Corridors March 2018

March 2018

CORRIDORS

Serving Business Corridors in Western Pennsylvania

The Challenging Side Of Entrepreneurship Changing with the Time Of Business NexTier Nonprofit Spotlight Photo Gallery

C O N T E N T S

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

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

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From the President

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Business After Hours, Signature Events and Connections Schedules

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Member of the Month The Challenging Side of Entrepreneurship

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Keep the Change

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Changing with the Time of Business

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Tax Reform and Five Tax Breaks that Survived

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Community Connections

From the Innovation Pittsburgh kicks off this year on Friday March 23rd. In case you are not familiar with it, Innovation Pittsburgh is our quarterly speaker series that brings in prominent business leaders to discuss current business topics and their effect on the region.

If you are an entrepreneur, or want to be, this first session is one that you do not want to miss.

Learn from successful entrepreneurs. Hear their story. Find out what it takes and where to find help to start a business. And, as an added bonus, learn how tax reform will effect businesses.

We will even have a tax expert sitting on the panel to take your tax questions.

Jim Boltz, President

Our all-star lineup includes:  Glen Meakem- Veteran, entrepreneur, business leader, venture capitalist, and founder & CEO of a permanent cloud photo storage and sharing company called Forever. He is also a former radio host of his own talk show on WPGB.  Don Morrison- A serial entrepreneur who has been involved in the growth and development of several businesses including American Eagle Outfitters, Sundance Catalog Company, and Bear Creek Corporation.

His business experience includes Retail, Restaurant, Franchising, Catalog and E-commerce.  Mike Kelly- U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district since 2011 and owner of several car dealerships.  Rich Kaminsky- President and CEO of Southwest Subway, Inc.  Donald S. Johnston- Partner, Tax services, Grossman, Yanak & Ford, LLC, specializing in the tax law changes.

We will also have in attendance information about local franchise opportunities and getting business assistance.

As you can see, this will be a valuable tool for anyone in business. Tell your friends! Members and non-members are welcome.

Innovation Pittsburgh is held at Kean Theatre on the St. Barnabas campus in Gibsonia. A continental breakfast is available from 8 to 9 am. Speakers start at 9 am followed by a panel discussion and Q&A at 11am. Reservations can be made on our website at www.pghnorthchamber.com

Member Testimonials Morella & Associates have been members of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber from the beginning. Prior to the merger, we were members of the Northern Allegheny Chamber of Commerce since 1995. Having the honor and pleasure of serving on the merger committee Board, the transitional Board, and the PNRC Board for many years I would say that I am a very strong supporter of the Chamber. I believe and support the Mission, Vision, values, and Programming of this fine organization. Under the direction of Jim Boltz and his excellent staff, along with the many committed volunteers, I feel that we have a strong business organization that works not only for the membership at large, but also the Communities we serve in our large footprint.

Over the years our business has grown through the development of many business relationships through our involvement in the organization, and I personally have developed many strong friendships along this journey.

-Becky Morella, Marketing Director, Morella & Associates

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B USINESS A FTER H OURS March 7 Buffalo Wild Wings HYPE 20215 US-19, Cranberry Twp.

April 5 Double Wide Grill 100 Adams Shoppes, Mars Mars, PA 16046

Business After Hours are from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

E VENTS Pittsburgh North Regional Home Show/Business Expo Friday, March 16 - 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 17 - 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

THE BLOCK Northway Click here to purchase a booth Innovation Pittsburgh Friday, March 23 8:00-11:30 a.m.

The Washington Place St. Barnabas Health System 5847 Meridian Road Gibsonia, PA 15044

M ARKETPLACE L UNCH M EETINGS March 7 Monte Cello’s at The Hampton Shoppes 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 4655 William Flynn Highway Route 8, Allison Park March 26 Family Bowlaway Fun Center 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

540 Fairground Hill Road, Butler

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

Wexford: Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m.

Chamber Headquarters, 5000 Brooktree Rd., Suite 100 Sponsored by Dittman EyeCare, Inc. Warrendale: Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.

DoubleTree By Hilton, 910 Sheraton Drive Sponsored by Dollar Bank Cranberry Twp.: Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m.

Council Chambers, 2525 Rochester Road Ross Twp.: Thursdays, 7:30 a.m.

