Corridors May 2023

2023 May

CORRIDORS

IN THIS ISSUE Women’s Leadership Brunch, Farmers Market 7 Effective Strategies to Attract and Hire Recent College Graduates PNRC Committee Spotlight Days of Caring

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber has built a reputation of connecting its members through events. While that is an important part of the role of our chamber, there are numerous other benefits of membership. Here are just a few benefits of membership that are free to our members.             

Ribbon cuttings to get your business off on the right foot.

Online business directory on the chamber website.

Jim Boltz, Business listing in our annual Community Resource Guide.

President Sharing your events and news on our website and having it emailed to our subscribers.

Ability to post on our Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber– Members Facebook page.

Promoting your business through member deals.

Membership in the PA Chamber for businesses under 10 employees.

Certificate of Origin validation.

Use of our bulk mail permit.

Educational programming such as our monthly Lunchbox Sessions.

Committee membership opportunities that can help build relationships, showcase your expertise, and give back to the community.

Membership benefits are available for every employee at your organization!

Over 100 free events throughout the year to personally promote your business.

There are, of course, many other benefits—too many to list here! If you would like to learn more, please reach out to any of our chamber staff.

In April, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber kicked off our membership drive, with specials being offered for new and returning members. We are also running a member referral contest. The three members with the most referrals will be rewarded with gift cards from PNRC member businesses. The drive continues through the month of May, so keep spreading the word about the many benefits of membership in the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber!

Sincerely,

Jim Boltz President, PNRC

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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THURSDAY, MAY 25TH 8AM– 9AM VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3RD 11:30AM-1PM TEQUILA JALISCO—GIBSONIA 5517 William Flynn Highway Gibsonia, PA 15044

Come Celebrate Women in Business!

Sign up HERE for the Zoom link Re

Register HERE

Tuesdays, 11:30AM-1PM

Presenting Sponsor:

@ Discovery Christian Church in Mars

THURSDAY, MAY 25TH 5PM-7PM

Fridays, 7:30AM-9AM

BIG SPRING SPIRITS—SEVEN FIELDS

@ Panera Bread in Wexford

Want to present at a Connections Meeting?

Email Kelvin Mack

526 Northpointe Circle Seven Fields, PA 16046

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 Township Branch, we are able to provide virtual networking events.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Jan Stevens

“In all my years at the chamber, Jan has taken an active role. As part of the Outreach Committee, she has been on the forefront of everything that they do. From being a judge for our scholarship awards in the spring to her helping coordinate our Giving Tree gift drive at the holidays, she is always there. Now, she chairs the committee.

Her unselfishness is a major part of those programs being a success.”

-Jim Boltz, President PNRC

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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JOIN US FOR RIBBON CUTTINGS! Celebration Villa of Allison Park

The Woodlands Foundation

Thursday, May 18th

Saturday, May 20th

4:30 PM

12 PM

2224 Walters Road Allison Park, PA 15101

134 Shenot Road Wexford, PA 15090

JOIN US FOR A BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Big Spring Spirits—Seven Fields Thursday, May 25th 5—7 PM 526 Northpointe Circle Seven Fields, PA 16046

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Upcoming Chamber Events: May 23, 2023 Women’s Leadership Brunch Presented by:

Upcoming Chamber Events: Fridays beginning June 2, 2023 Farmers Market

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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7 Effective Strategies to Attract and Hire Recent College Graduates Authored by: Business Growth, Human Resources for TABNY (Published Mar. 3, 2023)

The job market sees a constant influx of new candidates every year, eager to embark on a new journey and kick-start their careers. As Boomers exit the workforce, the need for new graduates to fill entry-level positions has never been more pressing, with Gen X and Millennials taking over leadership roles.

New graduates have a lot to offer a company – they bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn, coupled with an understanding of what consumers in their generation are looking for.

However, given the fierce competition for graduate talent, how can your company stand out and attract applications from recent graduates?

