Corridors May 2019

May 2019

CORRIDORS

Serving Business Corridors in Western Pennsylvania Self-Care isn’t Selfish Effective Time Management is More Important than Ever Community Connections Photo Gallery

C O N T E N T S

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From the President

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Business After Hours, Connections Schedules, and Marketplace Lunch Meetings

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Member of the Month

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

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Effective Time Management is More Important than Ever

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5 Ways to Prepare Your Small Business for Employee Vacation Season

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The Qualified Small Business Stock Exclusion

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Community Connections

From the

Jim Boltz President

JBoltz@PghNorthChamber.com

For more information on the Chamber’s program of work, please contact:

Kristina Hall

Director of Events & Programs KHall@PghNorthChamber.com

Melissa Leedy

Member Accounts Executive

MLeedy@PghNorthChamber.com

Heather Schwartzbauer Membership & Digital Media Coordinator HSchwartzbauer@PghNorthChamber.com

Amy VanAtta

Executive Assistant

AVanAtta@PghNorthChamber.com

Chamber Headquarters

5000 Brooktree Road, Suite 100 Wexford, PA

Cranberry Twp. Office 2525 Rochester Road Cranberry Township, PA P: 724.934.9700 F: 724.934.9710

At our Chamber, we have a lot going on every month. This year, May happens to be an exceptionally exciting month. We have something for everybody. You will have an opportunity to get involved in whatever tickles your fancy. Let me share some of the highlights with you.

Thursday, May 2nd- Thursday Connections comes back! This time as an Jim Boltz afternoon meeting at the Fairfield Inn in President McCandless Crossing. Join us every Thursday from 11:30 to 1 at what is sure to be a popular venue.

Thursday, May 2nd- Stonecrest of McCandless Sneak Peek and Happy Hour- Enjoy food and beverage at this exciting new facility!

Tuesday, May 7th- The Pub and Grub Triple Crown. A progressive happy hour. Three restaurants in one event!

Walnut Grill, Emporioand Stack’d will be hosting a night of good food and networking.

Monday, May 13th- Our annual Drive to Thrive Golf Outing at Treesdale Country Club. Entertain clients or simply take advantage of this opportunity to play on one of the area’s finest country clubs. There will be skill prizes, raffles, food, beverage and camaraderie.

Tuesday, May 14th and Wednesday, May 15th- The Pittsburgh Business Show. The area’s largest business to business trade show & conference. There will be over 200 exhibitors and 30 workshops. Start each day with a speed networking event that is hosted by us. An additional speed networking event will also be held Tuesday evening. Discounted tickets are available. Simply use the code PNRCC. Thursday May 16th- Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services Ribbon Cutting.

Tuesday, May 21st- Business After Hours at the Doublewide in Seven Fields. An ever popular spot for our most popular event.

Thursday, May 23rd- BAKN Ribbon Cutting.

Thursday, May 30th- Compass Self Storage Ribbon Cutting.

To borrow a phrase from Mike Lange, “Get in the fast lane, Grandma! The bingo game is ready to roll!”

I hope to see you at one of these events. Please check our website for more information.

Sincerely, Jim Boltz President Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com

May 2019

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS May 7

May 21

Triple Crown Pub & Grub

Double Wide Grill 100 Adams Shoppes, Mars 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Walnut Grill, Emporio, Stack’d 5:00-8:00 p.m.

REGISTER ONLINE TODAY www.PghNorthChamber.com

July 22

May 13 Drive to Thrive Golf Outing

Treesdale Golf & Country Club 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Mega Mixer

Gateway Clipper Fleet 5:00-8:00 p.m.

CONNECTIONS

M ARKETPLACE L UNCH M EETINGS

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

Wexford: Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m.

Chamber Headquarters 5000 Brooktree Rd., Suite 100

May 1

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Monte Cello’s at The Hampton Shoppes 4655 William Flynn Highway Route 8, Allison Park

June 24

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Family Bowlaway Fun Center 540 Fairground Hill Road, Butler

Warrendale: Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.

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

Council Chambers 2525 Rochester Road McCandless: Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.

Fairfield Inn & Suites McCandless Crossing 901 Providence Blvd.