Treasure House Fashions, 7607 McKnight Road

2018 B OARD

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D IRECTORS

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

B OARD

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Tracy Armstrong, North Pittsburgh Greeting Company Gary Basilone, Basilone Executive Search & Staffing Ryan Breen J.D., Breen Law Firm, LLC Steven W. Diffenderfer, Community Bank Todd Harris, Liberty Insurance Agency Nicholas D. Kennedy, FamilyWealth Management Group Jim Logan, Battery Giant of Pittsburgh Al Marschke, ACN Business Essentials Alyssa Marsico, Alzheimer’s Association Tiffany Nolan, i.e. Insurance Robert O’Friel, Luttner Financial Group Tim Sechler, Sechler Law Firm, LLC Jan Stevens, Coldwell Banker

Valencia: Fridays, 7:30 a.m.

The Crystal Conservatories, 100 Conservatories Court

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Nicky Voynick, Salem Media Group

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PNRC Member Marta Greca, Apples and Cinema Jim Boltz, President of PNRC said, “Marta contributes to the Chamber in so many ways. She started our “Members Group” on Facebook, initiated and hosts our Virtual Connections meeting and makes us look good by taking photos at most of our events. We are fortunate to have such a talented, active and giving member in our Chamber.”

"I want to compliment Marta Greca for doing a fantastic job hosting the Virtual Connections meeting each Wednesday for the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber. Marta is very professional and welcomes everyone that attends. Regardless of the number of members that attend each week, Marta provides every attendee with the opportunity to talk about their business and services as well as any upcoming events they may want to promote. With Marta hosting this virtual meeting it has given me another way to meet fellow Chamber members and promote Minuteman Press almost in a one on one setting,” said Rich Coyner, Owner of Minutemen Press Cranberry.

Dr. Andrew Rupp, Thrive Chiropractic said, “Marta and the Popinvasion team are great! Whether it's taking pictures at Taste of Cranberry (with 5 kids tagging along!), leading the Virtual Connections meeting, or providing some great photos of our Grand Opening at Thrive Chiropractic, she's constantly involved and giving back to the community!”

“Marta Greca was a frequent companion of my daughter LONG ago– it’s been delightful to reconnect as “grownups” through the Chamber. Marta has a sweet, unflappable presence– she navigates circumstances reasonably, rationally, seamlessly– whether it’s a challenging video shoot, photography session or corralling her 5 kids! I’ve used Marta’s photography skills both personally and professionally. She and her hubby did the photography and videography for our intimate wedding– capturing tender moments that were viewed by few, but could be shared with many. Marta also created and edited videos for Treasure House Fashions, showcasing our facility and interviews with clients we serve and women who have been “personal shoppers.”

She demonstrated sensitivity and discretion with clients and was able to present our mission in a succinct and expressive manner. She’s also an avid Bag Sale supporter and promoter. Marta celebrates and supports the success of others and has fun in the process! I couldn’t be more amazed and proud of the w0man, mom and professional Marta has become!” said Sally Power, Founder, Treasure House Fashions.

PghNorthChamber.com I March 2018

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The Challenging Side of Entrepreneurship

By Dr. Ann Gatty, Strategic People Solutions

Starting a new business is hard, even if you bring a healthy amount of experience to the table. The challenging side of entrepreneurship is often overlooked, because the opportunities for being your own boss and blazing your own trail seem so inspiring. Yet, no matter what business you are creating, there will be times when you want to throw in the towel. So, I want to share some thoughts for anyone who is contemplating starting a new business venture.

Passion Only Goes So Far What’s your motivation for starting this new venture? Have you always had a desire to work in a certain industry, or use a favorite talent? Maybe you have the next best idea since Post-it notes. Maybe you are tired of working for someone else and you want to be your own boss and set your own schedule. Whatever the reason, take some time to really be certain that your reason is not an idealized perspective divorced from reality. Let’s say you have spent years in the publishing business, and you are ready to start your own e-magazine for woodworking. You have always enjoyed creating your own furniture and want to share great templates you have collected. You’ve done your research and believe there is a market for your new venture. You are excited, believe you have planned well with financial savings in place. Be prepared. Even with passion for the business, there will be times that are tough.

Less Free Time It takes years to build a successful business in which you can work on the business not for the business. Updating, improving, and monitoring is a never-ending process. When you embark on your new business, you will be wearing many hats, until you can afford to hire and outsource some of the responsibilities. In the beginning, you may find yourself working all day on marketing, product selection, establishing the delivery systems, only to find yourself handling the bookkeeping at night.

Entrepreneurship is not a 9-5 job. You will find, at least until the business is well established and you have others managing aspects of the company that the venture is 24/7.

You Can’t Lead Others until You Can Manage Yourself As the leader of the organization, everyone will be looking at the way you act and handle yourself, no matter what the situation.

