Corridors May 2018

MAY 2018

CORRIDORS

Serving Business Corridors in Western Pennsylvania A decade of growth in Pittsburgh’s technology community 5 Tips for Quality Content Creation

Member 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: 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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A Decade of Growth in Pittsburgh’s Technology Community

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Serious Advice for Serious Lookers

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Opportunities for Natural Gas Production in PA

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Five Tax Revisions Retroactively Extended for 2017

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Community Connections

Member of the Month

From the On June 8th, we will have our next installment of our quarterly speaker series, Innovation Pittsburgh. Hosted by Jim Roddey, former Allegheny County Executive, this series brings in the region’s biggest and brightest movers and shakers to give insight on important business issues and their impact on the region.

The event takes place at St. Barnabas’ Washington Place, in Gibsonia. The agenda is as follows: 8:00 am- Registration, continental breakfast Jim Boltz, President 9:00 am- Program begins, speaker presentations 11:00 am- Panel discussion 11:30 am- Program concludes The focus in June is “Seizing Opportunity”. The speakers are: Ann Dugan, Senior Managing Director of Consulting at Family Office Exchange, Inc. She was the founder of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh.

Rich Lunak, President & CEO of Innovation Works, one of the nation's most active early-stage investors, Rich leads the organization's efforts to provide business expertise, seed capital and other resources to high-potential, technology start-up companies in Pittsburgh.

Denise DeSimone, DeSimone served as the Chief Executive Officer at C-Leveled, LLC., a band of successful entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech enthusiasts that help companies reach the highest level of achievement in the shortest amount of time.

David Spigelmyer, President of the Pittsburgh, Pa.- based Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC), the region's largest shale development trade association.

John Tubridy, President of Franchise Network of Pittsburgh. A franchise expert that offers a free service to people who are thinking about getting into a franchise business of their own.

In this edition of the newsletter, you will find articles written by some of these speakers.

Register through the Chamber website (www.PghNorthChamber.com) or call (724) 934-9700.

I think you will find it informative and interesting.

Member Testimonials I am so glad that I decided to join the PNRC. This has been a great experience and I am really looking forward to continue to build lasting relationships. My motive for joining was to try to promote that we are a locally owned and operated Sears franchise providing carpet cleaning, garage doors and handyman services. I have gained so much more than just trying to get the word out of who we are. I found that the best thing for me to do is just to get others to know who I am and to see what our values are and not to care if any business is generated as a result. I have met some really great people involved in all types of industries who have been able to help me with my needs for our business and who have also referred us to different types of industries that have been able to help me expand my circle of contacts. When joining the Chamber, I did not realize that there would be so much more benefit than just trying to acquire business. It has been a rewarding experience that is in its infant stages for me. When joining the Chamber, you are not just joining an organization– you are gaining a team of like-minded people who are all interested in helping develop and grow your business.

-Greg Heibert, Owner, Sears Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning Franchise

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B USINESS A FTER H OURS May 7 June 6 Wine Down MondayHYPE– Nakama Japanese Walnut Grill Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 12599 Perry Highway, Wexford 10636 Perry Highway, Wexford

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

E VENTS Drive to Thrive Golf Outing Monday, May 14 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Treesdale Golf & Country Club One Arnold Palmer Drive Gibsonia, PA 15044 Purchase your Chamber Chance Square here!

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

St. Barnabas Health System Kean Theatre 5847 Meridian Road Gibsonia, PA 15044

M ARKETPLACE L UNCH M EETINGS May 2 Monte Cello’s at The Hampton Shoppes 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 4655 William Flynn Highway Route 8, Allison Park June 25 Family Bowlaway Fun Center 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

540 Fairground Hill Road, Butler

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

Wexford: Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m.

Chamber Headquarters, 5000 Brooktree Rd., Suite 100

2018 B OARD

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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

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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

Warrendale: Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.

DoubleTree By Hilton, 910 Sheraton Drive Sponsored by Dollar Bank

Jim Logan, Battery Giant of Pittsburgh

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

Council Chambers, 2525 Rochester Road

Alyssa Marsico, Alzheimer’s Association

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

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

The Crystal Conservatories, 100 Conservatories Court

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Al Marschke, ACN Business Essentials

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

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PNRC Member Valerie Belz Dollar Bank Jim Boltz, President PNRC said, “Valerie is a key contributor to our new Young Professionals group. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and volunteer her time, no matter the task. Because of her hard work, passion and efforts, the group is growing very quickly.”