Valencia: Fridays, 7:30 a.m.

The Crystal Conservatories 100 Conservatories Court

For a complete listing of programs and events and to register, visit us at www.PghNorthChamber.com

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PNRC Member Sheila Talarico, Glade Run Foundation Jim Boltz, President PNRC said, “Sheila goes over and above to help us in our outreach efforts. The Night of the Races is our largest fundraising event for our scholarship fund. At the event, not only was Sheila there to help us during setup, she assisted us during the event and stayed late to clean up. Her efforts went a long ways towards its success.”

“Sheila is a key member of the Community Outreach Committee. Recently, Shelia was able to secure the Glade Run dining hall for our Giving Tree Luncheon and Night At The Races events. This is an excellent venue for these events. Also, Shelia creates over 500 tags for our annual Giving Tree initiative where over 500 gifts are distributed to various non-profits in our area. Shelia is always ready to pitch in and help whenever and wherever there is a need. She is great choice for Member of the Month recognition,” said Gregg Hill, Dollar Bank.

Lorry Perkins, Pittsburgh Mercy said, “Shelia and I met a few years ago while serving on the Chamber’s Outreach Committee. From the first day I met her, she was warm and friendly and always willing to help a fellow Chamber member. She is professional and knows how to get the job done, even though she has a busy schedule.”

2019 B OARD OF D IRECTORS E XECUTIVE C OMMITTEE Philip J. Scolieri, J.D.– Board Chair Scolieri Law Group, P.C.

Gary Basilone—Foundation Chair Basilone Executive Search & Staffing

Andrew Chiapusio—Chair-Elect First National Bank

Steve Diffenderfer—Treasurer Community Bank Mark Prentice—Secretary Healthy Environments, LLC

Tracy Armstrong– Vice-Chair North Pittsburgh Greeting Company

Jim Boltz—President Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Ann Gatty, Ph.D.—Past Chair Strategic People Solutions

B OARD

OF

D IRECTORS

Elizabeth Blakely Link to Visibility

Jim Logan Pgh Repair LLC

Kim Tosadori Petroleum Technical Services

Bruce Goodman CHROME Federal Credit Union

Alyssa Marsico Alzheimer’s Association

Lisa Heller Heartland Payment Systems

Tiffany Nolan i.e. Insurance

John Tubridy Franchise Network of Pittsburgh

Gregg Hill Dollar Bank

Jan Stevens Coldwell Banker

Kathleen Kuznicki The Lynch Law Group

Cynthia Stirling Strawberry Ridge Golf Course

PghNorthChamber.com

May 2019

Rakesh Unnithan WesBanco Bank Nicky Voynick Salem Media Group

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Self-Care Isn’t Selfish By: Niki Campbell, Health Coaching & Workplace Wellness Work-life balance seems like a far off fantasy for most professionals and business owners. We have so many priorities in our personal and professional lives that the lines start to blur between work hours and time off. The reality is…that’s ok. There is no perfect balance in this crazy work-life scenario. And, if you are a business owner with employees, or if you supervise people, you deal with their work-life balance concerns in addition to your own which can also cause stress. Imbalance is normal but when stress starts to be more common than not, it’s time to step back and restore a little more balance in your life before you burn out.

While there is no easy solution, there are ways to reduce the stress that comes with feeling a little out of balance or if work seems to dominate all your time. A little bit of self-care can go a long way to help you rebalance the scale, regain control of your professional life and reenergize yourself to manage all your priorities in life.

Self-care doesn’t have to be a full day at a spa or a 4 hour nap (although, those are great ideas if you have time). In fact, self-care to reduce stress and restore balance can be achieved in as little as 15-30 minutes.

Check out these quick and easy tips for rebalancing your hectic life.

Seven Self-Care Strategies for the Stressed out Professional.

1. Turn off the news and listen to an uplifting podcast or a personal development audiobook whenever you’re in the car. Positivity and motivational stories leave us feeling happier and less tense. The news can sometimes have the opposite effect.

2. Soak your feet with Epsom salts and a few drops of essential oils while you are catching up on emails at home. Multitasking is fine when you are allowing yourself some relaxation too.

