March Corridors 2023

2023 March CORRIDORS

IN THIS ISSUE

SECOND CHANCE PROM, WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP BRUNCH

IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY IN THE WORKPLACE

10+ EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY IDEAS FOR REMOTE EMPLOYEES

2022 turned about to be an exciting year for the chamber. We celebrated our 50th anniversary at ourAnnual Gala. The Cranberry Farmer’s Market, that we manage, continues to grow in vendors and averaged 1000 visitors a week and has brought a lot of revenue to the local economy. Our Women’s Leadership, Young Professionals (HYPE) and Nonprofits North groups have become more and more active and are flourishing. The educational programs that we organize are becoming increasingly popular and attendance for them is growing.

We are proud of the generosity of our members and their customers, as demonstrated by the collection of over 1000 gifts, an all time high, for our Giving Tree program. And, our networking events, that are our trademark, have returned to their pre-pandemic popularity.

We are finalizing our plans for 2023. Please save the dates for these events:

• Annual Meeting- March 14th

• Second Chance Prom- March 31st

• Annual Gala- May 3rd

• Women’s Leadership Brunch and Meet N Move- May 23rd.

• Cranberry Farmer’s Market- Fridays, starting June 2nd – September 29th.

• Annual Golf Outing- July 25th

• Social Media and Non-profit Conference- August 8th

• Holiday Village Market- December 2nd

• Holiday Social- December 21st

More details will be on our website as they become available. It should be another great year.

Sincerely,

Jim Boltz President, PNRC

Jim Boltz, President

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1ST 11:30AM—1PM

TEQUILA JALISCO GIBSONIA

5517 William Flynn Hwy, Gibsonia, PA 15044 Register HERE

THURSDAY, MARCH 23RD AFTER HOURS EVENT

Come Celebrate Women in Business! FIRST COMMONWEALTH BANK

12449 Perry Hwy, Wexford, PA 15090 Register HERE

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

Want to present at a Connections Meeting? Email Kelvin Mack

THURSDAY, MARCH 9TH 5PM-7PM

THE SPORTS GRILLE CRANBERRY 1294 Freedom Road, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066 Register HERE

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

Denise Martin

“

Denise has always been an active member in the chamber. Recently, when she saw that we were starting Connecting over Coffee, she immediately volunteered to host and sponsor the second meeting at Treesdale. The event was an overwhelming success with attendance being at capacity. She also donated and raffled off prizes to the attendees. This is just a recent example of Denise going over and above to support our organization. We appreciate all she does. Thank you, Denise”!

-Jim Boltz, President PNRC

JOIN US FOR RIBBON CUTTINGS!

A ribbon cutting is the ceremonial opening of a brand-new, recently renovated, new location, or anniversary of a business. Each business decides where they would like to cut their ribbon. The most common location is across the main entrance of the building but it can also be stretched across another important location within the business, especially during inclement weather; good placement of branding is encouraged.

Because the ribbon cutting marks a very significant moment in the business’ history, this is also a great photo opportunity. The chamber will take a few pictures for social media purposes but we encourage you to hire a professional photographer. We will provide chamber contacts for this service upon request.

Each business chooses the group, or groups, of people they want assembled for their photos. Furthermore, the ribbon cutting ceremony gives the business owner or manager a chance to say a few words to those gathered. Business owners have used this time to publicly thank their financial backers, their employees, their friends and family, and/or their business partners. They also take the opportunity to talk about what their business does.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies are a time of celebration, with ample opportunity to network with the business leaders, other professionals, Chamber members, and residents. Ribbon cuttings also provide a great opportunity to support others in your community. We encourage you all to join us at ribbon cuttings to welcome and support others.

JOIN US FOR A BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

The Sports Grille Cranberry

Thursday, March 9th

5—7 PM

1294 Freedom Road

Cranberry Twp, PA 16066

Upcoming Chamber Events:

May 23, 2023

Women’s Leadership Brunch

Upcoming Chamber Events:

March 31, 2023

Second Chance Prom

Sponsored by the HYPE Committee

Presented by:

Ideas for Celebrating International Women’s Day In The Workplace

Authored by: Reaction, January 13, 2023

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th every year and it’s a day to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, as well as to raise awareness about gender equality and the ongoing fight for women’s rights. The goal of the day is to empower women and girls and to create a more gender-equal world.