“As a young branch manager, new to the banking industry, Valerie soon learned that networking with business people in and around her branch's market was one of the surest ways to acquire new customers and grow her branch and that the best vehicle for that was PNRC. Valerie soon began attending Connections, Business After Hours and signature events and she is an active member in the new HYPE young professionals group. Recently, Valerie stepped up to fill a need in the Community Outreach Committee as we needed a basket coordinator for our Night At The Races event. She collected, inventoried and displayed 24 baskets with signage for our fundraiser. Valerie is well-deserving of the Member of the Month honor.” said Gregg Hill, Business Banking Officer at Dollar Bank.

Tiffany Nolan, i.e. Insurance said, “Valerie is a huge asset to PNRC! She is so eager to jump right in and help with any event, gets involved, and is always looking for ways to connect members and make them feel welcome! I’m delighted to have the opportunity to represent the Chamber alongside her.”

PghNorthChamber.com

May 2018

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A Decade of Growth in Pittsburgh’s Technology Community By: Rich Lunak, Innovation Works Ernst & Young LLP and Innovation Works, Inc. are proud to present the sixth annual review of Pittsburgh’s technology investment landscape. We’ve now analyzed a decade’s worth of comprehensive data on the companies attracting capital in the region, the investors funding them and the exits they generate.

The trends emerging from the past 10 years paint a compelling portrait of regional growth and point towards a bright future.

Over 450 unique Pittsburgh companies attracted a total of $3.5 billion in investment over the past 10 years. The amount of capital invested and number of companies receiving funding have both increased dramatically over the 10-year period, pointing to a robust pipeline of early-stage companies to drive growth over the next decade and beyond. From 2008 to 2017, annual investment amounts grew 198%, and the number of annual deals increased by 129%.

Pittsburgh’s strong reputation and growing population of technology companies have proven a major attraction for investors. Over 250 investment firms from around the world have invested in Pittsburgh-based companies in the past 10 years, including 20 out-of-town firms making their first investments in Pittsburgh in 2017.

Pittsburgh’s technology ecosystem also attracts A-list corporations. In the past decade, more than 80 local companies were acquired by the likes of Amazon, Autodesk, Delphi Automotive, IBM, Philips Healthcare, Smith & Nephew, and Yelp – all of which maintained operations in Pittsburgh. These deals, along with several public offerings, generated more than $8.7 billion in disclosed exit proceeds.

The values of many deals are undisclosed, so the total exceeds the reported figure.

Furthermore, major technology companies, including Uber, Facebook, Apple, Bosch, GE and Tata, have opened technical or research offices in Pittsburgh in the past five years. This is a testament to the highquality research faculty and students at the local universities, which help furnish Pittsburgh with an exceptional base of technical talent. In the past decade, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University attracted nearly $10 billion in research funding.

In the same period, the universities doubled the number of technology licenses granted and more than tripled the number of patents issued.

Both EY and Innovation Works are committed to supporting entrepreneurial growth in the region.

Tracking investment activity helps us begin conversations with new investors interested in regional deals, informs local investors about our status versus other communities, and chronicles what’s working and where we need to focus efforts. To read the full report, please visit https:// www.innovationworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IW-EY-report-2008-to-2017.pdf Innovation Works, Inc. (IW) invests capital, business expertise and other resources into high-potential companies with the greatest likelihood for economic impact in the Pittsburgh region. IW is the single largest investor in seed-stage companies in this region and is one of the most active seed-stage investors in the United States. In addition to the seed fund, Innovation Works, Inc. has two nationally ranked accelerators: AlphaLab and AlphaLab Gear. IW also manages Riverfront Ventures, LLC, an early-stage venture capital fund. Innovation Works, Inc. is an initiative of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development and is partially funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority. For more information, please visit www.innovationworks.org Rich Lunak will be a speaker at the June 8th Innovation Pittsburgh. To register, click here.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com

July 2017

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Serious Advice for Serious Lookers

By John Tubridy, Franchise Network of Pittsburgh IF THERE IS A BUSINESS THAT WILL GIVE YOU WHAT YOU WANT, IS IT WORTH LOOKING FOR? Most people will answer "yes" to that question. So, why do so few who say they want business ownership finally end up owning a business? There are many reasons, of course. One important one: many franchise business "wannabees" simply lose their focus during the research period. They blame it on external reasons, and then just drift away from their dream. If you see yourself as a serious looker for a franchise business, heed the following advice.