Time management with your own schedule and with your own set of priorities must be practiced well. You can’t lead by the numbers. That’s what managers do. You will need to inspire your team to believe in themselves, to keep persevering and work in office space that may not be as great as the office suites they left behind in their former employment. Yet by establishing yourself as an optimistic problem solver, others will follow your lead. Good leaders inspire people to believe in him or her; great leaders inspire people to believe in themselves.

Crisis in Confidence is Likely to Occur No one is going to be more critical of you than you. At times, the business situation can be stressful and at other times, frustrating.

You thought things would be moving at a faster pace. You thought more clients would be on board by now. You begin to doubt yourself and your plans. Such self-doubt is common, at least at some point in the entrepreneurial adventure. Remember that selfdoubt is defeated by self-confidence. Every competitive athlete knows this. Such advice is well heeded by new business owners as well. The best strategy is to make certain you have a network of colleagues and mentors who can support you along the way.

You’ve Got to Keep Learning or You Will Fall Behind the Competition The challenging side of entrepreneurship includes a need for continuous learning. Maintaining a competitive edge and creating uncontested market space requires that you keep abreast of changing trends. You keep abreast of changing product lines, delivery systems, marketing tools and customer requests. Business strategy and operational improvements will be continuously updated with annual business plans and personnel training.

Cash-flow Really is King Life can be terrifying when the money is not flowing into the coffers. You send out invoices but must wait-for what sometimes seems like an eternity to get payments. Yet, your vendors, suppliers and employees are expecting their payments on time or there will be penalties. My best advice is to budget conservatively and make certain that you have diversified revenue streams so that when the business is experiencing lean times, revenue is still available from different sources. Diversifying the client base helps as well so that you are not dependent on one or two major clients—who may decide to move their business elsewhere.

Entrepreneurship can be very rewarding but planning well is key. Our economy is fueled by small business enterprises and entrepreneurs. Thanks for taking the risk. I wish you much prosperity and success.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Ann Gatty is a business development strategist at Strategic People Solutions. She helps her clients clarify the vision for their businesses, boost their leadership capabilities and add quality talent to help the clients reach their goals. Through a collaborative mentoring process, she and her clients create workable strategic business plans and success initiatives, while improving their workplace processes. She is frequently featured in the media and contributes blog posts for www.AllBusiness.com, www.MarketingInsiders.com, and www.WomenOnBusiness.com. Her interactive speaking engagements assist participants in discovering new-found talents and skills that they can immediately apply in the workplace. Join her Facebook Group, Strategic Thinking Summit Elites for strategies you can implement to grow your business success and enjoy camaraderie with others entrepreneur members.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com I July 2017

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Keep the Change By Ron MacDonald, Step2 Branding Charles F. Kettering once wrote, “The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.” That sentiment also applies to running a business.

While Spring may be the season of change, in reality, every season is. That’s why you need to identify it, understand it, embrace it and take advantage of it. Those who refuse to accept and adapt to change will quickly be marginalized by it.

As technology evolves and the world becomes smaller and closer, things are changing more rapidly than ever. While it took several decades for consumers to adopt the telephone, the explosion and acceptance of the Internet took only a few years.

The success of your business relies greatly on your ability to be flexible within fluctuating markets and understand the changing tastes of your audience. There are far too many agents of influence to ever assume that you’re well-positioned for the long haul. Even global corporations have learned that they need to keep their fingers on the market pulse to not only adapt to change, but predict it, as well.

The good news is that this is mostly within your control. There’s a wealth of resources to help you identify new trends, gauge how they will impact your business and prepare for them. There should be few surprises as long as you’re paying attention and regularly engaging your customers.

Be Humble and Hold onto Your Values Humility is often a difference-maker when it comes to growing a business. Remember, true leadership is in knowing when to follow. And you can’t do it all yourself. If you don’t have the expertise, patience or bandwidth to deal with changing market dynamics, surround yourself with experts who can help fill those gaps. For example, if you find difficulty in understanding the needs of younger prospects, it might serve you best to employ or consult with Millennials. If you’re a Millennial and consider yourself a trend-setter, some perspective — and perhaps a reality check — from an experienced elder could be the difference between succeeding and floundering in your own presumptions.

None of this means you have to sacrifice your values. By holding onto your guiding principles — which should never change — you’ll be assured that your decision making is strategic, calculated and not purely emotional.

Some Things Never Change As much as the world around us continues to transform, many business fundamentals remain the same. The latest tools and apps are still no replacement for talent, experience and best practices. Businesses still face the same challenge of leveraging what makes them unique, using it to distinguish themselves against their competitors and finding the channels through which they can reach their prospects. For the most part, only the mechanisms have changed. The need for strategy, creativity and dexterity is now amplified more than ever before. And, it can mean the difference between success and bankruptcy.