International Women’s Day is a great opportunity for workplaces to celebrate and recognize the contributions of their female employees. One way to do this is through wellness activities that promote physical and mental well-being.

Wellness activities can be a great way to celebrate International Women’s Day in the workplace for several reasons. First, they promote a positive and healthy work-life balance for employees, which can lead to improved productivity, reduced stress, and increased job satisfaction. Second, wellness activities can foster a sense of community and camaraderie among employees, which can help to build stronger relationships and create a more positive work environment.

There are many different types of wellness activities that workplaces can organize to celebrate International Women’s Day. Some ideas include:

• Yoga or meditation classes: These activities can help employees to relax, destress, and focus on their mental and physical well-being.

• Fitness challenges: Encouraging employees to participate in a fitness challenge, such as a step or fitness tracker competition, can be a fun and engaging way to promote physical activity and healthy habits.

• Wellness workshops: Workshops on topics such as stress management, healthy eating, and self-care can be a great way to provide employees with valuable information and resources to improve their well-being.

• Massages or spa day: Treating employees to massages or spa day can be a great way to promote relaxation and self-care.

site and virtual workshops

Another great way to celebrate International Women’s Day in the workplace is by organizing team-building activities. One way to find activities is by using a marketplace such as Reaction’s teambuilding activities marketplace. This platform provides a wide range of options for online or onsite activities that can be tailored to fit the needs of your team.

In the activities marketplace, you can find ideas and activities that are designed to build teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills. This can be especially valuable for promoting a positive and inclusive work environment for female employees.

Some examples of activities that can be found on Reaction’s team-building activities marketplace include virtual cooking classes, online escape rooms, and virtual scavenger hunts.All these activities are designed to be fun and engaging while also fostering a sense of community and connection among team members.

Incorporating activities into your International Women’s Day celebrations can be a great way to show your female employees that you value their well-being and contributions. Not only will it make them feel appreciated, but it will also help create a positive and supportive work environment for all employees.

To read the full article, click HERE

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

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

Ace Handyman Services Pittsburgh North

Alliance for Nonprofit Resources

Ameriglide

Another Level Ministries

Arvos Schmidtsche Schack, LLC

Atria’s Restaurant & Taverm - Fox Chapel

Atria’s Restaurant & Tavern McCandless

Axis Business Consultants

Banc Card of America

Big Spring Spirits

Bill Few Associates, Inc.

Bosland Electric, LLC

Butler County Symphony

Butler Eagle

CHROME Federal Credit Union

Clean Express Auto Wash

Clearview Federal Credit Union

CTR Payroll Services

Charles P. Leach Agency, Inc.

Charter Homes & Neighborhoods

Choice Restorative Medicine

Colbert Law

Coldwell Banker - Jan Stevens

Cole Management, Inc.

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

Common Sense Cleaning, LLC

Community Bank

Compass Self Storage-Gibsonia

Concordia

Cranberry Highlands Golf Course

Cranberry Supply Co.

Cranberry Township

Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Co.

Cranberry Village Estates

Crea Excavating, Inc.

Creese Smith Hune and Co.

Creative Real Estate Development Co.

Curio412, LLC

C.W. Howard Insurance Agency, Inc.

Direct Payment Consultants, LLC

Dairy Queen Cranberry

Dollar Bank

Dukovich & Associates

Edward Jones Investments- Andrew Dobies

Encompass Health and Rehabilitation

Express Employment Professionals

EZ Storage

Fairfield by Marriott Pittsburgh North/ McCandless Crossing

Federated Mortgage Corp.

Find Your Destination, Travel Agency

First City Company-McIntyre Square

Fun Fore All Family Fun Park

Goddard School-Hampton

Goldfish Swim School Wexford

Greater Cranberry Men’s Choir

Guardian Storage-Hampton

Guardian Storage-Ross

H2R CPA

Handel's of McCandless

HEARTH

Heritage Hospice

Highmark Caring Place

Holsinger

Home Depot - Cranberry

House of 1000 Beers

I-Clean, Inc.

IMA | ESS

Innovate E-Commerce, Inc.

InVision Human Services

Jason's Deli- Cranberry Twp

Jeff Brooks Landscaping

Jewelry by Alicia and Scott

Jireh Mobile

Joe Palmieri Construction, Inc.

Junior Achievement of Western PA

Juniper Grille

Just In Thyme Catering and Events, Inc.