HAVE A RESEARCH GOAL AND SET A DEADLINE. Successful franchisees are invariably goal oriented. Imitate them by setting a realistic date for completing your research process. Break the overall goal into shorter ones. For example, determine that you will complete Step One in seven days, Step Two in an additional seven days, etc. Do not pressure yourself, but maintain a steady pace. Tell the franchisors you are working with of your target dates. That will focus them to complete their information gathering process about you on the same schedule.

PROTECT YOUR REPUTATION. Buying a franchise is not like buying a refrigerator. While you are evaluating the franchise, the franchisor is evaluating you. Refrigerators do not do that!

A quality franchisor does not "sell" franchises in a transactional manner. Rather, he wants to sign a long term contract with someone who will be a high performer in his system. He wants someone who is smart -- so ask good questions. He wants someone who is responsible -- so do what you say you will do.

He wants someone he can work with, so be assertive, but be cooperative. It is in your interest to protect your reputation!

DON’T SETTLE! GET WHAT YOU WANT. While you are the only one who can do the research and make the decision, you can have advisers to help you. This includes an attorney, an accountant -and me, your FranNet consultant. My job is to help you find what you want. I am there as your coach and consultant. In fact, I will call you frequently to ask these two questions:  

"Which of the franchises you are researching will lead you to your goals?"

"If a franchise will not lead you to your goals, what is missing from the franchise?”

It is perfectly OK to change your goals or your model or both! It is one of the reasons for doing the research. You learn about the franchises, about what is available, and you learn about yourself. If you want to make a change, that is great! You tell me what you have changed, then I can help you find a better fit.

EXPECT TO GET NERVOUS. Buying a business is a serious decision. No one makes a serious decision without getting a little nervous, at least some butterflies in the stomach, at some point. It happened to me! If you don’t get nervous, you probably don’t know what’s going on!

You can make a good decision even if you do get nervous. You have done it many times in your life already. Good, solid, serious research will lead you to a good decision.

Do not expect to be super human. Look at all the successful franchisees around, including the ones you met in your research. They made good decisions --maybe without all the solid research and reliable advice available to you. Certainly, they were nervous at some point, probably several points. But they didn’t let their nerves steal their dreams!

Now look at franchisees who are not successful. Learn from them. Find out what they would have done differently to avoid making a bad decision. Avoid making the same oversight.

If you have gathered the right information, and are honest about your own abilities, you will make a smart, educated decision for yourself....despite the butterflies!

Expect to get nervous. Deal with it. Don’t let nerves steal your dream.

John Tubridy will be a speaker at the June 8th Innovation Pittsburgh. To register, click here.

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Member Accolades Women’s Small Business Association Awards Congratulations to Patricia Kirkpatrick from Don’t Stop Dreamin’ for winning the "2018 Community Service Award”, Lisa Hunt from USX Federal Credit Union for winning the “2018 Business Woman of the Year” and Debi Arnett from Champion Home Exteriors of Pittsburgh for winning the “President's Choice Award for 2018” given by the Women's Small Business Association.