Nobody’s Right 100% of the Time The fear of failure? Get over it. There’s no reason to be intimidated. You won’t always get it right. Getting from point A to point B is rarely a straight line. You’ll surely make mistakes along the way. But, if you’re nimble and willing to adjust your course, you’ll have better results than someone who makes assumptions and follows their gut. The world’s most successful entrepreneurs have had their share of failures misreading their markets. It was their ability to learn from their mistakes and retool their efforts that made them winners.

Evolving technology keeps all of us on our collective toes, makes us more aware of our competitors and presents more opportunities to distinguish ourselves than ever before. Moreover, it adversely impacts those who fail to embrace it. As former British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson put it, “He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.”

So, don’t let change pass you up. Embrace it and go with the flow. In fact, give it a big hug. It could turn out to be your best friend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ron MacDonald believes that every person, business or organization is great at something. What you offer may be similar to others, but you add special value that sets you above them. Or you have a unique way of doing things that distinguishes you in a positive way. Step2 Branding & Design helps organizations identify what makes them great and use it to get them noticed, influence their markets and add value to their businesses. Learn more at https://step2branding.com.

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Member Accolades Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant wins the 6th Annual Northside Common Ministries Brunch Challenge

Each year local restaurants are challenged to create a dish from an item that is often on food pantry shelves. This year's ingredient was canned chickpeas. The Inn's winning recipes were a Chickpea and Chorizo meatball with Puya Chile sauce and Chickpea Jalapeno Salad featuring the Inn's famous house cilantro jalapeno dressing. Proceeds from this event were raised for the food pantry. To read more, visit: http://www.post-gazette.com/life/seen/2018/01/22/Northside-Common-Ministries-BrunchChallenge/stories/201801200088

$100,000,000 in Client Investments under Stewardship Surpassed by PINNACLE Financial Strategies, LLC

Local financial professional, J. Victor Conrad, CFP®, ChFC®, AIF®, founder of PINNACLE Financial Strategies, LLC, an independent wealth management firm located at 6600 Brooktree Court, Suite 2600, Wexford, PA, announces that the firm recently surpassed the $100,000,000 assets under stewardship milestone. Mr. Conrad gives credit to his loyal clients and trusting centers of influence (CPAs, attorneys, bankers, etc.) for helping make this milestone a reality. In addition, Vic attributes his firm’s partnership with Commonwealth Financial Network, the independent broker/dealer and RIA that provides compliance supervision and helps with state-of-the-art technology & award-winning investment research as another ingredient to the firm’s success. PINNACLE’s clients range from retired public school teachers, to classic small business owners, and from successful individuals and to the “millionaire next door.”

“Helping people make educated decisions about their money is what drives me” said Vic, “and I’m honored and thrilled when people place their trust and confidence to help guide them through the many stages of their financial lives”.

State Farm Ranks Highest in Life Insurance Customer Satisfaction for Fourth Consecutive Year

J.D. Power and Associates ranked State Farm highest in life insurance customer satisfaction for a fourth consecutive year, with a score of 853. State Farm is the industry leader in providing policy discounts. Mark Reges Jr. is a local State Farm representative who can help you with your needs!

PghNorthChamber.com I March 2018

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Changing With the Time of Business Rewind to just three years ago, I was in the process of searching for a new job and applied to countless positions with no luck landing one. When I say no luck I mean all silent on the job hunt front for almost a year. It was a stressful and depressing time putting so much effort into something to hear nothing. I’ll never forget when my dad told me, “You couldn’t have actually applied to all the places you say and have heard nothing; that just doesn’t happen, you’re not trying hard enough.” Those words hit me like a ton of bricks.

My father worked my whole life and every advancement he made in his career was a planned moved. Either a former coworker knew of a position or he was “head hunted” for a promotion. He had only “applied” for two jobs that I knew of. I could see why he thought I wasn’t trying but the truth was that times had changed and in this new age of hiring the human part has essentially been eliminated from Human Resources.

I tried all the typical tips and tricks of job hunting, using key words from the job description in my resume, researching the company to find similarities between their strengths and mine, even as far as always sending a paper copy of my application after applying online. None of it landed me so much as a phone interview. I decided it was time to make my application more unique and that was going to get me my dream job. My resume was reformatted to make it different and stand out against all the others, I used colorful logos and fonts. Still nothing.

I spoke with many people before a close friend put me in touch with a hiring specialist at her company. They created a mock job in their company so I could submit my resume. It was then I learned that the auto population of information through online applications was hurting me. When you submit your resume online the computer then takes it and places words where it thinks they should go – like your name or address – based off of a generic template.