Kress Restoration

Laurel Business Institute

Laurelwood/West Realty Land & Development Co.

Leathem Creation Co.

Legal Shield & Identity Theft Protection

Liberty Insurance Agency

Link to Visibility, LLC

Lisowski Tree Service & Landscaping, LLC

Lou Negley Bottled Water Inc.

Masonic Village at Sewickley

MEDIA - The Creative Agency

Maria Valdez-In Memory of Bruce Conley

Mars Bank

Mascari Auto Body, Inc.

Masonic Fund Society

McCall Scanlon & Tice, LLC - CPA

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

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

McCandless Corporate Center

McGuire Memorial Foundation

McIntyre Square Associates

MHY Family Services

MSA - The Safety Company

Muhlenkamp & Company, Inc.

Mullin Landscape & Winter Management

Myers, Patsy, & Associates, LLC

Newt & Ruby Interiors

NexTier Bank

NFP Benefits Network

Nick Scotti Concrete Contractor Inc.

Nicole Zirnsak State Farm Insurance

North Hills Family Dental

North Pittsburgh Greeting Company

North Star Buick GMC

Olive Garden– Cranberry

Oliver Outdoor

OMEGA Federal Credit Union –North Hills

OMEGA Federal Credit Union- Wexford

Once Upon A Hero

Organic Remedies, Inc.

Owl Cleaners, Inc.

Passavant Hosp. Foundation

Pawlowicz Dentistry

Pearl Insurance Agency, LLC

Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty

Phelps Nursey PGH North

Pittsburgh Jet Center

Pittsburgh Skin

Pittsburgh Mercy

Polesky Agency Erie Insurance

Pressley Ridge

Priority2Work

R.M. Stoof & Associates Inc.

Restart, Inc.

Richland Mall

Right Electric, Inc.

RiteRug Flooring

Riverview Carpet & Flooring, Inc.

Rj Community Management

Ross Township

Salem Media Group

Sarver Landscape Maintenance Co.

Scolieri Law Group P. C.

Sechler Law Firm, LLC

Seneca Valley School District

SERVPRO of Southern Butler County

Sheeley Agency- Allstate Insurance

Sheetz Communications

SPARK SIGNS & GRAPHICS

Special T Electronics LLC

Specialized Staffing and Industry Recruiters, Inc.

Staples-Cranberry Twp.

Terry’s Plumbing, Inc.

The Arc of Butler County

The Block Northway

The Chadwick

The Exercise Coach- Cranberry Twp.

The Lynch Law Group

The Pavilion at Star Lake – Live Nation

The Payroll Shop, LLC

The Wilson Group, LLC

Thought Process Enterprises

Three Rivers Paintball, Inc.

Tierra Realty Management

TownePlace Suites

Township of Hampton

Treasure House Fashions

Treesdale Golf & Country Club

Treesdale Life - BeLocal Cranberry

Trib Total Media

Two Men & A Truck

T-Mobile

Ultimate Granite Surfaces, Inc.

Vincentian

Vitalant (Central Blood Bank)

Wain Landscaping, LLC

Walnut Grill

Weber Insurance Agency

WesBanco Cranberry

WesBanco– Perry Highway

West Penn Multi-List, Inc.

White Deer Run Treatment Network

Win-Son Inc.

Wine Concrete Products Inc.

Young Adult Survivors United

Your CBD Store– North Hills

10+ Employee Appreciation Day Ideas for Remote Employees

Article by Bethany, Matter (January 2, 2023)

Employee appreciation is essential for building a successful team and providing employees with recognition for their hard work. In the era of remote working, finding creative ways to recognize and appreciate your virtual team members has become even more important. Finding meaningful employee appreciation day ideas that engage remote teams can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be. This article will discuss the benefits of remote employee recognition days and provide some thoughtful ideas to make your team members feel appreciated.

Recognizing and appreciating your employees is essential for a harmonious work environment and ensuring everyone feels valued. With remote teams, finding unique ways to identify team members can go a long way in boosting morale and keeping the spirit high. Whether through virtual events, gift cards, or personalized messages, employee appreciation day ideas for remote teams can impact employees and make them feel special. Let's look at some of the best ways to show appreciation for remote team members.

