competition as you head into the busier fall and winter seasons.

While it may be tempting to succumb to a long summer siesta, summer time doesn’t have to mean losing your business-development momentum. These six strategies are just some of the myriad ways to continue to grow your business during the summer months and prepare for a big finish.

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Golf Outing The Chamber hosted our annual Drive to Thrive Golf Outing on Monday, May 14 at Treesdale Golf & Country Club.

Photos were taken by Emily Novak Photography and video was captured

by Al Marschke, BluMars Media.

What’s the Scoop?

The Chamber’s new Young Professionals group, HYPE, hosted a “What’s the Scoop on Networking” Ice Cream & Beer Speed Networking event on Tuesday, May 22 at The Sports Grille Cranberry.

Attendees enjoyed 4 courses of Graeter’s Ice Cream strategically paired with 4 beers from The Sports Grille in a Meet and Move format.

Virtual Currency Transactions and Income Taxes With the price of Bitcoin hitting record highs in 2017, many Bitcoin holders cashed out not realizing the impact it could have on their tax bill. Many people, for example, did not understand that virtual currency transactions were reportable and found themselves with a hefty tax bill– money they may have been hard-pressed to come up with at tax time.

Others may have been unaware that they needed to report their virtual currency transactions at all or failed to do so because it seemed too complicated.

ADVERTORIAL

Still Time to Report Virtual Currency The good news is that if you failed to report income from virtual currency transactions on your income tax return, it’s not too late. Even though the due date for filing your income tax return has passed, taxpayers can still report income by filing Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

Taxpayers should also be aware that forgetting, not knowing, or generally pleading ignorance about reporting income from these types of transactions on your tax return is not viewed favorably by the IRS. Taxpayers who do not properly report the income tax consequences of virtual currency transactions can be audited for those transactions and, when appropriate, can be liable for penalties and interest.

In more extreme situations, taxpayers could be subject to criminal prosecution for failing to properly report the income tax consequences of virtual currency transactions. Criminal charges could include tax evasion and filing a false tax return. Anyone convicted of tax evasion is subject to a prison term of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000. Anyone convicted of filing a false return is subject to a prison term of up to three years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Virtual Currency Taxed as Property Virtual currency, as generally defined, is a digital representation of value that functions in the same manner as a country’s traditional currency. There are currently more than 1,500 known virtual currencies. Because transactions in virtual currencies can be difficult to trace and have an inherently pseudo-anonymous aspect, some taxpayers may be tempted to hide taxable income from the IRS. Virtual currency is treated as property for U.S. federal tax purposes. The same general tax principles that apply to property transactions also apply to transactions using virtual currency. To read more on some examples of when virtual currency is used, click here.

Ribbon Cutting

The Chamber is very fortunate to celebrate the grand openings of new businesses into our growing region. On behalf of our members and Board of Directors, welcome!

It was with great pleasure that we could celebrate the Grand Opening of Valley Pool & Spa in McIntyre Square on Friday, May 18. Valley Pool & Spa carries a huge selection of pool and spa supplies, chemicals, parts, equipment, floats, toys and games. Visit them at 3220 McIntyre Square Drive.

Community Connections will provide the latest updates from our municipality partners.

Stay up-to-date on what is happening in the areas that you live and work in.

Cranberry Township Manager's Coffee: Disc Golf Come learn about the new Disc Golf project on June 16, 2018, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM @ North Boundary Park! The CTCC 2018 Project of the Year - Disc Golf & Nature Trail in North Boundary Park. Plus, general discussion and Q & A with the Manager. For more information, click here.

Cranberry Springs fine-tunes plans Original master plans for the 300,000-plus square foot Cranberry Springs development included provisions for a large restaurant on a plot of land near the front of the site. That’s been changed. Instead, the developer now visualizes two multi-tenant buildings housing a mix of retail and restaurant operations – one of approximately 10,224 square feet, the other 4,003 square feet – to anchor two corners of the site on Mackenzie Way. To read more, click here.

Waterpark Military Appreciation Day Head out to salute our military on June 24, 2018, from 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM @ Community Waterpark saluting those who serve. FREE admission for active military and veterans. $5 admission to those with a military dependent ID. For more information, click here.

McCandless Township Livingston Stone Collection at Heritage Center Come out on Saturday, June 2, 2019- 1:00pm to 4:00pm to be apart of the Livingston Stone Collection — which documents the life of the former Deputy U.S. Fish Commissioner and the early years of fish culture — at the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage Center on June 2 and 3 (Saturday and Sunday) from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. For more information, click here.