Here are some ideas: ADVERTISE ON E NTRY -LEVEL-SPEC IFIC JOB B OARDS Rather than relying solely on platforms like Monster and Indeed, consider posting your job ads on entry-level-specific job boards such as College Recruiter, Scouted, and Entry Level Jobs. Additionally, participate in local Campus Career Fairs to boost visibility.

PARTNER WITH LOCAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSIT IES Create dedicated programs that offer on-the-job training, mentorship, job rotation, and career path guidance. This way, you can engage with students before they graduate and build a pipeline of talent.

COMMUN ICATE YOUR PURPO SE A ND VALUES Today's candidates value companies that align with their values and goals. Ensure that you have a welldefined company culture and showcase your diversity and inclusion efforts.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

EMPHASIZ E YOUR LEARNING AND DEVE LOPME NT PROGRAM

To attract top talent, have a robust development plan in place to demonstrate to candidates that you take their careers seriously and provide a bright future at your company.

FOCUS ON SOCIA L MEDIA A strong social media presence can help you catch the attention of soon-to-be graduates who haven't started actively job hunting yet.

SET UP A FOC US GROUP Use past graduate employees to gather feedback on their experience with your company. Use this feedback to fine-tune your recruitment strategy going forward.

CREATE A GRADUATE CAREERS PAGE This page should highlight benefits, flexible working arrangements, development opportunities, and your company's mission and values. If possible, feature testimonials from recent grad employees.

Attracting new college graduates to your team can be a challenge, but by following these tips, you can set your organization apart from the competition. By incorporating these tips into your recruitment strategy, you can attract new graduates and build a pipeline of talented employees for years to come.

To read the article, click HERE PghNorthChamber.com | May

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

Ace Handyman Services Pittsburgh North Alliance for Nonprofit Resources Ameriglide Another Level Ministries Arvos Schmidtsche Schack, LLC Atria McCandless Atria’s Restaurant & Tavern– O’Hara Township Axis Business Consultants Big Spring Spirits—Seven Fields Bill Few Associates, Inc. Bosland Electric, LLC Butler County Symphony Orchestra 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 Coldwell Banker - Jan Stevens Cole Management, Inc. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Community Bank Compass Self Storage-Gibsonia Concordia Cranberry Highlands Golf Course Cranberry Supply Co. Cranberry Township Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Co. Cranberry Men’s Choir 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 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

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Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center Guardian Storage- Hampton Guardian Storage- Ross H2R CPA Handel's Ice Cream 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 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 and Development Co. Leathem Creation Co. Legal Shield & Identity Theft Protection Liberty Insurance Agency Link to Visibility, LLC Lisowski Tree Service and Landscaping LLC Lou Negley’s Bottled Water Inc. Masonic Village at Sewickley MEDIA - The Creative Agency Maria Valdez- In Memory of Bruce Conley Mars Bank Mascari Auto Body, Inc. McCall Scanlon & Tice, LLC - CPA McCandless Corporate Center McGuire Memorial Foundation MHY Family Services MSA - The Safety Company Muhlenkamp & Company, Inc. Mullin Landscape & Winter Management Myers, Patsy & Associates, LLC Newt & Ruby Interiors NexTier Bank NFP Nick Scotti Concrete Contractor Inc. Nicole Zirnsak State Farm Insurance North Hills Family Dental

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

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

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 Hospital Foundation Pawlowicz Dentistry Pearl Insurance Agency, LLC Penn National Insurance Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty Phelps Nursey PGH, North Inc. Pittsburgh Jet Center Pittsburgh Skin Pittsburgh Mercy Pittsburgh Post Gazette Pittsburgh Job Corps Polesky Agency — Erie Insurance Pressley Ridge Priority2Work R.M. Stoof & Associates Inc. Restart, Inc. Richard Goettle Inc. Richland Mall Right Electric, Inc. RiteRug Flooring Riverview Carpet & Flooring, Inc. Rj Community Management Salem Media Group Sarver Landscape Maintenance Co. Scolieri Beam Law Group PC 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 Haven at North Hills The Lynch Law Group