Things that I thought I was doing to make me stand out from the other applicants, like my unique resume, were actually hurting me. It really bothered me that I was putting so much work into personalizing everything about each resume and cover letter only to never make it past a computer selection process.

Learning how to adapt to a changing hiring process was what eventually helped land me my current position with the Alzheimer’s Association. Since then thanks to my involvement with the Chamber and other resources I have learned so much about the art of the job hunt.

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By Alyssa Marsico, Alzheimer’s Association

Utilizing tools such as LinkedIn or career coaches make all the difference. I was very fortunate that I found the hiring specialist that showed me the changes I needed to make to make myself marketable to a computer of all things.

Changing with the times is important – if you keep a certain frame of mind while you’re doing anything in business you are already behind. My lesson I learned the hard way doesn’t just apply to the job hunting process it can be transferred into every facet of business. There is not necessarily a wrong way to do anything.

There are many paths that can lead you to the same road but that doesn’t mean there aren’t easier ways to get there. I will always listen to advice from those who have been around the business world long than me and I truly value and appreciate those who show me the same respect. That’s how business is going to work best moving forward, being able to change with the times and generations work together for a common goal.

SBA’s Emerging Leaders Program The Small Business Administration once again is offering the (nationally acclaimed) Emerging Leaders program in Pittsburgh.

This program is a federal training initiative specifically focused on executives of businesses poised to grow their business and community. The initiative provides executives with the organizational framework, resource network, and more than 100 hours of training.

The businesses will have the opportunity to work with experienced professionals and develop connections with their peers, city leaders and financial communities while promoting sustainable businesses and increasing economic development within urban communities. Best of all, this initiative is FREE for participants.

The SBA Pittsburgh District Office is seeking applicants for the fourth executive training course. Classes will run 1 day a week every other week from April to September 2018. Program eligibility criteria include:  Established for at least 3 years  Annual revenue between $400,000 and $10,000,000  Be a small business owner or CEO, COO and have at least one full-time employee  Have a commitment to not miss more than two classes to graduate For eligibility requirements or program questions, contact Karan Waigand at 412-395-6560 x127 or karan.waigand@sba.gov or Fill out an online application at https://www.interise.org/sbaemergingleaders Interested small business owners are invited to learn more about the program at www.sba.gov/emergingleaders. Application deadline is March 21, 2018.

PA Chamber FREE Small Business Membership If you are a small business of 1-10 employees, your PNRC membership gains your company a FREE membership in the PA Chamber. Learn how to take full advantage of the entire scope of offerings, products and services from the Pennsylvania Chamber!

Your company’s membership provides significant benefits for nearly everyone in your organization: For your: HR Director/IT Director/Environmental Director  Education and training informing and helping to understand the latest compliance polices and regulations in the areas of HR, IT and Environmental  Renowned conferences, roundtables and webinars  Popular, comprehensive compliance and reference guidebooks  Keeping PA businesses up to date on the latest changes to laws and regulations  Cost-effective best practices presented by top field experts and state officials  Continuing education credits for many courses  Members’ discount on nearly all educational events and guidebooks For your: Business Development Manager Propel your business with statewide business development opportunities from the Pennsylvania Chamber. Through high-value event sponsorship, exhibitor and advertising opportunities reach targeted key audiences and decision makers. Have your business spotlighted in Catalyst the only statewide business-to-business magazine, or in the brand new All Business podcast. Our business development programs can be customized to fit your budget and achieve your marketing goals.

For your: Executives, GA Team, supervisors & managers  Leadership and executive training on key business issues affecting your competitiveness  Advocacy Involvement being part of the most effective business advocacy group in the state on key business issues affecting your competitiveness: -Team of full-time professional lobbyists ensures that the concerns of our members are heard by the state’s lawmakers -Input on proposed legislation -Grassroots action on key issues -Calls to action on pressing legislation -Targeted alerts on industry specific issues  Insightful Publications including: -A daily report featuring top headlines trending across Pennsylvania in the world of politics and business -Weekly news on the business community's key legislative issues -Monthly highlights of the top advocacy issue campaign, opportunities for involvement, and upcoming events -Our quarterly full-color magazine featuring insightful articles and regular features  Valuable Products and Services including: -Benefit solutions from PA Chamber Insurance -Access to many great products and services from PA Chamber Preferred Providers, offering exclusive discounts and additional services so that you can save on day-to-day operations

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Above: Bruce Goodman, Chrome Federal Credit Union and Steve Carpenter, Northwood Realty Services

Above: Congratulations to our 2017 Excellence Awards Winners! From left to right, Distinguished Business of the Year: Treasure House Fashions (Sally Power), Outstanding Volunteer Service: George Payne, Federated Mortgage, Inc., Women Entrepreneur Excellence: Kandy McCool, Legal Shield & Identity Theft Protection, Prestigious Business Leader: James Roddey, St. Barnabas Health System, Young Professional of the Year: Christina Tarantola, Enlightened Wellness Solutions (Not pictured) The photo is book-ended by our Board Chair, Dr. Ann Gatty, Strategic People Solutions and PNRC President, Jim Boltz.