Pine Township Movies in the Park!

All Movies Rated PG and Free to Public! Join at the Pine Community Center- Gazebo, Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Dusk! For more information, click here.

The Chamber hosts over

300

networking events per year! More than

250

are free for members to attend!

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NexTier Bank Nonprofit Spotlight Treasure House Fashions

At Treasure House Fashions we’re passionate about our mission of “promoting the dignity and self-esteem of women, particularly women in transition or crisis. Outward appear is not an accurate reflection your worth, but it can affirm the treasure that you truly are.” We collaborate with over 65 agencies that serve women in transition or crisis – we’re their “closet.” We distribute gift certificates for clothing at our shop through these agencies. Their clients then have the dignity of “shopping” at our House for what they like, as well as what they need, at no expense to the client or their agency. Ladies, you can shop here too and support that mission! Clothing, however, is our means, not our mission; our heart is to affirm the worth of women on challenging journeys!

Four years ago we purchased an 8,000 square foot “home” for our mission so we could become a longterm resource for women, and in the process, we’re saving $20,000 per year compared to our previous lease. Just as we “fuss” over our merchandise, we make every attempt to have our facility reflect our resounding theme – “You’re worth it!” We’ve painted, replaced railing, and made minor repairs. Now it’s time to share the vision of where we’re going next!

We want to make our building – our home – fully accessible! Currently, we’re running a STAND BY ME Campaign to replace the flooring throughout the building. We’re savvy gals and know how to shop for great bargains! We have industrial floor tile for $0.10 per square foot (rather than the retail rate of $2 per square foot). We need to rip up the existing flooring, grind the underlying concrete and have the tile installed…and we have a BIG HOUSE! But that’s just the beginning!! Next we want two ADA bathrooms in the mezzanine, next to the custom kitchen that was donated by Hosanna Industries (thanks, Hosanna!!) Both the kitchen and bathrooms need to be plumbed and fully functional. Next, my personal favorite, is the ELEVATOR! The front wall will be glass so people can see our mission as they go upstairs and on the glass will be the words “Lifting Up Women and Dreams”…because that’s what we do!!

An expanded mezzanine for administrative offices will come along sometime in the process as funding is available, and all will be accomplished in the next 2-3 years. The vision – the goal – is cast! We’ll chip away as funds become available and continue to invest in our House so that we can continue to invest in the lives of the women we serve.

What’s your mission! Whom do you serve? Can you sum it up in less than a half dozen words (like our literal elevator speech)? Can you dare to DREAM BIG and cast a vision of where you want to go? And most of all, are you willing to invest in a caring community to help you get there? So keep watching, fellow Chamber members – there’s a celebratory ribbon cutting in our future – and you’ll all be invited!!

UPCOMING EVENTS: PREMIER BAG SALE – July 31 and August 1 - $25 door donation and $30/bag REGULAR BAG SALE – August 2-11 - $30/bag (average value $300/bag) PURSE BASH – September 27 – 6-8PM

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The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber would like to thank those who have renewed.

We thank you for your continued support!

Three Rivers Paintball, Inc. American Cancer Society

Evans & Co. Bookkeeping Services, LLC

Elements Massage Graeter's Ice Cream

Handel's of McCandless

Boy Scouts of America Moraine Trails Council

Low T Complete Clinic

Masonic Fund Society Future POS

Butler Armco Employees Credit Union

American Back Center

North Pittsburgh Mechanical LLC

North Park Lounge Cranberry

Just Life, Inc

Bruster's of Ingomar

S & T Bank

Charles P. Leach Agency, Inc.

Model Cleaners, Uniforms and Apparel LLC.Cranberry

Farmers National Bank of Emlenton

Oliver Outdoor

Specialized Staffing and Industry Recruiters, Inc.

Premier Laser Spa

Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC

Butler Radio Network

Aging Gracefully

North Hills Psychological Associates, Inc. Community Bank

Welcome to those who have joined!

Wellness Made Simple

Get Atta Town Travel

TriVantage Development

New York Life- Olenych

KDC Printing

Clean Slate Center

Limbach Company

Flint Technologies Solutions

JA Cost Engineers & Advisors

Conduit Inc.

Accents On Apparel LLC

Fugh Refrigeration, Inc.

Beyond the Table Research

PGH Smile Boutique

Just In Thyme Catering and Events, Inc.

Thank you for your referral!

Traci Conlon, Edward Jones Investments page 18

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com

June 2018

page 19

Thank you to our Valued Corporate Sponsors and Chamber Partners