PghNorthChamber.com | May

The Pavilion at Star Lake – Live Nation The Payroll Shoppe The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School The Waters of Wexford The Wilson Group, LLC Thought Process Enterprises Three Rivers Paintball, Inc. Tierra Realty Management TownePlace Suites by Marriott Township of Hampton Township of Ross Treasure House Fashions Treesdale Golf & Country Club Trib Total Media TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Ultimate Granite Surfaces, Inc. Urish Popeck & Co. LLC Vincentian Vitalant (Central Blood Bank) Wain Landscaping, LLC Walnut Grill Wexford Weber Insurance Agency WesBanco Bank—Cranberry WesBanco Bank—Perry Highway West Penn Multi-List, Inc. White Deer Run Treatment Network Wichman Landscape Construction, LLC Win-Son Inc. Wine Concrete Products Inc. Young Adult Survivors United Your CBD Store– North Hills

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The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber celebrated its Annual Awards Gala on Wednesday, May 3, at the Pittsburgh Marriott North. Featuring Kelly Frey as the Master of Ceremonies and Beth Caldwell as the Keynote Speaker, this event recognized and honored the accomplishments and excellence of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber and its members in 2023.

Congratulations to the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber Annual Award Winners!

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Board Champion Award: Lisa Hunt, USX Federal Credit Union

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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Workforce Development—How Can You Get Involved?

Article by: Kathleen Kuznicki, Patent Attorney, The Lynch Law Group

One of the biggest challenges PNRC membership organizations are facing, indeed many businesses in Western Pennsylvania are facing, is Workforce Development.

Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, there were several issues in Workforce Development already emerging: 1. Western PA has an aging population-so the worker pool has continually diminished over the years.

2. To keep up with competition, businesses need to embrace emerging technologies, however the current worker population may not be competent in or willing to learn such technologies.

3. For post-secondary education, students have been steered away from learning the trades, and the number of people who possess these skills are on the decline.

4. The lack of public transportation in many areas.

Since the start of the pandemic, these issues have been exacerbated, while other issues have emerged. Workers now are more insistent on a better work/life balance, a more adaptable and inclusive workplace culture, and overall doing work that is more personally fulfilling.

According to our PNRC membership, their greatest dilemma is a dearth of workers. One of their highest priorities is to create an environment conducive to worker needs, which will encourage workers to stay on the job, rather than continually seek new opportunities.

In its role as a thought leader and community advocate, the PNRC commissioned its Legislative and Economic Development Committee to record a series of videos featuring interviews with people from various organizations/industries to get their perspectives on Workforce Development. These videos aim to increase awareness of the challenges businesses in various sectors face in workforce development and showcase best practices that are being implemented to resolve these issues.

These videos will be posted on the PNRC YouTube channel, social media sites, and on the PNRC website. We are looking for organizations who are interested in being interviewed and contributing to this educational resource. Organizations will have the opportunity to showcase themselves to the PNRC membership and be able to share what they are doing to help the community workforce thrive. If you are interested in participating, or want to refer an organization, please contact: Kelvin Mack at the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PNRC Committee Spotlight— Membership

What are they doing? In the months of April and May, the Membership Committee is running a membership drive to engage new members and reconnect with previous members. All current members are eligible to participate in the Membership Drive.

You will receive one point for every qualified referral of a nonmember. You will receive an additional point for any of your referrals that join the Chamber by the end of the Membership Drive on May 31, 2023. Previous members count as well, as long as they are a direct referral.

At the end of the Membership Drive, the three individuals with the most points (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) will be able to select a $100, $50, and $25 gift card to any of our current members that offer gift cards.

We are gifting all new members an ad in our at no cost to them. We are also offering a complimentary voucher to attend a Business After Hours (BAH) networking event to members who refer a potential new member and to their referrals.

During the membership drive, we are reaching out to previous members, letting them know about everything the Chamber is doing and how much we would like them to return as a member of your Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber! We are offering all returning members a $50 membership savings by waiving the one-time administrative fee.