Below: Bill Flanagan, Host of Our Region's Business on WPXI-TV was one of our keynote speakers, along with Congressman Keith Rothfus who spoke via Skype and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

Photo credit: Popinvasion

ANNUAL MEETING 2018

Tax Reform and Five Tax Breaks that Survived Recent tax reform legislation affected many provisions in the tax code.

Many were modified, either permanently or temporarily, while some were repealed entirely. Here are five that survived:

ADVERTORIAL

1. Mortgage Interest Deduction While the House tax bill repealed the mortgage interest deduction, the final version of the act retained it, albeit with modifications. First is that the allowed interest deduction is limited to mortgage principal of $750,000 on new homes (i.e., new ownership). For prior tax years, the limit on acquisition indebtedness was $1 million. Existing mortgages are grandfathered in, however, and taxpayers who enter into binding contracts before December 15, 2017, to close on the purchase of a principal residence before January 1, 2018, and who purchase such residence before April 1, 2018, are able to use the prior limit of $1 million.

2. Personal Taxes: State and Local Income Tax, Sales Tax and Property Tax In prior years, taxpayers who itemize were allowed to deduct the amount they pay in state and local taxes (SALT) from their federal tax returns. Slated for repeal (with the sole exception of exception of a state and local property tax deduction capped at $10,000) under both the House and Senate versions of the tax bill, SALT remained in the final tax reform bill in modified form. As such, for taxable years 2018 through 2025, the aggregate deduction for property taxes, state, local, and foreign income taxes, or sales taxes is limited to $10,000 a year ($5,000 married filing separately).

3. Educator Expense Deduction Primary and secondary school teachers buying school supplies out-of-pocket are still able to take an abovethe-line deduction of up to $250 for unreimbursed expenses. Expenses incurred for professional development are also eligible. This deduction was made permanent with the passage of PATH Act of 2015 and survived tax reform legislation that passed in 2017 as well.

4. Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Tax Credit Also slated for elimination in the House bill (but retained in the final tax reform bill) was the tax credit for the purchase of qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles including passenger vehicles and light trucks.

For vehicles acquired after December 31, 2009, the minimum credit is $2,500. The maximum credit allowed is limited to $7,500. The credit begins to phase out for a manufacturer’s vehicles when at least 200,000 qualifying vehicles have been sold for use in the United States (determined on a cumulative basis for sales after December 31, 2009).

5. Medical Expense Threshold Amounts The House version proposed a repeal of the itemized deduction related to medical expenses but it was retained (and temporarily lowered) in the final legislation. For tax years 2017 and 2018, the threshold amount for medical expense deductions is reduced to 7.5 percent of AGI. Under the PATH Act of 2015, the medical expense deduction increased to 10% of AGI (effective for tax years 2013 to 2016). Don’t miss out!

If you’re wondering whether you should be taking advantage of these and other tax credits and deductions, don’t hesitate to contact a Holsinger, P.C. tax specialist today.

Thank you for your referrals!

Mike Hall General Rental Center

Robert O’Friel Luttner Financial Group

From the desk of the Whether it’s something we choose to accept, our society is rapidly changing on a day-to-day basis. The world is no longer the same as when our grandparents and great-grandparents grew up. The technology has changed drastically, jobs are evolving and diversity is ever-present.

Businesses can either choose to adapt to these changes to stay on the forefront or remain stagnant. In May 2016, the Allegheny Conference issued Inflection Point: Supply, Demand and the Future of Work in the Pittsburgh Region. The goal was to document workforce challenges in the Pittsburgh region, as change occurred. According to the study, “Pittsburgh’s challenge is that its demographics put it first Kristina Hall, Program Director in line, and it lacks a deep pipeline of younger talent. The K-12 pipeline is not large enough to meet the projected growth in workforce demand. Over the next ten years, 1.2 million workers will need to be hired or upskilled here, while more than a quarter of a million enter retirement. In the Pittsburgh region 22% of workers are over age 55, compared to 19% nationally with no comparably sized group of younger workers behind them. There is a gap of nearly 80,000 workers.”