3. Keep a magazine or book with you to read for 15 minutes during lunch or when you are waiting in a doctor/dentist office.

4. Call (not text) a friend or relative you miss and catch up for a half hour while you are commuting. Or, better yet, strike up a conversation with a stranger in line at the store. People crave personal connection these days and you never know who you’ll meet.

5. Stretch or meditate for 15 minutes. When you get up in the morning or before you go to bed do a total -body stretch routine or listen to a guided meditation to quiet your mind and relax your body.

6. Watch a comedy on Netflix, Hulu, Prime, etc. instead of the same old reruns or an action/drama program. Laughing is proven to reduce stress.

7. Buy $5 gift cards from your favorite coffee shop and give them to people you encounter who could use a break (a nurse at your busy pediatrician’s office, a stressed-out server at your favorite lunch spot, etc.). Giving boosts endorphins (the feel good hormone!).

Bonus tip: write down something you are grateful for each morning. As soon as you wake or while you drink your coffee – but don’t let the day get away from you without taking a moment to recognize your good fortune in this life and remind yourself that you have so much to celebrate.

About the Author Niki Campbell is an ACE-Certified Health Coach, Personal Trainer and Weight Management Specialist who provides individual coaching and workplace wellness programs. She is also a writer and communications pro who provides marketing, PR and writing services to health, wellness and lifestyle companies. Learn more at www.niki-campbell.com.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com

May 2019

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Effective Time Management is More Important than Ever By: Dr. Ann Gatty, Strategic People Solutions Effective time management is becoming an increasingly important skill in the business world today.

We know that time is a finite commodity and there is an ever- growing demand for it. So, you must choose how you use your time wisely. This is not a new idea. However, the reason that time management can take on a new sense of importance, is that many in the workforce are juggling family responsibilities along with their work responsibilities. Business professionals know that they need to include time for networking as well.

Many professionals have obligations with child care, elder care, or both. These responsibilities require chunks of time. Often this cuts into their ability to network.

If you are looking to expand your business and build a career, then this is one activity that you cannot ignore. You need to make time to network. Individuals are more effective as leaders when they have deeper and broader business connections. Yet, if you have family responsibilities, time for business activities will be limited. Often the first additional business activity to be eliminated or lessened is networking. Yet, networking provides the social capital for your professional growth.

If you are looking to expand your business and build a career, then there is one activity that you cannot ignore. You need to make time to network. Individuals are more effective as leaders when they have deeper and broader business connections. Yet, if you have family responsibilities, time for business activities will be limited. Often the first additional business activity to be eliminated or lessened is networking. Yet, networking provides the social capital for your professional growth.

To carve out time to include networking activities, incorporate these effective time management techniques into your business practice.

Own your own time.

As much as possible, try to work on projects that you initiate, so that you can dictate when and how you spend your time. It is certainly reasonable to consider flexible schedules if you are handling family responsibilities. Maintain a relentless focus on self-directed goals that you can achieve.

Stay focused.

You can’t be productive without mastering the art of attention management. Being busy is not being productive. It’s going through the motions with a lack of focus. To stay focused, eliminate distractions such as email alerts, and open project files sitting on your desk. Keep things simple by only having on your desk the work you are currently handling.

End indecisiveness.

Being decisive has a great advantage with time management. Worrying about choices and decisions is a huge time waster. Some decisions take research and contemplation, but save those for the major decisions, not the decisions you make daily. Having a process for making decisions and establishing your priorities can be simplified by using our GET THINGS DONE THAT MATTER workbook. We have found that when goals are set and to-do lists are developed, decisions become easier to make.

Do things today that make more time tomorrow.

You can never be certain what is going to hit your desk each day. Procrastination is your worst enemy. Tasks will continue to pile up if you don’t get things done as they come across the desk. Having available time for clients’ new concerns will be possible only if you keep getting things done when they arrive. Prolonging project completions also adds stress because it stays present. By getting things done as soon as possible, while still producing quality work, you will find that you are making more time when you thought there was none.