Debi Arnett, Champion Home Exteriors of Pittsburgh

Lisa Hunt, USX Federal Credit Union Patty Kirkpatrick, Don’t Stop Dreamin’

MarketSpace Founder wins Thomas J. MacWilliams Lifetime Achievement Award MarketSpace is so proud that Pam Peters, the Founder of MarketSpace, was honored at the Media Association of Pittsburgh's Outstanding Achievement in Media Awards (OAMA) 30th anniversary event at the LeMont. Pam was posthumously awarded with the Thomas J. MacWilliams Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contribution to the Pittsburgh advertising industry. Our President & CEO, Trish Parkhill, was humbled to accept this award on Pam's behalf. #AlwaysBelieve

Best Lawyer Awards For more than three decades, Best Lawyers lists have been compiled by conducting exhaustive peerreview surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. Votes in subsequent polls are then maintained. Congratulations to our lawyers who were recognized with this distinguished honor! McGuireWoods, Tucker Arsenberg, Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, Blumling & Gusky, Burns White, Steptoe & Johnson, Zimmer Kunz, and Kontos Mengine Law Group.

Slippery Rock University Nonprofit Academy Awards Congratulations to Jenna Kratas, cofounder of Once Upon a Hero for winning “Participant of the Year,” Alliance for Nonprofit Resources and Center for Community Resources for winning “Most Impactful Programs of the Year,” Glade Run’s Empowering People in Communities for winning “Most Innovative New Program of the Year,” Charles Allen from Lighthouse Foundation and Chuck Spagnolo from Once Upon A Hero for winning “Professional Staff Members of the Year.” These awards were given by the Student Nonprofit Alliance at Slippery Rock University. Congratulations to all!

PghNorthChamber.com

May 2018

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Opportunities for Natural Gas Production in PA

By David Spigelmyer, Marcellus Shale Coalition Pennsylvania as an Energy Leader A few short years ago, Pennsylvania produced only a quarter of its own natural gas needs, ranking 15th in the nation for production. Today, because of the human ingenuity associated with horizontal directional drilling, the ability to recover natural gas from our vast home-grown reserves has transformed the Commonwealth into a national energy player, and it has put the United States on the world map as a major energy-producing nation, rivaling countries on which much of the world has traditionally relied for finite energy resources.

Pennsylvania is now the second largest natural gas producer in the U.S., producing nearly 20 percent of the nation’s natural gas needs. Last year alone, Pennsylvania produced 5.1 Trillion Cubic Feet1 of natural gas. The investment that led to this increased production occurred through private capital venture, without risk to Pennsylvania taxpayers and without direct incentives or subsidies. To the contrary, our industry has been a net contributor to the Commonwealth, not only through enhanced energy production but the $1.219 Billion in Impact Fee revenues paid to date to the benefit of every community across the state.

Due to the sustained abundance of shale gas in U.S. markets, many of the legacy pipelines that have brought Gulf Coast resources to the Eastern seaboard are now being reversed, meaning that not only are we fueling our economy but economies along the Gulf and across the country that are now benefitting from the prolific production of natural gas and natural gas liquids2 (NGLs) right here in Pennsylvania. Truly, we are once again the Keystone State for our country’s energy future.

Benefits of Domestic Energy Production With Pennsylvania’s abundant natural gas resources, energy consumers – from residential to largescale industrial – have been the major beneficiaries. Since the onset of significant natural gas production in the Commonwealth in 2008, electric prices have decreased by more than 50 percent and natural gas prices for end-use customers have fallen 60-70 percent, resulting in an average annual savings of more than $1,200 per household.

In Pennsylvania alone, well over $10 billion in private investment capital is being spent on new or converted natural-gas fired electric generation facilities, representing close to 15,000 megawatts on line by 2020. This private investment is not being borne by taxpayers or ratepayers but rather by strategic investment decisions that places the risk squarely on shareholders.

Economic Growth through Pro-Energy Policies The underpinnings of any strong economy is reliable and affordable energy. Simply review the Top 10 Most Competitive States ranked by Site Selection magazine, and you will note that four of the top ten states are major energy producing states and the other states ranked are major manufacturing hubs with proximity to those major energy producing states. For those manufacturers currently operating in Pennsylvania, the influx of a low-cost, local energy supply has enabled them to expand and grow their business.

One of the most impressive – and unique – examples of this is the Procter & Gamble plant in Mehoopany where the company manufactures an array of products – from diapers to paper towels – all from their own Marcellus wells. Prior to discovering that these reserves could fuel their business, the company was importing their gas from the Gulf Coast. Now they are benefitting from the cost-savings of being able to power their own operations.