Meet the Membership Committee Chairs— Tracy Armstrong, Owner/Operator of North Pittsburgh Greeting Company and Working Hands Handyman Services, and Rich Coyner, Owner of Minuteman Press—Cranberry Questions? Are you interested in being a part of the Membership Committee or learning more information? Contact Tracy Armstrong at tracy@npgreeting.com or Kelvin Mack at kmack@pghnorthchamber.com for all the details!

Stay tuned for more information about PNRC committees…

Ambassador, Community Outreach, Events and Programming, Farmers Market, Golf, HYPE, Legislative & Economic Development, Marketing and Communications

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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BUILDING SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES IN A HYBRID WORK MODEL One method by which employees today are looking to improve their overall health and well-being is through the establishment of a better balance between their home and work life. Although the shift to a more flexible work environment has been gaining momentum for some time, the pandemic has significantly accelerated its acceptance.

The degree to which employers support a hybrid or remote work arrangement for their workforce can make a difference in their ability to hire and retain staff as both employed workers and job seekers alike place a heavy emphasis today on things like job stability, the ability to perform meaningful work, and flexibility in work arrangements. However, management within organizations operating in a hybrid environment are likely to experience both the benefits and the challenges. In addition to giving employees what they want and boosting hiring efforts, retention, and overall productivity, business leaders are also faced with the task of promoting effective communication, employee engagement, idea collaboration, and cultural growth.

To successfully promote and maintain a hybrid work environment, employers may consider utilizing a few of the following strategies: • Invest greater resources in team building. This is more important than ever with a workforce lacking interactions at the office. Creating a solid foundation through effective employee engagement will allow for greater collaboration and increased worker productivity.

• Treat all employees fairly. Successful hybrid operations ensure that all employees, whether they work from home or the office, are considered for special projects and promotions. They also provide their on-site workers the same flexibility in scheduling and hours worked as those that work remotely.

• Empower employees. Business leaders shouldn’t fear encouraging employees to accept new responsibilities. Create an environment that fosters innovative thinking, allowing workers to help create the parameters of their new workspace.

• Trust employees. For many business owners and managers, the hybrid work model represents a significant shift from the traditional leadership roles they may be accustomed to, whereby they were physically present, monitoring daily operations with their eyes and ears. Successfully transitioning to a people-centric style that trusts workers even when not in sight is critical to the model’s success.

• Focus on outcomes. Leaders should look to judge employee productivity by the level of contribution instead of the number of hours worked. Allowing for a more fluid work environment with efficient use of resources can fuel enhanced job performance, making the final outcome more important than the schedule used to achieve it.

• Rethink communication methods. Remote work requires more creative methods of communication. Utilizing a platform that fosters knowledge sharing, leadership visibility, and targeted communications is essential in maintaining effective two-way communications between management and employees. And just because employees aren’t in the office doesn’t mean their schedules should be full of numerous zoom meetings. Try utilizing communication that provides for more one-on-one, targeted discussions, when appropriate.

The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including complimentary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at pnrc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Craig Pritts at (800) 377-3539.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Your Chamber membership is a valuable business tool that is complemented by our Affinity Program partners who help you to save time and money. Save on everything from payroll to energy and you don’t have to spend your valuable time researching - your Chamber has done it all for you!

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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NONPROFIT Nonprofit Name: Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Mission: “The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law”.

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

It is incumbent upon us in the Laurel Highlands Council to take the lead and prepare youth to learn to be community servants, show leadership in their schools and families, tap into their creativity, become wilderness survivors, and stewards of safety and preparedness. Scouting wishes to Prepare Youth for Life.

Upcoming Events: Sporting Clays Classic – Friday, June 2nd – Highlands Sporting Clays - More Details + Register

Scouting Golf Classic – Monday, August 28th – Southpoint Golf Club - More Details + Register Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner – Tuesday, November 21st – The Westin - More Details + Register

What needs would help your organization to put your mission into action?

The mission to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law can be put into action by assistance in educating the public about the Scouting program and the positive actions that come from its youth and adult members. This can be done by: − − −

Participation in Scouting events, such as the Scouting 365 Breakfast, Sporting Clays Classic, or individual Scouting community events.