Continued on Page 11

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Member Accolade Medallion Wealth Management

As co-founder and President of Medallion Wealth Management, a financial investment firm located in Sewickley, Arthur Hazen, Jr. strives daily to live up to the firm’s motto: “Where Trust Is Earned”. Every day Art works on building relationships and the success of his business.

Looking to make a difference within his community and with a little push from his wife, Art and Natalie attended a Big Brothers Big Sisters “Big For the Day” event in 2008 where they met a shy and excited seven year old, Floyd. By the end of that day, no one wanted to say goodbye. Their Big/Little relationship had just begun.

Art and Floyd have gone to sporting events, movies, bowling, out to eat and they’ve hung out at the Hazen house with his wife and two daughters. Art has been there to listen, to encourage, to help Floyd realize his own potential and how to learn from his own mistakes. After 11 years, the respect they have for one another has made this Big Brother/Little Brother match an amazing success story.

In 2018, Art was named the Pennsylvania Big Brother of the Year, allowing Art and Floyd to accept local awards, be interviewed on the radio and speak at the State Capital. “It was really a humbling and honoring experience.” Hazen says, “We’re basically doing everything we can to promote the organization.”

In addition to being a Big Brother, Hazen serves on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Board and Chairs the Bowling Event. He is also a member of the Entrepreneur’s Organization, a peer-to-peer network of business owners and is currently serving on the board.

Art has unselfishly given his time and of himself to a child who needed him – he earned the trust of Floyd. Art affectionately stated, “They say when you sign up to be a Big, you do it to give of yourself. Well, I must say that I have received far more than I’ve given. Floyd and I have a bond that will last a lifetime through whatever challenges life throws at us? We’re not just friends anymore. We’re family.”

Have an accolade to share? Email Kristina with any exciting news your business celebrates!

PghNorthChamber.com

May 2019

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5 Ways to Prepare Your Small Business for Employee Vacation Season By: Meghan Ford, Business Administration Information

Summertime is for beaches, popsicles and barbeques. In other words, lots of fun. But small businesses should take this time of year seriously. Summer may pose some unique challenges. Even if it’s not your busiest time of year, employees may be taking more vacation days than usual. Read on to learn about how you can deal with increased absences and anything else the season brings.

It’s no surprise that employees want days off during the summer months. After all, children are out of school and the weather is desirable. And, frankly, vacation is good for us. But you still have a business to run. If vacation requests are dampening your productivity, there are a few tips that will help alleviate this: One: Create Vacation Policies Your vacation policy can state anything it needs to that will ensure your company’s success during the season.

Just remember that you want to take your employees’ desires into consideration. It’s about balancing your company’s needs and employees’ happiness. If you need a full staff during certain periods of time, consider creating a blackout period. Just use it sparingly and be sure to alert staff of this well ahead of time so there are no misunderstandings.

Two: Coordinate Scheduling Make sure you have adequate coverage for every day and week throughout the summer. This may mean you only allow a certain number of employees off each day or you require at least some representation from each department available each day. Whatever you decide is necessary, include it in your vacation policy. A simple way to deal with an influx of vacation requests is a first come, first served rule. Consider hosting a shareable vacation calendar that employees can reference to see if other employees have already requested the days off.

Three: Delegate Responsibilities If vacation time is scheduled in advance, it should be easy to ensure business as usual by delegating responsibilities. Be sure there is someone else in the company that can take over each person’s job in their absence.

Leave some of the delegating up to the employee going on vacation. Include in your vacation policy that employees must set up out-of-office replies on email and voicemail with an alternate contact. And the contact must be able and willing to field additional inquiries.

Four: Communicate to Stakeholders Ask your employees to set up their coverage before they go on vacation. This includes proactively alerting clients, vendors and coworkers that they’ll be unavailable for a specified period. They should be specific about how long they will be out of the office and who is best to contact for immediate needs. Start this process a couple of weeks before leaving on vacation so they have the opportunity to address anything on their minds well in advance of the absence.

Five: Hire Part-Time Help Especially if your business sees an uptick in business during the summer months, you may need to consider temporary resources to help keep productivity high. An ideal way to get interim help is to have a pool of parttimers that you can call on in times of need. If you’re consistently going to the same resources, they should know the job better than a new candidate.