Benefitsofemployeeappreciationdayideasforremoteteams

Employee Appreciation Day is a perfect opportunity for remote teams to show their appreciation and recognition of team members. It can be difficult to express these feelings virtually, but many creative ways exist. Ideas for employee appreciation include sending personalized cards or messages through video conferencing, demonstrating the company's commitment to recognizing its team members. Having a virtual employee appreciation day can also foster an environment of camaraderie and collaboration among remote workers, ultimately leading to improved productivity and efficiency.

Additionally, having recognition activities these days, such as awarding employees for their accomplishments or allowing them to share successes with the team, can be invaluable in motivating employees. Employers can also use this time to recognize their team members' accomplishments by making them aware of any awards they have recently received or special recognition they may have achieved. By acknowledging employees' hard work and providing recognition, employers are ultimately strengthening the relationship between each team member and their employer, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and loyalty.

Employee Appreciation Day can be an excellent chance for employers to show appreciation for their team members and motivate them to continue doing their best work. By taking the time to recognize employees, employers are investing in the well-being of their teams' morale and productivity. Therefore, employers should take advantage of this opportunity and prioritize recognizing the achievements of their team members on Employee Appreciation Day. Doing so will help ensure the remote teams' overall success and show employees their hard work is valued and appreciated.

Howtofindemployeeappreciationdayideasforremoteteams

Employee appreciation is an integral part of any business, even more so for virtual teams who can't be together in person. As a result, remote team members will only have the opportunity to appreciate each other's hard work if they are in the same place. For this reason, it's essential to make sure remote employees feel valued and appreciated. Employee Appreciation Day should be part of any organization's employee appreciation programs. Employee Appreciation Day is the ideal time to show team members your gratitude, regardless of location. If you're looking for a few ways to celebrate and recognize your remote team members, here are some tips:

• Send virtual gifts or e-cards: Sending a special gift or an e-card to your team members is an awesome way to show them appreciation.

• Create a personalized video: A quick, personal and heartfelt video can go a long way in making sure remote employees feel recognized and valued.

• Give shoutouts on social media: Publicly recognizing team members for their contributions on social media helps make them feel appreciated.

• Have virtual recognition ceremonies: Schedule a video call to celebrate individual and team accomplishments.

• Set up an online award system: Give remote team members a chance to nominate colleagues for awards or special recognition for their hard work. By creating a thoughtful virtual employee appreciation idea for remote teams, you can show your team that their hard work is appreciated, even from a distance. Finding the right way to recognize and celebrate employees' achievements will help them stay engaged and motivated.

Unique Employee Appreciation Day Ideas for remote teams

In the current remote work climate, employee recognition is more important than ever. With virtual employee appreciation day celebrations on the rise, it's essential to think of unique ideas to make your team members feel special and appreciated. From virtual group activities to individualized gift boxes, there are plenty of creative ways to recognize hardworking staff that can be done virtually.

Hosting an online scavenger hunt is a fun and engaging way to recognize your remote team members. Ask each employee to find a specific item or object that represents their unique talents and interests, then create a creative way to share it with the group. Alternatively, you can set up a poll where each team member can share their favorite employee appreciation ideas. This is an awesome way to connect with your team members, show them that you care about recognizing their efforts, and collect some meaningful feedback in the process.

No matter what activities you choose to recognize your remote employees on Employee Appreciation Day, it's essential to ensure everyone feels appreciated and valued. Taking the time to show your team members how much you value their contributions will make them feel supported and motivated to continue doing their best work.

Your goal should be to create an environment of positive reinforcement that excites your remote employees to return to work each day. With these unique employee appreciation day ideas, you can show your team members their hard work is appreciated and valued.

Thoughtfulemployeeappreciationdayideasforremoteteams

As remote work has become more prevalent in recent years, companies must still find ways to recognize and appreciate their staff despite the physical distance that separates them. Thoughtful employee appreciation day ideas are an excellent way to show team members that you value their contributions and hard work. Virtual events like online happy hours or webinars can be a great way to bring remote team members together while celebrating employee milestones and successes through digital recognition awards or virtual certificates are great ways to show individual appreciation.

Companies should also consider leveraging collaboration tools to create virtual awards for group achievements and recognize team members for their unique contributions. Finally, making time for one-on-one video meetings with each team member gives them a chance to bond and truly appreciate how each individual is helping to build the team. By taking advantage of these thoughtful employee appreciation day ideas, employers can show their remote team members how much they are valued and appreciated.