It is clear – we are at a pivotal moment in Pennsylvania. We have an unprecedented opportunity to leverage our indigenous energy resources to create a manufacturing resurgence and that could drive our economy, provide job opportunities and establish a stable tax base for generations. Just as Pennsylvania defied the imagination by becoming a leader in energy production, so too can we knock the “rust” off the “belt” and once again become the nation’s manufacturing epicenter.

This article was taken from the Testimony of Dave Spigelmyer, President Marcellus Shale Coalition when he went before the Pennsylvania Senate Republican Policy Committee and Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee. More information can be found at http://policy.pasenategop.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2017/05/spigelmyer.pdf David Spigelmyer will be a speaker at the June 8th Innovation Pittsburgh. To register, click here.

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5 Tips for Quality Content Creation

By C-Leveled: Business Consulting & Digital Marketing Most marketers today know the benefits of having a content marketing strategy. From demonstrating thoughtleadership to increasing SEO rankings, today’s brands are built on the content they generate. However, even the savviest marketers can feel overwhelmed at times. These five tips will help make quality content creation a little less daunting.

1. Know Your Audience

Time spent thinking about who will be reading or viewing your content is not time wasted. Consider the following questions and don’t start writing content until you’ve answered them:  What is important to your audience?  What is the pain or discomfort they may be feeling that your position will help?  What makes your audience cringe or yell at their screens?  What will they find valuable?  How will your audience use the message or information you share?

You can also check out social media, blogs, online comments, and other places that might give insights into what is important to your audience. Or better yet, talk to them one-on-one and get to know a few personally.

2. Think About the Bigger Story You Want to Tell

What is the story you want to tell about your brand? How do you want your audience to feel about that story?

And how will this piece of the story connect with your desired audience?

When you think about content in the form of storytelling, it becomes a bit easier to create something that will resonate. Don’t just share basic information. Craft something that compels people to feel a certain way about your brand or your product, in your own voice. Always remember, effective storytelling requires authenticity.

Coming back to the bigger brand story is a good way to make sure you are creating content that is authentic. Be true to your brand and remember your company’s persona should be accessible.

3. Look at Each Piece of Content as Part of the Puzzle

Rather than looking at the next blog post as a way to tell your entire brand story, consider the role each piece of content you generate plays in crafting the overall story. Not every item of content has to tell your entire story.

Once you have identified the overall story, it’s okay to narrow your focus to smaller components. It’s how the world consumes content today.

Every piece of content you create is part of a puzzle, or a chapter in a book. It should drive your audience to want to know more. They will find out additional information by seeking out more of your content — the perfect scenario for creating relationships and driving sales leads.

4. Forget About the Medium (At First)

Many content creators stumble over their work because they are doing things backward. If you sit down and think, “Now I need to create a Facebook post …” you could be setting up your own barrier.

Instead of trying to generate content for a specific medium or platform, just create the content you want to make. Tell the story that you want to tell designed for the audience you understand with the right details to keep them wanting more. When it is ready, then consider the medium and the channel.

Generate your content for the audience. What you end up with will give you an idea of the best medium to use and how to share it. You may put it all on one platform. You may split it up. Whatever works, go with it! But don’t get hung up on the platform before you even start to create.

5. Let it Go We can give you all the tips in the world, but this one might be the most important. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Generating content is hard, especially getting that first piece off the ground. In fact, it can be downright scary.

If you put too much pressure on yourself, you are setting yourself up to fail. Give yourself a break and know your audience will give you a break, too. Your content doesn’t have to be perfect to be engaging. Getting started is more important than getting it completely right every time.

One of the things we’ve learned about content creation, it gets easier with time, experience and practice. Cut yourself some slack and have fun. Your content will be better when you enjoy creating it.

This article was taken from a blog on C-Leveled’s website. Denise DeSimone is the President and CEO of C-Leveled, a Business Consulting & Digital Marketing Company in Pittsburgh whose objective is to help companies reach the highest level of achievement in the shortest amount of time. Find out more at https://cleveled.com/

Denise DeSimone will be a speaker at the June 8th Innovation Pittsburgh. To register, click here.