Even if your business is not necessarily seasonal, you should understand what the summer months bring (even if it is just an increase in vacation requests by employees). Knowing what’s ahead and planning for it well in advance will ensure your success.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Effective Time Management is More Important than Ever (Continued from Page 8) By: Dr. Ann Gatty, Strategic People Solutions Do things today that make more time tomorrow.

You can never be certain what is going to hit your desk each day. Procrastination is your worst enemy. Tasks will continue to pile up if you don’t get things done as they come across the desk. Having available time for clients’ new concerns will be possible only if you keep getting things done when they arrive. Prolonging project completions also adds stress because it stays present. By getting things done as soon as possible, while still producing quality work, you will find that you are making more time when you thought there was none.

Networking does not have to be after-hours.

Set your work schedule, using effective time management, so that you can not only get your business projects done, but that you have time to network through emails. video conferencing, and/or meeting for coffee.

As a business professional, you will find that being more connected with other colleagues will provide fresh ideas, growth opportunities, and the ability to assist others. Having family responsibilities is part of work/life balance. However, allowing time to network and build business connections cannot be overlooked if you need and want your business to grow. Use your time wisely and efficiently so that there is time for networking and boosting your professional development.

About the Author: Dr. Ann Gatty is a partner at Drs. Gatty, LLC, a business consulting firm, helping businesses add value-assets to their businesses. For the past twenty years she and her husband, Gene, have been providing business leadership mentoring and solving HR employment issues. Ann has recently created The Business Sphere of ExcellenceÂŽ a strategic business planning model used to construct annual and long range business plans helping businesses run more efficiently and profitably. Dr. Gatty is an expert in understanding and improving the workplace culture which is foundational for implementing any successful strategic initiatives. In order to better explain the importance of employee engagement, Ann partners with Beretta, her Great Dane therapy dog to present her key findings. For more information about leadership mentoring or building a business to work brilliantly, visit www.strategicpeoplesolutions.com.

PghNorthChamber.com | May 2019

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Board & Brush Ladies’ Night

Leona Brackman, Owner of Board & Brush Pittsburgh North, opened up her doors to the ladies of the PNRC to paint some beautiful pieces! We had such a blast crafting and networking. Check out all of the classes she offers and reserve your spot today or join an open class at 3802 Gibsonia Rd #910, in Gibsonia.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Meet and Move Luncheon

The Chamber was excited to host a Meet and Move Luncheon on Monday, April 29 at Noah’s Event Venue in Cranberry Township. Attendees met members of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber and Cranberry Township Sunrise Rotary during a speed networking event.

PghNorthChamber.com | May 2019

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The Qualified Small Business Stock Exclusion As the driving force in today's economy, small businesses benefit from numerous tax breaks in the tax code. One of these, the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), was made permanent by the PATH Act (Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015). If you're a small business investor, here's what you need to know about this often-overlooked tax break.

ADVERTORIAL

What is the Qualified Small Business Stock Exclusion?

Sometimes referred to as Section 1202 (after Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code, the PATH Act made permanent for taxpayers (excluding corporations) the exclusion of 100 percent of the gain on the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock (QSBS) acquired after September 27, 2010, that is held longer than five years.

Two tax provisions apply to gain from the sale or trade of qualified small business stock. Taxpayers may qualify for a tax-free rollover of all or part of the gain, or they may be able to exclude gain from income.

Qualified stock must also meet the active business test, and it can't be an investment vehicle or an inactive business. A corporation meets this test for any period of time if, during that period, both the following are true:  It was an eligible corporation, defined below.  It used at least 80 percent (by value) of its assets in the active conduct of at least one qualified trade or business.

Further, QSBS gain excluded from income is not subject to the 3.8 percent Net Investment Income Tax from capital gains (and other investment income) on high-income taxpayers.

Qualified Small Business. The definition of a qualified small business under the IRS varies; however, examples of businesses that do NOT qualify include, but are not limited to:  A regulated investment company,  A real estate investment trust (REIT)  One involving services performed in the fields of health, law, engineering, architecture, accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, consulting, athletics, financial services, or brokerage services;  Any business of operating a hotel, motel, restaurant, or similar business.  Any farming business (including the business of raising or harvesting trees).