These statistics, while somewhat alarming, must create change in the employer community. Employers need to work in a collaborative effort to retain more college graduates. Some of the nation’s leading colleges and universities are home to Pittsburgh. According to the study, a promotion of the region along with active engagement of students early in their college career around highdemand occupations could decrease the level of outward migration following graduation. Employers must also be willing to hire recent graduates knowing they will not yet have the 3-5 years of experience often requested.

The Chamber is taking great strides to meet these needs of our young generation of future leaders. We have started a student membership program, which is offered to any student that attends local institutions of higher learning. For students who attend a university or college that is an Educational Stakeholder Partner, membership is free. Students who do not attend one of these 7 partner schools will pay $25/year for student membership. The benefits include but are not limited to: meeting professional members, making business-to-business connections and building relationships, learning about community initiatives, business models and more by attending events, sharing information through social media platforms, building resumes through committee involvement, gaining personal visibility from presentation opportunities and volunteer efforts, developing personal, professional and leadership skills through educational opportunities and event attendance, networking, developing leadership and soft skills and improving communication. It allows students to jumpstart their career while still in college. It also engages the students with our employers to build relationships that retain and lessen the gap of workforce demand over the next several years.

The change starts now. You can be a part of it and continue to make Pittsburgh a great place to live, work and raise your families.

Thrive Chiropractic celebrated their grand opening on Thursday, January 11. Thrive focuses on Tonal Correction, especially for kids and pregnant moms. Visit them at 8100 Big Spring Drive Suite 100 Cranberry Twp.

Planet Fitness opened a new location in Hampton Township and hosted a Grand Opening event on Tuesday, January 16. Join the “Judgement Free Zone� at 4848 William Flynn Hwy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Ribbon Cuttings

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!

Brand new to 2018, the Chamber celebrated with 9 homebased businesses on Friday, January 19 at the Chamber Headquarters to allow these members to advertise their products and services since they do not have a store front for customers to visit. We are proud to support our homebased businesses!

Fit Body Boot Camp celebrated the opening of their Cranberry Twp. location on Thursday, February 15. They offer group personal training programs for high energy, fun, and challenging workouts designed to burn fat and tone your entire body in only 30 minutes. Stop by to see them at 20644 Route 19

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 21st Century shopping centers will reflect new realities

Shopping has changed and so have shopping centers. The post-war strip centers with parking in front and curb cuts at either end are so last century. But even in an age of online retail, shopping centers serve an important economic and social function, and good design can help. So, for the past year, Cranberry’s Planning and Development Services Department has worked on updating theTownship’s zoning ordinance’s shopping center stipulations. The goal: to make shopping centers more attractive, more pedestrian-friendly, and better connected to adjacent properties. Click here for more information.

Thorn Hill to reach new Heights

A land development application for two buildings on a 16.5-acre site along Thorn Hill Road, to be known as the Heights at Thorn Hill, was presented to Cranberry’s Board of Supervisors. The buildings – one a 60,000 square foot distribution warehouse and the other a 75,000 square foot, three-story office structure – are projects of the Elmhurst Group, which was previously behind a pair of industrial buildings along Commonwealth Drive and an office building at Cranberry Crossroads as well as several residential developments. Click here for more information.

The End is Near!

After several years of study, discussions, negotiations, and revision, the end is now in sight for final implementation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Flood Hazard Determination Area map. The maps accurately reflect current conditions in Cranberry Township. The revisions have resulted in fewer parts of the Township being included in the official map’s flood hazard areas. FEMA had previously determined that Cranberry’s ordinance concerning flood plain activity met the agency’s new requirements. Final implementation of the revised official map and ordinance will be August 2.

McCandless Township ALCOSAN's Clean Water Assistance Fund

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) created its Clean Water Assistance Fund to help families afford their sewage treatment bills. This program is available to eligible residential customers within the 83 municipalities served by ALCOSAN. A portion of McCandless is in ALCOSAN's service area. Dollar Energy Fund will serve as the program administrator. Under the program, a credit of $30 will be applied every three months to the account of an eligible customer. The credit will appear automatically every three months, even if the customer is billed monthly, bimonthly or quarterly. For more information, click here.

Town gets Savvy Citizen app

Town of McCandless has recently subscribed to Savvy Citizen App, a notification system which allows municipalities to easily and effectively communicate with their residents. The new Savvy Citizen App is the hub, or one central location, for local governments to post notifications and for its citizens to stay up to date. Click here for more information.

Kummer Road bridge to close March 5

The bridge carrying Kummer Road over Pine Creek will close for construction on Monday, March 5. It is located just north of Kummer Road's intersection with East Ingomar Road near North Park. The bridge is expected to be closed for 90 days. For detours and more information, click here.