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Night at the Races

Chamber is honored twice in one night

The Chamber was thrilled to receive the 2018 Chamber of Commerce Industry Award by The Pittsburgh Business Choice Awards at The Pittsburgh Business Show and the Most Innovative Program of the Year for our Educational Stakeholder Program at the Nonprofit Gala at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Thank you for the nominations! We work hard to help you grow your business. We are honored, to say the least!

Five Tax Revisions Retroactively Extended for 2017 ADVERTORIAL Five tax provisions were retroactively extended by The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA) through 2017 for individual taxpayers. Let’s take a look at five of them.

1. Mortgage Insurance Premiums Homeowners with less than 20 percent equity in their homes are required to pay mortgage insurance premiums (PMI). For taxpayers whose income is below certain threshold amounts, these premiums were deductible in tax years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and now, once again in 2017. Mortgage insurance premiums are reported on Schedule A (1040), Itemized Deductions, under “Interest You Paid.”

2. Exclusion of Discharge of Principal Residence Indebtedness Typically, forgiven debt is considered taxable income in the eyes of the IRS; however, this tax provision was retroactively extended through 2017. Homeowners whose homes have been foreclosed on or subjected to short sale are able to exclude from gross income up to $2 million of canceled mortgage debt.

3. Energy Saving Home Improvements If you made your home more energy efficient in 2017, you have another chance to take advantage of this tax credit on your tax return. This credit reduces the amount of tax owed as opposed to a deduction that reduces your taxable income. The credit is worth up to 10 percent of the cost (excluding installation) of qualified improvements to a taxpayer’s main home to make it more energy efficient such as insulation materials, energy-efficient exterior windows and doors, and certain types of roofs, e.g., metal roof or asphalt roofs specifically designed to reduce the heat gain of your home.

4. Qualified Tuition and Expenses The deduction for qualified tuition and fees was also extended through 2017 and is an above-the-line tax deduction. In other words, you don’t have to itemize your deductions to claim the expense. Qualified education expenses are defined as tuition and related expenses required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution. Related expenses include student-activity fees and expenses for books, supplies, and equipment as required by the institution.

5. Deductible Expenses for Live Theatrical Productions Section 181 refers to special expensing rules for certain film and television productions that allows taxpayers to treat the costs of any qualified film or television production as a deductible expense. This tax provision also applies to production costs for qualified live theatrical productions with certain restrictions.

To continue reading this article, visit http://thinkholsinger.com/2955-2/

Important Primary Election Information Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court recently divided Cranberry into two separate Congressional districts – the 16th and the 17th.

To learn which precinct, poll location and Congressional district apply to you, enter your home street address on this Voter Information form.

We were honored to celebrate the opening of Compass Self Storage’s 74th location on Tuesday, April 10 in Sewickley. Compass proudly strives to make the moving and storage process easier for all of its’ customers, by providing self storage, moving, packing supply and truck rental solutions. Visit them at 2404 Nicholson Road.

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!

It was with great pleasure that we could celebrate the expansion of Choice Restorative Medicine on Thursday, April 12 at their new McIntyre Square location. Choice has been an integral part of the community for almost 20 years and has helped to make and keep us healthy! Visit them at 8074 McIntyre Square Drive beside the Giant Eagle!

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 Board officially blesses fire station expansion

The Land Development application for an expansion of the Rt. 19 Park Fire Station to include a twostory addition with a basement, was officially adopted. The $2.1 million expansion, which the Board had previously agreed to fund, will include overnight accommodations for a rotation of bunk-in firefighters, as well as more workstations, meeting rooms and common areas for fire company volunteers. In addition, the annex will include an exhibit space for the fire company’s restored 1928 Pirsch pumper – its first fire engine, acquired in 1959 after 30 years of use. For more information, click here.

McCandless Township Uniform Construction Code, International Fire Code and Property Maintenance Appeals Board The Town is seeking applicants to fill the unexpired term of D. Lamar Oliver (who stepped down from his alternate position on the board). The term expires December 31, 2019. If you are interested, fill out this application and submit it via e-mail at administration@townofmccandless.org or mail/handdeliver it to McCandless Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Road, Wexford, PA 15090. The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 10 at 5 p.m. For more information, click here.

Pine Township Recycle Rama Coming!!