What is Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)?

Qualified small business stock is stock that meets all of the following tests:  It must be stock in a C corporation.  It must have been originally issued after August 10, 1993.  The corporation must have total gross assets of $50 million or less at all times after August 9, 1993, and before it issued the stock. Its total gross assets immediately after it issued the stock must also be $50 million or less.  When figuring the corporation's total gross assets, you must also count the assets of any predecessor of the corporation. In addition, you must treat all corporations that are members of the same parent-subsidiary controlled group as one corporation.  You must have acquired the stock at its original issue, directly or through an underwriter, in exchange for money or other property (not including stock), or as payment for services provided to the corporation (other than services performed as an underwriter of the stock). In certain cases, your stock may also meet this test if you acquired it from another person who met this test, or through a conversion or trade of qualified small business stock that you held.  The corporation must have met the active business test, defined next, and must have been a C corporation during substantially all the time you held the stock.  Within the period beginning two years before and ending two years after the stock was issued, the corporation cannot have bought more than a de minimis amount of its stock from you or a related party.  Within the period beginning one year before and ending one year after the stock was issued, the corporation cannot have bought more than a de minimis amount of its stock from anyone, unless the total value of the stock it bought is five percent or less of the total value of all its stock.

For more information, visit Holsinger.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

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!

The Chamber was pleased to participate in the Ribbon Cutting of Cranberry Hearing & Balance Center on Thursday, April 25. Stop by and visit them at their new location, 20820 Route 19 Suite A in Cranberry Twp.

PghNorthChamber.com | May 2019

The Chamber was excited to celebrate the Grand Opening of BeBalanced Hormone Weight Loss Center in Wexford on Friday, April 26. Stop by and visit them at 10339 Perry Highway in Wexford!

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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 Cranberry Township to abandon right of way at Old and New 19

For years, Cranberry Township has held the rights of way to a wedge of land where Old Rt. 19 intersects Rt. 19, across from Victory Family Church. That right-of way supported a roadway location that was moved as part of the revamping of the Rt 19/Old Rt. 19 intersection years ago. As a result, the excess Right of Way is no longer needed to support the Township Roadway. Click here for more information.

Environmental Advisory Committee to be formed Residents who recently expressed an interest in the impact of development on Cranberry’s natural environment asked the Township to form an official environmental advisory committee. In response, the Board directed staff to research and prepare a recommendation to address that concern. For more information, click here.

Pine Township Party on the Playground

Kick off the Summer with Pine Township on Saturday, May 16 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Community Center! Gather your friends and family and come hangout! Kids will enjoy activities, playing games, summer themed refreshments and more!. For more information, click here.

McCandless Township Heritage Center 2nd anniversary event

Join McCandless for the 2nd anniversary event of the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage Center on Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. The parking lot of the Center (located on Aufman Lane off Grubbs Road) will feature a “touch-a-truck.” Light refreshments will be served outside, and a “recyclable art show” also will be featured outside. Click here for more information.

Seeking members for Technology Advisory Committee

The Town is seeking five people to serve on the newly formed Technology Advisory Committee (TAC).

For more information and to apply, click here.

Did you know?

The Chamber gives away scholarships to individuals pursing a career in the trade or technical field.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

NexTier Bank Nonprofit Spotlight Priority2Work For most people, a big part of who they are is what they do. And when someone loses their job, especially one in which they were successful and dedicated to their employer for many years, it can be very difficult: difficult not only to the now unemployed person but also on relationships with their spouse, children, relatives, friends and neighbors. Job loss also adversely affects the entire community by taking a productive, tax-paying, local business/church/charity-supporting member out of the economic picture for months or even several years.

And that’s where Priority2Work comes in. “P2W” is an all-volunteer, faith centered, 501c-3 nonprofit based in Wexford. P2W came to be when Priority Two and Discover HOPE Here, two separate nonprofits with similar missions, joined forces in May of 2017 to strengthen the support they provide to anyone in job transition: unemployed, underemployed, never employed, or reentering the workforce. Priority Two had been helping job seekers since 1982; Discover HOPE Here since 2009; combined having helped over 3,000 people over the years.