To make remote work more personal, employers should also take time to get to know their employees more personally. This can be done through regular check-ins, virtual ice breakers, and team bonding activities. Additionally, employers should look for creative ways to recognize achievement, like sending recognition cards or care packages to employees' homes, organizing group fitness classes on Zoom, or creating custom gifts as tokens of appreciation for actual accomplishments.

Remember that the best employee appreciation gifts are personalized. Finally, employee appreciation day ideas for remote teams should focus on showing employees that they are appreciated and valued regardless of their physical distance. These thoughtful ideas can go a long way in improving team morale and creating a sense of unity among team members.

• Host a Virtual Appreciation Party: Remote teams can get together for an online party to show appreciation for their employees' hard work and dedication. Invite team members to share stories, celebrate accomplishments, and express gratitude for each other's contributions over the last year.

• A surprise gift: A surprise gift from the employer or team can be as meaningful for the remote worker as it is for their on-site coworkers. Whether it's an Amazon gift card, a box of chocolates, or something else, your team members will appreciate being recognized and thanked for their efforts.

• Give Public Acknowledgement: Remote teams may not be able to enjoy a round of applause from the whole office, but they can undoubtedly get recognition in other ways. A public acknowledgment on social media or an email newsletter is a great way to thank employees for their hard work and show appreciation for their contributions.

Matter: Use Matter for Slack or Teams to share kudos and recognition with remote workers and give them the ability to express gratitude for their fellow team members. Matter App enables teams to recognize one another's accomplishments and build up morale.

• Have a Virtual Coffee Date: A virtual coffee date can be an effective way of showing appreciation for remote employees while also providing an opportunity to check in and build relationships. Connect with your team members to catch up, ask how they are doing and get a sense of morale among the team.

To read the full article, click HERE

FIVE GROUP BENEFITS EMPLOYEES WILL LOOK FOR IN 2023

Most small businesses are at a competitive disadvantage when trying to hire and retain employees compared to their larger firm counterparts. The smaller firms are typically more limited in their budgetary capabilities and unable to provide a high level of comprehensive benefit package. To attract their necessary workers, the focus for owners of small companies should be directed toward benefits that are most valued by the workforce they are looking to attract. Here are a few of the benefits most employees are looking for in 2023:

Healthcare…with heightened health concerns stemming from the pandemic and quests for enhanced personal well-being, a comprehensive portfolio of healthcare benefits has been and remains one of the most sought-after benefits.

Remote Work…the ability to work from home which became commonplace during the pandemic appears to have staying power. It remains to be seen whether the trend continues to grow or subsides to a lesser extent but for now this is something most employees are seeking.

Flexible Work Schedule…the ability to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and the care of children and elderly parents has made a flexible work schedule a valued benefit in the post-pandemic world.

Paid Family Leave…Citing the positive benefits on physical health, mental well-being and stability for the entire family, workers are increasingly looking for companies that provide women with maternity leave and men with paternity leave.

Paid Time Off…employees continue to seek additional time off from work to reduce stress and recharge to maintain health and wellbeing. This actually has the potential to benefit employers in addition to the employee as the relaxation and clear mind attained through time off often leads to a higher level of employee morale and increased productivity. The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber offers its members access to My BenefitAdvisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My BenefitAdvisor, visit our website at pnrc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Craig Pritts at (800) 377-3539.

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

Nonprofit Name: Highmark Caring Place

Mission: Raise awareness of the needs of grieving children; Provide programs to address those needs; Equip the community to support those children who have experienced the death of a loved one.

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

Children are deeply affected when a family member dies. The Highmark Caring Place works to help these children find hope in their grief, through peer support groups for the children, and also through consultation services, presentations and resources for schools and other professionals. All services are provided at no charge, in order to help as many children as possible find the hope they so greatly need.

What needs would help your organization to put your mission into action? The Caring Place needs partners in spreading the word to families, volunteers and the general public:

Spread the word by letting families know of our resources available to them at no

Let potential volunteers know that there are grieving children and families who greatly need their support

Host an educational training at your organization

Participate in Children’s Grief Awareness Day

Raise awareness throughout the community, so that all become aware of the fact that grieving kids do need support and that the Caring Place exists to provide this support

Upcoming Events:

 All year: Illuminating HOPE, create a virtual butterfly in memory or in honor of a loved one

 Grief Talks: Educational Webinars by the Highmark Caring Place

 Third Thursday in November: Children’s Grief

Awareness Day, virtual presentations/activities

Connecting Over Coffee

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

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

This will rotate around our various coffee members, so stay tuned to the event locations. This month we will be meeting at Churn.