Join the Township of Pine on Saturday May 5th from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Municipal Building Parking Lot, 230 Pearce Mill Rd for Recycle Rama! Help reduce/reuse/recycle! Click here for more information.

Thank you for your help with our Membership Blitz!

Nicky Voynick, Salem Media Group

Scott Hacker, New York Life

Ken Scott, RevLocal

The 5 Categories with the Highest Membership in the Chamber

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Finance and Insurance Education Health Services Business and Information Non Profit

NexTier Bank Nonprofit Spotlight United Way of Butler County United Way of Butler County is excited to announce a merger with United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. We will immediately see benefits by participating in the PNC Grow up Great Program as 2,600 literacy kits are delivered on May 2 for Pre-K and Kindergarten children in Butler County. In addition, 20 children from two partner agencies will participate in the Build a Bike Program at Heinz Field on June 21st. The youth will work with teams to build their bike, and receive a helmet fitting and bike lock. Youth attending the event will also receive a tour of Heinz Field, and have an opportunity to test out their new wheels in this fun filled teamwork day.

In addition to these immediate tangible benefits, the merger will allow the United Way of Butler County to focus its efforts on identifying and meeting local human service needs, volunteer engagement and deepening relationships with key community and corporate partners.

Through the efforts of our new board member, Jack Cohen (Executive Director of Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau), our Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, John Furman, and our Slippery Rock intern, Kelly Puleo, an open house will be held to discuss United Way's mission of connecting volunteers to opportunities at Conley Resort located at 740 Pittsburgh Road, Butler on May 3rd 11a.m.

- 2:00 p.m. Volunteers will share their experiences and volunteer opportunities will be presented. For more information, call John Furman at 724-285-4883, ext. 233.

We are proud of our after school tutoring programs, sponsored by XTO. These programs have provided after school opportunities for students to work with teachers on homework assignments as well as enhancement programs. Through these programs students have significantly improved their math and reading scores, some advancing a grade level in those subjects. We are thankful for XTO’s generous support of these programs and hope to be able to include more schools in the future.

Students working hard at Summit Elementary School To learn more about what is happening at United Way each month, please go to our website to sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://www.butlerunitedway.org/newsletter-e-updates or send your email address to Dawn Grochalski at dgrochalski@butlerunitedway.org.

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

We thank you for your continued support!

20 +Years North Hills Council of Governments

Alicia Photography

Hagan Business Machines of Butler Penn National Insurance

Massucci Vision Plus

Econolodge / dba India Shop

The Arc of Butler County

Centerline Boring, Inc.

KeyBank Pavilion – Live Nation

Grace Youth and Family Foundation

Right Electric, Inc.

Complete Chiropractic Health

Colonial - Richard Berdy

Crea Excavating, Inc.

Central Blood Bank

Marshall Township

Cranberry Township Area Lions Club

Business Essentials

FamilyWealth Management Group Dittman EyeCare Inc.

Edward Jones Investments- Traci Conlon

BHRA Three Rivers Cardiac Institute, Inc.

Spark Signs & Graphics

Wichman Landscape Construction, LLC

Brandy Varrati State Farm Insurance

Step2 Branding & Design

Fairfield Inn & Suites Pitts burgh North/ McCandless

JRG Advisors Family Eye Care Special T Electronics Riverview Carpet & Flooring, Inc. Anne Settie

Ultimate Granite Surfaces, Inc. Jeff Scheidemantle

Welcome to those who have joined!

Colliers International | Pittsburgh

Wain Landscaping, LLC

The Thrasher Group, Inc.

Valley Pool & Spa

Web Design in Pittsburgh by Brandtastic

Glory Homes Solutions

Leathem Creation Co.

Nerium International-Verdun

WESA/WYEP Public Radio

Pella Windows & Doors

NY Life-Sales

Duncan Financial

Marie Sales Photography

Westmoreland co Pools Shaffer for PA

Thank you for your referrals!

John McCool, LegalShield & Identity Theft Protection Robert O’Friel, Luttner Financial Group

page 18

Scott Hacker, New York Life Nicky Voynick, Salem Media Group

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com

May 2018

page 19

Thank you to our Valued Corporate Sponsors and Chamber Partners