Involvement from past Scouts, Eagle Scouts, Parents, or Volunteers to support the program by spreading the good word about Scouting, attending events, or financially supporting local programs.

Connecting new folks to the organization by teaching them about the aims of Scouting, how the program can impact the lives of youth by developing academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives.

Information/Donation Contact: Lyndsay Seibel

Development and Marketing Director Lyndsay.Seibel@scouting.org

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

CHECK OUT UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS & NETWORKING MEETINGS IN 2023!

For 2023 sponsorship opportunities, contact Carrie at: crobson@pghnorthchamber.com PghNorthChamber.com | May

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New Affinity Program—HiTouch The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber is excited to debut our new affinity program, HiTouch Business Services . When an individual from a company speaks to Dave Skok to learn more information, they will be entered into a drawing to win a FREE Keurig ® coffee system! Contact Dave at (412)-489-8173 to learn more information about ways that HiTouch can help you in business and office supplies!

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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Connecting Over Coffee

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

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

This rotates around our various coffee shop members, so stay tuned for the event locations. This is a free networking event so mark your calendars to join us and connect over coffee!

Wednesday, May 17th 8:30—10:00 AM Stay tuned to the PNRC Facebook pages and the PNRC events calendar for our next featured location!

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Pennsylvania Requires a Focus on Innovation to Overcome Workforce Problems Authored by: Eileen Anderson, Director, Government Relations, Manufacturer & Business Association

10 Years Ago Editor’s Note: This piece could be written today, however, I wrote it in 2013 and it was a small part of the section on workforce in SMC’s 2013 State Position Papers!

One of the most protracted problems that manufacturers face is the lack of skilled workers to operate their facilities. Small and mid-size manufacturers, in particular, are suffering. The low number of new workers entering the industry, coupled with the growth in manufacturing, has left a staggering gap of available skilled workers. The most pressing problem finding people with the education and skills to fill the high-quality manufacturing positions that are currently available. The following are the key issues: • Aging workforce • Availability of appropriate training • Limited resources for small manufacturers to provide custom designed/apprenticeship-based training • Limited number of potential new employees • Lack of work ethic • Disconnect between employers and educators • Limitations of government programs Last Week - Excerpts from my conversation on Monday, April 10, 2023 “PA’s demographics are not great over the long term. There is no silver bullet; companies must adapt and be flexible. PA cannot grow workers and unless we become a destination state, workforce will remain a problem. Workforce is a problem for some. It is not just skilled labor, but can be any type of labor, administrative, and white-collar jobs. One MBA member has been searching for a technician for months. Ghosting interviews remains. Getting people to apply at all is success.

Thousands can be spent on internet platforms to no avail. Another member cannot find CDL drivers and instead switched to singe axle trucks.

Companies can fill pipelines with internal apprenticeships, assuming they can find interested workers with the aptitude and attitude. Larger manufacturers can lure workers away. Internships are a possible way to fill pipelines. WedNet funding can be very helpful for upskilling incumbent workers. Screening tests for drugs and marijuana are less common.

Many of the strategies that worked in the past to attract and retain workers do not work now.

There is a changed attitude toward work. Jobs must allow better work-life balance, more time with family meaning a shift to one parent working or part-time work. The cause of the lack of workers goes on and on. Are government benefits too generous? Workers hop to better jobs or use their leverage for higher wages. Some companies have geriatric workforces.

Two years ago, one of our members was contemplating starting his own apprenticeship program for welding because collaborative robots were too imprecise. Now, he changed the product so it can be welded by collaborative robots.

One of our members summed it all up.

“Everything has changed: we have to be more flexible. I will be turning away business for the next 3-5 years. I am the oldest in my workplace. I have attracted and retained young workers by meeting them where they are. If someone needs 3 twelve-hour days that is what I give them. Incentives are needed for businesses to automate. There will be great opportunities from reshoring in PA. In the future, businesses will need to make greater use of robotics and collaborative robots and minimize the use of human capital.”

Of course, not all businesses can use collaborative robots and automation. MBA Cranberry will be holding three programs on hiring those with a record, the disabled, and immigrants.”