This is a free networking event!

Wednesday, March 15th

8:30 10:00 AM Churn

5375 State Hwy 8 Gibsonia, PA 15044

Pennsylvania Amends its Breach of Personal Information Notification Act

Pennsylvania’s Breach of Personal Information Notification Act provides for the security of computerized data and for notification of residents whose personal information data was or may have been disclosed due to a breach of the system’s security. The amendments, effective May 2, 2023, expand the “personal information” category by reducing the notification time, adding reporting requirements for state agencies and state contacts, imposing a new encryption policy for state-related entities, and providing definitions for key terms.

What is Personal Information? The Law defines Personal Information as an individual’s first name or first initial and last name in combination with and linked to any one or more of the following data elements when the data elements are not encrypted or redacted:

Social Security Number

Driver’s license number or state identification card number

Financial account number, credit or debit card number in combination with any required security code, access code, or password

Medical information

Health insurance information

Usernames and email addresses in combination with a password or security question and answer to the security question The term does not include publicly available information that is lawfully made available to the general public from Federal, State, or local government records or widely distributed media. When the protected information is listed with a Commonwealth resident’s first name or first initial and last name, the notification requirement is triggered as defined under the Act.

Who Must Provide Notification?

All entities that maintain, store or manage computerized data that includes personal information must provide notice of any security system breach where personal information was or is reasonably believed to have been accessed and acquired by an unauthorized person.

An entity is further defined by the Act as a State agency or political subdivision of the Commonwealth or an individual or a business doing business in the Commonwealth.

What Are the Notification Requirements?

Written notice to the last known address for the individual.

Telephonic notice, if the individual can be reasonably expected to receive it and the notice is given clearly and conspicuously, describes the incident in general terms and verifies personal information but does not require the individual to provide personal information, and the individual is provided with a telephone number to call or an Internet website to visit for further information or assistance.

E-mail notice, if a prior business relationship exists and the person or business has a valid e-mail address for the individual.

Electronic notice, if the notice directs the person whose personal information has been materially compromised by the breach to promptly change the person’s password and security question or answer, or to take other appropriate steps to protect the person’s online account to the extent the business has sufficient contact information for the person.

Substitute notice includes email, conspicuous posting of the notice on the business’ Internet website, or notification to major statewide media.

Substitute notice is allowed if the business demonstrates one of the following:

a. The cost of providing notice would exceed $100,000.00.

b. The affected class of subject persons to be notified exceeds 175,000.

c. The business does not have sufficient contact information.

To read the entire article, click HERE

Authored by: Eric Thomas, The Lynch Law Group

Network with a Purpose

By: Dawn Pomaybo

Networking, what does it mean to you? How do you do it? Where do you do it? With whom do you do it? Is it different for men and women? Does it have a purpose?

These are all questions that are asked of me as individuals realize that they must do more to accomplish whatever it is that they are trying to do. Many of us reading this are very familiar with the concept of networking. But do you realize that there is an entire population out there that has no idea that this exists, that we do this daily.

Many years ago, I remember introducing networking to a young professional. She visited a referral based group and was blown away by what we do – she had no idea that there was this “sub-culture” in our society that gets together to promote each other and make connections. From that point forward, I never forgot that comment. I realized that not only do we have to network to accomplish our goals, but we must educate the population on what networking really is meant to be, so that we hit our purpose.

We must define our purpose, in order to accomplish our goals. Your purpose may be to spread the word about your product, or try to find employment, or maybe you just simply want to connect with others. Once you define your purpose, then you can answer those questions as to “How do you do it? Where do you do it? With whom do you do it?”

If you are looking to expand your client base, then who is your client? Who else works with those similar types of clients? Now you can answer “With whom do you network?” Then you decide where can you find those people? This is the “Where?” and the “How?” because knowing who they are helps you to determine where to find them.

So, in order to accomplish your goal, you must determine your purpose first. For us, our purpose was defined and clarified over the years as we grew into our organization.

The women & men of WIN & GIN, network with a purpose

We are at a point in our lives & careers that we are willing & able to give back to the community & others thru volunteering & serving.