Pine Township Easter Egg Hunt

Join Pine Township for the Annual Township of Pine and Pine Parks and Recreation Easter Egg Hunt at the Pine Community Center. Be sure to bring a basket to collect your eggs and your camera for a picture with the Easter Bunny! Date: Saturday, March 24, 10:30 AM- 12:00 PM. Ages 1-3 Hunt (10:45 AM), Ages 4-6 Hunt (11:00 AM), Ages 7-9 Hunt (11:15 AM) Fee: Resident: Free Non-Resident: $3/child. To register, click here.

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NexTier Bank Nonprofit Spotlight Lifesteps

For nearly a century Lifesteps, a local non-profit Agency, has been fulfilling its mission of helping individuals and families with life’s changing needs by developing programs and providing services which will improve their quality of life. Today, families are faced with challenges such as finding quality early care and education; finding the right services for children with developmental delays; helping adults with disabilities live independently; and much more.

Strengthening individuals and families is a core element of everything Lifesteps does and is reflected in those we serve, such as:  Children who attend Lifesteps Early Education Centers, and receive free Child Check screenings, as they start their foundation to a brighter future.  Individuals with disabilities who attend Lifesteps Community OutReach program or who reside in a Community Home who are living independent, everyday lives.  Families who are able to navigate the ups and downs of life’s challenges, such as separation or divorce, with support from Lifesteps Family Services program.  Seniors who attend Lifesteps Adult Day Health Services who are able to maintain quality of life and remain alongside their families and loved ones.

With locations throughout western Pennsylvania, Lifesteps provides over 35 services for children, families, and adults with special needs. Programs offered include Pre-K Counts; Free Child Check Developmental/Autism Screenings; Speech and Behavioral Support; Community OutReach Programs, Residential Living; and Employment Services for people with disabilities.

Lifesteps staff members are dedicated to helping others and truly care about the children and adults they serve, each other, and the community. The agency has available full-time and part-time positions throughout the region for interested candidates who are looking to make a difference in the lives of others.

Since 1923 Lifesteps has focused on improving the quality of life for members of the community and continues to provide the highest quality of care with the best possible standards for those we serve.

Lifesteps is a proud partner of the United Way. To learn more about Lifesteps programs or to join the Lifesteps team call 724-283-1010 or visit www.lifesteps.net.

Photo Caption: Helenka, a student in Lifesteps Transition Program.

The Next Step is fulfilling her dream of working with children with support from Lifesteps.

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M EMBER

P ROUDM EMBER

PN RC

P ROUDM EMBER

M EMBER

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

We thank you for your continued support!

20 +Years

Cranberry Township

ASAP Promotions

cfs Bank

Cranberry Supply Co.

WesBanco Bank - Perry Highway

Glade Run Foundation K. A. Bell, CPA, PC

Phelps Nursery PGH, West Inc.- DBA Fratangelo Gardens, INC

USX Federal Credit Union Liberty Insurance Agency Mars Home for Youth Keller Williams Realty NexTier Bank Send Out Cards - Walkins Honda North College Nannies & Tutors Lisa A. Groff, CPA, MBA Luttner Financial Group- Robert O'Friel InVision Human Services

2 Krew Security and Surveillance

Quicken Loans Mortgage Services

Olive Garden/Cranberry

Heartland Payment Systems

Nakama Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

Stryde Solutions, LLC

Chatham University Eden Hall Campus

Think Cube Solutions

Petroleum Technical Services, LLC.

Wexford Health Care Center

Sports Medic 2 The Rescue, LLC

Jireh Mobile

Jason's Deli

Pressley Ridge

UPS

Hampton Do It Best Home Center dba C.D.F.S., INC

MarketSpace Communications

Invisible Fence of Pittsburgh

Welcome to those who have joined!

Peak Technical Staffing

The Block Northway

Sheeley Agency-Allstate Insurance

Pittsburgh Business Group on Health

Cellogique Corporation & Nextcell Medical

Jim Zaccone Photography

Print Tech

Home Helpers Pittsburgh

Flynn Construction

Scott Witalis Photography, LLC

Welcome to our Student Members!

Ausha Shaw, Slippery Rock University

Paige Quinn, Westminster College

Thuy Bui, Slippery Rock University

Shamon Walker, Westminster College

Kai Javois, La Roche College

Alex Marzouca, Westminster College

Samantha Dubetz, Westminster College

Brittany Watson , Westminster College

Stephen Barr, Westminster College

Mehmet Iclek, Westminster College

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com I March 2018

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Thank you to our Valued Corporate Sponsors and Chamber Partners