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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PNRC Days of Caring By: Carolyn Keller (Curio412) , Sheila Talarico (Glade Run Foundation) and Cat Miceli (Gateway Rehab Services)

Last year, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber launched our Days of Caring, a program designed to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and demonstrate commitment to strengthening our communities and region. Coordinated by the Community Outreach Committee, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber organizes multiple Days of Caring each year that connect volunteers in the beautification of our Chamber's footprint and support of our nonprofit partners.

When we think about volunteerism, we understand that creating purposeful opportunities to connect with the community can be a powerful asset for local businesses of all sizes. Since both consumers and employees often identify with a company’s commitment to the community, volunteering has the ability to boost employee engagement and retention as well as enhance company reputation. Not to mention, the impact that individual and organizational generosity has on making our communities a better place.

Each week, through Connections Meetings, Nonprofits North, ribbon cuttings and so much more, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber encounters wonderful businesses and nonprofits doing great work. We are committed to providing unique ways to bring these organizations together so that our region can build resilience and support one another. Through Days of Caring, Chamber members are able to give back, engage in employee team building, and network with other businesses.

The Community Outreach Committee organizes several events each year, providing members of the Chamber and the community with a satisfying volunteer opportunity. In 2022, the Chamber committed to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Adopt a Highway program as the core element of Days of Caring. Chamber members and volunteers clean and beautify a two mile stretch of roadway located along Route 910 in Wexford/ Pine Township from North Chapel Road to Pearce Mill Road.

This year's Adopt a Highway events are scheduled for April 23, June 27, and October 6, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Volunteers meet at New Community Church and all supplies and safety equipment are provided. This year's Adopt a Highway Days of Caring are sponsored by Curio412. An additional Day of Caring event will be hosted in collaboration with PNRC member and nonprofit organization Gateway Rehab. Taking place on July 28, 2023, volunteers will work together on landscaping, cleaning, and painting projects to promote campus beautification for patient experience enhancement. Please watch your email for the opportunity to sign up to participate in any of this year's Days of Caring!

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Presenting Sponsor:

Upcoming Days of Caring: June 27 July 28—Gateway Rehabilitation Center (volunteers will work together on landscaping, cleaning, and painting projects to promote campus beautification for patient experience enhancement).

October 6 All Days of Caring are scheduled 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Interested in participating in Days of Caring this year? Be on the lookout for signups on the Chamber website!

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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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.”

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

This quote from PFEW 2022 graduate Julia Bianchin from Butler Area Senior High School in Butler County describes why we support Pennsylvania Free 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.

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

Upcoming Chamber Member Summer Camps

EDUCATIONAL

Flour Power Kids Cooking Studio - Pittsburgh and Acton Academy

Flour Power Kids Cooking Studio— Pittsburgh Teacher Workday, Summer & School Break Camp— Bring your Lil' Chef over and you'll pick up a newly selfconfident child who will beg to cook dinner for you! Your Lil' Chef will create his or her own snacks and lunch and we'll supply everything that he or she will need for an amazing week or day filled with newly developed life-long skills including math, science, reading and chemistry!

What's included: All supplies, a take home booklet at the end of the week of recipes made during camp, snacks and lunches! Just bring your Lil' Chef!

For more information about the camp and to sign up, please click here.

Acton Academy Summer Camp– Registration is now open for Acton Academy Pittsburgh Summer Camp for kids ages 4 and older. With flexible day camp schedules (Pay Per Day), students will enjoy entrepreneurial activities, crafts, team sport competitions, and weekly field trips to Pittsburgh area favorites such as museums and recreational parks and centers. For more information and to register please contact Acton Academy Pittsburgh at caysen@actonpittsburgh.com.

Children’s Business Fair Pitch– Inviting all kidpreneurs! Acton Children's Business Fair gives enterprising young people an opportunity to bring their business ideas to life. Children are given the opportunity to pitch their products and services at our one-day marketplace to real people for a real profit while learning the academic and social skills required to successfully run a business.