If you need help defining your purpose and finding the right avenues for networking, please reach out to us, info@naWIN.com. Dawn is the executive Director of WIN Womens Interactive Network and GIN Gentlemens Interactive Network. Learn more here, www.na-WIN.com .

Challenges Women Still Face at Work

By: Dr.Ann Gatty. Ph.D.

Women have made significant strides in the business world, but they still face obstacles that men don’t encounter as frequently. I’ve interviewed many women who are either entrepreneurs or working in company businesses. The women communicated recurring challenges in these conversations, regardless of their work situation. These challenges include creating a respected first impression, growing a support network, reckoning with feelings of inadequacy, and being seen and not heard. What they described to me follows.

Strong First Impressions

One of the biggest challenges women professional face is creating an authoritative first impression. Many interviewees complained that they are often stereotyped by their looks and not recognized as a serious business professional. I always advise my clients that when they are meeting a professional for the first time that they state their first and last name and name of their company when they shake hands. Always have business cards available and look for ways to find connections between their line of work and the person they are meeting. Such gestures portray strength.

Building a Support System

Women need to be strategic in building a support system. Some of my interviewees stated that for them to grow in their career, they needed to find support for their family needs running errands. Others stated that they needed a sounding board to discuss career strategies. One support system that the PNRC hosts is the Women’s Leadership Roundtable that meets virtually, the last Thursday of every month. It is open to the Chamber membership and offers a platform to share concerns that women professionals face. I have been hosting the meetings since July 2019 and individuals can register for an upcoming meeting on the Chamber website.

The Imposter Syndrome

In today’s society many define success by the achievements that a person attains. For some women that definition of success presents a challenge. In my research I found that a surprising number of women struggle with imposter syndrome. They doubt their own abilities and feel undeserving of their achievement and high esteem in which they are held. Women who suffer from imposter syndrome feel as though they are not as competent and intelligent as others. I believe that one contributor to this syndrome is the pressure some women feel to be superwomen. Starting in the late sixties, the media began communicating to women that they can do it all family, career, motherhood, beautiful home and that anything less is a sign of failure. Luckily, this portrayal of women is changing. As I talk with women professionals, a major point I make is that they are enough as they are with their unique blend of talents.

Being seen and not heard

The last challenge that I want to highlight is the way women are often seen but not heard. For example, in a meeting, a woman may voice their opinion only to have it ignored. This phrase can promote a work culture where women’s opinions and contributions are less respected than men. This type of environment is why I promote allyship. Allyship is a process of building supportive relationships with underrepresented or marginalized individuals. I use the example of a woman (I’ll call her Alice) participating in a company meeting where she makes a suggestion about a situation and the comment is basically ignored. Later in the meeting, a man makes a similar suggestion. In this case the suggestion is affirmed by the group. This is where another women speaks up and reminds the group that Alice made that point a while ago. Doing so shows recognition and support for Alice. This is an example of allyship where women have each other’s backs. Women need to look out for one another as they navigate through the business world. They need to continually speak up so that they are not only seen but also heard. These challenges that women face in the workplace should be taken seriously. Living in an environment where everyone is shown equal respect has improved over time, but we still need to keep improving. And we need to celebrate everyone’s contributions with respect and dignity.

About the Author:

Dr. Ann Gatty is a business leadership development strategist and President at Strategic People Solutions, a business consulting firm. The company provides business implementation strategy, leadership mentoring and HR employment solutions to successful business organizations looking to grow their businesses to the next level. Dr. Ann created The Business Sphere of Excellence® a strategic business implementation model used to construct annual and long -range business plans to help businesses run more efficiently and profitably. She also published a productivity guide entitled, Get Things Done that Matter™. Many of her coaching clients are women entrepreneurs.

Our Next Great Workforce Begins at Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week!

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Anne Schlict, Director Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship – Women’s Business Center (CWE)

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women's Day, to recognize and celebrate women's and girls' social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It is also a time to reflect on and raise awareness of the challenges and inequities that still exist for women and girls. The Center for Women s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University (CWE) works to address many of these challenges and inequities for women entrepreneurs. Our mission is to create economic opportunities for women through entrepreneurial counseling, education, and training. Building on Chatham University's tradition of educating women for over 153 years, CWE has provided high-quality education and training for women entrepreneurs since 2005.