“Our objective is straightforward” said Paul Hassett, P2W’s Board President, “we meet each individual where they are in their job search and provide them with all the support we can to help them land their next position.

To accomplish that, P2W provides services in three main areas: training, networking, and one-on-one emotional/spiritual support.

P2W offers training in all aspects of the job search through its ten week, Career Marketing Program (CMP), and Skills Seminars. CMP, sometimes called “the best job training program in the region” is offered three times per year. It is a comprehensive approach, starting with “Finding Your Gifts” and then working step-by-step through the entire job search process. Skills Seminars are on specialty topics, often with guest experts on subjects like Linked-In or Behavioral Interviewing. Panel discussions with HR professionals, local business owners, or past successful job seekers are also presented at Skills Seminars 70-80% of all jobs are found through networking. P2W has three structured networking offerings. Evening Networking sessions are offered three times per year with typically 25 or so business representatives networking with participants in a professional but relaxed environment. Coffee with HOPE, held the first Thursday of every month, brings together job seekers to share contacts, job hunting tips, and offer each other support.

P2W’s Linked In Group offers participants an “instant” network of over 400 people, all former participant or P2W Team Members. “Informal” networking occurs at every CMP and Skills Seminar session.

Working through job loss has been compared to coming to grips with the death of a close family member or friend. Job seekers often need help to navigate the wide range of emotions and challenges they and their loved ones encounter as the job seeker pursues their next position. P2W offers “Priority One” sessions, focusing on the role faith and spirituality can play in helping a participant in their search. Members of P2W’s Listening Team are available to discuss emotional and other issues one-on-one with participants.

“The bottom line is we are people who have been there, we care, and we are here to help” said Hassett. “We are working hard not only to help now, but to build a culture of ‘paying it forward’ so our participants form a lifelong commitment to helping others as they have been helped.”

For more information check the P2W website www.priority2work.org or email office@priority2work.org.

Jobseekers are invited to register at http://priority2work.org/registration/ and someone from the P2W Intake Team will contact them.

Employers who are looking for top talent are also encouraged to contact P2W. Businesses are welcome to present company profiles, interview or recruit on-site, and post job openings and hiring events on the P2W website. Please email office@priority2work.org.

PghNorthChamber.com | May 2019

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Thank you to our renewing members.

We appreciate your support!

20 +Years North Hills Council of Governments

Alicia Photography

Hagan Business Machines of Butler

Grace Youth and Family Foundation

KeyBank Pavilion – Live Nation

Marshall Township

Complete Chiropractic Health

Wichman Landscape Construction, LLC

Vitalant (Central Blood Bank)

Step2 Branding & Design

Cranberry Township Area Lions Club

Centerline Boring, Inc.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Pittsburgh North/ McCandless Riverview Carpet & Flooring, Inc.

Ultimate Granite Surfaces, Inc. Sheeley Agency- Allstate Insurance

Right Electric, Inc. My Dog's Care Center

Cellogique Corporation & Nextcell Medical

JRG Advisors

Dittman EyeCare Inc.

The Block Northway

Special T Electronics

Spark Signs & Graphics

The Thrasher Group, Inc.

Penn National Insurance

Stryde Solutions, LLC.

Leathem Creation Co.

The Arc of Butler County

Jireh Mobile

Edward Jones InvestmentsTraci Conlon

Welcome to those who have joined!

Arvos Schmidtsche Schack, LLC

Staples-Cranberry Twp.

Jack L Bonus Insurance, Inc.

My Salon Suite

Twin Willows Service Center Inc.

Enterprise Business Consultants

Pittsburgh Improv

House of 1000 Beers Warrendale

Rapp's Packaging

Restart, Inc.

Tri County Oral Surgery

Thank you for your referrals!

Ken Scott, RevLocal

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Jessica Dinger Marshall, Penn National Insurance

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com | May 2019

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Thank you to our Valued Corporate Sponsors and Chamber Partners