Sign up for the 2023 Children’s Business Fair hosted by Acton Academy Pittsburgh on June 3 from 1pm to 3pm at Discovery Christian Church in Mars, PA. For more information and to register check out https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/wexfordpa or find us on Facebook at Acton Academy Pittsburgh Children’s Business Fair.

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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Alicia Photography American Cancer Society Armstrong A.W. Beattie Career Center Basilone Executive Search and Staffing Baierl Auto Group Borough of Seven Fields Butler County Community College Coldwell Banker– Jan Stevens Cole Management Inc. Concordia of Cranberry CORE Environmental Services Costco Wholesale Cranberry Public Library Cranberry Supply Co. Cranberry Township

Alicia Photography Arvos Schmidtsche Schack, LLC BDS Supply Chain Cellogique Corporation & Nextcell Medical Complete Chiropractic Health Early Years Child Care Fairfield Inn & Suites Pittsburgh North/McCandless Finn Chiropractic Group– Wexford

Creative Real Estate Development Co. Creese, Smith, Hune, & Co. LLC Crisis Center North , Inc Dillon McCandless King Coulter & Graham L.L.P. Dollar Bank– Pine Twp. Dollar Bank Loan Center—Cranberry Dukovich & Associates EZ Storage First City Company—McIntyre Square Fun Fore All Family Fun Park Glade Run Foundation Hill, Barth & King LLC Holsinger

Huntington Bank– Wexford IMA | ESS Kawneer Cranberry– An Arconic Company Lifesteps McCandless Corporate Center Medicine Shoppe of Ingomar Minuteman Press - Cranberry MSA– The Safety Company North Hills Community Outreach North Hills Monthly Magazine Seneca Valley School District The Chadwick Three Rivers Paintball, Inc. Tierra Realty Management WesBanco Bank– Cranberry WesBanco Bank– Perry Highway Win-Son Inc.

Staples– Cranberry Twp. LaserTek Solutions The Arc of Butler County Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center The Block Northway Marshall Township The Thrasher Group, Inc. Network Access Ultimate Granite Surfaces, Inc. Penn National Insurance Vitalant (Central Blood Bank) Restart, Inc Wain Landscaping, LLC Riverview Carpet & Flooring, Inc. Wichman Landscape Construction, Special T Electronics LLC

Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Pittsburgh Black Opal Group Celebration Villa of Allison Park Champ Printing Company

G&G Studio Creations LLC Living Spaces Outdoor Design Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream Pittsburgh Insurance Agents

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Tempur Pedic The Junkluggers of Pittsburgh Western & Southern Life

Jim Boltz Gregg Hill Lisa Hunt

Kathleen Kuznicki Kelvin Mack Carrie Nolan-Robson

Mark Prentice Rakesh Unnithan Bradley Wilkins

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Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

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. #StandForSmall

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee 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

Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher United Way of Southwestern PA

Sally Power Treasure House Fashions

Niki Campbell The Flourish Group

Ryan Kociela Butler County Community College

Craig Pritts My Benefit Advisor

Rich Coyner Minuteman Press– Cranberry Steve Diffenderfer Dollar Bank

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Perry Latimer Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau

Bradley Wilkins Key Bank Felipe Valdez Nothing Bundt Cakes

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber

JIM BOLTZ

PRESIDENT

JBOLTZ@PGHNORTHCHAMBER.COM

KELVIN MACK

DIRECTOR, MARKETING & MEMBERSHIP

KMACK@PGHNORTHCHAMBER.COM

CARRIE NOLAN-ROBSON

DIRECTOR, EVENTS & PROGRAMS

CROBSON@PGHNORTHCHAMBER.COM

CHRISTINA GRZYBEK

OFFICE MANAGER/EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

CGRZYBEK@PGHNORTHCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER HEADQUARTERS

5000 BROOKTREE ROAD, SUITE 100 WEXFORD, PA

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP OFFICE 2525 ROCHESTER ROAD CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA PHONE: 724.934.9700 FAX: 724.934.9710

PghNorthChamber.com | May

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