Impact

Through the dedicated work of CWE’s staff, counselors, facilitators and sponsors, the Center have helped thousands of women since 2005 follow their passion, control their own destiny, and achieve their goal for economic independence, self-fulfillment, self-worth, and flexibility. For some women, entrepreneurship is a necessity, and for others, it is an adventure. CWE has witnessed an increase in women entrepreneurs in all business sectors over the past five years and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic when many women were both pushed and pulled into entrepreneurship due to work and family constraints and the need for flexibility. According to the McKinsey Women in the Workplace 2022 report, “enthusiasm for flexibility in all its forms is higher than ever,” and WeForum reports entrepreneurship is on a steep rise among women: “Women started 49% of new businesses in the US in 2021, up from 28% in 2019.” Over the past 12 months, CWE assisted over 720 aspiring women entrepreneurs and existing businesses owners launch and grow their businesses in this region.

Celebrate Success

CWE recognizes the need to highlight and celebrate the achievements of the women owned businesses we support through our Member of Month profiles, newsletter and social media postings and nominations for grants, awards, and media recognition. Through CWE’s Roadmap to Recovery and Growth Program, the Center helped business owners transform their business and prepare for growth. Kelly Carney, Owner of Eva Bryn Shoetique in Zelienople, opened her shoe store in 2018. Through CWE’s program she increased the number of her full-time employees, online sales by 110% and gained the confidence and knowledge to expand her business. Renee Suhr, Owner of Stray Cat Studio, opened her pottery studio in Beaver Falls in 2013. CWE’s program helped Renee to make more informed business decisions, raise her prices, purchase a building to expand, and hire an operations manager to assist with the day-to-day functions.

Today’s Challenges

raise awareness of the challenges that still exist for women, CWE in collaboration with WBEC-East is hosting a webinar on March 14 at 1:00PM titled “The Evolving Demands of Parenting and Entrepreneurship” to hear from a panel of women share their insights on the intersection of parenting and entrepreneurship, work-life integration and child care challenges. We hope you will join us for this webinar. To learn more about the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University programs and services please visit our website https:// www.chatham.edu/cwe/ or call us at 412-365-1253.

Presenting Sponsor:

Development

Atria McCandless

Baker Consulting Services, Inc.

BC3 Cranberry Bridge Home Realty

Chatham University Eden Hall Campus

Concordia

Farmers National Bank of Canfield

Glade Run Foundation

Greater Pittsburgh Business Connection

Innovate E-Commerce, Inc.

Jason’s Deli– Cranberry Twp. JazzHR

JDog Junk Removal and

ing—Cranberry Twp.

Kress Restoration

Liberty Insurance Agency

McCandless Floral

MHY Family Services

MMC Land Management

NexTier Bank

Nick Scotti Concrete Contractor Inc.

Olive Garden Cranberry

Phelps Nursery PGH, North Inc.DBA Fratangelo Gardens, Inc.

Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty

Pittsburgh Jet Center

Pressley Ridge

Print Tech of Western PA

The Exercise Coach Cranberry Twp.

The Pavilion at Star Lake– Live Nation

U$X Federal Credit Union

WesBanco Bank Perry Hwy.

Wessel & Company Accountants and Advisors

Wine Concrete Products, Inc.

2 Krew Security and Surveillance AdVenture

Haul-

Photography

Painting Burns, Sweeney & Associates BluMars Media

JP Diroll Photography ModWash Wexford Murray Springs LLC: Capriottis Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Jim Boltz

Christina Grzybek Gregg Hill

Lisa Hunt

Kelvin Mack Mark Prentice

Carrie Nolan-Robson Brian Stevens

North Hills Monthly Magazine Restore

Chadwick

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

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lisa Hunt Board Chair U$X Federal Credit Union

Mark Prentice Past Chair Valpak of Western Pennsylvania

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

Carolyn Keller Foundation Chair Curio412, LLC

Kathleen Kuznicki—Secretary The Lynch Law Group

Jada Lehman Treasurer Expense Reduction Analysts

Jim Boltz President Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Board of Directors

Tom Baker North Hills Community Outreach

Niki Campbell The Flourish Group

Rich Coyner Minuteman Press– Cranberry

Steve Diffenderfer Dollar Bank

Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher United Way

Ryan Kociela Butler County Community College

Carolyn Keller Curios412, LLC

Perry Latimer Butler County Tourism

Sally Power Treasure House Fashions

Craig Pritts My Benefit Advisor

Bradley Wilkins Key Bank

Felipe Valdez Nothing Bundt Cakes